God’s Presence

DEAR GOD: How Great Thou Art !

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1 John 4:8 God is Love Bible Verse

The Majesty of God’s Love

In the quiet reflection of Good Friday, let’s turn our hearts to Jesus and the Holy scriptures in the Bible – Where the LORDs voice is still speaking to this very day. And where the inspired men and women in the Bible eloquently speaks of the greatness of God and His boundless love.

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). The psalmist captures the essence of God’s majesty, a presence so profound that it transcends the very heavens. A Presence so completely consuming and powerful that we cannot stand in His Presence but fall to our knees in abject surrender and submission of His Spirit.

God’s love is woven through time, a love so great that it gave us the Earth, the stars, and every living creature. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). These prolific words encapsulate the depth of God’s love, a love willing to sacrifice for the salvation of humanity – to save us – to have us join Him in eternal rewards in His Heavenly Kingdom.

As we walk through life’s valleys and peaks, we are never alone. His love is our shield, our comfort, and our strength. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). In our darkest moments, His Magnificent Presence is a beacon of hope and solace to all those who believe. To all those who love. To all those who adhere to His commandments, and His doctrine. And accept Him as their LORD and Savior!

The greatness of God is beyond our comprehension, yet we feel it in the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze, and the kindness of a stranger. His love is the foundation upon which we build our lives, a steadfast rock that endures through the ages.

Are you standing on the ROCK? Or are you on shaky ground sifting downward into the sands of time?

“My Dear Heavenly Father, on this Somber Good Friday, we pause to acknowledge Your greatness and the immeasurable love You have for us. May we always cherish the unsurpassed gift of Your Son and strive to reflect Your love in our actions and words. Guide us in Your wisdom, and let Your light shine through us, so that we may be beacons of hope in a world of darkness that yearns for Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Shepherd – Forever~

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Image result for free pictures of psalm 23

Psalm 23, often called “The Lord is My Shepherd,” is one of the most cherished passages in the Bible, offering comfort and hope to believers throughout the ages. Its verses paint a serene picture of God’s guidance, provision, and protection, akin to a shepherd’s care for his sheep.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) This opening line establishes a profound trust in God’s provision. Christians see this as a declaration of God’s sufficiency in all aspects of life. Just as a shepherd meets the needs of his flock, so does God meet the needs of His people.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2) Here, the psalmist describes a place of rest and refreshment, symbolizing the spiritual peace and rejuvenation that God provides. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest, echoing the sentiment of this verse.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) God’s restoration is likened to a renewal of strength and spirit. The “paths of righteousness” reflect a life lived in accordance with God’s will, guided by His truth as revealed in the Bible.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Christians find solace in this verse, especially in times of trouble or grief. It speaks of God’s presence and protection in life’s darkest moments. The “rod and staff” are symbols of a shepherd’s tools, representing discipline and support.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5) This imagery suggests honor and abundance, even amidst adversity. The anointing oil signifies blessing and being chosen by God, as kings were anointed in the Old Testament.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6) The psalm concludes with a confident expectation of God’s continual blessings and the ultimate hope of eternal life with Him, as promised in John 14:2-3, where Jesus speaks of preparing a place for His followers.

For Christians, Psalm 23 encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: trust in God’s care, the peace that comes from His presence, guidance in living a righteous life, comfort in times of fear, the assurance of God’s blessings, and the hope of eternal life.

“Dear Heavenly Father, You are our Shepherd, and in Your care, we lack nothing. Lead us to the green pastures of Your grace and the still waters of Your peace. Restore our souls and guide us in righteousness. Even as we walk through challenging times, let us feel Your presence and find comfort in Your protection.  Bless us, Lord, and let Your goodness and mercy accompany us every day of our lives, until we dwell in Your house forever. Amen. ”

The Lord’s my Shepherd – Stuart Townend [with lyrics] (youtube.com)

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

Psalm 23 –

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
   He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

DEAR GOD: You Are My Beacon & Light~

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Lighthouse Sunset

 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:2 (ESV)

 

A Beacon of Light

Psalm 27, attributed to David, is a profound expression of faith and trust in the Lord amidst adversity. It begins with a declaration of confidence: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV)1. This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, encapsulating the psalmist’s unwavering belief that God is a protective and guiding force against all fears and foes.

The psalm oscillates between expressions of fearless trust and earnest pleas for God’s presence. David speaks of enemies and war, yet he remains confident. This juxtaposition highlights a central theme: the power of faith to provide stability and courage, even when one is surrounded by threats.

Then further on, it reveals the psalmist’s deepest desire: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4 NIV) David yearns not for material wealth or victory over his enemies, but for the serene and continuous communion with God. This longing to be in God’s presence, to “gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” is a testament to the psalmist’s devotion.

The latter part of the psalm is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and guidance. David asks not to be forsaken and prays for deliverance from his adversaries. The emotional intensity of these verses conveys a sense of vulnerability, contrasting with the earlier declarations of confidence. It is a reminder that seeking God’s face is not a one-time act but a continual process of faith and reliance on divine guidance.

Psalm 27 concludes with an exhortation to “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 NIV) This final verse encapsulates the essence of the psalm: a call to patience and courage, affirming that trust in God is rewarded with strength and the fulfillment of His promises.

