Psalm 136:25

He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.

While out back this morning, I delighted in hearing the precious sounds of nature.  The perfumed garden provided delicious aromas to add to the sensational surroundings. Two chipmunks were frolicking about, three squirrels patiently waited for their “breakfast” and two beautiful Cardinals swooped down directly in front of me, and stared for what seemed like an eternity, in actuality it might have been about 30 seconds. It was a female and male Cardinal.

My soul immediately stirred with compassion and love for these precious creatures of God. I love God so much so, that all of His creatures fill my heart and soul to overflowing.

I know a lot of people of faith will say, God is everywhere.  And of course, He is.  But I wonder, how many really take the time to embrace all facets of this world (despite the ugliness that is going on at this time) and see, hear and acknowledge the pure beauty of God’s Magnificence.

The world is “noisy” troublesome and “chaotic.”

But have you ever noticed how “peaceful” God’s landscape is?

How melodic the birds are?

How regal and resplendent the Cardinal is?

It’s been said, look for God’s beauty all around you, irrespective of the “unrest” and uncertainty in this world.  But did you realize it doesn’t have to be found in a perfectly manicured backyard?  It can be a flower growing in the crack of a sidewalk peeking out from amidst the weeds surrounding it.

It can be a mud flower sitting majestically in the middle of muck and mire.

God is everywhere and there is nowhere that God is not!

He is the quintessential essence in which “we breathe” and which we exist.

He is the foundation upon which we walk.

He is the pinnacle of substantial heights of love within us all.

He is the “Great I AM” so great that it is impossible to measure.

His love is endless. It always was and always will be.

Just as He “always was and always will be” for all the ages, and for Eternity.

Look around and see if you can take notice of God’s splendor along the way, today, and every day.

I am in awe of Him and His prolific love.

Tomorrow morning when the “creatures begin their day,” and the Cardinals and other little ones come calling, I will rejoice and loudly proclaim, “How awesome is my God?”

Amen!

“Father, how grateful I am for all of Your creatures, for all of Your works, for Your relentless and unwavering love and protection, I just want to honor and love You, my precious LORD, today, tomorrow and always, may I always be in awe of You and acknowledge You in all I do, I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Psalm 145:15-17 The eyes of all creatures look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand, and You satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is fair in all His ways and faithful in everything He does.

Psalm 145:9-10 The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.

  For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timonthy 1:7 (ESV)

Phobias can truly paralyze individuals and hinder their full potential to actually “live.”   It can literally stop them in their tracks, and create havoc and mayhem in their lives, both physically, and emotionally.  It can stunt the growth of the Spirit and suffocate your very being.

An estimated 9.1% of Americans, more than 19 million people, have a specific phobia, and many people have more than one specific phobia. The prevalence of specific phobias in teenagers is higher at 15.1%. More than twice as many women as men have specific phobias. And with this Pandemic “winding” down, it brought many “new people to the table of anxiety.”  It created a steady emotional trickle-down effect of a different type of reality for many people.

Harsh images, horrific scenarios ringing out on a daily basis throughout our land, both near and far, is a fertile breeding ground for “phobias” to be born. And not only those in the non-secular population…but those of faith as well.

Myself included, if truth be told, I became overly cautious and stopped doing many things I had done prior to this pandemic.  And even though I have a deep abiding and passionate love and belief in the LORD, it happened to me as well.

I reach for the Bible, I talk with God daily, and I open my heart and soul to Him and His will…yet there were specific times where my mind (battleground) starts thinking of scenarios of “what if?”  Which can be detrimental to overall well-being in terms of healthy living without stagnation in a cloud of “fear.”

Fear is NOT from God!  It is not what He wants for us.  It is not what He set us free for.

Adrenaline can be helpful in certain situations, and that is how God designed our bodies to work.  But in everyday life, “fear” has no place for those of faith.  It is a cancer to the soul and can produce guilt in knowing “we should know better” –— so it can become a cycle of residual ups and downs.

