Matthew

DEAR GOD: YOUR WORD IS BALM TO MY SOUL~

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For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there. But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater. So shall My word not return to Me void, But, it shall accomplish what I please, And, it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it .”
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV)

God and His promises are many, throughout the Bible, since the beginning of the earth age, and before the earth age…He is, and always was…and will always be.

His word in the beginning, in the book of Genesis, which means; “origin” or “generation” or “beginning” — God SPOKE the Word and it happened.  His Word went forth from His mouth and accomplished that which He wanted.

God defined the Word, bringing things into existence, by naming things, and giving them a purpose, finally God established and blessed that which He had made, sealing the truth of His creation, through His very Word.  “Let there be light;” and there was light”- Genesis 1:3.

Nothing has changed today.  All things remain the same. God’s Word and promises and His peace still reigns and always shall.  His Word is His Word to this day, He is on the throne and still in control.  So, when we “speak His Word” it doesn’t return to Him void, He listens, and blesses those who believe, those who trust, and those who depend on Him for all of our provisions.  Amen.

In His amazing Word is TRUTH, and LOVE and PEACE, and we have access to Him anytime we wish…we walk boldly into His presence, thanks to His Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed for us.  Through His death and resurrection, the “veil was rent/ripped” from top to bottom, allowing us full entry into the presence of the LORD (Matt 27:50-51). Amen.

Speak the Word and believe the Word and trust the Word, for it is the very voice of God and His Character.  He loves us, every single one of us, no matter what, where, how or why.  He loves us unconditionally.  Amen.

  • Speak the Word.
  • Learn the Word.
  • Love the Word.
  • Love the truth.
  • Love the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. 
  • Amen.

The closer we grow to Him the more positive our lives and existence become.  When we’re here on earth, we have things to accomplish and do.  Speak His Word, truth and promises, and follow Him without fail, and watch the impact it will have on your life here.  But, more important, the impact it will have on your “eternity.”

“Father, thank You for Your Word and for Your love, truth, peace and compassion, may we always speak the truth and absorb Your Word, and share it with others so they might see the light, and share in eternity, with those who believe, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Why Wonder, You Will Reveal All In Your Time~

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Pin by Jenna Woodburn on Life's truths | Gods timing, Bible quotes, Faith

 

Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

When I start to say, “I wonder, if—” I have to pull those words back, step back, and know God is God, and He has it all under control, and according to His timing and will. It’s not for me to “wonder” or think about things that seem to scurry about in my mind, rambling around and around…nope, God has it all taken care of.  (Be still and know I’m God…Psalm 49:10)

 

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we wait with conviction in our heart and soul, we become stronger in our faith as we let God be God. As we go forward we can rest in Him, and be comforted by the promises in His Word, and hold on tight to His love and protection…and His wisdom in all things concerning His children.

Romans 5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ came to this earth to “save us” and to give us the foundation and unilateral way to get to Heaven and His Father, our God. He brings us strength, resolve, and conditioning in which we exercise our inner spirit, as He dwells within all those who believe in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

My husband and I have been feeling that we need to move within the next several months. However, we haven’t received the full “message” of His timing and His will…so we are waiting for the right season…according to the LORD… to move.

Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

When it is the perfect time, it will open up. That is to say, doors of opportunity, all things will be clear. There will not be any disparaging lines in the sand, instead they will be boldly outlined for us to move forward. When things are right, and according to His plans, everything goes smoothly. Sometimes, out of nowhere—it happens, and suddenly—wham, you know it’s God’s voice speaking and leading you and directing and guiding you.

Don’t worry, don’t fret, don’t be anxious…The LORD is with you, and will working behind the scenes, when you follow Him, and trust Him, and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior—life becomes easier to navigate with Him as your GPS.

“Father, may I always recognize that You are in control of all things, that Your plans, and Your timing, and Your will are perfect, and You want what’s best for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: What Can I Do For You Today?~

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Excelling Faith and Grace Ministries: Serving God Unconditionally ...

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.    Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Are you serving the LORD? Or are you serving some other “image or idol?” Are you walking in His commandments? Or are you walking adrift on your own?

Serving the LORD is important in so many ways, the most important one being, our salvation and eternity. Acceptance of the LORD, Jesus Christ is a crucial and vital aspect of obedience and faith. When we trust in the LORD, and accept Him as our LORD and Savior, we are assured of our salvation and getting to God.  In John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

There is “NO” other way, and this is from Jesus’ own lips, so we know it’s true. serving Him is a big factor in the overall equation of being Christian. Serving Him requires so many obligations and duties in our job right here on earth.

