Month: January 2024

DEAR GOD: You Command- I Gladly Listen~

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Seventy Commandments of Jesus - faithworks

There are many verses in the Bible that talk about the importance and benefits of listening to God’s commandments and being blessed. Here are some prime examples in the importance and relevance in listening, obeying and loving the LORD. There are always consequences to one’s behavior. Repercussions that can be devastating to our “soul and salvation” should we cross lines and alter our lifestyle to that which is polar opposite of God and His Word.  So let’s look at the following verses to see some of the components of being in His Word at all times, and why we should stay there!

These verses and others teach us that listening to God’s commandments is a sign of reverence, love, and faithfulness to God, and that it leads to blessings in this life and the next. Herewith is my conclusion that summarizes this idea.

Listening to God’s commandments is more than just hearing His words, it is opening our hearts and minds to His truth and grace. It is a way of honoring Him, loving Him, and serving Him. It is a way of aligning our lives with His purpose and plan. It is a way of receiving His blessings and sharing them with others. Listening to God’s commandments should be the main source of our joy and peace. It should be the very reason we exist; in many ways it is the ONLY reason we exist. We live and breathe because of Him. He gave us LIFE– and Eternal LIFE, when we subscribe to His commandments and His love, it is an obvious choice.

Have you listened to His commandments today? Are you following His Word and precepts and applying it to your life today? His grace and love invite you all to open His book and get acquainted with His Word. But not only is His book “open” so are His “arms.”  So the question is, “what are you waiting for?”

“Father, thank You for Your Word, may I always avail myself to You as Your humble servant, and oblige You in all I do, may I cover myself with Your precepts and apply them to my life and therefore infuse my soul with Your love, which shall sustain me all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Here I am For You Not The World~

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Alleluia to the Lamb by Kim Coleman - YouTube

 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

 

Go out and separate from them, “says the LORD.” Did you ever take the time to realize what that means? Today in this vastly unstable and impure world, it can apply to almost all we encounter on a daily basis. God is telling us to be an example and set forth on the right path and establish ourselves as followers in all we do and say. Although we are in the world, we are not “of the world” and all it enforces in terms of immorality and salaciousness.

We are to be different and that is not to say, “high and mighty” because NO ONE is. There is only One pure and Mighty One, and that is the LORD.  What we need to do is be on guard, don’t take interest in superficial things or things of ill gotten measures in entertainment or otherwise, but in things of godly nature.

We are not to “repel” and think we are better than others, again we are not. We are to present our light to those we encounter and to represent Christ in all we do, say, think, and feel.

Eventually things that are not godly or pure will be like “poison to your soul” and you will shrink away from it. Things that are foul and unsightly and vulgar, will be like an electric shock to your soul. As we get deeper into a relationship with the LORD and we connect our spirit with His Spirit more intimately, we become less enamored of the world, but more enamored of Him and His ways. It’s a natural transformation.

Today, as you go out and do what you need to do…shine your light, stand up and be a faithful follower and be an example to others of what a Christian is all about.

“Father, may I do all according to Your will today, may I be a humble servant and example of Your light, and may I never stray from Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Presence I Seek Always~

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Attuning to God's Presence and Calling - Focus on the Family

Psalm 27:8 (ESV) -You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”

There is a given in my life, and that is “I want Jesus” every single second I breathe!  I seek His Word, His advice, His guidance, and His wisdom in all I do.

You know the Bible is filled with Wisdom and direction and if only the “entire world” would use it accordingly, it would be a much better place to live in.  Alas, that isn’t happening, but the good news is, in the Eternity, it will be!

Matthew 7:14 -But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

It is a difficult and challenging role sometimes being Christian. After all, there are roadblocks that can be placed in our path due to the “enemy” and other scenarios that can be restricting our access to the right road. Worldly obsessions for one thing seems to be the number one cause of driving off course in what is right in God’s eyes. When we seek His Presence, we are given the confidence and strength through His Holy Spirit to turn once again onto the path of righteousness, that is to say, the “narrow path.”

