So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.”

Daniel 6:16 (NKJV)

Our Faith in the LORD Almighty Father is the crucial component that enables us to experience stability in the middle of instability.  When life feels out of control, we feel comfort in realizing and believing that God is in control.  Daniel’s life provides so many pertinent examples of true stability in the face of instability in the Bible.  And we all recall what happened to Daniel who embraced that belief of the LORD in control.  He was brought out of the Lion’s den fully unharmed, and his friends were saved from the furnace, and emerged fully unscathed.  Not even their clothing was singed after the furnace was turned up to the maximum potential of heat.

Now that is FAITH!  And that is the kind of faith that comes from knowing God, trusting Him, and believing in Him. Fully. Unconditionally, and embracing His love and grace.

When we realize that in all of our circumstances, and scenarios, we are NEVER ALONE and that God accompanies us all the days of our lives, we can then live confidently and peacefully, because He is with us always. He never leaves us (Matthew 28:20)

To walk and live in faith is a blessing sent from above, for it is God who opens our eyes, and ears…and knocks on our hearts. It is through His love that we are given the opportunity to follow and love Him.  It’s our choice…but it is He who gives us that choice.

Listening to Him and knowing He is God (Psalm 46:10) is a feeling that’s difficult to explain, unless you experience it first-hand.

Placing trust (Psalms 118:8) and surrendering to His will, is the best thing we will ever do in life.

Don’t trust man, trust God….

Then enjoy life in a way that can only be accomplished fully and completely in applying that trust, Amen!

“Father God, may I be ever mindful that it is YOU and YOU alone that is in control at all times, morning, noon and night. That You alone are the One that will be able to sustain us, provide for us, and bring us through adversity, and that it is You alone that will never let us down, nor leave us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 It’s better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8

______

¹⁷A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.

¹⁸Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

¹⁹At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den.

²⁰When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

²¹Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!

²²My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

²³The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

²⁴At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Daniel 6:17-24 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)

Thanksgiving for the USA is coming up this Thursday. For most, it means a warm family gathering, surrounded by a sumptuous feast. Laughter, memories of those no longer in attendance as we gaze at the empty chairs where they once would sit.  And so on and so forth.

This year, let’s give thanks to the LORD God Almighty, for who He is and what He is, today, tomorrow and always.

Those who are no longer a part of our lives, are enjoying a feast beyond our mortal comprehension.  They are seated at the Lamb’s table, after enduring the trials of life, and after doing good works, and promoting the gospel of truth.  And they are not dead, but LIVE on in Christ.

So too, will we be there one day, after our jobs are done here on earth. We too, will find our names written in the Lamb’s book of life, and we will take a seat at His table, and taste the love of Christ, for all eternity.

Let’s enjoy His Omnipotence and glorify Him in all we do, this day and always.  Giving thanks to the Living God who is with us non-stop, during the day, at night, and always.  He is there through good times, bad times, hard times, lean times.  He is with us through the plagues, and sickness, and keeps us from evil, through Christ our LORD.

What an amazing God we serve.  Not matter what we face, and no matter where we are at this particular journey in life, we know we are never alone!  Amen!

“Father God, thank You for Your light, truth, and love, I trust in You and serve You with humility and honor You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 7:16 (KJV). 

Listening to the news one can see that there is angst and sorrow all over the place. It is difficult to watch events in the world, seeing evil perpetrators, while viewing the horrific repercussions of their deplorable, and reprehensible actions. God is not doing these evil things, man is! (1 John 7:16)

Families are grieving, children are being molested, elderly are being abused, puppies are being tortured unnecessarily in laboratories, the list is endless. It becomes exceedingly difficult living today, while adhering to the law,  to even try to comprehend such heinous activity. But the worst of all is to hear people say, “where is God?” while these things are happening. That brings out my righteous indignation.  God is not doing these things, man is!

There has always been Spiritual warfare going on since before the beginning of time.  There was a great battle even before the earth was formed by God’s hands. Spiritual warfare is something real, and ongoing.  It will be going on until Christ returns with His army, and battles the evil forces to make His Kingdom here on Earth.  And, it will be beautiful, peaceful, idyllic- blissful for all eternity. When Jesus Christ establishes His rightful place, all knees will bow, and every tongue will proclaim, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Those of us who choose to have real fellowship with Him, experience His grace, and feel His love. When we walk in the light, it means we believe God’s truth as revealed in His word.  We continue to make a sustained effort to follow in His word and deed. We are all sinners, and we must try to formulate our existence in what He expects from us, His children.

