In the quiet of the early morning hours, just before the sun shows its face, while the lingering twilight is still spanning my backyard, the quiet engulfs me as I start my day.  I embrace the peaceful “noise” of the outdoors, while looking up at illuminating sky.  In that solitude, the very first moments of my day when I “hear God’s voice.”

It seems His voice/word and Presence is clearly apparent, as I take it all in, thankful for yet another day, and another way to be a servant to Him in all I do.

We all have our moments, and experiences we can talk about to others, honoring God, and testifying of His great ways and love.  And we can sense and feel Him through good and bad times. But sometimes the quiet moments are where you can “hear” Him in the biggest way.

“Be still and know I am God” Psalm 46:10 takes on a whole new meaning when you are alone in the solitude, without interference from the world, or “noise” from the world.

Running to Him during bad times, we are drawn closer to Him, as we need Him and His healing and wisdom to get through it.  We run to Him during chaos, and we cling to Him with requests as we pray for others.

But the best spent moments, for me…are the morning hours…all alone, before the “world” wakes up, and before the noise crashes into my orbit. It is where I am the calmest, and the most comfortable.

During those moments in which I give Him thanks for another day, I am so grateful to be alone with Him.  I am so selfish of my time with Him. I don’t want “anyone” or “anything” to interfere with my special connection and encounters with Him.

Are you aware of His voice during the quiet times? 

Are you aware of His Presence while you are alone?

During those times receive the blessings from above as this is a gift to be able to “hear” His Words as certain Biblical passages come to life!  Right in the midst of “silence” the ring of truth will peal exploding into your heart and soul.

O to be loved by God, there is no other love such as His love.

“Father God, thank You for the special moments of the early morning hours, and all of the hours after, I love You today, tomorrow always, and I look forward to spending time with You all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

****** ****** ****** ****** ******

Again, he limits a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Hebrews 47

Psalm 27:13-14

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

If we never had problems, we would never know that God can resolve them.

When the enemy attempts to torment us with his lies, thankfully we can go straight to the word of God and find peace, strength, and love.

If we journey back through visions in our mind, we will see all of the things we’ve been through, and how God was there with us for the duration.

He not only strengthened during these trials but brought us through them all. These events include “big” trials, and “little tests” along the way, but nonetheless, scenarios that contribute to our faith, and allow us to lean on God, fully and completely.

We, as people of faith, must trust in God, for He alone is the only One who can, and will, shelter you in times of trouble, in His secret place.

He is unconditional in His love, and His resolve, in bringing us along the paths of righteousness. He is unwavering in His promises, and His guidance. And His arms are always open wide to accept us.  

 He looks at us with love, and doesn’t differentiate irrespective of where you live, who you are, what you look like…no, it’s the heart He sees, and the heart He searches.

In Psalm51 David cried out -“O LORD, create in me a clean heart” and that is what He does to each of us through His grace, compassion, and love, when we ask Him humbly and truly mean what we say.

Words can be powerful, and ostensibly, can be meaningless.

Because actions are the ultimate difference between just “saying the words” versus “speaking the words,” and actually doing what we say, by implementing the words in all we do.

“Father God, thank You for Your love, and being there for me through the big times, and the small times, through good and bad, never faltering, never leaving me, holding me up while I was down, and helping me out of the valley, I exalt You and Your glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Psalm 51:10-12

 David prayed: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a wiling spirit. (ESV)

Psalm 34:7-9 

God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.

Even though the world seems to be “aflame” with horrific examples of pure evil perpetrated all over the continents, rest assured as a child of God, we are encircled by His consummate love and fire of protection.

My personal walk with God is an adventure I maintain and treasure each moment of the day.  So, whenever the world attempts to engulf me in flames of despair and sorrow, I’m happy and content, knowing I am in the “circle of His love,” and that God is an all-consuming living breathing fire that goes “both ways.”

Standing within that circle of protection, His fiery love deters evil from entering, and lifts and guides me, all the while keeping me safe.

I am encircled by His love, profoundly protected and nourished at all times. And knowing that is a feeling in which I am rendered incapable of comprehension, other than to say, “He loves me!”

