Feelings or Faith

Is it possible you’re right where you’re supposed to be? Perhaps a detour occurred in your life or maybe a health scare, or someone has decided to break off relationship, trust God.

The hardest thing is to rest and know that His plans are greater than yours. Maybe a detour or a change in position is actually a tremendous blessing for the future.

Though our feelings come and go, [God’s] love for us does not.
—C. S. Lewis

So many scriptures support this quote by CS Lewis, feelings are a distraction at times. Here are a few powerful truths from the Bible.

Psalm 136:1-3 MSG
Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits.

Psalm 136:23-26 MSG
God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!

1 John 4 is an amazing reminder of the love of God. Love is the most important commandment in the Bible and yet is the hardest to give to others. Take time to slowly read through this chapter in the message version it’s full of the wisdom.

1 John 4:4-19 MSG
My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. [7-10] My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. [11-12] My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

God loves us so much, detours can be an opportunity to grow deeper in love with Him. Detours may be protection from future problems or to redirect our steps to better relationships.

By the Holy Spirit and the giver of life, our Creator God, we can stay on the path that was always our life purpose. Trust Him!!

13-16] This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. [17-18] God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. [19] We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

I know from experience it’s hard sometimes to let God lead, fear likes to provide obstacles to the beautiful mountain top experience that God wants for us. Fear is a liar, faith in God is the answer and truth.

Today, if you’re struggling to understand, break up in relationships, the career path, the health scare, whatever it may be, ask yourself this question, “God, help me to understand what you are trying to teach me, but more important help me to trust you? Show me the path you want me to take and thank you for giving me the comfort of unconditional love as I seek You for all things in Jesus mighty name amen.”

“Hand of God” is a new song by Todd Galberth (featuring Chandler Moore), it is rich in lyrics that declare we serve a God of love and He has the best plans as He molds our future.

https://youtu.be/LpgAy9M2OcY?si=i_niujJf7oJv0fUT

Psalm 37:23-24,29-31 TPT
When YAHWEH delights in how you live your life, he establishes your every step. [24] If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands. [29] The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth and enjoy every promise of God’s care, dwelling in peace forever. [30] God-lovers make the best counselors. Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy. [31] The ways of God are in their hearts and they won’t swerve from the paths of steadfast righteousness.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp

Never Alone

As I was driving in town today, I saw on the bumper of a raised Ford F250 pickup truck, “you are never alone”. I found it a powerful message of hope in the midst of challenging times.

I was reminded of the powerful Word of God that cuts through every possible human condition. No matter our circumstances God has a Word for it. In our joyful times, we can remember God is with us celebrating our lives.

Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Jesus described in John 16, why He had to die for our sins, He willingly took on our sins so the Holy Spirit ( Spirit of truth) could come and dwell within us as our helper. It took me a long time to understand the 3 parts of God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit. Each character has purpose for our relationship with Him.

John 16:7-8,13-15,33 NLT
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. [8] And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. [14] He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ [33] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

When life gets tough, the devil wants us to become isolated and feel the depth of despair, however, our God gave us His Holy Spirit to live inside as His advocate and gift.

Our Father God knows our life from conception, He is our guide when we let Him direct our lives moment to moment. Did you know you are created in His image? Let me remind you, you are wonderfully made!!! Read Psalm 139 aloud place your name where it applies!!

Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Whether the day brings beautiful sunrises, cloudy days, or the coolness of fall, we get to see the hand of God in His creation and remember He created each of us with beautiful potential.

We must actively participate in our relationship with Jesus. We must awaken to His unconditional love. We must break through the dark thoughts with His promises and crush the dark attempts of the enemy and declare a loud the power of God overcomes all things.

Picture yourself holding the hand of your Creator God, He knows all about your challenges, joys, life choices. He awaits your action steps. Reach out your hand, close your eyes and feel His Presence.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Nothing in this world will ever satisfy the Jesus shaped hole in each of us. Fill that hole with time spent in stillness with God. Put down social media or any other distractions, open the Bible, let His Word illuminate His truth. Consider writing any of the scriptures in this post that resonate with you on a post it note and stick it on your mirror, car visor, wherever it can encourage your day.

