“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint…”

Isaiah 40:31

So a dear good beloved friend of mine, whom I’ve known for over 30 years, is coming to a new chapter in her life.  After years of  physical disabilities, and struggling with those issues, that began shortly after she became a widow—(About 8 years now)— she is moving out of her beautiful house, into a nursing facility.

She is a Christian first, and foremost, and has an outlook of hope, and a heart filled with love, for the LORD.  This unfiltered love, has been an active part of whom she is, from the moment I met her all those years ago.

She shared the Word with me, my hubby, and her hubby,  over dinner at our favorite diner (which no longer is open) and strong bonds were formed.  Impregnable bonds of love, respect, and a mutual admiration society, in the cords that bind us, to Christ our Lord and Savior.

She has lived through so many hardships, and has come out stronger for each one.  The LORD brought all she needed to her door.  Whether it be, care givers, house painters, carpenters, food shoppers, etc.  She has always been held up by God’s strong right hand of righteousness, and He lead he through the rough terrain each and every time.

After years of putting others first, including her husband, mother, father, and family members.  She was on her own, after her husband passed, and parents.  She kept her faith, harnessed to the LORD, and her trust in Him never wavered.

I could go on and on about my beautiful, kind Christian sister, but I’ll stop here.  But I think it’s important to add this part to my story.
She has been struggling recently due to the lack of care she so desperately needs.

Unfortunately, some care givers were unable to attend to her needs, some are retiring, some are going for others issues.  So she looked to God for help, as always.  And He provided. After praying and searching her heart and seeking God.  He answered.

She will be moving, within the next couple of weeks, into her “new home” for possibly, the duration of her life.  Unless, God has other plans.  But, her attitude is positive, her spirit is unmovable, in the LORD, and she knows and accepts, that she needs more help at this time in her life. She is accepting of it and is graciously acquiescing to her current medical status, and knows its time to leave and move on.

In closing, those of us with faith, can be assured that there is a plan for all of us.  There is a clean cut path for us to walk upon, and God is in control of all of it.  Life happens yes…but it happens so much better with God in it.

Because with Him, there is life, hope, light, and truth.

Freedom for our souls.

Redemption, salvation…and eternal rewards.

As my dear friend, always says,  “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” 

Psalm 121:1 (KJV)

Pray for my friend, Dee… that she find peace, and all that she needs in her “new home.”

However, she already has a great start.  Because she has the LORD in her heart, and in her corner.  So it doesn’t get any better than that. With God in her corner, who shall be against her?

Amen.

“Father God, I pray for Dee’s transition to be filled with Your peace, and blessings, that she be taken care of with compassion and respect, and that she want for nothing, all the days of her life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)

When we leave our home we put on clothes before going outside. It’s part of our routine, we do it without thinking. No one would think of leaving the house naked, unless perhaps you live in a “nudist colony” which I’m assuming is not the vast majority.

So then, if we put on our clothing without thought or hesitation, why would anyone leave the premises without the “Armor” of God?

Being equipped in a full suit of the LORD’s Armor, is as essential as “breathing” and is a vibrant part of living.  And living with the protection of the LORD, is the key component and elements of a successful and energy charged existence for our souls.

Reading Ephesians is a way to reinforce our inner spirit cohesively with the Spirit of God.  It’s a way of life that is pivotal to existing in this world of mayhem.  It’s a passage that promises rewards and a prolific amount of protection from evil forces all around us.

I never leave home without my Armor.  How about you?

“Father God, thank You for You protection, Your word, Your blood, and Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

Ephesians 6:10 – 17 (KJV)

 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

We are all conquerors, and thereby victorious through Christ.

This particular passage of Romans Chapter 8,  is concerning our deep and abiding love for Christ. We are trying to express the “inexpressible” depths of pure adulation, and agape love towards Him.  We are thanking Him for the ultimate sacrifice, that God demonstrated, when He sent His only begotten Son, our Savior to save us. (John 3:16)

Our irrefutable, and powerful connection, to Christ, for going to Calvary for us, is beyond understanding of the human mind.  That  a loving, kind and completely unblemished “lamb,” would go willingly to the cross for us, is palpable and overwhelming in terms of love.