John5:13 – I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

When we believe in Christ – we are promised Eternal life. And by reading and immersing oneself in the Word on a continuous daily basis, we are assured of this promise, and it will come to fruition.

Planning, reading, meditating, praying, walking in Christ’s ways, thinking with Christ’s mind, and loving others in the way Christ commands us are all essential paths in which we need to walk in order to graduate from this life into the next. But the most important of all, is accepting Him as LORD and Savior, because no one gets to the Father, without going through Christ!

Do you seek His face daily? Do you sit in quiet and listen to Him? Have you expressed how much You love Him today? It’s never too late, He’s waiting and always will be…

Presence Of God Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

“Father, thank You for Your Presence, Your Words, Your love, may I be in obedience to Your calling, Your commandments, and Your will for my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Armor~

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Armor of God Wallpapers - Top Free Armor of God Backgrounds ...
Ephesians 6:12-13 -For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The main idea of the passage is that Christians are engaged in a spiritual war against evil forces, and they need to equip themselves with God’s armor to resist and overcome them.

As Christians, we are not fighting against human enemies, but against powerful and wicked spiritual beings that rule over this dark world. That’s why we need to put on all the armor that God provides us, so that we can stand firm and defend ourselves against their attacks.

  • The word “wrestle” implies that the struggle is intense, close, and personal. It also suggests that the enemy is trying to bring us down and make us fall.
  • The phrase “flesh and blood” refers to human beings, who are not the ultimate source of our problems. The real enemies are the spiritual forces behind them, who influence and manipulate them to oppose God and his people.
  • The terms “rulers”, “authorities”, “powers”, and “spiritual forces of evil” describe different levels and aspects of the demonic hierarchy that operates in the heavenly realms, which are the invisible dimensions of reality where spiritual beings exist.
  • The expression “the full armor of God” refers to the various pieces of equipment that God gives us to protect and empower us in the spiritual war. They are explained in more detail in the following verses (Ephesians 6:14-18)
  • The phrase “the evil day” refers to the time of crisis and temptation that we may face in our lives, when the enemy tries to harm us and make us lose our faith. It could also point to the final day of judgment, when the enemy will be defeated once and for all.
  • The word “stand” is repeated three times in the passage, emphasizing the need to remain steadfast and unshakable in our faith and obedience to God. It also implies that we are not called to attack or advance, but to resist and endure.

Are you fully equipped and armed with the Gospel when you leave your home?  And also while in it? There isn’t anywhere you should be without your full armor on!

“Dear LORD, thank You for Your Word as my protector, my defender, and my iron impenetrable suit of defense, may I always wear it into every battle, and may I wear it in goodness, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Life With You Is—LIFE~

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Being alive in Christ is the only way to LIVE.  Without Christ, there is no LIFE.  He is the life, the way and the truth (John 14:6). Jesus Christ, Son of God – is our Mediator and our High Priest, and our Savior.  He is our Rock and our Redeemer. He is the quintessential unblemished Lamb of God who took away our sins. Our salvation is solidly in place because of His willingly going to the cross for us. Taking on our sin, corruption, and ugliness of the whole world.

He is my LIFE and I LIVE for HIM!

Below are some reminders for you to read and expand your love and growth in Christ, through His Word and His commandments.

  • Ephesians 2:4-10: This passage tells us that God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins, and that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. It also says that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he prepared for us.
  • Romans 6:11-14: This passage urges us to consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus, and to not let sin reign in our mortal bodies. It also reminds us that sin is no longer our master, because we are under grace, not the law.
  • Romans 8:10-11: This passage explains that if Christ is in us, our body is dead because of sin, but our spirit is alive because of righteousness. It also promises that the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies.

These are just some of the many verses that show how we are alive right this moment, only because of Christ.  If you want to learn more, you can read the whole chapters of Ephesians 2, Romans 6, and Romans 8 where you can get a full in-depth study and semblance of understanding in Christ and His doctrine.

When you take the time to get to know Christ you will be transformed into a whole new chapter of your life. It will be a fulfilling and gradual growth in spirit and reflective in all you do on a daily basis. Interactions with others will be easier and life in and of itself will be simpler to navigate.

