But He saith unto them, 

It is I; 

be not afraid

John 6:20 (KJV)

The disciples in their peril at sea needed the great “I AM.” These two words alone should have removed all their fear. But instead they doubted and began to panic, as told in the Gospel of John.

After feeding the multitudes, Jesus told His disciples to head out for the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. And then Jesus went off to pray and to seek the Father, in a quiet and private setting.  Being alone to gather His thoughts, and commune with God, was a common practice during His ministry here on earth.  It was at there that He was able to speak His heart, directly to His Father’s heart.  It was there, He did according to His Father’s will, and it was there he was fully refreshed in the presence of the LORD.

Jesus, clearly had been praying for others, especially His disciples, and watched out for them always.  When He was done with prayer, and meditating, He joined them at sea. However,  the night was extremely black, and they evidently didn’t recognize their Savior.

Three hours after midnight, they were relentlessly straining with the oars against the hideous storm.  Jesus, was fully aware of their circumstances.  They didn’t realize it, but they were about to witness their Savior’s power, sympathy and love, as He quickly came to their aid.

He approached the distressed disciples, in an entirely unexpected way, by walking on the turbulent sea, as if it were stable as rock.

In fact, under the horrific conditions at sea, they thought He was an ominous apparition of some kind, and they were frightened.  Seeing this, He assured them by stating, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”   

I’m sure later  during their lifetime, the disciples remembered Jesus’ words,  and actions clearly…and that lesson was revived in their minds, allowing them to be comforted.

Just as we can to this very day.  We can be comforted by the “Great I Am” and His power and Words.  By His strength, fortitude, and omnipotence.  By His love, for every single one of us.

All things are possible with the Christ, to doubt, is seemingly a betrayal of our faith.  One must trust in God, and believe in His Word.  We should never wonder if He can intervene on our behalf, or wonder at the way it might be carried out.

Remember that God is the same today…as He has been since the beginning of time.  When we are battling storms, and hapless in circumstances that might be surrounding us, feeling threatened, or feel like we are drowning , just think of the “Great I Am” and hear His words of comfort.

He is still with us!

He will walk on water to get to us in any storm, no matter how big or small. He is there, right beside us.

Seek Him.

Love Him.

Revere him.

Trust Him.

He sees our tears, and wipes them away.

He knows what is going on in our life, and is aware of our battles both big and small.

He is our constant source of peace and our Light in the dark.

Always!

Today…if you are struggling; “Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ is near” we never have to fear!

“Thank You for guiding us and being our perpetual Light for all the storms in our life, and for loving us no matter what, in Jesus name, Amen.”

There is Power in The Name of JESUS!

Philippians 2:9-10 (NASB)

Jesus Christ, has exhibited His magnificence, in countless and astounding ways throughout the ages.  His omnipotence is never-ending, and He is with us always, even at this very moment in time.

He was present at Creation, shares in the absolute power of the Father (John 1:1-5).  He demonstrated his physical power- and endured 40 days in the desert without eating (Luke 4:2)  Plus Jesus while in His ministry on earth, led a particularly demanding life, as a first century carpenter, and of course, more importantly, as a Preacher/Teacher/Rabbi.  He also traveled, during His miracles and preaching… some believe perhaps the entire circumference of the earth; 24,902 miles!

However, even with all the above being said…one would agree, the most significant account of Jesus’ life, was His sacrifice for us.

How He was crucified for our sins!   He was the perfect Lamb, unblemished, and went willingly—to fulfill the will of His Father—in order to save and redeem us, thereby, offering us eternal salvation.   Does it get any more amazing or powerful than that?  

Well, there is the fact that He rose again on the third day, and conquered death.  He is the sole Author of Peace, the antithesis of His nemesis, the enemy who creates chaos.

Christ triumphed over death through His resurrection. He died and rose again— never to die again—and this is how He truly conquered death. He is alive, forever more.  So too shall we be, when our flesh bodies die…we will be alive forever in our permanent spiritual bodies, through Christ. Jesus grants us that opportunity, as we embrace Him as our LORD and Savior.

Jesus said: “I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” ( Revelation 1:17–18 ).

Embrace the fact that we are children of light, and that we have the Father of lights to watch over us.  He is shelter and our refuge for all things.  He hears our cries, He sees our tears.  He calms our soul, and soothes our heart, and mind.  He is the Provider of all our needs, and He is the strength, and wisdom guiding our paths.

Never under estimate the power of Jesus Christ’ name.

