Category Archives: Devotional

DEAR GOD: Humility vs Pride~

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Proverbs 29:23 –

A man’s pride shall bring him low:

but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

 

 

 

Pride can be defined as  an inversion of power and authority.

It can be explained  as a taking it upon ourselves to do things on our own.

It’s one of the weaknesses that the enemy will tempt you with.

It’s classic in how Satan tries to get you to come over to his views and ways.  He knows what makes us feel good, and knows all about us, and tries to steer us in his direction.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the world — which is the pride of life.

The root cause of most every sin starts off with “pride”

It is pride that stops many people from ceasing or calling upon the LORD.

 

When we really know God, and His word, the more we will not be fooled, and not be led astray. The more we reflect and meditate on His word, the more humble we will become, and the more filled with the Spirit of the LORD.

Pride destroys us and is a showy practice that makes us feel good.

It is a detracting agent. It is a solvent which will break us.

We must be careful and listen to the LORD.  Listen to the Word, and be careful that our choices and paths are not born from pride.

 

God’s voice is gentle and kind.

His voice is sure and compassionate.

God’s ways are filled with peace.

God transforms from the inside out.

God comes into our heart and changes us, when we surrender to Him, and humble ourselves.

 

The enemy changes and tempts from the “outside” and brings senses of all things alluring to us.

Tempting us as He did Christ in the desert.

Showing things from the outside, never from the inside out.

 

God is the strength in which we can turn to for all things.

He is the way, the life and the truth.

He is our all for all.

 

Go to God for all things.

Rest in Him.

Call out to Him.

Humble yourself before Him, and He will raise you up.

Listen,  do you hear His voice?

For there is only ONE VOICE, and that is the sound of the LORD.

 

 

 

 

Proverbs 16:5 –

Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD:

~[though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Sing a Song Of Psalms~

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Psalms For All~

 

“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all Your wondrous works.”

(Psalm 26:7 NKJV)

 

The Book of Psalms is the most commonly known book in the Bible, and arguably the most widely used. It truly runs the gamut of human emotions and human experience in a personal and intimate way.

The subject matter in Psalms includes such topics as: jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgment, messianic prophecy, praise and lament. We’re filled with a sense of deep faith as we embrace the passages and the meaning beyond the words.  We can feel the presence of those before us…but most especially. the presence of the Holy Spirit. who is behind the inspiration for this book, and the entire Bible.

Listening to God is essential to walking with God.  When we look to Him and surrender to Him entirely we are honoring Him and preparing for eternal life, even though we’re walking here on earth, and in the flesh.  All of which we do is Spiritual training for the actual event of when we’re called home.

When we do what we’re called to do, we’re not only soldiers and servants in His army, but we’re pleasing Him in all that we do. We’re following His doctrine when we serve “others” as well, in essence to whomever we serve, or give to, we are honoring Him.

It’s stated in Matthew 25:40 (KJV) –And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.

When we do to others we are doing to the Lord. When we give to others, we are giving unto the Lord. When we take compassion on others, we’re doing the work of the Lord.

Jesus made it clear that God is not after outward compliance, but inward change. Let Him transform your hearts.  Open the door and let Him in.  What are you waiting for?

“Father, thank You for Your love and blessings, may I always please You and honor You in all that I do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You’re Everywhere~

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   The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.   ( Proverbs 15:3)

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 50:1-2   “The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”

 

Another day in the life of “His child” and another day in which to give thanks and bear witness to His love and glory.

Each day is the promise of yet another opportunity to grasp His word and purpose for our life in accordance to His will.

The chirping of the birds as they begin their day is refreshing and comforting, for they represent our Father in that He created them.  The emerald green grass sporting drops of dew is evidence of Him again, for He knows how to cultivate and bring forth life in all of His creatures and landscape.

We are one of His creations.  We were formed by His hands of love.  He knew us before and while we were in our mom’s womb.  He chose our parents and our distinct DNA.  He preplanned our life, and desires, hoping that we would walk according to His purpose, and will.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16  Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?   

