Month: February 2024

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Harsh Words?

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You have always put a wall of protection around him…take away ...

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord – Isaiah 54:17 (KJV).

When a friend or loved one tosses harsh words your way it could send a piercing dart through your heart. It might also “anger” you, or stupefy you totally into oblivion, leaving you confused and wondering how someone who supposedly cares for you might say such words!

It can bring an array of emotions that cascade through your being. Although the enemy may be whispering to you, “react, and answer and get angry” – don’t!  Stop and ask for peace of Christ, ask the Spirit to guide you and hold you up. And take comfort in the words of the LORD.  His promises to protect you from those who mean you harm or spill vitriolic sewage your way cannot penetrate their caustic words into your soul.

Isaiah 41:10 -“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

These words are not just mere words as mortals usually espouse. No, in fact this is directly from His mouth to His children. He promises to uphold us in all matters pertaining to our protection and our lives.

Psalm 27:1 -“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”

The light of my salvation— whom shall I fear? No one! Is the answer each and every time. I will state that emphatically and without recourse.  Words are just that- words. When words from mortals spew harsh and cruel, remember they’re not from our Father above, and it shouldn’t penetrate our souls. In fact, those who use “verbal attacks” usually aren’t standing in the light. It can come from the “opposite” side of Christ. So, take that into consideration as well.

Psalm 138:7 -“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”

This verse in particular helped me this very morning as I am facing a situation that came out of left field. I have no clue about where or why this circumstance surfaced in the first place. However, I run to the Bible and the LORD for His protection and His light to overcome the darkness and to replenish my soul with His love. That’s all I need.

Ephesians 6:11-12 -“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I never leave home with my armor of protection. I never get nervous about anything because I am fully clothed in His Gospel. It requires a great deal of faith, dedication and trust in the LORD at all times in order to “glide” over the bumpy, rocky road of trials and tribulations. Which includes but not limited to harsh words, harsh actions, and the evil in the world overall.

In times of trouble, we can find refuge in God’s protection. This is what we should think of when we hear harsh words.  These verses remind us of His provision and care for us:

  • Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.”
  • Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”Psalm 71:3 “Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”
  • Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”

Has someone or something thrown you a curve today in terms of harshness or seemingly out of nowhere? Is there something troubling you right this moment that has you upset, nervous, angry or sad? Take comfort in His promises and His Word, and in His love, it will reinforce your heart, mind body and soul.

“Father, thank You for Your Words and promises, I answer to You alone, and find refuge in Your love and light, may I always refer to Your Word in all things, and recognize that You are there holding me up through all things, and all circumstances, you are guiding me fully at all times, and my provisions and soul are fulfilled by Your love, Word and promises, in Christ’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Yes – I Will Respect All Ages~

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How do I Become an Elderly Caregiver? (with pictures)

Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

An Aunt of mine is currently actively dying in place at her home. She has been blessed with a fine life, and at 95 years of age is ready to go home to the LORD.

My other Aunt, her sister – is 92 years of age at home aging in place and actively caring for her older sister. They’ve not been apart since they were born. Having never married, they lived with each other their entire lives. And up until just one month ago, went out daily (the 92 year old is driving her Lexus every day!) and have all their faculties in place- nothing medically wrong!  So, all in all very blessed. Very blessed indeed.

The process of watching someone die is difficult. Of course, at this age it is expected, as no one leaves here without parting from their “flesh.” But what joy to enter in heaven as the spirit goes up to the LORD, as it is promised. Amen!

I have spoken to all of the hospice nurses, who are phenomenal human beings. Thank God for their role in preparation and providing comfort and palliative care- who offer comfort to the family as well. However, sometimes people can be a little “harsh” in terms of older patients dying.

Sometimes people will disrespect an elderly patient in ways they are not even aware of.  One disrespectful way is by ignoring them when they speak. And by ignoring the patient they begin speaking to another person in the room while addressing their medical needs. I as an experienced person in the field of gerontology my entire career working in the Nursing Home Industry, have always found this frustrating and the height of insensitivity to the patient.

  • Leviticus 19:32 “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”

They also seem to disregard their dignity and treat them as a non-entity. These individuals have had most of their independence stripped from them and find themselves in unfamiliar territory where workers in the nursing home are “controlling” when they eat, sleep, bathe, etc.  It’s a difficult transition.

I guess what I’m trying to convey here is. We are all God’s children, no matter our age. He loves us all. He particularly has mentioned “woe to those who take advantage of the widow and fatherless child.”  So, you can be assured He is NOT happy when people treat patients with a cavalier attitude. Nope not at all!

When you encounter an elderly individual, please know that they are not invisible, and their life is no longer useful. Instead, treat them with the respect and dignity and honor they all deserve. Recognize that most have had different roles in their lives, like spouse, mom, dad, grandparents, sister, brother, daughter and son, so on and so forth.  They are still useful and are viable until their very last breath when they are called home to their heavenly Father above.