If we claim that we have never sinned, we are in essence saying, we do not need the efficacy of Christ’s death, and therefore making a mockery of what God has accomplished for us. We all try to live without sin, but we are all susceptible to sinning. If we do fall into sin, repent, and forsake that particular sin. Jesus’ death is the propitiation for our sins, and His heavenly ministry is our advocate, and the basis and foundation, for our assurance of forgiveness.  He cleansed our sins.  Jesus intercedes before God, on our behalf, on the basis of His atoning death.  His blood washed us clean.  His death and resurrection, and our active faith in Him, is all we need to live forever. We can walk boldly into the inner courts of God because of Jesus’ blood.

God sent His son to cleanse us.  We choose to either accept the living waters, and the Lamb of God-in order to live forever… or we don’t.  For those who choose not to accept Him, look around, it is clearly apparent in the news, on the streets where we walk and live. Not believing or accepting Christ, one can see where that might lead many, leaving devastation in their wake.

So don’t say “where is God?” when horrific things happen in the world. God is and always will be here.  God’s is waiting to embrace you with His love and protection.  You might be going through a difficult time, but it’s easier with God in your corner.

For me, I will serve Him and Him alone,  the choice has is simple.  How about you?

“Abba Father, Thank You for protecting me and guiding me through the abysmal times surrounding me in this world, and leading me through the trials and tribulations, with Your hand holding me up, I can get through any valley, and I am sustained by your light and love, I choose You now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 7:15 (KJV)

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:8-9 (KJV)

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of god perfected: herby know we that we are in him.”  1 John 2:4-5 (KJV)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is not lie, and even as it hath ttugh you, ye shall abide in him.”   1 John 2:27 (KJV)

With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26 

Each decision we make is important, and each decision we ultimately choose, makes “us” who we are overall as people.

The decision to follow Christ, and endeavor to embrace His commandments, is a decision that is sure to be returned to overflowing joy, and prosperity, in depths of our countenance.

Listening to the “wrong voices” can prove detrimental in life.  Ostensibly, not trusting God, is diametrically counter to life itself.

When we adhere to the rudimentary teachings of Christ, and God’s overall plan for His children, we aspire to a greater depth of understanding, as to what our purpose is while here on earth.

Tuning in to His “voice,” and being on course with Christianity itself, is rewarding not only to ourselves, but to those we encounter, who will no doubt want to know,” what we are so peaceful and confident about.”

Don’t listen to voices that lack faith. Nor apply principles to those less than pure and obedient, towards God’s providence, significance, Sovereignty, and Omnipotence. To do so would invite unnecessary hardship, and open a door to the noise of the world, inviting in chaos.

With God in our corner, and on our side, all things are possible. To put our trust in God, is to assure passage on tranquil seas, for nothing is impossible for God to handle. Nothing too big, nor too small.

God is phenomenal, all the time.

There isn’t anything He wouldn’t do for His children—Jesus on the cross for us is the biggest example of pure unadulterated love—and He has demonstrated it, over, and over, throughout the course of time.

Remember, we all will go through adversity, at one time or another. But it is through Jesus Christ, that we are able to get through it. He limits the pain, and enables us to seemingly catapult through our trials.

God will allow storms, in order to transform us into His image. (Isa 55:8-11)  But He is at the Helm, in full control of all happenings, and events. Eventually leading us into the port safely, unscathed…however we will be richer in faith, have grown spiritually, be firmly entrenched in Him, more than before the storm.

What a magnificent God we serve!

Amen!

“Dear Father, thank You for Your Presence in my life, and for Your glory, which is evident in the Universe,  if we just take the time to look, see, and hear Your voice. Thank You for being the Captain of my ship, and keeping me safe. I thank You, for Your love, promises, and patience, to lead, guide, touch, direct, and heal in adversity, and for the joy of loving You, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. –

Colossians 3:2-3

We really need to understand that verse.  It means “to seek or in terms to strive for, be intent on,” and suggests that we “must choose” to live in righteousness every single day, not a one time thing and then forget about it. We are called to live in a way that “detaches” us from the things of this world that would otherwise hold us back and keep us down.

