Tag Archives: Love

DEAR GOD: Your Gift Connecting Souls Across the Oceans Is Appreciated~

Posted on by

Being A Friend Of God | Free Life Church | Listen To Our Sermon Now

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel.”

Proverbs 27:9:

 

The soundest advice comes from His Word- therefore, friends who remind us of helpful Scriptures are wise counselors. They keep us on the right path, they rejoice in the LORD and give Him glory and refer to Him during times of tribulation, and in times of joy.

 

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)  

A friend is there to sit and talk, or to listen. They are sent to us as a genuine gift from God. Friends are important parts of our lives, and segments of our connection to God Himself. We are all His children, therefore…we are all one body in Christ.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

A true friend doesn’t even have to be in the same vicinity geographically.  I’ve some pretty close friends that I rely on, and trust implicitly who are in different States in the USA. And, I have four good friends who are across the globe, across the continents and oceans away!  Yet, I am close to them, spiritually, emotionally, and consider them my brothers and sisters.

 

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)

Ostensibly, a bad-tempered foul-mouthed individual is not one I’d encourage to be a friend, in the sense of the word. We are to be courteous, and not hinder hate or hostility towards another individual. However, it could be detrimental to us in terms of festering in that kind of negativity, which can promote a stronghold of anti-Christian behavior overall.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

We all need checks and balances in life. And friends help each other and remind each other about the goodness of God. Pointing out His promises, helping to forge forward in support and inspiring us to keep on the up and up. And Vice-Versa.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

True altruistic love for a friend is sweeter than honey and more valuable than gems. It is the standard on which Jesus’ speaks about concerning love. Godly counsel from a friend is a veritable treasure in which there are no words.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NLT)

At the same time truth can be painfully unmoving. It can be tough to deal with, but better to come from a friend than an enemy. We owe it to ourselves as children of Christ to offer only truth, and love when dealing with friends and loved ones.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (1 Samuel 18:1-3, NLT) 

We are ultimately drawn to a person of integrity, compassion, and love for Christ. We know them by their fruits, as Jesus said to His followers. We instinctually want to be around this type of individual. As David and Jonathan’s deep bond of love and friendship illustrates. They depended on each other and loved each other deeply. So too, are our friends of today.

This is why I am so blessed to have friends close by, and across the oceans and continents. We are all connected by the Blood of Christ. We are all bonded in His love, and all have been redeemed by His sacrifice for us. We share the same love of God, the same values, and follow the same commandments. Some more openly than others. Some more inwardly. But both loving God and each other.

Are you grateful for your friends? Have you thanked God for them lately?

 

“Father, thank You for the friends You’ve sent into my life, so many have come through the years, some for a season, some longer, some have been called home to You, I thank You for the gift of friendship, those of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and in the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name,  Amen.”

 

#friends#friendship quotes#christian quotes#bible verse#Scripture# ...

 

DEAR GOD: Is One Thousand Years Truly One Day with You?~

Posted on by

Pin on Numbers...1 to 1000

2 Peter 3:8 – But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

 

I overheard a man recently telling another man in the parking lot, “boy, when I’m around my wife’s family, a couple of hours feels like one thousand years!”  To which the other man roared with laughter and replied, “I have to remember that- that’s great!”

Somewhat bemused at the exchange, I thought immediately about 2 Peter 3:8, and realized that is kind of on topic for that verse. Well, sort of…

What I personally take away from this particular passage is that “God’s timing” is not ours. I take this verse to mean that God is not bound by time as humans are. Because what might seem like an extremely long tedious time to us, in actuality is but a moment to God.

I have often heard this verse used to encourage and uplift others to trust in God’s perfect timing, and not to give any thought or worry about time itself. That is to say, how long things take in this lifetime of which is paradoxically, fleeting.

For sure it’s entirely different when we get to our permanent home. Things won’t be the same as they are while we are in our flesh bodies, or so it is told throughout God’s Word. And of course, when we subscribe and surrender to His will, and His purpose, and trust in Him…we know that what we read is inspired by Him, through His prophets, and so…Heaven is real, and not as it is here on earth.

