Circumstances in life, can change within seconds, and in its wake, seemingly turn our life upside down. Situations may present in cataclysmic fashion, shaking us to the very core of existence.  When these things happen, we often feel threatened, uncertain of our fate, and lack confidence in the direction in which our life may go.  It’s a natural emotion to a common denominator, “change” and drastic at that.

Life is just that.

Ever changing.

Kaleidoscopic in fact.

Ever moving and swirling, sometimes good, and sometimes bad.

There is only one constant in life.

God.

Faith is what wipes out the uncertainty in our life.

Faith is the cleanser for the abrasions of our soul.

Faith is the abundance of joy that supersedes all else.

Faith is the substance of hope of things not seen but believed. (Hebrews 11:1 )

Ostensibly, without faith, can you believe in God and His Son Jesus Christ?

So, hand-in-hand our faith, and belief in God, coincide with one another, for a cohesive seal, representing Christianity, and way of life for those who believe.

One of the most powerful promises we can grasp, is our Father God, and His unconditional love.

In a world, that at times can be  clouded by disturbing events, or adversities, it is satisfying to one’s body, mind, heart, and soul, to realize that God is the same always.

Things are changing quickly in our world, the new norm (Pandemic virus) is increasingly difficult, but the one constant, is God, and His promises, and His all consuming powerful love.

Father, the same as yesterday, today, tomorrow. and always…a potent reminder, that we are never alone. That He is with us always. (Matthew 28:20)

The infinite Word, and promises, are the shroud of our protection, and our armor as we forge through life, doing what we need to do, according to His will.

The weapons of choice, our Gospel Armor. (Ephesians 6:10)

Ambiguity is a life draining emotion.  But placing trust, and embodying our choices, based on His word, and love, is a way of life that is just that…LIFE.  

Life and how it’s meant to be lived is the foundation in which we walk, according to His truth, word, and promises.

Of course, we’ll always have dark moments, and tough times, immersed in our journey here on earth…but when we have God, and His promises, and never changing characteristic, and unfolding mercy and grace, we get through it every single time.  And consequently, more than likely to come through the adversity stronger in the interim.

Today, no matter where you are, or what you’re doing, or how you’re feeling, please know that God is never changing.

He is the same as He was since the beginning of time.

The same as He was yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Isn’t God awesome?

Isn’t His love powerfully reassuring?

His word.

His promises.

His love.

His consistency.

Love Him readily, and then get ready for a totatly different way of LIVING!. 

Now breathe, and experience His love, and tenderness, and LIVE!

“Dear God, in a world of uncertainty, thank You for Your unwavering love, and guidance, and for Your promises that bring ever lasting joy, in Jesus name, Amen.”

We are currently starting to enjoy “the warmth” of spring despite all of the angst of the horrific killer virus. I’m trying to understand the “powerful message” God is bringing to us by this pandemic. And truly looking to Him for all of the answers.

So, although its a time of frustration and disillusionment, it’s also a time of enlightenment, and investing in a deeper connection to God.  As we turn to our Father, for all of our needs, and trust Him implicitly, as His grace guides us, we will be able to withstand any turbulence, that is suddenly thrown unto our path.

As we get through this historical time in history, let’s look to God for His strength, and His message, that is interwoven in the midst of this chaotic time.  Let’s take the time to understand what is really important to each of us, and take the time to “love” each other is ways, that are reflective of Christ, and His Spirit.

The path we are walking on, are ordered by the LORD, and the path in which we tread, are “choices” we enforce.  That is to say, either we surrender our life to the LORD, and render ourselves to His will, and follow freely.  Or, we may very well walk a path, that can be consumed with irrelevant ideals of the world…thereby, bringing us into self exile in terms of Christianity. Which is to say, further away from God and His ways.

Reflect.

Meditate.

And take this time to get to know Jesus.   

Before the world is up and running again, sit back, and have an intimate talk with your LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I promise it’ll be the best conversation of your lifetime!

“Father God, thank You for guiding my steps, and having divine providence over my life, I look to You, for all of the answers, and love You fully and completely, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“And he called the multitude, and said unto them,

Hear, and understand:”

Matthew 15:10 (KJV)

People of faith try to follow and adhere to His Word and follow Him willingly. But, at times…our spirit, being encased by our flesh, can react or overreact to the world, and doctrine that is superficially placed there by men/women.  In other words, scripture can be “twisted” for the sole purpose of what the individual wants to hear, or needs to hear.

A prime example is someone who wants to move to a bigger house. The individual may believe, “that God is calling for the move” and that very well may be true.  However, sometimes it is the mind-set of the individual who merely wants to move, and so flips through the Bible and picks a verse that will accommodate their views.  Kind of like a “smorgasbord” “I’ll take verse 10, chapter 3, that sounds like what I’m doing…” —sound familiar?

