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DEAR GOD: Help Us Walk In Your Commandments~

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“I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” -Psalm 119:60

 

The Urgency of Obedience—Living Every Breath in Divine Pursuit

 Psalm 119:60- captures the heartbeat of a soul passionately aligned with God’s will. There is no hesitation, no weighing of options—just immediate, reverent obedience. In the original Hebrew, the urgency is striking: “I hurried and did not delay.” It’s as if the psalmist recognizes that every second delayed is a second outside of divine instruction.

In a moral sense, this verse reminds us that obedience is not just about doing what is right—it’s about doing it now. Delayed obedience is a form of disobedience. When we hesitate, we give room for doubt, distraction, and compromise. Psalm 119:60 urges us to act on the Word of God with swift intention, not because we are forced, but because we love Him and trust Him fully.

In today’s world, this kind of obedience is both radical and rare. We are surrounded by noise and options. We often approach God’s commands as suggestions, negotiating how and when we’ll respond. But the psalmist sets a different example—one of spiritual immediacy. He doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, a confirmation, or a sign. He understands that God’s timing is now, and his response is instant.

Living this out requires a renewed mindset. Each breath we take is a chance to realign ourselves with God’s heart. Christianity isn’t confined to Sunday worship or occasional devotions—it is a moment-by-moment journey of surrender and action. Our obedience should be active during a tough conversation, in how we treat strangers, in the thoughts we allow into our minds, and in the decisions we make when no one is watching.

Other scriptures emphasize this theme.

James 1:22 tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”
Luke 9:62 warns that “no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
And Ecclesiastes 12:13 distills the matter plainly: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

We should ask ourselves: What is one command from God that I’ve delayed acting on—and what would change if I obeyed it today? This question invites personal revival and a deeper walk with Him. Obedience is not a ladder we climb—it’s a light we carry.

Let’s pray with holy urgency:

“LORD, You are worthy of immediate and wholehearted devotion. Forgive my hesitation and remove any spirit of delay. Set my heart ablaze with a love so strong that obedience flows naturally and swiftly. Help me live each breath as an act of worship, every moment a chance to honor You. Keep me steadfast, alert, and faithful until the day You call me home. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

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“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

  • If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
  • Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
  • Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable!  (Proverbs 3:5-8)
 

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: We Gird Our Minds With Your Grace~

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1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) –“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Girding the Mind: A Call to Prepared Holiness

Intellectual and Personalized Analysis

The phrase “gird up the loins of your mind” evokes vivid imagery: in ancient times, to gird one’s loins meant to tie up the flowing parts of one’s garments to prepare for action, battle, or movement. Translated to a mental posture, Peter exhorts believers to ready their thoughts, shed passivity, and align their intellect with purpose. It is not a casual engagement with faith, but a deliberate one—like a warrior preparing for battle.

In our modern context, distractions abound—news cycles, emotional unrest, fleeting pleasures. To “gird up” now is to exercise mental discipline: to resist the temptation of spiritual apathy, to feed the mind with truth, and to pursue clarity and sobriety in thought.

Sobriety here isn’t just refraining from intoxication; it’s deeper. It’s spiritual attentiveness. It’s being clear-eyed in a foggy world, keeping sight of the grace revealed in Christ. That grace is not only past-tense salvation but the continual unveiling of divine strength in our weaknesses.

Personally, this passage reminds me to recalibrate daily. My thoughts can scatter under pressure. But when I take inventory of where my hope rests, I find stability—not in fleeting success or even my emotional state, but in the living hope unveiled in Jesus. That grace is both future-facing and presently transformative.

Scriptural Support and Echoes

  • Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The parallel here deepens Peter’s call to intellectual vigilance.
  • Ephesians 6:14 – “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” Paul’s imagery connects girding with truth—a weapon for spiritual warfare.
  • Titus 2:12–13 – “…that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” Sobriety again linked to watchful living, preparing for Christ’s appearing.