We are His and He is ours.  We have the Spirit guiding us, leading us, teaching us…and touching us, and if we “listen” and adhere to His ways, we will be able to fortify His word by preparing others by example.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20:, “go out and preach the Gospel to all nations, and lo I am with you always even until the end of time.”  This is His commandment to us. One of the core messages along with His doctrine of love, and tolerance, and most important… listening to “our Father.”

Look around, listen…watch, and we need to give thanks unto Him for all that we do.  For He gets all the victory and praise no matter what.

Then as we do all things we’re commanded to do, our inner spirit will be strengthened as our growth will be substantiated in Him.

His Word. His way. His will.  I ask this, “would you want it any other way?” 

 

 

“And, O’ Lord, how grateful we are for Your love and care. We cast our burden and cares upon You,  for You care for us. And, each day as we go forward…we are “one with You” in our message from the spirit from within. Help us to be an example to “all” those we come into contact with. In Jesus Christ’ precious and loving name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Heal our Land and Hearts~

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See the source image

 

Being faithful during times of turbulence could be difficult while glimpsing things that clearly can pass as “evil” on the loose on any given day in this world of today.

Altogether life can be daunting–and if we allow it–and discouraging.  However, with God in our corner, who can be against us?  (Romans 8:31). 

The Bible is filled with our Father’s promises from Genesis OT to the very last verse in Rev NT.  What also is apparent is His uncompromising love for His children.  There is God’s heart, and love, in between the verses, and all the way through, even when things seem harsh to the average “human being.”

When we see things through spiritual eyes we understand and begin to grasp reality with full force and feel peace in place of “fear.”  Because God didn’t create a spirit of fear: (2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind). 

Instead, He created us in perfect love:  1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love).   And because of His miracle in creating us thusly, we are able to withstand and take on the horrific aspects of events that are in this world.  We are able to garner peace and light in a world of chaos and darkness.  We are able to sustain and be nourished through His love as the world seeks to destroy and corrupt.   

When we stand with God and walk according to His purpose and will for our lives, we are acknowledging Him and placing our trust in Him. He becomes our sanctuary and our refuge in times of trouble and horror.  But then again–He is our sanctuary and refuge in times of peace.  So therefore, He is our everything for everything and anything!

To be with God and knowing that He is holding our right hand. ( For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee Isaiah 41:13). He leads us with His right hand of righteousness.  This is a peace that surpasses our level of understanding, and there is no explanation other than to experience it for yourself.  The feeling and His love are everlasting.

So, take heart, the LORD is with you! He commanded us to have courage and not to fear!   (Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” Joshua 1:9).

Cry Abba Father and be at peace knowing that He hears us.  And He will never leave us nor forsake us.  (Romans 8:15 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father).

God is our helper in both good and bad times.  He is ever ready to lead us and guide us.  His outstretched hands are ready whenever we are ready to surrender ourselves to Him, now and always.

Remember in the Bible that God’s children weren’t affected by the “plagues” or the “curses” that took place around them.  His anointed were protected.  His followers who listened to His voice were protected.  Those who gave their lives and obeyed His commandments were protected.

So… fear not.

Write the Word in your heart so that you shall not forget or sin against Him, ((“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”Psalm 119:11) and take refuge in the Beautiful One of Heaven.

For He is with you always, even until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).

With all of His Words and His promises, I say this:  What then can man do to us?

“Praise You Father, now and always, all glory and honor are yours, in Jesus Name, Amen!”

 

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:6 –

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 14

DEAR GOD: Faith & Your Consuming Love~

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*FAITH:

Complete trust or confidence in someone or something:

Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

*(As defined in the Oxford online dictionary)

 

God has many names and is referred to as many things in the Bible, “the Great I Am, Jehovah, Alpha Omega, Father, Abba, Adonai,” so on and so forth…. and along with those names, his character and attributes are varied and strong standing;  “loving, compassionate, omnipresent, sovereign, and a great consuming fire.”

His Word is a two-edged sword, it goes both ways, and His love and power a consuming and powerful fire.  He can warm and He can destroy.  He can lift one up, He can pull one down, He can exalt, He can humble, He can reward, and He can bring corrective actions towards the disobedient.

