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

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.”

Hope at Christmas

Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath to the count of four. Exhale to the count of 4 to 6. Feel your body calming down and your mind clearing. I’ll take another deep breath and do the same in and out. Breathe in and out.

We can find the peace that surpasses all human understanding, and gain a clear mind, when we remember the one, Our Creator God, who gives us breath.

Our next step to find hope comes when we stop and give thanksgiving to the same God who has plans for our lives. speak aloud your gratitude for who you are.

Psalm 103:1-6,8,15-22 NLT
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [6] The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. [8] The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [15] Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [16] The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. [17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children [18] of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

As we get closer to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s’ birth, we are given a yearly opportunity to meditate on the goodness of our God! When He created the heavens and earth, He had unconditional love and a plan for His children.

He created Adam from the dust, and Eve, from Adam’s’ rib as his helper (Hebrew word, is Eber!) Even though Adam ( the first Son) and Eve, his partner, sinned in the Garden of Eden, God did not give up on His relationship with His children.

God still had plans to guide our lives and watch over us! He holds the whole world in His hands. Hope in Jesus not the symbols of religion, it’s about a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

The hope of the world is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the bridge to our relationship with God! He came as a baby ( half man and half God). He was born of the Virgin Mary who humbled herself to be used by God.

Matthew 1:18-19 NLT
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. [19] Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Joseph, her soon to be husband had a visit from an angel as well. The Holy Spirit shared the amazing miracle to come.

Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Lord God used simple people to achieve His plans. They submitted to His plans and we, His children have benefitted for generations.

Matthew 1:22-23 NLT
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: [23] “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

He came to bring us new life, as a baby, born in a manger. He came for poor and rich, for all nations, tribes and tongues. He came for you and me!

The nativity shows a small microcosm of Gods’ children. The host of angels singing praise and Glory to the Lord. This snapshot of peace, love, grace and Gods’ provision isn’t for small children but for all Gods’ children; young and old.

Luke 2:13-14 GNT
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

So this Christmas, take the time to thank your Heavenly Father for not giving up on His children. Thank Him for the hope found when you accept the free gift of love, grace and mercy, that came as a baby.

He is the Savior of the world! We need to extend our hearts, minds, and hands and openhanded accept Him!

John 12:46 AMP
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.

Put on your coat!!

Our lives are filled with colorful snapshots of brilliant pink joy, cool teal blue, fluorescent lime green, along with moments of cloudy grey, and dark blackness.

We are a kaleidoscope of many experiences, times of solid connection to God, friends and family that may support our walk with Him too. We may have had dysfunctional family, mental health exposure, legalism over the message of Jesus in a personal relationship, or substance abuse in our environments. Or perhaps, we may not have been exposed to the gospel message of grace, love, forgiveness and mercy.

Living in this world, we can also have times of trial, disappointment in others or even our own choices, detours from the love and goodness of Jesus.

Each snapshot of our life provides a piece of the full picture of our testimony of life. We are created in Gods image to live a life of purpose. Just as Joseph and his coat of many colors (Genesis 37) shares the story of trial, family dysfunction, destiny, and ultimate restoration filled hope for the journey, we have a life story.

Brandon Lake has become my favorite Music artist, his powerful lyrics and melodies share his gift of story telling. However his humility in being used by God is the biggest impact. Listen to his newest song, “Coat of Many Colors”, powerful anointed message.

Coat of many colors by Brandon Lake

Let today be a day of putting off the old you, and putting on the new humble, wonderfully created by God, colorful woman or man as His chosen, beloved, purpose filled child.

Nahum 1:7 AMP
The LORD is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.

Romans 8:29-32 TLB
For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him-and all along he knew who would-should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. [30] And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory. [31] What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?

Burst into song as you dance with your coat of many colors! He delights in you!

Psalm 30:11-12 MSG
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

Photo credit by pexels.com

Weights

Do you feel the weight of worry, fear, anxiety, or sadness lately? This weight may cause you to feel unable to slip out of bed or to take the steps of boldly moving into your day. Perhaps concerns over family or friends, are weighing you down.

We can’t trust in our own strength but instead trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Have you started your physical workouts of weight lifting or exercise only to compare yourself to another person in your real /imaginary gym? Stop looking around at others journeys, focus on the workout God is developing in you.

We are called to cast our burdens on the Lord! He wants us to let Him carry our heavy loads. But do we hand off our life challenges to Him?

In order to be strong in the Lord and gain the personal relationship with Jesus, we must share our load with Him.

I’m finding balance is an important tool in the daily steps of life. Jesus words regarding balances and weights are powerful. Our muscles physically, our mind spiritually and emotionally will grow as we take the time to grow with God.

Meditate on His scripture, speak them aloud there is more impact to hear your own voice speak God’s truth:

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].

Proverbs 11:1 ESV
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.