To “set your minds on things above” is to “see life from the LORD’s perspective and view. And to seek after what God desires us.

When we are in Christ, we are able to rise above the fear, and any temptations our life may be wrapped around in a given day. We are redeemed only because of Christ Jesus. We are of course a “new creation.”  His workmanship in us becomes apparent when we are able to sustain the Truth of His Word. And to subscribe to His ways, in a unified process while tethered to His doctrine.

There are many verses in the Bible that remind us we are made new in Christ when we accept Him into our lives as Lord and Savior. We’re made new as believers in Him, and then are continually being “made new,” for it’s a constant process until we are in Heaven. It is an ongoing growth in the Spirit and it is what gives us the incentive to continue in His light and ways.

It’s a daily battle and a choice we must make to walk in God’s ways.

In the book of Colossians, Paul reminds us that we have everything we need when we have Christ. He is all-sufficient. He is the head over all, He is supreme.

His Spirit empowers us to walk in freedom and light. That’s the only way to live, is to LIVE with HIM. Because anything less is a cardboard existence.

“Father, may I be ever mindful of knowing what is important, which is Your face and Kingdom, and Your ways, and Your goodness, in all that I endeavor to accomplish, and all that I tend to, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” 

Colossians 3:1-3

Ephesians 2:8
 
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Grace is truly one of the most important concepts expressed in the Holy Bible. It is clarified in the ultimate promises of God, that is clearly revealed in Scripture. It’s fully embodied in Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior.

Grace is a gift from the “Father of Lights,” high above in the heavens. This love is amply shown to all of His children, irrespective of their appearance, status, or color of their skin.

The peace of God is given to all those who accept it, as it is the unmerited favor of God above.

Did you ever feel a “Tingle” from the Spirit within? Such as when something is unilaterally wrong in a certain situation or circumstance?  It is our inner core being led by the Spirit. It’s the machinations of what’s “right verses wrong.” It is the spark of light pulling and guiding us.

Ostensibly,  it can “Tingle” in a good way as well. It goes both ways, making us know that the connection is apparently from within, that whatever it is we are experiencing, is with favor from above.

This “internal” conscience is our gift from above, it is the ability to ascertain what is right from wrong. The transparency of where to “tread,” versus where we are not to “tread.”

He is constantly guiding our paths, when we trust Him, with all of our heart and soul, and lean not on our own understanding, but His alone,  He will surely guide our paths.   When we love Him, and look to Him for answers, not our “own” but His answers, and keep from evil, we will remain healthy, and safely ensconced in His Grace, and love. (Proverbs 3:5- 8)

The proliferation of His love is explosive, and resounds throughout those we meet, when we are filled with Him, and surrender to His will, and purpose in our lives while being obedient to His ways.

He is the single Being, who is the Herculean force, behind all aspects in which we exist, and ascribe to.

He is the Omnipotent Presence in our lives, and it is His love, that supersedes all else.

And you never know when that “Tingle” from within will happen. Last night while speaking to an “old acquaintance” I got the “Tingle” big time.

The individual was so contemptuous in views of the world, as it stands today, it was so chilling that my “Tingle” was vibrating.  I listened for awhile, and then carefully extricated myself from the diabolical diatribe she expressed over individuals who weren’t “complying” with the mode of thought this person believed they should.  I tell you this my brothers and sisters, it was truly evil talk.  I prayed for this person, but I’ll spare you anything further. However, one thing that was certain, “this is Spiritual warfare.”    My dear Christian friend this morning confirmed it before I said it, and my sister was the third confirmation of the word as well. Amen.

During this derisive dialogue, I was okay, because of God’s light, and promises. This grace is given to all those who follow Him, and surrender to Him, and believe in Jesus Christ.

The guarantee of His promises, and His love, make it easier for  Christians to endure the “slings and arrows” of darkness…while standing in the Light of the One and Only God Almighty, we can therefore take on anything, and everything, but only through Jesus Christ, Amen! We are victorious because of Him!

