‘Frazzled by the days event?

Unsettled by devastating news?

Overwhelmed with work and deadlines?

Grieving over a recent loss of a loved one?

Feeling anxiety due to medical conditions?

Family conflicts and strife?

Any of the above sound familiar?
We all go through issues in our daily lives.  Whether its an indirect “conflict” concerning a friend, or distant family member  Or whether its the stress of the world and all of which has transpired before our eyes on the news or in print, we can all feel the burden of troubles at our door.

What do you do for this?

I personally “RUN” to my LORD.   I embrace the time alone with Him.  To be with Him all day long is amazing in and of itself, but to be “alone” in my special prayer area is to know peace and to be filled with confidence knowing He’s got my back.

The time spent with my LORD alone is a veritable treasure.  It is the desire of my heart to “listen” to “speak” and to “hear” His Words.  To sit in solitude with my thoughts as I meditate on His Holy Word, and to accept His loving promises is life affirming.

To realize He is the ultimate Sovereign Supreme King of the Universe who give us unconditional love twenty-four-seven is truly a gift and beyond description.

Praise and worship hymns are our great defense to the spiritual realm, along with meditating on His word, and loving Him and honoring Him by following His commandments.  Remember, we don’t battle against flesh and blood, but instead do battle principalities in the dark realm, spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

So our “weapons of defense” are spending time with the LORD in His word, singing songs of praise, and loving GOD with all of our mind, body and soul, is the fundamentals of survival in a world of darkness.

But…in between all of this…run to Him.

He knows your heart.

He loves us with a love that is unsurpassed.

Desires of your heart.  Do you know what they are?

Seek God…and He will show you.  Make time for Him and start living. Amen.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 37:4  KJV

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)  

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As we go through life we will encounter trials and times of grief or indecision.

When this happens, and invariably it will because no one goes through life unscathed, where do you go and who is it you seek?  

Do you call a friend? Do you speak with a family member?  Do you speak with a co-worker?  All are okay of course, for support and such, but there is only one God.  

His word, His voice and His love, wisdom and guidance is the essence of our being.

It is His voice and wisdom that I seek above all else.  It is His Sovereign power that I rush to and cling to, it is His unending strength and mercy that I long for. It is His amazing ability to sustain and nourish like none other that I live for.  It is because of Him that I live in the first place. For without His word…or voice…or light…I am nothing.  

When we go to our Father for everything, we are bowing to Him and surrendering our will to His will and trusting Him to fulfill our needs, as only He can.  

His Word cuts both ways, His Word is life affirming, His Word is our weapons of fortune in a world filled with greed and evil. His Word and His voice is the sanity that prevails in a world filled with insanity and despicable trials of hatred.  

His Word, our Gospel Armor, is the protector of our souls and of our decency.  His Word is the path to eternal rewards and life.  

So, the next time you wish to “speak” with someone…may I suggest seeking the highest authority in the universe, the one and only Living God, you will reap golden nuggets that transcend all else…and your soul will be in the best of hands, the very hands who created you.

Go on grab hold of His hand, He promises He will never let go…

Amen~

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD:

my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.  

Psalm 84:2  (KJV)

At  sunrise as the world slowly comes awake, we see another way to rejoice in the LORD in the day He has made.

Another day to follow the LORD.

And, yet another day to embrace His promises and listen to His voice of love.

Jesus instructed us to “love one another” and to offer a gentle and kind approach to our brothers and sisters.

The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair was a sinner.  But as Jesus pointed out…her actions of love, and devotion, covered a multitude of sins.  He told her she was forgiven of her sins and to sin no more.  He gently taught/admonished those who questioned Him accepting the “woman of sin” into His presence. And, He told them, “this woman anointed me and cried tears of love as she kissed my feet.  Yet not one of you greeted me or washed my feet…” Luke 7:36-50

Love. Love. Love.   The four letter word has huge repercussions in our daily lives.  The love of family, friends, neighbors and yes, even strangers.  But, the love of God, our heavenly Abba Father’s love is unsurpassed and by means of definition indescribable.

It is a feeling that can’t be put into words. It’s a feeling of well-being spiritually.  It’s a feeling of comfort and peace.

The world may bring troubles.  But, God brings His infinite and consuming fire of warmth and peace…and love.

