Category Archives: Shield

DEAR GOD: No Legalistic Word – Only You~

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John 4:24 – KJV
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

My husband and I watched a beautiful Christian movie last week, and Jesus was sitting down to dinner with someone, all alone in a restaurant, and the lady said, “I am not religious and don’t like religion,”  and Jesus said, “Neither do I.”

Now, before anyone becomes upset at that comment, think about it for a moment and you’ll actually realize that it’s true!

Jesus wasn’t promoting “religion” He was promoting love, healing, and following His Father’s will and “laws” in order to redeem us and cleanse us from sin.

He didn’t like the self-made doctrine of man, or the rules, and regulations, they put together.  Remember, one of the priests condemned Jesus saying, “Your men don’t wash their hands like we do in our tradition” — what is the clue there?  “Our tradition”

But, what is God’s?

Well…most important…Jesus, died for us, and said, “it is finished.”  Which means He did it all for us. He carried on His Father’s will, and laws, and when we accepted Him, as our Savior, He came inside to dwell with us, and we live through the Spirit as He shows us the way.

Confused?

Okay…well think of this then.  

Legalism typically goes by “flesh and rules and regulations made by men.”  Legalism, can hold you hostage by your flesh, and make you do things that you might think will “please God.” And, so, based on that premise, we might operate by the “outside” and not from the “inside.”  

Or, another example.

Think of two boats.  One is a little row boat, and you’re “row row rowing “your little boat.  And, then there is another kind of boat…a “speed” boat. Which is being powered by the engine.  And, that speed boat zooms right past your little row boat, that is being operated solely by “our own power”  —now which boat is faster and stronger?  The speed boat of course!

Think of our spiritual bodies as such.

When we move by the Spirit, it is Jesus, doing the magnificent details in our life.  We are being powered by Him, and Him alone.  He is our energy, our foundation of exuberance, and strength.  That little row boat…well, that is our flesh.

When we operate on our flesh,  we are akin to that slow little row boat rowing away, slowly down the stream, except it’s not “merrily merrily merrily” like the song says it is.

Nope.  We can’t do things on our own, operating on our flesh.  We need Him, our engine, our motivator, our strength and our Savior, and His Spirit.  When we live by flesh, we are sparring with the Spirit.  When we live by the flesh, we act on things according to our flesh. When we live and walk by the Spirit, we are in unison with the LORD.

Jesus set us free, His truth, His death, His resurrection, His Spirit, His love. By all accounts Jesus lived the laws of His Father, and He followed His will, He did it for the LORD and of course for us!

Read His Word, and do things by the Spirit, because you love Him, and glorify Him, and enjoy Him. That is what we should operate by.  Him and His Word and His Spirit.

If we learn to tap into the power of our spirit by seeking first the Kingdom of God and studying His Word, we can tap into the wisdom of God and have all things added to us and we will prosper and thrive!

Don’t do things because, “of this rule and that rule”… for “doctrine of men” or because you think that’s what God wants, and that is what will make you get to heaven.  Remember this:

God knows your heart.

God knows your thoughts.

God knows your soul.

You can’t fool God.

Find joy in serving Him, and when you do, all things will open up to you, along the highway of life.  All things will make sense, things will become easier to do, and your light, which is to say “His light” will shine brightly.

In so doing, you will be making your Father happy, and pleasing Him, in the capacity of which all things are possible.

Rowing your own boat? 

May I invite you to let “God take over” and live life, in a way you’ve never lived before.

“Jesus, take the wheel…”

 

“Father, God…I recognize You as the One true source that generates power from within, You are the Spirit that dwells in me, thank You, for Your strength, love, guidance, and assurance, but most of all, for defeating death and conquering the world, in Jesus name, Amen.”

*****

 

“Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

*****

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV

 

DEAR GOD: Prayers Lead to Many Things~

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And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 

Mark 1:35 (KJV)

 Praying and finding time each day to spend with our Father is crucial to our well-being. It’s imperative to operating on a tranquil and optimum existence.

The “Book of Life” the Father’s Holy Word is training for our souls, sustenance for our bodies, and nourishment for our overall health.

