Grace

Grace is defined as kindness, a few synonyms of grace include majesty, elegance, blessing and favor.

A few days ago, our sweet tabby cat Nemo was playing with ornaments on our Christmas tree. I felt like it was Providence that he chose the shining silver ornament he fixated on with the word, Grace. As Nemo was spinning it around I was thinking about the message of Christmas and the gift of Jesus.

Christmas, gives us an opportunity to realize the love of our Father God, and the grace and mercy that He showed by sending His Son, Jesus, to the earth as a baby to provide a bridge between His children; you and I.

From the beginning of time, God always wanted a relationship with his children, including Adam and Eve. Sadly, however, sin entered the garden with a bite of an apple from the forbidden tree of knowledge. The relationship between Father God and humans, His children, was forever changed.

Thankfully, God made a way to restore our relationship by sending His Son Jesus to earth.

His mother, Mary was a teenager, and Jesus’ adoptive father, a carpenter were given visitations by angels for a God given destiny to unfold. They both chose to obey God. The conception was supernatural something our human minds may not understand. God was the Father.

Luke 1:27-33,35,38 NIrV
He was sent to a virgin. The girl was engaged to a man named Joseph. He came from the family line of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] The angel greeted her and said, “The Lord has blessed you in a special way. He is with you.” [29] Mary was very upset because of his words. She wondered what kind of greeting this could be. [30] But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you. [31] You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must call him Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. [33] The Son of the Most High God will rule forever over his people. They are from the family line of Jacob. That kingdom will never end.” [35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High God will cover you. So the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God. [38] “I serve the Lord,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me just as you said it would.” Then the angel left her.

Matthew 1:20-23 AMPC
But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. [21] She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. [22] All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, [23] Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel-which, when translated, means, God with us.

Jesus came in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloth, and He walked this earth experiencing what it is to be both human and our Savior died for our sins on a cross at 33 years old. Jesus obeyed His Father in unconditional love.

Just as Jesus had a destiny so do each of His children. There is a purpose for your life, our life journey was conceived before we were born. We have to trust and obey the Lord has the best plan.

Step by step, moment to moment with our mind fixed on seeking Jesus and His plan, we will achieve our destiny when we allow Jesus to be the authority in our life.

Jesus made the loving decision to take upon Himself all of our sin, He was beaten and bruised for our sin. Pause for a minute and think about that pain and amazing gift for us.

What an unconditional love our Father God in heaven, had for us in sending His Son to the Earth. God has always wanted a relationship with His child. He gives us free will to choose Him.

Emmanuel is the Hebrew word for God with us! The life of Jesus started in a manger to bring hope for each day, a connection from heaven to earth and it’s the eternal circle of eternal life.

This Christmas breathe in the breath of God, it’s already in your lungs, so breathe deeply of the unconditional love of the Savior Jesus, and breathe in the grace, mercy, and hope for your destiny.

Prayer: We thank you, Lord for your Majesty and your favor over our lives. We thank you, Lord for coming as a baby in a manger to bring Hope to the world we thank you, Lord for choosing to obey your Father in heaven so we could be blessed. We thank you, Lord for what an amazing love You have shown to each of us in Jesus mighty name amen.

Grace, Peace and love to you and your families! Merry Christmas! Emmanuel He is with us!

God has better plans

It’s really that simple. The Lord wants to give you good things, and believes in your potential.

Ephesians 2: 8-10 reminds us that “we are Gods’ workmanship created in Christ Jesus for things before we were even born”, That’s my paraphrase.

So when we try to do life without God and attempt our plans over the best of plans from God, we’re taking a big risk.

It’s amazing to think that our heavenly father knows we are impulsive human people, and when we’re willing to let him plan our lives King Jesus will always be victorious.

Post this image of Jeremiah 29:11 somewhere so daily you can be reminded. God will never disappoint us. Our impulsiveness will limit our lives. Look to the future with excitement and know your destiny awaits..

