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)

Perhaps you’ve been told that as a Christian you must learn to “trust in the Lord with all your heart.” But in truth, this famous passage from Proverbs 3 contains more than just a general statement about living. Instead, you’ll find the steps you need each day to truly walk with God, and to live in full capacity in which the LORD meant.

We’re living in a world where trust must be earned and seemingly in short supply. However, Solomon, the famous king who wrote Proverbs, expressed from his heart about trusting in the LORD, and he knew that trust is exactly where we must start.

But sometimes some individuals may struggle with trust, and feel that trusting Him completely like that can be difficult, if not possible.

But if each day we open our hearts and consciously lay aside our own plans and expectations—and surrender to His plans for us–we will slowly unfold the layers of self-doubt and reveal our inner selves which is our heart and soul, and consequently “love” for the LORD.

Surrendering to God begins with our lips and our thoughts. We need more than a commitment to depend on Him; we need to cry out to Him to show that dependence.

When we pray, we must admit that His ways are higher than ours. We  then show that we’re leaving our troubles and burdens and dreams in His very  capable and loving  hands. In fact, the Bible promises that when we reach out to Him in prayer, He hears us:
“Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. ” (Psalm 55:17)

Sometimes, the only way to live the life God wants us to live is by separating ourselves from the bad influences that keep dragging us down. That works the best when we start pursuing something else in their place:
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Fleeing from evil desires that pull at us means spending a lot of time crying out to God and leaning on Him. But our Creator promises to honor our commitment to Him when we shun evil.

When we pursue Him, we find life—abundant life. Running from evil and pursuing God doesn’t come naturally to most of us. Instead, it means we have to make a serious change or changes in our life. Sometimes that means a different occupation, or a different way of living in terms of who we build relationships with, or what we engage in for recreational purposes. Or what we view on television or in the movies.  It’s all connected to living a life dedicated to the LORD and what His will and purpose is for each of us, and of course all according to His timing.

When Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit– He told His disciples it would be their Counselor and it would be their spiritual compass or GPS:
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

As we go through our day, this same Holy Spirit guides us, too. That means we don’t have to go it alone or hope we’re getting it right. No, the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and protects us:
“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14)

The gifts of the Holy Spirit to us believers reminds us that we can truly… Rest in God’s Love and trust Him with all of our heart and soul.  Surrender to Him and begin the best journey in your life that will lead to eternal rewards, Amen!

As we are called to His purpose for all things according to His plan and will for our lives, so too are we one body with Christ.  So too we all have different gifts and different assignments while here on earth, but we are all one body in alignment with His Word, and His will.

Each of us has a purpose while here on earth and when we adhere to the Spirit’s guidance and will we are working as a team each with a goal and area in which He sends us.

With various gifts and talents we explore the tangibles in which we are sent and we plant the seeds in ways of which He wants us to.

Some may have a talent for teaching/preaching, others may be counselors, still others may be writers getting the word out to many through devotionals or poems, or expressions of love and glory to God.

We just need to realize that there is no perfect “church” and no perfect “person” for only One Being is such, and that is our Holy and Sovereign Father.  He is our Church, He is the Perfect One, and He is whom we are called upon to spread the word and love in the way He decides we should.

As a “whole body” of Christ…each part has a role, and when combined it is comprised of a whole body, and that whole body is Christ.

So go out and embrace the gifts given you and tell of His love and glory in the way you can, in the way the LORD wants us to, each one as important and crucial as the next. No one better, all equal on the playing field and growing field of Christ.

Do you know what your talents and gifts are?  Well what are you waiting for, start spreading the Word!  For when we are done here on earth our rewards in the Kingdom of God will be everlasting for all Eternity.

Praise you LORD and Hallelujah!

Amen~

1 John 1:4-5 (KJV)

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4,5, NASB).

The Lord is not at all troubled by the darkness, so why should we? We are His children who are under His Sovereign rule, so again, why should we be troubled?

As children of the Great I AM, we see His light through it all.  No matter what is going on in the world. No matter what is happening before our eyes, we are able to see the light beyond the devastation.

In His own time He carries out His plan for distributing His Light throughout the world, and His time is perfect at all times.  His plan is splendid, above all, and at all times.

Early on He decided on the means that would/will dissolve the darkness. He easily could have shown forth His light and awed all. Instead, however, the Lord chose to have His light shine through  various vessels that would/will reveal His light. The degree that the vessel’s reception of the light be clear and the windows that open to the world clean, God’s own light will shine into the world.

