Category Archives: hope

DEAR GOD: I Love Interacting Daily with You~

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And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.  Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.  By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 

1 John 2:3-6

 

With each new day comes an exciting opportunity to interact and to grow deeper Spiritually, while entrenching our roots further into the foundation of Christ.

Adhering to His Word by reading is important in that “faith comes by hearing the Word” but also “applying the applications of Christianity” wherever we can.

In the flesh inherently we will slip and fall short, and God knows this.  Because we’re not perfection, (not yet) but we are growing daily, and aspiring to walk by His commandments, and be obedient to His will.

Sometimes we say something and as the words come forth, we immediately cringe for we know instinctually it was not the wise way to go. Inwardly the Spirit will alert us; “nope, not the way to go…those words were not acceptable to me.”  And then we will have to try and “undo” the damage.  With Christ, we are able to do that, and He will forgive us as He gently chides us and brings us back to the correct path.

Christianity on paper is quite different from Christianity in reality.  It can be daunting and challenging to say the least.  It’s a constant battle in the mind, as the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  And that is where being drenched in the Word is the best tool we can have as our arsenal.

It is a natural deterrent in times of adversity, and it can provide the balm needed when we are in pain.  It is an advantage when we are faced with hindrances, and it is a barrier from evil. It is the strength we garner in times of weakness, and it is the escape from the suffocating world as we concentrate of what really matters.

Knowing we are children of the One and only LORD God almighty, is the biggest blessing we can possibly have.  The joy of His love and unconditional and unwavering promises in His Word, is beyond human understanding.  But it is a feeling of peace, confidence and knowledge that will sustain us all the days of our lives while here on earth.

And when we have accomplished all our LORD has ordained us to do and lovingly brings us home, we will then be rewarded for Eternity.

Have you interacted with Christ today? 

Have you told Him how very much you love Him?

Have you thanked Him for all blessings? 

If not, what are you waiting for? 

His arms are open wide to bring you in for a hug whether or not we deserve it. 

That’s the kind of God we serve. 

How great is that?

How great is He?

How blessed are we?

 

“Father, thank You for the continuous opportunities to serve You, and for all my blessings, and for never deserting me, I love You for all You are, do and say, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Loving Companion~

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John 14:26 CEB

 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

 

Ever feel instinctual vibes? The kind that either “whisper” about a circumstance, place or person?  Or the kind that “screams” about a prospective move concerning your finances, residence, or position in life overall?  Not surprising if you answered “yes” to any of those questions above, especially if you’re a Christian.

Christians know that “instinctual vibe” that is more commonly called the “wisdom and unction” of the Holy Spirit that lives in Christians, who’ve accepted Christ, as their LORD and Savior.

I can’t speak for those reading this entry, but I can say confidently without an iota or inkling of doubt, that I’m able to “live” only because of Him.  Without His constant direction, guidance, and loving advice, I couldn’t handle any aspect of daily activities without Him being my constant, and faithful, and loving companion.

We are instructed to “call upon” Him, pray without ceasing and acquiesce to Him in all we do.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

We are informed of His promises, in particular, that He will never leave us, or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

When we love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and lean not on our “own understanding” He will in fact, guide our path.  When we realize we are not wise in and of ourselves, but through Him only, we will have health and prosper and grow spiritually. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

His Word and promises will never end, they will never fade away, (Isaiah 40:8) and they are the essential life tools in which we are to obey, and inasmuch, we will survive and do all we are called to do.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of the LORD. (Romans 10:17)

Life undoubtedly can get tough, but it will be a lot easier to handle with Him leading and guiding us through it all. What we each go through isn’t uncommon, in fact it has happened to others as well, but suffice it to say, God will never give us more than we can handle, and He will bring us through it and show us the way out, Amen! (1 Corinthians 10:13)

So, we have a choice. Either we walk this earth with blinders on, haphazardly strolling down wide paths, that can ultimately lead to difficulty and emotional upheavals.  Or we have faith, and let the Holy Spirit guide us, and lead us onto the “narrow path” of righteousness, for His namesake (Psalm 23).

Clearly the choice is obvious to those of faith. For those who haven’t gone this route before, I ask you…what are you all waiting for? 