Of course, this verse is part of a larger passage pertaining to the coming day of our LORD, when the world will be judged and renewed.  God is merciful and fulfills His promises and wants everyone to repent and to spend eternity with Him. His timing, not ours. His will, not ours. His purpose, not ours. His, and His alone.

I have to tell you, if I’m being honest…there are some individuals I know who can spin a story that never ends, and it truly can seem like a thousand years!  I smile to myself and say, now in the eternity with the LORD, this story would elapse quickly!  LOL!

Trust that He is everywhere at all times, and the next time you are with someone who is going on and on, and time is dragging. Remember Christ dwells within us, and His Presence is with you everywhere. Try to concentrate on that aspect then perhaps the time will go a “little faster!”

“Father, I embrace You always and realize that my time is not as Yours, and my timing is not as Your timing, which is perfect, I thank You for Your promises, and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. ~ Proverbs 15:3

 

 

DEAR GOD: Is My Heart Showing Outwardly & Inwardly?

Posted on by

 

Praying in Secret – christianityworks

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 

Psalm 101:2 

 

Psalm 101:2 brings to mind the Sadducees and the Pharisees who wore the long robes, openly prayed and attended Synagogue. They did what was right in “clear sight” of all who would see. Standing on street corners, praying loudly for all to see. And yet these same individuals who called themselves “holy men” of God were considered “hypocrites” by Jesus’ own words.

They didn’t have clean thoughts in their hearts towards Jesus, they were harboring evil thoughts, and plotting to be rid of Jesus.  But to look at the so called “holy men” with their tallits and kipahs in full view, you’d never suspect they plotted and schemed in the privacy of their own homes. They waited while observing Jesus. They were trying to trick Him at every turn. But our beloved Savior knew their games and knew their hearts.

So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him -Mark 3:2

He saw everything they did “in secret” as did His Father…our amazing Sovereign God.  God sees all. He’s a cardio knower. He reads our hearts, knows our minds. Accepts and loves us with all of His heart. He hates “sin” but, He doesn’t hate the person. So, nothing can be in secret. He sees it.

Jesus is grieved by an unrepentant heart.  He can get angry (as in His Father’s house when they were selling mite infested doves, and bargaining. He called them out in a powerful way. Overturning their tables, and with a knotted whip) and he can become grieved. So too His/our Father.

And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts -Mark 3:5

So, when we’re in our homes safely tucked away from the world, do we still behave in a “godly manner?” It’s one thing to behave in a godly way in public, when so many eyes are watching. It’s quite another thing entirely to reflect His goodness and righteous behavior when we are alone with our thoughts, and equally important to have a contrite heart. God definitely calls us to both.

Our Father loves us and calls us to certain standards and practices in His name. He wants every part of us–body and soul, and spirit–to grow close to Him. He wants those that will gladly and freely give everything to Him. Surrendering to Him at His will and joined and grafted in His love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! -Psalm 103:1

He wants us to love Him. He wants our love. He knows our weaknesses, and of our ignorance in certain areas. He doesn’t require anything more than which we can handle.   When you seek His face and His strength, things will come back to you. He will bless you accordingly, in abundance. We cannot outgive God. God’s word is pregnant…it grows and grows. The more we seek, the more we see and know.

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!  -Psalm 105:4

When we do our good deeds, we don’t need to announce them to the world, or blow a trumpet saying, “look at me” – God sees and will reward us openly. He keeps a careful tally of our actions, both public and private. Our actions should be with a contrite and loving heart, and with a complete obedience to the Father. And this is something that should be done both in and out of our homes.

And your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly- Matthew 6:4

Trust in God and know that His will and His intent toward us are always in our best interest. He set up this world so that a real element of faith is always required in order to connect with Him. Never doubt His love or His ability to sustain us in all things.

When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted -Matthew 28:17

When we live a life of purpose according to His will, we will be better for it.  When we consult Him in prayer for decisions, or for an upcoming event, the outcome will be blessed. When we observe His laws, and His doctrine both inside and outside our homes, we will thrive.