Through His Words, and through the pages of His Holy Bible there isn’t anything more rewarding or significant than when a verse or chapter quickens your very soul, enlightening and lifting you up into the realm of His magnificence.

It’s the moment when you connect to His voice, His Spirit, and His awesome and all consuming fire of passion and love.  When He “speaks” to the inner spirit and guides and brings us to a point where we know, that faith…and our belief in Him, is indeed REAL.

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

(Deuteronomy 32:39)

It’s that reaffirming call of faith, time and time again, that pulls us together in this world that seeks to “rip us apart” and longs to bring us to ruins, but it’s His voice, through His Word, through a friend, or through a revelation of witness,  we come alive knowing that our Loving Father is with us always.  His messages are all around us, we need to seek them in order to find them, and we need to “fine tune” our receptors of spirituality in order to hear Him clearly.

A dear close friend of mine last evening said, “It’s like fine tuning a radio channel until you find the right channel to tune into” — she is so right!  And, that is truly what we as children of faith do, every single day, seek Him, listen, and tune in to His message.  And then deliver His message while giving Him the Praise, glory and victory, always.

With God in our corner, who can be against us?

With God in our camp, who can toss us asunder?

With God in our life, there is LIFE…not just life but abundant LIFE.

Seek Him, speak with Him, love Him…and wait.

He will never let us down, and He will always want what’s best for His children.

Faith….that’s a word that brings forth a powerful meaning and message.

But, it’s faith that lives in us that brings forth the electrifying, and all consuming fire of love from our Father that keeps us going.

Praise you Abba Father–Amen!

 

Deuteronomy 4:35
To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

1 Samuel 2:6
“The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.

Job 5:18
“For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal.

 

DEAR GOD: I Live to Worship You~

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You alone my LORD, my King  whom I adore and whom I LIVE for. After all, without YOU I wouldn’t exist.  More important, I wouldn’t be ALIVE.  For if not for YOU, there is no LIFE.

Even in the darkest of times there is LIGHT…YOU heavenly LORD.

My Father God, my everything.

Your voice calls to me in your book of love, the Bible.

It is from Your magnificent heart to our hearts.  It reaches into the depths of our souls and brings forth LIFE.

Power in the name of Jesus.

Power in being covered by His blood.

And, power in being Your child, in Jesus name we are strengthened.

In Jesus name, we are free from death.

In Jesus name, we are given the gift of eternal salvation.

Oh heavenly Father…All glory and honor are Yours.

When we seek Your face, meditate, and listen to Praise and Worship music, all things are possible.

We gain access to You and therefore protected, and the enemy has to run from us…as we are given the power in Your precious name to ward off the enemy.

The most powerful thing we can do as Your children, everyday of course is to worship You, meditate on Your word…and listen to Praise and Worship music.

Shouting with glee to the highest heavens for Your precious ears to absorb…and giving You honor and glory.

With the LORD in our life…shining His magnificent Light…and protecting us with His love, how can we not shout for JOY!  How amazing is the LORD?

His mercy.

His love.

His light.

His compassion.

His faithfulness.

O’ shout to the LORD!

Everyday is a new way to love You.

Everyday is a new way to hear Your voice.

Everyday is a gift to do Your bidding in Your name.

Sing…Praise…Pray…Worship…and in all things give THANKS!

Amen and Amen~

 

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Luke 10:19

 

DEAR GOD: Another Day Another Way to Love You~

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“Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. 

Revelation 21:3

 

 

               The sun rise.  Breathlessly beautiful.  The rays of light trickle across the sleepy sky gently nudging it awake. The light awakens the earth illuminating and enhancing the beauty in which God’s hands created.  Life cycles within nature and reinforces the roots promoting growth and substance. Promise of creation, new things springing to life, old things passing away, new creation abounds.

 

 

Life.  Light.  Beauty.  

Remind you of anything? 

Remind you of anyone?

Jesus Christ.

It’s a no-brainer…Jesus Christ.