Be blessed, be loved, choose Christ and get ready to live like you have never lived before. Amen!

 

“Father, I thank You for Your continuous guidance, I am so grateful and blessed to have You as my constant Companion, I trust in You fully this day, tomorrow and always, may I be ever mindful of Your Presence, and Your Word, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Giving Thanks for Our Gifts~

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Wishing we were like “others” or feeling inadequate next to another individual’s accomplishment is not only a defeatist type of view, but did you know that it can defy all we know as Christians? The answer is yes, it most certainly can when you consider that God made each of us, and put us together precisely, and exactly as we should be, ready to do what He created us to do! Amen!

Going beyond our physical characteristics of eye color, hair color, height, race, so on and so forth…we are all created by one God, and one God alone, who made us exactly as we should be.

So, guess what? When I attempt to sing a song, I may carry a tune. However, I assure you that I’m also going to clear the room and send dogs and cats running as far away from my voice as their little legs can carry them.  While another individual will bring people into the room listening to a voice that can only come from God Himself.

What’s my point? We need to be happy and satisfied with who we are, and with what gifts the Father has given us.  After all, He spent an incredible amount of time choosing our parents, our conception, and our birth.  And we are who we are because of who He is, and we are all the same in His eyes, irrespective of our background, our singing voice, or in my case lack of singing voice.  It is in preparation for what we do, how we live, who we are.

I’m an introvert. My sister is an over-the-top extrovert!  My brother is in between. Same parents, upbringing, but different personalities, all from God.  My brother can play various instruments, my sister is a phenomenal public speaker. Whereas I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of an audience, let alone to speak.

I’d rather write a thousand-word essay in college; my sister would rather stand in class and speak her answers.  My brother could do both.  I am horrible with numbers, my brother excels at that, my sister too.  Again, all siblings, yet all different in gifts.

Nursing homes depress my sister and brother. I felt alive and useful tending to those in need, caring for the infirmed and disabled.  My gift from above.  My sister’s gift was being a nurse in pediatrics, my brother was being an accountant.  All different, all useful, but again different gifts.

So, the next time you say, “Oh I wish I had blue eyes” Remember, God made yours brown for a reason.   Or I wish I was an extrovert, well God made you an introvert for reasons that you may never know, or eventually know…but accept it graciously and know who created you.

Being an introvert worked beautifully for me as I tended one-on-one to the residents/patients.  Or working with individual family members concerning their loved ones.  So, my personality was geared towards my career, and I thank God for it.

Have you thanked God for your gifts today? 

Do you recognize that you are who you are because of Him? 

And do you realize that He never makes mistakes?  

Aren’t you happy that there is only one “you?”

And aren’t you even happier there is only one God?  

 

 

“Father God, thank You for my gifts, for creating me to fulfill a purpose in Your plans concerning my path and life, I thank You for all You do, all You are, and all You have blessed me with, may I continue to give You all the praise, glory and honor You are so worthy of, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

DEAR GOD: Be Inspired From Within~

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You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

       Christians are keenly aware that we already have the Spirit within and the ability to do various deeds in the name of Christ.
And when we pray for “patience” that we already have it due to the characteristics of the Holy Spirit which dwells within us?
       When faced with decisions or things that are difficult to comprehend, all we have to do is focus on the “Spirit” within and ask for His guidance to bring us a solution or dissolution to whatever it is troubling us?
       How about when a sense of foreboding washes over us that something is going to happen, and you simply don’t know what to do about it…the answer lies within.
     Paul is very clear in Romans 8:9-10. He outlines what we already know that Christ is in us.  We have the gift and blessings of having the “Comforter” living within, and therefore the answers to things that we ordinarily wouldn’t have, had we not accepted the Spirit to dwell inside of us.
 Knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior is perhaps the biggest joy we can ever possess. It’s our treasure that lies within that affords us ample opportunities to undertake endeavors of all kinds, and bear up against all odds, only because of Him and His power.
       The next time when praying for “strength, patience, or righteousness,”… we already have it…all we have to do is ask the Spirit within for help and guidance, and He will never ever let us down.
         And remember most important of all…
it’s His timing, His will, and His power, that makes all things possible.
        How amazing is that? 
       And how amazing is He?
       “Father, thank You for the Spirit within and for leading, guiding, directing, and protecting me today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Resting in You~

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 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Hebrews 4:9-10

 

 

 

We all need a goodnight sleep in order to rest our bodies in order to optimize our health.

