A Father To The End

Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. -1 Corinthians 1:7-9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. -Galatians 6:9

(The Lord Keeps Us Close Even When We Push Away)

I am an individual who is very comfortable in their own skin, secure, and confident within myself. I do not need to be around others in order to feel good or to be content. I am one who can function and do extremely well while spending time alone. Everyone needs meaningful human contact frequently or from time to time, however, I have always been a loner that preferred to enjoy my own company most of the time.

It is annoying and untrue to hear those who consider or who define some that keep to themselves to put up a wall against others out of some type of hurt or fear of opening up to people when nothing could be further from reality. I hate ignorant generalizations due to others who reflect their own personal experience or account onto someone else.

Everybody is definitely not placing up a barrier they simply may not want to be bothered.

There are just certain individuals who are predominantly the solitary type and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being this way. It does not mean that they are hermits (even some hermits are justified for their anti-social behavior), it does not mean that they dislike all people, and it does not mean that they are troubled, strange, or dangerous in any way. We are all unique.

Nevertheless, I will use the term “wall” as a metaphor for how I once kept the Lord housed off from the home of my rooms by sealing him out among the top ceilings, bottom floors, and side structures of the spaces within my life.

I was angry at God for quite a long time so I put a solid brick wall up against him. One that he came and vehemently knocked down when he had finally gotten ready. He broke through all the concrete of my heart with the violent blows of his compassionate, faithful, unwavering love.

While the Lord made his entrance with a heavy, powerful explosion the blast he demonstrated came with an extreme soft and gentle handling as delicate and fragile as in the cradling of a newborn baby. There was no way I could keep him out of my life as I thought I did; I am grateful that I was not able to within the process.

We can just not easily dismiss God out of our lives through whatever hardships and frustrations once we have decided that we had enough of tribulation not brought on by ourselves.

The Lord will continue to stand guard over our life while he fights to attract and involve himself back onto the throne of our world, especially when there is misunderstanding and a lack of knowledge into his true character on our part.

The Lord is merciful enough to set the record straight by dashing a never-ending effort to grasp at our attention to listen and respond.

You too can restore your fellowship that began with God when you became a “born again” Christian no matter how long or how short time ago that was. When we genuinely become his children, it is for keeps. The Lord is loyal in his promises as it is impossible for him to lie. Those of us who are ultimately kept will to the utmost never be let go.

My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. -Proverbs 3:11-15

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away.

Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord . Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord , and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.

The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.

Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. But the wicked will die. The Lord ’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke.

The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die. The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path. The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. -Psalms 37:1‭-‬40

Put Your Trust In God And Not In Others

Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they? -Isaiah 2:22

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. -Psalms 118:8

For all time there have been people who put on airs, people who talk nice to your face then talk negatively behind your back. Or, smile and behave kindly when in your company yet actually feel and think differently about you to themself. 

I have always been a person who is upfront and far from a phony, one to speak the unhesitant truth to someone directly within their presence. There is also a time to incorporate diplomacy. We do not always have to be so blunt-those of us who are honest and straightforward- some things are better left unsaid depending on the situation or circumstance. 

However, it is wise to not continue on dealing with individuals who your inner spirit gives you specific warnings about and who you do not trust. 

This world is full of deceitful people, jealous, people, malicious people, shady people and more. There are so many people that we cannot trust and, I was never one to easily put my faith in just anyone. While, of course, we have a society where very trustworthy people exist, they are not too common to find compared to the majority.  

One source who we all can definitely trust and depend on is our father in heaven. He looks out for those of us when we are in danger and keeps us alert about people that are not good or suitable for us to associate with. The wonderful gift of discernment has consistently been a lifesaver to me all throughout my life. 

I do not care if it is a family member, a pastor or anyone in a position of authority or supposedly looked at in high regard the Lord will let us know who has our best interest and who does not and we should take heed to the distinct messages when we receive them. 

Never trust anyone over God. Listen to his word and communicate with him and seek further understanding for his steady guidance within all things. 

The Lord will not fail in coming through to protect, comfort and provide. He accurately interprets and deciphers our character, personality, and state of being when others are unable to. No one has the capacity to comprehend us and our affairs the way our father in heaven does. 

