psalms

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: 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: Your Word Refreshes My Soul~

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Restores my soul through truth and action! – Robertson-Wesley United Church

 

The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7 (NASB)

 

The Word of God refreshes us inside and out. It transforms us to a higher realm and state of inexplicable rewards. And the law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing our soul, and igniting a fire of love, and wisdom, set forth by our relationship with Him.

The Psalmists soul refreshment was the Word of God.

Jesus Himself made the Word of God an important priority in His earthly life and ministry. Jesus had to go off alone many a time to pray, and connect with His Father, and He needed to refresh, revive and be in perfect accord with the Word and His Father, our God.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  Mark 1:35 (NLT)

If Jesus had to do this, of course so should we all. Connecting with God on a daily basis, whether it’s once, twice, or however many times we need to in a given day, is vastly important for ones’ soul and affirmation and transformation. Your mind if it is upon the LORD will open all avenues for you to explore in His name and will.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

Being with God, asking for guidance, help, or just speaking with Him are all forms of communication with Him. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “prayer that someone else wrote.” And it shouldn’t be a “formality” it should come from the heart. It can be spontaneous. It can be planned. It can be an ongoing song from within your heart to the Father. But the important thing here is, that “connection” to Him, His Word, and His love. Also, His will for our lives. And we can go to Him freely and openly and boldly.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (CEB)

When we’re rooted in His Word, we gain entry to a whole new prospective in our lives. We become engaged in a daily practice of a meaningful way of living. While we are here in our flesh bodies, and on earth in our “temporary” homes, we have a mission and job to do. We all have a certain role to play in the harmony of the “body of Christ” in every facet of our being.

We can gainfully explore all avenues pertaining to His Word, in our actions, and our thoughts, and our souls. Being connected to the LORD is like an effervescent shower of peace. Because no matter what is happening in our lives, around us, or in the world, we have the “key” to gain access into a realm of tranquility and strength, through Christ Himself.

Have you sought the LORD and asked for His help today? Have you thanked Him for your blessings? Have you expressed your love for Him?

He is available from sunup to sundown, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Now this is the question I ask— within all those minutes, hours, days, months, and years…how much of it do you spend with Him?

“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your Word, for refreshing my soul, for revitalizing my Spirit and keeping me filled with Your peace, I thank You, I love You, and I need You, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Find Favor In Your Eyes?~

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10 Signs of God's Favor in Your Life - YouTube

Psalm 106:4- Remember me, O Lord, in Your favor toward Your people; Visit me with Your salvation,

 

How do we go about finding favor in God’s eyes? How do we seek the ability to navigate through the treacherous waters of life by His favor and grace?

There are so many verses in the Bible to guide us and bring us insight on the ways we can promulgate such favor.  But within these verses are His promises which are faithful and true.

  • Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”  This particular verse comes from the earnest cry of the Psalmists, asking for God’s favor in all things, and for strength through their hands to accomplish such deeds. It is a prayer for help, guidance and the fortitude to take care of business, through His grace and favor.
  • Psalms 5:12: “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Here there is a tone of certainty and assurance that God will bless those who follow Him and are obedient to Him and His Word. There is an air of peace surrounding the Psalmist (David) because he is stating that the LORD will and has found favor in King David, and He will provide His love as a shield for him.
  • Psalms 84:11: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Again, the confidence and prayerful voice stating with an abundance of confidence that, God will provide to those who are His. And that there isn’t anything that He wouldn’t do for those who accept Him and love Him. He is a shield, and we will be impregnable to our enemies, and the dark ones.

Proverbs 12:2
The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. 

God will be all things to those who have a heart for Him, and follow Him in Word, action, and deed. He will grant them favor and provisions that we wouldn’t have otherwise. And at the same time, He will mightily condemn a person who brings about evil and immorality to others, and in others.

Loving God is simple. Honor Him. Worship Him. Read His Word. And do all things according to His will and purpose in your life. When you do all these, and love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul, you are on the path of righteousness in His eyes and will ultimately find favor in His eyes.