Arrows

A single arrow can be easily snapped in two, but a tight little bundle of arrows can withstand the strongest pressures. Anonymous

“The Lord will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign Lord will sound the ram’s horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert.”
‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah felt so insecure to speak to the people around him about the Lord and His instructions. Yet he was called by God to speak to others in his life. The hard part is many did not want to hear the truth of God. Most despised him because they needed to know God and His commandments for their benefit. They were disobedient though. Isaiah still spoke.

This is Isaiah’s words:
“Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are chosen also, to speak to others about the promises of God. We must ask God for the wisdom, and be still with Him. Then sometimes we are to speak and sometimes not.

I loved the anonymous quote at the beginning of this post. I am an arrow. You can be an arrow! The quote reminded me of how blessed I am to be around people that are my bundle of arrows. We are called to sharpen each other with God as our connection because we can do more together than we can do alone. We must have friends that speak truth so we can all make a difference for the kingdom of God.

The Lord is our redeemer, our strength, our guide. There is no One that can take His place. Let the fire of God burn in you, and bring His words of hope to others as an arrow of truth. This world needs to hear it!!

Don’t be afraid to be like Isaiah, willing to be used as Gods’ mouthpiece. Time is now to share the love, grace, mercy, wisdom and righteousness of God. Love God and love His people!

He waits

The One who created you, who knows you from the beginning of your conception, your Creator God waits for you!

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It describes the love of a father for his creation. It describes how God knows us from the beginning of conception.

Science supports the fact that there’s a splash of light when the egg and sperm connect at conception. The light is God and he knows you from conception.

Psalm 139:1-24 NLT
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. [13] 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! [19] O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [20] They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139 it reminds us how He sees us, and it reminds us to search our hearts and to communicate with him.

It reminds us that He knows the steps we’re going to take.

It reminds us of our worth wonderfully created powerfully known by God.

Sadly, the world‘s message is exactly the opposite. You see the world’s messages that you’re unworthy, unlovable, but you need to fit into a mold that is not of God‘s description. Those are lies from the pit of hell. Those are lies that if we believe those will take us down a crazy train Track.

The enemy knows if he can keep your mind fixed on what is not true and distracted that our minds will be too busy with the lies and not open to the truth of God.

Psalm 139 can reset the truth and promises and God‘s word in our mind. Memorize it. Posted on a card in your bathroom recited. Declare it. So when you have those times of distracted minds, you can remember what the truth of God says about you. A beautifully created Child of God. Your identity must be in Christ your purposes have been ordained from your conception.

Ephesians 2: 8 -10 reminds us were God’s workmen shift created in Christ Jesus for great things he planned before we were born.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

This song when I meet my maker by Tenille Townes really describes perfectly the precious love of God and how he waits for you. Don’t forget that.

When I meet my maker

God loves you so much and He waits for you!

Lighthouse in a Storm

If our minds are racing with anxiety, worry, or fear, it is hard to hear the Voice of God! Between our personal lives, news reels, community unrest, wars and conflict, we feel overwhelmed.

The enemy of our soul wants to keep us in racing thoughts, anxiety, worry and fear. When we stay in that mindset, we are like a gerbil on a wheel. Ruminating on those unhealthy emotions leads to being stuck and cycling like the gerbil into more distress.

Joshua 23:8-11 AMP
[8] But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day. [9] For the LORD has driven out great and mighty nations from before you; and as for you, no man has been able to stand [in opposition] before you to this day. [10] One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who is fighting for you, just as He promised you. [11] So be very careful and watchful of yourselves to love the LORD your God.

We must break the cycle of rumination, we can only accomplish this transformation when we submit to His authority. He awaits our step into relationship; clinging to the Lord who wants to renew our minds for a wonderful future.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Life brings crashing waves of conflict, storm clouds build into a deluge of crushing rain that seems like a curtain of darkness. The oppression may be overwhelming and yet there is a Light in the darkness. Like a lighthouse on the rocky shore, Jesus is the beacon of hope, wisdom and peace.