People may lie, pretend, judge, try to manipulate, disappoint, cause trouble, and a tun of other unsavory things but it is God who runs the show. He knows, sees and hears all.  

All that we need to do is to go to him for the truth, go to him for authenticity, go to him for fairness and justification, go to him for integrity, go to him for satisfaction and delight, go to him for peace, and for everything else that is bountiful in nobility. 

We are completely safe and secure in his mighty and powerful hands. Praise the Lord for keeping us close, favored, and extremely loved within his merciful arms. Amen! 

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. -Psalms 31:14-15

Call On The Lord!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

God is always available. He is ready, willing and able to help at all times. He waits to hear our voice, whether we are eager or hesitant. He wants us to call out to him within anticipation and without doubt.

There is no situation or circumstance that God cannot handle or resolve. He does extraordinary work behind the scenes preparing everything together for our benefit.

No matter how difficult or tragic life may appear God is right there sharing in each moment. He remains close beside us and deep within us.

As children of God, we are his forever and he will never leave us or let us go- that is an absolute promise a reassurance to count on!

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 43:10

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 43:13

So Grateful And Thankful

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. -Ephesians 1:4‭-‬6

To me, the little things are what count. These so-called little things are actually big things in my life.

I am thankful for so many things the Lord has given to me, blessings that far passed what I expected just to bring me comfort and joy, and to make my life a little easier within the struggle.

The two major things which I consider huge I am most grateful and thankful for is how God provided me with a beautiful, wonderful mother and dog who enriched and enhanced my life experience as I grew and further matured. I have such fond memories.

I am grateful and thankful that I have a sound mind, a roof over my head, water to wash up in, food to eat, and so on.

What tops it all, is that I have a close intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has occupied my spirit, and who has been with me all of my life right up to the moment when I first accepted him as preteen.

I am so grateful and thankful that God chose me to be one of his adopted children before the foundation of the world was created.

For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?” No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. -Romans 9:17-23

True Identity And Self-Worth

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalms 84:11

I was loved immensely by my mother and I had an overwhelming sense of divine providence around me that contributed to the beneficial state of my wellbeing. 

I never cared if others liked, loved, or respected me because how others treated or felt about me whether good or bad had no actual relevance to my true value and worth. My self-esteem did not come from how anyone defined me, it never did, and it never will! 

I had a favor on my life that I noticed and that was noticed by certain others. This is where my value and worth originated. Within the power of the highest who adores, nurtures, and provides me with every essential need for growth and eternal sustainability. 

God loved and cared for me during times when I wasn’t even sure or aware of his absolute concern for me. Yes, I went through a period of doubt as I believed the Lord was against me and out to get me through the misinterpretation that I had of him from going through hardships at a very early age. 

While I thought God was cruel and barbaric and depended upon and gave praise and honor to other spiritual “notions” within the “universe” who seem to have kept me safe, assured, and supported it was indeed the Lord all along there by my side who shined his wonderful light where I could not see. 

What a great, faithful, loving and merciful father we have dwelling up within the heavens. He truly is exceptional. And, I am exceptionally secure and confident within myself through his blessings. I am most humbled and grateful by this supernatural experience. 

Thank you, my Lord. I love you Jesus! 

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. -Luke 12:6-7

Can You Trust Your Husband?

My mother told me a story years ago about an article she had read in a Watchtower magazine left behind by a Jehovah’s witness. 

In the story, there was a woman who remained a virgin until marriage. She eventually conceived her very first child, and everything turned out okay. 

The woman then sometime later gave birth to her second child, and everything was okay. 

After the woman delivered a third baby throughout the marriage, she discovered that she was infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. 

Her husband had given her this life-threatening deadly disease from either being unfaithful during their union or from carrying it all along until finally it manifested unto his wife, or both. 

But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. -Proverbs 6:32

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. -Hebrews 13:4

The View Of Different Sins

All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. -1 John 5:17-19

Many of us have a view of sin that does not align up with God’s view of sin. We separate sin to degree when all sin is forbidden, intolerable and detestable to the Lord. 

