And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

Matthew 12:23 (KJV)

To know that the LORD truly loves us is a powerful and reaffirmation of our very beings, of our existence, and of our LIFE.

He brought us the perfect unblemished Lamb and delivered Him so that He would heal, teach, preach, and spread love and be a witness to His Father in Heaven…but, most of all—to save us.

That “GIFT” which is to say, our Savior Jesus Christ, is the biggest and most incredible and most amazing of all since the beginning of time and this very moment and beyond.

How can we not be amazed?

How can we not be grateful?

How can we not be joyful?

Why should we fear?  There is nothing to fear, “for greater is the One in me than the one in the world” 1 John

And, we should not fear, “for we were created in perfect love” 1 John.
Fear causes anguish, and darkness…that is from the enemy.  And, we rebuke all those things that are not of God in Jesus powerful name, which he invested all power and authority to us, in HIS NAME.

Being a mature Christian is following through with our faith even when times are tough, and embracing Him as our One and Only true Master of all things.  Being a mature Christian is recognizing His incredible Sovereign power, and His amazing grace.  And, knowing we are growing through each step of adversity…and our rewards await us in heaven.

How amazing is that?

“Father God, thank You for Your love, Your power, Your protection, for being our everything, and for giving us the greatest gift of all, Your precious Son, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

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1 John
Chapter 4

God is an all consuming God.

He loves each and every one of His children and doesn’t discriminate.

We are all on the same level and all royal children of God.

There will be times when God seems quiet.  I’m sure it’s happened to many of you, where you will say, “Gee I haven’t heard from God, and I feel like I’m in a place of stagnation, unmoving, unchanging, and yearning for more.” Does that sound familiar?  As children of faith we all go through peaks and valleys, because let’s face facts, life is ever changing, if it were not, we wouldn’t in fact be living now would we?

So life is “static” just like our blood pressure.  Sometimes it’s up…sometimes it’s down. So too is our circumstances in life.

Each valley we go through is a journey of learning, a journey of plight, and a journey of worth.  As we journey we are in a “learning and feeling” vortex which has an outcome that will bring us closer to God and further our spiritual growth.

God always listens, and is always there for us, this is a given.  So, even when we feel “alone” we are not alone.  He promises us “ I will never leave you nor forsake you”   and Jesus promised, “…And lo, I am with you even until the end of the world.”

Those promises from God are rock solid and when we feel alone those promises should immediately rush to our mind and fortify us with strength and further our faith.  Knowing He is with us always, even when we “can’t feel Him.”

God’s beautiful “love letter” His Word, in His Holy Bible, is filled with awe and wonder.  Each word a story within a story, and each book a testimony of faith for generations past, present and to come. These are all for our purpose, for our enlightenment and for our journey of love which will take us from here into the eternity.

He is the Great I AM.  The One and Only.  The Lord of lords.  The King of kings.  The Alpha and the Omega.

No one comes close to who He is and what He is.

He brings us through each cycle of our “static” circumstances.  And, whether good or bad He will make it easier for us and hold us through it all, no matter what. Our spiritual selves should always remember, even when the “flesh” forgets” is that if He brings us “to it” He will bring us “through it.” Amen.

Always  know He is listening. He is watching. He is with us. And, he LOVES US!

“Dear Lord, my amazing Abba Daddy, I love You so much, and I thank You for what You’ve done for Your children since the beginning of time, to this very moment in time, for the future, and for the eternity, that through Your Son Jesus Christ has granted us, thank You, thank You, thank You…in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.”

“Dear Lord, I pray for all of those in the darkness, that come into the light and seek Your glorious and beautiful face, and accept You as their Lord and Savior, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV-

And the LORD, He [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

picture courtesy of “Ibelieve.com”

He is Mighty!

He is Awesome!

He is Glorious!

He is Sovereign!

He is Omnipotent!

He is the Great I AM I AM!

He is Love!

He is Glorious!