Do you know Jesus Christ? 

May I invite you to open His Book, and get to know Him?

One can empathically state: It’s a “reality” in which one cannot describe, unless you “subscribe” to it.

Amen!

“Thank You Father, for gifting us with the power of Your Son Jesus Christ’ name, and His unprecedented love, all glory and honor and power and dominion be Yours, forever more, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith”

 1 John 5:4 

As Christians, we strive to strengthen our faith, and endure all things, because of faith.  Seeking Him, daily in both His Word, and prayer, we are exhibiting, and inherently, solidifying our love, and trust in the LORD.

Together, in accordance to His Word, and fellowship with other believers, we encourage and support each other in our faith.

We invariably will experience trials, and personal discipline, in order to keep our eyes, heart, and mind focused on Christ Jesus.

Being embroiled in His Word, and promises, enables us to be secure in our journey as a Christian.

When we look to Jesus every day, what happens?  Well for one thing, our burdens are both easier and lighter.  And the weight of our sins fall away, thereby freeing us, as we express, and embrace His truth, light and powerful unconditional love.

Each day, as we look to Jesus, we are gaining deeper roots of Christianity, we are filled with joy, knowing He is with us now, and always.  Most important… He waits for us, on the other side, where He has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house.  Our house eventually…for eternity.

All of the pain, suffering, trials of tribulation, that we endure in our lifetime, will ultimately be worth it.  When we endure, all that we experience, as gaining wisdom, and Spiritual growth, it makes it beyond worthwhile.

We can be happy knowing, that when our journey here on earth is over…we will get to the “finish line.”

And Praise the LORD, at the end of the race, Jesus waits with open arms….Hallelujah!

“Dear LORD, thank You for Your promises, rewards, and love, may I run the good race and find favor in Your eyes, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Bell bottoms, Go-Go boots, hip-huggers, belly-button tops, actual enclosed telephone booths, an actual person answering any given place of business, Sundays were a day of worship—when all stores  were closed, writing letters, and sending cards through the snail mail, sitting on the porch with family, neighbors, and friends, and so much more.

All so long ago, and all part of the baby boomer generation.  In addition to getting older, much has changed since I was a very young girl in the 70’s.  Sometimes, it can be overwhelming how much and how fast life has changed.

Most of us have lived through a series of losses. Death of loved ones, parents, friends, and extended family members.  A good majority of us have lived through turbulent times, riots, civil unrest, and multiple tragedies throughout our country, and the world overall. Right now this Pandemic and political unrest is causing so much emotional distress.  But the good news, is that we are “here” right now, and “you” are reading this message right now.  Amen?

Don’t get me wrong, because change can be a positive thing, as stagnation is decidedly poor for spiritual growth.  But, nonetheless, everything changes.  That is everything, except the LORD.

He is steadfast, He is the Alpha, and Omega, He is the Creator, He is the Great I Am, He is the Prince of Peace, He is our Redeemer, He is our constant source of energy from within, to without. He is our refuge. He is our shelter. He is our strength. He is our sole purpose, of why we are alive today.  And…most important— He is the same, since the beginning of time. He is, and always was, and always will be.

The comfort of tangible evidence, of the LORD’s existence, in my life, is the reason I’m able to withstand, and prosper through change. Without His Word, His promises, His love…I would cease to be. With Him, I am fulfilled in premise and reality, and in virtually all I do and say.

With Him, I am able to navigate, and be aware of superficial individuals, who might be disguised as “friends.” I am prepared, because I  am armed with a fortress of truth, and artillery of wisdom, and boundless love that clothes my heart, and soul. Thanks to the LORD, and His never changing ways, and His Word.

Don’t be alarmed, or dismayed, have courage and be of good cheer, the LORD will never leave, nor forsake those who believe.

And hold on to this, even when it is the darkest of dark times, it won’t be long before the light shines through.  Because with the LORD…we walk in the light, prepared to do His will, and armed with the truth, able to circumvent any scenario that comes our way!

“LORD, thank You for being the One constant in my life, for never changing and providing peace, comfort and love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” 

James 4:7-8  (NKJV)

We draw near to God in many ways. One indisputable way is through His “Word” — His “Book” —the Bible. Also, through meditation,  spending valuable time with Him. Setting aside an exclusive period of time, to read His Word, listen to His Word.  And of course, “listening to His Voice.” Which is pivotal, and a viable key to those of faith, resulting in  our spiritual growth.