When we hold to the facts, in which Christ came down from heaven for us, and embrace the “freedom” that His love brought to us, we are undeniably anchored to Him, in ways that are incomprehensible to anyone but those of faith.

We are tethered to Him, and drink from His living waters, as we assume all aspects of His will, for our lives, while here in the flesh.

Loving Christ, is as easy as a sunny day, with a warm breeze tickling our face.

Loving Christ, is as easy as drinking a cool drink, on a scorching hot August day.

Loving Christ, is as easy as lying down in green pastures, while gazing at the beautiful clouds billowing high above.

Loving Christ, who died for us, who has paid the ultimate price, for our freedom, salvation, and sins, is a gift that keeps on giving.

Following Him, and standing up to  all of the spiritual battles that we will face, may be hard for some.

But for those of us, who’ve accepted Him, as Lord and Savior, and love Him, with a deep and abiding love, is a different thing altogether.

For although it may be tough terrain, at various times in our lives, with Christ in our hearts, and His Spirit guiding us, it’s as easy as floating on a placid lake.

Cling to Him, love Him, and never let Him go.

Because I assure you this, “Christ is with us always and will never let us go, no matter what.” Amen! (Matthew 28:20)

“Father God, thank You for Your Son and Your love, may we always be reminded of His sacrifice, and may we always have Your Spirit guiding us, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them…

Matthew 7:15-16  

As of recently, I’ve seen and heard quite a few of these “false prophets.” And not surprisingly, they’re in a variety of places.  Places that you’d hardly be aware of, like in a “supermarket” or a “gas station.”  They seem to be popping up in areas you’d least expect, and that is where those who don’t know the Word, will get in trouble.

These so called “prophets”  prey on those who don’t “know, or understand” the Word.  Nor have Jesus, firmly planted in their heart and soul.  These individuals, can come forward with a smile, and present with compliments overflowing, and offer unsolicited advice on the merits of life overall.

They might be convincing to some. In fact so much so, that it is enough to bring these unsuspecting individuals into their “way of thinking.” And the lies whispered, may become louder, and more pronounced, to those who are not walking in the light.

Now is the time, more than ever…as Jesus warns us in His own powerful words, “beware of false prophets…”

How do we rec0gnize them?  By our discerning spirit, given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit, and by being in touch with the LORD, and garnering a close, and tethered relationship with Him, in all we do, and say.

We will know them by “their fruits.”  Those who are in direct defiance of what Jesus represents, are obvious individuals who don’t bear the fruit of the Spirit, or the heart of a  Christian.

Tolerance, understanding, compassion, love, wisdom, and patience are all fruits of the Spirit.  Kindness, and an ability to walk in the light, and stand against darkness, are those who bear fruit of the Spirit.

And most important, those who love the LORD, with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength…bear witness of the Spirit from within, and shine their light to those in need.  (Mark 12:30 ) 

When we follow the LORD, with love in our hearts, and aspire to do all that is right in His eyes, and in His book…we are therefore bearing fruit, and we won’t, and can’t be fooled, “one second” by a false prophet.  Our Christian radar will be up, and aware, and ten steps ahead of any false prophet or adversary.

So…don’t listen to the “whispers” of those who try to pull you into their web of lies.  Instead, hear the clarity of the voice of “truth, love, light and life” the One and only Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

“Father, I thank You for giving me a spirit of discernment, and I gladly follow You today, tomorrow and always, in all I do and say, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Mark 12:30 (KJV)

Did you ever feel Jesus walking along side you during your travels, whether at home, near or far?  

I quite often dedicate the day to the LORD, in all my tasks, and various accomplishments. No matter how big or small, it’s all to Him, and because of Him, that I’m able to undertake any situation. Amen!

I know most Christians are familiar with the saying, “What would Jesus think/do?”  Which has become synonymous with one of deep faith.

What we say, He hears (Creator of the Universe)

What we do,  He sees (The Great I Am)

What we think, He knows (Omnipotent God)

What we forget, He remembers (Guides us)

What we remember, He forgets (Forgives us)

So, Jesus, is with us all the days of our life.  Morning through the evening, into the dark hours of the night.  He is by our side.  Never wavering in His grace, love or protection.

