Proverbs 15:3

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.

The newly fallen snow glistened as it kissed the trees branches in my backyard. The pristine beauty akin to a painting on a greeting card. The fir tree standing the tallest among the trees…was magnificent and majestic at once.  Three squirrels danced around the tree foraging for their stored goodies.  The entire scene signified elegance and gave a sense of peace to the onlooker.  And, I said aloud, “Father, I behold Your magnificence in this classic winter scene.  I see Your works, and I hear Your voice.”

God is everywhere. He’s in the sound of a baby crying, a puppy yapping, a crow crowing, and in the sound of an orchestra playing softly.

We’re never alone. He’s with us always, in fact that’s one of His promises, “Lo, I’m with you always, even until the end of the world” Matthew 28:20.

There are times we have to push past hard times…but hang on because the tough times shall pass.

During this blessed season of Christmas, a lot of people are alone and feeling lonely missing a loved one. Someone out there, is a newly crowned widow or widower and hurting so badly.  Likewise, there are those who lost a dear one, a parent, a sibling, a friend…and feeling the pain from their death.

This season, of Christ…who is the epitome of love…reach out to those who need a hug, a word of encouragement and let them know they’re never alone.  Remind them of His Word…His promises, and His voice.

Listen, do you hear Him?

Sometimes His voice is so small and subtle.

Sometimes His voice can be silent…that’s the time to wait and listen, and know that He is God.  Psalm 46:10

Remember….no one gets through this life without hardship and pain, it’s part of life.  And some go through it sooner than others, but eventually it’ll touch everyone.  But, isn’t it so much better going through it with the LORD?   And, He promises we’ll be comforted when we hurt.

So, when you look at a picturesque scene like the one in my yard this morning.  Or view a breathtaking sunset…or see a new life come into this world, remember that God made it all possible.  Which brings me to the best message of all:  With God all things are possible.

Amen~

Peace and Joy to all.

Leviticus 26:12

‘I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

Deuteronomy 31:8

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Psalm 113:3

From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:

therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;

and with my song will I praise him.  

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 3:3
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

The Lord brings us comfort in times of stress, sickness & grief. Ostensibly, He is there for our joyous moments & celebrations.

He alone brings the strength and comfort we need no matter the occasion or circumstance, in other words, He is our sole provider.

The Lord  brings us what we need, and best of all, when we need it. We can’t see beyond our scope of vision, whereas the LORD sees and knows all.  His Omnipotence is ever present and His untrammeled vision is not that of Man/Woman.

He alone can heal.

He alone can comfort.

He alone can provide.

He alone holds us up.

He alone is the foundation our our existence.

Trust in Him for all things.

And lean on Him.

He promises to be our answer to all that we need.

It’s in His Word.  Read it!

You will not only be pleased, but you will reap rewards of peace, joy, wisdom,

and endless love.

LOVE another name for our Father in heaven.

Amen~

O how love Thy law! It  is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy commandments has made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding that all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation.  Psalm 119:97-99 KJV

We all know that meditating on God’s Word brings wisdom and Divine instruction, more than any instruction man/woman can bring forth. It’s through the dedication of meditation and seeking His face that we gain entry into the category of “wisdom” and “keen insight” straight from His mighty and powerful Word.

Wisdom.  We can all use more wisdom and understanding as we face our giants in the world today.  The prince of darkness rules the air and reigns in lies and confusion.  It is the Word and our belief that keeps our “feet steady” and strong in the LORD where the enemy can’t garner any kind of “stronghold” over us.

It is His Word and the Armor in which we wear that protects us from the lies, treachery, confusion, trickery, and perversion reigning today, just as it did so many years ago in the Bible.

Look around.  See and hear His Words of warning.  Open eyes. Open ears…seek His face and His kingdom in every crevice of life.  For with Him there is LIFE.  Without Him…there is utter darkness, that is to say “death” – spiritually speaking of course.

God is a loving Father who seeks to give us provisions and nutrients to harvest our growth in Him.  He longs to protect us through His mighty ways, through His omnipotence we are capable of victory…through Him only.  We cannot do it without Him.

With God we can do anything.

Without God we can’t do anything viable or enhancing of growth.

God is our sanctuary and our Rock.  There is none like Him.

When we accept and surrender to Him, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, from the moment on He dwells within us!

Do you sometimes sit back and get emotional about WHO IS IN YOU?

