Gratitude: Look at Nature

Nature has always fascinated me. Ever since I was a child, watching worms dig out of the mud or having a ladybug land on my arm, as I was pulling weeds, or even just watching a monarch butterfly land on the butterfly bush in my parents yard.

Fascinated, and in wonder at how God created each one of these insects for a specific purpose. I choose to believe one of the purposes is so that we, as His children could enjoy their beauty.

Even watching a number of black carpenter ants bringing food to their home, or hearing the sound of a honeybee eagerly gathering the nectar from a beautiful flower, brings joy and wonder if we take time to just be still.

When we’re going through complicated times it’s hard to remember to pause and allow ourselves to remember how much God loves us and His wonder is all around. It can give us encouragement for the next step to pause and look at nature.

God created His specific insects, birds, animals, and even us for a specific purpose.

There’s a scripture that reminds me to work hard as though you’re working for the Lord and not man. What a reminder to not worry about what other people are doing, but instead, focus on what God wants you to do.

“Work willingly at whatever you in do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now I may not like spiders that much but they have purpose too. One of their purposes is to take care of flies, which can be pesky.

Working in a chicken coop over the years I have gotten a few spider bites. They may have swelled my arm and caused damage pain, but spiders serve a purpose so they are forgiven.

You may feel unseen or without purpose. Those thoughts are not from God they’re from the other guy, the enemy, the one that wants you to stop living in your life with purpose.

Enjoy the truth of the word of God found in Matthew 6.

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭28‬, ‭30‬-‭31‬, ‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Project of Love, a talented musician, shares music, it can be found on Spotify or even on YouTube, bringing scripture to beautiful melody.

Look at the Birds by Project of Love is a reminder from Matthew 6, God loves His creation whether flowers in a field, birds of the air and even more His children, created in His Image, YOU!!

https://youtu.be/ZSxxvjcDxAI?si=eCNO8TZKx2XDa-Xi

Take time to observe nature it is a gift from our God! Give thanks to Him, He is good!

God loves you live with purpose. There’s a reason why you’re here on this planet so do the work for the Lord.

Today give gratitude to the Lord and be blessed!!

“Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords. His faithful love endures forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭136‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp

Blackbird fly

This morning, as I was letting my senior chocolate Labrador retriever run around the yard, a huge crowd of blackbirds was in my trees. There were so many that even though 2/3 of them flew away, there were still many remaining perched in my tall trees.

These particular black birds are not crows, they are red-winged blackbirds. They sing, are beautiful and graceful in flight. They seem to stay together in huge family units.

Our family (inside / outside) cat Nemo tends to chase them off and loves to try to catch them.

Just as in the animal or bird kingdom, we are no different, there’s always predators and preys in this world.

We must learn to fly above, with God‘s help, the conflict of the world. I share the scripture in Matthew 10, which describes a sparrow, I can easily replace blackbirds in that scripture.

Did you know the Word of God is filled with encouragement? We are to fear God alone. You are worth more than a sparrow or blackbird, He sees you!

Matthew 10:26-33 TPT
“Don’t be afraid or intimidated by others, for God will bring everything out into the open and every secret will be told. [27] What I say to you in the dark, repeat in broad daylight, and what you hear in a whisper, announce it publicly. [28] Don’t be in fear of those who can kill only the body but not your soul. Fear only God, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? [30-31] So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life.. [32] “If you openly and publicly acknowledge me, I will freely and openly acknowledge you before my heavenly Father. [33] But if you publicly deny that you know me, I will also deny you before my heavenly Father.

Let me repeat this truth, each of us is cared for even more than the birds that God created. Your Father God cares about you deeply, even the smallest detail of your life. No matter what may be going on personally or in the world He cares for you isn’t that amazing?

However, in verse 32 and 33 we are reminded that we must openly and publicly acknowledge God, our Heavenly Father ( Jesus) in order to receive the blessings that He already has planned for us.