The world is chaotic.

The LORD is the author of peace.

His Spirit living/dwelling within us inherently guides us.  His Spirit always bringing conviction to our daily decisions.  Everything we do is a result of our faith.

When those who choose to be on social media write or post…what they do or write or share is in large part due to their faith and conviction.

Those who use laptops, tablets or smart phones all of their encounters and contacts are all embedded in their faith by choosing the narrow path of conviction.

When we step into a booth to cast a “vote” — our conviction and moral barometers set by our spirit from within will guide us.  Ultimately all in which we undertake is a result of our faith.

The help comes from above.

The choice is ours.

We are His.  We are His children. We are His creation.

Our souls…made with perfection by the Master of masters.

We are royalty…children of of the Royal King of kings.

Love. Love. Love.  Maybe the Beatles knew what they were talking about all those years ago huh?

Love…it covers a multitude of sins.

Rejoice in this day the LORD has made.

Seek His face.

 He promises to show you the treasures of your heart when you rejoice in the Him.

His voice.  Can you hear Him?

His love.  Can you feel it?

Listen…love Him…and truly begin to enjoy each and every second of your life on earth.   And, smile, because when this life is over eternity with our Father is the beginning of forever.

Luke 7:36-50 (KJV)

³⁶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.

³⁷ And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

³⁸ And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

³⁹ Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

⁴⁰ And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

⁴¹ There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

⁴² And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

⁴³ Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

⁴⁴ And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

⁴⁵ Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

⁴⁶ My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

⁴⁷ Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

⁴⁸ And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.    Jude 1:4  (KJV)

I’ve been witness to so-called preachers who’ve told “their own version” of God’s Word. Or more exact, have “told false versions” of God’s Word and message.

Those of us who are mature in the Word will be able to recognize the blatant disregard of interpretation quite easily.  Discerning spirits will stand upright and know without a doubt the message is false.

Have any of you been witness to the “buffet style” Bible verse messenger?

You know the kind of preacher of which I’m referring.

The one that will preach prosperity and feel good messages.  They’ll smile and  deliver the message that “Oh everything is fine and we don’t need to do anything because we’ve already been saved” so we can stay in a lifestyle that’s non-conforming to God’s Word and continue in our “old ways” and everything will be fine.

This is a “false messenger” and one that can be dangerous.  Yes, we’re saved. But to continue in “former lifestyles”  or beliefs that were prior or before coming to the LORD is walking contrary to His Word and His commandments.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:15  “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” 

Then Paul warns us in  2 Timothy 4:3-4  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” 

I watched in amazement how a major personality in the “religious circle” was speaking  to a huge audience in a charming, seductive, cunning way.  It was horrible to witness this person taking advantage of his non-discerning audience.

He was teaching  you can overcome fear, guilt and psychological hang-ups, even alcoholism, through meditation.  But wait for it. Not through “meditation in God’s Word”– but instead, through meditation techniques drawn from a mixture of eastern mysticism, and the New Age Movement.

To each their own, right?  Well, yes…but not when the individual  calls himself an “apostle” of Jesus.  He was speaking the direct opposite of Jesus’ doctrine or teachings. Talking about a completely different ballgame.  In fact, half the time he didn’t even sound like a Christian.

He gave the impression that he has a very intimate relationship with God and reported having visions, encounters and conversations with Him. He assured his audiences that if they apply to his teachings, of new age meditation they too can become more intimate with God!!

Jesus’ warning rang out as I watched.  And, Paul’s words rang true.

Later on while speaking with a friend… the person said, “there’s nothing wrong with that, he loves God. God accepts everyone who loves Him. God is all about love. And, he will accept that man because he is teaching love.”

Hang on!  Not if the person is leading the flock astray and fooling them with guile, pretense and false words. I’m not thinking that God approves of that.

This “false preacher” is not feeding the flock.  Instead he’s starving them and leading them astray. He was insisting that they trust the love of God,” because God loves you no matter what you do, even if you don’t repent.”

Yes God does love us…all of us…but He hates sin.  And, we are called to a higher level when we walk with Him. We are to repent and have a contrite heart.