The overwhelming fact of His Spirit inside…with us always…how awesome is that to have that kind of connection to the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Amen!

We have a long road ahead of us my brothers and sisters, and we can be prepared through His Word, and be protected by His grace.  Or we can go the other route which invariably will lead to a “gathering of self-destruction” perpetrated by “false and evil manipulations” of the world today.

God is the answer to EVERYTHING!

As one of the churches I pass along the way has on their billboard says:

“God answers Knee-mail”  and “God has His own Twitter account…located in the BIBLE.”  

And of course a favorite of so many people, an oldie but goodie that will ring in your ears forever.  Because truth will set you free and there is nothing more truthful than this saying:

                                              NO GOD…NO PEACE.

                                          KNOW GOD…KNOW PEACE.

                                                            AMEN!

Only be thou strong and very courageous that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shall have good success.  

Joshua 1:7-8 KJV

His Word and His message exude LOVE.  

His promises throughout the Bible, His ultimate sacrifice to save us are all powerful signs and examples of LOVE.

It’s through His example of pure, unadulterated, and unconditional love, which are the basic foundation, for His children to carry on His important message to all those we come in contact with.

 To be an extension of His “arm of love” is to allow the Spirit to guide us and for us to grow in the process.

God doesn’t look on the outside but instead, He looks inside at the heart of the person.  He also doesn’t care what your status is in life..He’s not interested in your monetary or materialistic worth…He’s interested in your heart and how you use it towards others.

Jesus said to “love one another as I have loved you” as a prime example of perpetuating His doctrine throughout the ages…in other words, it never gets old.

Love is limitless as is His loyalty and love for us.

To be in the center of His love is an experience that one can’t describe unless you’ve been there.  It’s like trying to describe “air” or “wind.”  You feel it, but you can’t place a color to it, or a texture…but you feel it.

So is God’s love.  He is as faithful as He was from day one of creation…and He is the same to all of His children.

He loves us.  He may not like the sins we sometimes fall into, but He loves us and forgives us over and over again.

The love of GOD supersedes all else.  There just isn’t anything that comes close nor anything as magnificent!

And…God Himself?  How would we describe Him?   I would sum it up in one word.  LOVE!

“Thank You Father God for Your hands of Love, for Your faithful heart, and for Your unconditional life affirming Love.  You are victorious in all that You do, all glory and honor belong to You and You alone…in Jesus name,  Amen.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)

¹³ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God, and keep his commandments:

for this is the whole duty of man.

In the heart of every believer comes love for the LORD.  The heart is what the LORD sees while man/woman see only the “outside” of the person.

The LORD searches out the hearts of His children.

The process of spiritual growth comes from discipline, patience ,and a firm belief in His Word.  Faith, and persistence in seeking His face, while keeping eyes on His kingdom, is consistent with spiritual growth.

When deep within a valley one can either sink lower, doubting the power of God.  Or, be a soldier in the LORD.   A true over-comer will process the circumstances while placing trust in the LORD and His promises.

The LORD will lead us and go before us and will never forsake us.  His promises are potent and still vitally important today as since the beginning of time…and still true!

As with each tribulation and trial comes spiritual growth…we can ask the LORD to speak to our heart…which is what He alone can see…and look for wisdom and an understanding for an explanation of why it happened.

Sometimes we’ll never understand why.  Ostensibly, there will be times we can see clearly and experience beauty for ashes immediately upon our ascent out of the dark.

God remains a Divine mystery…open to us twenty-four hours a day…and along the way we gain understanding, should we ask Him for it…and pray about it.

Give Him thanks for all things.

Love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.

Write His commandments upon your heart, so that you will not sin against Him.

Then…be diligent in your quest to follow Him…through good times and bad.

Remember, He knows your heart and loves you more than anyone else possibly can.

When we listen, love, wait, trust and put our faith totally in His hands…the infinite joy and rewards will be forthcoming.

Do you love Him enough to speak with Him daily?

Open your heart to Him and watch what happens.

Amen~

14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

Psalm 121:1

All help comes from above and from within.  The LORD sees all from His holy habitation on His throne and thus helps according to the needs of His children.  And, the Holy Spirit—which dwells within  for those who believe—will guide, lead and bring us through all things pertaining to our lives here on earth.

David in many of the Psalms was running from trouble, and fighting to stay alive.  Saul wanted Him dead.  His own son Absalom at one point in time, sought to take over His father’s throne.