  • Helping others, unselfishly. (Meaning without motive, just pure servitude).
  • Giving to others through actions. (Examples could be, offering someone a lift who doesn’t have transportation, accompanying them to the doctor’s office, taking them to church, etc.).
  • Supplying food or clothing. (Food pantry volunteering, or bringing food items or both, dropping off clothing for the homeless, or shelter, etc.)
  • Visiting someone. (In a nursing home, hospital).
  • Going to a widow/widower’s home. (Just going over to spread some cheer, take away some loneliness).
  • Sharing the Gospel. (Planting seeds or introducing someone to Christ).

These are just some ways of serving others through Christ. We can serve Him by doing all of the above, and more. There is nothing too small, or too big when it is done with all of your heart, and by being the servant of the LORD Jesus Christ with a pure heart, makes it complete.

Have you done anything today that Christ would be happy with? Have you planned anything today that will make Christ smile?  And most important, have you accepted Him as your LORD and Savior?

“Father, God how may I serve You today, show me the way, may I be pleasing in Your loving eyes in all I do and say, each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: What Should I Do At This Stage In My Life?~

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Mature Christian woman studying her Bible in a city park setting beside ...

I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 464 (NLT)

 

Some of us as we age do what is called a “life review” in our mind. That’s a time log of events and things that transpired in your lifetime, both good and bad, and all the in between times. Some people are filled with many regrets, some have little regrets. And still others, who have “no regrets whatsoever.” Those are the fortunate ones.

I thought about the steps in my life, and God was ultimately behind them all. Of course, there were a few in my youth that dictated my “teenage” years thinking I had all the answers. But I wasn’t the average rebellious type of individual in the teenage years, I was a timid and quiet type, and had the blessings of great godly parents, who taught me right from wrong. And God was always in the center of our lives. I never really went against authority, or the law.  Nonetheless, given youth and lack of maturity, there were decisions that were made along the way, that was less than favorable in terms of outcome. But through each experience, I gained wisdom.

Proverbs 2:6  (NLT)-For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.  

My 4o’s were the most productive in terms of career, and accomplishments in terms of doing “God’s work” and what He called me to do. That of course, as many of you who follow me know, it was my career in nursing home industry. I loved every moment of it. That is because God chose that profession for me. He ordained me to do so, and I followed. It was a spectacular time, and it fulfilled my purpose in life as God’s will and plans, thus the jubilation I felt, because it was God who did the planning. I merely followed course. When we do God’s will and follow our purpose, we invariably will be happy, because it was chosen by God.

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)-The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Now in my senior years I wonder what’s next? I wonder when and how I will be used for His purpose. So let’s see, I’m an author and writer that stays within the parameters of my beliefs. I don’t wander outside the lines of what God expects to be in my writing. And most important, I mainly use it to glorify my LORD and to share the Word with my brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Mark 16:15 (KJV) – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

There are times when I’ll be wondering, if through my web ministry if I’m reaching enough, doing enough, or expecting too much; but then I realize I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m called to be doing.

Each decade of my life brought another dimension to my years. Each decade brought another aspect or clarity of the Word to my heart and soul. And each day is another day to learn, to share the Word, and to most especially, obey and love God with all my heart, mind, strength and soul.

Matthew 22:37 (NLT)- Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’

What came to me was very profound and yet perfectly simple. We are existing to serve God, no matter our age or circumstance. When we follow Him, we are surrendering to His will and His purpose in life. And when we “listen” to His voice, we know Him, and follow Him gladly and commit to Him in all things. Hearing Him and following Him is quite different from “hearing and doing nothing” —We MUST follow Him when we hear His voice.

John 10:27 (KJV)-“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Are you doing all you can to serve Him daily? Have you expressed Your love in actions towards others?  Have you shared the Word?

“Father, thank You for guiding me since birth, showing me, leading me, and directing me to do Your will, may I continue to listen to Your voice and commandments all the days of my life, I am Yours, and I know You are my LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Time After Time –You Are You~

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I heard an atheist speaking during a live show conference alongside a person of deep faith. The startling contrast in their views, modes of behavior and overall ideology were the veritable antithesis of each other.

Each one spoke about their perspective and most intimate belief systems, and how each one grappled with life, circumstances, and adversity in the highest form culminating into a tragic scenario, and how each one coped in the aftermath. The one of faith eased through the difficulty time, while the atheist had trouble and spiraled into a deep depression.

While I was enthralled with the side-by-side analysis of the minds of both individuals, I found myself way after the show concluded thinking about the “one who was an atheist.”  And I tried to understand how someone can have or hold that belief when there is so many things that can cancel out that “benign” wave pattern or illogical misapprehension.

