We all have different gifts given to us by the LORD.  We are not a “one size fits all.”  So, although someone may have the gift of “teaching” others may have the gift of “encouragement” —some may have the gift of “singing”  or some might have the gift of “leadership.”

Whichever your gift is, God wanted it “that way.”  And, wanted YOU to take on the gifts in which He has graced upon you to use for His purpose according to His will in One Church in the Body of Christ.

I’ve been trying to help someone ( a baby Lamb) transition to a deeper level of spirituality, with the LORD’s guidance of course.  It was easy to do and the words and scriptures flowed through me, because it was His will I was obeying.  And, because it was such, it was easy to do.

However, after several weeks of constant communication through texting, calls, and emails…something inside of me stalled.  It was then I realized, through God, and a Christian friend’s words which brought a confirmation from the LORD, that I was “finished” with that course, or journey for the Lamb that is learning.  He showed me that this “baby lamb” needed more structure and a “church family” with due diligence and “teaching” gift to show this “lamb” the way.  My part was over…

How do we recognize when it’s over?

By the Spirit’s guidance.   By the feeling you naturally feel, and when it’s no longer God’s will, you will instinctually know.  And, I did.

The individual seemed not to understand at first, but eventually, the “lamb” got the message.  And, that is from the LORD, not me.  The words that I gave to her was from the LORD showing me what to say to this individual, and good friend.

It’s now the LORD’s part to “water” the roots and to guide the path…and it’s up to the individual to “choose.”

Sometimes a Christian’s life can be difficult and moments of “tense feelings” can arise when trying to show the way.  The enemy can be adverse to this happening, and things may go awry in the process.  But, under the protection of the Mighty One’s Wings, and the Blood of Christ, we get through it.

I’ve also lost my “fur baby” recently, as many of my followers will recall. October 28, 2017. He was my love and  joy, my greatest pleasure outside of the LORD and my hubby…He was my “baby.”  And, I’m grieving deeply for him.  So, this individual, the “little lamb”  had to understand that I wasn’t myself…however, with the LORD’s guidance…I was able to perform the duties of a Christian, for His purpose. But, then it was complete. My part of the course was over.  Not the friendship, or encouraging this individual.  But the specific part of the journey in which He engaged my services was over.

Remember, we are NOT all alike. And, so don’t envy someone else’s gifts. Instead, embrace your own, and sing to the LORD with thanks.  And, then do it all according to HIS WILL, not yours.

And always be open to His voice.

Amen.

Anyone who states that “it’s impossible” doesn’t know MY GOD!

As Jesus said, “Faith as a mustard seed” is a familiar and powerful verse, especially since it came from our Savior’s mouth.  Amen…

If any of you reading this has ever thought about “God’s power and grace” and wonders if it ever happened to you…all you have to do is “reflect” and you probably couldn’t keep count of all the times He has blessed you, or helped you out of situations.  He is a BIG GOD!

Nothing too small or too big for our LORD.  

I myself was in a reflective mood recently and was overwhelmed at the reality of how God moved in my life, these past three years most especially.  Without God in  my life…I never would have survived.  God is amazing, faithful, and powerful.

So many miracles have taken place through the years in the Bible. But make no mistake, miracles are still happening today.  God is still in control and is on the throne.

Friends of mine have been witness to miracles, and have been recipients of miracles, myself included.  So many miracles, acts of our omnipotent and faithful God.  Loving, consistent and always there…24 hours a day.

So if a physician says something you don’t agree with, “Go to God.”

If a friend says that is impossible, say, “You don’t know my God.”

If an acquaintance is filled with woe, say, “You should talk with God.”

There isn’t anything He can’t do, should He wish to do so.

Look up for all of your answers.

Look to God for all of your questions.

And love, love love Him….then love Him some more.

For “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son” for our salvation and to save us from sin.   John 3:16

Amen!

Romans 8:28
 
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Sometimes we may wonder if we’re doing all we can in order to serve our Father.   In fact, there may be times when we’ve come to a place where we’re basically searching…inwardly and outwardly…according to His will.

“Am I supposed to be doing this?  Am I supposed to be doing that?”  These and other questions might plague our minds in a constant struggle in terms of doing His will.

1 John 5:14

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Or, while speaking with family and friends, they’ll describe their “whirl-wind” day that was akin to a meteor out of control in the Universe, as they breathlessly exclaim: “Oh there are so many things to do in my day, it’s non-stop, I need more time to accomplish my Herculean tasks during the course of my average day!”  The mere description of their day might leave you tired, and in need for a nap.  Or their words perhaps make you feel inferior, or guilty, that you don’t have that much to do…or so you think.  STOP!

When your mind goes there, jump to our Father and His will for your life.

The LORD loves us and knows what we are capable of.

He is the Author of peace and Creator of all things big and small.

He orchestrates the tempo of the seas, and paints the skies.

He is the curator of wild flowers dancing in the wind.

He is the One who loves us so much, that He knows our very thoughts, and the desires of our heart, and what we CAN and CANNOT withstand.

With all of the above in mind…sometimes doing what we are doing is exactly what we SHOULD BE DOING.