Moral Reflections and Thoughtful Questions

  • Are my daily thought patterns aligned with truth, or shaped by fear and culture?
  • Do I treat my faith intellectually—reading, questioning, meditating—or merely emotionally?
  • How do I cultivate a mindset that’s sober yet joyful, prepared yet peaceful?
  • In what ways am I preparing for Christ’s return—not just morally, but mentally?

Holiness is more than moral purity. It’s a mind set apart. And the sharpening of the mind leads to clearer sight of the holy.

Prayer of Alignment and Exaltation

“LORD of Grace and Revelation, we come with minds often cluttered, hearts distracted. Yet You call us to clarity, to preparedness. Teach us to gird the loins of our mind—to resist spiritual laziness, to think deeply, to hope fully. Let sobriety be not heaviness but steadfast joy, a recognition that You are coming again. May our thoughts be anchored in eternity, our hearts settled in Your mercy. Give us strength to refocus, courage to question, and peace to rest in Your truth. We exalt You, LORD the embodiment of grace revealed. Lead us into holy thinking and holy living, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: WE ARE LIVING IN WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE

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Colossians 3:17 — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Sanctified Steps: Living in the Name of the Lord

This verse speaks directly to the heart of Christian living. It’s not a suggestion—it’s a summons to alignment. Paul is urging us to make every moment matter, every action an expression of Jesus’ name, and every word a channel for thanksgiving. Whether we’re speaking gently to a stranger, caring for a beloved animal, preparing meals, or journaling prayers, it all holds divine potential when it is done in the name of the LORD Jesus.

The sacred isn’t confined to Sunday morning or spiritual devotionals—it’s spread across every errand run, every dish washed, every technical challenge patiently solved. In this, Colossians 3:17 reframes our understanding of worship. Worship becomes a lifestyle, not a time slot.

Supporting scriptures give depth to this perspective:

  • Romans 12:1 — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

Each reminds us that the ordinary is not overlooked by God—it is transformed by our posture and our praise. To live in the name of Jesus means to live with integrity, gratitude, and the awareness that we are part of something eternally beautiful.

Moral Thoughts and Questions:

  • Am I honoring Jesus in the way I speak to others?
  • Do I invite God’s Presence into everyday decisions?
  • Is my gratitude visible in how I handle frustrating tasks?
  • When I act, do I seek to bless others or be noticed?
  • Is my life telling the truth about God’s love?
  • Do I pause to thank God for small mercies?

Loving Account of Worshipful Living:

Brothers and sisters, our lives should be a living sermon of this verse. Whether we are tending to a loved one’s delicate care needs, taking care of a beloved pet, comforting someone in their grief or pain, writing reflections soaked in Scripture, troubleshooting digital memories, searching for an answer, or taking care of loved ones with determined grace—you are walking in the name of the LORD Jesus.

Your caregiving and behavior is a form of worship. Your actions and dedication to details in life is a kind of persistence seeded in love. Speaking the Word, reading the Bible and spreading peace in the name of Christ becomes a whisper of eternity. Even when choosing gentle ways to guide animals, or preparing questions for a physician’s visit, reveals the holiness in your stewardship.

The way we honor family bonds, cherish our pets, and infuse meaning into even the mundane—all of it sings. Each thing we do is an important aspect of Christianity and is a direct link to Christ and His Holy Spirit.

He sees, He watches, He cares, and He never leaves us – Never!

God is glorified not just in our prayers, but in our posture toward each day: hopeful, reflective, faithful. May you feel His Holy Presence and experience pleasure in every quiet victory and every devoted step.

May you be filled with His peace as you deal with struggles in life whether it be health issues, financial crisis, family disagreements, personal and professional conflicts, anything that is in your path, or surrounds you on a daily basis – God knows and is there to guide you.