But did you know that we also need to rest our souls?  I’m sure most of us of faith know how crucial resting in the LORD can be to our overall foundation of Christianity.

Jesus went off to pray and “rest” with His Father during His time on earth. He often went away from the distractions, noise and people to pray, thereby gathering strength, rest and solitude with the LORD, allowing Him to take on each day fully replenished.

We all need time away from the “world” to listen to His voice, to meditate, and be guided by His will.  Meeting God all alone on a daily basis, solidifies our spiritual relationship further. It grows exponentially, and becomes more profound in love, respect and trust, thereby enhancing and permitting our roots to grow deeper and deeper still.

Spending daily time alone with God, also prepares us for life overall. It helps us to handle things or situations that would otherwise be too difficult to take on by ourselves.

The next time you get into bed to rest your body, ask yourself; “did I rest my soul today?”  And if not, why didn’t you?

 

“Father thank You for spending time with me every day, and for listening to all of my complaints, and handling all of my problems with the ease of only which You can do, I love You and may I be ever mindful of Your presence, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Seek You Only~

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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

 

 

This scripture basically serves as Christian marching orders in the “Army of God.”  Seeking His face, Kingdom and His righteousness is somewhat of a template in how we should live according to His will and purpose; without getting entangled in the snares of the “world.” Which is to say, things of no significance in the overall grand plan of salvation, and our inherent eternal rewards.

This verse is one of His great promises that represents God’s love and meeting the needs of all His children.  He knows what our needs are, spiritually and physically, and therefore He provides a powerful “Book of scriptures” solidifying His love and confirming we can truly TRUST HIM and Him alone for all our daily interactions.

Our merciful Father gives us His devout Word that if we look to Him and His doctrine as the first and foremost part of our life, then all we need in terms of thriving shall be provided, by Him and His never-ending love for us.

No matter the circumstances, no matter the tides in which you swim, realize that God and He alone is the One for the answers, and the One to rely on totally, completely, unequivocally, and without one iota of doubt!

Are you aware of just how truly amazing our God is?

 

“Dear Father, may I be ever mindful, aware of all Your promises today, tomorrow and always, and may I glorify You in all I do, turn to Your path of righteousness, and never waver in my trust, love or obedience to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

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DEAR GOD: Shine Your Light~

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 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

Psalm 27:1

 

 

Light, is synonymous with the LORD. That Light offers  faith, holiness, and life, throughout the Bible.  Christians, are called to walk in the light, and to be a light for others.

 

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“Light” in the Bible, represents peace, along with a positive image or message.  We are keenly aware that “Light” comes from the LORD, our “Father of the heavenly light.” (James 1:17)

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Christ, is the antithesis of darkness.  Apostle John, made mention repeatedly of the “Light,” as a metaphor in reference to the Messiah.
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In His glorious Light, we have protection, joy, peace, and a clear  path of understanding as Christians, to do all according to His will, and commandments.
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With Christ’ Light, a dawn of recognition glares apparent, there is nothing to consume us, neither can fear be our direction, or purpose, when we stand in the Light of the LORD.
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Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. ( Micah 7:8)
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Psalm 18:28 states, “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”  So whatever we encounter, we can be victorious through Christ, and His brilliance, which supersedes all else.
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Our Kinsman Redeemer—whom we are Heir apparent—by His blood, and sacrifice, set us free.  So too, does His Light shine for those in darkness.  For those who are filled with pain, and loneliness.
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For those who have been abandoned, or let down by someone, or something, in their life.  Christ’ Light and love is constant.  His love is is strong, His grace never ending.
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Jesus, makes everything easier to undertake. He is the strength from within, and the Light, that guides every moment of our lives here on earth, and beyond.
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No one said that life is a rose filled garden, or reflective of a placid lake.  We all will invariably experience life in our own way. We might have similar circumstances, along with the inevitable adversity thrust into our world. However, with Christ, we are able to navigate the stormy seas, and overcome the insidious, and ugly side of life.
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Christ’ love and Light, allows us to accelerate with an expertise that He delivers through His Spirit, which ultimately culminates into a “solution” to whatever is ailing us.
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The common thread of banality, is “Christ.” And His love, for each and every one of us. His Light is shining, to those who wish to be set free, and escape the ugliness of darkness, or wish to partake in the Living Waters.  And to those who no longer want to be weary, sad, alone, dejected, unfulfilled.
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Christ, is offering His love, 24/7 to those who seek Him, and His Light. Perhaps you’re one of those, who doesn’t know Christ yet.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “will He love me too? Will He do wondrous things for me too?” 
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The answer is  an emphatic “YES” — all you have to do is accept Him into your  life as your LORD and Savior.

