17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

 Ephesians 5:17 ( KJV)

The Lord’s will is for our good.

He knows what we can handle, what are hearts need, and what our soul desires.

We lost our precious “fur baby” Max this past weekend.  After almost 15 years of an amazing relationship filled with pure unadulterated and unconditional love,  sheer happiness and endless adventures.

I prayed since we took him home all those years ago, that when he needed to leave this earth, that the LORD would allow him to do it naturally at home, preferably in his sleep.

After 12 weeks following a diagnosis of Kidney failure, Max basically still had an amazing quality of life. He played, was eating, and filled with a zest for living.

We enjoyed a beautiful summer together, and fun.  You’d never think he was sick, still looking so beautiful, and happy.  But, the last two weeks of his life, he slowed down considerably, and it was obvious he was not long for this world.

On October 27, we tried one more thing on the advice of our Vet, to try and flush the toxins from his system.  It proved to be futile, but one we had to do in order to have given him one last chance at life.  The Vet explained that 90% of the time, dogs can rebound for an additional 8 weeks to 6 months.  It wasn’t to be for our baby Max.  He was tired, and run down.

We took him home. We never left him at the vet, sat with him the entire time. Max was never out of our sight.

12 hours upon returning home, the morning of October 28th,  I prayed to God aloud, “LORD, if it’s your will… please, take him home with you…he’s suffered so much these past hours please take him home.  Don’t let us make the decision of taking his life, please, LORD, if it’s your will, take him now.”

Within seconds of my tearful plea,  Ron and I held him in our arms, as he took his last couple of breaths, and suddenly, he was gone at 7:15 am.  He looked like he was sleeping, so beautiful, so quiet, so peaceful.  Our baby, in our arms…went home.

We cried, yet were overjoyed that we received our miracle, thanks to the LORD, our amazing God.  He answered our prayers, according to HIS WILL and His timing.

I wanted to share this highly personal experience to be a witness to God’s miraculous and amazing grace, and His love for us, His children.

He is in control at all times.  Since the beginning of time, and right this moment…the LORD is in control.

He knows what we can handle, and for me, the thought of brining Max to be euthanized would have quite possibly, pushed me over the edge…so the LORD waited for me to come to terms with it, and when I realized it was time to bring him to be euthanized, He KNEW I couldn’t handle it.  And, to that end, He protected me, for He knows what my heart can handle.  And, HE NEVER gives us more than we can handle.  Plus, HIS WILL, is always the best for us.  No matter what…always the best for us.

His timing.

His will.

His blessings.

And, His miracles.

How amazing is our Father?

Praise His name.

All glory and honor belong to Him.

The victory is His, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your endless love, protection. You are faithful, loyal, and loving, I adore You, I worship You, I am Yours forever and a day.  Thank You, I love You…and thank You for bringing Max into our lives, all those years ago, He was your creature whom we loved fully and completely, Thank You. All the glory and honor be yours, now and forever, in Jesus name, amen…”

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13  (KJV)

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15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

                                                   Ephesians 5:15-20 (KJV)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (KJV)

The fundamentals of loving God is an inward and outward process, but the feeling of love, is a gift from above.  He loves us with the gusto of a welcome breeze on a balmy night, He loves us with the strength of a powerful eagle soaring high above the earth, He loves us with the softness of a single snowflake swirling about, He loves us with the depth of an ocean, endless, ever moving, and mysterious, and He loves us, most importantly…as a “Father loves His child.”

Trusting God, and loving Him through every situation we face is one of the most intimate relationships we could and ever will have.  When we trust Him, fully and completely, even when all things suggest otherwise, we are held up by His right hand of righteousness.  When we love Him above all else, we are inherently part of His Kingdom, and assured a place and a crown for our actions here, which will follow us as we enter Heaven.

Trusting Him, and leaning not on “your own understanding” is being keenly aware of our frailties, and knowing we are merely “human” and not Sovereign as is our Master and Lord…our Father.

