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.”

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)

Freedom doesn’t mean “freedom” only for yourself, but others as well.

The same goes for truth.  It’s not only for ourselves, but to share with others as well.

In Galatians, it’s telling you in a concise and precise manner, “don’t use it as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love to serve one another.” 

As Jesus did during His ministry on earth. He served others by His love. He was selfless in all He did. We’re to shine His light from within to all we come into contact with, so that we may be an example to all we encounter.

We are to use freedom, we have in Christ, to serve others and treat others with dignity and respect, and revere God and follow Him in all that we do. When we live in God’s freedom, our life expands in prosperity in heart, body mind and soul. When we live selfishly we forfeit our “citizenship” as Christians and it’ll eventually have a domino effect. We won’t be able to continue in growth and our fruit will perish, and eventually die off.

God’s gift is eternal life. It’s delivered by Jesus.  He is the Life and He is the freedom.

Let freedom ring. A believer is free, when they live in God’s will. It’s as natural as a Robin to live in a nest, and a duck to swim in water.

A believer in Christ is free and lives in freedom.

Abide in His Word, and you shall know the truth and the truth “shall set you free.”

Freedom in Christ.

How are you using His gift of freedom?

Shine His light from within and “let freedom ring.”

“Father God, thank You for the gift of Your love and mercy, thank You for the freedom we have through Christ,  and thank You for the gift of His truth and life forever more, in Jesus name, Amen.”

As a child of God, when we surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ, we will never face any situation “alone” He promises, He “will never leave” us.   We do it together.  If we yoke ourselves together with Jesus, it’s “you and Jesus” — and all about a relationship.  Not a wooden piece you hang on your shoulders, it’s all about a relationship.

He promises to provide everything we need. He promises to bear our burdens, He promises He’ll never leave.  No matter what comes our way in life…we are never alone…because we face it yoked together, with Jesus. Amen!

His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and so on. If we live our life alone without Jesus…it would be a very different type of life. A decision to take on His yoke there isn’t anything we can’t conquer, because “He is with us.” We are not alone.

His peace He gives unto us. Not as the world gives to us, let not your heart be troubled.

He is easy, light, pure, life, and peace personified.

Surrendering to Jesus we are heirs to His Kingdom, and being yoked to Jesus we inherently handle “life” with “life” not death.

When we don’t have Jesus in life, there is no “life.”

Without Jesus we are like “one Ox” stuck in the mud handling a heavy load.

With Jesus, we are “two” in the mud sharing the load, and therefore it becomes easier and light.

Jesus gives us rest.

Jesus gives us peace.

Jesus gives us life.

Jesus gives us light.

Jesus is with us, and we never have to fear. We have confidence, and faith knowing He is our Master, and relieves us of our burdens. When we are yoked up with Jesus…we experience life, the way He wants us to. According to His will, as we yield our lives to Him, and grab hold of our faith, it’s our decision, and a commitment we make…and one that promises to be “easy and light” as we rest in Him.

Are you yoked up to Jesus? 

“Father God, thank You for being in control, we yield unto You, You fill our lives with light, and give us rest, we thank You for Your promises and Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”