We must not be afraid because He is the one who saves His children. He is a jealous God, and we must worship and publicly acknowledge Him.

Matthew 10:33 describes the consequence if we put anything in the position that belongs to God alone, He will deny us to the Father.

Use this moment to call out to Jesus, let Him be the only source of truth, and the only God you seek.

It feels as though the conflict between families and communities has escalated, it was prophesied in scripture.

Matthew 10:34-42 TPT
“Perhaps you think I’ve come to spread peace and calm over the earth—but my coming will bring conflict and division, not peace. [35] Because of me, A son will turn against his father, a daughter her mother and against her mother-in-law. [36] Within your own families you will find enemies. [37] “Whoever loves father or mother or son or daughter more than me is not fit to be my disciple. [38] And whoever comes to me must follow in my steps and be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he is not worthy of me. [39] Those who cling to their lives will give up true life. But those who let go of their lives for my sake and surrender it all to me will discover true life! [40] “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the One who sent me. [41] Whoever receives a prophet because he is God’s messenger will share a prophet’s reward. And whoever welcomes a righteous person because he follows me will also share in his reward. [42] And whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of my disciples, I promise you, he will not go unrewarded.”

I used to think that I was supposed to have specific words in order to talk to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit (that’s the 3 parts of the triune God).

Over the course of almost 30 years now I’ve realized my best friend Jesus Christ only wants to hear my heart and be my best friend. I just need to reach out to Him and be honest about what’s going on in my life. We must cling to God and surrender all to Him and discover a true life ( verse 39).

Being humble before our Creator God, and being willing to be taught the only truth that matters, and repenting for any sins that we may have spoken or acted against another human created in the image of God, are key steps in deepening our relationship with Jesus.

Even Thomas one of the disciples who walked with Jesus doubted. But when Jesus came to him, after His death on the cross, Jesus shared the truth.

John 14:1-7 NLT
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

He is the way, the truth, the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.

This is a week of Thanksgiving, it’s a wonderful opportunity to talk to our only best friend that never changes and never leaves, Jesus. He cares about you more than a sparrow or blackbird.

Talk to Jesus today! He loves you!! Allow Him to transform you, and as a result, He will guide you to a transformed life with any life that intersects yours.

Revelation 2:17 TPT
But the one whose heart is open, let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will let him feast on the hidden manna and give him a shining white stone. And written upon the white stone is inscribed his new name, known only to the one who receives it.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp

Sleep Comes when you run to Him

Today I leave you with some amazing scriptures that remind me and you, that sleep and calmness comes when you run to God.

The illusion we are in control of anything is just that an illusion. There’s a God in heaven that loves you so much. That he would leave the 99 sheep and search for the one who may be lost, weary, regretful, or stuck in world culture.

Jesus spoke in parables, to bring understanding of His wisdom. One of my favorites is found in Matthew 18.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.12-14.NLT

Meditate on these scripture examples:

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. 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 ‭121‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Phil Wickham’s new song, “Running to a Runaway”, shares the amazing grace of our God. Play it on repeat as its beautiful lyrics prompt you to run to the Father. Let Him bring blissful sleep as you rest in His arms and be restored as His precious lamb.

For some reason I am unable to post it here. However look it up on Youtube. Be blessed by Your Great Shepherd, the King of Kings, Jesus!!

https://youtu.be/JO37gZtP9CA?si=9ahDwkCQec7eT2Z_

Focus

I’m not sure about you, but I feel like distractions abound lately. It’s almost like a tornado of information and data. Whether it’s social media, current news, events, strife, opposing opinions, politics, etc.. but God wants us to pause. Take a step back from the distractions and fix our eyes on what’s really true.

He is the way the truth in life. He is the way to peace. He’s the way to wisdom. We need His direction. The battle with distraction starts in the mind.

“Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God. My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.”
‭‭Tehillim (Psa)‬ ‭43‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Visualize yourself sitting at the feet, Jesus. His smile lights up His eyes as He extends His hand to you. He wants to be in relationship with you. It’s your choice. He brings joy, peace and hope.

What is your happy place? Your favorite places could be next to a rolling river, listening to the sounds of the wind blowing through the pine trees. Could it be taking a hike in the mountains, the gravel crunching beneath your feet. Or is it sitting on the beach, listening to the waves crash at the shore. Wherever you find peace and can observe His creation is a happy place. For me it can be sitting in the middle of a horse pasture, listening to the neighs and whinny of a happy horse calling to its herd. Those beautiful, happy places reflect the gifts of the only One who can give you rest. God wants you to fix your mind, your soul and your body on Him alone.

He is lovely, He is excellent, He is the King of Kings, He is wisdom, He is waiting for you.

If you already know Jesus as Savior, and have declared Him aloud as Lord of your life. Let Him direct your steps to a great destiny. Filter your day with your eyes, mind and heart on the message of Philippines 4:7.

If you have stepped away from God, it’s time to reconnect, call on Jesus. He knows all the details of your life.

“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies about what he has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what he says! Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true, because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree — the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.”
‭‭Yochanan (Jhn)‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬-‭35‬ ‭CJB‬‬

If you have not called on Jesus and humbled yourself before Him as Savior and Lord. I must say there is no better place to rest in this world than to feel His Presence.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So get caught up in the whirlwind of the breath of God. Breathe Deeply, and receive rest for your soul, and remember where there is peace when we rest in Him.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp and scripture photo by Youversion.

Get the picture!

There are times when I am still with God that I find myself an awe of His creation and also of His power. The Lord led me to the book of Job this morning. Slowly read this particular chapter Job 37 and see the hand of God in His creation.

If you don’t know anything about Job, I’ll give you a quick background. He loved God and he was blessed by God. And then he went through a time of challenges and trials. These trials included: death of family members, friends stepping away from him, his wealth depleted, and yet even though he wrestled with frustration Job still chose to trust God.

We may be going through a time of questioning, and God can still be trusted. I hope this scripture encourages you. Just like God didn’t forget Job, God will not forget you. But you have to walk with Him. You have to walk with your Creator God, the only King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the only God worthy of praise and worship.

Job 37:1-18 NLT
“My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. [2] Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth. [3] It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. [4] Then comes the roaring of the thunder- the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. [5] God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power. [6] “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. [7] Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power. [8] The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens. [9] The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold. [10] God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. [11] He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. [12] The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth. [13] He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love. [14] “Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! [15] Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds? [16] Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill? [17] When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, [18] he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that?

Our God can do anything! He created all things, He loves you with unfailing love, He wants to hear your voice, He wants to guide your life, let Him!!

Let God harvest the fields of your heart, mind and soul! He will pull up the weeds and chaff and bring amazing produce to your life. He is the Creator of all things. He has plans for you. Cry out to Him today. He will hear even your whisper, “ Jesus, I need you!”

Concentrate

What is the definition of Concentrate?

Merriam Websters’ definition: to bring or direct toward a common center or objective : FOCUS!!!

There are too many distractions that pull our focus from what matters most to our future and our God given purpose.

Whether it is the voice of peers, families, culture or social media, the constant drone of voices and opinions can leave a person placing their hands tightly over their ears or over their eyes to block out the lies.

Have you ever felt the overwhelming cacophony of sound? Louder and louder, intense opinions that seem to counter the peace and wisdom of God.

No matter the storms of life, the distractions to our peace can be silenced. Nature and thunderstorms used to scare me, however, I love to see the message of hope in the midst of the storm. The rainbow of God and His covenant of peace from Moses time still holds true for us today.

I found the Message version of Proverbs 4:18-27 relevant for today. It’s truth can bring us back to peace and stability.

