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.”

 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence. 

Acts 2:28 (NKJV)

Christians who spend time with the LORD can never find their days “empty.”  Ostensibly, it’s the total opposite when the LORD fills your days.  Life is full of joy and strength, and His promises that will hoister those who are downtrodden, and uplift those who feel desolate.

Following Christ is not without rewards, although we might be mocked along the way, (as told by Jesus) we are inherent heirs of the Messiah, who redeemed us.  Thus, we are awarded, God given inalienable rights, when we partake of Jesus and His commandments.  We are sealed as children of Christ when we accept Him as our LORD and Savior.  The Holy Spirit will guide us, and protect us, and fulfill us in ways that nothing else can.

Days filled with the LORD can be truly amazing in all aspects, each and every second of our lives.

There will be ups and downs, and rough terrain along the way.  But the difference for believers versus non-believers…is that we will get through it and recognize the storm won’t last forever.  We will cling to the One who will always provide and support us through every moment in our lives. And, we will be stronger for it.

“Father God, thank You for Your strength, light, providence, and protection in my life, You are all I need in all I do, and I am filled with joy and fulness because of You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

John 4:8 8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love .

Love is a gift.

Love has been the inspiration for movies, books, poems, art; etc.  It is the conversation that leads most gatherings, and it is the cornerstone of Christianity.

Love.

Love heightens our spiritual intensity, and touches our hearts lending ways to garner strength when needed, and comfort when warranted, and peace that will surpass cataclysmic circumstances.

What kind of love can do all that… you may ask? 

The answer is straight to the point overly obvious to any Christian and person of faith…Our LORD!

God loves us beyond measure.

God loves us with a love that is incomprehensible.

God loves us with a love that cuts to the sunder.

God loves us with a clarity that is easily recognizable.

God loves us with unwavering grace and forgiveness.

And most of all…God is Love.

The USA celebrates Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Its a time of reflection, to give thanks for our blessings, for our family, friends, and for our freedom.

But most of all giving thanks for the LORD, and His unparalleled love.

Loving God, is to be loved, and to experience love.

Love…Love…Love.

He is Love.

His Word is love.

His voice is Love.

Love of the LORD.

There’s nothing like it… 

“My loving Yahweh, thank You for all blessings, and gifts which come straight from above, my Lord and Father of Lights, thank You for caring enough about me, to send Your Son, and thank You for the endless providence You speak over my life, I love YOU Abba Father, now and always in Jesus name, Amen.”

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ. Be he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.  Colossians 3:23-25 (KJV)

We can’t change our past, but we can change the direction of the future, when we’re walking in His will.  Stepping outside the will of God can bring about inescapable consequences as a direct result of living outside the parameters of the “will of God.”

Surrendering to the LORD, and listening to His will and voice, will no doubt, bring about greater rewards, than we could ever imagine were at all possible.

Listening to God, and not “the will of others” or more to the point, individuals, who purport what we “should and should not do,” is not adhering to the purpose, and will of God, for our lives.

Not to say, it isn’t good to “fellowship” with others, sharpening irons together, as we encourage each other in the Word, that is a good thing.  However to “listen to men/women, in place of God’s voice, and purpose, that is not walking in the will of the LORD.  And to do so, will inherently maneuver us in the opposite direction of God’s way, or purpose.

There is always a price to pay, when we step outside of the “will of God”—that is a guarantee.

So many stories in the Bible, can point to the consequences of actions, when we walk outside the will of God; “Adam and Eve;  King David with Bathsheba; and Jonah.  These are a mere few examples,  there are so many others. These individuals carved out a totally different scenario, by not listening to God and His will.

Listening to the LORD, no matter how you might want to go in another direction, thinking it “doesn’t feel right” — stop, and take a deep breath, and trust God, with all your might. (Proverbs 3:5-8) And just be still, know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

Being disobedient to God, ultimately has repercussions, and can bring us into choppy seas, without a “Master” at the helm. It would be foolish to do so.  And yet, many do just that. Trying to chart waters by our own devices, without listening to “His Will,” could invariably result in a treacherous outcome.

Holding on, when the times get troublesome, can be challenging at best, but knowing what His will is for our lives, is what makes it manageable…and encouraging.  Why? Because God will never leave us, nor deny us His guidance and help.  Why? Because He loves us!

Shhh.  Do you “hear Him?”  Are you listening to His will and purpose for your life?  Tune in to the LORD, and His will, and watch how He could turn your life around in ways that will astound, and amaze you.

Why? Because He is our AMAZING GOD!

