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DEAR GOD: Why Wonder, You Will Reveal All In Your Time~

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Pin by Jenna Woodburn on Life's truths | Gods timing, Bible quotes, Faith

 

Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

When I start to say, “I wonder, if—” I have to pull those words back, step back, and know God is God, and He has it all under control, and according to His timing and will. It’s not for me to “wonder” or think about things that seem to scurry about in my mind, rambling around and around…nope, God has it all taken care of.  (Be still and know I’m God…Psalm 49:10)

 

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we wait with conviction in our heart and soul, we become stronger in our faith as we let God be God. As we go forward we can rest in Him, and be comforted by the promises in His Word, and hold on tight to His love and protection…and His wisdom in all things concerning His children.

Romans 5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ came to this earth to “save us” and to give us the foundation and unilateral way to get to Heaven and His Father, our God. He brings us strength, resolve, and conditioning in which we exercise our inner spirit, as He dwells within all those who believe in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

My husband and I have been feeling that we need to move within the next several months. However, we haven’t received the full “message” of His timing and His will…so we are waiting for the right season…according to the LORD… to move.

Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

When it is the perfect time, it will open up. That is to say, doors of opportunity, all things will be clear. There will not be any disparaging lines in the sand, instead they will be boldly outlined for us to move forward. When things are right, and according to His plans, everything goes smoothly. Sometimes, out of nowhere—it happens, and suddenly—wham, you know it’s God’s voice speaking and leading you and directing and guiding you.

Don’t worry, don’t fret, don’t be anxious…The LORD is with you, and will working behind the scenes, when you follow Him, and trust Him, and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior—life becomes easier to navigate with Him as your GPS.

“Father, may I always recognize that You are in control of all things, that Your plans, and Your timing, and Your will are perfect, and You want what’s best for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Do I Stay Focused In A World Of Evil?

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Pin on Bible Verses

 

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:11 (KJV)

 

In the world of social media platforms there is a constant rush of images coming at us from all over the world that can flood our minds and hearts with sorrow that can become overwhelming.  Evil is circling around the globe in a fast paced whirlwind that appears to be non-stop.  Deaths, wars, conflicts, political discord, families pulling away from each other due to disagreements, etc., etc., etc.  How do we stop the evil and chaotic noise of the world from invading our mind, body and soul?  What to guess the answer?  One powerful word, GOD!!! Amen!

How do we do this?

By going to Him for His Word.

By listening to His Word.

By being familiar with His Word.

By adhering to His Word.

By loving Him fully and completely with all of your heart and soul and mind.

As Christians it’s vitally important to remember that the enemy seeks “to kill, to steal, and to destroy” us (John 10:10). Most people when reading this verse will think of drastic measures and images conjure up their minds of really horrific incidents. And that can very well happen, but most times the Enemy will do it in subtle ways. All he has to do is distract us hoping to disconnect us from our Loving Creator and our Mighty God.

We need to pay attention to what we are saying, doing, and seeing in our lives. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 –Christians are called to “not be conformed to this age/world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.” As Christians we have to make absolutely sure we are spending sufficient and valuable time in God’s Word, and in meditating on the Word. Rather than listening to the “shrill ugliness of the world.” Which is to say the devil.

In order to accomplish the renewing of our minds, we have to sincerely and diligently evaluate what we are filling our heads within order to protect our hearts. And our very soul.  As you will recall in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard our hearts above all else for it is the source of life.”

Take time away from the clash and noise of social media. Turn off your computers, phones, and clear your mind from the “filthiness” of the world in order to “cleanse” your mind. Set your sights and vision on the Kingdom of God, and immerse yourself in the Word.

Praying, meditating, reflecting, going to the Father to pray in private, and giving Him our undivided attention and love and His gospel is the weapons of our defense in the world of today. (Ephesians 6)

Go to Him for everything. Seek Him for everything. Listen to His Word. And seek Him daily in prayer and meditation. And love Him exclusively with all of your heart and soul, putting him first in all things, every day. When you do all of these things we will be able to “squash the noise” which is to say the devil. And we will be able to harness a power in the name of Jesus Christ which will give us the strength to endure, forge on, and be courageous in His name!

