A Fortress of Defense
Psalm 31:2 NIV...”A fortress of defense to save me.”.....it’s easy, in our time of desperation, revert back to the thing that brought us anguish, distress, sorrow.
“Misery loves company.”
It’s easy to ignore the moments God is using as a tool to teach us, mold us, break us, remove from us the things that penetrate our hearts with anger, hate and bitterness.
What has become our safe havens?
What has become our sanctuary’s?
Will we allow God to enter our hearts, to see-through all that has kept us sheltered, hidden, vulnerable?
God loves you & I love you too!
James 1:4 NIV - Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
GOD BLESS!
“Misery loves company.”
It’s easy to ignore the moments God is using as a tool to teach us, mold us, break us, remove from us the things that penetrate our hearts with anger, hate and bitterness.
What has become our safe havens?
What has become our sanctuary’s?
Will we allow God to enter our hearts, to see-through all that has kept us sheltered, hidden, vulnerable?
God loves you & I love you too!
James 1:4 NIV - Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
GOD BLESS!
Psalm 31:1 NKJV- In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.” Who’s righteousness?
It’s easy to justify our offensive, crude, enraged behavior.
We’ve heard it before: “Hurting people hurt people”, but until we have been wounded, and faced with the decision; will I heal, or will I continue to let my wounds be contaminated by bitterness, hostility, pain and hatred, were left powerless.
Will we surrender “our vulnerability” for His strength?
Will we allow God to repair what has been broken?
Will we allow God to seal the open wounds?
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 119:2 NIV - Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts.
GOD BLESS!
It’s easy to justify our offensive, crude, enraged behavior.
We’ve heard it before: “Hurting people hurt people”, but until we have been wounded, and faced with the decision; will I heal, or will I continue to let my wounds be contaminated by bitterness, hostility, pain and hatred, were left powerless.
Will we surrender “our vulnerability” for His strength?
Will we allow God to repair what has been broken?
Will we allow God to seal the open wounds?
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 119:2 NIV - Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts.
GOD BLESS!
Revelation 1:3 NKJV - Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
“for the time is near.”…..its easy to become oblivious of the needs of others.
It’s easy to become insensible to the afflictions of other’s.
“Well that is there fault! They deserve it!”
But we were not aware of the abuse happening behind closed doors that led to the drinking, drugs, anything to numb the pain.
We were not aware of the love that was never given that led them to give their bodies to anyone and anything that felt like love.
Even when people don’t love, God loves.
Even when people don’t understand, God understands.
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 103:13 NIV - As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him;
GOD BLESS!
“for the time is near.”…..its easy to become oblivious of the needs of others.
It’s easy to become insensible to the afflictions of other’s.
“Well that is there fault! They deserve it!”
But we were not aware of the abuse happening behind closed doors that led to the drinking, drugs, anything to numb the pain.
We were not aware of the love that was never given that led them to give their bodies to anyone and anything that felt like love.
Even when people don’t love, God loves.
Even when people don’t understand, God understands.
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 103:13 NIV - As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him;
GOD BLESS!
Psalm 30:12 NIV ...”I will give thanks to You forever.”
It’s easy to take back our appreciation of the things, circumstances, relationships we once prayed for.
“It just doesn’t work like I want it to!”
Could it be that, there, or them? Or could it be us?
When there is nothing to be thankful for, remember each oppression, grievance, and discomfort is to develop, expand and build us up.
Let God’s GRACE & LOVE be magnified in our lives!
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
GOD BLESS!
It’s easy to take back our appreciation of the things, circumstances, relationships we once prayed for.
“It just doesn’t work like I want it to!”
Could it be that, there, or them? Or could it be us?
When there is nothing to be thankful for, remember each oppression, grievance, and discomfort is to develop, expand and build us up.
Let God’s GRACE & LOVE be magnified in our lives!
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
GOD BLESS!
And Not Be Silent
Psalm 30:12 NIV ...”I will give thanks to You forever.”
It’s easy to take back our appreciation of the things, circumstances, relationships we once prayed for.
“It just doesn’t work like I want it to!”
Could it be that, there, or them? Or could it be us?
When there is nothing to be thankful for, remember each oppression, grievance, and discomfort is to develop, expand and build us up.
Let God’s GRACE & LOVE be magnified in our lives!
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
GOD BLESS!