                 The light that shines from within to without.  The light that courses through us, the roots of which we are grafted, thereby giving us spiritual growth and nourishment of the soul, grooming us for eternity.

                 Each day begins anew.  With each day comes another way to trust in Him.  With each day comes another way to embrace Him and adore Him.  With each day comes another way to plant seeds of love, in His name.  With each day comes another way to love Him.  With each day comes another way to “wait upon the LORD, to renew their strength by His power, light, truth, and eternal Life, through Jesus Christ.

Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they should run and not faint.  (Is 40:25-31) 

              God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to greet me and wake me gently, and shall protect and uphold me with His right hand of righteousness.

              His mercy endures forever.  So, even when we “fall short” we are able to have our slate wiped clean, as we repent and ask for forgiveness.  He will forgive, and love us no matter what.  He will always forgive us, when we are sincere and come to Him with a contrite heart…He knows our heart and soul.

I will wait for You.  I am still and know You are God.

My God of mercy.

My God of Love.

My God of Light.

My God of LIFE.

                    So when you see or feel the light of warmth from the morning sun, know it’s the LORD’s hands of love awakening you gently, nudging you forward, guiding you , and leading you to live another day in His care.

The LORD is our Life and salvation.

Whom shall we fear?

With God in our corner, who can be against us?

                 Rise up, children of the LORD of lights…and LORD of lords, and shout songs of praise to His glory, His mercy, His love!

Thank You for this day…and for the promise of Eternal LIFE!

Your Word is Holy.

Your Word is everything.

Thank You O’ Father God for Your promises,

and Your love.

AMEN!

 

 

“Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. 

God Himself will be with them and He will be their God.

And  God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;  there shall be no more death, no sorrow or crying. 

There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.  Then He who sat on the throne said, behold I make all things new.”

Revelation 21:3-5

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Note:

Sunrise created by the One and Only Master of the Universe,  our Sweet LORD.

Picture—Courtesy of Scott Birge who captured the beauty of the LORD’s canvas, and God’s Light through his lens. Thank you Scott~

DEAR GOD: One and All We are Yours~

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children-jesus-233

 

Acts 10:34 (KJV)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said,

Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

God loves us irrespective of our circumstances, our looks, or our physical stamina.  In other words, we are all equal in His marvelous sight.

When David was used to kill Goliath, he was barely an adolescent, a young man.  Yet, God called upon Him to be used for His purposes, and for His glory.

Moses was an old man and not an eloquent speaker, and yet God used Him for His purposes and for His glory to bring His people out of bondage.

When we begin to understand that God will use us for His purposes no matter who we are in this lifetime…we will understand that we are loved by Him unconditionally, and that when God “calls” us, we should respond willingly and without hesistation.

God wants us to depend on Him, and run to Him in good times and bad.  He wants us to prosper, and to accomplish much in our lifetime here on earth.  And, it is through Him that we will be able to carry out His plans accordingly, if we “listen” to His commands.

There are so many verses in the Bible, our Father’s love letter to us, in which numerous examples exist, where God brings purpose, and writes history through His children.  This is still going on today, even if it’s not being officially recorded in a “book.”

It happens each time a person helps someone in dire need.

It happens each time a person reaches out to a stranger in the land.

It happens each time a person helps a child in need.

It happens each time a person helps a widow in need.

It happens each time a person volunteers at a nursing home.

It happens each time a person extends their hand in thanks to a Veteran.

And, so it goes…since the beginning of time.  God’s glory and God’s purpose, and will, is still going on today.  There is nothing “old fashioned” or “outdated” about being His vessel for His purposes.

Sometimes, His purpose means to be doing exactly what you’re doing all along.  Like, taking care of your family.  Caring for your pet.  Being an unconditional friend or counsel to a lonely person.

It’s important to be tuned into His voice and His purpose for us in life.  When we “listen, pray, and commune with our Father” you’ll be surprised at what we can accomplish through Him.

Amen~

Deuteronomy 10:17
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands?

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

Romans 9:14
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Absolutely not!

