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DEAR GOD: Knowing You Are with Me is Beyond Comforting~

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, love the LORD and keep from evil, it will be health to your navel and marrow to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

In the quiet moments of our day, God invites us to pause and reflect on His Presence. Even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, His love remains steadfast, offering peace that surpasses understanding. Today, let us trust in His guidance, leaning on His promises and finding strength in His Word. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, and every blessing is a reminder of His faithfulness. May your heart be open to His comfort, and may His Spirit fill you with hope and joy.

“-Be still and know I am God…” Psalm 46:10

No matter the circumstances, when the LORD is with you the comfort is immeasurable. It is always astounding to me for all of my seconds in the day – even filled with stress and issues that seem insurmountable the fact that He will never leave me, brings me joy beyond comprehension.

Once you realize that HE IS OUR EVERYTHING – the sooner comfort and joy will seep into your spirit and continue growing as we continue seeking His face, and Kingdom.

“LORD, thank You for Your mercy, Your hands that guide me, and Your unending provisions, with you I can get through anything, for with Christ I am victorious, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

DEAR GOD: Love & Trust You Above All Else~

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“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3:5

 

Love & Trust
by C D Swanson

There is a timeless pattern in the average life of a Christian.  There are convictions of the heart and soul that the LORD lays upon us.  And then there are everyday routines in our lives that surround the faithfulness of a servant of God.

The events in an average day for most individuals consists of routines, jobs, housework, care giving, cooking, shopping, and many other aspects.  Those are the things we do while here on earth. But the devotion of all else should be to the LORD our God, and our consistent worship of Him and adoration of His love and who He is.

My husband and I are in a holding pattern at the moment; we have moved into a smaller place.  And we have yet to get a sale for our condo that we left to downsize. We just couldn’t handle many of the issues pertaining to that residence.  So, we prayed on it and moved.  However, we should have waited for a sale of our former place.  I think we got ahead of ourselves, and “God.”  And thus, the hardship and turmoil of our decision.

When it is God’s will things aren’t chaotic, they are peaceful and smooth. And all things go well.  Not so with this place we are in now, or the selling of our former place. It’s been quite a bumpy transition and exhausting and depleting journey since July!

Be still and know I am God (Psalm 46:10) – Well, I think we jumped ahead of the LORD and as a result – we are in a holding pattern.  Not that He is punishing us – I just think and feel it was supposed to be His timing. Not ours.  There is someone out there that will buy our condo.  But it will be in God’s time, and in His infinite way – He is teaching us a lesson here.  With His love and mercy, to never make a move without Him leading the way.

But all in all, although it is stressful and the bills are piling up. (As it is for most people these days – 1 Corinthians 10:13)  What we are going through so too are other children of the LORD.  And the purpose is twofold, we are growing in spirit, depth of perception in circumstances that we wouldn’t otherwise have known.  So all things have a purpose and meaning.

Maybe the “buyer” had to do some things first in order to purchase this home. Maybe God is preparing the sale now as I type.  I don’t know. But what I do know is that God is faithful. He is loving, and He will never leave me dangling in the wind.  This too shall pass.  And – a lesson has been learned, in our senior years.  – Never step out before God says so!  Amen.

“LORD thank You for Your love, guidance, mercy and protection, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Focusing & Meditating On Your Word Daily~

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Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV)

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

 Focusing On His Word

Then: In the context of ancient Israel, Proverbs 4:21-22 is part of a larger passage where Solomon, the wise king, is imparting wisdom to his son. The “them” in these verses refers to the words of wisdom and instruction that Solomon is sharing. He emphasizes the importance of keeping these teachings constantly in sight and deeply embedded in one’s heart. The promise attached to this adherence is profound: these words bring life and health to those who embrace them.

Today: In contemporary times, these verses still hold significant relevance. They remind us of the timeless value of wisdom and understanding. In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, keeping God’s wisdom at the forefront of our minds and hearts can guide us through life’s challenges. The promise of life and health can be seen as both spiritual and physical well-being, emphasizing the holistic benefits of living a life grounded in divine wisdom.

Moral Thoughts

  • Value of Wisdom: The verses highlight the intrinsic value of wisdom and understanding. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, these verses remind us to seek and cherish true wisdom.
  • Holistic Health: The promise of health to all flesh suggests a holistic approach to well-being. True wisdom not only nourishes the mind and spirit but also has tangible benefits for our physical health.
  • Consistency: The call to keep wisdom constantly in sight and heart underscores the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices. It’s not enough to seek wisdom sporadically; it must be a continuous pursuit.