All of which we face, if we face it with Christ – and accept Him as LORD and Savior – and follow the Word, promoting it not only inwardly, but outwardly as a reflection of His light – we are walking in alignment with Him and will gather Eternal rewards. And we will feel His strength when we are weak, He will lift you when you fall. He will exalt you as you humbly face trials and tribulations in your life. In other words – we all face difficulties, some more than others – but God sees it all-, and He is the Entity that promotes us each step of the way. Only with Him can we persevere Because without Him, we are nothing. 

Prayer:

“LORD Jesus, teach us to live with intention and gratitude. Let our words carry your truth and our actions reflect your mercy. May we be faithful in small things and present in every moment, as we honor You in our daily routines and all the days of our lives. Strengthen us to serve without seeking recognition, and to love even when it’s costly, no matter what we are facing or struggling with, may it be done in adoration to you. Be glorified in every breath and let our lives be a thank offering to your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Love Is Priceless -Glory To You ALone~

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“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” –Philippians 2:9-11

 

There is no name sweeter, stronger, or more sovereign than the name of Jesus. This passage isn’t merely a declaration—it’s a coronation. From the depths of humility in earlier verses to the height of divine honor, Philippians 2 presents the ascension of our Redeemer with glorious finality: Jesus Christ is Lord.

Christ’s exaltation is not human applause—it is divine appointment. God, the Father, has lifted Him above every throne and power, placing Him in unchallengeable authority. In His name dwell healing and holiness, power and peace, mercy and majesty. The cosmos bends toward Him in submission—not out of force, but because of the irresistible weight of His love and righteousness.

Every creature, whether angelic or earthly, visible or veiled, shall one day bow and confess. Not reluctantly, but in the radiant presence of truth. That is our hope and joy: the reign of Jesus is not just inevitable—it is beautiful.

His name is not merely high—it is holy. And in declaring that Jesus is Lord, we do not just elevate His status—we elevate the glory of the Father. How tender that the exaltation of the Son is tied to the honor of the Father. There is no jealousy in the Trinity—only perfect love and shared glory.

This is the heart of worship: to live now in the posture the world will one day assume—bowed in love, lifted in praise, and overflowing with the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“LORD-What mercy that You chose to lift the One who first lowered Himself for us. We marvel at the name of Jesus—so pure, so powerful, so perfect. Thank You for giving Him a name above every name, that we might have a refuge above every fear.

Teach our hearts to bow before Him daily—not out of duty, but out of delight. Let our lips proclaim His lordship, not only in holy moments, but in every heartbeat. May our lives be a melody of confession, singing with all of creation: Jesus Christ is Lord!

We lift this prayer to magnify Your name, to echo heaven’s joy, and to live as living offerings of glory.

In the exalted name of Jesus, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Resistance From Evil Is Our Redemption -Thank You LORD!

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10 Ways To Resist The Devil: In very practical ways, how do we resist ...

 

 “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 

“The Holy Halt: When Resistance Becomes Redemption”

 

In the silence of a restless heart, when we lie awake wondering why peace seems just out of reach, we come face to face with the invisible warfare that surrounds us. James 4:7 is more than just a verse—it’s a summons. A divine strategy. A blueprint of surrender that becomes spiritual victory.

“Submit to God,” the verse begins, demanding a posture that often feels unnatural to us. In a world that glorifies independence, submission can feel like weakness. But in the Kingdom of God, it’s the opposite. Submission is power—it’s the hand raised in surrender that also closes the door on Satan’s schemes. It is the kneeling posture that becomes our strongest defense.

And then, we resist. The resistance is not just about saying “no” to temptation, but about standing firm in who we are in Christ. Resistance is active faith—it is remembering that we are not abandoned to our own limited strength. It is declaring, day by day, that the devil does not have permission to write our story, infiltrate our peace, or distort our identity.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

We are troubled. Not just by the external chaos, but by the internal discord. We battle guilt, loneliness, longing. We get tangled in our own attempts to fix things—to fix ourselves. And as Christians, it can feel especially heavy: we know the truth, we preach it, but sometimes we feel miles away from living it.