“Father God, thank You for Your will for my life, and Your instructions, may I always follow Your voice, and obey Your will all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 

Micah 7:7 (KJV)

In Micah, Chapter 7, the society in Israel were inherently corrupt. There were individuals that turned their back on God, and facing dark times as the results of their actions.  However, despite the blatant flaws, and sinning that was taking place, God, was still present. In fact, He still promised to lead them out of the dark, and into His precious Light.

Micah, was filled with an abundance of unwavering faith, and his heart was afflicted with pain, due to the circumstances affecting the people.  He waited upon the LORD, and knew that God would not only hear his heart wrenching prayers, but would honor him by saving him too.

This promise of the LORD isn’t just for Micah, its for ALL of us as well, right now…here…and in present day times.  Just as Micah fully realized that God was going to hear, and acknowledge his pleas and prayers, and save him at the right time, so too will He do the same for us!

Even though so many of us are facing hard times. Especially arduous and fundamentally dark times, with the pandemic and civil unrest in the world, can makes us feel frustrated, helpless, and lackluster.  But in the overall equation, and scheme of things, God is in the midst, ever present…and always with us.

This season we’re correctly embroiled in, should be a time of strength and restoration, through God and His promises.  And this, my dear brothers and sisters,  is when Christians should “rally” and be of good cheer. As God orders us in Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” 

Although our “season” right now, might be far from perfect,  perhaps we’re facing a personal challenge, illness, or a horrific tragedy, we need to stay focused on God, as only He can pull us through our trials and tribulations. He is our anchor in the stormy seas of life. The steadfast omnipotent and overwhelming calming presence of peace.

God sees, and hears us. He feels, and knows our pain. But, just as He delivered Micah, and the people, and saved them. So too, shall He save us, when we lift up our hearts, and countenance, and look to Him, for our saving and divine grace.

Look to the ONE who can and will save. Amen!

“Dear LORD, I know that You are with me always, and that You see all, know all, and hear all, and it is because of this, I am filled with confidence, joy and acceptance of Your will and purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:4-5 (NKJV)

You ever notice that light can shine on “filth” but not get filthy?

Or that light can filter out the darkness in a room…but the darkness doesn’t filter out the light?

Jesus is the Light of the World.

He can touch sin.  But he will not be touched by the sin.

Jesus the Light of the World.  He IS and always will BE the Light.

When times get dark, and darker still, that’s when Jesus’ light gets even brighter.  It engages us, and ignites the spark  we need to get out of the dark spell, in which we are under.

Light is Jesus.

Jesus is Light.

I always feel better in the light. I prefer the long days of summer, and dread the short dark days of winter.  Warmth of summer and its light is a constant reminder of Jesus.

Winter days are short and darkness comes calling early, which makes it colder still without the sunlight.   Again, without Jesus as my light, the days would be dark and cold.

I’m comparing the season to the Light and His love, because essentially He is everywhere and in everything. We really just need to look a little closer and observe a little bit more than we normally do. If you do, you will find Jesus everywhere!

In these days, remember that Light diffuses darkness.  And darkness cannot diffuse light.  So…remember that as a rule of thumb, the LIGHT is indestructible and will always be and never change.

“Lord thank You for Your light, and Your love, may I always look to the light for all I do, and look to You for all I am, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Colossians 3:3 (KJV)

My peace is when I set my mind on things “above,” and not on things here on earth.  Peace is distributed quickly, when I think and meditate on Jesus, and His promises.  That is single-handedly the best balm, for my heart, and soul.  It settles my spirit, and brings me joy, and catapults me from the “noise and nastiness” of the world, and all its ugliness.

When the ugly face of evil, swirls about in media, news, and on the streets of the world, I run to the light…and goodness…and that only comes from our precious and Sovereign LORD.

The LORD is the basic font of security, in the insanity of the world.  The tenets of Christianity, brings about normalcy, within a matter of minutes, and quells the shaking substance of the foundation, to bring refuge and safety.

The harsh cold reality of what’s happening in our world today, is tempered rapidly, by the warmth of His love, and His grace.

His love is the bridge, that holds me up, and gently suspends me, while the raging river angrily swirls under my feet. His Presence is with me, as I stand on the precipice of disaster, which is seemingly all around me, threatening to engulf me, into a spiral of darkness. But because of my faith, and His love…I am showered with light and tranquility.

He is my buckler, in these days of woe, and uncertainty.  He is the life, truth and light that circumvents chaos, and offers peace in its place.

If not for Jesus, and His love, I could never exist in the way the world is today.  The pandemic, along with civil unrest, and election day looming large…is enough for any able bodied individuals to withstand.