As He does all of His faithful followers.  He is a God of promises, of unyielding patience, and unconditional love that knows no bounds.

His Significant Being becomes my “compass” of reality in all that I endeavor to undertake on a daily basis.  His strong hands which encircle me, guides me to a place of tranquility, irrespective of the chaotic surroundings.

He is the One who gives and keeps on giving without ceasing. And the One that I can count on, no matter the circumstances or events.  He knows what’s best for me, and He knows “when” it’s best.

There is nothing but His timing, and His outcome, and that is alright by me!  For He wants only the most prosperous outline for my journey in life, and therefore I surrender to Him fully and without reservation.

How fortunate to stand within the circle of hope, peace and love!

“Father God, thank You for the unrelentless and pure love You bestow on myself and others, Your ways are beyond description, and Your Magnificence is magnified exponentially by Your Word, Your promises and Your Presence, may I be ever thankful, mindful and obedient in all my ways, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.”

God is with us always.

He is a constant presence even to those who aren’t aware of it. He defends us not only from stormy winds, and tempests from which mountains break, but from the assaults of its enemies.

Such a defense is Almighty God’s providence for His people, Amen!

The realization of His being with us, irrespective of circumstances which may surround us should be a “confidence booster” and “tranquil stabilizer” in all our days here on earth, and beyond.

If you’re feeling worried, on edge or anxious, you’re not alone, it happens. Yes, even to those who believe in God!

However, if we continue to allow fear into our life, things happen, like an erosion of our faith.

Why?

Because fear can be powerful if we let it run freely within us. In fact, fear is one of the enemy’s most highly used tactics to get us to doubt God and His promises and love.

We all have the ability to overcome any disturbing thoughts, or any intrusive mind-rotting fears, but only through Christ. We must constantly forge ahead, and trust in God, and His unending promises.

Despite that “little nagging voice” tugging at the reins, saying “Uh-oh, that’s scary. Uh-oh, you’re going to get sick, etc., etc.” God is in complete control at all times.

Give Him the “reins” and remember who actually does “Reign” the LORD and the LORD alone!

He is our peace and comfort, and His gift to us is salvation, protection and love!

So today…no matter what you’re facing, keep your mind, thoughts, and heart focused and upon God, and God alone.

He alone will bring you through it.

He alone will hold you up.

He alone will give you love.

And He alone will never desert you…

“Dear God, thank You for Your promises, Your Presence, and Your love, help me to focus on You and Your will, and to realize there is nothing to fear because I am made in perfect love, and You are my Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you, life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore, choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,

to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (WEB)

^{One only has to read this powerful Bible Verse to understand what is happening in the world, and then will be able to acknowledge that most “are not” listening to His Voice at all.}

^{Blessings or curses?} 

^{Which do we fall under?} 

^{Are we held to the “values of mankind?”} 

^{Or are we held to the “values of God?}

One would truly have to be hidden deeply within the confines of a virtual cave or off the “grid” to not be aware of the prolific violence, dissension, and mean-spirited behavior that is seemingly happening “everywhere” at this point in our lives.

“Shootings, muggings, murders, drugs, pandemonium in our country and around the world…”

God is the same yesterday as He is this very moment in time. YES!

As you read this entry, He is watching, and lovingly waiting for us to pay heed to His Words.

His voice and His alone.

He doesn’t play with Words or make false promises. In fact, those of faith know that His promises are real, and are in place as of this very second, and will be until the end of time and beyond.

Our Father is patient, compassionate, and wants us to prosper. He doesn’t enjoy seeing this “dark consumption” over our lives.

If ever is the time to put down our tablets, phones, and turn off the “streaming” devices, and deliver a good old fashioned “Knee mail” it’s right now!

Times are perilous, but with God there is a path of hope.

Times are rough, but with God there is a path to tranquility.

Times are dark, but with God there is a straight path of brilliant light.

How?

Open your hearts, love Him with your mind, body, strength, and soul. Lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways, acknowledge Him, and He WILL direct your paths! (Proverbs 3:5)

Be blessed or be cursed? 

I would think the answer and choice is abundantly clear!