Have you found favor with God today?

“Father God, may I find favor in Your eyes in all I do each day of my life, may I be granted Your Peace and Guidance in all I endeavor in Your precious Son’s name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You for Your Generosity~

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For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will set me high on a rock. 

Psalm 27:7

The generosity of the LORD is unmeasured, and nothing can compare to His Holy and pure Spirit in all things exemplified by His Presence.

I remember one time, about oh…40 years ago or so. Ron and I were going through some financial hardships.  We did the best we could to scrap by (as most people probably have) and we were living paycheck to paycheck.  At this point in time, we had an unexpected expense that would cost $750.00. We were baffled and tried to figure things out. Then something came to me. What about all of my broken earrings that are completely useless?  And several earrings I had lost leaving only one behind!  I brought them to a place that took old broken items of gold. And the owner was a Christian by the way…melted them all down. And guess what the amount came to?Come on, say it with me. Guess how much?

You got it, $750.00 on the nose!  Amen!

God will supply all of our needs. You just have to believe and keep the faith. He delivers on all of His promises. He never will let you down in the process. Nor will He desert you in the interim. Amen!

Well. After we paid off that unexpected expense. We donated and gave to local charity.  When we did someone stopped us and said, “you just won a TV!”  Our TV had stopped working, and we no longer owned one. Not that TV was a big part of our lives then or now. It’s just we didn’t have one any longer. Yet here was GOD again.  The prize was from a raffle to raise money for missionary workers.  We had forgotten all about it.  Well, the money was raised for the seven missionary Doctors, and then some. And we won a TV in the process!  How amazing is God?  How generous is He? Amen!

Can you think of a time when God offered you help in a situation, and generously answered your prayers? How did you react? Have you shared it with anyone along the way, giving Him glory and praise?

We cannot outgive God!  He will open the windows and flood you with a surplus, when You surrender, obey and have faith in Him and His ways, God will react in kind.

There are so many other stories I can share with you about How good God is.  It would take an entire lifetime to do so. I can’t remember a single time where I haven’t felt God’s Presence and goodness.

He is a kaleidoscope of lights, shapes, sounds, all pleasant and definitely good!

  • With God is our corner, how can we lose?
  • With the LORD near us, of whom shall we be afraid?
  • God is everywhere. And everywhere is God.
  • The smallest crevice of existence…to the most magnificent in life.

Generosity is an extension of who He is. One side of a multi-faceted God who stands on all He says. And does all He promises.

Hold on to Him. Embrace Him. Because God is our lifeboat and our breath of support throughout our existence here on earth and beyond.

Can we all agree to agree about God and His undefiled and pristine Spirit and character? Amen!

“Father, Thank You for Your generous acts throughout my life, and for all of the mercy You have continuously shown to me, which essentially is Your love, and support, may I be ever mindful of Your heart and be thankful all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: You Bring Me Comfort and Joy~

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Psalm 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Believing and living for Christ and embracing His Spirit, there is pleasures and promises that are assured and renewed by His breath of life that lives within and dwells within.

Being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit is akin to being connected to a reservoir. The Spirit refreshes and the harmony of His Presence flows in symmetry according to all things for His purpose and will.

When filled with His Spirit your countenance becomes enshrouded in peace, and when you trust Him fully, there is a directness and openness that counteracts any aversive circumstance you encounter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

When we are willing participants in His doctrine and commandments, and we surrender to all that He is—We can not only survive but get through any scenario or circumstance we run into.

When we pray to Him and give ourselves fully to Him, we don’t have to worry about anything. His peace will fill us completely. His protection covers us.

“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.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Our lives are not just about the tangibles, but about the intangibles. It’s about believing in things that are not seen. It’s not about ‘what will I eat, drink or do? ‘ It’s about seeking the Kingdom of God in all we do.  It’s about gaining knowledge and wisdom in His Word and love. It’s about letting the Spirit rule.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17

It’s about giving Him glory, honor and respect. It’s about knowing that He is the reason we are, and the reason we live. It’s about feeling His love and responding to it by loving Him back unconditionally.