Honestly, it doesn’t work. Because, if a move takes place,  that isn’t in the will of God, it will not be smooth sailing. In fact, it’ll be anything but that.

I have a friend who wanted to move to another state. She felt it was “her calling,” and didn’t really take the time to pray about it. She moved because her Pastor, moved to another state, and she followed him.  Well, let me tell you, from the moment she arrived there, after quitting her job—basically pulling up all of her stakes— one disaster after another happened. She was literally trapped in a tornado soon after moving. Two days later, the job she was supposed to have been promised was no longer available.  Her money ran short, food became scarce due to low funds, and the weather was wild and violent.

After, several months of this, she decided to return home. Now watch, and “listen”  how God works, when it’s in His will.  Upon returning home…her old job was still open, and she got it back. Her apartment was still available, where she lived prior to the move.  And, she reconnected with the “love of her life,” soon after returning to her home state!  Now, that was God’s calling for her life. That was God’s intent! Amen!

She learned that God, was her fundamental guide, and purpose for all things in her life. She realized, whe she moved,  she was following “Man,” and not God, when she took off to follow her Preacher.  She learned by trial, and error how important it is to “not only love God with your mouth” but “with your heart, body, mind and soul.”

Jesus, in this Chapter of Matthew, speaks to the multitudes, and calls us to “listen,” and not merely obey with words, but with “our heart.”  To do anything else, would be equivalent to being a “hypocrite” as Jesus tells us.

When a lawyer, and expert of the law, asked Jesus what the most important commandment is, Jesus responded, “To love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…The second is to love your neighbor as yourself.”  

When we do the will of God, and love Him fully, and openly, with all our heart, soul, and mind…we are doing two things.

First, we are fulfilling the desire and commandment of our Father.

Second, we are following Him, and essentially pleasing Him, which ultimately ignites our inner light of peace, and we gain so many rewards in the process.  Not that we are “doing things to gain rewards” in a selfish way, but instead, we are “embracing the rewards” of a life well lived.

“Father God, thank You with all of my heart, mind, and soul, for Your love,  and Your will concerning the footprints of my life, and for Your mercy, and grace, which you grant to me daily, all glory and honor belong to You , now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

===========

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Matthew 15:10-13 (KJV)

“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

1 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

Pride is not alone, it has a twin named boastful.

It also has a cousin named “braggart.”

Lately,  it appears there has been an awful lot of “bragging,” and “prideful” nonsense, going on. Humans, are trying to grapple with circumstances, amidst the turmoil in the world, while trying to make sense of what’s happening at the same time. A full understanding of why, how, when, and where it all began to unravel?  Our world was horribly affected and changed all of us in a matter of months, weeks, minutes, and seconds.

There are many theories as to what’s happened, why it’s happening, and who is to blame. I’m speaking about the Coronavirus.  Also weather patterns, i.e., earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods that have ripped and tore through the world and countries, leaving behind devastation in its wake.

There are many people pointing to our LORD and blaming Him for allowing this to happen. Those that can’t comprehend the enormity of what’s happening all around us.  Those who are not familiar with the Word of our LORD, or those who lack a relationship with Him, are the ones who are having the most difficulty navigating through this “dark time.”

There are those who fancy themselves prognosticators, while boasting they know what’s going to happen in the future. Merely inflating their own self importance to the point of “overblown hot air.”

Don’t get me wrong, there is evidence, or sequences, that allow professionals to foretell the progression of a diseases, or course of action of weather.  Plus there are professionals, who have wisdom from above, who can arguably predict certain aspects concerning life overall.

However, make NO MISTAKE, that it is the LORD and the LORD alone who is in full control. Not man. Not woman. No beast, or otherwise.  Only the LORD and the LORD alone who is ever constant since the beginning of time, and who Reigns Supreme over all, and in control at ALL times.

No matter what is happening around us, when we have core valued faith, we know that “God has the final say” in anything.

We know that God’s word will supersede all of which humanity has to say, predict, or boast about.

When we trust in God for all of our provisions—and that would encompass our health, our calling, our very foundation in which we live—we know that He will protect, and bring about peace in turbulence. We will be able to withstand the slings, and arrows, of harrowing circumstances, that threaten to overtake our lives.

Today I was watching someone go on and on about “themselves” and bragging about their accomplishments, and singlehandedly stating, “I am always right, I have a 99.9% accuracy rating in all I predict.”     