That is how you exist in the world of today!  Can I get an Amen!?

“Father God, thank You for loving me and protecting me in Your wings of safety, for Your promises and for Your wisdom and discerning spirit, may I follow You all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

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Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

When I meditate on the Apostle Paul’s words, I sense the joy of a “free man, a joyful man. He is saying things he once treasured became his garbage. Old things of insignificance that once had his all-consuming attention, no longer interested Paul.  Spending more time with Jesus was worth all the currency in the world, Jesus was his treasure, nothing else.

Likewise, it is with those of faith. We have found a veritable treasure in Christ, and it is invaluable, nothing surpasses the love of Christ. There is joy in knowing He loves us. There is peace in knowing He is with us always. There is happiness knowing He redeemed us with His blood. There is a comfortable assurance knowing He saved us from sin, and our salvation is promised. And we know complete joy as we enter Eternity.

Jesus is our Treasure. Not only our treasure but the One Superior Omnipotent King of kings and LORD of lords that will never leave us. This reality of Christianity is beyond our comprehension, and He is worthy of our love, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your promises and joy of loving You, You are my Treasure, and my reason for living, thank You for all the days of my life and for the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Rose Of Sharon~

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Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and When to Prune | HGTV

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;

 

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice; Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

Isaiah 35:1-2 (NKJV)

 

The Rose of Sharon has been associated through the generations with the Glory of God. It is a sort of representation of His amazing Omnipotence and divinity. And of course, with His love which is unparalleled, and His grace that brings us through adversity and trials with ease.

It represents a blossom of reality that God’s light shines through even in the darkest of moments or circumstances.

You will recall in the Old Testament, flower references like roses and lilies, when speaking to God’s providence and provisions, is as He cares for His people. Isaiah 35:1-3 solidifies and is an affirmation that “the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” What does this verse then mean? It is an ultimate testimony of God”s ability to bring us hope even in the most desolate of places.

The Rose of Sharon should still hold deep meaning for those of faith to this very day, and it should prompt us to realize that it is a constant reminder of God’s love, the beauty of His creation, and the everlasting trust and hope in our LORD, Jesus Christ.

It would serve us well to remember this when we are facing challenges in life, knowing that Christ through our faith can and will bloom like a radiant flower in a barren land. Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your reminders of Your love, and Your grace in the beauty of the Rose, and all creation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Your Word Refreshes My Soul~

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Restores my soul through truth and action! – Robertson-Wesley United Church

 

The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7 (NASB)

 

The Word of God refreshes us inside and out. It transforms us to a higher realm and state of inexplicable rewards. And the law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing our soul, and igniting a fire of love, and wisdom, set forth by our relationship with Him.

The Psalmists soul refreshment was the Word of God.

Jesus Himself made the Word of God an important priority in His earthly life and ministry. Jesus had to go off alone many a time to pray, and connect with His Father, and He needed to refresh, revive and be in perfect accord with the Word and His Father, our God.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  Mark 1:35 (NLT)

If Jesus had to do this, of course so should we all. Connecting with God on a daily basis, whether it’s once, twice, or however many times we need to in a given day, is vastly important for ones’ soul and affirmation and transformation. Your mind if it is upon the LORD will open all avenues for you to explore in His name and will.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

Being with God, asking for guidance, help, or just speaking with Him are all forms of communication with Him. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “prayer that someone else wrote.” And it shouldn’t be a “formality” it should come from the heart. It can be spontaneous. It can be planned. It can be an ongoing song from within your heart to the Father. But the important thing here is, that “connection” to Him, His Word, and His love. Also, His will for our lives. And we can go to Him freely and openly and boldly.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (CEB)

When we’re rooted in His Word, we gain entry to a whole new prospective in our lives. We become engaged in a daily practice of a meaningful way of living. While we are here in our flesh bodies, and on earth in our “temporary” homes, we have a mission and job to do. We all have a certain role to play in the harmony of the “body of Christ” in every facet of our being.