He has given us His promises in writing…and His voice is clearly heard to those who follow Him.  We know His voice, and we follow.  He will never leave us, nor forsake us, no matter the circumstances, or how difficult or challenging.

When someone says “NO”— GOD says “YES”

When someone says, “That’s not possible” — “With God ALL things are possible.”

When someone says, “That will never happen” –God says, “Keep your faith, and it WILL happen.”

When a situation looks dim…GOD will shine HIS LIGHT.

When an outcome seems dire…GOD will provide and lift you up.

When circumstances suffocate You.  God will give you Breath.

In other words, the message here is “TRUST… TRUST… TRUST…”  in the LORD, and He will provide, He will sustain, He will show you the way, and He will guide your paths.

Someone might be reading this message right now,  who is in a deep valley, just remember this, “He is walking with you in that valley, and He will bring you out of it. Put all of your trust in Him, and He will do the rest…”

Keep looking up for all of your answers, and know that God is there for you, no matter what.

And LOVES you more than we could possibly understand.

All the Glory and Honor and Praise are Yours and Yours alone, and you get the victory always, no matter what…

“Father, thank You for loving me and holding me as only a Father can, I trust in You and You alone, and I realize that no matter what individuals might say, that You have the final word in all accounts, I pray for those in the dark, and those in deep valleys, that they will turn their hearts to You, and accept You fully, completely and recognize You as their LORD AND SAVIOR, so that they will feel the endless love and tranquility that only You can provide, I pray for my brothers and sisters all across the world, and I pray for your light to shine away the darkness in the world, I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalms 118:8 –

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalms 112:7 –

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

During my weakest moments…I am the strongest by GOD’s grace.

Eventually, no matter what…we will walk through a “valley” and become besieged by circumstances that threaten to overtake our senses, emotions, and health.  Some of our circumstances can be overwhelmingly suffocating, painful, and/or heart-wrenching.  But, through it all, we have our mighty, powerful, loving, consuming, and sovereign God with us, who will hold us up, and guide us…and provide all we need to accomplish that which we need to.

His path, and His purpose for our lives is demonstrated throughout our life, from birth, in between years, and finally, death.  And, death of the flesh body, brings eternal life in the Spirit…where we will reside with Him forever.

In life, pain is inevitable. 

Life is filled with emotions. 

Life is  continuous growth.

Life is everlasting through Christ.

It is written, that GOD will give us beauty for ashes, and joy for our mourning. It is written that GOD will never leave us, nor forsake us.

It is written that GOD will uphold us with His right hand of righteousness.

It is written that GOD will guide our paths.

It is written that GOD will go before us.

It is written that GOD loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son.

With all of these promises, (and so many more) we can stand firm on our faith believing that eventually God will bring  beauty for  ashes,   joy for mourning, while guiding our paths as He goes before us, loving and holding us up. 

With proclamations and affirmations such as these, we as children of GOD can withstand whatever comes our way knowing He loves us and is with us.

And, most important, no matter what we’re going through, remember that GOD will never give us more than we can handle.  And no matter what, be careful to give all the glory, praise always…without ceasing in our hearts, mind and soul.

And He remains Victorious always and forever…

And, we as His children are victorious through Him…

Amen! Amen!  Amen!

But they that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31  KJV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

1 Peter 1:3-7

The Spirit man in all of us is a birthing process that continues to grow each day as we exercise the need and desire to “know Him” and long to please Him.

When the “inner man” our Lord and Savior’s Spirit that dwells within, longs to grow, we begin the long arduous process of walking in the light, stepping away from the darkness, and garnering the strength to do so, which is through Christ.

Being a beacon of light in the hands of our Father is essentially the top priority in which I exist.  And, most of those who are faith-driven feel the same way.

As we meditate and look to the LORD for all the answers, and look to Him for strength in tough times, and in good times in order to minister to those who need uplifting, we continuously grow in spirit.  Each day the word brings us another way to love Him, a deeper understanding.  A birthing of faith grows more each day.  The word is pregnant, it grows and grows.