It’s easy to take back our appreciation of the things, circumstances, relationships we once prayed for.
“It just doesn’t work like I want it to!”
Could it be that, there, or them? Or could it be us?
When there is nothing to be thankful for, remember each oppression, grievance, and discomfort is to develop, expand and build us up.
Let God’s GRACE & LOVE be magnified in our lives!
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
GOD BLESS!
Psalm 31:12 NKJV - “I am like a broken vessel.”
It’s easy to feel like we’ve lost our purpose in life.
It’s easy to tear ourselves down by our shame, humiliation, our failures, our downfalls.
What brought us meaning, is now irrelevant.
When we felt capable, has now left us feeling deficient.
BUT God wants to remind us, He doesn’t see us as the world see’s us.
What was empty, He wants to occupy.
What was lonely, He wants to favour.
What was broken, He wants to mend.
Keep pressing forward!
Keep pressing near to the One who says we are noticeable, unforgettable, and more than enough!
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 53:5 NIV - But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
GOD BLESS!
It’s easy to feel like we’ve lost our purpose in life.
It’s easy to tear ourselves down by our shame, humiliation, our failures, our downfalls.
What brought us meaning, is now irrelevant.
When we felt capable, has now left us feeling deficient.
BUT God wants to remind us, He doesn’t see us as the world see’s us.
What was empty, He wants to occupy.
What was lonely, He wants to favour.
What was broken, He wants to mend.
Keep pressing forward!
Keep pressing near to the One who says we are noticeable, unforgettable, and more than enough!
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 53:5 NIV - But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
GOD BLESS!
Matthew 6:33 NKJV - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
“But seek first the kingdom of God”....it’s easy to search for replacements, relief, refuge, and resources that become substitutions of the possession, panic, permanency, and poverty our hearts desire to be disconnected from.
Why has it become so easy to settle for an answer, an outcome, a decision that does not line up with what God has waiting for us?
Want security? Seek Jesus.
Want reassurance? Seek Jesus.
Want shelter? Seek Jesus.
Want prosperity? Seek Jesus.
God loves you sooo much, and I love you too!
1 Peter 3:3 NIV - Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
GOD BLESS!
“But seek first the kingdom of God”....it’s easy to search for replacements, relief, refuge, and resources that become substitutions of the possession, panic, permanency, and poverty our hearts desire to be disconnected from.
Why has it become so easy to settle for an answer, an outcome, a decision that does not line up with what God has waiting for us?
Want security? Seek Jesus.
Want reassurance? Seek Jesus.
Want shelter? Seek Jesus.
Want prosperity? Seek Jesus.
God loves you sooo much, and I love you too!
1 Peter 3:3 NIV - Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
GOD BLESS!
Romans 5:3 NIV - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
God: What can I do for you today?
“Give me peace instead of chaos; patience without the resistance; faithfulness without the dishonor; perseverance without the suffering.”
As I made it to work, this morning was a little different. My right leg had such a pain from the knee down, “maybe if I stand up and walk it will help”.
Got up, went downstairs, sat back down, nope, such pain still remained.
After work I heard a beautiful song on the radio I had heard in the morning, my heart felt such adoration for God.
Played it all the way home, ran a few errands, my spirit started feeling a little anxious, irritated, sadden....as I let the sonf be lost in mythoughts....I ran to God, (Yes put my headphones on)..... and really listened to the words and tears flowed down my face.
This sadness I felt was not because of what I was experiencing, the pain in my leg was still there (God reminded me “you prayed for endurance”), but my heart was saddened at how many have never really experienced the presence of God, the closeness of God, the intimacy of God.
“That sounds perverted.”
No, the devil has come to pervert what is pure, what God calls good.
God wants to be in close proximity.
God loves you so much & I love you too!
Psalm 145:18 NIV - The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
GOD BLESS!
God: What can I do for you today?
“Give me peace instead of chaos; patience without the resistance; faithfulness without the dishonor; perseverance without the suffering.”
As I made it to work, this morning was a little different. My right leg had such a pain from the knee down, “maybe if I stand up and walk it will help”.
Got up, went downstairs, sat back down, nope, such pain still remained.
After work I heard a beautiful song on the radio I had heard in the morning, my heart felt such adoration for God.