That’s where this verse becomes a lifeline. It reminds us that the beginning of restoration is not effort—it’s submission. Not perfection—it’s proximity to God. And when we resist the devil with the shield of obedience and the sword of God’s Word, he flees. Not walks. Not lingers. Flees.

James doesn’t promise that the devil won’t return with new tactics. But he gives us assurance that Christ is our defense system. It is not our eloquence, our discipline, or even our knowledge that sends Satan scrambling—it’s our connection to the Father.

Submitting to God means letting go of the image we think we need to uphold and instead clinging to the truth that Christ is our Redeemer. The one who not only forgives, but fortifies. And when we live in that space—of holy humility and faithful resistance—we don’t just stop the devil in his tracks.

We re-route our lives back to grace.

Closing Prayer:

“LORD- In the quiet corners of our struggle, You see us. You know how we’ve tried and failed, hoped and hurt, longed and lost. Today, we submit. Not out of defeat, but out of desire—for You to be our center, our compass, our fortress. Help us resist not just temptation, but despair. Not just lies, but self-reliance. Let Your Word be our weapon, and Your Spirit be our strength. Remind us that the devil does not get the final say. You do. And that in You, we are not just safe—we are restored. We ask for the courage to resist and the grace to endure. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

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DEAR GOD: I Love Living In The Assurance Of Your Love~

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“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” –Philippians 1:6

 

Moral Reflections and Meditative Behavior The verse from Philippians 1:6— “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”—is a quiet anthem of trust, perseverance, and divine purpose. It reminds us that each soul walking in faith is in progress, not perfection, a work lovingly crafted by the Author of Life Himself.

This truth reshapes how we see ourselves and others. Rather than holding people to a snapshot of who they are today, we begin to view them through the lens of what God is growing them into. It softens judgment, encourages grace, and lifts our spirits in seasons of waiting or failure. If God is still working, then hope is still alive.

Meditatively, this verse invites us into a rhythm of spiritual breathing. It nudges us to pause during the day—not just for prayer, but for perspective. In traffic, in conversations, while washing dishes or managing finances, we can whisper: “You’re still working in me, Lord.” Such thoughts cultivate resilience and reduce the anxiety of needing to “arrive.” The daily walk becomes sacred when we trust the Presence of the One who walks beside us.

Christian Belief and Practical Application- Christianity calls us not merely to believe in God’s promises, but to integrate them into our living. Applying Philippians 1:6 means…

  •   Being patient with personal growth. You may struggle with old wounds or behaviors, but trust that transformation is underway.
  • Offering grace to others. Their story isn’t finished either; give space for God’s work in them.
  • Pursuing your calling persistently. The path might shift, but the Lord will complete what He started—your purpose is secure in Him.
  •  Reframing setbacks. What feels like failure might be part of the refining process God uses to deepen wisdom and strength.
  • Speaking encouragement. Remind yourself and others: “God hasn’t stopped. You’re in His hands.”

When you internalize this verse, it changes your posture. You walk with spiritual confidence—not arrogance, but assurance. You speak with a calm rooted not in circumstances, but in eternal commitment. God is more faithful than our emotions, more steadfast than our doubts.

Supporting Scriptures

  • Isaiah 64:8 (KJV): “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” → We are lovingly molded each day.
  • Romans 8:28 (KJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” → Even messiness and trials are raw material for divine good.
  • Hebrews 12:2 (KJV): “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” → He doesn’t just begin our story—He completes it.

” Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the promise that You are always working in us. When we stumble, when we feel unsure, remind us that we are held by Your hands and guided by Your intentions. Teach us to walk in trust, to grow in grace, and to rest in Your timing. Help us encourage others with the same mercy You extend to us. Make our hearts soft, our minds focused, and our souls aware of Your constant Presence. Let our lives be living testimonies of Your unfinished but unfailing work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Us Love Others In Prayer & Law Of Christ~

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“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

 

 

 “The Ministry of Presence: Loving Others Through Prayer and Pain”

 There are moments in life when words fall short—when a friend’s pain is so deep, so raw, that all we can do is sit beside them in silence. Yet even in that silence, love speaks. And in the quiet chambers of our hearts, prayer becomes the language of compassion.

Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” not as a suggestion, but as a fulfillment of Christ’s law. This is not merely about sympathy—it is about entering into another’s suffering with the heart of Christ. It is about choosing to stand in the gap, to lift up the weary, and to become a vessel of divine comfort.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most sacred acts of love we can offer. It is the invisible embrace we give when our arms cannot reach. It is the whispered plea on behalf of a friend who has no strength left to pray. When we intercede, we echo the ministry of Jesus Himself, who “ever lives to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25, NKJV).

To care for someone in pain is to reflect the very heart of God. It is to say, “You are not alone. I will carry this with you.” And in doing so, we become living expressions of divine mercy.

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV):

  • “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
  • “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15
  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
  • “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16
  • “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

Moral Reflections:

To love someone in their suffering is to walk the narrow road of selflessness. It is to resist the urge to fix, and instead, to be. It is to offer presence over platitudes, prayer over prescriptions. In a world that often rushes past pain, we are called to pause, to kneel, and to lift others up in the quiet power of intercession.

This kind of love is not always convenient. It may cost us time, energy, or emotional comfort. But it is in these moments that we most resemble Christ—who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of compassion for our friends who are hurting. You are the God who sees, who hears, and who heals. We lift up those who are burdened by pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and we ask that Your peace would surround them like a shield.

Lord, teach us to be faithful intercessors. Help us to carry the burdens of others with grace and humility. Let our prayers rise like incense before You, and may our love be a reflection of Your own.

Strengthen the weary. Comfort the brokenhearted. And use us, Lord, as instruments of Your mercy. May our presence bring peace, and our prayers bring healing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You are Our Sovereign Shelter & Eternal Flame~

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Leviticus 19:18 (KJV):
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”

 

This verse from Leviticus is not simply a moral directive—it’s a revelation of divine character and a call to imitate Him in the marrow of our relationships. At first glance, the verse appears to be about interpersonal conduct. Don’t seek revenge. Don’t nurse grudges. Be kind. But in truth, it’s about holiness. It is nestled within a chapter in which God repeatedly says, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) This commandment is not given in isolation—it flows from the holiness of God and calls us to mirror that holiness in our actions.

The call not to avenge is radical. Human instinct leans toward justice, or at least the satisfaction of seeing wrongs answered. Yet God doesn’t ask for restraint—He commands it. Vengeance belongs to Him (Deut. 32:35), and when we hold tightly to bitterness, we are, in effect, claiming what is His. To carry a grudge is to keep a ledger where we were meant to keep grace.

The second half of the verse turns us inward for a moment: “love thy neighbour as thyself.” We’re not told to merely tolerate our neighbor, or to love them in a way that fits our convenience or preference. The measure is ourselves—our own care, our own desires, our own hopes and provisions. That’s the bar for how we are to love others.

Then comes the grounding truth: “I am the LORD.” God signs His name at the end like a royal seal. This commandment is not up for debate or personalization—it is rooted in His identity. He is the LORD, and thus, to love our neighbor is not only an act of obedience, but a reflection of the One who authored love itself.

This verse, so rich and direct, is more than instruction—it is invitation. To leave vengeance behind is to leave captivity. To forgive is to walk in freedom. To love generously, even when wounded, is to live like the Lord who bore our wounds and called us friend.