When we are in the depths of despair…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are in the throws of loneliness…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are looking for answers…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are trying to gain strength for which we are weak…”look up and “He’s there.”

Whatever we are in need of, “look up and He’s there.”

And, He’s right beside us…in front of us…behind us…and “IN US.”

This time of the year can be hectic to most families, after all the Holidays can be stressful to those juggling “life” as it were. So many responsibilities, so little time in which to accomplish what we need to get done. Family, friends, co-workers…all in a whirl of activity designed around the “holiday.”  Things to buy, things to do…

Now, if the holiday can be stressful to those “with family” and a “roof over their head” — what is life like for those without family, children, or a home over their head?

What is life like for the “newly widowed” lady down the street?

What is life like for the parents who just lost a child to a hideous crime?

What is life like for the individuals in a nursing home without any friends or family to visit?

What is life like for those without faith?

Spread the LOVE this year in ways that are outside your comfort zone.

Do something for someone in need in the name of Jesus.

Donate to that food shelter, or go visit someone who has no family in an nursing home.

Visit the newly widowed lady down the street from you.

Bring some food to homeless shelter.

And smile more.  Those muscles in your face will thank you for the exercise!    You’d be surprised what a smile can do for someone.

This holiday, which is the LORD’s Season…proclaim His Glory through “His love” by extending and sharing “His love.”

“Father God, Master and Creator of the Universe, we give You all the Glory and Honor and Dominion, and we exalt You, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

1 John 4:19

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

As we rush through life and take on everyday tasks we are always being watched by the LORD; there isn’t anywhere we can go, or anything we do that He doesn’t see, or hear.

That to most Christians, or those of faith, a very reassuring promise from God.  Throughout the Bible His promises are there, and He is a faithful God and always with us.  So…that in itself is a comfort and like a love letter from the LORD. Amen.

But what of those who don’t know Him?  How can we help?

Well, we can ask the LORD for assistance in being His vessel and sending those to us who don’t know Him, and for His guidance in how to approach them, and how to plant the seeds of which they need to hear.  But, we must always remember, that it isn’t US that is doing the “watering.”  It is in fact God who does the watering and allows the growth.  We are merely messengers and can only do so much, again…it bears repeating, it is God who does the watering of the seeds we drop in the soil, and it is God that allows the growth.

Of course, there will be those who listen for a little while, and then the world will take them away before the seeds take root.

Or those that will hear, and be interested, but the seed will not get planted at all.  It will fall on stony ground.

These examples, or parables…were all explained by Jesus.  And, the one who takes it away…is the enemy.

Those who pray, and give their hearts to the LORD, and listen to His Word, are doing all they can to bear good fruit, while seeking His face, and His Kingdom.

The promises are overwhelming in the LORD’s word.

In Ephesians 1:13, we are told about the Holy Spirit of promise. That is elocution that really means “the promised Holy Spirit.” He ‘s the One who has been promised in the Old Testament and has come in all  fullness of the expectation under the terms of the new covenant.

Similar language is used in John 7:37–39. And in the entire farewell discourse (John 14–16), where the Holy Spirit — sometimes called the Comforter, (Parkletos in Greek) the Helper, the one alongside who succeeds Jesus — He comes and is with the disciples and will be with them. And the Christians after the resurrection are told to wait for the promised Holy Spirit who will come upon them on the day of Pentecost (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 2:1–4).

So these promises, are just a few…but important to note that the Holy Spirit is with us always.  That is our Comforter, and that is a promise fulfilled from that day, to this day, and until our last day on earth…at which time we will be given our rewards in Heaven for Eternity. Amen.

But, for now…pray and know that God is watching, He is listening, and He loves us with every fiber of His Magnificent Being. And what a “comfort” that is.”

“Thank You Father for Your promises of Old and New, and for Your watchful eyes over me, I thank You for Your love, and Your guidance with the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at:

Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

(Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

The narrow path is difficult at times to walk upon but it is a path that is worth the effort and our time to pursue and adhere to.