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He will take you from the dark, into the LIGHT.  He will ease your pain and suffering, and He will lift you up when you are weary.
(Isaiah 40:31)   
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Do you long for peace, love and victory through Christ over all of your circumstances in life? 
If so, then open your heart and let Him in.   Amen!
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 “Thank You for Your glorious Light, and for guiding me all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

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Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (5:14 KJV)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
(Peter 2:9 KJV)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
Bible Verses about Light

DEAR GOD: Omission Can Be Problematic for Christians~

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Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘LORD, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

The technical meaning of the word omission, according to Webster’s Dictionary is: a failure to do something, especially something that one has a moral or legal obligation to do.

Now juxtapose that “legal obligation to do” along side of Jesus’ teachings, telling us to “take care of those in need.” 

So we can therefore have that technical meaning from Webster’s dictionary translate to this:  “ Christians inherently need to act concerning moral issues, and needs, which reflect Jesus Christ’ teachings.”

Are we then going against Christ, if we turn away from someone should they need our help, and we truly have the ability to “help?”  The answer is “Yes.”  According to Jesus’ own words, in Matthew 25:34, He clearly outlines specifically what happens each time we “look away” or “turn away” from someone.

Omission by way of our behavior, can be a dilemma to a person of faith. So many areas can crop up in our life that pertain to Christ’ teachings.

We might pretend not to notice a homeless person, standing with a sign stating “will work for food” as we wait in our car for the light to change, and upon turning green, drive away.

Or we might think about the elderly person down the road, who needs help, but perhaps we don’t want to “intrude,” because someone else, will probably help him/her.

Maybe even see someone in a store who has to put a couple of grocery items back on the shelf, because they don’t have enough money to pay the bill.

There are so many ways we can strengthen our roots of Christianity. If we take the time to look around, we will see many avenues of opportunities that present to us, where we can be a reflection of Christ, through our actions.

“Love one another as I have loved you…(John 13:34-5)” is a sentiment, and a direct command from Jesus Christ.  And one we need to reflect, meditate, but most important—act upon.

When we put Jesus words into action, we are making our Father in heaven very happy, and the blessings will flow.

When we do it from a place of altruistic love,  and with a contrite heart, instead of  a “ritualistic performance wanting to make points,” we are assuring our passage into heaven. Where we will collect our rewards for all eternity, as promised by our Father, over and over again in His Holy Word.

Brothers and Sisters, today hear the words of Christ in your head, feel them in your heart. Then take whatever circumstance you might have, to help spread the love,  as you reflect His light, from within, to without.

 

 

“Father, may I always be mindful of Your commandments, and Your precious heart. As I go about my daily life, may I see, hear and act, as a light from within to those in the dark. And may I always honor You, in all my ways, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Patience to Wait in all I Do~

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Why is it so difficult waiting on the LORD?

Well for one thing, God lives beyond time, in an entirely different dimension. And because of that, His ability to see “perfect timing,” for every event, is outside of the realm, in which we can.

Also— He is Omnipotent and Sovereign, and He knows what’s best for us. His timing is not aligned with “our” timing.

But of course, His will and timing,  is perfect, no matter what, when, where or why. Always perfect, and always “on time.”

 Let’s face it, the majority of us do not like to “wait.”  But we all have to wait for many things during out lifetime.  For example, for a baby to be born. It takes nine full months of waiting, in preparation for that miraculous event to unfold.  But when it does, any mom/dad can tell you, it was well worth the wait, and then some.
Despite our dislike of waiting, it is a very essential part of whom we are as a society overall.  It is part of life, is it not?