Do you believe in Christ?  Have you accepted Him as Your LORD and Savior?  Do you know He died for you/us?

Please open your heart and let Him in-it’s the best thing you will ever have done in your life. And it will make your LIFE a life worth LIVING!

“Father, thank You for Your Son, my LORD and Savior, I know I am alive only because of Him, I know that He paid the price for me, a sinner, and I know that He is never going to leave me and never will turn from me, no matter what, thank You for Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Word Touches Hearts~

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In Praise of Main Points | Jordan Mark Stone

Have you ever found when you quote a passage or verse from God’s Holy Word, that more often than not it seems to “startle” an individual one way or another?  That is to say in my personal experience and encounters, when I offer up a quote that is germane to the conversation in which we are having, the person will immediately react!  How do they react? It depends on the circumstances of course, but they all share one thing in common, they all “pause” and reflect before responding.

For example, last week an individual was hurting and sobbing openly about someone they love who is probably at the end of their time on earth. I offered up this very important verse of truth and wisdom from the LORD from Luke 23:43–And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The person stopped sobbing and said, “do you really think so?” I replied, “Jesus’ words- so Yes! He is pure and speaks the truth and promises this. So of course I KNOW so. I know they will be in paradise soon…“

Words have a way to hurt or help, to comfort or discomfort, to soothe the soul or ruffle feathers. Words are powerful, the tongue can be either a weapon or a friend. The tongue is a very important part of the body. James uses three illustrations to express what the tongue is like and why it must be controlled in James 3:3-5. He illustrates each one brilliantly and offers explanations of such.

  • (3:3) BITS –“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.” 
  • (3:4) SHIPS – “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.”
  • (3:5) FIRES- So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Fine example of how powerful the tongue it. We can speak life into a situation or circumstance or speak death! Remember in Ezekiel who the LORD told to speak life into the “old bones” to bring to life? Ezekiel 37:1-14 is about a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, in which he was taken to a valley full of dry bones. The Lord asked him whether these bones could come to life, and Ezekiel responded that only the Lord knew. God then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he did, they began to come together and be covered with flesh.

So too can our words affect to this very day. The Word is a powerful tool for our soul, heart, body and mind! God’s Word is life enhancing, life fulfilling, life everlasting!

When we pull up the Word that should be there always hidden in our hearts, we can apply it to all kinds of life altering moments.

–Psalms 119:11 (KJV): Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Being Christian is one thing. It’s how you apply that Christianity in life is quite another altogether.

Do you use your words wisely?
Or do you use them in a useless way?
Do you offer up death to the dry bones?
Or do you speak life into the dry bones, bringing them to life?

That little part of your body, your tongue is a powerful tool. Please use it wisely. And when you have nothing to say, keep it still, be still and let God guide you- (Psalm 46:10). 

Remember you have the ability to make a difference to someone today, tomorrow and the next day- and all the days of your life!

“Father, may I serve you wisely this day, and may I use Your Word as a tool to help my brothers and sisters, and those I encounter throughout my day, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Will Always Follow Your Doctrine~

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Doctrine - Living Hope Bible Church

The book of Galatians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. In this letter, Paul addresses the issue of false teachings that had infiltrated the church. The false teachings were coming from a group of people known as Judaizers, who were trying to convince the Galatians that they needed to follow Jewish customs and laws in order to be saved. Paul refutes this idea and emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

In Galatians 1:6-10, Paul expresses his concern that the Galatians are abandoning Jesus’ grace and turning to a different gospel – a false gospel. He doesn’t mince words when it comes to Judaizers coming in and undermining the work he has done in Galatia. Paul feels so strongly about the good news that has been preached to the Galatians that he calls down a curse upon anyone who would dare to proffer an alternative gospel.

In Galatians 2:4, Paul talks about false brothers who had come in under false pretenses to spy on their freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave them. Paul emphasizes that there is no room for a gospel that strays from the grace of Christ.