In essence, Psalm 27 is a microcosm of the spiritual journey. It captures the oscillation between confidence and doubt, presence and absence, and ultimately, the enduring faith that guides the believer through life’s tumultuous seas. It serves as a beacon of trust and devotion, illuminating the path for all who seek solace and strength in the divine.

When we place all of our trust and hope in the LORD, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish or withstand, through Christ our LORD.  Superfluous things are non-existent – there reality is Christ, and the desire to commune with Him on a daily and intimate basis. When we ascribe to His doctrine, and His will for our lives, we get come ALIVE in His Presence and His Word.

As we take on more and more of the Word into our mind, heart, and apply it to our lives as it were, we begin to have a sense of what life “really is.” Life here on earth is fleeting. We are gone in a blink of the eye! We can die suddenly. And if so – are you confident that you will be in the Lamb’s Book Of Life?

One thing is certain – we all will physically leave this earth one day. Our flesh bodies will die, and our spiritual bodies will live on. However, when judgement day comes – the question is – will we be ready?

How’s your relationship with the LORD? Do you seek Him daily? Do you desire to be with Him exclusively for eternity? As David so passionately cries and laments in Psalm 27 – He wants to dwell in the house of the LORD forever – Do you?

“Dearest Heavenly Father, In the sanctuary of Your presence, I find light and salvation. Whom shall I fear? For You are the stronghold of my life. I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, Thanking You for the assurance that You are always nearby. In times of trouble, You protect me; You set me high upon a rock. Lord, I seek one thing—to dwell in Your house forever, to gaze upon Your beauty and to seek You in Your temple. In the quiet moments, in the chaos of life, Your presence is my constant desire. I surrender to You, O Lord, my worries and my foes. For even if friends and family forsake me, You will receive me. Teach me Your way, lead me on a straight path, despite my adversaries. I believe I will see Your goodness in the land of the living. So, I wait for You, Lord; I am strong and take heart as I wait. Thank You for being my light, my salvation, my refuge. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I believe In Your Goodness~

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THE GOODNESS OF GOD - YouTube

1 Corinthians 15:55 –“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

I really believe that there are more “good” than “bad” in the world. I personally think that the news likes to show sensationalism and not sweet peaceful stories. People tend to seek the “abnormal” more than the “norm.”

A friend of mine was stating how evil everyone is in the world today. She was on a roll that lasted for about 25 minutes. I mean she was going on and on. It was negative and dark and didn’t look like there was any stopping her caustic dialogue. Until I said, “Please-enough!” She stopped on a dime.  I then said, “There is still good in the world. God is good all the time, and all those who follow Him – His light is in them, and they are inherently good.”  She didn’t say anything for a while then realized she was caught up in a negative energy of the prince of the air – and was forgetting about the King of the Universe! The devil likes to whisper and entice you to spread negativity and anger and disgust, and that was my friend. For a moment she was caught up in it.

When we take the time to realize that Jesus is victorious- we can get back on the track of reality. Yes- the harsh reality right now is that the world is in kind of a chaotic mode, and the dark is seemingly overtaking the light. However, Stop! And know that Jesus Reigns Supreme and conquered the grave!  The sting of death – is non-existent! Praise Him! He gets the victory all the time.

We need to reinforce His Word and let it mesh within our being. The Word should be in our brain, heart and soul. It is there to reach and bring us back to the joyous fact that Jesus is King of kings and LORD of lords, and He Reigns forever!

So – if you get melancholy about the sight of the world as it stands, look up and embrace His Word to fill you with inspiration and hope, and courage to face the day and days ahead.

Here are just a few of inspirational verses for you to meditate upon, to give you hope and solidify how Great the Great I AM is! Never forget – The One and only King -and the One we owe our lives and all things!

Remember, no matter how harsh the winds that seem to be blowing in your face, God is there to be a buffer for us. He is the One who controls all things, including the weather, and our breath that we breathe! Amen! Thank You Sweet LORD!

Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

John 16:33 –“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Ephesians 6:10 –Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

1 John 5:4 –for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Joshua 10:8 –  The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”

Proverbs 21:31–The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

1 Corinthians 15:57 -But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Father, thank You, I know You are victorious and through Your blood and the name of Christ, I am able to withstand in Your name all things, and know that I am protected by Your promises and Your love and Your grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I See and Hear You Everywhere~

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Lord, I feel You in all I do and see,

I know that You are always with me.

 

Where can I see You all day long?

You surround me and make me strong.

 

Some of the ways I encounter You,

I’ll try to describe all the ones I view.

 

As sun rays dance coyishly across my face,

I notice a huge spider web pattern of lace.

 

Gentle cooing sounds of the morning dove,

while she sits resplendent in its nest high above.

 

The sight of bright burnt orange leaves on a tree,

I hear them as they rustle on the ground falling free.

 

Rain drops splashing across the murky pond,

I witness a rainbow emerge of which I’m fond.

 

Snowcapped mountains emblazoned across the sky,

Created by You my LORD where You reside so high.

 

You are in the air I breathe and surround me,

Thanks for Your Crimson blood that set me free.

 

I love You LORD for all You are and do,

With You I am strong and never blue.

 

Amen and Amen Now and Forever More,

I love you more than ever, even more than before…

******

 

 

 

I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only.

 No one can hide where I cannot see them.

Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?

Jeremiah 23-24