“Father God, I believe in You, and Your promises, I hear Your voice, I know that You will protect those that honor and obey You, and Your Voice, help me to be strong in the days ahead, and help me to do all according to Your will, and purpose, in my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Hebrews 6:19

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”

“This hope” is the promise of God in Christ Jesus, a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4), of our inheritance in the Lord.

“Living in the hope zone” or are you living in the “hopeless zone?”

When you know God and trust in Him, (Proverbs 3:4-8) He will guide us, direct us, and lead us, and bring health to our souls.  Without Him, our souls are sickly, and in need of repair.  He repaired us when He sent His Son.

God created us to live in the hope zone and have a confident expectation for the future, through the LORD and the LORD alone.  God created us to be purposeful to stay within the parameters in which He calls us to.  His will be done.  And His will shall be done, and it should be reflected in all we do, here in this lifetime, and in Eternity.

This life that God has given us is not a hopeless life, instead it is filled with expectations, and goodness, and it comes from within each of us.  (Romans 8:15-17) It is not a “grave filled existence” but instead, it is a “joyful existence in which we LIVE.”

God’s Spirit touches our lives, and He enriches it, today and always.  He lets us know who we are, we are His children, and we will have an unbelievable inheritance!  He promises it on to us, all of us! We go through the hard times with HIM, and we go through the good times with HIM!  He is with us always.

When we trust and hope in Him and believe, we are able to scale mountains with ease, stay afloat in the stormy waters.

He is our Anchor!  —(Hebrews 6:19)
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil…”

Losing hope will bring a unilateral “darkness” surrounding your life, and your loved ones as well.  Because if you live in a “hopeless” zone, it will invariably affect those around you, every single day  in which you live.

When you live in a “hope zone” filled with love of Christ, the “light” will shine from within to without, and therefore reaching your overall persona, your spirit, and ostensibly it will benefit those around you.

Which zone do you live in?  

Hope or Hopeless?

I believe the decision and choice should be abundantly obvious if you want to live productively and joyously, but most especially in Christ!

LORD, I choose you and the HOPE ZONE!

“Father, I choose You and trust in You and Your glory, and I want to serve You and You alone, I am anchored to You and Your Word, and You are the anchor for my soul, and Your Spirit anchors me to You, and I will not live outside of the “hope zone” and I thank You LORD, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

1 John 3:3
 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.

Psalm 86:12 (KJV)

How many times during any given day should the LORD receive praise and glory? 

The answer? —– As many times that we can possibly get in and then some more after that!

I know that most people of faith will pray, especially when in need of something for us, or family.  But how many truly give complete and full thanks without “asking” for anything in return?

How many just go all day long giving thanks for “the moment” in time, or for the food they’re eating, or the clothes they’re wearing, or family, friends, or health?  How about a plain “Thank You LORD” I love You with all my heart and soul and mind and strength.

Remember the story of the 10 lepers? Of the ten lepers Jesus healed only one came back, and of all the lepers, he wouldn’t be anybody who could be expected to do it. For the person that thanked Him was a “foreigner.”

“This is ETERNAL LIFE, that they may KNOW YOU, the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”                                                   John 17:3

Knowing God starts by us believing and receiving His love for us: “We have known and believed the love that God has for us…We love Him because He first loved us.”  (1 John 4:16, 19)

The deeper we get to know God and worship Him in intimacy, the more we obey His Word and His Spirit, the more we become entrenched in Him, which means He gets into our hearts even further, and we love Him more and more. His Spirit leads us and guides us and essentially provides all that we need in our life, for all the days here on earth, and beyond.

As we lead our lives, we are being honed to become more like unto Him, which is Perfection and Holiness…both of which we can never be, while here on earth.  So, we strive to walk in the Spirit and become more and more like Him.  In order to do so, we must first “decrease” in order for Him to “increase.”  (John 3:30)

God is Beautiful, possessing the sum of all desirable attributes in perfect unity, symmetry and harmony.  He is a great and Sovereign Being, a force of supernatural and monumental capabilities.  He is our Eternal gift and our Eternal love.

Seeking Him all the days here is all we should aspire as we do His will. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

The Holy Spirit reveals God to us and inspires us to worship God in spirit and truth. He turns our hearts to seek God. The more we surrender to God, and dedicate ourselves to Him, the more the Holy Spirit leads us, and changes us, and makes us more like Him, transforming us daily.