“Father, thank You for Your Grace, that is an extension of Your prolific love, and thank You for sustaining us through these horrifically dark times, it is only because of Your Love, and gift of Grace, that we are able to stand against the evil one, because You defeated the grave, and You are our Light, and strength, in all things, we give You thanks, and all the Glory in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”

Psalm 16:2 NASB

The Bible makes clear that the presence of God is a central goal in God’s redemptive mission. God writes Himself into His own story to bring about our salvation. He wants to us to dwell with Him forever, and within that realm comes love, esteem, praise and regard for Him. Amen.

When we read His word and take time to “hear” what He has to say, we’re growing inwardly.  We need to separate from worldly pastimes, and insidious nonsense, that isn’t important here, let alone in Heaven.

We must take the time to seek Him first and foremost, and listen to Him, and submit to His will. Whatever He says, His desire is for us to commit to do it, and follow due course of such.

When we spend with the LORD, He invariably will have something for us to do. Whether it is to “contact” someone, to be a witness for someone, or to do something in which He guides us to do.

It’s so precious our time with Him, more so than anything we can do this day. It’s a vital part of our existence,  our ability to endeavor to do things in a way that is destined to please Him, and therefore bring about the best possible outcome for our lives through Christ.  For He wants us to prosper, and to be successful in all we do. Jeremiah 29:11

When we talk with Him, or sit quietly and “listen” to Him, with hearts yearning, and desiring to do His bidding, and a genuine need to praise, and worship Him…we are working in a capacity, that will ultimately bring about rewards not only here, but most especially in Heaven.

Without Him, in the circle of life, we get stuck in a “rectangular” existence.  His voice lends clarity in all things, in all circumstances, in all areas of life.  His love goes beyond anything that we’ve ever known, or could ever comprehend.  His promises will never be broken. His words will never return to Him void.  Isaiah 55:11

In the center of that circle, is His Sovereign, and Omnipotent power. We are the recipients of His grace, and love. He is the living nucleus of all things important. Our surge of placid peace comes from spending time with Him. Every single day.

Spend time with Him, be patient, and wait upon the LORD, (Psalm 46:10) and understand that in any relationship, communication is “key” to growth.  And growth of the Spirit comes from spending time with our Father, each and every day of our lives, now and always.

Do you know Him?  If not, may I invite you to open His book and spend some precious time with Him?  Because being loved by Him, is the best kind of love of all time. That is a fact!

“Father, thank You for “speaking” with me through Your words, and Your Spirit, I enjoy my precious time with You, may I seek You all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

So the world seemed to slowly be getting “back on track” in terms of the “pandemic.” But then variants came out that got people nervous again. To further aggravate circumstances, adversarial camping grounds have begun to crop up over “vaccinated versus unvaccinated.”  To add fuel to the incredibly heated debates, here come mandates, and vicious political talk emblazoned all over the media, web, and TV.   All this along with people dying, trying to get away from draconian governments, and the list goes on and on and on!  Yikes!

An uncomfortable darkness seems to be closing in, and the shroud of uncertainty, along with angst, have had an impact on many people’s health, mental status, and their social lives.

But there is hope, look no further!

His light is right there in the midst of the hurricane of adversity!

He is shining through, offering comfort, and strength!

The LORD is a constant surge of energy for all of those who believe.

He is the air we breathe.

He is the heart of all that matters.

He is the Captain of our ship.

And He is the Lasso that reins us in, out of the chaotic uproarious embodiment of consumption of dread and gloom, that is seemingly all around the world.

Look above the crowd of noise, from the shenanigans of the world. Seek instead His face, and the profound powerful joy of His Word, and allow it to ring within your soul.

His grace and love, are the utmost importance in a world that may disappoint and cause harm.

Being engrafted in Him, and waking in His light, can be the difference between “living” or “existing” — to merely exist  is akin to suffocation of the soul.

But to truly “live” is akin to “Exhilaration” and depth of the soul.

Because of faith, and the acknowledgment that He is with those who embrace His promises, His word, and His love, is something that resonates with the blessed who believe.

Amen & Hallelujah!

“Father, I know that You are always there, no matter what is happening, no matter what I may be going through, You are there, and have been since You knitted me in my Mom’s womb, so thank You for loving me enough, to send Your Son to redeem me, and to be a constant in my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” 

(Proverbs 10:11)

Last week, an Aunt and a niece, due to a misunderstanding, gave way to some “harsh words” which led to a separation and divide in the family.  Unfortunately, I tried to be the “family peacemaker” alas, it was an exercise in futility.  And now a major rift has resulted due to a “poor choice of words.”  Those words and the behavior impulse, to “strike out before thinking,” has severed a relationship, that very well might not be repaired.