Most of us would not consider telling what we may define as a little white lie within the same category as to kill or murder someone. 

It is fair to suggest that a little white lie is far less terrible than to commit a murder. Yet, little lies can turn into big lies and, lies in general can get people killed depending on what is said and what is believed. 

Nevertheless, telling someone you like their cooked meal or outfit when you really do not, does not at all equal up to the severity of taking another person’s life or raping someone, and so on. 

It is better not to comment at all in a situation if possible or to just be honest within a polite way when you disagree with something or are not interested. This form of action would keep God happy! 

Of course, we as imperfect humans are going to sometimes sin. All sin leads to hell. We must constantly pray, repent, and ask God for his forgiveness, assistance and intervention.

If it was not for Jesus Christ everyone would be in severe trouble!

The Light Of The Lord

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9

Isn’t it wonderful to shine in the light of the Lord?

The light of the Lord that shines upon one is distinct. There is nothing to compare it to, and nothing will compare to the radiance that it brings or gives.

When we bask in the glow of God’s divine love and teachings, we experience an exhilaration only his spirit can emit.

Self-control, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, forbearance, peace, joy and love is what makes the light shine bright when it reflects though us in representation of our Lord Jesus.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Out In The Open

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? -Romans 11:33-34

I never understood the idea or concept of those who sought to keep their thoughts and actions hidden from God.

No matter what perception we had of God- the loving, merciful one or the angry, vengeful one- I was never disappointed in the fact the he was aware of our every thought, feeling, and action.

If anything, I was glad about this advantage of his. An advantage that some of us even share of touch of within certain spiritual gifts that God anoints some of us with.

As sovereign, we as a people need one who knows all and sees all, especially living among a fallen world where people tend to judge by what is on the outside as well as by only what they sometimes want to see.

Our God sees the absolute truth inside each and every one of us. He knows our true motives and what lies within our hearts.

Unlike others who jump to conclusions without gathering up all or enough information, who form an opinion prematurely based on a false perception, and who take out of context what is not comprehended, God already holds the full spectrum accurately and ultimately on point. He knows us far better than we know ourselves and we need a ruler just as himself to make things right.

If all was left to mankind on their own to decide the final word, we’d all be in trouble- worse trouble than what the world is in now.

So for those in particular who are concerned about what God knows about their sin, instead of looking to hide look to admit and to repent and learn to appreciate that we have a God that looks to forgive.

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. -1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Refresh

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

Begin the new year off right. Invite the Lord, God into your life. Then put and keep him first in everything you do.

Life will not be free of problems but the circumstances will be less complicated and they will run smooth while your heavenly father leads the way.

God knows what is best for us he knows what we need, he knows what to provide, and he knows what is ahead.

God is utterly in control of all our situations.

Have hope, keep the faith, and call on God daily all throughout the day by developing a close personal relationship with him.

Share any concerns you may have with the Lord. Consult with him on your ideas. Ask him for guidance, direction and instruction on how to comply with his will in your life.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. -Psalms 55:22

Strong In God’s Spirit

There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. -Luke 2:40

God is essential to our overall health and wellness. He genuinely does give us a peace and a joy in the midst of good or bad times- I can definitely attest to this fact. In my case, the difficulty and trouble did not affect or touch me at all during past situations.

I was content in what may have seemed like a misfortune or struggle to some and to those who were responsible for trying to sabotage my life back then.

People of the world are not capable of understanding the power and authority of the spirit. If you were to give your allegiance to the world, they would love and welcome you as one of their own. But because you won’t align yourself with the values of this world, they will hate you. I have chosen you and taken you out of the world to be mine. -John 15:19

I have been very spiritually inclined since my youth and am in tune with my spiritual gifts of wisdom and discernment.

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. “See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. -Isaiah 41:10-12

The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. -Psalms 121:7-8

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. -Isaiah 43:2

Rest In The Lord

The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalms 9:9-10

Yes, we live in an unpredictable world. A problem or tragedy can hit at any time.

It is tiring and unhealthy to constantly panic about events that are entirely out of our control. Anxiety will drive one to become restless and stress will cause one to suffer ill health.