Hmmmm? —-You wouldn’t want to say that to my face would you?   “You are not God, and NO ONE can predict a 99.9% accuracy when it comes to anything.  And, by the way, God has a 100.% accurate rate since the beginning of time!  

Humility, kindness, compassion are characteristics of the Spirit and when we walk by the Spirit and hold on to His Words and promises…we will find the ultimate reward of peace, wisdom and strength in Christ.

God loves a humble spirit. He is not a rewarder, or a fan of prideful boastful individuals… as He succinctly states it in Matthew 23:12: “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

A huge part of Christianity is keeping a positive outlook, and giving Him praise no matter the circumstances, both good and bad.

Remember…He defeated death.

He is the Author of Peace.

He is our loving Redeemer.

Nothing is too big for our GOD or too small.

Look around and be of good courage and have no fear, for His right hand is holding us up. (Isaiah 41:10)

He is our protector and our refuge.

Surrender to the One and Only, and give your heart to Jesus, our LORD and Savior. 

The peace that will surround you will be like none you’ve ever known before.

You will breathe easier, and love harder.

And you will finally experience “LIFE” as it was meant to be. 

As Jesus said, ” Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV)

“Father God, thank You for Your unprecedented love and guidance and unwavering grace, glory and honor and dominion and power be Yours, forever my Lord, in Jesus name, Amen.”

May God’s light shine into your world~

 “Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has demanded permission to sift [all of] you like grain;  but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].”

Luke 22:31-32 (AMP)

No matter how disconnected we might feel in this world, we are assured that we are “connected” to the LORD no matter what the circumstances.

He promised, He is with us always,  and will never leave us. (Matthew 28:20)

Jesus is at the right hand of the Father and always in control. (Mark 16:19)

Did you know that Jesus prays for us? Well, indeed He does. (Luke 22:31-32) 

He protects, and watches out for us, while His Spirit, leads, guides, and directs, all of our steps.

In Luke, He is stating that He is praying for us, and praying that we repent and turn toward Him, and be the light for others in His name. We are strong through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)  In Christ–we can do things that we couldn’t normally do, for it is through Him and Him alone, that allows us to cope in all kinds of strife. And, in all types of situations.

Without Christ there is no life.

And life without Christ is desolate and chaotic.

Knowing we’re being watched and protected by the Almighty One, and receiving His prayers over our life, is balm for our soul. It’s joy for our hearts, and eternal bliss for our “life.”

Stay strong.

Stay safe.

And stay under the wings of the powerful Sovereign Almighty God.

This pandemic shall pass.

Life for those affected by this horrific evil virulent invisible enemy, will go on.

Those who recovered will go on, thankful to be able to talk about it. Thankful to the LORD they were spared.

Those who lost beloved family, and friends, from Covid-19 will go on, with broken hearts, and treasured memories etched deeply within. (My niece lost her father-in-law and beloved childhood friend.And my sister an RN lost three co-workers and friends.)

Albeit, many people will have changed greatly from having been catapulted into this worldwide killer.  We have all been affected by it. All of us. And, life will go on.  Because that is what we do overall. We survive.

This shall pass and hopefully “fade away.”

All things change in life.  But, one thing is constant.  And, that is the LOVE of Christ.

Grass withers, flowers fade…but the Word of God will never change or pass away. (Isaiah 40:8)

His love and protection and His prayers over our life will continue for all the days of our life here on earth.

So…next time you pray, think of how much He loves you that He prays for you, right this moment from the right hand of our Father!

How comforting is that?

“Father, thank You for Your prayers, Your protection, and Your promises over my life, may I be ever mindful of Your compassion and grace, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

Isaiah 43:10 (KJV)

Today, my husband and I were listening to a Christian broadcast on the radio, while driving to our destination. The sermon was quite impressive, and most particularly one part, when he was referring to us being “witnesses” for Christ. He said “we are not temporary witnesses for Christ, but permanent witnesses.”   Then he went on to explain it in a way that really touched my heart.

He said, “if we’re called to the court to be a witness, we take the stand and proceed with the business at hand.  But when that case is over with, and we step down from the witness seat, we are done, it’s over.  But, with Christ, we are called to be a witness for life!”

That is so true. Jesus calls us, commands us to “go and preach the Gospel to all the nations, and teach and speak the Word.” (Matt: 28:20)

It’s not a casual or one day deal. It’s a lifetime of being a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not incidental witnesses, but in fact, viable and life sustaining witnesses for the Word and the blood of Christ.

It’s neither casual nor deniable.

Instead, it’s infinite and undeniable.

Christianity, holds its branches of faith,  entrenched in the roots of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The many acts, works and proponents of being a living breathing fact loving Christian is evidenced by the life we lead. It’s apparent in what we say, or do. And, it’s indelibly etched in our hearts that live for the Lord first and foremost.