Each one of us has different mechanisms ,and capabilities, and different needs in order to thrive…live…and survive. 

He takes all of these into account as He presents us with scenarios in which we can handle.

And in so doing, we are where we should be at any given time…and when we are in “tune” with His Spirit, and surrender to His will, we will be doing all that we should be doing, according to His will, and purpose in our lives.

So, maybe your sister is a whiz at multitasking, and cannot sit still long enough to read a book, or watch a movie…as her motto in life is…“I have so many things to do in a day, I have to keep moving, I have to keep doing, I have to keep at keeping at!”   

Or, your friend is running on empty as she says, “I have a meeting to get to, and I have to call my daughter, and my grandchildren are coming for the holiday, so I have to go shopping, and cook a ten course meal…” while you don’t know how to cook, or have any children at all, and are moving in “slow motion” in comparison to your friends, family and the rest of the world.  Don’t second guess yourself or your life.  Instead, keep the most important Being in mind…our loving Father.

He knows what we can handle.

He knows what is coming into our life and He knows what is happening within seconds of you reading this devotional.

The realization is this:

We each have different qualities and unique aspects to our character that only the Father in Heaven in aware of.  He brings about scenarios in which we can thrive, with HIS HELP, and guidance, and His love we can do it.

We shouldn’t feel condemnation, if we appear to do “less” than a sister, or a friend.

We shouldn’t feel inferior to someone who has a household of children,and grandchildren, when there isn’t any child in your household.

Instead, grasp the meaning behind it all–Appreciate everyone for their unique qualities, and embrace your own individual ways of doing things.  This all comes into and according to the “body of Christ”

We are all a part of His Body.  Some are the hands, others are the feet, some are the eyes, still others are the ears.  And, yet we are all one, each one unable to exist without the other.  All operating for His will and purpose and according to His plan for our lives.

Peace, love, light and life!  All fruits of the Spirit.  All a gift from above.

So, if your tasks today seem mundane, or slow comparatively speaking to others you may know, take this to heart.

God is guiding you to do exactly what you are supposed to be doing right this moment.

Listen to your inner spirit and be led by His very capable hands.

And the next time you listen to the “breathless voice” of a family member, friend, or co-worker go on and on about the agonizing tasks they undertake in any given day, smile and say: “Thank You Lord for giving me my deeds to be done, according to Your will, and purpose, and thank You Lord for giving me just what I can handle, and nothing more, and nothing less,  all glory,honor and praise to You my Father, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Ephesians 4:12 12

To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

1 Corinthians 12:27 27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Troubles?  

What’s troubling you at this time?

Finances? Relationships? Illness? Stress?

Do you feel tempted by sin?

Are you disturbed and feel you’re being tossed about by a tempest on the high seas?

All of the above?  Perhaps more?

Or, maybe nothing at all during this period of time.

No matter, here’s the good news….He’s with you through it all.

Whatever your circumstances might be, the one constant is the LORD.

His promise, in Hebrews 13:5…. “I’ll never leave you, nor forsake you” are as real today, as they were when He first uttered them.

BE STILL & KNOW I AM GOD — This goes for each and everyone of us during trials, during highs, during all the in-betweens!

Of course, being still goes against our very grain of existence.  In this fast paced world with “so much to accomplish” within 24 hours, it’s often difficult to “Be still” — but to know He is “ordering us” to do so should in fact, be enough for us TO DO SO.

“Be Still”

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

The LORD of Hosts is with us.
The God of Jacob is our fortress!

The Lord is our source of peace and strength.

He is with us always.

He is whom we are ‘grafted’ onto.

He is the “water” for growth of our roots.

He is the King of the Universe and all things big and small.

Smile through the storm, giving Him glory no matter what.

BE STILL, and surrender to Him.

Trust Him.

Praise Him.

Love Him.

Sit back, and know that HE IS GOD.

And what a GOD we have!

AMEN.

 Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

1 Peter 3:13  

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 

While it’s true that the apostles were put through numerous trials and tribulations, including death, by following His example; and it’s also true that good individuals have suffered persecution, while laboring to do good.  Let’s not lose sight of the meaning behind the verse.

Although we are subject to ridicule and harsh criticism at times, please embrace the reality of the end results of obedience to Him.

What is that?  Simply put…that a life of integrity, and benevolence, is conducive to safety, even in a very wicked world.

But, we can’t do it without HIM.

How?   By being in compliance to His message and Word and doing good, or trying to aspire to a higher realm of spirituality through His guidance, and commandments, we are essentially growing in depth and acceptance of Him through, and by our actions.

But, we can’t do it without HIM.

To take it further, individuals with a pure joy from within, and who live to do the right thing on a daily basis, and who are inherently benevolent by being imitators of God, usually are those who live their lives in a “rainbow perspective” which is to say, they are protected by His perfect peace, His covenant, Gospel, and His love, which is the highest kind of security we could possibly hope for.

But we can’t do it without HIM.

An individual who attempts to  live a holy and pure life every single day,  will invariably work their way through life on earth, safely, all within the confines of His “protective wings” which  ultimately will bring them to their rewards in Heaven.

But we can’t do it without HIM.

Eternal rewards.  How comforting life forever more!