Dignity and respect should be afforded to all individuals, regardless of age. Be humble in your approach and kind and loving as Jesus would have you do.

The next time you see an elderly person or encounter an aging family member, please remember that they are God’s children, no matter their age. And yes, they are blessed to live beyond a certain age, but that only solidifies that God still has a plan for them in their current status. That there is still unfinished work to be done, perhaps in them to reinforce their pathway to heaven. But the point is – respect them and treat them with love.

One day if you are fortunate, and God willing, – you will be the OLD person in the room. Don’t forget that, and remember God is watching!

“Father, Thank You for my aunt’s longevity, and for watching over them, I pray that You continue to watch over them both, and pray her death will be peaceful, and that the aunt left behind be comforted by Your love and knowing she will see her again one day, and I lift up all those actively dying in place at this time, for their family members to have peace and comfort, and for all those who are caring for the sick, that they have patience and respect and love for them, and for those mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray all these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Rock & All Else~

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My Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer - Psalm 18:2 - A Clay Jar

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
–Psalm 18:1-2

This verse from book of Psalms is powerfully moving. If you take the time to reflect and ponder on the Word, it will change your life considerably for the better. When we see what this means it should immediately bring an enormous comfort to your soul.

The LORD is my Rock! – Yes! He is just that! He is the empirical Rock of all ages. He is the strength for our souls. He is the solid foundation on which we stand.

The LORD is my Fortress! – Yes! He is just that! He is the substantial Ivory Tower of pureness and holiness that protects us from harm. That supports us from harsh elements/individuals.

The LORD is my Deliverer! – Yes! He is just that! He is the deliverer from sin. Our redeemer and our Salvation. He is the One who paid the price for our very souls. He is the One who was victorious over death, and with His blood we are delivered!

The LORD is my Strength! – Yes! He is just that! He is the strength of my being. He is the One who provides and sustains and nourishes me daily. He is the One who offers strength when I am weak, which is when He is the strongest.

 The LORD is the One I trust! – Yes! He is trustworthy! He is the One above all else that I trust with all my heart and soul. He is the only One that never disappoints or lets me down. I trust Him and Him alone.

The LORD is my Buckler! – Yes! He is just that!  He is the One who thwarts evil. He is the One that stands against the adversary. He is the One that shields me at all times.

The LORD is the horn of my salvation! – Yes! He is just that! He is the One that gave me life. That washed me clean as snow. That offers me forgiveness, and eternal life when I am called home one day. He is the LORD. And JESUS is LORD!

The LORD is my high Tower! – Yes! He is just that! He is the Tower of high and fortified structure that provides protection and defense against all of my enemies. He is higher than all the rest. He is highest of high. And He continuously watches over me.

Today, as you stop, pause and reflect on God and His enormous love for you, may I invite you to read this verse. I mean really read it, and embrace the meaning behind it. Understand it. And truly appreciate Him and His love. When we take the time to read and ponder the Word, not just rush through it. But stop and ponder on even “one verse” and what it means to you, in todays times, and how it configures into your life, you will start to grow even more so in the spirit. We can never cease to grow in the Word. And no matter how many times you’ve read it, it is always new. Because God will give you new meaning each time, and you will find something “jumps” out to you as if the very first time seeing it. That is how God operates. That is who He is. And the Word is pregnant. It grows and grows and grows.

Go ahead and see for yourself. And get ready for your roots and spirituality to deepen and grow exponentially.

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and Your love, and Your protection, may I do all according to Your will and purpose for my life, today tomorrow and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I Sing to Thee With Love~

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Prayer to God for the Fire of the Holy Spirit by St. Ambrose of Milan ...

“But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.”
–Psalm 59:16 

God is my defense and the Rock of my foundation. He is the quintessential Being in all I see and feel. He is the Creator of the Universe and my very soul. Each morning, I sing with joy for another day, and thank Him explicitly for the gift of a new day. Each night I pray for His peace and protection. But most of all I thank Him.

What do I thank Him for?

I thank Him for His Holy Spirit within me, that guides me in all I do and speak.

I thank Him for His Holy Spirit that prompts me to do what is right and leads me onto the paths of righteousness.

I thank Him for His Holy Spirit that is always with me, and never leaving me or deserting me, ever.

I thank Him for His soothing voice and Holy Spirit that is forever holding me up safely in the rage of ugly vitriolic voices in the world.

I thank Him for giving me the present of His Holy Spirit.

These examples and so much more are what I “Sing” about in the morning and during the day, as I raise my voice and exalt Him, and give Him all the honor and glory.

I realize that with Him I am impervious to “evil” because I am protected by His precious Blood and by the Holy Spirit within me.

