Category Archives: Christ

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: Help Me Help Those Who Are Broken~

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7 Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

What do you do when a 97-year-old is crying that she lost her husband? How do you comfort a woman who has been married to this man who died, since she was 18 years old? How do you deal with that as a Christian while being compassionate and supportive of her needs and feelings? How can I encourage her in validating her pain, while knowing how blessed they were to have had such a long fruitful and happy life that produced, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren? How do I shield her from the “well meaning” though clueless ones who offer words like “why are you crying, he lived a long time” while she sobs out of control?

What immediately comes to my mind is Galatians 5:22–I willingly began listening to her, exhibited patience, supported her by being kind and showing her love, and offering comforting Words of the LORD, in Matthew 28:20, “…lo I am with you always, even until the end of the Age.”

Galatians5:22 –But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

I offered these words of comfort to my aunt, “It’s okay to cry and wish he were still here. You are not being unfaithful to the LORD because you wished you had more time. You know you were blessed, but it doesn’t matter to you at this very moment, because all you are thinking about is you love him, miss him, and want even another hour with him. It’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to miss him. And people with their comments are just well-meaning wishers that don’t know what else to say…”

And that is true for anyone today reading this and mourning the loss of someone you love. Feeling as if you have been gutted like a fish on a plate and feeling as if a huge part of you died along with your loved one. Because in fact you have.  Being Christian doesn’t mean “we don’t have feelings” It means we believe and know where our loved ones are, where we are going when we die, but we still feel, and love them, and want them here with us!

This especially to those who lose people in the late years, where most are apt to say, “well he/she lived a long life” —the people who lose them already know this. What they need, is an arm around them as they sob. A tender ear and loving touch as they mourn the loss of their loved one. They need to know God is with them, and holding them up, and will get them through it. They shouldn’t feel guilty about missing them or wanting them with them.

Missing someone and wishing they hadn’t left doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, or don’t believe in the LORD’s promises…it means that you have a heart and soul, the way God created you.

“Father, may all those that are actively mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter the age or circumstance, be comforted by Your Words and love, and Your promises, may they be filled with Your peace and wisdom, and the assurance that they will see their loved ones again one day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Stay Focused In A World Of Evil?

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Pin on Bible Verses

 

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:11 (KJV)

 

In the world of social media platforms there is a constant rush of images coming at us from all over the world that can flood our minds and hearts with sorrow that can become overwhelming.  Evil is circling around the globe in a fast paced whirlwind that appears to be non-stop.  Deaths, wars, conflicts, political discord, families pulling away from each other due to disagreements, etc., etc., etc.  How do we stop the evil and chaotic noise of the world from invading our mind, body and soul?  What to guess the answer?  One powerful word, GOD!!! Amen!

How do we do this?

By going to Him for His Word.

By listening to His Word.

By being familiar with His Word.

By adhering to His Word.

By loving Him fully and completely with all of your heart and soul and mind.

As Christians it’s vitally important to remember that the enemy seeks “to kill, to steal, and to destroy” us (John 10:10). Most people when reading this verse will think of drastic measures and images conjure up their minds of really horrific incidents. And that can very well happen, but most times the Enemy will do it in subtle ways. All he has to do is distract us hoping to disconnect us from our Loving Creator and our Mighty God.

We need to pay attention to what we are saying, doing, and seeing in our lives. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 –Christians are called to “not be conformed to this age/world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.” As Christians we have to make absolutely sure we are spending sufficient and valuable time in God’s Word, and in meditating on the Word. Rather than listening to the “shrill ugliness of the world.” Which is to say the devil.

In order to accomplish the renewing of our minds, we have to sincerely and diligently evaluate what we are filling our heads within order to protect our hearts. And our very soul.  As you will recall in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard our hearts above all else for it is the source of life.”

Take time away from the clash and noise of social media. Turn off your computers, phones, and clear your mind from the “filthiness” of the world in order to “cleanse” your mind. Set your sights and vision on the Kingdom of God, and immerse yourself in the Word.

Praying, meditating, reflecting, going to the Father to pray in private, and giving Him our undivided attention and love and His gospel is the weapons of our defense in the world of today. (Ephesians 6)

Go to Him for everything. Seek Him for everything. Listen to His Word. And seek Him daily in prayer and meditation. And love Him exclusively with all of your heart and soul, putting him first in all things, every day. When you do all of these things we will be able to “squash the noise” which is to say the devil. And we will be able to harness a power in the name of Jesus Christ which will give us the strength to endure, forge on, and be courageous in His name!