We can gainfully explore all avenues pertaining to His Word, in our actions, and our thoughts, and our souls. Being connected to the LORD is like an effervescent shower of peace. Because no matter what is happening in our lives, around us, or in the world, we have the “key” to gain access into a realm of tranquility and strength, through Christ Himself.

Have you sought the LORD and asked for His help today? Have you thanked Him for your blessings? Have you expressed your love for Him?

He is available from sunup to sundown, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Now this is the question I ask— within all those minutes, hours, days, months, and years…how much of it do you spend with Him?

“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your Word, for refreshing my soul, for revitalizing my Spirit and keeping me filled with Your peace, I thank You, I love You, and I need You, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: How May I Serve You Today & Always~

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Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you-

1 Samuel 12:24

 

In the still of the morning, what do you hear?

Do you hear the LORD calling and drawing you near?

Do you realize that today, you’ve nothing to fear?

Do you realize He loves You and holds you dear?

I can honestly state that in the morning, I hear Him by the “silence” and peace I feel while eating my breakfast. I know through His Word He draws me near. I do realize that I’ve nothing to fear, and of course I know He holds me dear.

Recognizing the gift of His grace, and His infinite love is part of the “feeling” of knowing all of which I’ve just said above. His Presence is overwhelming, so much so at times I am dumbstruck. To think He loves me so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son, for ME/ US?  That statement and fact is mind boggling and emotionally numbing.

We of faith know what happened. Christ suffered, died, was buried and resurrected. His blood set us free. He redeemed us. And we embrace it, fully and completely. But, when one takes the time to truly digest the concept and reality, the very image and thought leaves me wondering, why?  But then I know, and I’m filled with joy. It’s simply because He loves us so much, and didn’t want to be separated from us, thereby offering us salvation through Him.

So, the question becomes this? How do we serve Him every single day? There is nothing even remotely equated to what He has done for us.  But we can love Him, follow Him, praise Him, and do all we can in the capacity in which we can, and in all that we can every day.

We can get to know Him more and more by reading His Word daily. Reflecting His Word and love in all we do, all we encounter, and all we say. We can honor Him and meditate on His Word and try to emulate Christ in our behavior overall.

And to serve Him with unfailing dedication, platitudes of love and service Him by having a contrite and true heart, all the time, every time, and till the end of time and beyond.

Do you recognize Him? Listen. Look. Watch. He’s right there beside you!

“Father, thank You for Your visual cues, Your Word and Your promises, may I do all that I can to service You, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You For The Vineyard~

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Turn us again to Yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies, make Your face shine down upon us, Only then will we be saved.

Psalm 80:1 (NLT)

The Parable of the wicked vine presses shows God’s response to these who reject His grace.  The relationship between God and His people is a gracious one, and He chose them by grace alone.  He chose them purely out of love, a special covenant relationship, as He promised to be there for them. They were supposed to bring forth His covenant and doctrine.

The Parable of the wicked people in the vineyard shows the stubborn and wicked people who repeatedly reject Christ. The vine press is a symbolism of Christ, our Vine, and His blood which was pressed out for us.

The vineyard only yielded “bad fruit” even though good servants were sent to them to remind them, they are to be gracious and yield “good fruit.”  But they rejected His reminders, and His teachings.  So, the owner of the vineyard sent his own Son, and they rejected Him. This parable was of course describing Christ Himself, who the people rejected, and eventually crucified Him on Calvary!

Isaiah 51:7 is about God’s vineyard, which represents Israel, and was disappointed because they didn’t care for it, and it only produced “bad fruit.” Again, a metaphor for God’s love and judgement for His people. (Psalm 80)

We are to be faithful stewards to His vineyard, of which He is the Head Vine, and the Faither who placed the Head Vine in the garden.