Proverbs 4:18-27 MSG
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces. [20-22] Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health. [23-27] Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

As you travel the road of life realize, His message is in plain view. Concentrate on discovering His life giving Words in scripture. They bring more hope and health.

Forget the banter and white lies. Don’t let gossip detour your peace. We must keep a watch on the words we speak; truth over lies, blessing over cursing. Keep your eyes looking forward not at slideshows. Let your steps be directed by Jesus. He has better plans for you.

It is one day at a time holding onto Jesus and His promises!! I am so grateful for new revelations and His grace as I learn a better approach to life.

Philippians 1:6 NLT
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.

Solid Rock

As I took this photograph of the Mt. Baker Mountain range, I was in awe of the majesty found in God and His creation. His goodness and strength is unfathomable. He is the solid rock for our life. All wisdom comes from Him.

Matthew 7:24-29 AMP
“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26] And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. [27] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall.” [28] When Jesus had finished [speaking] these words [on the mountain], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed at His teaching; [29] for He was teaching them as one who had authority [to teach entirely of His own volition], and not as their scribes [who relied on others to confirm their authority].

Seek the guidance of Your Creator God for your steps. The journey may have trials and forks on the trail of life. But you will not walk alone. No other words needed.

God is near! Reach out to Him!

A Lone, Dung ( dumb) Beetle

Who would’ve thought a lonely, dung beetle would be able to share a life lesson with a human.

A friend of mine sent me a video as she was taking her morning walk in a Texas town. She came up on a Dung beetle!! It was struggling to make its way up, an incline, black, tar road of a small highway. Before its’ body was a small ball of horse manure. At times, the ball of manure would roll back on the beetle, then it would use its God created larger front legs to maneuver it forward.

According a video by science.org , the dung beetle is the strongest insect on earth, able to pull 1000 times+ its weight.

What you see in this photo is a ball of brown manure, it didn’t start out looking that way, but this dung beetle had determination. The dung beetle decided to grab a little manure and continue on its way, it rolled the manure on the hot Texas road.

Where was it going and why was it gathering manure from another location to bring it to across the highway?

How does it compare to human life, I don’t know about you, but there are times when I wonder; why do I pick up someone else’s situation; chaotic relationships, conflict or narcissism or whatever it may be my heavy load of life. Why did I decide that I’m supposed to push others situations up the hill? I am like a dung beetle, are you?

God tells us that he gives us enough for this day and we’re not to worry about tomorrow. His word reminds us that he wants us to reach out to him and ask for his help.

Matthew 6:25-26,31-34 NLT
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? [31] “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [34] “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

The Lord God wants us to let Him guide us with whatever it is, we’re pushing up a hill. But do we remember to let Go and let God, especially when we are in our most exhausted place. Sometimes we lean into our God,sometimes we don’t!

We have to let the Lord carry the load. Sometimes it’s hard to love others or understand their ways. God knows about all things. With Gods’ wisdom, you could learn to love your soul mate/ boyfriend/spouse, love your kids, and love your relatives, extended family. But only God can help you carry a load.

I truly believe that if we realize this premise to go to God, first, He truly would provide what He provided for the Dung beetle: the strength and his perfectly created legs(?arms) for the struggle.

In the Bible, Jeremiah was feeling overwhelmed when the Lord called him to a purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5-10 NLT
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” [6] “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [7] The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. [8] And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [9] Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! [10] Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Jeremiah 1:18-19 NLT
For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land- the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. [19] They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Just as God helped Jeremiah, He helps us with our struggles. We need to believe in His promises. Sometimes it takes determination, time and patience, but all things are possible with Him.

Just as a dung beetle is equipped with specific traits and strength so are we. We are created to do great things. He is a good,good Father!!

Nature and Trust in God

Daily, we are assaulted with human reasoning and potential false wisdom. The solar eclipse and earthquakes shake the foundations of peace in our minds. Conversations at the grocery store or in our communities and families may bring more anxiety than peace. But who has the truth we need to hold onto for our moments of fear?