This warning still applies to this very day in time. Those that are following another gospel are in danger of losing their salvation bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. They are tampering with their existence and eternal life. The good news is it’s never too late. When we accept and willingly follow Jesus and His doctrine, and commandments we are fulfilling our roles as Christians. We are inherently moving onto a path of righteousness that is a gift from above (James 1:17) and we are acknowledging Him as our LORD and Savior.

Jesus is the way to LIFE.

Jesus is the way to FREEDOM.

Jesus is the way to SALVATION.

JESUS is the way for EVERYTHING.

Do you follow Jesus? When you do things will become easier to navigate as He will guide you through it all, both good and bad times.

Galatians 2:16: “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”

Galatians 3:10-11: “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”

Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Galatians 5:4-6: “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”

The above verses show that Paul was adamant that the Galatians should not be deceived by the false teachers who were trying to impose the law on them. He wanted them to understand that they were saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, and that nothing else mattered.

Remember Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 saying to preach His gospel and “… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Gospel Christ tells us to teach is His- none other! And ignoring His commandments can prove detrimental to your soul.

Obeying it and following Him and accepting Him as your LORD and Savior, quite the contrary.

Your blessings will overflow, and your soul will not be in danger of the second death–no–instead it will live forever!

“Father, thank You for Your Word and Your promises, may I do all to promote Your Word, in my actions, thoughts, behavior, and heart, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Thankful For The Blood Of Christ~

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Covered By the Blood of Jesus Christ – The Transformed Wife

Ephesians 1:7 – In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

We have blood running through our veins and arteries. Without that blood constantly moving, we’d be dead, in a matter of minutes. So too is Christ’s Blood. He covered us with His Blood when He went willingly to Calvary and died for us to redeem us, took on death to set us free and washed us clean of our sins. Without His Blood we’re “dead.”

My thoughts are that the Blood of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love and sacrifice for us. It is the means by which we are reconciled to God and forgiven of our sins. It is also the source of our victory over the enemy and our assurance of eternal life.

The protection of God is the result of trusting in His blood and His promises. It is the confidence that He is with us, He is for us, and He will deliver us from all evil. It is the peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It is the joy that comes from knowing that nothing can separate us from His love.

Hebrews 9:14 – How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.

We are Christian Soldiers in the Christian Army of the LORD. We are led by His Spirit and forge on, He cleansed us and therefore we are One in Christ. When we align in His Word and do all of which we are commanded to do, our lives are in harmony, and we will experience exponential spiritual growth.

Revelation 12:11 – They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

This is a statement in itself that shows how strong and how unwavering in their faith the overcomers are. They didn’t shrink away in fear but instead stood for Christ and His love. They are washed in the Blood of Christ and wearing robes of white in this vision in Revelation. The rewards of the faithful.

Psalm 91:1-2 – Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

When we follow Him, and pay heed to His Word and His will in all aspects of our lives, each day we live, we are confident in His promises to protect and lift us up and guide our paths, when we trust Him fully.

Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.

No one can overtake the LORD. No one can withstand and win against the LORD. So this passage is powerfully depicted that the LORD will protect us. No one can come against us, and no one will prosper. That means our enemy and evil. It will not be able to penetrate us, because we have on our gospel armor and believe in Christ and His blood protects us.

My thoughts on the topic are that the blood of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love and sacrifice for us. It is the means by which we are reconciled to God and forgiven of our sins. It is also the source of our victory over the enemy and our assurance of eternal life. The protection of God is the result of trusting in His blood and His promises.

It is the confidence that He is with us, He is for us, and He will deliver us from all evil. It is the peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It is the joy that comes from knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. Hallelujah!

Do you have a favorite verse about the blood of Jesus or the protection of God?

How do you apply these verses to your daily life?

What are some testimonies of how God has protected you or your loved ones?

“Father, thank You for the Blood of Christ and Your love that saved us and set us free, thank You for Your unwavering promises and protection, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Covered By The Blood Of Jesus Prayer - Park Art

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: YES-I TRUST YOU!

