Tag Archives: Matthew 28:20

DEAR GOD: Help Us In Our Holding Positions In This Lifetime~

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JESUS GOES BEFORE US – AIMING FOR JESUS

John 14:3 – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself…”

Were you ever in a “holding position?”  I mean to say waiting for an event to transpire or- waiting for troubles to disappear?  That could encompass many areas in your life. Things such as marriage troubles, financial distress, family issues crumbling, health woes, grief, and just feeling “out of sorts and anxiously waiting for improvement.”

These can all be referred to as “holding periods or holding positions” in our lives.  The thing is as it states in 1 Corinthians 10:13-I will attempt to paraphrase the meaning of that particular scripture. – “What’s happening in your life right now is not uncommon to others, whether it’s temptations or difficulties – Others have gone through it and others are struggling with it right now.  But the important matter of this message is- God will never bring you to something you can’t handle, and He will bring you through it, plus show you a way out of whatever is troubling you.” 

When we realize that we are not alone and have the faith of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) there isn’t anything we can’t do or accomplish – but only through Jesus Christ.

  • He is the anchor in our storm. 
  • He is the balm for the pain in our hearts. 
  • He is the peace through the chaotic avenues of life.
  • He is the love that binds to our souls. 
  • He is the Master of the Universe and the satiety center in our brains. 
  • He is the only ONE that is capable of ALL things.
  • And nothing is impossible with God.

Whoever needs to hear this today – please know what is happening in your life is temporary. And that there is a solution. It may not be today, or tomorrow or the day after that – but there is a solution. God knows your pain, and He will guide you through it – and He is with you always. He never leaves your side. (Matthew 28:20)

Sometimes the solution isn’t what we expected. Prayers not answered, may be answered in another way. A way in which God deems is necessary and part of His plan and will in our lives. Through our pain, suffering and grief and anxiety – We need Him more than ever. Our physical stamina may be lacking – but our spiritual strength is fortified by His Spirit and His love. 

It’s okay to be “angry” or “questioning” that is the human side of Christians – but it’s times like that we need to gird ourselves with the Word and His truth. It’s these times that we stand on the Rock and grip the foundation of His awesome power and promises. That’s when our spiritual growth intensifies.  That is when we become more mature in the Word and His love.  That’s when we move up the rank in the army of Christ. 

Please trust in God. Open His book of love written for us – the Holy Bible – and delve into it. Learn it. Obey it. And have faith in the fact that He goes before us in all we do. As he has said so many times in the Bible – “Be of good courage and have no fear…”

Key Instances Where God Reassures us:

  • Joshua 1:6–9 – God tells Joshua three times to “be strong and of good courage” as he prepares to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Verse 9 adds: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you.”
  • Deuteronomy 31:6–8 – Moses encourages Joshua and the Israelites: “Be strong and of good courage… do not fear nor be afraid of them.” God repeats this directly to Joshua.
  • Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.” Though “fear not” isn’t explicit here, the context is one of trusting God amid danger.
  • Mark 6:50 – Jesus tells His disciples, frightened by His walking on water: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” This echoes the same divine reassurance.
  • Luke 1:30 – Angel Gabriel tells Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” While “courage” isn’t named, the sentiment is deeply aligned.
  • Genesis 21:17 – God tells Hagar not to fear when she’s in the wilderness with her son Ishmael.
  • Deuteronomy 31:8 -“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Please try to grasp the enormity of the situation – we have a GOD who is watching over us. Even if we are lost in a moment of despair. Or days of anguish. He is with us.

The hands of time are moving. Although at times it may seem the sands of time stand still during a crisis in life – which can be overwhelming and seemingly endless!  He is with you, with me, with us. 

His promises are like dewdrops on the most beautiful delicate petals of a gorgeous rose. Like a rose as it glistens – He is there resting upon us, gently, refreshing us, and glimmering in our heart and soul.

I pray for peace to those reading this. That the peace of Jesus Christ rest with you all. And I pray for those to really engage Him daily in prayer, scripture and practice. 

A life with CHRIST is so much easier to handle and navigate the hairpin curves on the road in our lives, than to try and steer the wheel without Him.  

A life with Christ is a LIFE worth living.  Without Him – there is NO life.

“LORD, Father God, I just ask that those reading this will realize the extent of Your love and sacrifice, that whatever is troubling them at this moment in time, that You will guide them to a resolution, and that their hearts, will be comforted by Your love and Your promises, and may Your light shine upon them today and always, in Jesus, name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Help Me Help Those Who Are Broken~

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7 Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

What do you do when a 97-year-old is crying that she lost her husband? How do you comfort a woman who has been married to this man who died, since she was 18 years old? How do you deal with that as a Christian while being compassionate and supportive of her needs and feelings? How can I encourage her in validating her pain, while knowing how blessed they were to have had such a long fruitful and happy life that produced, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren? How do I shield her from the “well meaning” though clueless ones who offer words like “why are you crying, he lived a long time” while she sobs out of control?