We are vessels and as such have the blessings of being an ambassador to the LORD by carrying out His plan and shining His light to be an example to all we encounter.

Jesus is the way, the light, and the truth…when we ascribe to His doctrine and apply His ways into our ways, we are doing what we are called to do.

Darkness?  I don’t think so.  Only light!

So shine your light because the LIGHT of the world shines His…

Amen.

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.  Jeremiah 17:14 (KJV)

We are God’s children comprised of flesh and blood, but encased within our flesh is the Spirit of the LORD– that is….should we accept Him as our LORD and Savior. And, when we do, we come under grace, and are saved.

When we call upon the LORD for help in all of our circumstances, by His grace we are saved, and by His grace we are healed.

We are sinners, natural sinners, and we will all fall short at times, and its at that time we need to “go easy” on ourselves and realize that God loves us, and He will forgive us when we go to Him with contrite hearts asking for His forgiveness. He already knows our heart and knows if we are truly repentant, we cannot fool Him…He is a “Cardio knower” — which means, He knows our heart and our intentions.

Christians are notorious for being able to forgive others but not so much with their own transgressions.  Five years ago I met a friend of mine that had moved to the mid-west, and during a conversation she confided to me that she was having difficulty forgiving herself for “deeds” and “actions” she’d done when she was in her teens and early twenties.. She was having a tough time understanding how God could love her if she was such a blatant sinner doing such atrocities against the LORD and His Word.

We kept in touch throughout the years, and one day she told me about her sad diagnosis of cancer.  However, she was healed three times, and went into remission three times,   and lived longer than the doctors had predicted, but she was still struggling with forgiving “herself.”

Through emails and conversations, she began to grasp  the concept of God’s love, and ever so slowly and gently  the outer portion of her “shallow perceptions of self” melted away.

She sent me an email, three weeks prior to her death, it was quite an email, and one of which I have saved… it was quite touching and prolifically sad, yet I rejoiced.  You see during the close of the email she said she had finally forgiven “herself” realizing that Jesus had forgiven her all along. She went on to say that she was ready to leave this earth, and wasn’t frightened, in closing she said these words:

“I am a child of God and I finally get it now, He has forgiven me all those years ago on my altar call, He loves me, and I am worthy to be loved because HE LOVES ME. Now I can go home to Him with peace and assurance of being welcomed into His Kingdom…”

When she died it was bittersweet. It was sad that I’d no longer speak with this lovely sweet woman that I enjoyed such a close friendship with, ostensibly at the same time,  I truly rejoiced knowing she was with the LORD and in peace, where she was finally realizing and experiencing first-hand knowledge of  just how much the LORD loved her. Amen.

God’s grace and love should be worn as a “bejeweled cloak” that envelops our bodies every single moment of our lives. It is after all an endless gift of glory given to us by the blood of Christ and by the love of our Father.

So realize this ” He loves us and will always be with us, no matter what.”.

My  beloved deceased friend knows that now.

Blessed are those who realize the depths of His love  while right here on earth.  And know that in Heaven it shall continue for Eternity.

Amen!

“Father God, thank You for Your great love that fills us to capacity and beyond as You allow our cups to overflow with joy and peace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

The Power of Your Love~

Lord You hear me and know my heart,
You guide me and show me where to start.
Lord You answer according to Your will,
I wait, watch and listen while I am still.

Lord Your Hands are always ready to hold me,
Your purpose and magnificence my eyes see.
Lord this child loves and worships You,
I seek You always that much is true.

Lord You watch us and keep us from harm,
We can walk through fires without alarm.
Lord You brought us through the Red Sea,
Away from Egyptians and set free.

Lord you sent a Prince and Savior to rescue me,
I am so sorry that the world could not see.
Lord I pray that Your children will bow and proclaim,
That Jesus is coming back again to forever reign.

Lord all glory and honor and praise You are due,
I feel renewed and filled with life something I never knew.
Lord You came into my heart and You ignite my soul,
Your fire consumes me, being Your servant is my role.

Lord I stand by You and love learning all,
You lift me and hold me and make me stand tall.
Lord with You I can walk into Your courts so bold,
And shout “I love you” like so many times I have told.