The LORD is standing by for us.  We need Him to maneuver and spiral through the paths set before us.  He is there to guide us and comfort us as we become more intimate with Him.

The process of which is rewarding and peaceful, which excels a sense of purpose to our lives.  His will be done…not ours.  His plan, not ours.  His purpose for us…not ours.

Do you sense and understand the phenomenal aspirations of those walking in the light?

Can you see beyond the darkness of an individual as we try to reach them on a level of spirituality, which only can be enhanced and brought to fruition by the LORD Himself?

There are many yearning and feeling an urgency of wishing to submit and surrender to the LORD.  He is drawing them and wooing the hearts of those that burn with a desire to become like Him…and to do His will.

Submit, surrender…speak from your heart.  Walk in the light and follow His will…help those in the dark, with Jesus’ power…and be transformed along the way.

Your inner man is longing to grow.

Feed Him (your spirit) daily…and let Him grow in truth, spirit and love…Amen!

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you.”   John 15:16

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

 (Mark 5:25-28 Luke 8:43-48 Matthew 9:20-22 )  

The woman with the issue of blood,  so clearly defines, and demonstrates,  how to obtain the healing power of God, by the grace of Jesus Christ, through faith that produces wholeness.

Faith is powerful by way of Jesus, and all that have great faith, without any doubt at all, deep in their hearts, will experience the Sovereign power in Jesus Christ’ name.

Trusting in the LORD, and allowing ourselves to surrender to His will, and adhering to His Word, which in essence is His voice…makes us “whole.”

TRUST— The ability to establish a full accord of yielding and acknowledging that CHRIST exists, and that by believing…we will survive and maintain the cord of LIFE, which abides in Christ, our Vine.

The woman with the issue of blood went looking for Jesus. She pressed through and overcame obstacles.  She pressed through the crowd. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. She fought the good fight of faith. She kept her focus on Jesus. She demonstrated her faith, trust and confidence in Jesus by her determination. And so, she was healed…after many years…made whole.  

FAITH-  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) For we walk by Faith not by sight…(2 Corinthians 5:7)

The individuals in the Bible are there for us to understand and learn from the inspired Word by the LORD.  This woman with the blood issue, went searching and looking for Jesus. She knew if she found Him, she had only to “touch His hem” and she would be made whole.  

She didn’t sit around saying, “woe is me” nor did she wait for Jesus to find her.

No. She went in search of Him.  

She was trying to seek His face, with all of her heart.

 She went to Him with all of her heart, she believed…she trusted, and she was made whole.

Faith, Trust and the LORD, go hand-in-hand.

The heart is love.  Love is the heart.  And, God is the heart of Love.  

Trust Him, Seek Him, Love Him…and have faith that you will be made whole.

Listen to His voice through the Word.  And Keep believing.  He is real, and He loves us as no other can or ever will.

Amen.

Hebrews 4:12 States that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

While ministering to a 91 year old woman my heart ached so much so due to the awful state of mind she is in.  Emotionally, and mentally she is drowning in a sea of depression and anxiety.  She is so bad she could barely grasp or comprehend that which I was saying.

Clearly, she was in turmoil and angst that defied any lifeline that was being cast her way.  I tried so many things as I had in the past with her, which worked, i.e.; “Scripture passages, praying over her, building her up in the light of love of the LORD”  nothing touched her this time.  It was a sad thing to hear and my heart ached for her heart that was filled with pain.

I look to the LORD for all things, and ask for His wisdom and guidance in everything I do, so I wait upon Him to do His will.  There isn’t anything I could do at this point, nor prior because He is in control, but at least prior to this point she was responsive overall.

So now, I realize something I’ve said so many times before concerning faith and love of God.  When someone of faith tries to connect to someone who is down and miserable, it truly hurts.  And, all I could think is “imagine how much God must ache to see His children in pain if I’m having difficulty seeing and hearing this beautiful lady swimming in a sea of despair.