What immediately comes to my mind is Galatians 5:22–I willingly began listening to her, exhibited patience, supported her by being kind and showing her love, and offering comforting Words of the LORD, in Matthew 28:20, “…lo I am with you always, even until the end of the Age.”

Galatians5:22 –But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

I offered these words of comfort to my aunt, “It’s okay to cry and wish he were still here. You are not being unfaithful to the LORD because you wished you had more time. You know you were blessed, but it doesn’t matter to you at this very moment, because all you are thinking about is you love him, miss him, and want even another hour with him. It’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to miss him. And people with their comments are just well-meaning wishers that don’t know what else to say…”

And that is true for anyone today reading this and mourning the loss of someone you love. Feeling as if you have been gutted like a fish on a plate and feeling as if a huge part of you died along with your loved one. Because in fact you have.  Being Christian doesn’t mean “we don’t have feelings” It means we believe and know where our loved ones are, where we are going when we die, but we still feel, and love them, and want them here with us!

This especially to those who lose people in the late years, where most are apt to say, “well he/she lived a long life” —the people who lose them already know this. What they need, is an arm around them as they sob. A tender ear and loving touch as they mourn the loss of their loved one. They need to know God is with them, and holding them up, and will get them through it. They shouldn’t feel guilty about missing them or wanting them with them.

Missing someone and wishing they hadn’t left doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, or don’t believe in the LORD’s promises…it means that you have a heart and soul, the way God created you.

“Father, may all those that are actively mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter the age or circumstance, be comforted by Your Words and love, and Your promises, may they be filled with Your peace and wisdom, and the assurance that they will see their loved ones again one day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Stay Focused In A World Of Evil?

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Pin on Bible Verses

 

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:11 (KJV)

 

In the world of social media platforms there is a constant rush of images coming at us from all over the world that can flood our minds and hearts with sorrow that can become overwhelming.  Evil is circling around the globe in a fast paced whirlwind that appears to be non-stop.  Deaths, wars, conflicts, political discord, families pulling away from each other due to disagreements, etc., etc., etc.  How do we stop the evil and chaotic noise of the world from invading our mind, body and soul?  What to guess the answer?  One powerful word, GOD!!! Amen!

How do we do this?

By going to Him for His Word.

By listening to His Word.

By being familiar with His Word.

By adhering to His Word.

By loving Him fully and completely with all of your heart and soul and mind.

As Christians it’s vitally important to remember that the enemy seeks “to kill, to steal, and to destroy” us (John 10:10). Most people when reading this verse will think of drastic measures and images conjure up their minds of really horrific incidents. And that can very well happen, but most times the Enemy will do it in subtle ways. All he has to do is distract us hoping to disconnect us from our Loving Creator and our Mighty God.

We need to pay attention to what we are saying, doing, and seeing in our lives. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 –Christians are called to “not be conformed to this age/world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.” As Christians we have to make absolutely sure we are spending sufficient and valuable time in God’s Word, and in meditating on the Word. Rather than listening to the “shrill ugliness of the world.” Which is to say the devil.

In order to accomplish the renewing of our minds, we have to sincerely and diligently evaluate what we are filling our heads within order to protect our hearts. And our very soul.  As you will recall in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard our hearts above all else for it is the source of life.”

Take time away from the clash and noise of social media. Turn off your computers, phones, and clear your mind from the “filthiness” of the world in order to “cleanse” your mind. Set your sights and vision on the Kingdom of God, and immerse yourself in the Word.

Praying, meditating, reflecting, going to the Father to pray in private, and giving Him our undivided attention and love and His gospel is the weapons of our defense in the world of today. (Ephesians 6)

Go to Him for everything. Seek Him for everything. Listen to His Word. And seek Him daily in prayer and meditation. And love Him exclusively with all of your heart and soul, putting him first in all things, every day. When you do all of these things we will be able to “squash the noise” which is to say the devil. And we will be able to harness a power in the name of Jesus Christ which will give us the strength to endure, forge on, and be courageous in His name!

That is how you exist in the world of today!  Can I get an Amen!?

“Father God, thank You for loving me and protecting me in Your wings of safety, for Your promises and for Your wisdom and discerning spirit, may I follow You all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

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Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

When I meditate on the Apostle Paul’s words, I sense the joy of a “free man, a joyful man. He is saying things he once treasured became his garbage. Old things of insignificance that once had his all-consuming attention, no longer interested Paul.  Spending more time with Jesus was worth all the currency in the world, Jesus was his treasure, nothing else.