Played it all the way home, ran a few errands, my spirit started feeling a little anxious, irritated, sadden....as I let the sonf be lost in mythoughts....I ran to God, (Yes put my headphones on)..... and really listened to the words and tears flowed down my face.
This sadness I felt was not because of what I was experiencing, the pain in my leg was still there (God reminded me “you prayed for endurance”), but my heart was saddened at how many have never really experienced the presence of God, the closeness of God, the intimacy of God.
“That sounds perverted.”
No, the devil has come to pervert what is pure, what God calls good.
God wants to be in close proximity.
God loves you so much & I love you too!
Psalm 145:18 NIV - The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
GOD BLESS!
“When I Cried”
It’s easy to facilitate words of giving in and giving up: “I can’t no more! I quit! I give up!” We break. We stop. We shutdown. BUT what may seem the easy way out, may be the afflictions, calamity, and catastrophe God wants to use to bring us into our
PROMISED LAND. Feeling unhappy? Go to Jesus. Feeling unappreciated? Go to Jesus. Feeling unworthy? Go to Jesus. Feeling unemotional? Go to Jesus.
James 1:6 NKJV - But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
“But let him ask in faith,” it’s easy to shrink back in pleading for healing, restoration, deliverance, in avoidance of discomfort, disrepair, detention, and disappointments.
Is it easy to pray to let go of what we have no control over?
It is easy to pray when we’ve felt like our prayers have been muted out?
It’s it easy to pray when we feel silenced and invisible?
No matter if we have been abandoned, cast aside, or discarded, God is still for us!
He see’s the weight you carry.
He see’s the sadness you bear.
You are not alone.
God loves you & I love you too!
Galatians 6:9 NIV - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
GOD BLESS!
“But let him ask in faith,” it’s easy to shrink back in pleading for healing, restoration, deliverance, in avoidance of discomfort, disrepair, detention, and disappointments.
Is it easy to pray to let go of what we have no control over?
It is easy to pray when we’ve felt like our prayers have been muted out?
It’s it easy to pray when we feel silenced and invisible?
No matter if we have been abandoned, cast aside, or discarded, God is still for us!
He see’s the weight you carry.
He see’s the sadness you bear.
You are not alone.
God loves you & I love you too!
Galatians 6:9 NIV - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
GOD BLESS!
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
“the evidence of things not seen.”, it’s easy to say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
But why have we chosen to believe the faulty and fallible, over the faultless and flawless?
Why have we allowed our past traumatic experiences and exposures affect how we exist in the present moment?
Feeling hopeless? Seek Jesus.
Feeling inadequate? Seek Jesus.
Feeling insignificant? Seek Jesus.
He see’s you.
He listen’s to you.
He care’s for you.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 1:37 NIV - For no word from God will ever fail.”
GOD BLESS!
“the evidence of things not seen.”, it’s easy to say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
But why have we chosen to believe the faulty and fallible, over the faultless and flawless?
Why have we allowed our past traumatic experiences and exposures affect how we exist in the present moment?
Feeling hopeless? Seek Jesus.
Feeling inadequate? Seek Jesus.
Feeling insignificant? Seek Jesus.
He see’s you.
He listen’s to you.
He care’s for you.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 1:37 NIV - For no word from God will ever fail.”
GOD BLESS!
Romans 6:4 NKJ - Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
“even so we also should walk in newness of life.” ....it’s easy to say we’re been born again, and still feel as if we’re dying.
It’s easy to say we’re surviving, and still feel like we’re drowning.
It’s easy to say we’re increasing, and still feel like we’re being emptied.
Will we lay down, will we CHOOSE to give up, put down, and relinquish ALL that Jesus has taken to the Cross with Him?
God, the Father; Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit love you so much & I love you too!
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
GOD BLESS!
“even so we also should walk in newness of life.” ....it’s easy to say we’re been born again, and still feel as if we’re dying.
It’s easy to say we’re surviving, and still feel like we’re drowning.
It’s easy to say we’re increasing, and still feel like we’re being emptied.
Will we lay down, will we CHOOSE to give up, put down, and relinquish ALL that Jesus has taken to the Cross with Him?
God, the Father; Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit love you so much & I love you too!
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
GOD BLESS!
Joshua 1:9 NKJV…..”for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
It’s easy to say, “God is for me”, and yet feel like He’s against you.
It’s easy to say, “God is with me”, and yet feel like He’s abandoned you.
