DEAR GOD: Heal Our Land O’ LORD~

 

 

 

 

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To say the world is in need of a healing, is a masterpiece of an understatement.

The horrific, paralyzing killer coronavirus, has been a life altering growth, leaving devastation in its wake.

The evil that is swirling in the Nation has been suffocating to most everyone.  And to top it all, the  civil unrest is despicable.  Sadly it’s become commonplace to “hate” those who don’t agree with their views.

The lack of tolerance and love is disconcerting and the “division” is scary.  The end result is the nation is in need of a  powerful “healing.”

Only the LORD has the power to heal.  Only the LORD has the power to unify, and only the LORD, has the power for change.

Hezekiah, in 2 Kings, was fully healed, though he had been expected to die.  Instead, the LORD extended his life for fifteen more years.

Prayers work.” 

The LORD hears the righteous prayers, and sees their tears. He turns from the wicked, but is close to those who love Him.

“Prayers work.”

As with Hezekiah, who needed a healing…so too does our nation.  We need to pray with a contrite heart.  We need to trust Him with all of our heart and soul and might and mind.  We need to pray for a “healing” in one big accord.

“Prayers work.”

The LORD moved the earth in order to give a sign to Hezekiah.  He can do anything at all. Nothing is too big or too small for the Great I Am. He alone has the power to heal our nation.  We need to have faith, pray and never lose hope or sight of our Sovereign Father, who is in control at all times.

“Prayers work.”

He allows things to happen for reasons, that at times is far outside our human comprehension. But there is an obvious pattern of Christian behavior that reaps vast rewards—Trust—Faith—Love—and Prayers!

“Prayers work.”

Keep praying, keep believing, keep speaking to Him from your heart.  He listens, He hears, and He heals.  Amen!

 

 

“Almighty Father in heaven, we know You are ultimately in control at all times, we look to You for all things, for guidance, direction, wisdom, and healing, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

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DEAR GOD: Your Living Water Fills my Heart~

 

I love reading the Bible, it brings inner serenity and my soul is refreshed in every way. It is nothing short of amazing, how His word calls to my heart, and heals me from within to without.

Jesus is truth and the truth is, “He is the Living water” and I am filled with waters pouring from my heart.

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  John 7:38

It is true, for those of us who believe. It is an energy that bubbles up from the inside and provides a tranquil and satisfying reaction.  The satisfaction of “hearing His words” and meditating on “Him and His love” brings feelings which are hard to describe.

Suffice it to say, I find my answers, almost all of the time when I run to Him.  Sometimes it’s within that moment for the answers I’m seeking.  Ostensibly, it can be hours or days before we “hear and sense” the answer. But it will happen, make no mistake about it. It will, in His time. And His timing is perfect. Not ours, but His!

But truth be told. And the truth is, Jesus is “truth.” He is the “Living water.”  He is all that we need, today, tomorrow and always.

Is your heart heavy with burdens?  Cast it to Him.

Is your mind filled with unrest?  Rest in Him.

Is your life deplete?  With Him you will be replete.

Is your thirst overwhelming?  With Him you will never thirst again.

Go to the One who cares for us more than we can understand, and experience the joy from within.

Experience the vitality of being free, then rejoice in Him.

Open the  best Book in the entire world,  and get to know Him.

It’s a life, and experience like none other.

Amen!

 

“Abba Father, thank You for Your promises and fulfilling me in ways that only You can, with Your love I am filled with Joy, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

DEAR GOD: Your Love Conquers the World~

 

 

 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (KJV)

 

 

Today, once again, I awaken to give thanks for another day…and give thanks for “His blood,” and protection, over my life and family.

He told us, “Be of good cheer: I have overcome the world!”  Hallelujah!

We are His, and He is ours.  The world will always offer up a myriad of things. That includes, trouble and hardships. Temptations and envy. Goodness and evil. Light and dark.

But Jesus is with us and tells us “Be of good cheer: I have overcome the world!” 

Isn’t that comforting?

Isn’t that a vast reality of joy?

To know that He is with us always, and that He has overcome the world. Wow!

There isn’t anything better than that or more satisfying for our souls, realizing this. Accepting this truth. And applying it all the days of our lives.

Today, may I invite you to “embrace that scripture,” and all that it encompasses to us, for us, and within us.  Then, “embrace Him,” and His love. To do so is to open the doors to freedom, light, truth, comfort, and life everlasting!  Hallelujah!

 

“Thank You LORD for deliverance and protection over my life, today, and always, in Jesus powerful name, Amen.”

 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because  greater is He that is in you,  than he that is in the world. 

