For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

Family is precious, a jewel to behold, a gift from above…and a joy to embrace. In between the “love” there may be intense times that may conflict with our ties and bonds, such as disagreements or ideologies that just don’t meld. Kind of like vinegar and water so to speak.

There also may be individuals, other than family members, who invariably will call with their problems, issues of malcontent, or reports of alleged scenarios that border of ‘gossiping.’ Of course, there are group that will want to complain endlessly about their lives, or situations that seemingly never change. Most of which they bring on themselves!  No judgement here, I promise. We are all human, and all imperfect beings.

But what do we do with all of this info cascading into our world? For me it’s a no-brainer…I look to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance in these circumstances. No matter how big, or how small, or how petty, or how mundane…I search for wisdom and the ability to mediate on what I’m being presented with, no matter what, who, why, or where.

Since Christ is our main Mediator, and sits alongside our Father, it’s only natural that I run to Him. And there have been times I have literally ran into my space of “grace” and prayed fervently for His help.  He never fails to provide, Amen!

I look to His Word, and listen to His voice of reason, to quell, help, or ease any situations, or diffuse any malcontent individual, or individuals, by His strength, and His ability to direct me in all aspects of what’s happening.

Does this help me?  Oh yes it does! By placing my trust and complete confidence in the LORD, His love strengthens me, and gives me the innate ability to discern what to say, how to say it, and most importantly, “how to listen.”  His provisions are endlessly there each and every time.

Family members both near and far call me. I realized early on in life, that this was one of my gifts from God the spirit of listening.  No doubt the reason for the success I’ve had in my career in the nursing home industry. I listened, counseled, and tried to readily apply the tenets of Christianity into all I did, and do.

Are you listening to those around you?

Do you answer them by listening to God and His word?

The answers are there for you, all you have to do is “look, ask, believe.”

“Father, thank You for providing all the answers I need, and never letting me down, You are my Rock and Tower of strength, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

*Picture courtesy of Daily Verses.net

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 (KJV)

Noise and unsettling views can catapult us into a seemingly endless spiral of chaos and uneasiness, if we let it.

Speaking personally, I’d rather embrace the word of God, and His promises because I choose to, and I love Him. And quite honestly… to offset the ugliness of the world.  I fully immerse myself in His voice and aspire to live by the very tenets of Christianity and all it entails.

When I “hear” Jesus’ words in John 14:27, I feel He is speaking directly to “me” and I hold and receive that promise, and engage in all that it means to be loved by Him.

The rewards of being redeemed by Christ and knowing we are safely ensconced under His protective wings of mercy and love is enough to “silence the harsh ugly realities” of the world’s voice.

The merit of being a follower and being unwavering in faith is difficult to put into words, but it is a feeling that fulfills me in ways I’ve never been before. His Word to me is a spoken guarantee of His love, and His provisions over my life.

It’s like Christ gives us the power in His name to “squash” the darkness and flood it with light.  And the quell the uneasiness within to a balm for my soul. His word, and His name is power, and at the same time it is like a mewing kitten, as it settles over me time and time again. The realization that He is giving me and leaving me His peace, is an actualization that brings me to my knees in thanksgiving.

Whom am I to fear when He is with me always?

Why should I listen to “noise” of the world, when I have His peace?

When you hear the screeching sounds of the world, do you listen for His voice instead?

Tuning in to the Spirit and trusting in Him at all times while accepting His voice and promises in the Word is the only way to go while here in the flesh. Only He can show us the way, bring truth, and give us life. (John 14:6)

“Father, thank You for Your Son, Christ, thank You for the promises of the word, and showing and leading us with truth, and ultimately giving us life, the noise of the world is silenced because of You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)

The Holy and Powerful Word of the LORD, His Promises, and His love, are truly the three essential key ingredients that get me through any given day, hour, minutes and seconds of my life.

His Word is vitally important to my existence and my overall well-being. It’s akin to a plant thirsting for water. I need Him to live.

I cannot drench myself enough in His Word, and I embrace His promises, and His unparalleled love.

It is crucial, and it is the air I breathe, and the sustenance my body seeks and needs.

When I face issues of grave concern, or minor matters of miniscule importance, it doesn’t matter which, the calm and reserves I need come only from the LORD above.

His Word and His Promises immediately download into my soul, that which is in my heart…that He loves me and will never leave me ever.

I then “hear” His voice, “Do not fear, be of good courage, have I not commanded you that I am with you and I will never leave you?”  And then I embrace and recite Psalm 23, and Proverbs 3:4-8, and within a little time, His peace cascades over me.