It’s easy to say, “I’m ok”, and yet feel disappointed, defenseless, and damaged.
But when did our burdens become our own?
Let out.
Let go.
Let loose.
Release.
God loves you & I love you too!
Mark 14:35-36 NIV - 35. Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
GOD BLESS!
It’s easy to say, “God is for me”, and yet feel like He’s against you.
It’s easy to say, “God is with me”, and yet feel like He’s abandoned you.
It’s easy to say, “I’m ok”, and yet feel disappointed, defenseless, and damaged.
But when did our burdens become our own?
Let out.
Let go.
Let loose.
Release.
God loves you & I love you too!
Mark 14:35-36 NIV - 35. Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
GOD BLESS!
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV - 31. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
“just as in Christ God forgave you.”
“I’m not God, I can’t forgive!”
It’s easy to justify our reasoning behind our accusations, blame, cruelty and unkindness.
It’s easy to dismiss, erase, and put behind the times we cried, called and pleaded with God to forgive us for our misconduct, mischief and misbehavior.
BUT how can we receive His forgiveness when we chose to not forgive those who beg and plead for our forgiveness?
Let’s share God’s GRACE.
Let’s share God’s MERCY.
Let’s share God’s LOVE.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 6:36 NIV - “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
GOD BLESS!
“just as in Christ God forgave you.”
“I’m not God, I can’t forgive!”
It’s easy to justify our reasoning behind our accusations, blame, cruelty and unkindness.
It’s easy to dismiss, erase, and put behind the times we cried, called and pleaded with God to forgive us for our misconduct, mischief and misbehavior.
BUT how can we receive His forgiveness when we chose to not forgive those who beg and plead for our forgiveness?
Let’s share God’s GRACE.
Let’s share God’s MERCY.
Let’s share God’s LOVE.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 6:36 NIV - “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
GOD BLESS!
Psalm 33:3 NKJV - Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
“Sing to Him a new song;” it’s easy to sing the same melody recurrently…..
“I will always be alone.”
“I will always be broke.”
“I will always be sick.”
“I will always be dumb.”
“I will always be in debt.”
STOP.
Put a PERIOD where the enemy wants to manifest thoughts of doubt and despair.
“I’m wanted.”
“I’m prosperous.”
“I’m well.”
“I’m intelligent.”
“I have plenty.”
God loves you & I love you too!
Philippians 2:13 NIV - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
GOD BLESS!
“Sing to Him a new song;” it’s easy to sing the same melody recurrently…..
“I will always be alone.”
“I will always be broke.”
“I will always be sick.”
“I will always be dumb.”
“I will always be in debt.”
STOP.
Put a PERIOD where the enemy wants to manifest thoughts of doubt and despair.
“I’m wanted.”
“I’m prosperous.”
“I’m well.”
“I’m intelligent.”
“I have plenty.”
God loves you & I love you too!
Philippians 2:13 NIV - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
GOD BLESS!
Hosea 12:6 NKJV - So you, by the HELP of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.
“So you, by the help of your God, return;” it’s not easy to go back to a place that we have chosen to erase from our memory.
It’s not easy to go back to a place that brought us so much, agony, heartache, misery, pain and worry.
“I’m good now, why would I go back?”
It’s easy to forget who got us through.
It’s easy to fail to remember the moments we felt so alone and who brought us comfort.
God. Jesus. The Holy Spirit.
Was there then.
Will be here now.
And will be present in the times to come.
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 43:18 NIV - “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
GOD BLESS!
“So you, by the help of your God, return;” it’s not easy to go back to a place that we have chosen to erase from our memory.
It’s not easy to go back to a place that brought us so much, agony, heartache, misery, pain and worry.
“I’m good now, why would I go back?”
It’s easy to forget who got us through.
It’s easy to fail to remember the moments we felt so alone and who brought us comfort.
God. Jesus. The Holy Spirit.
Was there then.
Will be here now.
And will be present in the times to come.
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 43:18 NIV - “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
GOD BLESS!
2 John 1:8 NKJV - Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
“that we do not lose those things we worked for,” .....it’s easy to think what we worked for is our influence, power and ranking.
It’s easy to think “things” are the goods, belongings, possessions and property we possess.
BUT who gave you joy when all you felt was agony?
Who gave you peace when all you felt was tension?
Who gave you patience when all you felt was frustration?
Who gave you LOVE when all you felt was
neglect?