We can never fully comprehend the extent and capacity and depth of His love for us, but we can willingly hold onto Him and love Him for all we are and do.

When we aspire to be all we can be for Him, we will purpose our lives by being in alignment with His Word all the days of our lives. And when we come into His Holy Presence when we are called home and live in Eternal joy we will have attained and retain all the rewards in which He alone can give and will employ.

“Father, thank You for filling me with Joy, and the love of Your peace, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Can Your Children Work Through Troubles?~

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Here's How Prayer Can Improve Your Day and Your Life - Mom always knows

 

Psalms 34:17-18 – The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

There are times when we as faithful followers will face issues that are difficult and troublesome. This is when our Christianity should “kick into high gear” even more. This is when we surrender more so to the LORD and know that He is in full control of our circumstances and situations.

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord never said that we would NEVER face adversity in all forms, but He does promise that we will have “peace” through Him. Christ came to give us many things, and His peace is one we can embrace and feel secure about. And knowing He told us, “…Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” is a verse we should embrace in our hearts on a daily basis.

Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

No matter what issues, troubles, circumstances we are facing it is nothing compared to what will emerge from within us when we go to our eternal home. It will be beyond what our human minds can comprehend at this particular moment in time. However, it is a promise that will be fulfilled in the future. That in itself is a verse that should resonate within us all. And while we’re going through our tribulations, God is with us and will never leave us. (Matthew 28:20)

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

There truly isn’t anything we can’t do with Christ. His Presence provides the guidance and sustenance to lift us and spur us on to do what needs to do. His Spirit, along with His promises to strengthen us will give us the endurance to see it all through. No mountain is too high for the LORD, no ocean is too wide for the LORD. In essence and therefore “the same is true for us” when we have Christ in us.

Matthew 19:26 – But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

When anyone tells you “No” in terms of anything…be it a goal, whether it be financial, physical, a disease, a destination…remember it is God who has the last Word. And it is HIM and HIM alone that will provide and override and veto anything “mortals” has to say!

Rejoice and know God is with us. God loves us. And God wants us to thrive while we are here on earth, and then into Eternity. Each adversity we undergo is in fact another reason to “rejoice” because of His promises to help us, lead us, guide us, and never leave us.

Remember and never forget–“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”-     Psalm 46:1

Why Is Your Character’s Emotional Wound So Important? - WRITERS HELPING ...

 

 

“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your strength, and giving me the endurance to undergo and oversee all matters of adversity and tribulations in and around my life, may I always embrace Your promises, and Your Spirit in all I do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Is One Thousand Years Truly One Day with You?~

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Pin on Numbers...1 to 1000

2 Peter 3:8 – But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

 

I overheard a man recently telling another man in the parking lot, “boy, when I’m around my wife’s family, a couple of hours feels like one thousand years!”  To which the other man roared with laughter and replied, “I have to remember that- that’s great!”

Somewhat bemused at the exchange, I thought immediately about 2 Peter 3:8, and realized that is kind of on topic for that verse. Well, sort of…

What I personally take away from this particular passage is that “God’s timing” is not ours. I take this verse to mean that God is not bound by time as humans are. Because what might seem like an extremely long tedious time to us, in actuality is but a moment to God.

I have often heard this verse used to encourage and uplift others to trust in God’s perfect timing, and not to give any thought or worry about time itself. That is to say, how long things take in this lifetime of which is paradoxically, fleeting.

For sure it’s entirely different when we get to our permanent home. Things won’t be the same as they are while we are in our flesh bodies, or so it is told throughout God’s Word. And of course, when we subscribe and surrender to His will, and His purpose, and trust in Him…we know that what we read is inspired by Him, through His prophets, and so…Heaven is real, and not as it is here on earth.

Of course, this verse is part of a larger passage pertaining to the coming day of our LORD, when the world will be judged and renewed.  God is merciful and fulfills His promises and wants everyone to repent and to spend eternity with Him. His timing, not ours. His will, not ours. His purpose, not ours. His, and His alone.

