Category Archives: Devotional

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.”

DEAR GOD: My Productivity Overflows With You~

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Colossians 3:23 –

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

 

To those reading this post, have you ever taken the time to reflect on just how much you can accomplish when you do it all for and onto the LORD?

I, for one can state unequivocally, and with all my heart, that I have found that to be true, consistently. It is a pattern that presents itself repeatedly throughout all my years thus far, and I suspect it will do so until I am called home.

Doing things for the LORD, brings about a certain “zest” almost an “effervescence” of spirit when the task/job is done with the LORD in mind.

His Presence is with us, and dwells within us at all times. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Honoring Him, by being the best we can and realizing that our job is vitally important, is in fact a way of growing deeper, and further into the roots of our Christianity.

Being a part of His army as a soldier, we march to His orders, and surrender to God and God alone. He is the single most important factor of our lives, He is our Five Star General, and we owe Him our full service no one else but Him. After all, as it states in 2 Timothy 2:4 – “No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.”

And He is the One, that will protect and provide to all of our needs, all the days we are here on earth. From birth to death, and all the in-betweens, He is with us.  As promised and stated in Isaiah 46:4 “even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”

Do all things for Him, and through Him, by honoring Him with the best of your best and all the rest will smoothly fall into place.

Have you acknowledged Him today?

Do you know He is right there with you?

“Father God, may I do the best I can for You and through You, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Praise You and Choose You~

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“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

This verse encourages those of faith and followers that believe to pursue spiritual growth and transformation by aligning with God’s will. It is a course of action that we choose to partake in. It is a reality in which we live, and it is an assurance of comfort and dependability knowing there is a God.

Aligning with God’s word is fundamentally akin to building a house on the Rock, the foundation is sure and sturdy. No chance of it caving in or sending us toppling to the ground.

When we are with God in all we do, the mission is obvious and the rewards unmeasurable. The heaven’s rain down blessings when we become in-sync with God and His Word. We are able to think clearly, react appropriately and have an easier way of communicating with all that we encounter.

There are consequences to our behavior and actions. In psychology it was termed A-B-C.   Action = Behavior = Consequences. And so too for our choices in terms of our Christianity. Either rewards will be forthcoming, or not.

Choosing the world or God should be easy, a no-brainer as it’s said.

“Father, I pray for those in the darkness for them to see the light and to follow Your Word, and for their choice to be You and only You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I’m Hoping to Please You in All Things~

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Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

The clearer way perhaps to interpret this passage might be best rendered this way, “The LORD Jehovah helps me, and I’m not ashamed. And because I’m not ashamed and because of the LORD’s help, I am determined to endeavor all that is before me in God’s name and Spirit.

We are all servants of the LORD. We sometimes might have issues, but as servants we may face inflexible circumstances, but it’s the LORD who can resolve these things, if we surrender and acquiesce to His will and ways.

A situation can quickly get out of control and snowball into a huge confrontation if not handled correctly. There needs to be a tone of confidence, sprinkled with a measure of docility, and a patient endurance.

There is a combination of being two things. As Jesus said, in Matthew 10:16 –“be wise as the serpent, but gentle as a dove.”  What a striking contrast between those two images. One is a side winder in all aspects of “charm and ambiguity” – while the other is clearly apparent, soft and gentle in approach and character.

One can be a mixture of a warrior and saint. It takes the right amount of each to make it a successful recipe overall. One is easy, the other is rough.  Submit to God in all resistance in the face of hostile individuals.

The unique camaraderie Christians share is the way we are called to be “over comers” in all our paths. We are called to a realm of reality in perfect union with Christ. We are followers and subscribe to His Word and ways.

When we align to His Will and not our own, trust in Him fully, acknowledge Him and love Him and turn from evil, we will experience health and peace deep within our very souls (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are here for a moment in time but we can do all that is expected of us during this precious period of being on earth. We can acquire so many accomplishments in our flesh bodies.  We have jobs to do. All varied, all of equal importance, and all according to Him and His ways.

When we do things, we need to realize that God sees all.

God knows all.

And most important part of this equation, God loves us.

When we go with an attitude of “hoping to please God” you know what happens? We probably are doing just that.

“Father God, may I always acknowledge You, trust You, and follow the path in which You guide me, in Jesus’ 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: 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: 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: 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.”