I have many dear friends. However, I’d like to share about one in particular who lives overseas, who from afar touched my heart, and touched my soul.  I’ve no doubt God used her to deliver an important message.  “Go out and start doing things you did prior to the Pandemic. God is with you and will protect you from all things, isn’t He the One in control of your life?”  

That and several other things she shared with me opened my heart to the reality, that of course God is in control!  Something I’ve always known but needed a “fresh touch” and God showered me with this message, and my cup overflowed.  And he used my beloved friend to get it across to me.  It’s so amazing when he uses the “angels” here on earth to do that. I’m always in awe when that happens.

He wanted me to know, “Hey, I’m with you always. No matter where you go, no matter what you’re going through, I have you in my arms, and only I am in control of you, and what happens in this world, no one else. Just Me.”

This vivid “fresh touch” pushed me to move in the right direction, and be thankful for all the seconds, minutes, hours and days of my life.  I have work to do here on earth, until He says, “come on home” whenever that is, but until such time. I have things to accomplish and do, through Him, and for Him.

For those reading this, that have been affected by a traumatic event, or exposed to an issue that has rendered you into a mass of “fear” and “anxieties.” Please don’t be hard on yourself, or feel guilt, just place yourself in His mighty capable hands.  Realize that He has been with you since your first breath, and He will be with you when you draw your last.

So, all of the days and moments in between, hold on to His hand.  He will guide you…and He will love you, unconditionally. He will show you the paths to walk upon. Just trust Him. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

Immerse yourself in His Word and meditate on His promises (which are many—especially Psalm 91) and grasp the reality that He is fully in control.  He is the King of this Universe, and He is our loving Father at all times.

Thank you to my beautiful friend, and sister in Christ on the other side of the world.  I am blessed that God used you to get to me! Bless you sister!

When you feel like you are stuck…ask God to “give you a push” in the right direction.  I assure you; He hears you at all times and will help you.  Sometimes it’s from the least expected sources. In my case…a friend from the other side of the world!

“Father God, thank You for bringing me back to the forefront of what is important.  Living life to the fullest, without components of fear, but to trust You every second, all the days of my life, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

Caring note:

Please realize this is not meant to be taken as medical advice, but merely as a “caring” Christian to Christian concern.  I am not a medical doctor, just a Christian who loves God, and my fellow brothers and siters.

If your phobia is severe to the point where it may be interfering with your life, you may need to seek help from your qualified medical professional.

 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32 (KJV)

Lies can sometimes penetrate through truth. However, make no mistake… the truth will ultimately devour it, thereby setting us free.

What does this mean?

Simply stated, it means that although lies can be heard, and sadly at times believed by some, eventually the truth will be found out.

It is in my experience as a retired healthcare worker in a nursing home, that “lies” had a way of being exposed. I was blessed to have been a Nursing Home Administrator a good portion of my career, and to have cared for the elderly my entire career.  Being a part of their lives as their confidant, counselor and advocate, a great majority of them, in the end were set free from the self-confined prison in which they existed.

I witnessed many of my patients accepting the LORD before being called home. The moment they accepted the LORD into their heart, their whole countenance changed dramatically, exceedingly so.  Their eyes became brighter, and their frail bodies seemed to come to life from within. Their mind-set was greatly overhauled, and their outlook was no longer dim.  Instead, they were grateful for the moment and eagerly looking forward to their eternal rewards. They knew where they were going after they passed from this world, they finally knew the truth, that Jesus loved them.  Their sins were forgiven, their past behind them. They were filled with peace and their joy was personified.

The truth has a way of devouring lies, and cleansing a soul, setting it free.  As Jesus said, “the truth shall make you free.”  This passage accounts for so many aspects of our lives.  And it applies to an abundance of circumstances concerning life overall.