While praying, we must be diligent not only in His Word, but “listening” to His Word.  And, while “Hearing” His Word is important, having “Faith” is an inherent part of who we are as followers of the Word and of the LORD.

Faith, meditation in His Word, and the discipline to “go off in prayer” each day with the Father could mean the difference between “Life” and a mere “existence” on earth. Everything is so much better when we are connected and deeply rooted in Him, His Word, His commandments, and His love.

Whereas, prayer and Faith is the panacea of our lives, conversely, Prayerlessness will be the result of many adverse scenarios in life.

A closed Bible means “closing oneself” off from the protection and armor of the LORD.  Prayerlessness is an open invitation to “fiery darts” and all kinds of wordly garbage to infiltrate our hearts, body, mind and soul.

Trust Him in all you do.

Follow Him and obey Him in all you do.

And, thank Him for all He is and all you do.

Make a sure decision each day to find time for Him, to listen, to hear, and to obey Him.

Remember, each decision you make is important, and each decision you make makes you.  

So, if you have a “closed Bible” may I invite you to “Open it” and then open yourself up to His love, there is nothing else like it in the world!

 

“Father, thank You for Your Word, Your protection, Your love, may I always seek Your face each day early, and in all I do, may I give You the glory and honor, and may I never cease loving You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

Joy in the Fellowship of God

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

 
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.

DEAR GOD: Horizons are Clear With You in View~

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“It is God Who sits above the circle (the horizon) of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; it is He Who stretches out the heavens like [gauze] curtains and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in…”

Isaiah 40:22 (AMP)

 

Many translations or interpretations of the above passage have been offered by scholars and theologians, and most are “scientific” in nature, and I’ll spare you the details, you can always look it up should you want a full indepth analysis of such.

However, for my purposes, I merely see this passage as being abundantly clear from my own perspective, “God is everywhere and sits high above and sees everything and anything that goes on within any given second.”

No matter where I am, or what I’m doing I know God is there with me. In all kinds of scenarios the LORD is by my side, and His Spirit dwells within.

It is He who guides my every move and convicts my soul as to what is “right and wrong” and it is He who fills my heart with joy and love.

When I look at the heavens, I see Him clearly defined in my minds eye, and yet I can sense His presence.  I know that He abounds prolifically in every aspect of my life and without Him there is no life…and life is life because of He who created it.

When I see the “horizon” I see Him and His love and His capacity to love.

When I see the “horizon” I know His eyes are watching over me.

When I see the “horizon” I know He sits and patiently waits for me.

When I see the “horizon” I know I have nothing to fear…

Today, when you go about your day, every once in awhile, stop and look up…if you can…think of the Great One who sits in the circle of the Universe and knows all, and does all, and is all…and then give Him your thanks, praise, and undying love.  And, remember, the love you give to Him, can never compare to His love that is unwavering towards us!

“Father, thank You for this day, and everyday, You are there for us, and may we always glorify You, and give You thanks, morning, noon and night, and all the inbetweens, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Alone Change Hearts~

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1 Samuel 10:9 (NASB)
Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day.

 

When someone says, “I’ve had a change of heart” a familiar and fairly popular saying, it doesn’t hold the same meaning as that of when the LORD “changes one’s heart.”  No, in fact…quite different.

God, in His infinite Sovereign power, He alone can change all things, and that includes an individual’s heart.  That is to say, entire perspective of belief, a conviction from deep within.

Sometimes, being human, people have a tendency to put limitations on various aspects of our life. But, those limitations are unfounded when it comes to the power of God and His will in circumstances or scenarios.

Compassion is limitless and unsurpassed in God’s heart, and He reaches out to all of His children. No matter if they’re poor, or if they are minorities, rich, famous or unknown…they are ALL KNOWN and LOVED by our amazing Father, LORD of lords and Creator of the Universe.

God alone is judge to all things.  Nothing is covered that shall not be uncovered, nothing that is in the dark, shall not come to the light.  No matter where we are, there is GOD with us too!

Our hearts, each one beating in a pattern, only God knows how long it shall beat.  One day it will stop, and we will be with Him forever.