Next time, if something is in need of attention, try to think before acting upon it.  Hold off on what is said, before saying it.  And most important, remember God forgives us.  Because Jesus died for us, resurrected and redeemed us.  His blood is the atonement for our sins, and He has forgiven us. It is done. So ease up on any guilt trips that you might be taking.  He loves unconditionally, and forgives always.

Think about His love, and His company,  throughout the day, and give it all to Him, and His glory, now and forever, Amen.

“Father, LORD, thank You, for Your umbrella of protection, this day, tomorrow, and all the days of my life, may I always be aware of Your defining and unparalleled Sovereignty, and do all things unto and in honor of You, while proclaiming Your boundless, and endless glory, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

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. 

Colossians 3:17  (KJV)

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 

Ephesians 5:18-20 (KJV)

When we spend time with the LORD, we become infused and undeniably connected to Him, and therefore become like Him! When Christ returns.  and eventually when we see Him, we will be like Him, as told in the Holy Word. (1 John 3:2)

The Holy Spirit, is always with us,  eagerly, and lovingly, ready to provide insight, and understanding, in all aspects of our lives. He is our Mediator and our Compass, showing the direction in which we should go.  He is the wisdom flowing in our veins, and He is at the seat of our morality and humanity.

Infused by the Spirit, we are able to see things on a level, that would otherwise be impossible to see, or handle by the “flesh eyes” of our body.  Instead, our “Spiritual eyes” are filled with acceptance, and grace, that generates a profusion of love, directly from above, through the Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us, who have accepted Christ as our Savior.

Throughout our years of serving the LORD, our roots become deeper in Him, which then becomes a cohesive and delicate balance in all areas of our lives.  As we become more entrenched in Him, the LORD has full reign and the ability to access our hearts, minds, and souls.  He sees and recognizes our love for Him, through fellowship, worship and actions put forth in our daily lives in all we encounter.

The more time spent with Him, the more we begin to take on the likeness of Him.  Something happens to us organically, the LORD begins to open the “curtains” giving us the gift of seeing more of His activity, thereby allowing us, to be fully involved, in His miraculous work.

Stay in touch with the Spirit from within.

Breathe in His presence.

Accept His wisdom and love.

And focus on the spiritual side of yourself which will enlighten your heart and soul.

Infused by His Spirit is the sweetest gift we could ever receive, and the promise of eternal rewards when we are called home, Amen.

“Father, thank You, for Your presence, and gift of the Holy Spirit, to be infused by Your Spirit, is a gift that is hard to define. May I always be aware of Your Spirit, and Your ways, and may I grow each day, all the days of my life, in my spiritual walk with You, bringing You closer with each step I take, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Did you ever get up in the middle of the night, and walk to the bathroom in darkness? 

Did you notice how tough it is the darker it is for one to navigate with ease?    

Yet when you flip the light switch, it’s much easier to accomplish the task at hand.

So too, is life when you walk in the “Light.”   For those who are in the “dark” spiritually, life will be exceedingly hard to maneuver overall.

Our Father’s Word, is a guide for His children, and when we engage in an active obedient life, in terms of loving Him, along with prayers and daily scripture reading…we are inherently walking in the light.

A friend of mine, just today said, “I don’t know how you do it, go into the Bible everyday, I wish I could do that…”

My response was, “If I don’t pray and talk with God, or read even just a passage, or one chapter of the Bible daily, I feel less than complete.  In fact I feel depleted and unsettled.

Reading the Word, is the opposite of deplete.  I’m replete with peace, and filled with joy.  I’m able to “go through things,” no matter the intensity, or platitude of any given situation.

Armed with His truth, His light, and His daily guidance…I am able to “keep sane” in a world that has seemingly gone “insane.”

May I personally suggest, if you don’t already do so…make time for Him each day.

Put down your cell phone.

Turn off your gadgets.

Take the time to sincerely meet with Him, each and every day of your life.

In time…you will see, that there is no time better spent, than with our Almighty Father, King of kings, and LORD of lords.

Amen!

“Father, thank You for listening to me, caring about me, and for sharing Your word with me, I am nothing without You, and there is no defeat in my day, because with You, I’m victorious, in Jesus name, Amen.”

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” ( John 1:5 )