The world is filled with iniquities that are far removed from God, and it’s becoming pronounced more so with each passing day.

Destruction, vulgarity, perversion, turning away from God, it’s all so painfully obvious, and those that choose the path of God will be rewarded openly by God, now and for all eternity.

So look around today…take a close look and examine what is happening.

There are miracles that are still happening today.  It could come in a small saving grace such as being early in a supermarket and getting a $25 gift certificate–or something as extraordinary as my husband’s friend’s mother who was given only hours to live.  Her daughter and son went to her ICU room in the hospital and started reading Psalms by her “death bed” –within a little while of reading the Bible, and after prayers, her vitals improved, doctors were shocked, and she is currently doing extremely well! Praise God!  He is good all the time, God is good.  Thank you Lord!

There is no Rock, and no God like ours.  His mercy endureth forever and ever!  Amen and Amen.

Let everything that has breath proclaim He is Lord and give Him praise.  He is so worthy.  Thank Him everyday, no matter what.  And, prostrate yourself in His presence, for His love endures and His promises unending. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.  (Psalm 150:6 KJV)  He is faithful to ALL GENERATIONS throughout the ages, and He still is here, on the throne…always.

There is something so powerful and moving about praising His name through our actions, and our words, and in song!

In 2 Chronicles 20, there is an account of how the nation of Judah experienced an overwhelming victory against an attacking enemy because they sent the musicians and singers out before the army, praising the Lord and declaring His enduring love.

Their secret weapon was to proclaim and give THANKS TO THE LORD, for his loving kindness is everlasting. So, there is something to be said about praising Him!  The Bible says so, and that’s enough for me!

So to those who already know about Him and His glory…Hallelujah!

For those wo haven’t experienced it…I pray you find Him and seek His face. You might want to start with John 3:16–and go from there. He loves all of us, no matter what. 

What path will you walk on? 

The lord reigns and He is a mighty God.

Amen & Amen. 

Thanks be to Him, now and always.

Amen & Amen. 

“Father Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”

That is a powerful statement of faith and spiritual compliance with our Father.

When we say those words, aloud within a group, or alone, or quietly in our room, or wherever it might be…it all comes to mean the same thing…”We believe in the LORD and His will and we trust in Him fully to preserve and perform according to His purpose, now and always.”

When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane,  He spoke to His Father about “removing the cup” –but after a moment, He said, “nevertheless not My will but Your will be done. (Mark 14:36 Luke 22:42).” 

Even Jesus…our Lord and Savior, King of kings, and our Kinsman Redeemer sought to do the Father’s will at all times. Several times throughout His mission, He sought to do the Father’s will, and plans according to the scriptures.

In one case, when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, He sought the Father’s will and looked to “glorify Him” as He prayed before calling Lazarus out of the cave.  The miracle that occurred was through Jesus by His Father in Heaven, and Jesus made sure to ask Him to help so that He, the Father would receive the glory and the praise…and according to His will in fulfillment of the scriptures.  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  John 17:1

In all that we do, we should give glory unto the LORD.

Praise Him.

Glorify Him.

Adore Him.

Follow His lead and commandments.

LOVE HIM.

When we commit to the LORD and accept our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are not only surrendering to His will and presence in our lives, but we are example to all of those we encounter during our journey here on earth.

So, today…as you go through your travels, seeing people, speaking with people…or just praying alone quietly…give Him all the glory and praise, and do all things according to His will.  By doing so…you are reaffirming your faith and investing in your spiritual growth.

Amen.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 ( KJV)

While watching the news about a piece on Ambassadors from the USA to Europe that explained each one had a special “message” to deliver…it put me in mind of being Ambassadors for Christ and His beautiful message found in His Word, and His ministry while on earth, which continues to this day.