I will continue to check in on her and pray about what I could do at this point in service to the LORD…and I trust He will guide me as He always does.

So..I came away with this today in meditating about this woman’s circumstances, which I will not go into at this time, that a heart of love will ache for a heart that’s hurting.  But, during the hurting, God is watching all the while, caressing us with His grace and His love.

What ever happens to this woman, will be up to the LORD.  But until such time, I will continue to build up this lady, and encourage her, and pray that the light will shine in through the dark tunnel she is in.  I trust in God and know He already is working on a plan, and it will be for the good of this sweet 91 year old lady.

Until then…I will wait upon God, and trust in Him fully.  And, as always…to God be the Glory and the Victory, no matter what.

Amen.

 Proverbs 3:5-8

King James Version

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Isaiah 41:10

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

God clearly identifies His role as “protector” in so many places throughout His holy Bible.  He tells us to have no fear, and be of good courage because “I go before you” and that “My right hand of righteousness will hold you up.”

This is two examples of His promises for His children, that means “us.”

When we place ourselves in His mighty capable and loving hands, therein lies our “sanctuary” and our inner peace.  It’s like lying down in a bed of comfort and joy.  It’s a complete and utter surrender of acceptance in all aspects of our life.

Speaking for myself, the more time I spend with my Father the better I feel, and my desire and intimacy for Him grows exponentially with each session I “chat” with Him.

The bonds and ties to the Father are inexplicably undeniably real when one “hears” His voice, and adheres to His will.

It’s self assuring and almost “jarring” realizing the promises of our Father.  To understand and embrace those promises is a life filled with confidence and a life filled with light.

To understand that He will never let us down is a dream tantamount to our existence initiated by our Creator…our very own Father of lights.

The aspirations of dreams merely exist in our minds, but the fruition of those dreams are gifts from our Father.

He is the One and only who can bring us to see the “way” and show us “the way” all the days of our life.

When we graft onto the Vine we are promised a self satisfying and nourishing life filled with growth and protection all the days of our life.

Now, that’s not to say there won’t be “storms” along the way, but the rainbow always comes out at the end of the darkest storm.

The rainbow, another promise from our Father.

His covenant and His heart, extended to us, over and over again.

How amazing is that?

“Father God thank You for Your love, Your Word, and Your Promises, all of which are given freely to us, Your children, thank You for the light, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Deuteronomy 1:30
‘The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes,

Psalm 136:16

To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His loving kindness is everlasting;

Deuteronomy 31:8
 
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The scripture which tells us to “pray with supplication and thank the LORD no matter what” is certainly a reality in which all those of us with faith adhere to.

The LORD and He is in control, and it is His will that is the best outcome for us, no matter what.

Sometimes, even the slightest “switch” in plans can have an impact in your life, something in which we have “no control” — because we are NOT in control…our FATHER is.

Think about all the times in your life where things seemed to be a mere coincidence and the outcome was changed greatly in your favor.  With faith, there are NO COINCIDENCES.  It’s God’s will that prevails.

There is no such thing as luck.  Again, God’s Will, be done.

Pray no matter what you’re feeling.

Sing praises to Him regardless of the situation, both good and bad.

Praise Him in the morning…in the evening…in the afternoon…in the wee hours of the morning.

Sing His praises, for He is worthy of all praise and adulation.

Today…give thanks for all things…and pray from your heart, which is the basis for all things pure and simplistic, yet be steadfast in your dedication to the LORD.

He is with us always.

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He will go before us.

He will uphold us with His right hand of righteousness.

His promises are GOLDEN and guaranteed…

Isn’t that alone enough for Praise all day long without ceasing?

Praise God and His works!

“Father God, I praise Your name, now and always…all glory and honor are Yours, You get all the victory now and always, no matter what, I thank You in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
Philippians 4:6

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

                                                   Psalm 55:17

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But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:9

“Many are called, but few are chosen…”  Our Father would probably more than likely want that to be, many are called and many are chosen, but that is not the case.