1 John 4:4 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: Willing to do Your Will~

 

 

 

 

Praise the Lord, you angels,
    you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
    listening for each of his commands.

Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
    who serve him and do his will!

Psalm 103:20-21

 

 

In the Bible,  Jesus says; “not My will, but Your will be done…”and obviously, He’s talking about His Father, the Great I AM.  He’s teaching us that His will be done, and not ours.

But I often wonder, how many Christians follow what Jesus has said?

As we go about our lives any given day, we should always move forward with that notion in mind. That ultimately, it is the LORD’s will, and not ours, that is and should be prevalent at all times.

It’s relatively easy to lose sight of that during our busy encounters, and duties throughout the day. But when we go and pray and meditate that should be on the forefront of our minds.

To pray for God’s will to be done, is to be committed to pursuing the knowledge of God’s will. While getting to know His ways, and His doctrine, and His word.
To pray for God’s will to be done,  is to submit to God’s perfect wisdom, and sovereignty, and power. While trusting in Him, even when going through the harshest of trials.

Praying for God’s will to be done, inherently becomes a comparative basis for Christians to conform to Him, while exploring the world,  believing He will guide us, direct us, and lead us, while honing us into a closer mirror image of Himself, from the inside out.

It can appear as a Herculean task to be disciplined in God’s word, while accepting His will.  But eventually, we will be victorious through Christ, and excel, as we aspire to higher ground in Him, and through Him.

The next time we pray, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come,  Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven…” Stop and really think about those words, and what it means to apply it to our everyday life.  Ask for His guidance, and help, to truly grasp the enormity of that undertaking, with the ease of wisdom, and knowledge ,that only comes from Him, and His grace.

He will show you, His will for your life, you need only ask. Our Father, is a loving and obliging God, today, tomorrow and always.  

“Father God, we thank You for Your word, Your love and Your will in our lives, may we always be obedient to You in prayer, actions, and in our hearts, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Wait in Hope of Thee~

 

 

 

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

Psalm 39:7 (KJV)
And Now LORD, what wait I for?   
In other words, the “present is so discouraging, and daunting, the world is so unsettling, now what?
What do I wait for? 
What hope have I?
Cutting away from the ugliness of the “world,” while latching on to the LORD, brings hope, encouragement, and an abundance of overflowing satisfaction.
As Christians, we believe in Christ, and His resurrection.
Our Redeemer lives. Amen!
In other words, although we live, we “die” to the “world” and we are born again, the old person dies, and a new one in its place comes. Thanks be to Christ.
Being “born again,” and accepting JESUS, as our LORD and Savior, we are acknowledging Him and what He’s done for us, and therefore become “new creatures,” as the old person dies. In and through our baptism Spiritually it is so, we are born again.
No matter where we are in life, there is always hope, and answers and help come only from Him.
Bathing ourselves with His Word, and His love, catapults us into greater things that we weren’t capable of prior to accepting Him in our heart.
His wisdom, and unmerited grace, is a cloak that protects us in all aspects of our everyday encounters.  We are able to sustain a steady course, while tempering our pace to stay on “course” as we wait for Him.  All hope and help comes from Him, when we allow ourselves to be submerged in His able hands, and magnificence, we don’t have to ask “now what” — because he is our lifelong compass, and He will guide, and bring us, to our destination, today, tomorrow and always.
Have you had an intimate talk today with Him? 
He truly is the best listener you could ever have in your life.
Love Him with all your heart.  And Hope in the LORD, and everything else will take care of itself, as He intends.
“Dear LORD, I look to You for all things, through all things, and for all things, You are my everything and my answer to all I seek, may I find favor in Your sight, in Jesus name, Amen.”  

DEAR GOD: Trust Him!~

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

A friend of mine was really “down” due to the pandemic, and the ongoing conflicts occurring in our world today. So, she was “venting,” and crying out to me.

Me?  Well, that’s okay, after all what are friends for?

We comfort, we uplift, we share burdens, and we offer whatever wisdom we have stored up for such situations.  However, let’s be clear,  “wisdom” is NOT from me.  It’s from God and His Word.

I offered two important words, “Trust Him.”

There was a collective sigh on her end, and then a deep breath, before she said, “Sometimes, it’s just so hard...”

Well, that can be very true for those of faith.  No one said it was ever going to be an easy ride in life.  But Jesus did promise to never leave us, and He sent a “Comforter” to help in the Holy Spirit.  Jesus will never break a promise. Amen.

When we’re hurting, scared, or frustrated, we only have to look to Him, and His Love. That love which will encompass our essence, like a blanket of tranquility, while cohesively strengthening our inner spirit.