When we’re reconciled to the LORD we share a meeting of minds, favorable, and acceptable by an almighty God.  Reconciliation is to change mutually, to make atonement, and to disperse as one body in Christ, and carrying the message for the One who died for us.  The ministry of reconciliation is a role in which all of us strive to bring forth His love and powerful message.

What’s the message?

That would be His overall plan to have us live with Him forever in eternal bliss in Paradise.  And, His plan to call us into “One body” to perform according to His purpose for His will and His timing, to bring forth a renewal of “character” resulting in a deeper walk and cleansing, bringing us higher unto Him.

Forgiveness is a big part of our faith.  Forgiveness is a huge part of who Christ is.  “How many times must I forgive my brother?”  To which Christ responds, “70 times 7.”  (Matthew 18:21-22)

Clothe yourself with the most powerful weapon known…

The Gospel Armour…to deliver the message as Ambassadors of God.

There isn’t a more important job anywhere in the entire world!

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Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22 KJV

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Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:20 KJV

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

 (Mark 5:25-28 Luke 8:43-48 Matthew 9:20-22 )  

The woman with the issue of blood,  so clearly defines, and demonstrates,  how to obtain the healing power of God, by the grace of Jesus Christ, through faith that produces wholeness.

Faith is powerful by way of Jesus, and all that have great faith, without any doubt at all, deep in their hearts, will experience the Sovereign power in Jesus Christ’ name.

Trusting in the LORD, and allowing ourselves to surrender to His will, and adhering to His Word, which in essence is His voice…makes us “whole.”

TRUST— The ability to establish a full accord of yielding and acknowledging that CHRIST exists, and that by believing…we will survive and maintain the cord of LIFE, which abides in Christ, our Vine.

The woman with the issue of blood went looking for Jesus. She pressed through and overcame obstacles.  She pressed through the crowd. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. She fought the good fight of faith. She kept her focus on Jesus. She demonstrated her faith, trust and confidence in Jesus by her determination. And so, she was healed…after many years…made whole.

FAITH-  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) For we walk by Faith not by sight…(2 Corinthians 5:7)

The individuals in the Bible are there for us to understand and learn from the inspired Word by the LORD.  This woman with the blood issue, went searching and looking for Jesus. She knew if she found Him, she had only to “touch His hem” and she would be made whole.

She didn’t sit around saying, “woe is me” nor did she wait for Jesus to find her.

No. She went in search of Him.

She was trying to seek His face, with all of her heart.

She went to Him with all of her heart, she believed…she trusted, and she was made whole.

Faith, Trust and the LORD, go hand-in-hand.

The heart is love.  Love is the heart.  And, God is the heart of Love.

Trust Him, Seek Him, Love Him…and have faith that you will be made whole.

Listen to His voice through the Word.  And Keep believing.  He is real, and He loves us as no other can or ever will.

Amen.

“Father God, thank You for healing us with and by Your grace and love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Hebrews 4:12 States that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

1 Thessalonians 1:6

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

No matter where we are, or what we may be doing, we should be thrilled and rejoice knowing we have the Spirit within to guide us and take us to depths of love of which we only could know through having Him dwell within. Our amazing and loving Father who gifted us with the Comforter, who will never leave us nor forsake us.

The indelible mark of love is left on our heart by His generosity in giving up His life for us, and by the Father who sacrificed His Son for us. We are therefore filled with Joy, which is LOVE which is His Spirit.

The Apostles waited longingly for the Comforter to come, and were granted the gift as He came over all of those in the upper room after He was resurrected, as told in Acts.  It was a beautiful moment then, and equally beautiful now when an individual accepts Christ and invites Him into His heart as their Lord and Savoir.  No matter how many times it’s been done throughout time…it is as beautiful as it was way back then, as it is today.  When even one soul is saved it’s powerful and moving…and the angels in heaven rejoice and sing.