Proverbs 16:11 ESV
A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

1 Peter 5:8 AMP
Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Each of these scriptures reminds me and perhaps maybe you, to let Him carry the heaviest things in life, seek Him to guide you to an abundant life of exercises in faith and nutritional stability.

Take every thought captive it is the only way to become strong in God!

Joshua 1:9 NLT
This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Remembering His truth as solutions for our weighty trials, we must fight with the weapons from God so we can destroy the setups of the enemy. Look up Ephesians 6 for the full armor of God, put it on daily.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 GNT
It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. [4] The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; [5] we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

Sound minds come to those who put in the effort for the best end result; sound mind, body and soul can be the reward with Jesus as your spotter! Let Him bring His protective hand to you.

Stones

While I was listening to Stones by Kim Walker Smith, I took six medium stones and wrote a scripture reference, drew a cross, for example: We walk by faith in Jesus, As for my house we serve the Lord, No King but Jesus, etc, then I anointed each with frankincense essential oil with a cross and prayed over my house as I placed each stone at the corners of our home. Glory to God!

Stones in the Bible are a memorial to God after He has moved in the lives of His children. They exemplify God and His faithfulness.

Not in my strength do I cover my home but by the authority of Christ who is the Holy Spirit inside of me!

Stones by Kim Walker Smith

Psalm 55:19,22 GNT God, who has ruled from eternity, will hear me and defeat them; for they refuse to change, and they do not fear him. [22] Leave your troubles with the LORD, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated.

As for me, I will trust the Lord! Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the news; personal life or world events. We may feel fear creeping in but we are called to something bigger. The scriptures are filled with wisdom. There is perfect truth from God for every day.

This is a great scripture to memorize from the Message Bible, rewrite it on a post it note, make it a screenshot on your phone.

1 John 4:4-6 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.

For our lives and those of our family, those we love, we can take actions in faith of Jesus such as covering our home in His truth. We can say aloud the truth of God; His Word.

Father, May our faith grow in You alone. We want more of you! May we meditate on Your Word. May we open our lives to the Holy Spirit. We want to give You all parts of our life. In Jesus Name, Amen!

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Image by Pexels.com

Beauty for ashes

Pain can be overwhelming, and emotions can heighten our belief that we can’t conquer the beast. No matter what life brings we have to turn our eyes to Jesus. Fix our minds on what Jesus says about us.

I just want to let you know there’s only love at the cross of Christ! So no matter what you’re going through Jesus waits to love you.

Shame is the devil’s tool to keep you from God‘s purpose in your life. It is a huge wall that the enemy tries to put between you and your Savior Jesus!

Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. [2] He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. [3] To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

There’s only love in the heart of Jesus! Sometimes circumstances beyond our control, our own personal choices, can lead to experiences that try to destroy us. But God wants to break through all of that. And He wants you to come to the Father!

A friend shared this song by Zach Williams, the “Heart of God”. Someone I love is struggling right now, however, the message of God‘s promises in the song is true. So go to the arms of God!

Isaiah 61:8-9 NLT
“For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. [9] Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”

I got plans!

I’m not sure about you, however, I have plans for my life, my kids lives and ideas for a world of peace. The problem is in my zest for being in control I can shut down the better plans. Over the years, I have heard, “you are not in charge, you may not have the right solution.”

When I get in the way of my Creator God and His plans things can become a tornado and swirl to effect not only me but those I love. I have had to step back and let God/ Jesus/ Holy Spirit be the teacher. I need instruction and direction or I wander like a lost sheep. Can you relate?

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.

Pausing from my want of control makes me take a step back and breathe. Take a breath right now! Ponder that circumstance or person that you want to control. Take another breath, deeper this time. Blow out the hurried anxious mindset, breathe in the Breathe of life that comes from the One who created you.

Now consider this scripture verse set and push a reset in your mind:

Psalm 20:1-6 MSG
GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. [5] When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! [6] That clinches it-help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.

Did you slow down that busy brain of yours? I know I had to reread this scripture from the Message version, it’s more similar to contemporary speech. So if you have time, reread Psalm 20. It will be worth it.

This morning, I was amazed to hear a song by Rend Collective, “Plans”. The words were a great reminder that our God has plans for us. He can be trusted. Our problem is our need to control. Enjoy the pause as you listen.

Here’s the reality, in our fast paced world, we have gotten used to an immediate solution. God doesn’t work that way, He sees our lives and those we love as a finished masterpiece. Visualize a puzzle that needs to be completed. The multiple shades of color bright and dark require intricate position of the pieces. It takes time for the Masterpiece to be completed.

Sometimes our response from God can be immediate, or perhaps soon or the harder response to wait. But our God is working on each of our life stories, He needs our cooperation and submission to His plan. So let Him lead your day and be in His control it’s a more peaceful place to rest.

This thanksgiving week, choose thankfulness for the little things and gratitude to our God, the Puzzler Master, who made you. He will finish the work He starts if you allow Him.

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.

Open your hand

Wringing our hands, swirling thoughts, and sleepless nights may seem frequent. I want to open my mind and hands to receive good things from the Creator God of heaven and earth and drop the anxiety or fear of the future.