But…that’s where faith, and hearts, are combine to lead us, to being in the Lamb’s book of life, and at His table for all eternity.

God changes all things for the better.

Some of us may have tendencies to have preconceived prejudices placing limitations of what we’re capable of.  But, we can do it all through CHRIST!

We need to understand that in those moments when we place our judging minds on pause, we realize there is room for the Spirit of Christ to change our hearts. That is when the conviction to move forward in a “new creation” comes apparent, and when our existence becomes a vast reality of LIFE!

And, it’s only through the LORD that we’re able to go forward cleansed and fresh and alive in the Spirit of Christ.

Do you have a changed heart?  If so, Hallelujah!

 

“Father God, thank You for a heart that was created by Your hands, and for Your compassion and mercy and grace, thank You for Your word, and Your unapparelled love that provides, nourishes and supplies all things, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Coming into Your Presence Boldly~

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Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

When Christ died, the veil was rent from “top to bottom” and that in itself was miraculous, as it was higher than a normal beings height, but His blood made it possible for us to go “boldly” to the throne of our Almighty LORD, our loving Abba Father!

Matthew 27:51

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

When we were given this gift of grace along with salvation…we were immediately “free” released from past sin, and invited into the presence of the LORD for whomever should and would want to enter.

Coming into the presence of God is multi-layered, but purposeful in  our walk of faith.  Mindful meditation on His Word, and obeying His “voice” and walking the path which He leads us is the inherent rules of being a devoted follower of Christ.

Deuteronomy 30:20

“By loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

When I go to “Him” in prayer, I’m thrilled to realize and fully understand the meaning of what Christ did for me, for you, for all of us. His blood washed away the sin and opened our door of “life” as it were. Death was conquered, the grave could not hold Him, and our Redeemer lives and guides us through the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 15:29 (KJV)

The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Next time you go to prayer think about why you’re able to go “directly to His throne” boldly and in confidence, knowing He “invites you” and most important, “listens to you” with unending grace, and love.

“Father God, thank You for ripping the veil so that Your children could enter into Your gates of thanksgiving, and bow at Your throne of grace and love, may we always keep this in remembrance, and may we always do all things in Your name, for Your name, and for Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Time For You Alone~

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He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

 

 

Finding time for the LORD can be challenging to many individuals, however, it is crucial overall, for our “protection” in the world, and ostensibly,  for our spiritual growth.

When we find time for Him, and concentrate on Him, and His Word, we are able to disable the “snares” by His power, in His name, and able to sustain, and withstand the trials and tribulations we all will invariably go through, in Christ name.

Essentially, our relationship with the LORD, is reflective on our actions, and the ways in which we live. The deeper, and closer the relationship is with Him, the deeper the roots, and the stronger the branches bearing fruit.

The Holy One is dwelling within us… guiding us, leading us, touching us with His light, His words, and His truth.

Inherently, we are the blessed recipients of our Redeemer, who shed His blood for our salvation, and brought us His peace, not as the world gives it…for the world is troubled, with Jesus, we have sufficient peace as He sustains us with His love.

A relationship with Him, is so important to hearts, mind, body and soul…for He is the nourishment.  He is our bread, and our water.  He  feeds us spiritually, and enhances our growth with each reading, each meditation, and each “conversation” that is to say “prayer” we have with Him. It is imperative to LIFE, for without Him, there is no life.

I must find time for Him.

I need to find time for Him.

I want to find time for Him.

He is my peace.

He is my refuge.

He is my reason for everything.

With Him, I am nothing.

Speaking for myself, if I don’t spend time with Him each day, in a dedicated way. Such as prayer, and reading…and giving Him thanks…I feel incomplete, and totally off kilter.

If I don’t go to Him daily, I would wither up as an old branch, and die. With Him there is a daily pruning, He trims my branches, and lets me grow, more and more.  Deeper and deeper are my roots in His love, and in Him. Expansion in the obedient department, and in the willingness to serve, corresponds to prolific and powerful spiritual growth.

Do you find time for Him, alone?

If you haven’t…please, make an appointment, daily… for HIM ALONE.