Psalm 37:34,39-40 NLT
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. [39] The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. [40] The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Praise God especially if you are feeling alone, it will lighten your load and bring His Presence to the atmosphere. You are never alone!!!

Psalm 67:1-7 AMP
God be gracious and kind-hearted to us and bless us, And make His face shine [with favor] on us— Selah. [2] That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation and deliverance among all nations. [3] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [4] Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, For You will judge the people fairly And guide the nations on earth. Selah. [5] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [6] The earth has yielded its harvest [as evidence of His approval]; God, our God, blesses us. [7] God blesses us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].

Majestic Sunset

To my blog readers: normally I break up a scripture and give pause to the information found within the rich word of God. Except today, I feel it’s important for us to read this scripture slowly, so you can digest the wisdom found in it. The encouragement of God and with current events is so important to remember the power of God. I know many, who are struggling with loneliness, depression, challenges in life, including at times myself at times; but God is with you.

Again, Read His truth slowly, it is the Passion translation of Psalm 107, may you find encouragement for your soul. His Word never returns to us without impact.

“Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord! Here’s why—he’s better than anyone could ever imagine. Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends. So, go ahead—let everyone know it! Tell the world how he broke through and delivered you from the power of darkness and has gathered us together from all over the world. He has set us free to be his very own! Some of us once wandered in the wilderness like desert nomads, with no true direction or dwelling place. Starving, thirsting, staggering, we became desperate and filled with despair. Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! He led us out by the right way until we reached a suitable city to dwell in. So lift your hands and thank God for his marvelous kindness and for all his miracles of mercy for those he loves. How he satisfies the souls of thirsty ones and fills the hungry with goodness! Some of us once sat in darkness, living in the dark shadows of death. We were prisoners to our pain, chained to our regrets. For we rebelled against God’s Word and rejected the wise counsel of God Most High. So he humbled us through our circumstances, watching us as we stumbled, with no one there to pick us back up. Our own pain became our punishment. Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! His light broke through the darkness and he led us out in freedom from death’s dark shadow and snapped every one of our chains. So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves! For he smashed through heavy prison doors and shattered the steel bars that held us back, just to set us free! Some of us were such fools, bringing on ourselves sorrow and suffering all because of our sins. Sick and feeble, unable to stand the sight of food, we drew near to the gates of death. Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves! Bring your praise as an offering and your thanks as a sacrifice as you sing your story of miracles with a joyful song. Some of us set sail upon the sea to faraway ports, transporting our goods from ship to shore. We were witnesses of God’s power out in the ocean deep; we saw breathtaking wonders upon the high seas. When God spoke he stirred up a storm, lifting high the waves with hurricane winds. Ships were tossed by the swelling sea, rising to the sky, then dropping down to the depths, reeling like drunkards, spinning like tops, everyone at their wits’ end until even sailors despaired of life, cringing in terror. Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God stilled the storm, calmed the waves, and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper. We were so relieved, so glad as he guided us safely to harbor in a quiet haven. So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves! Let’s exalt him on high and lift up our praises in public; let all the people and the leaders of the nation know how great and wonderful is Yahweh, our God! Whenever he chooses he can dry up a river and turn the land into a desert. Or he can take a fruitful land and make it into a saltwater swamp, all because of the wickedness of those who dwell there. But he also can turn a barren wilderness into an oasis with water! He can make springs flow into desert lands and turn them into fertile valleys so that cities spring up, and he gives it all to those who are hungry. They can plant their fields and vineyards there and reap a bumper crop and gather a fruitful harvest. God will bless them and cause them to multiply and prosper. But others will become poor, humbled because of their oppression, tyranny, and sorrows. For God pours contempt upon their arrogant abuse of power, heaping scorn upon their princes, and makes them wander among ruins. But he raises up the poor and lowly with his favor, giving them a safe place to live where no one can touch them. God will grant them a large family and bless them! The lovers of God will rejoice when they see this. Good men are glad when the evil ones are silenced. If you are truly wise, you’ll learn from what I’ve told you. It’s time for you to consider these profound lessons of God’s great love and mercy!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬-‭43‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Can you relate to any portions of Psalm 107? So many rich messages to consume and give instruction along with direction.