We have all been exposed to lies somewhere along the way; on the news, in the media, conversations overheard, or maybe a friend confiding in how lies messed up their marriage, or relationship with a loved one.  No matter where, or how a lie is perpetrated, have faith…because that lie will be “devoured” and exposed, and consequently, the truth will be revealed.

Hearing the Word of God, and His truth, is singlehandedly the most powerful weapon we can possibly equip ourselves with.  His Word, and our unwavering faith, have endless possibilities, and will explicably counteract lies, darkness and consumption of self.

It promotes health of body, mind, heart, and soul. The Holy Word has the healing balm in which a person will invariably thrive by being in the light. It has a way of keeping us strong and willing to take on any adversity that comes our way, which includes spiritual discernment of knowing when something is “false” and a lie.

Embrace the promises of the LORD, and hold onto the truth in current days, tomorrow and beyond. For the truth keeps us free…and the truth will live on in Eternity, when we are eventually called home, and where we shall enjoy the fruits of our labor, forevermore!

“Father God, thank You for Your light, and Your truth, it is Your Word that keeps me going, no matter what, all glory and honor are Yours, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

There isn’t any path that God won’t guide us.

There isn’t any question that God doesn’t have an answer for.

There isn’t any promise that God won’t fulfill.

Don’t underestimate God in any circumstance, scenario or event of your life.

Taking a leap of faith, and staying on course with God’s promises, and will for our lives, is essentially the catalyst in which we will find peace, and prosperity.

Faith is our inner belief of being aware that there is a God, and He has given us a set of principles and guidelines to follow, but most important, it’s our barometer in which we live.

It is accepting Christ as our LORD and Savior, and the Son of God, who died for us.  It is acknowledging Him in all we do, accepting Him and surrendering unconditionally to His will and purpose for each and every one of us.

When we believe and put forth that belief in everything we do and say, it begins to manifest in every area of our lives.

God releases His power into those who trust Him.  Sometimes, we can be conflicted, or feel guilty, because although we believe and love Him…we find we are acting contrary to “trusting and believing in Him.” That sets up a sabotaging camp of deception within our mind.

Instead of giving into false concepts and taking cover under an umbrella of “lies” being spun by the enemy.  We need to take refuge under the wings of our Almighty Father and push away the “guilt” that’s a false gift from the enemy…and accept the true “gift of God” which is His promises, and ultimately His love.

When we Accept His promises and walk by them in every aspect in everything we do, everyone we face, and apply it to every given moment of the day, we will be undeniably rewarded here today, tomorrow and always.  And we will please God as should be our first and foremost goal. Amen.

” Father, how fortunate we are to have a God like You, that promises to keep His promises, and is with us all the days of our lives, and we will be gain eternal rewards when we are called home, may we do all we can to please You always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

So how would we define God’s Omnipotence? Perhaps a strong and helpful definition would be, that He has complete control over everything.  Everything would be the smallest details of the natural world, like the “falling of a sparrow to the ground…to the number of hairs that are upon our heads.” Matthew 6:26-30, 10:29-30.

No matter where we go, He is there with us.  Even though we can’t see Him, we ultimately know without a doubt, that He is with us.  He is in full throttle of every given situation that we face, each scenario we are encountering, and all the other little aspects of what is actually called life.

Nothing can separate us from the awesome promises of God, and unconditional love. (Romans 8:38-39) We can’t see Him, and yet we “hear Him.” (John 10:27-30) 

Knowing He is with us we can take on a confidence that we otherwise wouldn’t have, it is through His grace and love we are able to get through all we endeavor on a daily basis.  It is a gift from Him to afford us the ability to do all things through Christ Jesus.

When we are uncertain of what will happen in our specific realm of the Universe, we should be content knowing that God is Omnipotent and exalted in power, His justice and great righteousness, and he does not oppress. (Job 37:23)

He is the window of “Perfection” viewed through the lens of our eyes.

He is the “Illumination” during shadows of dark times.

He is the “One true Constant” in a world of instability.

