Psalm 84:11

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Is God’s favor evidenced in our life?

Listening to God will be one of the ways of finding favor in your life. He appreciates us listening to His commandments, walking on the narrow path.  And doing all as a reflection of Jesus and His light that’s within each of us, who are His followers.

One of the ways we will notice that we’ve found favor with the LORD is the way He blesses us. He’ll bring about a change for the better in our lives, as evidenced by the changes or prolific abundance of peace we will invariably experience.

Are we listening to Him?

We pray every day, open our Bibles and read passages and verses, and then go about our day.  There is nothing wrong with doing all of the above, however…have you ever stopped to “listen” to what He has to say, to you personally?

How does He speak to us?

He speaks to us in a variety of ways, but one of the most outstanding,  is by being a very strong presence in our life.  By knowing He is with us, every step of the way.  By feeling the confidence, and hearing His voice in our heart, concerning His promises. And by the love of Christ, who redeemed us.  That’s just a little bit of how He speaks to us, if we take the time to “hear.”

Walking in favor, in God’s eyes, shouldn’t be difficult. Because when we love Him, with all of our heart, mind strength and soul, (Mark 12:30 )  we aspire to all we can to please Him.  The very notion of not pleasing Him, leaves us restless and unfulfilled.  Whereas, when we do please Him, we are ultimately rewarded in many ways, thereby culminating into a fruitful existence. With a very powerful peace, that will be vitally attached in all we do.

Seeking His face, (Psalm 105:4) and loving Him, are conducive to finding favor in His eyes.  It all goes around, and comes back to His love  and our love, for Him.

When we get to know Him, on every level– spiritually, emotionally, intellectually,  purposely,  and inwardly–the parameters of  peace, and happiness, will be fully opened to us–as He blesses us in turn.

Get Him, involved in your life.

Ask Him, about issues that surround you, and your loved ones.

Look for solutions to problems through Him, and His word.

What does He feel about it? What does He think about it?  When we factor Him, on all of the equations in our life, we gain knowledge, and our spirits grow exponentially. Inherently adding to our roots, that are grounded in Him, and His love.

Have you found favor in God’s eyes? 

There’s a question that will either have infinite repercussions, or unapparelled rewards!    

“Dear Father, how grateful I am for Your love and guidance, may I always seek Your face, and may I include You into every second of my life, through my actions, my thoughts, and my heart, and may I find favor in Your eyes, all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Matthew 19:21 (NLT)

Do you handle special treasures of yours with care?

Do you take the time to protect things that are of importance to you?

Items that are meaningful, or delicate, are seemingly handled with ultra special care.  Some might take the time to place them above all else, or speak about them with love and pride.

So then,  may I ask, how are you handling the grandest and most precious Treasure of all?  That Treasure would be our LORD of course.  Our most amazing gift, our LORD and Savior. The Light of the world that is unparalleled. His love should be handled with care.  And without question, He must be front and center of our life. He should factor in all of the equations of our lifetime. Because, without Him, there aren’t any equations to factor.

His Presence, the Holy Spirit, that dwells within, is the highest and most cherished Gem of our lifetime.

The LORD, our loving Jewel guides, leads, directs, and heals. He should be first, and foremost to every Christian.

His love for His children is unprecedented. There isn’t anyone who can love us in the capacity, and full spectrum in which He can.

It’s okay to enjoy life, and have things that bring a smile to our faces. But the biggest smile, usually comes from within to without.

Our intimate relationship with our LORD, is the most influential card in  the whole deck.  He is our Powerful ACE, and trumps all else!

Consider this; if we get into a quarry of some sort, isn’t it reassuring to know we have that “Ace up our sleeve” to bring us to a peaceful resolution?

We can never lose when we have our Ace with us.

Amen.

“Father God, how grateful I am to have You as my light and number one treasure, I surrender myself to You fully, and look to You for all of the answers in my life, thank You in Jesus name, Amen.”

“… you are precious in my eyes…and I love you.”

Isaiah 43:4a (ESV)

God never fails anyone.

It is He who called you to belong to his Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

1 Corinthians 1:9-11

(WEV)

How’s your spiritual vision?

Do you have 20/20 spiritual vision?

Or are you out of focus spiritually?

Stop!

Don’t let your focus drift to the world, and its web of darkness.  We might become entangled in an undertow, that might topple us, if we’re not careful.

Instead, keep your focus on the LORD.

He is faithful, and never fails to deliver His promises.