I promise that your day, your ways, and your heart and soul will be so much better in all that you are, and your life will truly be LIFE!

“Father, my heart, soul, body and mind belong to You, thank You for listening to me when I come to You, thank You for Your word, Your love, Your guidance, and thank You for touching me with Your undying Grace, I pray for those that don’t know You, and I pray for those that do, and most of all, I lift You on high, today, now, and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

Luke 5:15-16 “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Psalm 1:1-4 “Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams— a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does. Wicked people are not like that. Instead, they are like husks that the wind blows away.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Immanuel — Yeshua~

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Luke 2:11 (KJV)

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

 

 

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

The Angels did  sing of the birth of the Holy One.

The One who came to save.

The One who is mighty indeed!

 

A Savior that was spoken about from the beginning of time. God had provided and appointed from all eternity; He promised One to come, from the beginning, and a Great One, being a God, as well as man.  Thus able to work through the great plan of the LORD, a great salvation for great sinners alike.  A complete Savior, an everlasting One.

In the beginning the Word was with God, and the Word became God, and the Word was God, and He walked among us. (John 1:1-3)

He shall be called “Immanuel” that is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Jesus, my LORD and Savior.  Our LORD and Savior.  An everlasting Savior, that saves us from sin, from evil, from the world and its ugliness, from the law, from death, hell, and from the enemy overall.

The Prince of Peace, and Author of Salvation.

 

The little infant that came to fulfill His Father’s plan for us!

The little infant that would save us came into the world born in a manger!

The Highest Royal God, came as Son of man to serve.  Not to be served.

How is that possible?

That this little infant would grow up, perform miracles, do His ministry walking and preaching and teaching, and ultimately would die for us! Think about the enormity of that reality.

How amazing is He?

How amazing is His love?

How amazing is His everlasting Light?

Behold, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Praise Him, love Him, and accept Him into your hearts.

What a feeling to be loved by the King.

And, oh what a feeling to be saved by the King.

And, oh what a feeling to LOVE THE KING!

Amen!

“Father, thank You for the Light of lights, and the Lord of lords so long ago, and for this very moment in time, we glorify You, and give You great honor and praise, now and always, in Jesus Christ most precious name of names, Amen.”

 

 

 

  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

(Matthew 1:23 KJV)

DEAR GOD: The Light of The World~

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John 8:12 12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

The light of the World born over two thousand years ago. The One who came into the world for us, still significant, still powerfully moving, and still has followers to this day.

His book still one of the best selling books of all time and is the reason for who we are, and why we are here. He is our purpose and we are His purpose according to His will in all we do each day of our life.

The Light shines in the darkness and brings comfort to those who seek it.

The Light brings awareness to our being and energizes us for what we need to do, as we follow His light and path of righteousness.

This week marks the time when the Light of the world came to reside with us. We celebrate His birth  and give thanks to God for His Son and His sacrifice.

The Light is our redeemer and we share our spiritual faith with others to bring glory to Him and to bring others out of the darkness, and into the Light of lights.

As it nears the day of His miraculous birth…honor Him through your love for others, shining your light as an example of His, and enjoy the wonder of His love.

“Lord, thank You for being our Light and for coming for us as our Redeemer, and Savior, Your Glory and Your love for us is everlasting, and we thank You for it, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

Luke 2:8-11 8

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9An angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were terrified.

10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD.

 

DEAR GOD: Goat or Sheep?

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And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 

Matthew 25:33-34 (KJV)

 

Are you a goat?  Or are you a sheep?

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, warns us here in the Gospel of Matthew, while illustrating a vivid picture of future events to come.

The goats being separated from the sheep implies a significant parable of things to come.

The goats obviously being the ones who weren’t followers, and who didn’t obey His commandments and doctrine.  They are separated and put to the left, and will not share in the feast of eternal rewards.

The sheep, are those who follow Him, and apply the foundations of His Word into all that they do, while here on earth, or to say, in “His Pasture.”

The verses that follow, referring to being hungry, naked, and in prison is twofold .