He brings ultra special comfort and provides the necessary semblance of totality that equates and connects to my entire being.

I respond to His gentle guidance, and His unsurpassed wisdom, as I retreat into His sanctuary.

I cannot get through a day without Him.

Can You?

And more to the point—Why would anyone want to get through a day without Him?

He will guide, and lead, and direct, and provide all that we need, and more.

There is one small caveat that is wrapped up in that equation.

We must seek Him in all we do, and love Him with all of our heart, mind, strength and put Him first. 

When we seek Him, we will find Him.

Have you looked for Him today?

“Father, thank You for Your guidance adn direction and Word, Promises, and most especially Your unwavering love, thank You for all this and more, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

  John 8:31-32 (ESV)

When a decision of importance is placed upon your head and heart, what do you do with it? Do you turn to God for His Wisdom and direction? Or do you call a friend? Perhaps make the decision unilaterally without any consultation?

I can say from personal experience that all the moves, decisions, or choices I’ve made with God, and praying about it, have all worked out exceedingly well.

Consequently, the ones I made in a moment or without thinking through it, most importantly, “praying” about it, have all been futile, and hapless overall.

Stay.  Staying with God, and being a follower of His ways, commandments, and accepting His love, is a gift. When He knocks on our heart and calls us ever so softly to come and “stay,” through His Words, and His Spirit guides us to steadily follow Him, we are assured the rewards of Eternal Life. The Comforter is here to stay, and how joyous is that declaration?  (John 16:7)

Don’t stray.  Be on board with God’s Word, and trust in Him with all of your heart and soul, acknowledge Him fully, and He will direct your paths. That’s one of many promises He makes, and He never disappoints or lets us down.  (Proverbs 3:5)

Pray.  Taking everything to God in prayer, is popular in songs, and in theory. But how many of us can honestly say, we in fact take “everything” to Him? Bringing our burdens and issues, and laying them down by the river, or at His feet, will strengthen our Christianity, and our unity in the Spirit. He hears our prayers, He sees our tears, and He heals our broken hearts. Taking everything to Him prayer is our inherent blessings as Children of God. And it solidifies and declares we believe in Him and surrender fully to Him in all we do and say. (Philippians 4:6-7)

I can honestly say, “I never want to stray, I want to stay with the LORD, and I enjoy when I pray. Amen.”

“Father, thank You for sending the Comforter to us, for guiding us, for loving us, and for bringing truth, light, love and LIFE to us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

Luke 10:27 (NKJV)

There have been references uttered in my circle of friends about my being overly “religious.”  Even some family members refer to me about being “pious,” and having no tolerance for contrary issues outside my religious parameters of acceptance.

Let me just say, although I don’t agree with the description of my character, I do agree with my “loving God,” to heights in which a lot of people may not relate. I am speaking about those who have a “luke-warm” or “mediocre” love for God.

Now, hang on. I’m not saying I’m “better” than anyone else, I’m just saying I don’t ascribe to their comments. I do say, and openly admit that I am “on fire” for God, and His Word, and His love.

Ostensibly, I don’t think I’m “religious,” because that word conjures up pictures of fire and brimstone. That is kind of what that word connotes for me, and probably the majority of individuals.

I am a woman of faith, and believe in God’s Omnipotence, Sovereign power, and His Holy Word.  And I choose to follow Him unconditionally, and acknowledge Him in all that I do, say, and believe.

I also feel very blessed when others refer to me as such, because in a way some individuals mock my belief, and faith.  So, I refer to Jesus saying, “be exceedingly glad when others mock you for my sake.”  So, I am in fact joyful and thrilled being known as a “Bible Thumper” or “Religious” one of the group. No problems here.

The facts are pure and simple.

I love Jesus!

I love Jehovah!

And I love how He loves me!

Do you know how much Jesus loves you? 

Do you smile if others refer to you as a “Religious” fanatic for Jesus? 

If you do, “be glad, be exceedingly glad.”

“Father, thank You for loving me, may I always be in awe of Your Omnipotence, Your Sovereign Power, and know You are always in control, may I do all for You today and forever, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I notice in my personal experience that when my thoughts are “cloudy” or not focused it stems from “overload” of worldly contents. In other words all of the goings on in the world that are “going on.”

Let me get to that plainly.  When I get an “overload” of evil images on the news, or horrific breaking news stories that pour into my line of vision and hearing, I get a vibe, and my thoughts become crowded with such deeds/actions.