How are you at being a “steward?”  Are you tending to the vineyard? Are you producing good fruits and yielding rewards of which burst forth when following the LORD.

When we are planted in the Vineyard of Christ, our roots get deeply entrenched in His Word thereby allowing spiritual growth, which enables us to become entwined in His grace, power, love and support.

How does your garden fare in the trenches of the Word of the LORD?

“Father my LORD, my Vine and my everything, thank You for presenting me with the opportunity to thrive and live in Your love and grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Only Have Faith in You~

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“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” –Proverbs 29:25 

This verse from Proverbs I take personal interest to and I’ve applied it to all I do in this lifetime. Especially with all of the duress and unrest this world is  handing out to humans these days. It collides with my soul, and it often tries to “block out the light” because of the negativity in the air.  It’s like I’m suffocating at times with circumstances in the world and our country.

However, I put my full trust in the LORD. I know without a doubt that He is in control, and that although it seems like things are dank and bleak, the opposite side of the coin is what I choose to see. And that is because of my bond and depth of love for the LORD and His promises.

  • God has never disappointed me, NEVER!  He has shown me the way, more times than not. It isn’t His fault, should I take another path. He shows me, and it is up to me to listen.
  • He guides. Yes, guides. Like the true North, He is a forever and always and completely trustworthy co-pilot to have, during all of my journeys.
  • He chastises when necessary. YES! He will do His part as a loving Father if I should do something which isn’t sitting too well with Him!  And to which I say, “pardon me Father, I’m sorry. Thanks for disciplining me, with love!
  • And He shines His light upon the path in which to enlighten me and keep me from the dark.
  • Most important, His love is unmatched, unwavering, and unconditionally powerful and soothing.

Trusting in God, and not man is a no brainer for me, always has been, and hopefully, always will be. We can’t be fooled by the enemy and the ways of the world. Its subtle temptations may come calling, be prepared at all times.  And the only way to be prepared, is to meditate, reflect, trust and follow the LORD.

Who are you going to trust? God, or the world?

“Father, thank You for Your word, Your promises, and the steadfast depth of love You have shown all the days of my life, 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: I Need You Daily – Especially Always~

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prayer | I need god, Day of my life, Faith in god

 

John 16:13 – Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Challenges come into play whenever we have projects mounting in our lives. Whether they’re tribulations. Or merely a necessary project to navigate due to pressure from finances, family issues, conflicts with friends, or the overall horrific news of the day. When we are faced with challenges, I know the only One I want is God! Always!

Yeah of course -Christians and close friends or family are of vital importance. But for me, I want my LORD!  I want Him to comfort me. I want His Wisdom, His kindness, His unconditional love and mercy. As a matter of fact, I want Him all the time! I need Him to breathe! Always!

Make sense?  It should to those of deep faith. It makes sense to those of us who rely on His Word, and His direction to keep us going. And to keep us on the path that ultimately leads to His door. He loves us dearly! Always!

Communication is sorely lacking today, and it seems it’s limited to how it is relayed. It can be a two-way flowing street with open dialogue, with input from both sides. Or it can be a “traffic” jam that comes to a complete and utter stand still. Which in turn can back up for miles and miles. Congested roadways are never fun. Nor is lack of communication or turmoil.

With God. The street is always flowing. There is never any back up. And the communication if like a steady stream of spring water. Refreshing, ever moving, and bubbling over with joy. Always!

When we have faith, we have joy at our fingertips and mounting steadily in our hearts. When we have God in our front and center, we are ALIVE in all things. We have encouragement and inspiration knowing He loves us and listens to us. Always!

Today, tomorrow and always, “I need you LORD.”

Have deep is your need for God? Have you tried to run to Him lately?

“Father God, thank You for Your fountain of knowledge, Your wisdom, Your protection, Your undaunted love, and Your promises, I love You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Psalm 95:1-3

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.