When we become “imitators of the Lord” through the joy of the Holy Spirit and transform into a realm of receiving Him daily and being a witness to others by speaking the truth and sharing the Word, we are basking in the glory of His love.  The joy is complete and overwhelmingly obvious.

So many people are hurting and walking around in a virtual abyss of blackness never coming to the light or giving light a chance.  These are the ones that the Lord calls us to sow seeds and share the Word.  It’ll be up to the LORD whether it takes root or not.  We are called to sprinkle seeds where we can…but ultimately it’s the LORD who provides the water and the growth.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad as we are called to be vessels of the LORD in His word and ways, even when there are those who will ridicule us and make fun of our faith.  There will be those who will seemingly take delight in mocking us in a fiendish way, but as Jesus said, “when you are ridiculed or mocked be exceedingly glad for great is the reward in heaven.”

As we attempt to go through this life our journey will be filled with many different kinds of paths. Some will be gravelly, some will be smooth, some will be stony, some will be dirt filled…and some will have a fork in the road…it’s the Spirit that will offer guidance and help through all of our paths, and the Father who holds us up in the process.

Be glad and be of good cheer…God is here today, tomorrow…always!

“Father God, Creator of the Universe, Master of all things, thank You for the gift of the Comforter, for the joy that fills my heart due to Your love and guidance, and thank You for all that You do since the beginning of time, may I bring You joy through my diligence in Your Word, and in my love for You, I pray all that I do will be a witness for You and Your amazing love, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

1 Peter 4:13-14

….But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Psalm 119:10 (KJV)

In search of the LORD and not finding Him?

Is there something that’s happening in your heart that you’re not aware of? 

Are you following His commandments?

  Are you seeking Him daily in all that you do or conspire to do?

If not?  Why not?

These are simple enough questions and yet they can be complex as we search our hearts and ponder the reasons for the “silence” resounding throughout our mind as we struggle for an answer to endless inquiries.

Where are You LORD?

Are You there LORD?

Why can’t I hear You today LORD?

He is always with us.  He is always listening.  He is ever faithful.

But…Sometimes there could be something blocking the voice of God.  There can be something that is plaguing us in terms of an unfavorable issue that the LORD is not happy with.

Don’t forget He loves us no matter what.  It’s more than likely the issue or circumstance which may be blocking us from full access to the LORD that He might not be happy or pleased with.

For those of us with conviction and unwavering faith, we have all been challenged one way or another with issues or circumstances that can be a hindrance to receiving full blessings from the LORD.  That’s not no say, He stops loving us or caring for us…that will never happen.  For His promises are as strong and true today as they were since the beginning of time.

He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and we know that is true, although at times it can seem like He has disappeared… that’s a false narrative.  That is the enemy speaking lies to us wanting us to believe that God has deserted us.  Don’t listen to those lies from the enemy.

Remember that GOD LOVES US!

Instead, get right with God if there is something that is out of whack in your life, get rid of it…repent.

God will always forgive us.  Jesus died for us…we are covered by His precious blood, it wasn’t in vain…it was for each of us.  So…we will always be forgiven when we repent and ask forgiveness and move on.  None of us are perfect…only ONE is, and that is our Father in Heaven who is holy and pure…and good.

Seek Him, while He can be found.  

Trust Him with all of your heart.

Love Him with all your strength.

Forgive yourself, sometimes it’s harder to forgive ourselves than it is to forgive others.  God forgives, so why not forgive yourself? Realize that we will all fall short at one time or another, that’s to be expected.  Don’t be hard on yourself, that is what the enemy wants.  He longs to make us feel guilt, or unhappy, and filled with unsettling thoughts or actions.  Stop it!  Realize that we have a loving Father who is in control and who loves us. So, repent…get rid of whatever it is that is happening or has happened in your life.

After you’ve cleared the hurdles and obstacles from your path, open your heart fully to the LORD and let His love live and thrive right there in your very being.

Then get ready for showers of blessings to rain down on you.

Yes, your cup will runneth over!  Amen~