DEAR GOD: You Heal & Save~

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Jesus my lighthouse

 

He sent his word, and healed them,

and delivered them from their destructions.

Psalm 107:20 (KJV)

God heals.  Don’t overlook this Scripture.  The Word of God heals. The Word of God delivers from destruction. Jesus Christ is the Living Word. Jesus Christ heals and saves.

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And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.   Psalm 107:22 (KJV)

The LORD can make our life smooth sailing.  But He so wills it,  He can allow storms to rise up against us.  Which one we experience in large part has to do with our faith, and our obedience to Him, and His Word. Our choice.

***

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. Psalm 107:25 (KJV)

In a true storm, the waves in the ocean can rise to over thirty feet!

With God in our corner we are lifted high above the waves.

He is our port of safety and our “Lighthouse” if you will, and a constant source of protection through every storm.

When we call upon the LORD and speak with Him, while meditating on His Holy Word, we’re able to connect on a deeper level and form true bonds of intimacy.  We are able to understand the depths of His love each time we do so…and will be safe within the confines of His loving and capable arms.

***

And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace, be still” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Peace.

Tranquility.

Love.

When storms come our way, and they surely will.  Please remember this:  “If you love and serve the LORD, He WILL calm those storms that arise.”

 When trouble looms large, we can’t grow wings and fly away.

But, we can call on our loving, compassionate, understanding and protective Abba Father…you can be certain we will be delivered from the storms, eventually.

Then…watch the sky for a beautiful rainbow that comes from the heavens after the storm.

Ah-yes!  Another promise and message from Him!

Glory and honor to Him and Him alone.

Amen~

DEAR GOD: Your Voice be my Guide~

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lamentations

Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon Thee; Thou saidst, “Fear not.”    (Lamentations 3:57  KJV)

The LORD tells us continuously “do not fear” because “I am with you” and that promise was true then and is still true to this very day.

His love and His voice should be apparent to those of faith, He is ever watchful and vigilant in protecting His children, twenty-four hours a day…seven days a week.  That means He’s watching and protecting us even while we sleep.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

( Joshua 1:9 KJV)

He is  always on the path of righteousness and upholds us with His loving right hand. He sent His only begotten Son to redeem us.  Our kinsman redeemer Jesus Christ…what have we to fear? We have a God that so loved us that He sent His Son to save us.

Why should we fear?  No reason when we have our LORD in our corner.

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob and He that formed thee, O Israel fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  (Isaiah 43:1 KJV )

The commandments in which we aspire to live each day are words from which our Father spoke to those from days of old…and to those which pertain to the days in which we currently live.  The words of the LORD applied to those children (our ancestors) and all ongoing generations for all time, until the end of time.  We are still subject to His words, and still products of His love…and His will.

Why would we fear?   No need to fear when we have the LORD with us.

When we cry Abba Father, He hears us.

He hears us within our thoughts and heart.

Even when we don’t speak, or know what to say, or ask for, He hears us and answers us.  Keeping in mind that He will answer us according to His will, and His own time frame.  Not ours.

He is with us in the darkest times, His light shines through.  His presence constantly leading us, guiding us…touching us.

He wants to grant us His perfect peace.  We need to embrace it, and hold on to His promises, while living a life of faith and trust in Him for all things.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ( Psalm 23:4)

He is the gateway to our eternity.

His light and His word and His love…the substance of in which we live.

The harness of love that He offers to us keeps us secure in a world in which evil is running rampant.

His voice is LIFE.

His mercy is LOVE.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  (Psalms 34:4 KJV)

The LORD will return to gather His own.

 The Lord is our light and our salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of our life—of whom shall we be afraid?  (As it states in Psalm 27:1…no need to fear.  He is with us! Hallelujah!)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm  55:22  He will never disappoint us. Man will.  God never will. God cares for us in ways that are profound and beyond comprehension.) 

In closing… please remember this:

 He is watching,

He is listening,

He is with us always.

With such a loving and great powerful GOD, I ask you this:

Why would we fear anything or anybody?

Thank you LORD!

The glory and praise and honor be Yours, now and always. I love You.