The Sheep  recognized Christ and His Word.  So, when Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me meat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, and I was a stranger and you took me in, and in prison you came to me”(Matt 25: 35-36)  refers to His Word and doctrine. Which is to say the “Spiritual translations.”

Food/meat is His Word.

Drink/ His living water

Prison/set free with the Truth

Of course, literal translation of giving to those less fortunate certainly is of essence as well.  To give, and help those in need, is always the way of Jesus, that goes without saying.

But, referring to the “goats vs sheep” is a valuable and important part of our lives, we not only are following Jesus, in bringing the Word, and His light, to others, by “feeding them” and providing “drink” and setting them “free from prison” with His truth, we are seeking His Kingdom in the process.

Speaking for myself…I want to be a “sheep” not a “goat” and a follower in His pasture.

I pursue Him and try to make sure of it every second that I can…consciously and unconsciously, (while doing things followed by the Spirit) doing it all for His glory and His honor.

I don’t know about you, but when my Lord, and Savior, separates the goats from the sheep,  I want to rejoice, and sit at His table forever more in the magnificent presence of the LORD!

Baa-Baa little sheep, follow the Shepherd, and cry no more!

“Father God, I follow You, I love Your pasture, and love to provide Your meat, Your drink and Your truth to Your lambs, in all I do, I thank You for Your Word, and Your love, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Disarm With Your Truth~

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John 8:2

 

Are we free?

Free from worry? 

Free from anxiety?

Free from doubt?  

We all are subject to human fragilities, none of us are infallible, nor anyone perfect.  So being human, we are going to feel vulnerable at times, anxious, and worry…even though it is a direct conflict with what Jesus taught, sometime we all fall short, even though we know we are instructed not to “worry about anything” in Matthew 6:34.

Jesus is the Author of Peace.

Jesus is the Light.

Jesus is the Way.

Jesus is the Truth.

Given all of that, and obeying Him and staying within the confines of His loving Word and commandments, and His doctrine…we should be back to “normal” in no time when we meditate, reflect and immerse ourselves in Him.

Truth can be disarming.

Humility can be rewarding. 

An example, earlier this week I was playing scrabble with a “friend” online and my skills are a little rusty, as I am older now, and have been away from the game for a couple of years.  That being said, the individual was a little “testy and harsh” throwing barbs at me left and right!  “You stink!  Your skills stink!  Why don’t you go play with the robots and stop wasting our time in here. This is for the professionals, clearly you’re not a pro! “

I stared at the words and felt an inner peace, how did I respond? “You’re right, I am lacking in skills at this time. A couple of years ago I had your rating, but then life happened, I got older, and my memory is a little slower now.  I thank you for your advice, maybe I will play with the robots from now on. I appreciate your help.”

For a little while after I responded with the above words, as we were playing, the person grew silent.  Then the individual responded with, “Awww…I’m sorry, I was being mean.  You can play in here anytime, you’ll be back to normal in no time at all. Keep playing.”

What happened there?  I disarmed the person with humility, and the truth.  Nothing more.  God did the rest.

Truth can and will set you free on many different levels, when the light from within goes on, and you’re sealed as a child of Christ, things happen.  Projects can be completed, life becomes a lot easier to navigate, issues that have mounted can be tackled, and nerves that are frayed will become smooth eventually healing.

Jesus said, “to be as wise as the serpent but as gentle as a dove” (Matthew 10:16) and when you think about this passage, one has to comprehend that importance of our Savior’s wisdom and advice. The world can be harsh, in fact it is more times than not, but…with the truth, and with humility, and with an eagerness to follow our LORD, we can breeze through any storm.

His light came into the world thousands of years ago…and it is still shining brightly.  The darkness cannot comprehend the magnificence, and the world still struggles with good and evil…but with knowledge and truth, and love…we can disarm even the harshest critic.

Next time someone says something harsh…say something nice back, and watch the disparaging difference in attitude take place before your very eyes.

That difference is “The light of Jesus Christ” and His Super over the top unconditional love!

“Father God, thank You for Your undeniable presence in my life, for Your truth, for Your wisdom, and for guiding me each step of the way, each day of my life, all glory and honor belongs to You and You alone, now and always, in Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.”