He is there for us, no matter what.

His powerful overwhelming, and unconditional love, sustains us while nourishing us, every second all the days of our lives.

Don’t place your focus on what the world can, or cannot do. Instead, open spiritual eyes, and focus on His Word & His power. Along with His unwavering, unflinching, and incomparable love.

As we gain untrammeled spiritual vision into His Word, and His promises, we’re protected by the gospel armor, and we’re able to live effortlessly, regardless of current circumstances, or surroundings.

Trusting God, while spending valuable time with Him, is vitally important, and crucial to our overall spiritual growth. But it also brings an abundance of peace, that fills in the cracks of doubt, as we view the climaxing chaos in our world.

Trust Him, love Him, and focus on His Word and promises.

When we do, its like taking out a lifetime warranty of our “souls” –which only God can save, and only God can salvage.

“How’s your spiritual vision?”

“Father God, I’m so grateful for Your promises, Your unrelenting love, and for Your hand that holds me up through all the days of my life, thank You for never failing me, and never leaving me, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19 (KJV)

So we are currently experiencing a Pandemic. In fact,  more than likely, there isn’t any part of the world who isn’t experiencing this new “normal” with masks, and social distancing.  On top of this, many are experiencing additional woes: medical issues, family troubles, persecution, financial troubles, addiction, abusive relationships, loss of a loved one; the list is endless.  The pain is palpable, the frustration seemingly mounting for many.

This past week, we experienced a tropical storm that left  65% of our state without power. This latest development, only served to heighten the people’s level of anxiety, and discourse.  People started piling up gas stations panicking, filling their cars, and canisters for their generators.  Stores were packed with people rushing to buy fresh cooked food as appliances weren’t working.  It was chaotic, to say the very least.

So as the saying goes, what doesn’t destroy us, makes us stronger.

When we turn to God and His words, we find comfort.

When we turn to God and His promises , we are secure.

When we turn to God and His love, we are strengthened.

We got our power back and pushed through a crisis of sorts. But Praise God…we walked through it.  We feel stronger because of it. In the aftermath, (speaking spiritually and metaphorically) we can  look back and see  the outline of “His footprints,” etched clearly in the sand, as we walked through the adversity that afflicted us.

Stand firm and strong in His Word, it’s our only weapon of defense; today, tomorrow and forever. Amen!

“Father God, how grateful I am for Your undeniable Presence and life affirming promises, thank You for all that You are and do, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

I leave you with this incredible Word of God from Ephesians…which is so critical to what we are living through today.  Amen!

Ephesians 6:11-24 (KJV)

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

²¹ But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

²² Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

²³ Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

Psalm 25:15 (NKJV)

Eyes on the LORD!

Eyes on the LORD!

Eyes on the LORD!

       Shine Your Light LORD!

        Shine Your Light LORD!

        Shine Your Light LORD!

There are times, when I have to pull myself from issues…in and around the world, that if I’m not cognizant of my “true LIFE source,” and where my strength lies, I might be very well be consumed into a fiery dark place.  I said, “might be.”  But, thanks to the LORD, and His word, and His love and providence, that doesn’t happen.  Because I could never be pulled from the LORD…so deep is my love for Him.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” Romans 8:38 (KJV)

Eyes on the LORD!  At all time.

Shine Your Light LORD!

Darkness be gone!   He is the Light of the World!

Keeping our eyes on the Lord,  along with our heart, mind, body, and spirit, closely knitted with the LORD,  is substantially what keeps us from falling  into the “world” and it’s darkness.

Our faith in the LORD’s Word, and doctrine is what allows us to navigate without inhibition or fear in a world that is less than perfect.

When we follow the Spirit, and walk the path of His will, and purpose for our life, we are assured His protection and guidance through all of the tense moments in our life. Ostensibly,  all of the good ones in between too!

Eyes on the LORD!

Shine Your Light LORD!

“Father God,  Help me always to keep my eyes on You, Shine Your glorious Light Lord and take away all the darkness in the world, and may I always give you all the Glory, honor and Praise, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me, ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 17:33 (KJV)

Christ in His own words assures us, in no uncertain terms, “I have overcome the world” — and to be of good cheer.  Peace and Christ go hand-in-hand symbolically, literally and spiritually.

Tribulations are pouring unto the world fast, and furious. It may seem relentless. Or that no end is in sight. We might feel as if we are standing on the precipice of disaster, that bodes ill will, with catastrophic and insurmountable odds, of our lives ever being “normal” again.  But hold on!  Christ said, “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)   So, if Christ said it…I believe it!  Amen and Amen!