So many fall into the clutches of the world, and hence, thereby, corrupted by the pollution of sin, that dominates, and permeates, every crevice of this God-made Universe.

However, there’re the remnant few that at are adhering to His calling.

These are the those who are propelled by His word, and bring it forth to all those who are in the dark, and plant seeds of love, of Jesus’ ministry. But, it is up to God to water the seeds.  And, some will produce fruit, and some will not.

We can show others His goodness, and we can shine His light through our actions, and choices, all the while standing in the parameters of our faith. This can include going outside the “comfort zone” at times.

The LORD calls us out of the darkness into His wonderful light.

The question: Will you respond to His call?

We have a purpose and calling for our lives.  Before we were even in our mother’s womb, it was pre-ordained as to our purpose in this lifetime.

We’re basically passing through here as “temporary Residents: to fulfill our purpose, according to His will, before taking up residence in our “permanent Home” which of course is Paradise, where we shall dwell with our Father for all eternity.

God speaks over and over again through His people, and has done so throughout the ages.  Many of His people do not recognize it, mainly because we are distracted by the “sounds of the world.”  It can run interference in “hearing” our Father’s voice, which of course is primarily through His word.

God wired us to communicate with Him, and wired us to listen to Him.

Again, the question: “Are you listening?”

The main way of listening to the LORD is through His word,  Faith is the willingness to follow His commandments, irrespective of the circumstances, which is called a leap of faith.

And how does faith become deeper,   by hearing the word of the LORD.

With faith, as Jesus said in discussing the parable of the”mustard seed” it can grow into the biggest of trees, and if we see a mountain and say “move” the mountain will move.

This parable is of course witness to our faith…because if we really believe in our hearts, it will happen.

Accepting the “calling” on our lives takes diligence, and applying it to circumstances takes dedication, trust and a heart filled with love for the LORD.

We were created for His pleasure and purpose.

It’s up to us to bring it to fruition.

Listen, He’s calling…

Amen.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

4  Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,

5  you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6  Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

7  Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”

8  and
“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

10  who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Living Before the World

11  Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

John 8:12…

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Proverbs 6:23

I can hardly drive in the dark any longer due to sensitivity of the “lights” from oncoming vehicles, or those following closely behind my car.  I guess the medical term is “night blindness.

Ostensibly, the “LIGHT” of the LORD is something entirely different.

Those who have seen “the light” are blessed to have their eyes opened.  It is the LORD who has done so.

The same is true with ears. When  our ears are opened to His Word, and truth, it is a blessing that comes from Him.

All gifts are from God, such is “learning the truth” —  He is the One who  prompts and touches us from within to receive Him, He is the One who places the desire in our hearts to pursue Him.

His Light is life.

The LORD of Life, the great I AM I AM, the Savior, the Rock, the One and only King of kings, and LORD of lords, our Sovereign Great and Mighty God.

He’s alive, triumphant in death, the magnificent Author of Salvation…our LIGHT, and our breath of life.  ( 1 Corinthians 15:55 55   Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?)

His light is ever present, when we are engrafted with Him, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

The light is evidence of life. 

He is life. 

There is a security of being part of the large family of His followers.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we have the blessing of knowing we will be with Him for eternity when we pass from this earth.

However, until such time, we have a job here to do for Him.

Each day is another challenge, another way to serve Him.

Each one of us with our own method of doing so, each with our own gifts that He bestowed upon us, each one with a different job to undertake.  Most important, the outcome is ever the same, no matter the task…Serving Him!

Keep shining His light, and in so doing, you’re shining the light He has ignited within you!

Amen…

“Father, thank You for this day, for the blessings You’ve bestowed on Your children from the beginning of time, and continue to do so each and every day, help us to shine Your glorious light from within to without, and grant us Your perfect peace, and may we be a blessing to all we encounter this day, and everyday, I love You Father, it is in Jesus’ precious name I pray,  Amen.”

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.   Psalm 119:105

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.   Psalm 119:130