Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Ezekiel 18:4 (KJV)

In Romans 6:23 it states so clearly, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Yes, He loves us…but not the sin.  We are forgiven our sins, thanks to the grace and love of our Father, and through Christ, where we are able to be victorious, Amen.

Some individuals may say, “but God loves us all and we are forgiven, so therefore we are granted eternal salvation.”

There are stipulations and commandments that God specifies over and over in His book of love, the Bible,  and the concept of “nothing we do or say will kill our soul” is not part of the plan.

There is no other than loves us like our Father above, but as did Jesus obey His Father, here on earth while doing His ministry, so too must we obey our Father while here on earth, as part of His ongoing ministry and message.

When we repent and truly confess our sins with contrite hearts, we will be forgiven, over and over.  The key word being, “contrite” and hearts of love for Him and His commandments and doctrine.

The rest falls under acts of kindness, compassion, love for others, and selfless behavior.  After all love does cover a multitude of sins, but…it’s one of many things that bring us to walking that narrow path of righteousness.

Our souls belong to Him, our Creator and King of the Universe, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the very One and Only that is the Great I Am, the Alpha and Omega…our loving Father, and Lord of lords, King of kings.  No man can kill our soul, only God, our Creator, who breathe life into us from the very beginning, only He can.

We are alive because of Him.

We are filled with Light because of Him.

We are created because of Him.

An eternity spent with the LORD, how amazing is that thought? He doesn’t expect much from us, He gave His life for us so that we could be with Him forever…but in order for that to happen, we need to accept Him into our hearts and know without Him, we are “nothing.”

So, have you explored His beautiful love letter, the Bible, and have you accepted Him into your heart and life and mind and body?   If you haven’t I pray that you will and feel a love like none other, and in the process…live FOREVER!

“Father God, thank You for Your love, Your light, and for creating our soul, we know without You and Your ways, and Your word, we are nothing, and we know with You, and Your word and ways, we are alive, and shall be forever, I pray that others who don’t know You will find You and their salvation, in Jesus precious name Amen.” 

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 14:6 (KJV)

Matthew 6:6 (KJV)

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Jesus needed time every day “alone” with His Father, to pray and spend time with Him.  Early in the morning, He would seek His Father’s face, and pray earnestly unto Him.  He always found time to go off alone and pray to His Father.

Now, if Jesus, who was in the business of saving souls, healing, and setting people free…if He had the time to spend alone with His father, every single day of His life while here on earth, don’t you feel that “we” can find time to spend alone praying, and speaking to our Father?  I’ll answer for myself with an emphatic shout of “YES!”

It’s fine to have a prayer partner, and/or a church family to fellowship with and pray with, that’s always a blessing.  But, it’s so important to be able to “pray with Him alone” each and every day.

When we speak with Him alone, and pray, we are being brought up higher and higher…and the enemy is fleeing further and further away.  Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. (James 4:8)

James 4:7 —Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God loves us and loves spending time with us…especially, all alone, wrapped in His love, and in His Word.

Jesus spent time up in the mountains, early in the morning, before the day began, He needed to be replenished, and get direction from His Father.  Shouldn’t we do the same?

When you take this practice of “spending time with Him alone” and making Him, the most important part of your day, you will be amazed at how He will speak to you, and How He will bless you.

So, the question is this…”Have you spent time alone with Him today in prayer?  If not, may I invite you to do so?  It will be the best company and the best time you will have in your day…that’s a promise!”

“Father God, thank You for Your love, for allowing me to spend time with You, to glorify You, and to talk to You from the depths of my heart, mind and soul, I pray that those who don’t know You, begin their journey getting to know You, and may their hearts be open and their ears and eyes open in awe of You and Your love, in Jesus name, Amen!”

John 7:38
 
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'”

God’s unfailing love is an objective fact that has been affirmed  and reaffirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It’s true whether some individuals believe it or not. Doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor did our faith create it. Instead it originates in the very essence and nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord of lords, and King of kings.

His free giving love and rivers of living waters flows through those of which follow Him.  His uplifting love and compassion is ever present to those who surrender and accept Him as their Savior.

His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts, He is holy and above all else…but…Our redeemer offered Himself for us, and for our freedom, and salvation.

Some may not believe.  But, I see God in everything, in all that surrounds me on any given day.

And, sadly…as I see God…there is evil that swirls about us on any given day.  But, it is our affirmation of His love and our obedience to His doctrine and gospel that allows us to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy.  When we put on the clothes of righteousness, that is to say, our weapon of defense, Christ…in terms of our armor, the gospel armor…we are protected and nothing can harm us.

Our souls are intact along with our love for the Great I Am.