Our God is an awesome God! We need to seek Him over everything else in this world. His supernatural protection and peace is our reward. God has miracles of mercy for those he loves isn’t that amazing? But he wants a relationship with you. That’s your choice to reach out to God and let him change your life.

My pastor, Aaron Lucas, Citipointe, yesterday shared we are to be the salt of the Earth. However we need to allow the Holy Spirit to pour His anointing oil and call over us so we are equipped to act on Jesus behalf as His examples. We need to ask Him for guidance daily sometimes moment to moment. We need a constant supply of His power and authority.

As I jotted down notes from the sermon this was the main point: “Be a salty saint and lit Christian!Glorify Your Father in heaven! Be used by God! Your good thing benefits others bringing His love to others, along His hope and peace to others!”

Stay salty not arrogant! Stay in His Word not assume you have the answers! Stay humble and be willing to learn after occasional convictions by the Holy Spirt! Stay open to share His love! There will be a great reward when you stay connected to the One and only God!

We will reap a glorious harvest if we don’t give up, God is our only source of hope, peace, and future.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Photo credit by M Mesikapp

He knows

God hears:

Psalm 116:2 (nlt): “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

This is a beautiful picture of how the Lord bends down to listen when we talk. 💜

God knows:

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
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God blesses but does not tempt us:

James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.”
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God is love and trustworthy:

1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.”
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God gave us all:

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭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.”
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God gave us free will to choose Him over anything in this world. If you haven’t chosen Him yet now is the time. He extends His nail scarred hand to each one of His children. Regardless of what you may have done, and when we repent for the sins when we have fallen short, when we ask in humility He forgives our sins. What an amazing love for all of us.

Everyday is a new day full of hope and promise. God opposes the proud but is graceful to the humble.

John 4:6-10 “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”

God is good and faithful always.

Consider what Jesus did for us in humility? His Name is the Name above all names! Jesus!!

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We can’t walk in humility on our own, we need the help of Jesus to have the mind of Christ. Our transformed mind with Him leads to freedom and a greater life of love, grace, peace and destiny.

Photo credit by pexels.com

Seeing past obstacles

We have all been in the place where we wonder what will happen in the future, be it personally, for family members, or in life.

Many nights I may be awake until the early morning hours. I am realizing the stillness of the night or early morning hours is a great time for me to remember God doesn’t sleep.

He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows all things present, past and future. We plant seeds of faith as parents, siblings, friends, with strangers regarding Jesus but the Holy Spirit waters them.

I am becoming less frustrated when awake at 2a, instead realizing this is a gift from God. I am more open to listening to His instructions. Can you relate?

His word is rich with a peace, giving encouragement that we need. Sometimes during the day too many distractions caused us not to hear his voice.

I don’t want my actions to be an obstacle to faith in God, personally or for those in our sphere of influence.

Romans 4:17 AMP
(as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

Just as Abraham was likely overwhelmed at times, his faith was tested and God brought life.

Yes, God gives life, and wisdom, believing this premise when we don’t see the end result brings our faith to another level. We aren’t ignoring the complicated circumstances we’re just allowing God to be the one to direct our steps and laying the circumstance at feet of Jesus.

We are all works in progress; I don’t want to be an obstacle to someone else’s amazing experience with Jesus who loves them more than I do.

“Faith recognizes the problem, the presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of the problem and declaring his truth and promises have a greater answer…. Authentic faith does not deny the obstacle but believes God is greater than the obstacle.” Roman’s 4:17 insight from the New Spirit Filled Bible

I am a recovering people pleaser, some call that codependency, it’s an obstacle for me at times. However, the more I spend time with God the more I realize I seek to please Him over others.