But according to this individual he was saying –There is no call to sanctification or holiness. He gave excuses–by saying sin is human weakness and that God will tolerate it regardless of whether the sinner is repentant or not. By stating this…he was turning “the grace of our God into licentiousness.”

False….God’s Word clearly hates sin.  “Thou dost hate all who do iniquity” (Psalm 5:5).

For those who stand and use excuses to “sin” and continue to do so stating the God loves us no matter what are skating on thin ice that is melting rapidly.

Those who are ignorant of the Word are sadly misinformed, but those who “preach” falsely are subject to God’s wrath.

I don’t want to come down like fire and brimstone here, but truly when I see false preachers on television…or those begging for money to perform an instant miracle…it galls me and truly grieves my spirit, and so should it yours too.

Keep in His Word, communicate with the LORD daily, and gain a deeper understanding of His wishes…then strive to please Him and only Him.  Not man, or His false doctrine, but the LORD and His doctrine.

Don’t be deceived or partake with those of false preachers.  “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”  Ephesians 5:11

Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.  Be aware, be diligent, and be wise.  Jesus said  “You will know them by their fruits” –— pay heed and be watchmen and women.

Eternal Salvation is our reward.  Eternity.  That’s a long time isn’t it? If we do this right in this lifetime, imagine being with our LORD forever.  Amazing huh?

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.    Colossians 2:8

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  

2 Samuel 22:3 (KJV)

Flesh is weak and is subject to selfish acts or deeds, whereas our spirit is fortified by God’s Spirit and direction…and we are strong through Him and Him alone.

There will be times in every Christian’s life where they will sift through their minds with questions of doubt, that’s to be expected.  However, the good news is, when we have the strong conviction from our Father and are followers and sealed in faith, we won’t dwell in “self-doubt” long.

It is through God’s grace and love, and our being “grafted” or “rooted” onto the vine, we move on and adapt to our situations successfully.  We are able to get it together eventually…but only by God’s grace and love.

He alone is our Rock.

He alone is our Shield.

He alone is our Tower.

He alone is our Salvation.

He alone is our Light.

A rock is a indestructible substance.   A tower is something that is way above the rest…standing high above all else.  Salvation is  the preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil.

And last but certainly not least–Light.   Light is the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible thereby delivering us from darkness.

God is all of the above and more. He is defined in the Bible as a “Fir Tree” everlasting….and our loving Father.

 He is defined as a Shepherd, tending to His flock… and our loving Father.

 He is described as a King of kings…over all men and women…and our loving Father.

 He is described as a Buckler, stronghold, refuge…and our loving Father.

 The Great I AM I AM,  the Alpha and the Omega…and our loving Father.

He is all things to all people, but mainly our loving Father.

A Father who wants the best for His children.  A Father who is relentless in His pursuit of provisions for His children.  And a Father who is unconditional in His love for His children.

As we go forward this day. Let’s keep in mind that our Father is omnipotent and is everywhere.  He cannot be kept in a box or pinned down. He is the air we breathe, the blood coursing through our veins, and the heart and soul of our very existence.

Our Rock.  Our Shield.  Our Tower.  Our Salvation.  Our Light.

And,  most of all…Our Loving Father.

********

Father God, may we always put You first as we go through the day, and may we always give You all the glory honor and praise in all we do, and may we always walk in Your glorious light and be an example for all those in our path, in Jesus name, Amen & Amen.

***

“The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock;
And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation…” 2 Samuel 22:47 KJV

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

(Psalm 19:1 KJV)

Spirit verses the Flesh~

LET GOD SPEAK.

LISTEN AND HEAR HIS VOICE.

We all know certain people who will dominate a conversation and not let us get a word in edgewise.

Now think of how that makes you feel.

Kind of left out and not really important enough to be a part of the dialogue huh?

Well…that’s what it’s like to our amazing Father.  If we just pray and say what we need to say, and center the whole encounter around “ourselves” without listening to God it can be detrimental to our spiritual awareness.  Listen to Him. Think of the dialogue with God as a two way street. Listen…just as much as you speak…and then pause to hear His response.  That takes practice and determination and heartfelt compassion and respect for our Father.  (Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10)

Listen…

Wait…

Trust…

Love, honor and glorify Him, always and forever.

It’ll be health to your navel and marrow for your bones…that’s His promise. Amen~