What God gives, the world can not take away.
God loves you & I love you too!
2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV - So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
GOD BLESS!
“that we do not lose those things we worked for,” .....it’s easy to think what we worked for is our influence, power and ranking.
It’s easy to think “things” are the goods, belongings, possessions and property we possess.
BUT who gave you joy when all you felt was agony?
Who gave you peace when all you felt was tension?
Who gave you patience when all you felt was frustration?
Who gave you LOVE when all you felt was
neglect?
What God gives, the world can not take away.
God loves you & I love you too!
2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV - So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
GOD BLESS!
2 Corinthians 5:13 NKJV - For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
“or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.”....it’s easy to want to “play it safe”.
It’s easy to plan for what an outcome may be before we chose to maneuver and move.
It’s easy to think of the what-if’s, but how do we handle the should-have’s?
“Your crazy! That will never work!”
But what if it does?
Faith. Hope. Pray. Trust.
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV - For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the LORD’s people.
GOD BLESS!
“or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.”....it’s easy to want to “play it safe”.
It’s easy to plan for what an outcome may be before we chose to maneuver and move.
It’s easy to think of the what-if’s, but how do we handle the should-have’s?
“Your crazy! That will never work!”
But what if it does?
Faith. Hope. Pray. Trust.
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV - For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the LORD’s people.
GOD BLESS!
Romans 8:28 NKJV - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
“according to His purpose.”....To who’s purpose?
It’s easy to become discouraged, defeated and down when things seem to be disintegrating right in front of you.
The marriage, torn apart.
The business, falling apart.
The family, wrecked and ruined.
BUT GOD, can reunite what’s been torn apart. God can advance and enhance what has fallen apart.
God can and wants to rebuild, repair, mend and flourish what has been wrecked and ruined.
God loves you & I love you too!
Romans 15:13 NIV - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
GOD BLESS!
“according to His purpose.”....To who’s purpose?
It’s easy to become discouraged, defeated and down when things seem to be disintegrating right in front of you.
The marriage, torn apart.
The business, falling apart.
The family, wrecked and ruined.
BUT GOD, can reunite what’s been torn apart. God can advance and enhance what has fallen apart.
God can and wants to rebuild, repair, mend and flourish what has been wrecked and ruined.
God loves you & I love you too!
Romans 15:13 NIV - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
GOD BLESS!
Revelation 5:13 NKJV - And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power BE to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
“Blessing and honor and glory and power”...oh my! It’s easy to shout for joy when we receive all that is pleasant.
But can we rejoice when faced with afflictions, disapproval’s, disgrace, shame and submission?
Step down. Lay down.
God is on the thrown.
He see’s. He hear’s. He care’s.
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 23:12 NIV - “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
GOD BLESS!
“Blessing and honor and glory and power”...oh my! It’s easy to shout for joy when we receive all that is pleasant.
But can we rejoice when faced with afflictions, disapproval’s, disgrace, shame and submission?
Step down. Lay down.
God is on the thrown.
He see’s. He hear’s. He care’s.
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 23:12 NIV - “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
GOD BLESS!
Why have we allowed our indifferences to cause division between us all?
Don’t we serve the same God?
Shouldn’t we love one another like Christ loves us, no matter what gift or talent another brother or sister may have?
We are not called to “be better” than one another, but to help each other grow in our gifts. To love. To show compassion. To care. To serve.
John 16:33 NIV- “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” GOD BLESS!
Don’t we serve the same God?
Shouldn’t we love one another like Christ loves us, no matter what gift or talent another brother or sister may have?
We are not called to “be better” than one another, but to help each other grow in our gifts. To love. To show compassion. To care. To serve.
John 16:33 NIV- “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” GOD BLESS!
Ephesians 4:32 ESV - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
It's easy to hold unforgiveness in our hearts, but we don't see the damage it does to us internally.
"Well they hurt me first!"
So you hurt them back? No, no, no!
The enemy wants to keep us in bondage of hate, pain, hurt, bitterness, sadness, anger, insecurity, but GOD wants to replace all the things that lay HEAVY on our hearts with JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, LOVE, KINDNESS & SELF-CONTROL!!
God bless!
It's easy to hold unforgiveness in our hearts, but we don't see the damage it does to us internally.
"Well they hurt me first!"
So you hurt them back? No, no, no!