When we have the ultimate joy of knowing Him from heart to His heart, and share His presence, the dynamics of fellowshipping with the LORD is happening. We received blessings and they overflow in abundance.

This process doesn’t transpire overnight, it is a growing connection that intermingles and interlaces our breath with His and our heart with His. When we are humble, loving and contrite we can share in a growth within the nature of the Spirit and produce fruit.

And when we are humble with a contrite heart, God will bring us up closer and higher to Him. “I dwell in the HIGH and HOLY Place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”(Isaiah 57:15)

We can only “live” when we “live for Christ.  Without Christ, there is no LIFE and therefore we don’t “live.”

Seek Him, know Him, love Him, trust Him.

When we do all these things and serve Him passively and unconditionally and humbly and lovingly, we are able to stay in the parameters of Christianity, which will set us apart and therefore be able to “grow and become transformed” and grow closer to God, each step of the way.

Do you know Him?

And do you know what He has done for us? (John 3:16)

“Father God, thank You for Your Spirit, Your love and the ability to do all things through Your Son, I realize I live because of You, and I thank You for the breath of life which You gifted me, may I always serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

When we are formulating our “thoughts” —hang on to God’s Word and promises and think about the mind of Christ.  Thoughts can become a “battleground” for those without wisdom, and that wisdom comes from knowing the LORD.

Thoughts can be explosive and grow into a volcanic eruption, bringing about iniquities which can careen out of control, should we “allow it.”

Thoughts are just that“thoughts.”  When we submit and acquiesce to the LORD and His ways, we are able to sustain and withstand any and all intrusive thoughts, which is to say, “we are protected.”

Our thoughts can make or break us. And that is exactly want the enemy seeks to do, break us.  He is waiting to devour us, all of us who aren’t savvy in the word, or clothed in our Gospel armor.

Don’t let negative thoughts saturate your brain which invariably destroy all aspects pertaining to your health, but especially your spiritual health.  Instead, push them out and douse them with the “consuming fires” of God’s word and presence.

Wear the helmet of salvation and gird yourself with the truth, hold up the sword and shod your feet with peace as you gird yourself against the evils of the world.

When you do all of this you will be in better shape, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, which is essential to our time here on earth. For if we are going to do God’s will, and serve Him fully, so too must our mind be “stayed upon Him” as we seek His Kingdom and face daily.

Do you have on your gospel armor today?

Protect your mind and all thoughts with the Helmet of Salvation, Amen!

“Father God, may I be ever mindful of Your presence, may I never start my day without my Gospel armor, and may I always be prepped to block negative thoughts and fiery darts, as I keep my mind on You, Your word, and Your promises, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

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 4:5

“They are of the world” – This is one of the marks by which those who have the spirit of the antichrist may be known. They belong not to the church of God, but of the world instead.  These individuals act on movements of the “world” and revel in it.

Ostensibly, those who “are not of the world” act according to the Spirit and shun “worldly” themes.  Instead, those of faith concentrate on the path of righteousness, and doing the will of the One that matters, our Father.

It’s exceedingly easy to distinguish the Christians who are “heavenly” in their conversations, and those that are influenced by the spirit of the “world” versus those who are relying on and walking in the Spirit.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” And from that observance it will show exactly what “spirit in within.”

The world hears those who are from the world, the proud, ruthless, sensual, selfish, disengaged, heartless ones received their instructions from the “one in the world.”

The ones that are compassionate, obedient to the laws, both civil and Godly, kind, patient, loving is those who have surrendered to the “Spirit within” and the One who is greater than the one in the world.  We recognize “each other” by fruits that have grown and developed by the Spirit.  And these individuals have views and beliefs that correspond to Jesus Christ doctrine. Amen!

 Do you hear the voice of the “world?” 

Of do you “hear the voice of the One within?”

Who do you want to serve?

Pay heed the Shepherd is speaking…do you hear Him?

“Father God, I thank You for coming to live within, and I honor and obey You and only You, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, I praise You and pray, Amen.”

But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

1 John 4:6

*****”Read entire chapter 4 of 1 John”