Lord I will be waiting and listening for You,
I wait and watch and look up at the sky so blue.
You are the King, the master of everything,
Your mercy endureth forever this I sing.

by C D Swanson~

***

Mark 10:27 KJV
“…With men it is impossible, but not with God: with God all things are possible.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

The Lord is faithful and good and He wants what’s best for all of us., and the question then becomes;   “How does He show us that He wants the best?”  The answer— by and through His Word.  He has given us His love and instructions in the Holy Bible…an informative and comprehensive guide for each of us, His children.

Book after book, verse after verse, describes in detail through individuals chosen by God to do His will, and be vessels for His purpose, establishing His commandments and the outcome for doing His will, as well as the outcome for “not” following His will.  The Old testament is obviously before Christ, but is important to this day, establishing a continuity that ties all the way up to Christ’s death and resurrection, and finishing with Revelation, of times that had happened, and will happen at the end times, and also for eternity.

When we get to know our Father through His powerful Word, and meditate on Him, and spend time with Him daily, we are able to ascertain His plans for us.  Sometimes those plans are clear and undeniably precise, at times they can be cloudy and seem hard to understand, and still other times, we can feel “outside of our comfort zone” with where God is placing us.  This is when we need to trust Him fully, and know that where He leads us, and the path in which He puts us on is the absolute best possible scenario for us, His children.  He wants us to be with Him for eternity, and sent His Son to establish that covenant with us, that “those who choose to believe and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior shall spend eternity” with our Father in Heaven.

Reach out to the Father, ask Him to do His will and He will oblige and be only too glad to show you.

Read His Word, and learn of the sacrifices and trials that chosen individuals went through.

Meditate on His love and experience the assurance and peace that stems from this knowledge.

And go forward in applying His will and purpose for Your life, and if it is outside your comfort zone, so be it, it is for your benefit and for His glory.

“Father God, thank You for Your love and guidance in our life, and for Your faithfulness in all of Your children since the beginning of time, You alone are in control, and You alone are the sole purpose of our existence, shine Your light into the darkness Lord, and wash us clean with Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. (Psalm 25:15 KJV)

While driving a song came on the Christian radio that said, “Keep your eyes on God, stay in the moment with Him.” And I thought, of course…I already do. However, upon further reflection I realize that there are times that all Christians will focus on something other than God.

It may be a selfish “me” moment, or it might be an “oh, that’ll happen next week” thought. It’s normal of course, the world can come crashing into our Christian “space” and deliver conflicting moments that deter our thoughts from focusing on what is right and what is real. To be in the moment with God is to truly enjoy the sanctity of His presence and to allow His Spirit to fully encompass our being, ultimately surrendering to His will while basking in His glory.

To be in the moment, is concentrating on Him and all that He requires of us, and walking in His light of righteousness. To be in the moment, is to focus on Him and not worrying about tomorrow, as Jesus so eloquently states in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

To be in the moment is to fully entrust His Omnipotence and His Sovereign power to guide us and bring us to our full purpose in life. To be in the moment is to not look at things superficially and worry about “ourselves” or sitting on a pot of “woe is me”– but instead to meditate and be one with His being.

Trials will come our way–all of us will and have faced these difficult moments–but when we focus on Him and stay in the moment with Him, an inner peace will transcend the mounting pressures and worries allowing the fire to purify and bring us closer to that mirror image of Christ. Diverse actions will abound and multiple scenarios will creep into our lives, no matter how careful or meticulous or faithful we are, but God will always be there with us to guide us through. And, when we focus on Him and drink in His vitality and His essence of the true living waters…we’ll be able to get through any desert and He’ll nurture us in the process as He brings us through the valleys of decline, and before long we’ll be on the incline.

His eyes are on us at all times, His hands is outstretched and His heart filled with love never ending for His children. With His promises, and His sacrifices, and His depth of compassion and knowledge, shouldn’t we concentrate on the “Great I am?” instead of focusing on worthless worrying that’ll do us no good.

Worrying, as Jesus teaches, will not amount to any good. All the worrying will not change a thing. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25)

God is in control at all times…we don’t have to worry, He has our back!

Faith is in itself a gift from God. He opens ears and opens eyes to those who have a heart for Him. However, be it known, that He can turn a heart of stone into a veritable loving and compassionate one. His divine will, and His plans according to our purpose, for our good, always for our good.

For those going through difficult times at this moment, take solace, He’s with you. He’ll not forsake you, nor will He ever abandon you. He will lead you through your adversity, whether it’s grief, physical illness, despair over finances, a troubling relationship, or whatever the case may be…He’s there for you. He loves you, and He will always be your Father forevermore.