Trusting in Him, opens a road that would otherwise have been closed.

Trusting in Him, allows us to disengage from the suffocation of the world, and it’s unrest,  while offering us a “breath of life.”

“My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Offer your ear, and advice to those in need, but never forget where our “help” comes from.

Trusting in Him, makes us infallible in all we do, because through Him, we are able to survive hurdles, and trials that come our way.

We won’t be able to escape life unscathed by times of grief, sorrow, hurt, pain or frustration.  But with Christ, we’re capable of getting through it, and becoming stronger for it.

God is light; God is love; and God is life.

Enjoying fellowship with the LORD, allows us to walk in light. In so doing, we are also being cleansed by the blood of Christ.  Those of us who Trust the LORD, produce fruits of the spirit, thereby bringing spiritual growth, and intimacy with the LORD deep within the confines of our soul.

Faith in Christ infuses us with God’s life—that is to say, Eternal life.

In our life, tests come in all shapes and  sizes.  Some tests we can anticipate, others are not expected. Still some might hit us right between the eyes, knocking us to the ground in humility.

Sometimes the “box” in which the test arrives in, might be falsely wrapped, and not be aware of the contents– (circumstances)– of what’s about to happen.  But its so important to remember God is in control.  And irrespective of the box the “test” arrives in, God helps us unwrap the “box” while helping us out of it.  He implores us to come to Him, trust in Him, and seek His face and instruction in all we go through.

Trust in Him and He will provide the strength you need, and the “answers” you seek.

Along with your trust, offer your  daily Praises.

Plus—never forget—with God, all things are possible, no matter what is happening around you, or within you.

“Father my LORD, I trust You implicitly, fully and undeniably, all things are possible through you, and LORD, I know that even with darkness in the world, Your light overpowers it, and sends it packing, thank You in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAOR GOD: My Love & Present Help ~

 

 

 

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

 

Valentine’s day, most will agree, was invented for sweethearts, in the hopes of driving up sales for flowers, candy, and cards.  Nothing against it, but it’s a highly promoted “holiday” for lovers, that if nothing else, empties most wallets pretty quickly!    But we can all agree, that “love does make the world go round” and without love, a life can be lonely and clearly desolate.

Love, is essentially what most search for, some all their lives, some finding it early, some later on, and sadly, some “not at all.”

We all have the opportunity to embrace the “greatest love story ever told” should we want it.  And that is the “Love of  Jesus Christ.”

After all, Christ is the quintessential meaning love is He not?

When we come to Jesus Christ, and opt to follow Him, desolation is pushed out, brining joyfulness is in its place.

When we read His Word, our “language is tempered with Wisdom.”

When we are filled with His Holy Spirit, our actions and ways present His Light from within, to “those we encounter.”

The complexities that may fill our day-to-day existence, with Christ in our lives, are chiseled away with brilliance of clarity and tranquility.  Which opens the pathway of our souls to be unified with Christ, hereby entrenched in His love and power.

Love?

Valentine’s Day?

You want the “Greatest Love of all time?”   You need not look any further, just look up…and open the Bible…then open your heart to the most fulfilling Love story you will ever experience in your life!

 

“My Amazing God, You are my forever Valentine, thank You for Your substantial sacrifice,  and enduring love, that holds me up, guides me, and keeps me fulfilled in every aspect of my life, I love You, always and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Cherish You~

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

 

Shut the intrusive noise around you!

Shh!

Be quiet, be still, listen to the Lord, put your focus on God, and all else will fall into place, with His blessings.

Spending time with God, helps reinforce our ability to cope with “the world,” and the challenging circumstances that we all face, from time to time.

We are strong “through Christ” who leads, directs, guides us, every day.  Although the path and road is “narrow,” if we focus and keep our minds on the LORD, it will get easier each day we spend with Him. Our minds will start to think in spiritual ways, our hearts will grow in spiritual ways, as our love for the LORD, will increase tenfold.

Relying on His power, and  His guidance, becomes our tools of survival in a world of “darkness” —  His light shines, allowing us the wisdom, and ease, to navigate through stormy waters. But only through HIM!

Focusing on Him, and cherishing the time with the LORD, affords us the opportunity for Spiritual discernment, in all we attempt to endeavor, each and every day of our lives.

His light, is a force to be reckoned with, and the darkness won’t be able to stand up to it, so therefore “it’s banished” forever!

Trust Him.

Speak to Him.

Allow His will in your Life.

And most important, LOVE HIM.