But, with God it is so much easier.

Keeping our minds set on things of above, and on Christ…we are able to pull through adversity, and with aplomb…thanks to Jesus!

Do you have your mind set on things above?

Talk with Him.  Open His Book.

It could mean the difference between a calm spirit, verses a anxious flesh body that never rests!

“Father God, I look to You and Your Kingdom, and set my mind on You and things above, thank You for Reigning victorious over the world, and for being my Author of salvation and my peace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Life is life, with its inevitable “ups and downs” and its “turn arounds”  and all the “in-betweens” — but what is “life” without the “Life & Light & Truth” of the world?

The answer is “no life at all.”

Christians, have the inherent assurance of being blessed, by His promises.  We have the confidence in knowing, that being redeemed by Christ, we have a place at His table in Paradise, for eternity.

This semblance of “temporary existence” is but a stop-over, on our way to our “permanent home.”  However, while  we are here in this “temporary abode”  we all have a job to do, and do it we must. According to His will, the best we can, when we can, and all we can.

Seeing the chaotic scenarios emblazoned across the newspapers, and social media, and the TV sets,  is unsettling.  But knowing Christ, it is so soothing to our “spirit.”

In God we trust.

In God we believe.

In God we breathe.

In God we have light.

In God we have truth.

In God we have LIFE.

Now, isn’t GOD AMAZING?

Hope in Him and feel the power of His love!

“Father God, I am so grateful, and blessed, for Your promises, and for Your protection, and provisions over my life, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 (Amp)

While walking my dog in our backyard, I always become blissfully aware of God’s presence. Not that I’m not aware of His presence at any other times, it’s just more prolific in the “early morning,” before anyone is up.  The perpetual quiet is as they say, “deafening” at that particular hour.  It’s usually 5am to be exact, and except for a couple of migrant birds hoping around in the trees, and some errant nocturnal creatures, rustling in the woods, it’s abundantly quiet.  And to be honest, the birds and creatures give solidification to God’s presence as well. As does nature overall.

Walking my pup in the quietness, reminds me of the Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know I am God.” And when it’s still and the sun hasn’t quite shown it’s face yet, the presence of God is overwhelmingly powerful!  And I want Him to come even closer…on my walk literally and figuratively.

Trusting Him, and wishing to be closer to Him, is my biggest weapons of “tranquility” in this harsh world of “rash reality.”  The world, and the generations are changing…but the presence of God is constant.  His presence, is almost aberrant, if you will,  in this toiling world of chaotic confliction.

Finding joy, and reaching for Him in all aspects of my life, is what I try to do, each and every second of my day, and shall continue to try all the days of my life. Will I fall short at times?

You bet I will…I’m human after all.  But then, God knows that, and despite my weaknesses, and inner conflicts at diverging moments in my life, He loves me!  And He is still with me, no matter what!

There isn’t anything finer or joyous than that my brothers and sisters, Amen!

“Father God, I thank You for Your presence and Your peace, and for the quiet when I feel Your presence all the more, may I seek You all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Deuteronomy 31:6-8  (NKJV) 

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Gloom and doom on the Television?

Wear a mask, don’t wear a mask?  Social distance.  Stay away.  Stay home.  No hugs. No visits.  No end in site?  HELP!

Ongoing protests,  civil unrest, California fires out of control, tornadoes, Hurricanes, floods, Covid-19….HELP!

Drained and weary from the World?

Help is closer than we realize.

I have a personal “get away”  — I don’t need a vacation, a fancy restaurant, or a massage at an award winning spa… ( not that there is anything wrong with that!)

Who is my personal get-away?  My LORD!  Who will never leave me, nor forsake me.  He will help me through it all, in a gentle fashion, and uplift me, and minister Life and light, to the “Death and Darkness,” that seems to be all over the place these days.

My personal get away.  My Savior, who shed blood for me.

I am safe within the confines of His wings.

Of whom should I fear when my God is near?

The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

I go boldly to His throne, and lay my troubles down at His feet, as I praise Him daily.  He cares and He readily picks me up when I am down.  He holds me up if I am weary.  He gives me drink so I am never thirsty.

So there is absolutely no better “get away” than that  of being in the LORD’s courts.   He sustains and encourages me and supports me in all that I do. And He loves me!  Me!  Amen!

Want the best get-away that money can’t buy?

RUN straight to Him, and let your soul be replenished, as you seek His face, and Kingdom.

I promise you, that His promises, and love, are all that we will ever need, today, tomorrow, forever!

“Father God, thank You for keeping me safe all the days of my life, and for bringing me peace, light, life, and love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.