We draw near, and close to God, when we choose to “close off the world,” as we shut ourselves away from all other influences, that might otherwise detract from getting to know Him better. We are becoming stronger in spirit, stronger in our proclamation of our love, and faith in our LORD.

The more we read His word, the better acquainted we get to Him.  We become inherently knitted to Him, and His doctrine, resulting in ripening fruits, of the spirit. When we share an intimate relationship with our LORD, we learn from His vast wisdom, and see His awesome power, manifest in all aspects of our life. That which is dark becomes light and that which is unclear, becomes transparent.

Make no mistake, God will win, every time, in any conflict with the enemy, and He wants us to overcome our adversary, through Christ Jesus.

That is the victory of being one with Christ. Christ overcame the world.

Greater is the One in us, than the one in the world. (1 John 4:4 ) We are victorious through our LORD and Savior.

It’s impossible for us to resist the world for very long, if we don’t put our trust in Christ. Our spiritual growth is heir apparent, by trusting in the LORD, time after time. We reinforce our growth, and faith, with each scenario or circumstance. We develop a deep, and intense history, by submission to Him, and our love becomes even more pronounced.  We then live for Him, and we present to others, the inner light.  Which is exactly what Christ wants us to do. “Shine our light.”

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16).

Submit all areas of your life to the LORD. If and when we think “we can do it solo” we are therefore saying to God, “Hey I got this, I can handle it alone.”  That is exactly when the enemy will attack!

The fact is… “we can’t do anything without God in the center of our lives.”   He is the nucleus of our being.  Without that nucleus we are nothing. He is our breath of life. He is the air we breathe. And He is the focus of our being.

God gives us the ability to submit, thereby, we  can then resist the enemy, through Christ, and prayers. When we spend time with Him, each day, and believe, trust, confide, and listen…God draws near and closer to us.

What happens then?  The enemy will soon be packing, and taking off for parts unknown!  He will flee before you can say “scram.”

Have you spent time with our LORD today?

“Dear God, I love You, and thank You, for being You, for Your word, for Your love, and for allowing me to be victorious through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and it is in His name, I pray, Amen!”

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

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

The words of Jesus resonate and reverberate within my soul. as an overwhelming calm embraces my countenance.  That calm, which only Jesus can bring, overrides world circumstances, and societal unrest. Why?  Because God has overcome the world.  And, “Greater is the One in me, than the one in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

With God all things are possible, with man it’s not possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Today, as I read verses, and meditate on His words, in the “Letter He wrote to us, (Bible) the comfort and peace I feel  will take me through all the seconds of the day.  And it doesn’t stop there, as most of you reading this will relate, His word and promises keep me company, in all circumstances.  It can be applied to every given scenario I face today, tomorrow,  and all the days of my life.

There is nothing that is more reassuring, or comforting, than accepting Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, while surrendering to His will, and plans for our lives.

He is the anchor, in the storm, that will bring us into safe harbor.

He is the quintessential salve, for our aching souls.

He is the shield, we find refuge in.

He is our everything, for anything, at any time, and any place.

Have you told Him how grateful you are today? 

If not, I invite you do so right now.  He’s listening.

“Father God, thank You for Your light which illuminates my paths, and guides me all the days of my life, I surrender to You, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 91:1-4 (KJV)

Have you ever been “hugged by God?”

How many of you have felt God’s presence, love & protection?  The purest kind of love that “hugs” you, just when you need it most?

Well, I’m sure most of you reading this, have felt it many times.

Because those of us who have an intimate relationship with the LORD, have a connection that is deeply reciprocal and spiritually responsive to Him, and all that He is.

This current ongoing Pandemic, has created a vortex of misery, for so many. It’s rough and our lives have changed considerably.

And the times can be rougher for some more than others.  Some of these circumstances have been heightened by this horrific virus. Many might be facing ongoing health issues, finances, loneliness, and/or maybe having lost a loved one to this evil cynical life sucking monster of a virus.

Dark times need to be offset by the “Light.”

The source of that light comes from the highest Holy One. The One that can erase the darkness, and send it packing. That powerful Source is our LORD and Savior!

God will always give us a “hug” just when we need it.

I was feeling frustrated, while struggling with the current events of this world, and a family member, who was facing a serious health crisis, along with my medical issues.  I felt both emotionally and physically drained of all energy. In fact, I wanted to curl up into bed, and wrap the covers over my head.   I retreated into my bedroom, Bible in hand, and opened up to Psalm 91:4 (KJV) 

          “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler…”

I then put on Christian music. And what should come on right after  Psalm 91?  “Eagles Wings” by Josh Groban.