Now, hang on. I am for “free thinking” and “choice” and that is what this country represents. Freedom!  Freedom to think what they want. Believe what they want. And ascribe to what they want.  And now that being said, I started to think, for me and countless others with great faith, it is incomprehensible to ever deny God or His commandments and His Omnipotent power and control over the entire Universe.

Time after time, He’s there. He’s there is the birth of a newborn. He’s there in the midst of a storm. He’s there in the calm of morning. He’s there in mourning. He’s there in marriage. He’s there in love. He’s there, time after time after time.

  • He’s there in the Word.
  • He is the Word.
  • He’s there in His love.
  • He’s there and here and everywhere.
  • Time after time after time.

The energy they spend on trying to convince others there is no God, seems to me to be a “religion” of sorts. Their own religion of non-belief. But who made them? Oh, the big bang theory?  So, if that were the case, that kind of reproducing would still be happening today each time a person is born. You don’t ‘evolve’ into something else. Nope. It would be a consistent process of birth renewal each time IF that were true.

Nope, instead it is still the same process for bringing a child into the world. A woman conceives when her egg is fertilized by male sperm. After nine months in the woman’s womb, or sooner an infant is born. And so it goes, and so it goes. Until the end of time, such process is reproduced, the same way over and over again. And in that process, He is there, time after time after time.

I know I’ve been redundant here in this post, but I’m passionate about my God and His amazing ways. And again, although every one has a right to their own opinion or belief, or “disbelief” –there are those who still choose God over all else. And find it intensely satisfying and comforting to know that “time after time” He is there!  Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your Presence in my life, time after time, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: PRAISING YOU DAILY!!!!~

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Psalm 107:8-9 (NLT)
 
“Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
 For he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things…”                                                                                               We do not need to look for things that we might praise God for. We can always thank God for His marvelous kindness, His faithfulness, His love, His miracles of mercy, for filling our lives with all that is good.   God is awesome in all He does. He loves us in all we do. And He is with us from our first breath to our last, and then we are home for all eternity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Father, we give you thanks, and Glory, and honor and we thank You for who You are, what You are, and what You’ve done, and continue to do, we just want to give you PRAISE this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: May I Be Childlike In My Faith~

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Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:2-5 (NLT)

 

Jesus is instructing His disciples when He tells them they need to “transform into childlike qualities” or it’d be impossible to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Childlike qualities include humility and a sense of compassion and kindness and openness that are characteristics of a little child. In other words, entering into the Kingdom of the LORD in Heaven won’t be accomplished by defeating all opponents’ and gaining boastful achievements that express a selfish desire to get ahead in a ruthless fashion, or sense.

Instead, we must be humble and walk in compliance and in alignment with His Word and commandments. We must have the “mind” of Christ, and have a heart filled with love of God in all things we endeavor to do in our lives.

Those who enter must be humble in recognizing like little children, we are powerless over the circumstances in our lives. That like little children who are dependent on their parents, we are to understand we are “completely dependent on God” to provide for us and protect us from harm.

Only through this kind of mind-set and actions can we attain the grace from God. And by accepting His Son and following Him in spirit, and belief.

Have you “embraced the inner child” from within to accomplish and attain the goal of His Kingdom?

Are you walking in humility and trust?

Jesus’ words are infallible and His promises are real.

“Father God, thank You for instructing us in preparation for Your Kingdom, may I walk in complete humility and trust, may I hold true to the characteristics of children, and may I embrace You daily, today and always, and know that Your Spirit still guides me every day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD” RSVP – LORD I ACCEPT YOUR INVITATION~

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Devotion - The Faith of a Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28) - Lutheran ...

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43 (NKJV)

 

God wants everyone to partake in the promise of Eternity. He specifically makes reference when He refers to the “Wedding Banquet.” Jesus often taught spiritual truths in the form of parables or stories. Some of the parables were explained by Jesus in the Bible; others were not. One Christ’s parables is the wedding feast found in Matthew 22.  

The groom at the wedding feast is Christ. An invitation is given to those to attend this wedding banquet. And those who attended were in wedding garments and attended gladly. And others ignored the invitation with all kinds of excuses. Those who accepted Christ were in attendance of the wedding banquet. They had on their wedding clothing and were prepared for the marriage.  Those who attended were going to be part of “eternal rewards” and at the Lamb’s table, the feast, the wedding.

Now everyone is surely invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, the bad as well as the good. Sinners are all called to repentance, to salvation, and to eternal life by trusting in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

In this parable, the king finds a man at his feast who is not wearing a wedding garment. The king asked why he wasn’t adorned in wedding attire, the man’s speechless and offers no reason as to why he wasn’t wearing the proper garments. In other words, “he had no excuse.”