Insomnia and carpel tunnel pain after a night of fretting is a waste of time. Mindset needs changing!! Who is with me bloggers and readers? Open your hand to God and be blessed.

Let’s make a declaration for change in mindset, fix your mind on Jesus Christ!

First, Close your eyes and meditate on His goodness. If you struggle to believe in His goodness, ponder the scriptures below. Then try again to meditate on the love of Jesus.

Second, Visualize the face of Jesus, His eyes of compassion, His smile filled with joy, inviting you to hold His extended hand and take a stroll.

Say the following declaration aloud:

Help me be aware of the Presence of God. Help me to accept Your unfailing love, Jesus! Help me believe there aren’t conditions that block our relationship. I repent of any sin that has caused me to leave the love of Jesus. You love me, period! Create in me a clean heart. Show me Your mercy and grace, I love Jesus. Show me Your peace. I want to feel your Presence. You are just a breath away. I breathe deeply in Your peace. Cool, clean breath that washes over my lungs and provides clarity of mind.

Take a walk, Just you and your best friend and Savior Jesus! He knows all about you. Reflect on a few scripture stories:

1. Seek Him with the curiosity of a child and show Christ like love to a child.

Matthew 18:1-7 MSG
At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest rank in God’s kingdom?” [2-5] For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me. [6-7] “But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse-and it’s doomsday to you if you do.

2. Seek Him as a prodigal sheep who wandered away but wants to come home to Jesus.

Matthew 18:12-14 MSG
“Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.

3. Seek Jesus as a weary traveler, parent or single.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

4. Seek Jesus as wise counselor, who will share your heavy burdens and be gentle with wisdom.

Matthew 11:25-30 NLT
At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. [26] Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! [27] “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [28] 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.”

Jesus extends His hand to you. Take hold of the only place of truth in this crazy world. Walking with Him, seeking His wisdom and having His Presence is better than walking alone. He will never forsake you. Start your journey in the Bible with the chapter John. Read how our amazing Jesus extended His hand to broken, diverse disciples who were all impacted and transformed for Kingdom purposes. You are created with His purpose. Walk with Him and be transformed.

Living Water

Photo Credit Emiliano Arano (Pexels.com)

Do you feel dehydrated? The summer through fall heat can surely parch us physically. However, the emotions and spiritual needs of our body need the help of our Creator God. The world culture and political climate alone can feel overwhelmingly toxic and heated with conflict. Are you seeking the only place for Peace, Jesus?
He wants to guide our path with Living Water to replenish our lives.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
[7] “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. [8] They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

The story of the Samaritan woman stands the test of time. She went to the well to draw water in the height of midday, the sun was intense, the heat of the desert was exhausting. She went to draw water at hottest time.

Why would the Samaritan woman choose to avoid people In her town? Jews and Samaritans did not talk, it was forbidden. She did not feel worthy of their communication. She felt judged by all since she had more than one husband, she was known as an adulterer. Women judged and some men took advantage of her poverty.

Jesus knew who the Samaritan woman was, He planned to meet her at the well and share His unconditional love, she would have her testimony of grace, mercy and unconditional love. Jesus loved her and spoke truth into her life. He accepted she was a sinner. But He wanted to provide a new life. He even let her know “ you have had many husbands.” He gave her a chance to repent and receive His Living Water.

The story has not changed. Even today, humans can seek Jesus. He is not available for one people but for all. If our sins were revealed, not one of us could stand before Jesus.

Read the Samaritan story for yourself. It is a story of God’s grace and mercy on display. It is amazing.

John 4:1-15,23-24,26 NLT
[1] Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John [2] (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them-his disciples did). [3] So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. [4] He had to go through Samaria on the way. [5] Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. [7] Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” [8] He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. [9] The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” [10] Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” [11] “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? [12] And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” [13] Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. [14] But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” [15] “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” [23] But the time is coming-indeed it’s here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”

Today, could be the day you accept the free gift of Jesus your Savior. He wants to restore broken places, bring refreshment in Living Water, and guide you to a new life with Him. Get ready for a new beginning.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit! Refreshment is just a step away. He will restore and guide. Be like a well watered garden, be fruitful.

Isaiah 58:11 NLT
[11] The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

The Lord will give Living water, you will thirst no more. Say aloud: Jesus, I am a sinner, I need You Lord. I believe You are my Savior, I want You to change my life from the inside out. Please forgive my sins. Make me whole in You alone.

John 3:3-21 NLT
[3] Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [4] “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” [5] Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. [6] Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. [7] So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” [9] “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. [10] Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? [11] I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. [12] But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? [13] No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. [14] And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. [16] “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. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

If you have made this declaration aloud, I rejoice with you.

Praise You Lord for the new journey, it takes the first step, hold onto Jesus, turn your life over to Him daily. He will restore you.

I love you Jesus, You are the Living Water. There is no better place for refreshment.