That is how you exist in the world of today!  Can I get an Amen!?

“Father God, thank You for loving me and protecting me in Your wings of safety, for Your promises and for Your wisdom and discerning spirit, may I follow You all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

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Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

When I meditate on the Apostle Paul’s words, I sense the joy of a “free man, a joyful man. He is saying things he once treasured became his garbage. Old things of insignificance that once had his all-consuming attention, no longer interested Paul.  Spending more time with Jesus was worth all the currency in the world, Jesus was his treasure, nothing else.

Likewise, it is with those of faith. We have found a veritable treasure in Christ, and it is invaluable, nothing surpasses the love of Christ. There is joy in knowing He loves us. There is peace in knowing He is with us always. There is happiness knowing He redeemed us with His blood. There is a comfortable assurance knowing He saved us from sin, and our salvation is promised. And we know complete joy as we enter Eternity.

Jesus is our Treasure. Not only our treasure but the One Superior Omnipotent King of kings and LORD of lords that will never leave us. This reality of Christianity is beyond our comprehension, and He is worthy of our love, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your promises and joy of loving You, You are my Treasure, and my reason for living, thank You for all the days of my life and for the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Teach Me & Guide Me~

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Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

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LORD my King, I beseech Thee,
Guide, lead and direct me.

LORD, my King, I implore Thee,
Mold, purify and help me.

LORD, my King, my everything,
Keep me safe from Satan’s sting.

LORD, my King, my true love,
My eyes always look to You high above.

LORD, my King, I adore,
I want to be in Your courts forevermore.

LORD, my King, I await on you all day,
I pay attention and listen to what you say.

LORD, my King, I want to walk on Your path,
I love You, and hope I never see Your wrath.

LORD, my King, to you I sing a song praise,
Forever more my hands to You I raise.

Amen!

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“Father may I always look to You in all I do, say, and act upon, may I always seek Your face, and walk Your paths, I love You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I’M LISTENING~

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How to hear God’s voice……… - Shash Grewal

John 10:27-28 (KJV)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

 

Do you hear His voice?  When you are alone, or in the middle of a valley, do you hear His loving voice? Do you recognize Him? And if so, do you follow Him?

Jesus is giving us a directive in this verse, He is stating with certainty that those who hear Him, are His sheep. Those who follow Him, shall have eternal life, and they shall never perish. He promises that nothing can pluck us away from Him or His hands.

That statement from Jesus our LORD and Savior brings an emergence of comfort to those who believe and follow Him. Joy fills the souls of those who know the truth and it has set them free. Free from the crippling effects of troublesome emotions such as anxiety, fear, worry…when we have God in our corner, we are under the “Helmet of protection” from Christ and the Almighty Father.”

There are certain advantages to being a faithful follower, such as living a life filled with “blessings” and love from above. One that is according to God’s will and purpose for our lives, and His plan is always the best one for us. Even when we can’t see the immediate results. The long-term plan of the LORD is always the best plan.

Do you hear His voice?

Listen, He’s calling…

“Father, thank You for calling me and for providing me with Your love and provisions that are never ending, may I do all according to Your plan, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Rose Of Sharon~

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Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and When to Prune | HGTV

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;

 

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice; Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

Isaiah 35:1-2 (NKJV)

 

The Rose of Sharon has been associated through the generations with the Glory of God. It is a sort of representation of His amazing Omnipotence and divinity. And of course, with His love which is unparalleled, and His grace that brings us through adversity and trials with ease.

It represents a blossom of reality that God’s light shines through even in the darkest of moments or circumstances.

You will recall in the Old Testament, flower references like roses and lilies, when speaking to God’s providence and provisions, is as He cares for His people. Isaiah 35:1-3 solidifies and is an affirmation that “the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” What does this verse then mean? It is an ultimate testimony of God”s ability to bring us hope even in the most desolate of places.

The Rose of Sharon should still hold deep meaning for those of faith to this very day, and it should prompt us to realize that it is a constant reminder of God’s love, the beauty of His creation, and the everlasting trust and hope in our LORD, Jesus Christ.

It would serve us well to remember this when we are facing challenges in life, knowing that Christ through our faith can and will bloom like a radiant flower in a barren land. Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your reminders of Your love, and Your grace in the beauty of the Rose, and all creation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: My Life Here Renewed Daily By You There~

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1 John 5:13: 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.

I have always known the existence of God, since a little child. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian environment, with church going parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In fact, Sunday was a fine time to worship, meet and greet…and have others over for family dinners. It was special from sunrise to sunset. The foundation for my life was built upon the Rock, with my parents setting a fine example.