Although we are ALL invited, only those who are fully clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith in Jesus will be given entry and allowed into heaven and the marriage supper of the Lamb. Some may try to gain their way into heaven by other means, such as good works, but only the blood of Christ can cover our sines and wash us clean.

Our Father will not accept any excuse for rejecting His Son’s sacrifice. There is no plausible reason or viable excuse for rejecting His Son. Those who refuse to adhere and accept the LORD, as stated will be case into the outer darkness of hell, such as the “speechless” man in the parable.

Do you want to share in Eternal life in Heaven and be seated at the Lamb’s supper? If so, put on your wedding clothes and be ready, Amen!

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

“Father, my LORD, may I always have on my wedding attire as I wait and know Your promises of Eternal Life are forthcoming, until then, I live for You and Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How May I Serve You Today & Always~

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Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you-

1 Samuel 12:24

 

In the still of the morning, what do you hear?

Do you hear the LORD calling and drawing you near?

Do you realize that today, you’ve nothing to fear?

Do you realize He loves You and holds you dear?

I can honestly state that in the morning, I hear Him by the “silence” and peace I feel while eating my breakfast. I know through His Word He draws me near. I do realize that I’ve nothing to fear, and of course I know He holds me dear.

Recognizing the gift of His grace, and His infinite love is part of the “feeling” of knowing all of which I’ve just said above. His Presence is overwhelming, so much so at times I am dumbstruck. To think He loves me so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son, for ME/ US?  That statement and fact is mind boggling and emotionally numbing.

We of faith know what happened. Christ suffered, died, was buried and resurrected. His blood set us free. He redeemed us. And we embrace it, fully and completely. But, when one takes the time to truly digest the concept and reality, the very image and thought leaves me wondering, why?  But then I know, and I’m filled with joy. It’s simply because He loves us so much, and didn’t want to be separated from us, thereby offering us salvation through Him.

So, the question becomes this? How do we serve Him every single day? There is nothing even remotely equated to what He has done for us.  But we can love Him, follow Him, praise Him, and do all we can in the capacity in which we can, and in all that we can every day.

We can get to know Him more and more by reading His Word daily. Reflecting His Word and love in all we do, all we encounter, and all we say. We can honor Him and meditate on His Word and try to emulate Christ in our behavior overall.

And to serve Him with unfailing dedication, platitudes of love and service Him by having a contrite and true heart, all the time, every time, and till the end of time and beyond.

Do you recognize Him? Listen. Look. Watch. He’s right there beside you!

“Father, thank You for Your visual cues, Your Word and Your promises, may I do all that I can to service You, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Your Spirit Rules Flesh ~

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Free faith dove holy spirit illustration

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:9 (KJV)

 

There is a point when no matter how “spiritual” a person is, no matter how they define themselves in terms of Christianity, we might react driven strictly by our flesh, and not in accordance with our spirit. And that my friends, is what being “human” is all about!

Yes, we know the verse walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) – However, sometimes it is exceedingly difficult to push flesh impulses aside. Or to tell our flesh “SHUT-UP!”

Walking in the truth of God’s Word is to do it consciously, if not effortlessly…every single day of our lives here on earth.

Walking in the Spirit is to walk in a “New life in Jesus Christ.”  We turn from our old life. That old life includes bondage to any one person, system, idea or a contraindicative belief of a religious ritual, which is not Christ’ doctrine.

We are saved by Grace. His sacrifice and willingness to be nailed to a cross for our salvation, is a provision that only the Messiah accomplished. For us.

1 Peter 2:24 states, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds, you have been healed. Romans 6:12 Paul tells us do not let sin reign in our mortal body so that you obey it.

Let’s face it. Flesh is annoying and lazy. It serves a purpose while we are here on earth, after all our spirit is encased in it. But when it comes down to Spirit verses the Flesh!  Spirit wins hands down! Amen!

Flesh wants to please itself. It wants to give itself pats on the back. It is greedy, it always wants more than it needs. And it will lead you on the road to temptation over and over.  The Spirit is kind, gentle, filled with wisdom and love. It wants what is best for us. And it is caring and giving.

Being led by the Spirit is to live a life of peace and gratitude. Being led by the flesh, is to live a life of indulgence and decadence. Living in the Spirit is rewarding and satisfying. Living in the flesh, is yearning for more and never being satiated.

Who do you represent? Are you the flesh? Or are you the Spirit?

Realize, we are human, and we all fall short from time to time. But when we do, understand that God forgives, and start all over again.

And when the flesh is getting loud and in your face…let the Spirit take over. When you do, I promise you that the flesh will be silenced immediately!

“Father, may I be led by Your Spirit in all I do, may I recognize the goodness of Your ways, and not be tempted by fleshy things or matters, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”