So let go and let God, trust Him even as you may be shaking in your boots, bit by bit you will grow your faith in Him over man. Bit by bit you will feel greater peace that passes human understanding.

Abraham chose to believe God would allow him to be a father at 100 years old, even though it seemed impossible. As a result of his trust in the power of God and His promises, he was not disappointed.

Romans 4:20-21 AMP
But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, [21] being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

One step at a time we must trust God too! It will be worth it! God never sleeps! He wants you to have a clear path to freedom with Him and into the future. He wants to bless generations of your family. Glory to God!

Photo credit by pexels.com

Step by step with Him

Bring home Your children Lord!

Heal the brokenhearted Father God!

Gather the outcasts Lord!

These are just a few of the sentences in Psalm 147 that hit my heart and soul today.

I have used italics to highlight this specific scripture that brought hope and peace to me today.

Declare the words intertwined with the scripture in this blog. The word of God is a living, active spiritual weapon of warfare. Use it and know that God is with you.

“Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God, for praise makes you lovely before him and brings him great delight! Yahweh builds up Jerusalem; he gathers up the outcasts and brings them home. He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.

You know the stars by name Lord, just as you know each of us by name.

You are infinite and You are all knowing God!

He sets his stars in place, calling them all by their names. How great is our God! There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish, and he has infinite understanding of everything.

You, Lord, support and strengthen the humble. The ungodly will be brought down. Give us boldness to take each step.

Yahweh supports and strengthens the humble, but the ungodly will be brought down to the dust. Sing out with songs of thanksgiving to the Lord! Let’s sing our praises with melodies overflowing! He fills the sky with clouds, sending showers to water the earth so that the grass springs up on the mountain fields and the earth produces food for man. All the birds and beasts who cry with hunger to him are fed from his hands.

Our strength comes from You Lord, when we believe in you and Your Promises.

His people don’t find security in strong horses, for horsepower is nothing to him. Manpower is even less impressive! Yahweh shows favor to those who fear him, those who wait for his tender embrace. Jerusalem, praise the Lord! Zion, worship your God! For he has strengthened the authority of your gates.

You are the giver of peace, You send swift messengers to help on our behalf.

He even blesses you with more children. He’s the one who brings peace to your borders, feeding you the most excellent of fare. He sends out his orders throughout the world; his words run as swift messengers, bringing them to pass. He blankets the earth with glistening snow, painting the landscape with frost. Sleet and hail fall from the sky, causing waters to freeze before winter’s icy blast.

You paint the landscape with frost and beauty as You do for each of us, created in Your image.

Then he speaks his word and it all melts away; as the warm spring winds blow, the streams begin to flow.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

With Your Word there is peace despite our circumstance, YOU Lord are faithful!

We need to pray for our families, communities and the world. There is no other place of mighty intercession and the strength of our Creator God than on our knees. Let us pay attention to the plank in our own eye, and give the offenses to God! We all need to repent of our human nature in unforgiveness. We must love God and love others.

Iveth Luna has an amazing supportive song, Just like Jesus! For some reason I am unable to post it here, look it up online. It was not a coincidence that it came upon my playlist.

Ladies and gentleman, take the Word of God and be bold in claiming its Powerful message. Go with God into each step. He is with you.

Father God, we praise you regardless of our circumstances. we want you to be just like Jesus. Sing to the One who made you.

Photo credit Mary Mesikapp

Mighty Army

His goodness is at hand, do not become weary, He will provide, we are His daughters ( from the Complete Jewish Bible).

No matter what it looks like with our eyes, God is faithful! And this scripture, Psalm 68:10-12 was such a blessing to me today.

Between the hurricanes of North Carolina, and the fires of California, distractions, a bound of earthly tragedy.

Our hope must come from God alone. No matter what our eyes may see, I am a daughter of the King and so are you. Or perhaps you are a son of the King. The king is Jesus!

James 5:16 NLT
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

So pray for our nation, and for those who are in the midst of tragedy. In this world, we have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world, and it gives us the ability to rise above any tragedy when we are His child and walking as His children.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

God sees you!