Just give it to God and let him handle whatever it is that is going on in your life whether good or bad.

Isn’t it so much better to sit back, relax, and totally allow the Lord to steer your ship?

We sail with comfort to enjoy a much better ride than if we ourselves were the ones in charge to operate. Not only is God our ultimate guide but he is the one source that is able to provide definite stability and confidence within any uncertain situation.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19

True Christian Behavior

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” 2 Timothy 2:19

But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:8-10

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:11-12

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When we become saved (a born again Christian) God’s holy spirit comes to literally dwell within us. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself -1 Corinthians 6:19

The spirit is our helper and comforter.

Not only does God endow us with supernatural abilities (spiritual gifts) he divinely enables us to become holy by gradually perfecting/changing us in Jesus Christ’s image.

We will never be flawless within our fleshly bodies in this fallen world and we will at times sin, however, our sin will be less and it won’t be constant or intentional.

During those periods we may suddenly or accidentally slip up, we acknowledge our error to God and receive his forgiveness. Always requesting in him that he aid us to improve.

No one sincere takes the Lord’s grace and mercy for granted, knowing that he blessed us within this way should encourage us to look forward with appreciation and motivation to cooperate.

The true Christian does not practice sin as a way of life. The way of life puts sin out of practice.

Anyone who claims to be living in the spirit yet does worldly things routinely is not a legitimate follower who surrendered to Christ. When embraced by the holy spirit, everything starts to change- desires, thoughts, personality and foundation. One’s entire manner of being has become refashioned. God’s essence brings a purity to the presence.

I knew a man years ago when I was a young child, I think I was around ten or eleven (around that time I had accepted Jesus). He was an associate of my family. He used to treat me funny until one day he came to my home and witnessed me reading my bible. I don’t know what his problem was, I was just a kid.

Anyway, this married man called himself a person of God and of the church but would come over to my house asking if he could use our VCR (this was back in the 1980’s) to watch porn tapes he had brought over. He also pinched one of my mother’s friends on her derriere at the staircase.

Now my point is also that he acted negative toward me for a while and I hadn’t done anything to him but it was alright for him to fulfill his lustful desires apart from his wife. Typical judgmental so called/false Christian behavior.

This is why so many professing Christians/followers of Christ leave a bad taste in other people’s mouths and bad impressions of what true Christians are and represent.

It used to be said that the worse kinds of people are the ones in the church. Whether some deserved that reputation or not depending on opinion the main focus of everything is to get it together with God because only he can make things right for everyone.

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My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. -1 John 2:1-6


Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. -Colossians 1:27-29

Too Sullied To Be Saved?

From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. –Psalms 130:1-5

There are people who believe that they have done far too many terrible things in life for God to forgive and save them.

Out of extreme shame, guilt and sorrow over their mistakes these people conclude God would never sympathize or accept them.

The taunting and haunting residue from past or present deeds, inspire them to feel doomed. They imagine the worse possible outcome and are left to feel unworthy to come to God as they expect nothing but his severe wrath and punishment.

Many of these people beat themselves up over and over again struck by memory after memory then tortured by fear and a sense of being lost with no kind of hope.

However, God/Jesus wants to erase those bad reflections. He wants to stop that self-abuse. He wants to heal that pain. He wants to exchange wrath and punishment for grace and mercy. He wants to offer a wonderful end result. He wants to replace mental anguish with peace. He wants to pour out his love. He wants to recruit into his family. He wants to cleanse and purify to make a new. He wants to eradicate false belief- so that true belief is in him.

There is no greater example than of the story of Saul/Paul in the bible. He was “a chief of sin” yet overcame by the favor and power of the Lord.

In Paul’s wicked days he persecuted and murdered Christians but God had an incredible conversion ahead for this man who became one of the most beloved disciples of Jesus Christ. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. -1 Timothy 1:16

You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. –Galatians 1:13-16

No matter what you’ve done if you honestly know and admit that you are a sinner who needs deliverance, believe that Jesus is God, believe that he came to die in place of you to save you from your sins, believe he was buried in a tomb and was resurrected three days later, and approach the Lord Jesus with true remorse and sincere repentance then surrender your life to him you will have salvation.