What do I do? What works for me?  I open the Bible, and start downloading the Word and fill my senses, heart mind and soul with scripture, and I feel the “veil of doubt and obscurity” fall away opening my mind to clarity and peace.

God’s Word and His Spirit is my “go to” for all aspects of my life, and most particularly when my mind is being filled with the “world.”

Some people do different things to bring a vision of peace. Some go for their morning runs, some exercise at gyms, and both are great!  However, for me, exercising my spirit in His soothing Word is balm to my soul and the remedy for peace of mind.  That is the best exercise I could ever do for my whole being.

Want peace and strength and wisdom?  Seek God daily and open to His ways, His Word, and His love, and you will be overflowing with all these things and more!

“LORD, thank You for Your love, Your Word, and Your guidance in all I do, see and say, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31:39 (NLT)

Troubles, financial debts, illness, chaos—these things are all “weak” and are small in the eyes of the LORD.  Meaning, nothing is too small for our Big God, who can handle any, and all infirmities, discrepancies, medical maladies, financial strongholds, etc., etc., etc.

It is through His Son, Christ Jesus, that renders endless answers, and who guides our choices, and sustains our souls.

He is the reinforcer of our mainstream called life, and He is the sole defender against our worst enemies.

And no matter what, we know without any doubt, that His love is invincible, and unsurpassed by anyone, or anything else in our world, or lives.

As Christians it is our love and trust for HIM, that gets us through each scenario, and pulls us from the “web of decay,” which is to say the world, and its glaring monstrosities.  He lifts us onto higher ground, while protecting us under His mighty wings, and it is there where we will find our sanctuary, and our peace.

So, for me, and all Christians alike…nothing, and no one will ever pull us from the love of God, or His Word, and His promises, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“Father, thank You for the provisions that never cease to astound me, sustain me, amaze me, and protect me, You are my first, last and everything, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Ephesians 6:7-8 (NKJV)

“…with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”

At times there are things we won’t particularly want to do, and we may put off doing it given the tedious aspects of the task, or the monotonous ordeal we may have to endure, to get it done.

What gets me through such times is realizing we are “serving God” in all capacities, no matter how big or small.  When we alter our “attitudes” and adjust to the realization that ultimately the LORD is our “boss,” and we are “serving under Him,” in everything we do and say, and that eases my ability to get through it, knowing it is Him, my LORD and King that I serve.

If we do things haphazardly, and with a rushed “oh let’s get this over with” mind-set, it dims the vitality of being Christians, and it may allow access into other areas that are not pleasing to Him.

Taking care to do all things within the best of our ability, and not murmur or complain, although we want to, it solidifies our connection to His Spirit, and enables us to do things that we ordinarily wouldn’t be able to accomplish.

The path of righteousness is a convoluted one, and yet simplistic, if we observe His commandments, and adhere to His will and purpose for our lives. It’s so easy to love Him! Because He loves us back a gazillion times more!

No matter how mundane the issue, the important thing is to remember who we are serving when we endeavor to take on anything we do.

And when we reconcile to that ideology, we can go forth deeply and firmly entrenched in truth, prosperity, strength, and love of the LORD.

“Dear LORD, may I always realize who I am serving all the days of my life, may all I do be a reflection of Your love and my love for You, may I never waver from this mind-set and belief, today tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen”

Luke 4:8
 
Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” (NASB)

 And above all this put-on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.   

Colossians 3:14 (ESV)

Reflecting on God’s love and truth for us is a “call for us to love” one another.  Meditating on His Word helps to reinforce and allows us to fully comprehend the power of that love, through His light.  It helps to support so many facets of our lives. Such as our marriages, our relationships of our family, friends, neighbors, and our enemies.

The Holy Bible states emphatically that the LORD is love, which makes the Word a perfect source to know just what that love means, and how we in turn might demonstrate His love towards others.

Reading the Word enables us to grow closer to the LORD while solidifying our love for Him. Along with our reading the scriptures and putting them into practice as we go about living our lives, we as well as others, begin to see the changes emerging in our hearts and mind, which is to encapsulate and emulate, selfless love.

He made us in love, and His love is what makes us who we are.  So, walking in His light, and obeying His Word allows us to fully develop as Christians.

Love is what we are made from, and Love from the LORD is the very “air we breathe” that is to say, LIFE.

We live because of Him, now and forever, Amen.

“Father, thank You for breathing life into my soul and creating me because of Your love, I pray I do all to please You today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”