Do you give Him thanks daily? Do you realize that the Holy Spirit resides inside of you when you accept Him as Your Lord and Savior? Do you realize that He is with you always?

Today go through the day with the conscious thought and reality that “His Spirit is with You,” and He is guiding you every step of the way.  And then go ahead and give Him a shout of praise and offer Him a thankful heart of love. He died for you! (John 3:16) If that isn’t enough alone to adore Him, then I truly don’t know what more I can possibly say, because His love for us is the biggest and greatest love story ever told!

“Father, may I always realize that Your Spirit is within me, may I mirror Your Light in all I do, may I humbly serve You with all my heart and soul, may I be obedient to Your will and Your doctrine, and may I honor and adore You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Earnest Prayers Growth In Spirit~

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Spiritual Growth - 3 Steps to Grow Closer to God

There are many examples of Biblical characters praying in earnest like Hannah, Naomi, and David, and Joseph in the Bible. God hears all of us as we open our heart and pray to Him. Our prayers reach the heavens, and He reacts, according to His time, and will.  We mustn’t forget that our Omnipotent Father is true to His children and His love is unwavering. He is merciful and complies with our desires and wishes, when they are all part of His plan and scope of reasoning. Some examples of earnest praying are listed below.

Naomi was a woman who experienced great loss and bitterness in her life. She moved from Bethlehem to Moab with her husband and two sons, but they all died there, leaving her alone with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. She decided to return to Bethlehem but urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi, but Orpah left. Naomi changed her name to Mara, which means bitter, and said, “The Almighty has made my life very bitter. He has taken away everything I had. The Lord has brought me back empty. The Lord has judged me. The Almighty has punished me.” (Ruth 1:20-21) Naomi prayed for God’s blessing and kindness on Ruth, who remained loyal to her and followed her God. She also prayed for God to provide a husband and a home for Ruth.

God answered Naomi’s prayers by leading Ruth to Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s husband, who married Ruth and redeemed their family. Ruth gave birth to a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Naomi’s bitterness turned to joy as she nursed her grandson and praised God for his provision. (Ruth 2:20, 3:1, 4:13-17)


David was a man after God’s own heart, who faced many trials and enemies in his life. He was anointed as king of Israel by Samuel but had to wait for many years before he could take the throne. He was persecuted by King Saul, who tried to kill him several times. He had to flee from his own son Absalom, who rebelled against him and tried to usurp his kingdom.

He also committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband Uriah, which brought severe consequences on his family. David prayed to God with honesty and humility, confessing his sins, asking for forgiveness, seeking guidance, expressing his trust, and praising God’s greatness.

Some of his prayers are recorded in the Psalms, such as Psalm 3, 23, 32, 51, and 139.

David also prayed for his son Solomon, who succeeded him as king, and asked God to give him wisdom and a loyal heart. God answered David’s prayers by forgiving his sins, delivering him from his enemies, establishing his throne, and making a covenant with him that his descendant would reign forever. (1 Samuel 16:13, 24:10, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, 12:13, 15:31, 24:10, 1 Chronicles 29:10-19)

Joseph was a son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He was taken to Egypt, where he served as a slave in Potiphar’s house. He was falsely accused of raping Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. He interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker but was forgotten by them for two years. He was finally remembered and brought before Pharaoh, who had a dream that no one could interpret. Joseph gave God the credit for his ability to interpret dreams and revealed to Pharaoh that his dream meant seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh was impressed by Joseph’s wisdom and put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Joseph prepared for the famine and saved many lives, including his own family, who came to Egypt to buy food. Joseph forgave his brothers and reconciled with them, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph prayed to God for guidance, protection, and blessing. He also prayed for his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and asked God to make them fruitful and multiply them. God answered Joseph’s prayers by preserving his life, elevating his position, fulfilling his dreams, and making him a blessing to many nations. (Genesis 37:5-11, 39:2-23, 40:8, 41:16, 41:37-57, 45:5-8, 48:15-16, 49:22-26)

And of course, there is God fearing Hannah, who prayed for her womb to be “opened” as she was barren and wanted to bring forth a child and promised God that her son would be dedicated to Him and she would never bring a razor upon his head or strong drink. And it was granted – 1 Samuel 2:1–10,

Praying by your soul in a manner such as these significant men and women of the Bible not only will bring us closer to the LORD, but it enables our growth in the spiritual realm (by our spirit and life according to that depth) that will catapult and solidify us in a relationship with the LORD that will exceed our usual path of existence. For when we engage fully in trusting Him and loving Him, heart, mind body and soul it makes all the difference in the world and in our lives!

“Father, may I pray in earnest in my spirit to Your ears, may I be humble in every aspect of my life, and adhere body, mind and soul in my requests and my devotion and dedication to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”