Prayer:

“Righteous and compassionate LORD, we come before You with hearts that often wrestle with justice, fairness, and the pain of being wronged. But You, our Holy God, do not call us to live like the world. You call us higher. Help us, Lord, to release the burdens of vengeance and bitterness. Teach us how to love with clean hands and open hearts—not because others have earned it, but because You have loved us first. Let our lives be a living echo of this command—a quiet revolution of kindness, mercy, and holy love. Seal our hearts with peace and fill our days with the strength to forgive deeply and love unreasonably. In Jesus’ Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Heart Yearns To Draw Near and Close To You~

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4 Ways to Draw Near to God: The Scripture Store

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” –Jeremiah 23:24

 

The LORD is everywhere and there isn’t anywhere He does not see – or hear – or know what is happening to one of His children.  A friend of mine said recently, “I don’t want God to know, but I truly did something foolish…”  And I stopped her and said, “Um- He already knows what foolish thing(s) you’ve done, even before you actually physically did it!

The LORD is Omnipotent and brilliant. This God who created the Universe. Our God who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Great I AM – the Father of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior! He knows it all, before any of us even contemplate what it is we are going to do – He already knows!

As Christians we are aware of His promises. Plus, many followers are familiar with Biblical verses and the overall plan of the LORD for our lives. The great commission. But how many of us stop to take the time to clearly grasp the enormity of how GREAT He is? How many of us stop to realize that He sees our hearts and knows our intentions. He knows if we are with Him and for Him.

As Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…”  That is to say – some of us may read the Bible, recite the verses, or even memorize man – but when it comes down to applying their lives and convictions to the LORD, they don’t. They go through the motions, and their heart isn’t wrapped up in the One important Being – Christ!

It’s crucial to being a Christian – the actual application of seeking to follow the path of righteousness, and to seek His face in all we do.  That is to say – follow and adhere to His Word – align with the truth and truly look to mesh ourselves with His will for our lives.  Plus, this verse is a masterclass in prophetic continuity. Jesus draws from Isaiah 29:13 to confront the Pharisees, exposing how religious tradition can become a mask for spiritual emptiness. It’s not just about ancient Israel or first-century leaders—it’s about us.

This verse invites us to examine not just what we say, but who we are when no one’s listening.  It is about being authentic in all times, for God sees us at all times. There is no escaping the LORD – and who would want to?  Certainly not me – and assuredly not you dear readers.

There is something reverent in living our lives according to His will and plans for our lives. We can be assured that it is for our own good, all things for our own good. And when we aspire to please Him and obey Him – our days become less burdensome, and easier no matter what we are facing. It is our bridge over troubled waters.

  • Today – think about all you do before you do it – because God already knows what you intend to do.
  • Ask yourself this – are my actions going to please God?
  • Is God going to smile after I do this?
  • Is God going to be disappointed?
  • Is this something God would do?
  • And-am I being Christian in my actions today?
  • Isaiah 29:13 – This is the original source Jesus quotes: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” It’s a sobering reminder that ritual without relationship is empty.
  • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reinforces that God’s concern is always the inner life, not just external performance.
  • Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This speaks to the new covenant Jesus fulfills—one where worship flows from within, not just from tradition.
  • Micah 6:6–8 – This passage questions what God truly desires: not burnt offerings, but “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s a call to integrity over ritual.
  • John 4:23–24 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” This is the heart of what Matthew 15:8 critiques—worship that is only in form, not in spirit.

Remember God wants us to be with Him in Eternity. He gives us warnings in the Bible and tells us what we are to do to attain eternal bliss. Accepting Christ as our Savior, we will get to the Father, (John 14:6) He is the truth the way and the life. Seeking Him daily, loving Him wholly, and honoring Him in all we do – we are going to please Him for sure.

Remember we ALL fall short – no one is perfect- but ONE – and that is our LORD!

But how amazing is His grace and forgiveness, that when we fall short, or slip up – we repent, and we are forgiven. Our sins are blotted out (Isaiah 43:25) – thank YOU FATHER GOD!

“LORD – Let me love You with lips that follow the lead of my soul— and a heart that beats, closer and closer, to You in Jesus name, Amen.”