As another day begins, although the world is “shaking and breaking” with so much discord; civil unrest, famine, financial woes, and natural weather disasters, or hints of war. It is Christ’ words, and promises, that sing joyfully within my soul. His words offering me solace, and confidence, knowing He is with me. That He is my sole reward, sanctuary, peace, Lord and Savior, and Shepherd. It is He, that guards my heart, and leads me to green pastures, and still waters.  He said it!  It is done!

His promise.

His love.

“Father God, thank You for another day, thank You for Your love, protection, and joy, thank You for Your promises and rewards, no matter what is going on around me, Your peace sustains, and comforts me always, in Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.”

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 

John 8:12 (KJV)

I can hardly drive in the dark any longer due to sensitivity of the “lights” from oncoming vehicles, or those following closely behind my car.  I guess the medical term is “night blindness.

Ostensibly, the “LIGHT” of the LORD is something entirely different.

Those who have seen “the light” are blessed to have their eyes opened.  It is the LORD who has done so.

The same is true with ears. When  our ears are opened to His Word, and truth, it is a blessing that comes from Him.

All gifts are from God, such is “learning the truth” —  He is the One who  prompts and touches us from within to receive Him, He is the One who places the desire in our hearts to pursue Him.

His Light is life.

The LORD of Life, the great I AM I AM, the Savior, the Rock, the One and only King of kings, and LORD of lords, our Sovereign Great and Mighty God.

He’s alive, triumphant in death, the magnificent Author of Salvation…our LIGHT, and our breath of life.  ( 1 Corinthians 15:55    Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? – NLT)

His light is ever present, when we are engrafted with Him, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

The light is evidence of life. 

He is life. 

There is a security of being part of the large family of His followers.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we have the blessing of knowing we will be with Him for eternity when we pass from this earth.

However, until such time, we have a job here to do for Him.

Each day is another challenge, another way to serve Him.

Each one of us with our own method of doing so, each with our own gifts that He bestowed upon us, each one with a different job to undertake.  Most important, the outcome is ever the same, no matter the task…Serving Him!

Keep shining His light, and in so doing, you’re shining the light He has ignited within you!

“Father, thank You for this day, for the blessings You’ve bestowed on Your children from the beginning of time, and continue to do so each and every day, help us to shine Your glorious light from within to without, and grant us Your perfect peace, and may we be a blessing to all we encounter this day, and everyday, I love You Father, it is in Jesus’ precious name I pray,  Amen.”

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:   Proverbs 6:23 (KJV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.   Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.   Psalm 119:130 (KJV)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; 

 we are perplexed, but not in despair;   

2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)

Adversity, can be the greatest tool of strengthening us, and bringing about spiritual growth.  God, sometimes allows adversity for purposes of bringing us through the fires. He hones us, making us shinier, while removing the dross from the “gold.”  In other words, each time we get through another issue, circumstance or situation of stress, we are growing. We are getting polished, and climbing into higher realms of understanding, and trust of just how “powerful our God is.”

We never walk through the fires alone. He is always with us.

There is no way to live in this world, and survive, or have peace and happiness, without God in our life.  It begins with our LORD and Savior, and ends with our LORD and Savior.  And, all the in between times, all the days of our lives.

When we wait upon God,(Psalm 46:10) and stand back while allowing Him to guide us, touch us, lead us…He will bring us through anything we have to face.  Boldly, and with courage, and without doubt, we inherently know that He will help us. No matter what we’re doing, or how we’re doing it. We’re never alone while “doing it.”

Waiting for God has great advantages. Because He knows what’s coming before we even have it on our radar. He knows what is best for us…even when we “think” we know…trust me…we don’t!

Without Him, there is a deep void, an abyss.

Without Him, there is an empty feeling, we merely exist.

Without Him, there is darkness.

Ostensibly, with HIM, there is an abundance of life, fulness and joy, and continuous light from above.

When harsh times come calling, embrace God, and know He will help you through it, each and every single time. No matter what the outcome is, irrespective of circumstances, you’ll survive and He will be with you for the duration and more.

He promises to give us beauty for our ashes, and oil for our mourning, and garment of praise for our spirit of heaviness. We are multiplying our fruits by the LORD’s grace as we are planted in His righteousness, as we call and praise His glory.

Standing in a predicament of turmoil?