It is so important to “think and listen,” before reacting. Words can be damaging on the one hand.  Or, they can be resourceful, and powerful, in uplifting someone, or comforting someone.

The most important “Word” of all is “God’s.”

The entire Bible can be so many things to so many who read it.

It is a blessing to “hear” the Word, and know it is our Father speaking to our hearts, and our souls.  It is His voice, that invariably resonates and reverberates, in our souls.  His Word bears record, and witness of His love, and His plans for us.

When we absorb His Word, on a daily basis, it gets easier to “gain insight” into what we say.  It allows us the vision to see His path, and His will for us.  It opens the right doors, and closes the window, to shield us from the storms, that will inherently rip through out lives.

Words can either be meaningful. Or they can be shallow, and hateful. Ultimately it is up to each of us to demonstrate the love and capacity, of the Spirit dwelling within each of us.  Offering God’s Word, as a daily tool in all we endeavor to accomplish, each day of our lives.

So, before speaking words in anger.  Close the “window” and let the storm pass.  Then when it is clear outside,  so too will be your mind, and spirit, to bring about the “right words” to utter.

Trust me when I say this… the outcome will be quite different than had you lashed out at someone, before “thinking and contemplating,” the repercussions of your words.

My Aunt and her niece can testify to that. Let’s just pray that they will find the road of forgiveness, because as Jesus said, “if you cannot forgive one another, how can the Father forgive you?”

“Father, help us to say the right thing, to listen and wait for Your timing, and to be loving and gentle in our approach to all we encounter in our lives, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

A person seemingly exalted himself recently to the point of ludicrous heights. Making out to be an “expert” in all things, and all matters on earth, in heaven, and throughout the Universe overall.  The elaborate gestures, and overly confident swagger, left a bitter taste in my mouth, a shiver down my spine, and a sad feeling within my soul, and felt bad for him because of his ornate flamboyant oration. People were rolling eyes and yawning due to his one man show.

It appeared that he thought he was superior to one and all.  However, he failed to recognize; NO ONE is better than another. We are all equal in God’s eyes.

We are all sinners and fall short of perfection. Only God is perfect, and He alone is the profound, infinite Being, that is above all else, and no one can compare to Him or His Sovereign Holy Character.

When another individual boasts, or bloviates, it can become toxic on so many levels. One is it can most certainly deter individuals from responding, finding exasperating.  Another thing that might occur is losing friends or acquaintances, because no one enjoys a “loud-in-your-face- know-it-all.”

To be confident is one thing. After all, God likes His children to be pleasantly “informed,” while shining a light of wisdom, from the Holy Spirit, offering a gentle knowledge, and pathway to what really matters in this world—GOD!

There will be times in which we will flounder,  under circumstances that will far outdo us in ways we will never understand.  And still, there will be moments when we wonder “which way to turn.”

The ability to ascertain when to “speak out” or to “stay quiet” is a gift from above. It is the guidance from within that is the template of our moral compass.  It is the Holy hand from above, that always holds us up, and brings us through things that we normally otherwise, couldn’t do.

We are merely dust in the wind, when it comes to our “own reliance and strength.”  It is God who sustains, and provides the bowels of construction, and it is His foundation on which we stand. He is the Rock that enables us to navigate in all kinds of conditions or situations.

So back to the “obnoxious” individual who was bragging non-stop.  I said a prayer for the person, and knew that only God can gently lead him into a corral of humility.  Neither I, nor his wife, children, or anyone else for that matter, can change him.  Perhaps there will be someone that will be a conduit from God, to show him what’s important in life, and how to achieve it graciously, and with class.

For now, I look to God for all things, all issues, all circumstances, and to Him, I bow and proudly proclaim, “Jesus is LORD, and I am Yours! Amen and Hallulejah!”   

“Father thank You for this day and all the days of my life, may Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven,  may I mindfully approach all things in humility, and realize that it is You, who is control, and You are the only One, that is perfect and Holy, in Jesus name, Amen!”