And He is the “Greatest of All” within our prism of inferior cardboard realities, that try to tether us to infirmities, that only God can free us from.

Listen.  Watch. And feel His Magnificence, for He is all around us, and within us, no matter where we go, each and every day of our lives!

“Thank You God for being You, and loving me, and guiding me, and never leaving my side, there is none like You, and You are worthy of praise, I am Yours forever, and to You I surrender all, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

Reading, studying, and meditating on the Word is crucial to our Spiritual growth. Feeding on the Word of God is beneficial to bringing about spiritual depth necessary to our faith and knowledge of life overall. By reading, studying, and meditating, we can expect growth in the knowledge and the love of God.

Also committing to memorizing the Word, can help when we need to face stressful scenarios, or embroiled in a situation that is trying. Christ and His Word will give us victory over the enemy every single time. It is through Him we are strong and able to sustain hardships we ordinarily wouldn’t be able to do.

His Word and His truth will continuously provide us with the right things to say to encourage someone who is in the deepest valley.  Or give insight and/or direction to an individual in need… thereby helping which is a huge component of what Christ wants us to do. That and “love” one another.

When we aspire to do all that is expected of us, through reading the Word, studying the Word, meditating on the Word, memorizing the Word, we can take on things we normally wouldn’t be able to do under any circumstance. We gain wisdom, and knowledge that only comes from the Word and loving God (Proverbs 1:7 ; Psalms 111:10)

The word of God is quick and powerful sharper than any two-edged sword, Hebrews 4:12.

The world today is getting “challenging” and decidedly difficult in so many areas of life, so it’s best to be fully armed and prepared by donning our “Gospel Armor” which is the best defense of all. (Ephesians 6:10-17)  

When we have all these criteria in place, there isn’t anything that we won’t be able to accomplish or withstand…and through it all, He is “holding our hand.”  Amen!

“Father, thank You for Your Word of truth, wisdom, and love, Your voice and guidance is all I ever will need all the days of my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

We run to Him asking for help in one way or another. Whether it be a prayer for our own personal problems or needs, or that for a loved one or friend, or someone on a church prayer list.  And, of course that is what we do as faithful followers and Christians, however…do we take the time to just simply ask our LORD, “Hello Father, how are you doing today?”  

When we “know Him intimately” and have a relationship with Him, we can sit and chat with Him about anything, and He will listen. Establishing that relationship is crucial to the overall foundations of Christianity and faith.

Yet, we seldom think about God as someone we ask that question of. Still it’s a natural inclination and opening statement as we go through the course of the day, with all those we see, speak to or meet. So why not God?

He is the One who loves us the most, who is with us unconditionally every single second of our lives, during good times and bad, and yet…we are reticent to approach Him to just say, “Father, with all that’s going on in this world and all that is occurring, I wonder how are you doing Father?”

If we are aching inwardly from witnessing the direction our world is going in, and see heinous acts against humanity and ideologies that are tearing people asunder, how do you think our Father is feeling? We are feeling probably a mere tenth of what He is feeling or going through.

Yes, we know He is Omnipotent, powerful, and a Holy Supernatural Being who is God and God alone…but that’s not to say He doesn’t feel pain, anger, and sadness at what His children are going through.  He knows it all, He is our present God no matter what, and fulfills every promise He has ever made. (Psalm 139:1-4)

He is capable of turning things around, He is in control yes.  Yet, He is feeling and witnessing what is happening, not only within our family, communities, or country…He is witnessing it all over the Universe. Think about that for a moment.  Can you imagine His disappointment and ultimate sorrow at what’s transpiring in this world today?

He is never absent even when we feel He’s not responding as quickly to our requests as we think He should. Remember, His timing is perfect, His will is for our benefit, and the outcome that we can’t see coming down the road is always for the betterment of His children. Always!