Our job is to work inside and outside our homes in accordance with His gospel. To be a faithful messenger to others, in His glorious name.    Is the LORD pleased with your acts in and out of your home?

 

“LORD, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, and may I do all things that align with Your Word, and may all I do openly be in perfect harmony with all I do while at home alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: You Are the Keeper of My Soul~

Posted on by

 

I observed my niece playing with her toys on the floor in her living room. She methodically placed her building blocks one on top of the other. She seemed to really enjoy the red ones the most. As the pile got higher and higher, she became more excited. Until the last block she placed atop of the huge pile.  I knew it was sure to happen and within seconds she was crying. “All come down!” She cried as her mom assured her; she could build it again. That seemed to stifle the tears somewhat. And within seconds a chocolate chip cookie and milk seemed to erase the entire scenario from her little innocent mind.

That got me to thinking about our souls. The blocks were like the weight of the world, all its troubles piling atop one another. Issues, troubles, finances, division, political discourse, so on and so forth. Until one final piece crumbles it to the ground. That could be our soul!

Jesus very succinctly gives us a warning in Mark 8:36. He is telling us what good to gain the world if we lose our soul in the process? How important is the things of this world that would push our souls to the brink of eradication?

Listen, of course we need to be aware of current events. Jesus warned His disciples as he sent them out into the world in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 

The Lord Jesus used the dove as a model for harmlessness and innocence, and the serpent for wisdom and cunning. So, we are to utilize the two in a way that is fitting of a Christian and follower of Christ. We are to be cautious as we venture into the world and be forewarned at all times, remembering the words of Christ.

How can we do this?

  1. Take note of the world events, but don’t get pulled into them in an ungodly fashion. ((Colossians 2:8)
  2. Be aware that evil does exist in the world but remember that Christ gives us authority in His name to overcome it. ((Mark 16:18)
  3. Be an example of His light to those you encounter, smile, help, and be attentive to other’s needs. (Matthew 5:16)
  4. Stay in the Word, and always have your Gospel Armor in place (Ephesians 6)
  5. Don’t fear those who can kill your flesh, but rather those who can “kill your soul.” (Matthew 10:28)

 

Number five on the above list is crucial to your spiritual growth and roots in Christ. The only One we answer to is our LORD. The only One we bow down to is to the Highest Authority in the Universe, our LORD and Savior, King of kings.

Sure, we are subject to “civil law” and “rules” in which societal norms are vitally important to exist. But make no mistake, we are under the control of the Highest Royal God, who is at the helm 24/7!

It is Him and only He that has our soul in His hands.

We have a duty as citizens to obey the rules of the land, but we have a full-blown allegiance to acquiesce to all of what God commands.

So, remembering my nieces “tower” that fell from all that weight. There is only so much world you can take in before it tries to snatch up your soul. But as faithful followers, nothing could ever take us from the love of Christ. Nothing!

Romans 8:39 -Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

“Father my LORD, thank You for Your brilliant light, love and guidance, may I always be aware that we are dealing with daily spiritual warfare in the world, may my spirit always be in step with Your word in all I do and encounter, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Stay Focused on You?~

Posted on by

 

Stay Focused on Jesus - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cobourg

Hebrews 12:2 –

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith

How can we stay focused on God? There are many reasons to want to do so and all are beneficial to us, spiritually, physically mentally.

When we engage daily in prayer, meditation and reading verses in the Bible, we are activating a closer bond with the LORD in many ways. First of all, we are showing Him reverence by being in His Word, and when we obey His commandments, we are doing according to His Word.

Staying focused on God and His Word is relevant to all we endeavor to do or hope to do. Being in the Word brings wisdom and insight and it equips us with the ability to ascertain things we normally would not be able to do without His guidance.

So, how do we stay focused on Him?

