Category Archives: Devotional

DEAR GOD: Heal our Land and Hearts~

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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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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.

DEAR GOD: Holy Presence & Shield~

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OXYGEN VOLUME 13

 

American King James Version
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.  (Psalm 28:7 KJV)

GOD’S WORD® Translation
The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted him, so I received help. My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.  (Psalm 28:7 GWT)

 

 

The realization that we are never alone is a huge revelation and affirmation, and one of many promises from our loving Father God.

We walk by faith and not by sight…a familiar verse that is frequently used in sermons and in followers overall.  What does it mean?

When we walk by “faith” we are standing on His word and His promises.

When we walk by “faith” we are acknowledging our obedience in His word and promises.

When we walk by “faith” we are surrendering to His Sovereign power and wisdom and love.

Undergoing stressful times?

Walking in the darkest valley of your life?

Hanging on by a thread of sanity?

Look up….and embrace His promises…and know that you’re never alone.

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To you, Lord, I call;

you are my Rock,

do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you remain silent,

I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Hear my cry for mercy

as I call to you for help,

as I lift up my hands

toward your Most Holy Place.

to not drag me away with the wicked,

with those who do evil,

who speak cordially with their neighbors

but harbor malice in their hearts.

Repay them for their deeds

and for their evil work;

repay them for what their hands have done

and bring back on them what they deserve.

Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord

and what his hands have done,

he will tear them down

and never build them up again.

Praise be to the Lord,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him.

The Lord is the strength of his people,

a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance;

be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:1- 9 

DEAR GOD: Thy Hands Have Made Me~

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Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding

that I may learn thy commandments…

Psalm 119:73 KJV

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All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…John 1:3 KJV

When we recognize and give value to that scripture above we begin to see that we are in existence because of Him. We are who we are because of Him. He made us…and He made everything you see. The sky, the trees, the dirt…the stars.  All by His mighty hands of grace.

In all things we should thank Him and give Him praise.

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To give praise to the LORD is essential to our well-being.

To believe in the LORD and His ways…is to live.

To go forth in His word and embrace His promises…is to have joy.

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Jesus said,  “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.”  ( John 10:10 KJV)

Our LORD laid down His life not for His doctrine…but for His sheep.  

He came to give us life and that through Him our joy would be complete…we would be filled with His love.

We are His sheep.

We are alive through Him. 

We are free because of Him.

When we lift our brothers and sisters up we are honoring and following Him. We are doing His commandment of “love one another as I have loved you…”

God’s word is LIFE.  

God’s word is LIGHT.

There is no death.

Christ defeated death.

He overcame the world…

He is victorious…and we are victorious through Christ.

Jesus said:  “Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,

give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid. 

(John 14:27 KJV)

 

When we embrace and accept Him and His word we are aligning with Him and obeying His commandment.  He is telling us not to be “troubled or fearful”  or to be afraid.  He is peace. We are one with Him. His light shines on…and we are alive because of Him.

So…next time you’re in the “dark” don’t be fearful and don’t let your heart be troubled…just turn the light on and feel His peace.

Amen


 

 

DEAR GOD: The Light & His Love~

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beautifulsunsetbychristiane

The light of His love is rewarding and overwhelming, when you lend voice to His word, it brings purpose and meaning to your life. I know it does mine.

Waking up, I immediately give thanks for His protection, and love throughout the night.  I say a prayer of thanks, and ask for His help in the day ahead. I pray for wisdom and insight and the ability to be His vessel.

Then I partake of His “daily bread”—His Word.  It’s so delicious and the perfect way to wake up.  The light, His love, His Word, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Partake of His Word and experience His love and Sovereign power.

 

Feast at His table of Mercy.

Drink from the cup of His love.

Dwell in His infinite goodness.

Live in His healing embrace.

God’s endless flowing  fountain.

God’s Love for me.

…Let the Light in…

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(John 6:35 NKJV)   And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

(John 8:12 NKJV)   Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”