The enemy wants to keep us in bondage of hate, pain, hurt, bitterness, sadness, anger, insecurity, but GOD wants to replace all the things that lay HEAVY on our hearts with JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, LOVE, KINDNESS & SELF-CONTROL!!
God bless!
Wrote this Dec. 26, 2021 & still holds TRUTH till this Day!
God is not just a god who died and they made a statue out of him and they pray and worship the statue...HE IS A GOD WHO DIED AND ROSE AGAIN IN 3 DAYS!!!
God is not just a god who died and they made a statue out of him and they pray and worship the statue...HE IS A GOD WHO DIED AND ROSE AGAIN IN 3 DAYS!!!
Romans 8:28 NKJV - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
“And we know that all things work together for good”...... “How is it good that I lost my job?! How is it good that I lost my spouse?! My parent’s?! My child, my baby?!! How is that good for me?!!
It’s easy to determine, discern and discover why awful, dreadful and terrible things happened to us, ‘I’m getting repaid for all the wrong I did!!’, no, the EMEMY see’s YOUR faith increasing so he will have us recollect the aching and excruciating pains to keep us immobile and lifeless.
Keep breathing.
Keep moving.
Keep inspiring.
Keep loving.
For our fallen soldiers, your memory, your sacrifice, your bravery, shall remain in our hearts. Happy Memorial Day, God bless, Michelle.
God loves you & I love you too!
John 15:13 NIV - “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
GOD BLESS!
“And we know that all things work together for good”...... “How is it good that I lost my job?! How is it good that I lost my spouse?! My parent’s?! My child, my baby?!! How is that good for me?!!
It’s easy to determine, discern and discover why awful, dreadful and terrible things happened to us, ‘I’m getting repaid for all the wrong I did!!’, no, the EMEMY see’s YOUR faith increasing so he will have us recollect the aching and excruciating pains to keep us immobile and lifeless.
Keep breathing.
Keep moving.
Keep inspiring.
Keep loving.
For our fallen soldiers, your memory, your sacrifice, your bravery, shall remain in our hearts. Happy Memorial Day, God bless, Michelle.
God loves you & I love you too!
John 15:13 NIV - “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
GOD BLESS!
Romans 8:18 NKJV - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
“are not worthy to be compared”…..it’s easy to oppose distress and discomfort.
“If I would’ve done this….that wouldn’t have happened. If I would’ve done that….this wouldn’t have happened.”
It’s easy to get stuck in the could-have’s, should-have’s, and would-have’s, but why is it easier to build insecurities than trustabilities?
Good or bad, God will use it for good. Hold fast to His Word.
God loves you & I love you too!
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
GOD BLESS.
“are not worthy to be compared”…..it’s easy to oppose distress and discomfort.
“If I would’ve done this….that wouldn’t have happened. If I would’ve done that….this wouldn’t have happened.”
It’s easy to get stuck in the could-have’s, should-have’s, and would-have’s, but why is it easier to build insecurities than trustabilities?
Good or bad, God will use it for good. Hold fast to His Word.
God loves you & I love you too!
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
GOD BLESS.
Matthew 11:28 NKJV - “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“and I will give you rest.”....Rest?
“I got this!”, and yet we’re losing it.
“I got this!”, and yet inside we’re dying.
“I got this!”, and yet inside we’re restless.
It’s easy to say we got this, and yet feel wearied, worried, tormented and troubled.
Let it go.
Lay it down.
Open your hands to receive His peace, His joy, His love, His comfort, His strength!
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 118:24 NIV - The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
GOD BLESS!
“and I will give you rest.”....Rest?
“I got this!”, and yet we’re losing it.
“I got this!”, and yet inside we’re dying.
“I got this!”, and yet inside we’re restless.
It’s easy to say we got this, and yet feel wearied, worried, tormented and troubled.
Let it go.
Lay it down.
Open your hands to receive His peace, His joy, His love, His comfort, His strength!
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 118:24 NIV - The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
GOD BLESS!
John 16:33 NKJV - “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
“but be of good cheer,”…..it’s easy to say, “What’s there to be cheerful about? I’m alone, I’m broke, I’m jobless, my children won’t even speak to me, my health is debilitating, my finances are defaulting, what?!”
But what does God say?
He tells us He has OVERCOME our loneliness.
He has OVERCOME our losses.