  1. By being in the Word.
  2. By being faithful to His commandments.
  3. By spending time with Him alone in prayer.
  4. By showing His love to others.
  5. By being an example of His light and truth.
  6. By doing all things that are right and aligning with His Word.
  7. Seeking His face in all we do and attempt to do.
  8. Loving Him totally with all our hearts, minds, body, and soul.
  9. Putting Him first before anything or anyone else.
  10. And by asking for His will to be done in your life. 

As we focus on His love, His Word, His will we are inherently drawing closer to Him. When we ask for His will to be done in our life, we are placing our trust in Him, knowing He wants what is best for all of us.

Spending time with the LORD is probably the most valuable and important thing you can possibly do in this lifetime. Loving Him is probably the most pleasant thing you can do in this lifetime. And obeying Him is the most rewarding thing you can do in this lifetime, and the life to come in Eternity.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

“Father, may I stay focused on You and Your commandments, love and Word today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Do I Protect Myself Against Evil People?

Posted on by

 

The Holy Spirit Leads Us Through the Valley of Circumstances - Hallelujah

We can’t protect “ourselves” it is God that does it for us. He reassures us that He goes before us on all levels and mentions it throughout the Bible. We can be careful while following His Word and the practicality of life in general. But it is God that goes before us. It is He that gives us the strength and the ability to sustain and maintain our morality and vitality in all things.

He is with us. No matter what. He goes before us at all times. We are to have no fear. That includes those who hate and despise us or are jealous of us.

Jeremiah 1:8 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

He commands us in many places not to fear, and to trust Him above all else. When we put our trust in God, he guides us, shows us, supplies us with wisdom. All these things fall under the auspices of His Sovereign supernatural power. He guides our paths. He brings us health.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

There is no fear in humans or what they can do to us. They can’t kill our souls. Only God can. He created our souls only He can destroy our souls. He alone can do ALL things.

 

“Father God, thank You for protecting me in all matters of my life, day in and day out, You are my source of strength, I receive You and Your promises today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Not What We Do- but What You Do Through Us~

Posted on by
Reply

 

GOD Use Me As You Vessel Wall Decal | Zazzle.com in 2022 | Wall decals ...

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

(2 Corinthians 4:7)

 

The showmanship of bragging was something that always irked my soul. I was never a fan of individuals bloviating/boasting/bragging/loving themselves to the point of ad nauseum, is something I could never tolerate!

Having been blessed to grow up in a family that held strong morals and Christian beliefs, I found it odd when people gave themselves credit for overcoming things, issues, or circumstances, it was just wrong in my eyes!

Can’t they see what we do we do is only because of God and His gifts from above. That we in fact gain wisdom and knowledge through Him and His word? We are not the doers but the vessels in which we do!

Can’t people realize when something of importance is accomplished through our words or actions, that it is in fact, “GOD WHO USED US” for that purpose?

And incidentally, He uses ALL His Children. He doesn’t pick only those with the proper education and experience. Nor does he pick strictly those graduates of the most prestigious theological institutions in the world.  NOPE!

He uses us all for HIS purpose and HIS will for HIS glory.

When we are tuned into the LORD and are ready to serve Him, He will use us according to His plan and purpose for our lives.

We were made by His hands and only He can “fill us to capacity” the likes of which we can be poured out and utilized.

You are His possession—for His purposes—and for His honor.

In His hands, we were fully made and designed. We are completely repaired and highly maintained. We are washed and cleansed (by His most precious Blood) Keep your eyes on the King! Trust Him fully in the process.  Believe in Him without any doubt.

And finally, remember this:

“It’s not what YOU do.

Instead, it is what GOD does through you!

 

 

 

 

 

 “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and fit for the master’s use, and prepared uno every good work.”

Timothy 2:21

“Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou?”

Isaiah 45:9

 

DEAR GOD: Sowing Seeds Amongst Non-Believers?

Posted on by
Reply

Sow Seeds of Peace

James 3:18 –

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

 

 

How do we manage non-believers in our circle of friends?

Are we complicit if we are within that circle?

2 John 1:10 says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him…”

What does that scripture of 1 John mean?  Are we as Christians to shun those who are non-believers?