But David never faltered in His faith. He looked to the LORD for answers, for protection…and for guidance.  His love for the LORD was steadfast.  He had a heart for GOD and the LORD knew it.

He did some things he wasn’t proud of, like placing Bathsheba’s husband on the front lines, basically planning his death.  But, he repented, and walked in the path of God’s will, always with a heart for God.

He trusted the LORD and surrendered to His will.  He also knew God’s hand was upon Him as we see in this Psalm 121.  You can hear His voice and feel the love for God as we read through it.

We need to have a heart for GOD like David.  We need to learn and heed the warnings of the voice of GOD in the Bible.

When we ask for “wisdom” to open eyes and ears, the Bible will unfold to us, and it will become easy to understand.  It’s not complicated…for the LORD will open the truth to those who wish to learn the truth.

The LORD’s Word will open like a delicate rose.  The bud is small but with care and patience…at which time it grows and grows, until eventually…the flower’s petals open completely.

Such is the Word of the LORD.  Let the words flow over the buds of your mind.  Let it grow and and grow…ask God for His guidance and help in all you do.  He will take care of the “growth” of the flowers in your mind.

God is good all the time!

All the time God is good!

Praise His holy name!

Amen~

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(A Song of degrees.)

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalms 121:1-8

KJV

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Be still, and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10

Sometimes we need to do nothing in order to gain something.

Let me repeat that again.

Sometimes, we need to do nothing in order to gain something.

Think about that for a moment in terms of spirituality.

God is a patient and loving Father and He demonstrates that in so many ways.

He listens to us. He guides us. And always there ready to help and protect us.

We run to Him and pray, especially when we’re in need of something. That can fall under many categories, such as: intercessory prayer; personal prayer; or just in need of company and a confidant with great listening skills.

Yes, our Father is all that and more.

But…do we ever take the time to glorify Him?

Or give Him thanks?

 And after giving Him thanks..then complete our worship and praise with “waiting?”  Or just “listening for Him?”

Waiting… and patience in waiting is an art and clearly a virtue of the Spirit.

When we recognize that our Father is the key to opening doors, and understand He is the light that shines through the darkness, or a window, that’s when we will develop the discipline to “wait” for Him. That’s when growth in faith begins to bloom.

God rewards those in attendance to His presence and those in obedience to His Word…and especially those who devote their lives to waiting upon Him.

We need to grasp the full meaning of waiting and knowing He is God. ..that we are in His glorious hands.

We are employed in not making an effort, or putting forth exertion; or more exact… leaving matters with God. And/or being without anxiety about the issue or issues we are currently facing.

In Exodus 14:13, “Stand still, and see the salvation of God“— In this verse the meaning expressed is obviously one of tranquility.

A powerful calm and confiding closeness along with a trustful state of mind is present as Moses experiences the divine presence and power of our God.

We  sense and understand that God had interposed, and had shown that He was able to defend His people when surrounded by dangers.

When Moses said unto the people—Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever—  We must remember God is the same today as He was yesterday.

God hasn’t changed…time has gone by…but God is the same…and continues to care for His children in the very same way.

So throughout the ages, God has performed miracles, overcame opposition, and withstood the hands of time.

He is the author of peace and salvation.

We are not to fear the world.

We are to trust in Him…and wait upon Him.

Because, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

When you read, and listen, and hear His Word, it’ll become easier to sit and “wait” thereby fully grasping overwhelming joy in realizing His infinite power, and His consuming fire of love.

Close your eyes…give Him thanks…and wait…

Then watch and see what God does!

Amen~

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  

Psalm 100:3

Nothing is coincidental when it comes to the LORD.  All things are moved by Him and for His purpose…especially when He wants to answer prayers.

God, our loving and powerful Father never ceases to astound me…with each day comes another blessing or significant sign of His Omnipotence.

The season is upon us that allows most who don’t practice generosity during the regular year to be more tolerant of others.  At least that is the general idea.

During this season of love toward one another, take the time to watch for signs of God’s presence and open ears to His voice.

Today I was blessed to “hear His voice” through an elderly lady who walked over to my car as I sat waiting for my husband.

We brought some items to our local food pantry, just random items.  As my husband went into the store I said, “Something tells me in addition to the random items, let’s buy eggs…and bread too”  and he smiled and said, “okay.”

When my husband brought the bags into the local pantry the volunteer worker yelled out to a lady across the room, “Mary, eggs!  Here’s the eggs you asked for…and the bread you needed!”