 And it’s all because of HIM.

Thank you Father!

Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  

John 10:29 KJV

The Father’s love is overwhelmingly apparent in all that He has done since the beginning of time.

For those of you who have a “time line” on Facebook you might be able to take in His significance in this explanation.  No matter how outstanding your time line is in terms of where you’ve been, or what you’ve accomplished, or what you may have done, or what you’ve been through…all those events pales in comparison to our Father’s time line. Have you read the Bible lately?

His omnipotence encompasses the Universe, and blankets the world from the heights of heaven, to the depths of the soil.   His love circumvents, and engulfs  times of grief, and provides a shield to those in need of comfort.

His grace and  mercy offers solace, an umbrella of peace to those who seek His shelter and hands of love.

He is a continuous source of light and joy for all that we do now and always.

The passage from John 10:29,  “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” is a passage that time-and-time again, brings elation, upon realization of its content, and the message it brings forth.  

“No man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand”  Wow!  The Father has us in His hands, and no one, the enemy, evil, man, or otherwise can pluck us or snatch us away.

He loves us, all of us.  He is so pleased when we’re securely rooted in His love and doctrine, following His commandments, and truly love Him, with all of our heart, soul, mind and might, we are in His hands.

We aren’t holding on, instead…He is HOLDING US.   You see that?

He is holding us.  We are not holding Him.  Sure, we seek Him, and want Him in all that we purport to do on a daily basis…but the truth is, no matter who we are, He loves us, and He is holding us.

We have His Spirit encased inside our flesh, and flesh will sin, and can be annoying at times.  Let’s face it.  “I’m hungry.  I want this.  I want that.  I am tired. I am bored.  I’m tempted.”  So on and so forth.  But, through it all, He is holding us!

He loves us despite our impurities.            For He is the pure One.

He loves us despite our imperfections.          For He is the Perfect One.

He loves us despite our insecurities.    For He is Security.

He loves us despite our weakness.          For He is Strength.

He loves us, no matter what.               For He is LOVE.

As we go forward today, think of His hands holding us at this very moment. The force of His love is our everlasting protection.

Give Him honor in all that we do, and praise Him for all that we are, because we are who we are, because of who He is.

Love Him, fully, openly and rejoice as we do so.  There isn’t a better time to tell Him we love Him, then right this moment.

He has us in His hands.

Go on, tell Him how much “you”  love Him. 

He’s listening and will never let you go!

“Father, I thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your light, and for Your promise of never letting me go,  All glory, and honor, and praise are Yours, my Father, I love You now, and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

John 17:10

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psalm 1:2-3

Rooted in His Word…how glorious and blessed are we to be rooted in our magnificent Father for all the days of our life?

A tree cannot survive without water, nor plants, or farmer’s crops.  Those things…and other living things… need “water” and roots in which to grasp the nutrients in which to feed.  Ostensibly, neither can we…

We need “water” to survive, and nutrients in which to LIVE.

The LORD is our provider for such.

He is our “water” he is our “nurturer.”

He sustains and provides our growth.

When we walk in obedience and honor Him in all we do, and take the time to praise Him and welcome Him in every single aspect of our lives, we are “growing” and our roots are getting deeper and deeper within the rich soil of His love.

He is our everything.

He is our provider.

He is our redeemer.

He is our food.

He is our water.

HE IS…

the Great I AM I AM.  

“Father, I wish to praise Your name, and exalt You, I want to thank You for providing all that we need during our life here on earth, thank You for nourishing us with food and water as we seek Your face and Kingdom, and thank You for loving us by showing us the way, leading us, guiding us, and healing us…in Jesus name, Amen.”

Isaiah 12:3 3

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

****

John 7:38-39 38

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

 

And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments;

this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning,

so that you should walk in it.

2 John 1:6

The costs of disobedience are always higher than the benefits of pushing through a closed door.

If the Lord has sealed off an opportunity or path,  it’s for your protection. The right response is to wait patiently and be faithful in your current situation.  In time, He’ll either open the doors or windows,  or redirect you to the path that leads to His will for His purpose.

When we give ourselves fully to the LORD we are entrusting Him with our  decisions and therefore allowing full control in our lives.  When we yield to the Holy Spirit we are saying, “Lord I am Yours and I know that You only want what’s best for me. Insomuch, I turn my life over to You and know that You reign now and always.”

As we read the Bible and grow in His word and Spirit…we are becoming smaller as He is getting Bigger in us.  We are allowing the Spirit to be nourished and thereby substantially growth will happen each day in our practice of obedience and love towards our Father.

When we leave Him out of the equation of our circumstances and choices…we are not depending on Him to guide us, lead us, inform us…and touch us deeply with His capacity of Sovereign and Supernatural Power.  The ability to let Him take control of our lives is a submission of yielding to His will and being obedient in the Word.

Meditate, pray…talk to Him.

Seek His face daily.

Spend time with Him alone.

Download His word into your spirit.

Trust in Him fully.

Make all supplication to Him.

Praise Him daily.

And, most of all…love Him with all of your heart, mind, body and soul.  And, know that He alone is LORD!

Amen~

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs3:5-6 NKJV