So, today think of yourself on the witness stand for Christ.  

What would you say?

What would you do?

And, when you step off the witness stand, are you done?

Or…when you step off the witness stand, will you continue for life?

The answer you give is the difference between life and death.

“Father God, help me to always be a witness for You and Your love, may I be a light to all I encounter, and may I give You all the glory and honor, now and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 26:6 (KJV)

To My Dear Beautiful Lord, 

I am amazed by You, and Your infinite goodness.

I contemplate  on Your Word daily, and embrace You, and Your love.

Always in remembrance of Your sacrifice that set me free, and the price You  ultimately paid for my redemption. 

Your love is evident, especially during the annual celebration of Your miraculous resurrection! 

It is You I follow, and it is Your voice I hear.

No One can sustain me with overwhelming provisions, body, mind, heart and soul.

It is Your love that flows through me every day, and it is Your love that strengthens me to get through all the storms of my life.

It is Your love that grants me peace.

It is You and Your Spirit that lead, guide, and heal me.

It is Your very breath, that fills my essence with LIFE.

And it is You, that holds my life in Your hands.

I cannot imagine what You were feeling as they tortured You, spat at You, scourged You, and pulled Your arms from Your socket. 

But I know It was Your love that made You push on.

It is “finished,” You said…and so it was done according to scriptures.

Salvation for me!

Oh how You love me!

Me? I am not worthy…no one is.

Yet, You did it for me…for Your children.

Thank You for You are the Light in my life.

Thank You for the sanctuary of Your wings and shelter.

Thank You for never leaving me.

Thank You for always listening to me.

Thank You for being YOU!

I love You my Lord Jesus Christ.

To You, all glory and honor, forever and always.

Words or understanding escape my human mind, of which You endured for me.

The scope of realization, defies comprehension, because the magnitude is too deep for me to grasp without being swept away.  

Oh, Yes…I know what You’ve done.

I know what You’ve accomplished.

I know how You died and resurrected for me.

Still…it is too deep for me to grasp the enormity of what You’ve done for me, while in this human form.

 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I love You.

I can’t think of anything else to say.  

So I’ll wrap up by saying this: 

My heart overflows with love for You.

Sometimes, so much so, that I can hardly breathe, as tears escape streaming down my cheeks.

Three words, I love You.

Two words, Thank You!

I’m Yours forever more,

Camille~

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13: 34-35

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.

 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead.

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

1 Corinthians 15:14-15, 20 (NLT)

Jesus went willingly to the cross for us. He went without murmuring, without complaints, without hesitation, for us…

Good Friday in rememberance of His horrific death…nailed to the cross, let’s pause and give thanks, for His blood and sacrifice. He who is without sin, a perfect “Lamb” of God. It is beyond any scope of human understanding, yet we know it happened, and it was done for us!

Remembering what Christ did and realizing the extent of love the Father  as He sent His own Son to His death, should make us thankfuleveryday of our life.

The Resurrection of Christ will look a little different this year because of the restrictions due to this evil virus pandemic. The places of worship will be empty, but the meaning and the reason for rejoicing are unchanged. In fact, more reason than ever to rejoice as Christ’ victory over death, and evil, bring resilience and purpose, to our lives.

After all nothing can take us from Christ:

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  -Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

My niece lost her father-in-law last night to this horrific Coronavirus. A man who was kind, loving, generous and gave back to society.  As my niece, and her in-laws mourn their loss, so too many others here in the USA, across the miles, and world.

It is a sad time, a dark time.

But, in Christ, we are strengthened, and confident that this too shall pass. However, not without an indelible mark upon our souls, as we are all affected by the invisible evil that has besieged the world, and gripped our hearts.

God will bring us through it and with it many ‘new things’ will be discovered, and new beginnings will emerge from the ashes.

While people are complaining about toilet paper, and items missing from shelves, it’s best to put our perspectives into a harsh reality. Toilet paper, purell, or soap, these items are just “stuff” —  Whereas, people have died. Grandfathers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, friends, neighbors, so on and so forth.  These lives are gone…but they will live on here on earth, and in eternity.

Christ died for us…He lives on in each and every one of us who have accepted Him into their lives.

He alone is in control, and He alone can stop this chaotic frenzy with a wave of His hand.

He alone can heal the broken-hearted and He alone can bring about peace throughout our land.

The question is when, not if...because to Christ be the glory now and always, and all things according to His timing and will.

“Father God, thank You for Your Son and for loving us as much as You do, I surrender all to You, and love You always, in Jesus name, Amen.”