She was so happy as she came forward to grab the eggs and bread.   Guess who placed that in my ear and heart?  Holy Spirit…who knew this lady was in need of eggs and bread for a holiday recipe she had as a young girl. She was so overjoyed, praise the LORD!

Also…the turkey we brought in…the volunteer called out to an elderly fragile looking woman who was about to walk out of the pantry.

“Mrs. Johnson!  Here’s your turkey!”  Mrs. Johnson began crying, “Oh my God…thank you! I was so afraid it was too late for a turkey for Thanksgiving.  And, here it is!  Oh Thank you!”

My husband was standing off to the side taking in the wonderful joy of seeing these our “brothers and sisters” come forward.  He was brought to tears in the shadows, he knew it was God who touched His heart…but also knew it was God who brought the exact items needed for His children.

God knows what we are in need of…and will provide.  He is Jehovah Jireh…God provides!

He is our light of love. He is our strength.  He is the One who nourishes and gives and gives.

We can never out give God!

And now back to the “voice of God.”

An elderly lady walked over to my car window and said:

“I just wanted to thank you.  We hardly ever see who drops off the food…I noticed you way over here and saw your husband bringing in the food and wanted to say, thank you!  If not for people like you we wouldn’t be eating or able to shop for these free items…so thank you…Happy Thanksgiving.”

When she walked away I knew it was God who thanked me!  It was His voice through this older lady!

Tears strolled down my cheeks…I praised His name and thanked Him for blessing me with His voice.

I immediately thought of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35

For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me…

Jesus wants us to clothe, feed and help those in need.  When we do we’re helping Him.  When we ignore those in need…we’re ignoring Him.

Not all people are able to “help” with donations.  However, there are other ways to please our Father, like showing love, peace and kindness to a stranger.

Or listening or hugging someone who is lonely is an example of His love as well.

So, at this time of the year…I  would encourage you all to listen, watch, and provide help where you can, when you can.

Be inspired by God and His Word— be guided by His love and His voice.

You’d be pleasantly surprised as to how many times He speaks to us…Just listen and then get ready to be amazed!

“Father God, thank You for Your word, Your guidance, Your love, and for leading us and guiding us to do Your will and be a vessel for Your purpose, it is an honor to be Your servant, shine Your light Lord to those in need, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Matthew 25:35-40

 Psalms 103:1-4 ( NKJV)

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies…

The Father is a loving and fair God who wants to have us with Him always. He in and through His promises will forgive and heal us spiritually, and at times, physically.

He will always lead and guide us.

Talking with Him heart to heart is a distinct honor and gift that has been given to us.  When His Son died for us, and we were redeemed by His blood…His sacrifice “rent the veil from top to bottom” allowing us to go boldly to His throne.

We can speak with Him directly, and be assured that He will hear us.

The moments alone with our Father is so overwhelmingly peaceful and powerful that at times sobs overcome me as the presence of the LORD touches my soul.

Praying for his guidance as He leads us through good times and bad is to be in an elevated place of spiritual awareness.

His love and His promises envelop us…it is a given…and the growth of spirituality is amazing in all aspects, some of which are hard to describe unless you experience it.

Talk to Him.

Embrace Him.

Get to know Him.

Open His book…and begin to listen to His voice, and let His promises wash you clean with His love.

Amen!

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Deuteronomy 32:39 (NKJV)

‘Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.

2 Chronicles 7:14( NKJV)

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  

1 Thessalonians 5:1 KJV

Waking up this morning. Praise God.

Being in His perfect will.  Praise God.

Feeling His perfect peace. Praise God.

Having family.  Praise God.

Having friends.  Praise God.

Being part of a great royal family in Christ!

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

So many things to be thankful for.  In all that we encounter along life’s highway, it’s so imperative that we give thanks to the One who has made it possible.

Have you ever just sat and praised Him in prayer and mediation without asking anything in return?  It’s rewarding and supersedes all else, the connection is overwhelming and positively divine!

He is so loyal and steadfast in relation to all things in heaven and earth, and an awesome and loving Father.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Let us go forward with a contrite heart and worship Him as we do His will and bidding while giving Him the glory and victory.

Through Him we are victorious, and no matter what happens in this world, remember…have no fear and be of good cheer, for our Lord goes before us.

Most important, “He has overcome the world….and greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world…Amen!”