Don’t worry, have faith be of good cheer, and know God is near!

“Father God, I praise You, and thank You for holding me up and bringing me every fire I face, all the days of my life, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.

At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

This morning, I took my coffee outside. While sitting in a comfortable chair on my deck, I was fully enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. It was peaceful and idyllic, to be part of God’s landscape, and nature’s symphony.

While watching God’s creatures assemble for their morning feast, it was extremely  interesting taking note of their behavior.

Chipmunks are fast and clever. Circling and zigzagging, to and from their hidden holes, as they gathered nuts into their cheek pouches.

The Cardinals, both female and male, flying into the underbrush of  fir trees, gathering seeds and such.

Two white cotton tailed rabbits, foraging gracefully, for green leaves and anything edible to satisfy their appetites.

Finally, I observed with a smile, four squirrels. Three were the average ordinary gray haired little guys.  But one was outstanding. He had the most glossy densely dark charcoal fur, and was scrambling up and down trying to get to the bird feeders.  The other three squirrels after three attempts, ran off into the woods to find food elsewhere. But the charcoal gray one, wouldn’t give up.  Nope.  He was persistent. He tried so many times, I lost count. Finally…his persistence paid off big time!  He managed to knock over the feeder and hit pay dirt  He sat solo on the grass,  a mound of goodies spread out before him. Rewards for never giving up! This little guys persistence paid off big time. I silently applauded his performance.

So too is our persistence in the Word of God.

When we adhere to His Word, observe and align with His commandments and ways…we will inherently reap rewards. The rewards not only here, but most important, in His Kingdom. His Kingdom which the Father promises us, Eternal Life.

If we give up after several attempts to rectify a wrong, how can we ever secure a right?

If we give up if we hear bad news and lose hope, how can we ever experience good news and joy?

If we don’t engage in daily interactions with our Father, how can we take on the world or be armed?

If we don’t know His Word, how can we live our lives according to His will?

If we don’t make time for our Lord, how can we expect Him to make time for us?

Like my little friend, the dark gray squirrel, we too need to be persistent!

Persistence in our walk of faith, will pay dividends that far exceed anything here on earth, and we will be vastly rewarded when we are called home. Amen!

“Father God, thank You for providing means and instructions by Your word, here and always, may I be persistent in all I endeavor, according to Your will, and purpose in my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1 KJV)

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.

God is love;

and he that dwells in love dwells in God,

and God in him.

John 4:16  (NKJV)

Several months ago we had trouble with our kitchen sink.  It filled with water freely enough. But that wasn’t the problem.  The problem was the “clog.”  And that clog was not allowing the water to flow freely and smoothly.  Consequently the result was a sink filled with stagnant water.  I suddenly had a revelation… God is our plumber!

The water clog is symbolic of the world.

The world can get in our way of His Holy Word…and His ways.

We are filled with His spirit, overflowing in fact.

And yet at times, the world will try to clog all information and the flow of His Spirit.  The world and the enemy look for any opening to clog our way…bringing us into turmoil and total stagnation.

The world/enemy loves bringing an abrupt and untimely halt to our purpose, our mind-set…and distracting us from His Word. If we’re not careful, we could be swimming in stagnation.  As children of the One and only Living God, be wise as serpents and gentle as the dove.

Be aware at all times, when things happen…run to HIM.

Run to HIM when things are going smoothly.

Always giving Him all the glory, and honor and praise through all our days on earth.

We are to glorify Him, always.

Of course, invariably there will be issues that crop up along the way.  Let’s face it…none of us are safe from hard times, or troubles.  But it’s how we flow through these issues, that make the difference.  With God at the helm, guiding us through our waters, we will flow smoothly and we will live freely.  The clog is the enemy.  He is the very definition of “stagnation.”   The enemy is the blockage, and the one who wants to keep us in bonds, thereby drowning us with his vile hate and evil.

The Lord, is SO MANY things to us.

He is everything and anything to us.  In the kitchen sink scenario, He’s our Master Plumber.

We’re blessed that His Word will keep the clog from settling in.

He will sweep it away with His Word—His Love—and His Sovereign Hand.

If you’re facing a clog today, you know what to do.

Open up your hearts. He will open your paths, as He upholds you with His righteous hand.

Before long, you will be flowing smoothly on His tranquil waters.  Amen.

“Father God, thank You for Your masterful ways, Your loving heart, and Your unmitigated grace, I love You and thank You now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”