He has OVERCOME our relapses.
He has OVERCOME our sicknesses.
He has OVERCOME our terminations.
Let His word be enough.
God loves you so much & I love you too!
Psalm 9:10 NIV - Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.
GOD BLESS!
“but be of good cheer,”…..it’s easy to say, “What’s there to be cheerful about? I’m alone, I’m broke, I’m jobless, my children won’t even speak to me, my health is debilitating, my finances are defaulting, what?!”
But what does God say?
He tells us He has OVERCOME our loneliness.
He has OVERCOME our losses.
He has OVERCOME our relapses.
He has OVERCOME our sicknesses.
He has OVERCOME our terminations.
Let His word be enough.
God loves you so much & I love you too!
Psalm 9:10 NIV - Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.
GOD BLESS!
Luke 3:5 NKJV - Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth;
“The crooked places shall be made straight”….wow! As I was writing and searching, searching and writing, something stood out to me.
Isaiah 40:4 and Luke 3:5 almost sound word by word…..”Wait the book of Isaiah is in the Old Testament and Luke is in the New Testament, so you mean to tell me, You gave me a glimpse of what my future would be like?”
He knew we would become hollow inside.
He knew we would face giants.
He knew our foothpaths would become twisted and torturous.
He knew our unfaltering ways would become broken and brutal.
BUT He would come to fill to overflow, knock down, stabilize and steady our hearts with His love, peace, and GRACE.
Keep seeking.
Keep searching.
God is near to those who cry out to Him.
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 40:4 NKJV - Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth;
GOD BLESS!
“The crooked places shall be made straight”….wow! As I was writing and searching, searching and writing, something stood out to me.
Isaiah 40:4 and Luke 3:5 almost sound word by word…..”Wait the book of Isaiah is in the Old Testament and Luke is in the New Testament, so you mean to tell me, You gave me a glimpse of what my future would be like?”
He knew we would become hollow inside.
He knew we would face giants.
He knew our foothpaths would become twisted and torturous.
He knew our unfaltering ways would become broken and brutal.
BUT He would come to fill to overflow, knock down, stabilize and steady our hearts with His love, peace, and GRACE.
Keep seeking.
Keep searching.
God is near to those who cry out to Him.
God loves you & I love you too!
Isaiah 40:4 NKJV - Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth;
GOD BLESS!
Psalm 46:10 NKJV - Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
“I will be exalted among the nations,” do we find ourselves elevating and exalting our yesterdays letdowns?
It’s easy to become uneasy, upset and unsettled with an outcome we have no control over, “Be still, and know that I am God”....will we listen to that soft and gentle voice that tells us, slow down, be still, I got this, I got you!
God is for you.
God is for us.
God loves you & I love you too!
James 4:3 NIV - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
GOD BLESS!
“I will be exalted among the nations,” do we find ourselves elevating and exalting our yesterdays letdowns?
It’s easy to become uneasy, upset and unsettled with an outcome we have no control over, “Be still, and know that I am God”....will we listen to that soft and gentle voice that tells us, slow down, be still, I got this, I got you!
God is for you.
God is for us.
God loves you & I love you too!
James 4:3 NIV - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
GOD BLESS!
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV - No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
“that you may be able to bear it.”.....it’s easy to think, “I just can’t take it anymore!”, but you can.
It’s easy to think, “ I shouldn’t!”, but you should leave what is destructive and dysfunctional.
Why is it easier to seize the temptations, than surrender our debilities, infirmities and vulnerabilities?
Let go.
Release.
Set free all that entangles your spirit.
God loves you & I love you too!
Galatians 5:1 NIV - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
GOD BLESS!
“that you may be able to bear it.”.....it’s easy to think, “I just can’t take it anymore!”, but you can.
It’s easy to think, “ I shouldn’t!”, but you should leave what is destructive and dysfunctional.
Why is it easier to seize the temptations, than surrender our debilities, infirmities and vulnerabilities?
Let go.
Release.
Set free all that entangles your spirit.
God loves you & I love you too!
Galatians 5:1 NIV - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
GOD BLESS!
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV - Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
“Fear not, for I am with you;”…. When did it become easier to say that we are okay instead of saying we’re defenseless, helpless, hurt, vulnerable and wounded?
God is waiting. God is waiting to answer the call of desperation and despair.
He cares for you. He loves you.