The path you walk, and the minutes of each day will be extraordinary, when you give your heart completely, and fully to Him!

“LORD, thank You for Your light, love, and Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Christ’s Beauty in All Things~

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…but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:11 (KJV)

 

A dear friend wrote me a lovely upbeat email today, and she gave me the scripture from Colossians 3:11, and it inspired me to write this love devotional note to Christ. 

It flowed from my heart, hopefully straight to His. 

I thank Jennifer for her love and support, and timely email.

God bless you all this Sunday and always… 

 

Christ is with us always.

 
He is with me, in my car as I sing praises.

He is my sanctuary no matter where I go.

In my home, in my closet, or in my laundry room.

The beauty of Christ is prolific and calms my soul.

I can speak to Him no matter where I am, no matter what I am doing.

I don’t need the melodious swell of a choir singing Psalms, accompanied by pulsating notes, coming from the pipes of an oversized organ.

It is His voice that sings to me, both day and night.

There need not be a scenic landscape to appease and tickle my senses, or charm my ears.

No.

I just need Christ.

He is what’s most near, and dear to my heart, mind, body and soul.

Jesus Christ, offers an ornate, and grandiose scale of provincial perfection, and much more than poetry, or music might reward.

My soul needs Him always.

Therefore, any outward materialistic object, that belongs to the “world” is transient, and ever-fleeting.

Christ is forever, and I need not occupy myself with swine, or the tempestuous noise of this world.

For Christ is mine, and I am His.

He is my all.

He is my everything.

He is my melodious song of love.

He is my masterpiece of perfection.

He is my palatial palace of peace.

And He, is my One and only, always, and forever.

I love You Jesus.

I am Yours.

Amen

 

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DEAR GOD: Your Truth & Light = LIFE~

 

 

Isaiah 60:19–20 (NASB)

  “No longer will you have the sun for light by day,

Nor for brightness will the moon give you light;

But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,

And your God for your glory.

  “Your sun will no longer set,

Nor will your moon wane;

For you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,

And the days of your mourning will be over.

 

 

Even in perilous times, and the dark of night, those of faith will always see His light.  His truth, and His ways, are impervious to darkness, and lies.  He breathes LIFE into those of faith, and therefore we LIVE, because of Him.

His light is an illumination for our souls, and for the steps we take everyday of our life, here on earth, and eventually into Eternity.

Wisdom stems from knowing Him, intimately, and from a close corroboration, of not only spreading the Gospel, but “living it,” as it were.  It is essential that we share the Word, and be a prime example to those we encounter along the way.

How can we apply the principles of a lifestyle promoting Christ with ease and assurance?  Because, let’s face it, most people whom we encounter along the way, don’t really know Christ as we do. And therefore, seemingly conjure up images of “fanatical religious freaks” when we speak about His truth, light, love and His ways.

I’ll tell you what I do should I encounter a “harsh word” or “judgement” about my faith.  I smile broadly and reply with :

Thank  you so much!  For Jesus said, when we are mocked to rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is my reward in the Father’s Kingdom!” 

Yes,  I have said that countless times, to many individuals, to which there is usually the sound of “crickets,” or a look of total confusion.  I have to confess, I am happy when they say I’m a Jesus nut.  And I love saying it for dramatic and literal purposes as well.

When we walk in His truth, and Light, we are embracing a lifestyle that inherently becomes part of our being.  We are thinking and walking in the Spirit, and demonstrating to others, the prolific joy of knowing Him.

Times change but Jesus doesn’t.  The one and only constant in our life, and in this world, is His Word, His truth, His love and His ways.  Which invariably and ultimately lead the way into eternal rewards, and bliss, as promised.

To realize the depths of His love, makes everything else in life seem superficial, and immaterial. Because to be clothed in His Gospel, and to Have His Word, and truth, as our arsenal… gives us the ability to cope. And get through anything life throws our way.  Yes, we all experience loss—some so horrific it takes one’s breathe away, and knocks us to the ground—but it’s much easier with the LORD on our side.  God didn’t say we wouldn’t go through hardships. In fact, it strengthens and hones us while promoting Spiritual growth.

What can you do today to bring Jesus into focus?   

Smile a little more.

Call someone today, you’ve been meaning to reach out to, but just haven’t had the time.

Drop off a plate of food to someone who lives alone, and can’t get out to the store.

Tell someone you “love them,” and mean it.

In other words…put on your JESUS, and Shine, Shine, Shine.

“LORD, may I be an example to those I encounter, speak with, or see along the way, may Your truth be front and center, in all I do, may Your light shine, from within to without, today and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”