 When we wait on the LORD, although we may be impatient…we need to know that God has our best interests in mind, at all times.

In the scriptures, we are told about the benefits of waiting for our Father. We can rest in His promises, knowing He is with us, and will guide us, especially when we trust in Him, and acknowledge Him in all we do. (Proverbs 4:5-8)  He will guide our paths. He promises us, and God never backs down on His promises, or His righteous and Holy Word. His word last forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

While praying and waiting. (Psalm 46:10)  You must be “still and let God be God.”

Prepare your heart, learn, listen for His voice.

Stay aware of what you are doing. Praying without ceasing, and trust in Him, and His love, to get you through it.

He will “answer” and will “guide” us.

We just need to wear a “cloak of patience” and stand in our unwavering faith, knowing God will eventually “act” and give us insight, or a flashing epiphany.

 God, oft times, reveals His character to us, while we wait. We can become stronger as we wait, as we listen and learn.

Also while God is being “silent” as we wait, does not mean He is being “still,” or that He is not working!  Be keenly aware and watchful of “His activity” while we wait.

Listen to “His voice” as He speaks, it can be primarily through His Word. Or He uses others, or our given circumstances to “show us” the way, or provides the answers in which we seek. (Isaiah 30:20-1)

We benefit spiritually during our “waiting period.” It can be called our “gestation period” in which we form deeper roots of substance, and therefore experiencing a colossal Spiritual rebirth and growth from within to without.

So take the advice of our Father, “Be still and Know I’m God…” as we all at one time, or another, during our life circumstances, “wait” and wonder…”God are you there?”

The answer emphatically is a resounding “YES” He is!  And always shall be, now and always. Amen.

 

“Father, thank You, for Your word, promises, and Your timing, which is always perfect and always on time. You are never late, and never far from me, I thank You for Your love, and Your will, in my life, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

 

DEAR GOD: From Birth to Old Age & Beyond~

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And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 

Isaiah 46:4 (KJV)

 

The Prophet Isaiah, and the Book of Isaiah, is powerful, moving, and provides insight into God’s character. Along with His love, His wrath, His forgiveness, and the foretelling of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, (Immanuel—which is to say…God with us).

Isaiah 46:4 — brings an emotional shaking to my very soul, in a great way, every time I read it.  It’s reassuring, because it states so much, in a relatively “small amount of words.” But make no mistake about the meaning, and the vision it conjures up, in ones mind.

For me, it is a promise, and a continuation of God’s providence, and His unparalleled love.  It’s saying, although we ourselves invariably will grow old, ostensibly, our Father never does.

He is the “Ancient of Days” (Dan. 7-9, 13, 22) and He remains as strong to sustain and nourish us this very day, as He was in all the days prior; such as the days of  Adam, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, David, and Joseph. As He was there for those in days of Old, so too He is there for each of us, today, tomorrow, always.

His incomparable fortitude of strength, and unwavering grace, is our fortress, which guides our faith.  It’s the temperance of Christianity, and the depth of our roots, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Isaiah 46:9, 10—“I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…”

There have been various guesses, and estimates, that lead us to believe that thirty percent of the Bible, were about future events.

God has repeatedly said to us, through His word, that we should inherently trust, believe in Him, and His Holy Word, the Bible.

Through the course of our acquainting ourselves with His Word, and following His commandments, we can meditate, and live out our lives, according to His will, and purpose.  When we do, peace is surely our neighbor, and love is the threshold of prosperity, as joy embodies our spiritual life.  We build on that foundation, and we stand on the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ.

Do you know the Rock? 

Have you given yourself to Him? 

Do you know the Word? 

Most important, do you know Him and His love?

If not…may I invite you to open His precious and Holy Book, and get to know Him?

Then sit awhile, and chat with Him, it’s the best time you’ll ever spend this day, tomorrow, or ever!

“Father God, thank You for holding me close from conception, when you knit me in my Mother’s womb, at my birth, and all the days since, I thank You for being with me now, tomorrow and always…in Jesus precious name, Amen.”