Category Archives: Devotional

Dear GOD: I Give All To You~

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We can turn to God in prayers for peace whenever overwhelmed by the chaos and difficulty of life. As Philippians 4:6 tells us,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

When we look to God and turn to Him in earnest and seek Him daily in all that we do, we can be assured that we will be able to live life with purpose and meaning. When we acknowledge Him as a constant source and the empirical force in our lives, we are able to navigate life seemingly with an ease that those without God in their lives cannot be capable of doing.  We as followers are given opportunities to delve into His mind by His Word that will enlighten our paths, by giving us the Wisdom we need in order to gain perspective on any of life’s challenging highways along the way.

Finding time to sit and meditate and operate on a godly outlet will enable us to fully engage His positive Light and love that will be a reflection in all we do. It will be a sign to all we encounter in our lives. We will be a representative and a willing servant for the LORD to all around us. We may often hear along the way, “How do you find the answers? How do you stay so calm? How can you be so sure?”  And the response each and every time will be a resounding, “GOD.”

The Bible is a tool for life. It is a guide to understanding life. It is an impactful statement, and it is His love letter to us, His children. Showing all sides of life. The good. The bad. The ugly. The beautiful. The bloody battles. The consummate peace. The light. The dark.  All of it as it was then, and as it is today, a guide for what to do. What to expect if you don’t do it. And what happens when you do according to His will.

Have you read a chapter today? Have you read the Bible at all? Do you know His voice? He is here today as He was then, and always will be. Go to Him, open His book that was written for us, and tell Him how much you love Him.  After all, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to redeem us, isn’t that one of the biggest reasons to open your Bible?  (John 3:16)

“Father, thank You for Your love, Your peace, Your Word, Your will, and Your Presence in my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: THANKS BE TO YOU ALWAYS~

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Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 (NKJV)

Today and everyday, we should give thanks unto the LORD!  For He is worthy to be praised, honored, and adored. For He and He alone is the Master and Creator of the Universe and all souls!

Each day is a new day to love Him, to walk in His righteousness, and accept His unwavering love!

Each moment is another moment to fall in love with Him more and more!

Each time we rise in the morning, give Him thanks!

Pause during the day in the middle of whatever you are doing, and give Him thanks!

Surrender to His love.

Surrender to His ways.

And embrace His Word.

As most Americans celebrate this traditional holiday of “Thanksgiving” please give pause, and enormous praise to the One who makes it all happen!

THANK YOU LORD!!!

“Lord, today and everyday of my life, I lift You up, exalt You name, and give You all honor and glory, today and always, 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: Thank You For My Eternal Rewards~

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psalm-1211_3022_1024x768.jpg – at the foot of mountains

 

Psalm 121 (NKJV)

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?

Truly the only One that can help and make a difference in the outcome, whatever it may be, is the LORD. He is the One that is in ultimate control. He is the One that fully can decide an alternate course of action, irrespective of the one that we think is right. He knows what is best for us, always!

 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He is available 24/7 and is never on vacation. He is there with us through all the good times and bad times. He is unmovable in His strength and determination when it comes to helping His children. He is the One that will “help” and He is the One who remains faithful. He knows what is best for us, always!

 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

He will guide us through rough terrain and will not let us fall or be left clueless. He will not let us falter at the fork in the road. He will prevent us from the fires of hell when we adhere to His Word, and commandments, and accept His Son as our Savior.  He knows what is best for us, always!

 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

He is in full control of all. He is in full control of what will happen, and what He “ALLOWS” to happen. It is in His plan, His Word. He is at the helm, and He is in the driver’s seat. No one else. Just Him. He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

He keeps us safe, and He is our Rock! He is the One that thinks of us as the “Apple of His eye” and won’t have any enemy destroy you. He allows things to transpire, but He can change anything whenever He wants, whenever He wants, and wherever He wants. He knows what is best for us, always!

The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

He watches over us throughout the 24 hours of the day. He guides us in the daylight, and in the nighttime. He doesn’t lapse in His feelings, or His Word. It is solid, strong, and He thwarts our enemy at every turn. He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.