He is faithful, never changing and a God of love. He has an infinite love for us and power to execute every circumstance or situation if He so wills it. He is our refuge and protector.  (Psalms 103:19)  

God’s ability is far beyond our basic grasp of comprehension. (Hebrews 4:12-13) 

All the more reason with His magnitude of responsibilities and never-ending watch over our lives, doesn’t that solidify further that we should ask about His well-being? Shouldn’t we take time to sit and “chat” with Him?

Every parent longs for his children to just ask, “Hey mom, how are you doing today?  Hey Dad, how are you doing today?  What’s going on? How are you doing?” 

All of us at various times have gone to parents for wants, needs, requests. However, I bet they were the happiest when their children merely “chatted” with them, asking only about their welfare and nothing more.

Imagine how happy our Father in Heaven is when we do likewise.  Sit, chat and say, “How are You Father? Thank You Father. I love You Father.”

Today if you haven’t done so already, take a very special moment in time to ask, “Father, how are You today?”  You will make Him smile in ways that you can’t even begin to fathom.  Try it, then go out with love in your hearts and make Him happy, in all that you do or undertake, this day and always!

“Father God, may I always be aware of Your love and promises, may I be ever mindful of walking upon the path that pleases You, may I be ever grateful for Your love and protection, and may I always be solicitous of Your needs and will for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name Amen.”

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 (NASB)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you think, “this is unreal, I can’t believe what I’m hearing, seeing, witnessing” and kind of stood still as if you were the proverbial deer staring straight into the headlights?

Well, I’m sure quite a bit of you can relate to what I’ve just said. And we have found ourselves in circumstances, or surroundings that echo that of which I’ve just kind of described.

For example, take the “state of affairs” that is happening in our country, and in the world today.  So many things transpiring that are unknown, and unfamiliar to that which we were accustomed.  Ideologies changing as rapidly as the wind, and callous behavior blatantly displayed on social media, news, and right before our very eyes.

It seems “unreal.”  It’s as if we want to emerge from a sinking hole or pull ourselves out of an abysmal reality that clashes with our spiritual beliefs. Hardships in one form or another, finances, health, unemployment, food shortages, etc., etc.

But before you think, “wow she’s off on a gloom and doom post” — not so.  Although world affairs, country woes, or personal issues may in fact be testing our cords of faith.  The one true certain throughout this whole ordeal…is GOD.

He is the reality of our existence.  And with God we can always count on truth and personal accord of satisfaction and assurance that no matter what we endure… our LORD loves us for sure!

That is reason to rejoice irrespective of critical analysis of life in general.  It is a reason to take heed and embrace the blessings that only GOD can bring.

It is a reality and an affirmation of His love that allows us to float serenely through a raging river. It is His very love that lifts us above the cesspool of life. And it is His love that gives us insight into innocuous behavior and activities that swirl by our daily lives continuously.

Reality is knowing His promises will sustain us and provide all that we need.

Reality is knowing His Word is truth and the balm of our very souls.

Reality is knowing His love surpasses all human comprehension.

Reality is knowing His blood gave us access to Him and salvation.

Reality is knowing Jesus is the only way to the Father…and Eternal rewards.

So, while viewing things that are “hard to bear” while watching life change in a way that is dysmorphic to what we believe, and put our faith in. Realize the reality is, ” this is our temporary home.”  There is a far better place we will all return to one day. He promised, so therefore it is true.  He told us so Himself.

Until then, look to Him for all the answers, and trust that He is in control, no matter what it seems like right now.

Hold on, hang in there…because this life is fleeting, compared to the reality of Eternity.

“Father God, thank You for showing me the vision of reality which is You, Your promises and Your love. It is because of You that life, although kaleidoscopic in both good and evil, only one true certainty exists and that is You and Your love, and rewards of eternal life. May I be ever mindful and rely on You in all I do, today, tomorrow and always in Jesus’ name, Amen.” 