I have to tell you, if I’m being honest…there are some individuals I know who can spin a story that never ends, and it truly can seem like a thousand years!  I smile to myself and say, now in the eternity with the LORD, this story would elapse quickly!  LOL!

Trust that He is everywhere at all times, and the next time you are with someone who is going on and on, and time is dragging. Remember Christ dwells within us, and His Presence is with you everywhere. Try to concentrate on that aspect then perhaps the time will go a “little faster!”

“Father, I embrace You always and realize that my time is not as Yours, and my timing is not as Your timing, which is perfect, I thank You for Your promises, and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. ~ Proverbs 15:3

 

 

DEAR GOD: Is My Heart Showing Outwardly & Inwardly?

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Praying in Secret – christianityworks

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 

Psalm 101:2 

 

Psalm 101:2 brings to mind the Sadducees and the Pharisees who wore the long robes, openly prayed and attended Synagogue. They did what was right in “clear sight” of all who would see. Standing on street corners, praying loudly for all to see. And yet these same individuals who called themselves “holy men” of God were considered “hypocrites” by Jesus’ own words.

They didn’t have clean thoughts in their hearts towards Jesus, they were harboring evil thoughts, and plotting to be rid of Jesus.  But to look at the so called “holy men” with their tallits and kipahs in full view, you’d never suspect they plotted and schemed in the privacy of their own homes. They waited while observing Jesus. They were trying to trick Him at every turn. But our beloved Savior knew their games and knew their hearts.

So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him -Mark 3:2

He saw everything they did “in secret” as did His Father…our amazing Sovereign God.  God sees all. He’s a cardio knower. He reads our hearts, knows our minds. Accepts and loves us with all of His heart. He hates “sin” but, He doesn’t hate the person. So, nothing can be in secret. He sees it.

Jesus is grieved by an unrepentant heart.  He can get angry (as in His Father’s house when they were selling mite infested doves, and bargaining. He called them out in a powerful way. Overturning their tables, and with a knotted whip) and he can become grieved. So too His/our Father.

And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts -Mark 3:5

So, when we’re in our homes safely tucked away from the world, do we still behave in a “godly manner?” It’s one thing to behave in a godly way in public, when so many eyes are watching. It’s quite another thing entirely to reflect His goodness and righteous behavior when we are alone with our thoughts, and equally important to have a contrite heart. God definitely calls us to both.

Our Father loves us and calls us to certain standards and practices in His name. He wants every part of us–body and soul, and spirit–to grow close to Him. He wants those that will gladly and freely give everything to Him. Surrendering to Him at His will and joined and grafted in His love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! -Psalm 103:1

He wants us to love Him. He wants our love. He knows our weaknesses, and of our ignorance in certain areas. He doesn’t require anything more than which we can handle.   When you seek His face and His strength, things will come back to you. He will bless you accordingly, in abundance. We cannot outgive God. God’s word is pregnant…it grows and grows. The more we seek, the more we see and know.

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!  -Psalm 105:4

When we do our good deeds, we don’t need to announce them to the world, or blow a trumpet saying, “look at me” – God sees and will reward us openly. He keeps a careful tally of our actions, both public and private. Our actions should be with a contrite and loving heart, and with a complete obedience to the Father. And this is something that should be done both in and out of our homes.

And your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly- Matthew 6:4

Trust in God and know that His will and His intent toward us are always in our best interest. He set up this world so that a real element of faith is always required in order to connect with Him. Never doubt His love or His ability to sustain us in all things.

When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted -Matthew 28:17

When we live a life of purpose according to His will, we will be better for it.  When we consult Him in prayer for decisions, or for an upcoming event, the outcome will be blessed. When we observe His laws, and His doctrine both inside and outside our homes, we will thrive.

Our job is to work inside and outside our homes in accordance with His gospel. To be a faithful messenger to others, in His glorious name.    Is the LORD pleased with your acts in and out of your home?

 

“LORD, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, and may I do all things that align with Your Word, and may all I do openly be in perfect harmony with all I do while at home alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”