He wraps His arms around us as any loving Father would to His children. He is the Omnipotent and Powerful Being that formed us and created our souls. He defeated death, He is victorious over the grave, He is our Savior. He alone is in charge and owns our souls.  He loves us! He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Finally, as He watches, guides, directs, leads us each day of our lives, every step of the way. So too shall He protect us in the Eternity, forevermore. He is the keeper of our souls! He knows what is best for us, always!

Our rewards are waiting for us in the eternity. Christ our Redeemer promises such joy in Heaven, that anything here on earth cannot even come begin to come close to in comparison. We cannot possibly conceive or grasp what the reality will be when we are called home. Trust Him, knowing we will be called home one day, and He surely will welcome us with open arms. Until then, be comforted knowing that the LORD is with us always, and He will never leave us, nor forsake us. How’s that for an amazing God?

“Father, thank You for Your promises, Your eternal and faithful Word,  and Your love and protection, 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: How Great Thou Art!~

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How Great Thou Art - Hope Publishing Company

Psalms 86:10 KJV: For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

You and You alone are my greatest and most influential Being in my life! I love You LORD!

Psalms 92:5-8 KJV: O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.

You and Your works, Your hands of grace that touch my face, and lighten my burdens, and hold me up. You and You alone! I love you LORD!

2 Samuel 7:22 ESV: Therefore you are great, O Lord God.

You are great in all things. You and Your will is the front and center of all my existence. It is because of You that I even right now exist!  I love You LORD!

1 Chronicles 17:20 KJV: O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

You are my amazing Great God. Through You all things are possible. Even in the darkest hours, and the most treacherous of times You extend Your hands to Your children.  I LOVE YOU LORD!

Just wanted to give you all glory and honor and exalt You!

“Dear Father, thank You for Your love, and for being You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Dinner Theatre: How Great Thou Art

 

How Great Thou Art / Oh The Glory Of His Presence | Jesus Image – YouTube

How Great Thou Art – YouTube

How Great Thou Art ” is a Christian hymn based on a Swedish traditional melody and a poem written by Carl Boberg (1859–1940) in Mönsterås, Sweden, in 1885.
All songs are  copyrighted (C) by said performers on You Tube, this site has no claim or rights to said videos, other than to “share” them with others for benefits of entertainment.

 

 

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: You Are The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me~

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The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I was taking a reflective journey yesterday, or more commonly known as a “life review” in some circles.  I evaluated circumstances, issues of both good and bad, and although some instances made me grimace with pain upon the introspective thoughts, they all had one common denominator, “God was there every single step of the way.” Amen!

He was with me during tough times, good times. Easy times, difficult times. Happy times, sad times. And during my self-isolation periods of “youth” when I was being bullied over and over again. My LORD is the One who gave me the strength to carry out His plans and purpose for my life. He is the One who instilled the very nature and character and depth of my personality that led to my calling.

It is He who held my hand during my first loss of a family member, my grandfather when I was a teenager. My beloved “Papa” who lived with us in our house since I was a baby. I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but I did. Along with my parents who guided me from my first breath, and siblings. However the main source of “strength” was from the LORD. Only He generated the substance in which I could go on. It was traumatic for me as a youth, this was the first time I faced death. It became peaceful in the end. As I knew where Papa was, in Heaven. And that right there was the quintessential reason of comfort, my faith in God. He was with me, holding me and guiding me every single step of the way.

Proverbs 16:9: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”

This verse is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding us through life’s journey. Even when we stumble, He is there to help us get back on our feet. He never leaves us and is with us always, just as Jesus’ promised in Matthew 28:20. 

When we ascribe to the commandments and trust in the LORD, we are filled with confidence that we can do it through Christ. We are strong through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

The LORD is the most important aspect of my life. Because without Him, I basically would have “no life.”  It is His light, and His guidance, and His love is why I breathe, why I can be who I am. Only because of Him.

Have you ever “reflected” upon your life?  If so, can you see how the LORD was with you in both good times and bad? Especially in bad times, lifting you and bringing you through it?

“Father, thank You for all You’ve been and continue to be in my life, from day one of bringing me into the world, and this very moment, I live because of You, and I love because of You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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” 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.”