Today, as a senior citizen I look back and realize that God has ALWAYS been with me, through thick and thin. Through rough times and good times. And all the in between times.

As Christians we recognize God’s Word and surrender to His commandments and try to stay within the parameters of His Wishes. Being human, we sometimes fall short, and of course we repent and with contrite hearts we are forgiven.

We learn things from our falls, and we gain insight and wisdom because of them. I think that’s what defines humanity. Our ability to gain strength and depth with each transgression or tribulation.

I don’t know about anyone else, but being Bible savvy doesn’t mean I don’t learn something new each time I pick it up and read. There is a new thought or understanding and room for growth every time.

Living is living while here on earth, but when we are called home, that will be ETERNAL LIFE and all the rewards that come from that. I live daily because of Him living “there.”  And one day, I look forward to my future eternal home.

Until such time, I live for Him and Him alone.

“Father, God, thank You for the Word and Your guidance yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life here on earth, I embrace You and Your promises of the rewards to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Breath of Spirit~

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 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)

 

Jesus tells us in John 10:10—”The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

As Christians, we need to latch onto His words, and the true meaning of His statement. He wants to give us peace and joy, that extends from His promise and experience it fully.

Most Christians understand the concept on “paper” but in reality, don’t live or accept readily the promises of Christ.  When we attach and align ourselves with Christ—comfort, peace, security and joy will most assuredly overflow.

When the Holy Spirit—also known as the Spirit of Christ—came to live with us, He was offering us His continual presence and salvation.  The Spirit comes to manifest the presence of Christ, if we accept Him.  We develop a relationship with Him that grows in depth on every level and every aspect concerning our lives.

When we let Jesus work through us let Him in and become dependent on Him, we will begin to live a purposeful life according to His will. His works will begin to assimilate into our daily life, and the temporal findings of routines become visual tangible promises of our ultimate goal, His kingdom, and eternity.

The more pronounced our belief and submission to Christ, the more likely we are to understand the concept and apply it into practice by being “pro-active” Christians.

In other words, embrace Him, trust Him, develop a relationship with Him, and watch how Your life will change for the better. This is an undeniable promise of His truth and love.

 

“Lord Help your children embrace the Spirit within and go forth for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: What Season is This?~

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So, retirement and now what? 

According to Ecclesiastes there is a season, time and purpose for all things under heaven, while here on earth.  But sometimes, do you think, “Now what? I’ve accomplished many things; I’m getting on in years. What can possibly be next except old age and nearing death, and creaky knees, aching back, and doctors telling you, “Well— it’s natural at your age for A B C D E F G …so on and so forth!”

STOP! The worst thing you can do is sit and ponder, “what next?”  Because we know as Christians that as long as we have breath, and as long as we are here on earth, God still has plans for us!  Yes, even at “old age.”

Think about all the people who did things in their 80’s, 90’s and so on and so forth. Heck, look at Abraham!  He was 100 years old when Isaac was born to him!

Genesis 12 begins the story of Abraham (then called Abram) and his barren wife Sarah. Abraham was 75 years old when the LORD first gave Him the promise that he would father a son. Sarah was 65.  They had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise!

Abraham is called the father of faith (Romans 4:11–12) because of his response to God both in leaving his homeland and receiving a son in his old age.

 Genesis 15:4–5 again describes God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be as “the sands of the sea.” Even though Abraham was old and had no sons, he never doubted that God would do as He promised. He did not understand how such a thing could be possible, but he humbly accepted God’s word as truth.

Jesus’ mother, Mary kind of had a similar response when Gabriel visited and told her she’d be the mother of the Messiah  (Luke 1:26–38).

She didn’t c0mprehend how such a thing could be possible, since she was a virgin. But she readily accepted and never doubted God would do as He had said. This is the kind of response and the kind of deep unwavering faith that please our LORD. (Hebrews 11:6).

My point? No matter how young (David was young boy when he killed Goliath with a smooth stone! — 1 Samuel 17) or old—God has plans for us.

“Listen, observe, trust and do according to His will.

Answer the “call” when you hear Him. Readily accept and go with “Here I am LORD, use me.”

When you have that kind of attitude and are ready for His purpose, you won’t be sitting around saying, “what next?”

Are you ready to be used by the LORD not matter your age? Have you accepted assignments from Him in the past? Do you realize that as long as you are here there is still things to be done?

“Father, here I am! I love You and may Your will always be done, in Jesus name. Amen.”