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” -Mark 1:14-15

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. –Romans 3:21-31

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. –Ephesians 1:3-8

God Speaks

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. -1 Corinthians 13:11

I remember during my twenties I was very strong in prayer and talking to God, and getting feedback from the Lord.

Although he stays the same within his character situations do incline to change depending on our behavior, growth, trial, outlook, and so on. Many factors can play a role in our relationship with God.

I’ve noticed through various stages of my life from childhood to adulthood the different ways I’d feel the Lord’s presence and recognized his footprints making an impact.

He was always there but incorporated his provision in a wide range of demonstration according to how I progressed, and spiritually matured.

For example, when a baby is weaned off the bottle and can begin to eat solid food, they soon learn to balance drink with a cup and thoroughly chew with their teeth. The baby is starting to develop into a state where the parent doesn’t have to feed them as an infant need to be fed anymore.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. -1 Peter 2:2-3

The child is becoming capable of feeding themself with the nurturing beforehand of the parent and the maturing of the body.

Eventually the child will walk on its own, talk, use the toilet on its own and then start school. So, the child will still need their parent’s guidance and supervision, however, the parent no longer has to carry the child in the way they did before.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. -Colossians 2:7

Once we get to the levels where we need to be there are higher steps in experiencing the way God can and does work in our lives. He deals with us at our own pace he meets us where we’re at he knows if we are ready or not to move forward in certain areas and how we’ll be responsive.

Our experiences teach us, strengthen us, and enable us to deepen our relationship with the Lord if we allow our hearts to be directed through him.

Even when we don’t willingly desire to go through the bad times (and who does) he brings us out of our circumstances as better people. We then notice and hear his voice in an array of discerning ways.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. –Philippians 1:6

God’s Healing Touch

O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! Jeremiah 17:14

In 1984, my grandmother had a stroke. She remained in coma for three months and some presumed that she would eventually die.

A few associates of my mother’s told her to take me up to the hospital to see my grandmother, that maybe my presence could wake her up somehow, I guess.

One day my mother did take me to the hospital to visit my grandmother and I touched her hand and held it, and my grandmother awakened after three months of being in a comatose state.

Now I know that I myself didn’t have any power to actually bring my grandmother back to consciousness, but I know that God did because he wasn’t ready for my grandmother to have left the earth yet.

But I believe he may have intervened through my touch as he divinely works through who he chooses.

I was a child back then so maybe God had his reasons I don’t know and cannot say for sure why the incident transpired the way it did. I thought it was a beautiful moment, though.

It may have been a little faith on my part too for the Lord to wake my grandma up, it was so long ago I do not remember if I prayed for her or not but I do think I remember anticipating and believing she could wake up because others were encouraging my visit to her.

My grandmother recovered quite well and made very good improvements a while afterwards when she returned home.

I recall some women came to my grandmother to pray over her and to aid her in accepting Jesus as her Lord and savior.

She wasn’t one hundred percent capacitated as one side of her body was permanently paralyzed.

However, she was in her right mind, she was able to cook for herself, dress herself, wheel herself around the house, and she was able to verbally communicate with us (her family and others).

She just had a slight memory impairment as she knew what she wanted to say yet couldn’t get out some of her words but we articulated what she wanted to convey.

My grandmother lived another twenty years after the onset of her stroke, she probably would have lived longer if she hadn’t later on developed lung cancer from continuing to smoke.

Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. -Luke 6:19

A God Of Mercy And Compassion

 

Are you in a dark or difficult place right now? Do you question whether God really loves you and find it hard to believe that he actually does?

Have you ever said to yourself or thought, “If God cared about me, he wouldn’t have allowed me to come into this world and be put through all kinds of unsavory experiences?

If so, you are not alone. Many people feel this way and have felt this way. Take heart, there is indeed a God up there in the heavens who is also all around us as well as inside of us- those of us who are his children (who he gave the right to become sons and daughters –john 1:12)- who loves us dearly.

Psalms 103:8-19 says,  The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.