Likewise, it is with those of faith. We have found a veritable treasure in Christ, and it is invaluable, nothing surpasses the love of Christ. There is joy in knowing He loves us. There is peace in knowing He is with us always. There is happiness knowing He redeemed us with His blood. There is a comfortable assurance knowing He saved us from sin, and our salvation is promised. And we know complete joy as we enter Eternity.

Jesus is our Treasure. Not only our treasure but the One Superior Omnipotent King of kings and LORD of lords that will never leave us. This reality of Christianity is beyond our comprehension, and He is worthy of our love, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your promises and joy of loving You, You are my Treasure, and my reason for living, thank You for all the days of my life and for the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Another Week Of Loving You~

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Mark 12:30-31 LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART Bible Quote ...

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)

Jesus emphasized that the most important commandment would be the verse above in Matthew. That was always an important and outstanding message from Jesus, and so I began reflecting upon it more so than eve. As the week comes to a close, I started a mental picture of what I had done the past week that solidified that statement in my life overall.

  • Listening and loving Him through others, as Christ commands.

Well for one thing, I listened to several people speaking about their lives, and these people are very unhappy. Their circumstances are all so dim and exhausting in terms of their relationships, or lack thereof. It is sad, frustrating and to be honest, exhausting and draining. However, it’s done in my heart for the LORD, who says, “go and love as I have loved you” and when we love, which includes “listening” and helping others, it is part of His plan. These individuals are non-stop in their daunting misery, and “what-ifs” conversations, or murmurings. But–Jesus wants us to love. And by loving others, we are following His commandments of “loving.”  We are a daily reflection of His light, and when we do as He commands and trust in Him and follow Him by being a representative of who He is, the best we can. We are loving Him fully, and with all our heart, mind and soul. Let’s examine what some issues are that could be attributed to this verse, some we may not even be aware of.

  • Patience with others and holding back any negative responses that would otherwise escalate into a futile disagreement or worse.

Then I went on to being silent in areas that could become “challenging” to say the least, which at times can be a struggle. I am sure most of you reading this post can attest or relate to that right now, am I correct in that assumption?

Well, patience is a Characteristic of the Spirit, and virtue and gift, but it is at times overwhelmingly difficult to handle.

For example, if someone is being arbitrary or bearing an accusatory or condescending tone while engaged in some dialogue, it can be a Herculean task to keep our mouths and responses on hold. But through the spirit I did so.  Numerous times in fact. To be fair, it’s in my nature to hold back and not respond to negative and derisive speech. I guess it comes from my career in the nursing home industry. I listened to all of the patients, and loved them unconditionally, and treated them all the same irrespective of their differences in personality, or behavior.  I thank God for this gift from His hands of grace.

  • Courteous behavior displayed by being an example of Christ.

Then I thought about being courteous to others, respecting someone and honoring someone. For one thing, on the road there can be discourteous and aggressive drivers, no matter where you may live. And exercising self-control and not giving in to someone cutting you off or honking their horn, because you lingered a moment too long at the traffic light, is a mainstay with me. I am an overly courteous driver, and at times I am dismayed by the way others drive. Not to mention it can be dangerous these days. Road rage is real, and so be extra careful not to get mixed up in any of it. But…again, courtesy is part of the good spirit, and that is also a sign of loving God. Jesus was both kind and courteous. Again, a witness to Him when we behave accordingly, as He wishes us to behave as Christians.

  • Helping others, offering a smile or some other means of extending your love for your neighbors.

Our neighbor is an individual in her late 80’s and a widow. We offer her our help where we can. Taking out her garbage, picking up something in the store for her. Offering a ride to the doctor or other appointment. Bringing her some dinner or lunch. These are all ways to give willingly and with love. Jesus said by helping others, you are helping me. Another example of loving Him and following the commandments. A representation of the Spirit and who Christ is.

These examples, along with praying and writing devotionals to get His Word out are all ways to engage fully and actively in Matthew 22:37. I will try even harder this coming week, God willing. As He leads, guide, directs, and shows me the path. Which He always does. And which I am entirely grateful for.

Have you reflected on your week?

Have you shown and demonstrated that very important verse in Matthew 22:37?

Try marking it down this week, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you are doing in response to Jesus’ words.  And remember through it all, Jesus loves you!

“Father, may I always be in accordance with Your will, Your commandments, and Your ways, may I be an example of Your Spirit that dwells inside me, may I be all that I can be every single day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear God: At The Foot Of The Cross Laying My Burdens Down~

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  I am laying every burden down at the Cross.   Jesus you always come to my rescue…there is no other name by which I am saved.  My heart belongs to You and is Yours for life. So many friends … Continue reading →