To those who are suffering through a crisis, please concentrate on Him, and allow Him to be in control while entrusting Him with your path and your pain. Stay in the moment, embrace His presence and bask in His glory. The pain will eventually subside and the situation will undoubtedly leave. However, God will always be with you. As our amazing Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promised and said– “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

Thank You my LORD God, Father how I love You, I give You my heart and know You own my soul, keep me alive and pulsating in Your Word, as I do all according to Your will, now and always, in Jesus precious and loving name, Amen.”

=====

 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…”

(Matthew 26:34 )

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD
(Proverbs 8:35 KJV)

The Lord is constantly watching over His children no matter the circumstances…which includes background, finances, race, creed, age, so on an so forth. Yesterday was a prime example of God protecting and caring for all of His children.

My husband and I had finished an errand and upon reaching our car our hearts were drawn to a homeless man. He was in tattered clothes with a heaping shopping cart filled with his treasures, everything he owned was in that cart. He had a look that I’ve seen many times during my career as a counselor in nursing homes, the look of desperation through a vapid stare. I told my husband he probably was one of the countless many that were “mentally ill” on the streets. We both wanted to “help” him, but I knew he’d probably not be accepting of assistance.

My husband approached him gently with food and money…the individual started moving backward with flailing arms as he fervently sought to run from my husband, while shouting, “Not me, not me!” I called my husband warning him not to go any further. The wisdom of the Spirit began warning me from the beginning, and so it came to pass that the Spirit once again was undeniably correct.

My husband was a little stunned, and disappointed that he couldn’t help him. I assured him that God was pleased with him for trying– however, He protected not only us, but the “homeless man” as well. This homeless man had food in his cart, clothes, and other items that were somehow presented to him, in a way, and an environment that he accepted. God is the sole provider of such provisions. He knows how to care for all of His creation. As Jesus told lovingly told His followers, God takes care of everything and not to worry for anything.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV)

There is never a reason to worry or be anxious for anything. The Lord is in control, His wisdom and His protection and His love abound, forever and always. He is the same as He was at the beginning as He is today and always…
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We walked away with mixed feelings, sorry for that individual’s circumstances as we said a prayer aloud. However, we realized that God will always provide for His needs. He sees and knows what we as His children need.
We are all His children, yet different areas in terms of what we need. We may have different levels of education, different upbringing, and a different ways of getting through what we term LIFE. For me, I am alive because of HIM, and He alone gave me LIFE. Because without God, there is no LIFE.

That man yesterday, “our brother” through Christ, may have an unconventional way of existing, while getting through his time on earth. His cart was filled by our Father, again…the sole provider for all of His creation.
I thank the Lord for protecting us and telling us to “move along” quickly as it could have been a tricky situation to say the least. The Holy Spirit prompted me, and we obeyed readily. So thank you my God…I love you.

In closing, although there are some situations that cannot be “changed” by man…we know with confidence through God—and only through God– can it turn around. And although that homeless individual may or may not realize it, God has been providing for him all along and will continue to do so.

Regardless of our circumstances, we have one common denominator…we ALL NEED GOD. Amen & Amen~

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

(Matthew 6:27-30 KJV)

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live: and go in the way of understanding.

(Proverbs 9:5-6 KJV)

 
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42-2 (KJV)

Thirsting for our one and only Living God is a feeling that most believers experience and most have trouble expressing into words.  It is an undeniable “thirst” that can only be quenched by the LORD and His love.  It is an inner longing that can only be filled by the joy of loving Him.

Can we be loved by anyone as God loves us?

Can anyone sacrifice their child for us?

Can anyone continuously forgive our transgressions and iniquities as God has?

Of course the answer is a resounding and unmitigated NO!

God and God alone is the One and only Being that is capable of a love toward us that is indefinable and beyond the scope of our understanding while in this human body.

But what we do know and understand is that HE LOVE US.

As we feel His love and get to know Him we become engaged to the point of “desire” in getting to know Him on deeper levels and yearn to know Him fully and completely.  How can we do this?

By opening His book and reading His Word.  Hearing His voice. Following His commandments, and loving Him as we surrender to Him fully. Going to Him while boldly proclaiming and declaring our love and dedication is pleasing to Him as well as to our own heart and soul.

Panting and longing for His love?

You can find it in His Word, and within your own heart.

He is there, inside of all of us…waiting for us to love Him, while gently leading us into His green pastures and living water.

Love Him, openly and willingly…make that choice and rest in His love while He tends to you in His pasture.

Amen!