Reflective Questions

  1. What are the sources of wisdom in my life, and how do I prioritize them?
  2. How can I ensure that I keep God’s teachings at the forefront of my daily life?
  3. In what ways have I experienced the holistic benefits of living according to divine wisdom?
  4. How can I cultivate a consistent practice of seeking and applying wisdom in my life?

Meditative Takeaways

  • Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on a piece of wisdom from the Bible or another trusted source. Meditate on its meaning and how it applies to your life.
  • Heart and Mind Alignment: Strive to align your thoughts and actions with the wisdom you hold dear. Let it guide your decisions and interactions.
  • Holistic Health: Consider how your spiritual practices contribute to your overall well-being. Seek a balance that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.

Prayer

“Dear LORD, our Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your wisdom. Help us to keep Your teachings ever before our eyes and deeply rooted in our hearts. May Your words be life and health to us, guiding us through every challenge and blessing us with holistic well-being. Grant us the consistency to seek Your wisdom daily and the discernment to apply it in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Supportive Scriptures

  • James 1:5 (KJV): “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “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.”
  • Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

I hope this reflection brings you the peace of the LORD our God, and an abundance of inspiration and encouragement.

 

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DEAR GOD: Wisdom Comes From You Alone~

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Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
-Proverbs 18:4 (NLT)

 

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement. – Proverbs 9:16 (NLT)— Many interpretations of this particular verse have been at the center of discussion at a lot of gatherings. I find that its meaning suggests having utmost respect and reverence for the LORD and it’s the first primary step towards gaining wisdom and understanding of “all things” pertaining to our lifetime.

As I’ve said this verse has been analyzed and preached in various ways. I keep it simple; it means wisdom comes from a deep understanding of God’s teachings and principles. I also believe emphatically that it also reflects our own limitations, that we need to seek His guidance, no matter how little the circumstances are.

I believe it emphasizes the importance of humility, respect and a willingness/eagerness to learn as the key components of gaining and receiving wisdom.

Under the guidance of the LORD and being under His Wings of surveillance and protection, we are able to be all we are purposed to be, according to the Word and His will for our lives.

So how do we gain knowledge then? By reading the Word. It has been called by some a “Life Manual” and a “Life Preserver” for all the days of our lives.

Do you have wisdom? Do you have the “Life Manual” in hand? If not—why not?

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and the Wisdom You impart on all of Your Children who seek You, and adhere to Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I’m Hoping to Please You in All Things~

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Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

The clearer way perhaps to interpret this passage might be best rendered this way, “The LORD Jehovah helps me, and I’m not ashamed. And because I’m not ashamed and because of the LORD’s help, I am determined to endeavor all that is before me in God’s name and Spirit.

We are all servants of the LORD. We sometimes might have issues, but as servants we may face inflexible circumstances, but it’s the LORD who can resolve these things, if we surrender and acquiesce to His will and ways.

A situation can quickly get out of control and snowball into a huge confrontation if not handled correctly. There needs to be a tone of confidence, sprinkled with a measure of docility, and a patient endurance.

There is a combination of being two things. As Jesus said, in Matthew 10:16 –“be wise as the serpent, but gentle as a dove.”  What a striking contrast between those two images. One is a side winder in all aspects of “charm and ambiguity” – while the other is clearly apparent, soft and gentle in approach and character.

One can be a mixture of a warrior and saint. It takes the right amount of each to make it a successful recipe overall. One is easy, the other is rough.  Submit to God in all resistance in the face of hostile individuals.

The unique camaraderie Christians share is the way we are called to be “over comers” in all our paths. We are called to a realm of reality in perfect union with Christ. We are followers and subscribe to His Word and ways.

When we align to His Will and not our own, trust in Him fully, acknowledge Him and love Him and turn from evil, we will experience health and peace deep within our very souls (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are here for a moment in time but we can do all that is expected of us during this precious period of being on earth. We can acquire so many accomplishments in our flesh bodies.  We have jobs to do. All varied, all of equal importance, and all according to Him and His ways.

When we do things, we need to realize that God sees all.

God knows all.

And most important part of this equation, God loves us.

When we go with an attitude of “hoping to please God” you know what happens? We probably are doing just that.

“Father God, may I always acknowledge You, trust You, and follow the path in which You guide me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”


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

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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.”

 

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