An amazing scripture Mark 4:35-41, shares how the disciples ( Jesus chosen friends on earth) were on the boat with Jesus who fell asleep, as a storm rose. They became fearful and awakened Him. Even though they walked with Jesus on earth, they let fear rule over trust in Jesus.

Mark 4:39- 41 NLT
39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

We serve an amazing God who equips His children for life including stormy times. If you don’t know Jesus yet, today change that mindset.

Because He wants to be in relationship with you and bring His supernatural peace and wisdom. No matter the storm, “Peace be still”! He brings the calm.

Mark 4:39 NKJV
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Proverbs 14:30 MSG
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

“Sound Mind”, by Melissa and Jonathon Helser, is my go-to worship song when I feel the cycle of worry or fear attempt to attach itself to my mind.

Sound Mind- Melissa Helser

Our Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fights for us as He has promised in His Word. Cling to Him, our Lord and God! Be steadfast in seeking Him! The battle of the mind is escalating and yet those who are steadfast with Him will have victory, as will their children. Seek Him no other idol will save or bring peace. He is the God of all peace, Jehovah Shalom!

Do not become weary in doing good, He rewards those who keep His commandments. He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in us and in those we love. Glory to God!!!

Praise the Lord that he gives us a sound mind at these times! The sound mind over the spirit of fear. Go with God!

2 Thessalonians 3:13,16,18 NLT
As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. [18] May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

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.”

This is a reblog from May2024. One year later, the words in this blog post are even more relevant. Stick to the Creator God who knows all things and awaits your voice in relationship. Jesus is the only way to truth, peace and hope.

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Musings on God

Lately, I have felt certain phrases come to my mind in the midst of challenges. I share the declarations the Holy Spirit laid on my heart, mind and soul.

Opie our senior horse and his buddy by MM

Mary’s paraphrase of scripture:

Just like a horse needs relationship with its rider/owner to be a team, we need Jesus to guide us by His Word. Jesus is our best friend.

Intimacy with God is sustenance for life.

1 Corinthians 8:3 AMPC
But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].

I have wordless awe for the work of God in my life when I let Him guide my steps.

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.

We need Jesus, on our own we would act by feeling not wisdom beyond our understanding, as He promises in scripture.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

He is faithful and just, we need to trust Him even in the hardest circumstances.

Jeremiah 17:7 AMP
Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD And whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.

The Bible is filled with pearls of wisdom, it rewards you with amazing hope. This is one of my favorite scriptures:

God loves you! He wants the best for you. He believes in your capacity to fulfill the purposes He ordained before you were born.

Times are rough

Life can be a challenge, being a follower of Jesus Christ does not mean it’s easy. However, when we are being challenged, whether it’s personal, physical, emotional, there’s is one thing that is true and will never change.

Those who call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to be their Savior will never be alone.

Jesus promises to be with us in challenging and joyful times. He reminds us that in this world there will be trouble but He has overcome this world.

John 16:33 AMP
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Allowing Jesus to be the authority ( meaning the one we turn to for wisdom above the world culture) gives us the ability to have supernatural peace, instructions for every day and the power and authority to be warriors in victory for His Kingdom.

Romans 10:8-13 AMP
But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— [9] because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. [13] For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”

It is not an easy process to let Jesus direct our lives through the Holy Spirit (one of the three parts of the Father God, Son and Holy Spirit).

Because we want to direct our own path. I admit it, I am selfish. However, I am learning trusting the Holy Spirit brings the best steps. His wisdom is free and His love unconditional.

His scripture is my template, the more I read and seek Him the greater my insight from Him not my emotions.

Micah 6:8 AMPC
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?

This song, Still Waters, is a powerful declaration by a gifted trio of musical artists, Leanna, Ben and David, who are great humble witnesses with their personal stories of Gods goodness and faithfulness.

Hold onto Jesus! Or if you need to make a change call out to Him today and He will amaze you.

Photo credit by pexels.com

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.

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!”