El Roi is the Hebrew name for “the God who sees me.” It is found in the story of Hagar (Genesis 16). There are days when we feel unseen, passed by, invisible. It can be as a result of our timid nature, a struggle of confidence, circumstances done to us or as a result of our own choices.

Hagar was in the unfortunate position of servant to Abraham. Abraham and his wife Sarai wanted a child and were blessed by God to have a son. They were impatient in their old age and decided to have Hagar surrogate their son. Then Sarai was sad because she was not the mom. So Hagar and her son were not treated the best. Hagar took her son Ischmael into the desert to run away. There in the desert she called out to God and God came. What an encounter, the well (place) was named, ” God sees me”.

God sees you. He knew you from the moment of conception. He knew what you would look like, He orchestrated steps, He will be the still soft whisper in your ears, He will be the Shepherd to us, His sheep.

Psalm 119:18 NLT Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

God sees you. He knows everything about you, your mistakes, your laughter, your times of despair, your times of triumph. He wants to be in relationship with you.

Psalm 139:23 NLT Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

God sees you. He awaits your voice. He waits for you to reach out to him, He wants you to choose. He wants to spend time sharing wisdom as He did with Hagar. He knows the voice of each of His sheep.

We have one goat, when I hear her loud voice, I know it is her speaking. There are other goats in our neighborhood. These fainting goats have a higher pitched sound. I can tell the difference. If our goat, Loute (her name is German for Loud), makes her voice known, I answer her concerns by checking in on her needs. Usually, her concerns are an alert to let me know her best friend, Opie the horse has escaped his corral.

God sees you!! Call out to Him. Tell Him your concerns. Listen for the Shepherd. He will give wisdom.

Pray this scripture below, Ephesians 1:4-11 placing your name inside it, such as “ Even before He made the world, God loved me ( )He chose me ( )in Christ… God decided to adopt me…etc.” Complete the scripture aloud. He wants to hear your voice.

Ephesians 1:4-11 NLT Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. [5] 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. [6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. [7] He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. [8] He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [9] God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ-which is to fulfill his own good plan. [10] And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-everything in heaven and on earth. [11] Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

God sees you! He is good. Reach out to Him! It is worth the risk.

The Wisdom of His Word

When we look at world, national or even our personal family events we can become overwhelmed, and feel like giving up. God is calling us into relationship with Him ( Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) there is no other place we can go.

There is no greater peace than gaining the knowledge of God through His Word, the Bible and a relationship with Jesus. When we are walking with our Creator God, He saves us from eternal death and brings us into the kingdom of God and His Light.

No matter what goes on in the world, our nation, our community, Jesus wants to help us carry our burdens.

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Trials can cause you to doubt God, but you must run to Him anyway, He is the place of wisdom from the beginning of time into the future.

1 Peter 5:6-9 NLT
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. [7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. [9] Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

Jesus wants us to seek Him and a supernatural peace can be our reward. When we walk and talk with our Savior, He gives us the capacity to be strong and courageous.

Hebrews 10:35-39 NLT
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! [36] Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. [37] “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. [38] And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” [39] But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

By the way, all people can have a new life in Him, there is no person better than another, we are all His children. He created each of us in His image for a purpose. His hand extends as a shepherd to His sheep. Our mistakes do not disqualify, our humble repentance and seeking forgiveness can bring us to His feet and we can be renewed in Him.

Psalm 95:3-7 NLT
For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. [4] He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. [5] The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. [6] Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, [7] for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

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.”

If you have prayed the sinners prayer, Welcome to the family of God!

Next, Open your Bible, start reading in James. It is written by Jesus half brother and there are many relevant principals to put into practice right away. If you don’t have a Bible access one through the Youversion Bible app on your phone.

This is a sample of James 1. Make steps today to be led by the Word of God, it is life changing.

James 1:2-8,12 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Powerful scripture to memorize in trusting God:

Colossians 2:2-3 NLT
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. [3] In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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.