It is not found in any human. It is found in God and a relationship with His Son Jesus and the guidance of the Advocate, Holy Spirit! We must seek wisdom from His Word.

God‘s word is truth, but it never changes. His Word is power and He is the One who created everything that exists in this world. He is truly great and powerful. Everything on heaven and earth belongs to Him, regardless of what happens in the world: whether it’s a solar eclipse, whether it’s earthquakes, God is still over all things and that never changes. He is deserving of all praise.

Psalm 104 is filled with the amazing truths of our Creator God and how He made the heavens and earth. I had to include its scripture. Slowly, meditate on the verses and gain peace in knowing He orchestrated all things. Consider reading it aloud to hear its truths.

Psalm 104:2,5-35 NLT
You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; [5] You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved. [6] You clothed the earth with floods of water, water that covered even the mountains. [7] At your command, the water fled; at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away. [8] Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed. [9] Then you set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth. [10] You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. [11] They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst. [12] The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. [13] You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. [14] You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth- [15] wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength. [16] The trees of the LORD are well cared for- the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. [17] There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses. [18] High in the mountains live the wild goats, and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes. [19] You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. [20] You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about. [21] Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God. [22] At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest. [23] Then people go off to their work, where they labor until evening. [24] O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. [25] Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. [26] See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. [27] They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. [28] When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. [29] But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. [30] When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. [31] May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made! [32] The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. [33] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! [34] May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. [35] Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

All glory to Him who sits on the throne of heaven. We are like a footstool to Him and yet He loves us so much.

We must not be shaken at natural signs and wonders. He who made all things is in control.

Psalm 132:7 AMP
Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

We must remember to choose faith in Him over fear. The enemy would love to unsettle our minds and bring unbelief. We must stand firm in God and His Word. It is a life guiding template for all people.

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

We don’t know what tomorrow may bring to our lives. But we do know our Creator God has all things in the palm of his hand. Seek Him in relationship today! Open your heart, mind and spirit to His wisdom and be changed.

Photo credit by pexels.com

Blinded

Our weather patterns have been so manic lately! One day, the sun shines, the temperature is balmy, the next day, a snow storm ( or what’s lately called polar vortex) takes over the region. Another day, we have found a dense fog that seems to hover for more than just a morning. This dense fog stayed into the evening with scattered areas of fog in the valleys and bright sun in the hilltops.

The other day, as I was driving with a family member. We were struck by the comparison of the weather and our walk with God. It feels as if we are caught in a blind fog of climate and information. We may feel our anxiety raise its ugly head. We may feel short of breath, but we must push through to get to our destination.

Here’s a photo my daughter took for reference:

Driving through a dense fog brings uncertainty as we continue to accelerate to the unknown intersection. The dense fog is not much different than our walk with our God, Yeshua! We must fix our eyes into a future without seeing His physical form. We must trust Him in our steps.

We must have faith in the unknown. There are hazards along the way, our friends and family may express concern for our Jesus freak faith. We may be seen crazy as Noah,who built an ark even though there was no flood yet. We may be ostracized for our willingness to be bold as the Holy Spirit is guiding our words and actions.

John 12:37-41,43-50 NLT
But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. [38] This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?” [39] But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, [40] “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts- so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” [41] Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. [43] For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

Do you want to be caught blinded by the praise of men or the praise of God? Our hardened hearts are a block to our relationship with Jesus.

In John 12, we read further what Jesus said to the crowds. We must choose to follow Him, personally! No one can make this decision for us. Your parents walk with God does not cover you.

John 12: [44] Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. [45] For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. [47] I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. [48] But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. [49] I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. [50] And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

Yeshua ( Jesus) came to save the world. He wants us to choose Him. Don’t reject His message for love and eternal life. He wants us to choose life over death. Open your heart, Open your eyes, cry out to the only One who can save, He loves you!

John 3:16-17 NLT
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”