Isn’t it wonderful to be a part of His royal Kingdom?

Isn’t it wonderful to be called His children?

Isn’t it wonderful to know He loves us so much?

Isn’t it wonderful to know we are His?

If you didn’t shout YES…then may I invite you to open the Bible, His love letter to us, and find out all about the most Incredible Sovereign God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

Go on…what are you waiting for?

“Father, thanks for Your endless love, compassion, and living water, You are our daily bread, and I can’t get enough of You or Your ways, Thank You for all You are, and all You do since the beginning of time, may I never cease to appreciate You or Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 93:4

More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty.

Psalm 66:12

You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

Sometimes “waiting” can be a daunting and tedious task. But, it depends on what kind of “waiting” we’re actually doing.

If we’re waiting in line at a supermarket, it can be an irritating and annoying wait.

If we’re waiting to see a doctor, it can be overwhelming and intimidating.

If we’re waiting in a traffic jam, it can be beyond frustrating.

Waiting for God is a different “kind of wait.”  It’s a self proclaimed and undeniable choice of being obedient to Him.

Waiting for God and wondering what we should do, is an “anticipated kind of wait” of which we’re completely confident, that He will guide us, eventually, as to where, and what, we should or shouldn’t do.

Waiting upon God, and listening to His Word, eventually,  during our reflection, and meditation, will bring about answers, whereby the “wait will always be worth the wait.”

Sometimes, it’s a challenge to sit, and wait, even though every ounce of our being is trying to “redirect” us to move forward even before we “hear His answer” — that’s when we have to really sit still (Psalm 46:10)—  And, tilt our heads sideways to really “listen” to His voice.  We need to stop wondering, while hovering over, and in His Word, and truly start absorbing His message,  while receiving the delivery of His love, guidance, and direction.

Have you ever waited?

Have you ever waited on the LORD?

Well, then you should be acutely aware of the disparaging differences in “waiting” overall…and “waiting” on the LORD.

There is nothing sweeter than waiting for God.  Try it…and see for yourself!

“Father God, in all I do, I do it for You, may I continue to listen to Your voice alone in all I do, and may I continue to seek Your face, and Your kingdom each and every day of my life, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Psalms 130:5 – I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 69:6 – Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

John 16:33 33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When I read the above scripture/verse it always moves me into further submission of His love and promises.  His Word is true and powerful and was put together and put into place for our good.

When we see the gross perversion and horrific events surrounding us today, we should immediately pull up this verse, and so many others, that pertain to Christ and His peace.  He is victorious, and He defeated death, and resurrected for us!  His peace should embody us every step of the way for each and every day of our life here on earth.  And it will continue for eternity when we are called home.

So…believe in Him and His Word and embrace His promises, and know that the true symbol of peace is the Cross!  He went willingly to the cross for us…and we are washed clean because of His blood!  Amen!

When anxiety comes calling, pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel the peace.

When things happen that seem to push you into the darkness…pull out the promises of Christ…and let His light shine in…and feel the peace.

When troubles come into your path…pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel His love…and feel the peace.

When you are meditating and joyful and praising Him…pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel His love…and feel His peace…and surrender to Him and Him alone.

“Father, thank You for Your Son and His blood, and for Your all powerful Word, may we always be bound to You and Your commandments, may we be lead by Your light, and may we never forget the true symbol of peace, the cross, and His peace, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

.

Jude 1:2 2

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

***

John 16:33 33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

***

John 14:27 27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Psalm 16:8  (NLT)

I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Life as we know it, can be very different from one individual to another. There may be those who have “no home” and  living on the streets, not knowing where their next meal is coming from, or if at all… yet they may have the LORD, and love in their hearts.

There may be some living in the lap of luxury, with no materialistic wants, but may be lacking in “love.”

And still, there may be some who are somewhere in between, living life in the middle of the road so to speak.

What’s the connection with individuals  so different?

We are all His creation, and His children.

And, by being His children we have full uninhibited access to His love, His Word, and His promises, should we want it.  

As I move through my day, there are routines that can be comforting, yet any kind of disruption in that routine may be unsettling.  It’s during those times of disruption I never stop listening for His Word, His voice, and His will for my life.

It’s important that we never stop believing that nothing is impossible with God.  And, it’s crucial we remember that no matter what, He is with us always, and is living in us. Hallelujah!

There are days I can barely concentrate due to chronic health issues that plague me,  but…that’s when I need to really concentrate, and reach out to Him all the more, knowing I’ll get through it, because He’s there for me.

However, please know, He’s there for all of us.  

I run to Him during rough days knowing He’s willing to hold me up with His right hand of righteousness, and that He loves me, that is what keeps me going.