For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

Hearing the Word, to those of faith, is uplifting and encouraging, thereby strengthening our spirit, ultimately drawing us closer to God. By putting His Word into play, every day enables our roots in Christ, to grow deeper and more clarified, as we do all according to His will, and His say.

His voice is clearly apparent as we read the Bible, with various verses “speaking” to us.  How we apply that to the foundations of our life can be challenging at times, especially when undergoing situations that distract us from the Word.  That’s when the enemy tries to “sneak” into our lives.  When we are under stress, going through an ordeal, or standing by a family member or friend who is not in a particularly good place…the enemy will invariably “whisper lies” in your ears.  This is when we cannot be discouraged, in fact…we must be more encouraged than ever.  This is the time to really cling to Him and offer praise and thanks, for all He is, and trust Him to bring us out of the “ruins” and bring us to the “beauty” in the aftermath.

God’s Word is powerful!

It means to say that God’s Word has God’s power and His energy. Because it’s God’s word, it’s undefeatable. The Bible invariably has all the components and essentially life and power of God, teaching us, guiding us, reminding us, encouraging us, and infiltrating our souls.

Isaiah 55 says “the word of God does not return void” it does His work, powerfully, because the Word of God is alive and powerfully moving.

When we align our lives with His Word and “listen to what He has to say” each day, and do all according to His will, we are living with purpose and depth.

Each of us have various things to do, some more than others, or some may be at the crossroads of their lives trying to figure out what to do next.  We are all different in appearance, living in different areas, places, different likes and dislikes, bodily types vary, yet there is one thing that becomes our common denominator—we are all EQUAL in God’s eyes.  No one is better than the other, and we are all sinners, falling short of perfection.  There is only One perfect Being, the LORD!

We can make a godly impact upon others by being a witness for the LORD.  Starting the day with His Word, and listening to what He has to say, is an outstanding way to demonstrate His Omnipotence, by being an example.  A divine life can be reflected in our actions, and purpose, as we walk in the way of God.

Trusting in Him is crucial to the dimension of our spirit. We can be a one-dimensional type of individual.  Or we can be three dimensional, by the application of faith, surrender and love for God.  We will continue to grow when we trust, listen, apply and speak to Him from our heart, and know that He is front and center in all we do.

Obedience to Him, following His Word becomes joyful because we know it is wise, and has the biggest rewards.   Look beyond the present moment and realize that the end result is a life well lived.  Our dependence upon God enhances each step of the way, every single day for all the days on earth, and beyond!

“Father God, thank You for Your inspiring Word, and for Your love and guidance, may I do all according to Your will, and may I be an example to others by honoring You every single day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The LORD is everlasting to everlasting and His Word affirms that which is truth. His purpose and plan for our lives unfold continuously since the beginning of time and shall till the end of the age…and beyond.

His Gospel, Word, truth is “everlasting” in that it is an eternally unchanging message.  False messages and teachings will come and go. (Ephesians 4:14) And like the wind, blowing furiously every which way, creating at times, chaotic destructive and extremely dangerous pathways.

God’s message of salvation through faith and belief in Christ, brings eternal truth, which is solid and everlasting as God Himself.  For those of us that believe brings rewards, that are beyond a full scale of comprehension, at this time. However, we have a moderate grasp of knowledge to understand His plan overall.

His everlasting love is tied into a vast menu of promises throughout the Bible.  His unwavering love stretches across the Universe, irrespective of race, creed, color…His love has no bearing on outer appearances…instead it’s about what’s in the heart of the individual. He wants our love. (Hosea 6:6)

Whereas humanity can blow hot and cold, God’s love is a perfect climate that engulfs His followers, akin to soothing balm of liquid gold.

Knowing He is with us always, never leave us, and has a plan for all of us is amazing in every way.

Of course, Christ going to the cross for us, surpasses all else…and truly is the biggest gift of all!

“Father, thank You for all You are, all You do, and all You continue to do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Isaiah 46:9-11 (ESV) 

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.