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Proverbs 3:5-6 #17 'Trust in the Lord with all your Heart' Bible Verse

Trusting in God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to rely on God’s promises, power, and love. Herewith are just some of the verses that I find inspiring, along with my own comments.

Proverbs 3:5-61: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

This verse reminds me that God knows better than I do what is best for me. He has a plan for my life, and I can trust Him to guide me in the right direction. He knows what I need and how much I can stand in any given situation. So, He will lead me on the correct path each and every time. TRUST HIM!

Romans 8:281: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

This verse assures me that God is in control of everything that happens in my life. He can use even the most difficult situations for my good and His glory. He has a purpose for me, and I can trust Him to fulfill it. He is always on a level that far exceeds our understanding with unimpeded vision. TRUST HIM!

1 Peter 5:72: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This verse invites me to release all my worries and fears to God. He cares about me and my problems. He is able to handle them and help me through them. There isn’t anything He can’t do or will do for me. He loves me with a love that is all consuming and powerful. He wants me to trust Him with all my concerns. TRUST HIM!

Philippians 4:6-72: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse teaches me how to trust God in every single possible situation and beyond. I can pray to Him and tell Him what I need. I can also thank Him for what He has done and what He will do. He will give me His peace, which is beyond my what my mortal brain can completely absorb or comprehend. He will protect my heart and mind from doubt and fear. TRUST HIM!

Psalm 18:21: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This verse describes God as my ultimate source of security and strength. He is my Rock, which means He is stable and reliable. He is my Fortress, which means He is my protection and Defense. He is my Deliverer, which means He is my Rescuer and Liberator. He is my Refuge, Shield, Horn, and Stronghold, which means He is my Shelter, Support, Power, and Safety. I can trust Him in any situation, because He is always there for me. TRUST HIM!

When you read the Bible are you fully engaged with the LORD? Do you feel His love and trust Him fully, and surrender yourself to Him, openly and completely?

I hope these verses and comments help you to trust God more and more. He is faithful and trustworthy, and He loves you very much.

“Father, I trust You with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength, I am Yours now and always, and I fully trust You in all I do, and know that You are my Rock and Protector and My Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Show Me Your Paths~

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Path Wallpapers High Quality | Download Free

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

Psalm 25:4 (KJV)

When you view a path whether in a picture or in person what do you think or? For me the verse from Psalm 25:4 jumps to mind immediately. And then I visualize how many times the LORD has literally stopped me from turning down a path during my childhood and into my adulthood. So many times, I felt the “pull” that gently guided me in another direction, and that gentle little “gnawing” inside my spirit was God telling me, “Nope! Don’t go there! Turn down that way.” And I knew it was God’s Presence alerting me to do the opposite of what I was going to do.

I’m referring to things like, buying our first home, or going on a highway to take another road, or not attending a function, etc. Things of that nature. That is to what I am referring, little things that could have turned out to be big disasters.

Our first home, had we gone with our original choice would have been a huge mistake! It turns out that house had all kinds of issues, “hidden” issues that cropped up that cost the new owner an additional $25,000 to fix!  So saved there! Thank You my LORD!

Another time we were on a highway and driving at the normal speed limit, and felt the car “literally” come to a full stop and slide over to the shoulder of the road!  It turns out had we continued on that road we would have been involved with a six car accident!  That was divine intervention!  Praise God and His hands of grace.

And there was the time we were supposed to attend a function, and at that last minute my husband developed “diarrhea” and we had to turn around and go back home. Well, at that very same function we were supposed to be in attendance for, the roof of the building collapsed!  Several people were critically injured.  So, once again – Thank You my LORD and God!

We are blessed to have a God who is so caring and loves us with the intensity of no other. When we are in tune with His Spirit and pay attention to the “gentle nudging” and guidance of the LORD we can’t ever go wrong!

The next time you see a path whether in a picture like the one above this article, or in person – think of the verse above. And give thanks to the One and Only Being that loves you, cares for you, protects you, and guides you every step of the way, all the days of your life, and eventually in eternity!

May the LORD continue to guide all your paths, today and always —

“Father, thank You for guiding my paths, and for showing me the way, I am Yours today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”