There seems to be a line of confliction within some scriptures that alternate back and forth between the handling of non-believers. How or what do we do when in the circle of such individuals.

Let’s try and figure this out together.

2 John 1:11 he goes on further to illustrate, “for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

Yikes!  Now what? Let’s continue with more scripture.

Ephesians 5:11
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Ephesians above clearly expresses what we are to do. Reprove them. What does reprove actually mean? You can look it up in various places, and it more of less means the same thing.

It’s a sense of guiding someone gently, and in this case, more than likely sharing the Gospel and having patience with them, as explained in 2 Timothy below.

2 Timothy 4:2  “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Jesus wants us to preach and teach. Not in an overly zealot type fashion. For the Spirit is a complete and honorable Gentleman.  He would never force something upon us or be harsh with us in doing so. No. Instead, He wants us to share with those who are in the dark and are ignorant in the Word. Sadly, many people clearly do it by choice.  Still others may be due to a lack of knowledge or instruction by never having been exposed to the Gospel.

Jesus says in Mark 2:17   “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

What do we get out of the conflictions in the Bible?  We keep delving deeper into the word, cross reference scriptures to understand the whole picture. If we were to just go with one line or two, we don’t get the summary of who God is or what His purpose for us in life is.  We don’t get to fully grasp the meaning of God’s infinite love for us and how magnificent He really is. And most of all how He longs to have us be with Him for all Eternity by following Him.

The Bible is filled with wonderment and examples of what men and women went through. The sacrifices they’ve made along the way.  The miracles that were clearly performed, the sick that were healed, and the souls that were saved by Jesus Christ crucifixion, death and resurrection.

God puts us where we should be and need to be at any given moment in time. When surrounded by others who don’t believe, we’re not to be rude, or disparaging, or hurl insults at one another. Instead, be an example of Jesus Christ by our actions, our words of encouragement, and by our unwavering faith. These are crucial elements that are inherent in His children. We need sprinkle seeds along the way under certain circumstances.

The seeds we sow are all we can do. God does the rest. It is up to the LORD to produce growth. We are the Sowers; He is the ultimate horticulturist.  God always gives the increase. We do our job, but He is in control of it all, as with everything in the Universe.

So, the next time you find yourself with a group or individuals who are non-believers, don’t be fearful. Instead listen to the voice of the Spirit, and He will let you know when and where you should “spread seeds.”  And when we do this, we will be pleasing to the LORD and doing our job as Christians.  The growth is always up to the LORD of lords.  Some will grow to incredible heights with deep roots entrenched in the Word.  Others, well…that’s up to God.

 

“Father God, help me to be a witness to Your love and mercy in all I do, and all those I encounter, I will spread the seeds, and know you are the only One who will provide growth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Breath of Spirit~

Posted on by
Reply

 

 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  (Romans 8:9)

 

Jesus tells us in John 10:10—”The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

As Christians, we need to latch onto His words, and the true meaning of His statement. He wants to give us peace and joy, that extends from His promise and experience it fully.

Most Christians understand the concept on “paper” but in reality, don’t live or accept readily the promises of Christ.  When we attach and align ourselves with Christ—comfort, peace, security and joy will most assuredly overflow.

When the Holy Spirit—also known as the Spirit of Christ—came to live with us, He was offering us His continual presence and salvation.  The Spirit comes to manifest the presence of Christ, if we accept Him.  We develop a relationship with Him that grows in depth on every level and every aspect concerning our lives.

When we let Jesus work through us let Him in and become dependent on Him, we will begin to live a purposeful life according to His will. His works will begin to assimilate into our daily life, and the temporal findings of routines become visual tangible promises of our ultimate goal, His kingdom, and eternity.

The more pronounced our belief and submission to Christ, the more likely we are to understand the concept and apply it into practice by being “pro-active” Christians.

In other words, embrace Him, trust Him, develop a relationship with Him, and watch how Your life will change for the better. This is an undeniable promise of His truth and love.

 

“Lord Help your children embrace the Spirit within and go forth for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”