It was right then that I immediately felt “God’s loving hug.” 

It was all good.

He was protecting me and I was under His wings of love, and provision.  Amen!

So today, or tomorrow, or the day after that, and even the day after that.  Just when you’ve had enough, or feel sad, dejected, frustrated, upset, hopeless, struggling with pain, finances, or family issues.  Run…don’t walk… to His word, and wait for “His hug.”  You’ll know it the moment you “feel it.”

His word. His promises. His protection.

His wings that shelter. His love.

That is what “life is about” that is what “makes the difference in all that I do, see, feel and hear.

His word.

His promises.

His love.

It’s what I live for.

His “hug”—no words to describe it.

But as a Christian, you’ll know it when you “feel it.”

“My LORD, thank You for the ‘hugs’ you give just when I need them, and all the in between times too, You are my life, my breath, and my everything, I am Yours forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

You know the Psalms repeat “sing praises” throughout most of book. Some of us are gifted with ” singing voices” that were given to us by the LORD. Sadly, some of us sound like screeching cats!  But one thing we all can do ultimately on the same level, is “worship” and praise Him all day long!

When we wake up, “Praise You LORD, for I’m seeing another day!”

When we eat our breakfast, “Praise You LORD, for this food before us!”

When we speak to a family member, “Praise You LORD, for my family!”

When we speak to a friend, “Praise You LORD, for my friends!”

When we are not feeling too well, “Praise You LORD, no matter what!”

When we are feeling discouraged, “Praise You LORD, for never leaving me!”

So on and so forth…

In other words, in all we do…in all we see…in all we have…in all we go through, day after day.

Praise Him continuously.

For all HE IS, and all HE has done, since the beginning of time.

For His magnificence, For His Sovereign Power, For His consuming Love and Passion!

When we worship and praise, we receive blessings from above and we are pleasing in His eyes.

When we  worship and praise, He will shower us with a line of defense, and our enemies will flee from us.

Worship and praise.  The single most powerful thing we can do in terms of our lives.  Given to us, and afforded to us, from the One and Only LORD.

He acknowledges those who worship Him.

How can blessings come from above if we don’t worship Him here?

How do enemies run if we sit in doubt and fear, and ignore our LORD?

How do we get through life, good and bad, without our LORD?

Today…as you go through your busy day, take the time to carve out special moments just to tell Him ” how special He is”

Take the time to “enjoy His presence” as you thank Him.

Take the time to “read His word” and embrace His promises.

When you do, and do it readily every day, the transformation that will emerge while doing so, will be indescribable and life changing!

Go ahead, look up!

He’s waiting to hear from you.

“O’ LORD my love, my everything, thank You for this day, thank You for my life, thank You for Your promises, Your word, Your Love, and Your grace, I live for You, all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power, help us O LORD our God, for we rest on You…”

2 Chronicles 14:11 (NKJV)

What looks daunting and completely impossible to the average person, is truly “nothing” when it comes to the LORD.  When we fight our battles in surrender to the LORD on our knees, we are “victorious” every single time!  With the LORD in our corner we can never lose. How can we lose when we have the most Powerful Sovereign Being in our corner?

No matter what our backgrounds may be, irrespective of our personal histories, or despite things we’ve done, or failed to do…Our Father invites us to repent and seek Him in all we do.  And when we seek Him, we will find Him, every single time.

We are all facing some pretty challenging times these days, with civil unrest, and the Pandemic still going strong, But 2 Chronicles 20:15  states, “Thus says the LORD to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” And that should bring an enormous amount of relief and comfort to anyone who reads it, meditates on it, and grasps the promise of the LORD.

What we’re facing today is adversity, and the LORD uses adversity in lives of the believers for many purposes, all of which are ultimately meant for “good.”  He will limit the amount in which we sustain, each one handling it according to their limits, and He always provides an escape from harsh times.  These become apparent when we live through these trials, and become stronger for it.  And learn and grow exponentially in spirit from each episode.

Fortunately the dark moments last only as long for God to accomplish His purpose in us, and it won’t be long, until the darkness is gone.

That’s power from above.

That’s Love from above.

That’s our Father from above.

And there is none like Him!

“Father God, thank You for Your endless providence over my life, and for honing my spirit through each adversity, I thank You and trust You that all things turn out for good, in Jesus name, Amen.”