Conversely,  I run to Him in good times, because no matter what, He gets all my love, He gets all the glory, and He reigns victorious, forever!

He is the Alpha and Omega!  My LORD and King!

He is all that I need today, tomorrow, forever.

When we know that He’s with us always, and feel it, and love Him, our life truly becomes just that—LIFE.  

“Father, thank You for being with me always and thank You for Your promises and love, may I never ever stray from You or Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

No matter what we are doing, or when we are doing it, we should bear in mind, heart and soul that we are “serving the Lord.”

Sometimes if I’m having “one of those days” and there is one avalanche after another, and I can hardly catch my breath, I must stop in my tracks and think, “everything that is happening right now, no matter what, I am doing it unto Christ.”   To which I take a deep breath and ask for His light to shine, and sing a silent praise to Him, the One most high, and worthy, and loving, my LORD, my Master, and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In just minutes or within a little time frame, I am strengthened by His love, and His Spirit, and His divine presence.

When we have the heart and mind-set to know that we are here to “serve” Him in all that we do…life becomes a life worth living, and one in which we can thrive.  But, not through our will, but His.  And, not through our strength, but His strength.  And, not through our will, but His.

Walking in His will, and meditating on His Word, and living according to His purpose for our lives, we receive the rewards here on earth, but…most important, when we are called home.

In the meantime, right here and now…serve Him in all you do, your life will be different and meaningful here, and we will receive that “crown” when we join Him at His table in the Eternity.

He promises all of His children a seat at His table.

Until such time…”listen to His voice, and follow Him, as you do all things unto Him, in a servitude capacity of  undeniable surrender and love.”

“Father, thank You for Your love, we love You and praise You for Your precious Word, as a warning, and a source of encouragement, may Your Words penetrate all those who hear it, and may they trust You as their Savior and Lord of lords and King of kings, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 103:19 19

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Have you ever had a decision to make in which you’ve gone through it without regard to repercussions?

Or did you ever make a decision without thought and just went through the motions?

Still, did you ever have to do something or take care of a situation spontaneously?

Well, to the first question, it’s more than likely almost everyone has done this at one time or another.

The second question, probably a good amount of individuals have done this as well.

And the third scenario, we’ve all been there, done that!

The most important lesson to be learned is, “how did it all work out?”  And, could it have been a much different outcome had we gone to the LORD and asked for His will to be done?

In my own circumstances, I’ll emphatically shout, “YES!”  Circumstances and outcomes are overwhelmingly different when I go to the LORD in prayer and ask for His will and divine blessings in all that I undertake according to His purpose and plans for my life.

How can we do this? 

• By seeking Him daily.
• By thanking Him daily.
• By giving Him the glory daily.
• By surrendering ourselves to Him daily.
• By seeking His Kingdom daily.
• By trusting Him daily.
• And, finally…by loving Him fully, completely and always. Amen.

Remember this…God wants us to be happy and prosperous in all that we do.   He knows how to accomplish that outcome, if we merely seek Him and involve Him in all aspects of our life.

He is in control, and yes, He allows us free will and choice, and sometimes by messing up, its a way to become “closer” to Him.

So, He may allow things to happen in order to accomplish the goal of us “growing in Him” and “engrafting ourselves” deeper and deeper in His roots of love.

Trusting Him, no matter what, even when the circumstances seem highly unlikely…go with it, when it is His will. You’ll have the power of God, and the presence of God with you, and inasmuch, you’re always better armed and better equipped.

Take Gideon for example, like what he did in the passages of Judges 4-9. 

He was worried about the army that was against him. He had very few men in comparison to the huge outnumbered army against him.  So, He asked the Lord for help.  And, what happened? When he trusted and believed and surrendered to the LORD, He delivered them into Gideon’s hands and he had victory!  Victory in the LORD!

There are so many examples in the Bible telling us to trust Him, and believe in Him, and when we do…all things work out to our advantage. Because through Christ, we are victorious!

What is the message here?

• Don’t underestimate what God can do through you and in you.
• God is always with you, in whatever He calls you to do. He will never forsake you.
• He’s ready to give you assurance when you doubt Him.
• His ways are at times challenging, and surprising, but always has the best outcome for us all.

What decisions will you be making today? And, before you do, have you asked God for His help and His will in your life?  If not, I invite you to do so…and then wait for His response, it will be the best thing you can do for yourself, and it will bring joy to His heart, and blessings in your life.

“Father, I seek Your face in all I do, today, tomorrow always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Judges 7:4-9 4

But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”

So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.”

Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.

The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”

So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.

During that night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.