God loves you & I love you too!
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But He said to them, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
GOD BLESS.
“Fear not, for I am with you;”…. When did it become easier to say that we are okay instead of saying we’re defenseless, helpless, hurt, vulnerable and wounded?
God is waiting. God is waiting to answer the call of desperation and despair.
He cares for you. He loves you.
God loves you & I love you too!
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But He said to them, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
GOD BLESS.
Psalm 23:4 NKJV - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
“For You are with me;” but what about those moments when it feels like God has abandoned us? Deserted us? Given up on us?
What do you do?!
It’s easy to feel like you’re traveling the path alone, when the person who said would always be by your side forever, are now nevermore.
It’s easy to feel beaten and battered by frustrations, grievances, and loneliness, BUT God, He remains by your side.
Through the anger, He is with you.
Through the afflictions, He is with you.
Through the abandonment, He is with you.
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 18:20 NIV - “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”
GOD BLESS.
“For You are with me;” but what about those moments when it feels like God has abandoned us? Deserted us? Given up on us?
What do you do?!
It’s easy to feel like you’re traveling the path alone, when the person who said would always be by your side forever, are now nevermore.
It’s easy to feel beaten and battered by frustrations, grievances, and loneliness, BUT God, He remains by your side.
Through the anger, He is with you.
Through the afflictions, He is with you.
Through the abandonment, He is with you.
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 18:20 NIV - “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”
GOD BLESS.
James 1:12 NKJV - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the LORD has promised to those who love Him.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation;”…it’s easy to have different definitions of what temptation means. Lust, drinking, smoking, but what about the things that can’t be seen? Anger, fear, jealousy, sadness, worry?
Worry can’t be seen, but can be felt.
Sadness can’t be sighted, but can be buried inside.
Fear can’t be spotted, but can be experienced.
Will we take a moment to lay down what worry’s and concerns us?
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 11:28 NIV - “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
GOD BLESS.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation;”…it’s easy to have different definitions of what temptation means. Lust, drinking, smoking, but what about the things that can’t be seen? Anger, fear, jealousy, sadness, worry?
Worry can’t be seen, but can be felt.
Sadness can’t be sighted, but can be buried inside.
Fear can’t be spotted, but can be experienced.
Will we take a moment to lay down what worry’s and concerns us?
God loves you & I love you too!
Matthew 11:28 NIV - “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
GOD BLESS.
Oct. 13, 2024 Sun. @ 7:21 pm
Matthew 10:14 NKJV - “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.”
“What’s the point? What’s the point? All my efforts, what’s the point!? I’m tired!”
“shake off the dust from your feet.”….its easy to allow our thoughts to control the course God has commanded us to do.
“What’s the point”, I thought, but have I forgotten what His spirit spoke in my heart beforehand? Have I forgotten that this “sense of surrender” had happened to me before?
We can allow our discouragements, dilemmas, and our defeats to break us down, but get back up! It may be the next day, it may be next week, but get back up! God is inside of you, God is for YOU!
God loves you & I love you too!
Romans 15:4 NIV - For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
GOD BLESS.
Matthew 10:14 NKJV - “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.”
“What’s the point? What’s the point? All my efforts, what’s the point!? I’m tired!”
“shake off the dust from your feet.”….its easy to allow our thoughts to control the course God has commanded us to do.
“What’s the point”, I thought, but have I forgotten what His spirit spoke in my heart beforehand? Have I forgotten that this “sense of surrender” had happened to me before?
We can allow our discouragements, dilemmas, and our defeats to break us down, but get back up! It may be the next day, it may be next week, but get back up! God is inside of you, God is for YOU!
God loves you & I love you too!
Romans 15:4 NIV - For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
GOD BLESS.
Matthew 11:6 NKJV - “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
“And blessed is he”, we all want the blessing, but what happens when the blessing appears to be a burden?
It’s easy to forget the moments we were appreciative and delighted, but stop.
Stop the thoughts of frustration, agitation, and allow your self to come to God with all humility and thank Him that He doesn’t react to us with the first “thought” He has with us when we do wrong by Him.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 6:31 NIV - “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
GOD BLESS.
“And blessed is he”, we all want the blessing, but what happens when the blessing appears to be a burden?
It’s easy to forget the moments we were appreciative and delighted, but stop.
Stop the thoughts of frustration, agitation, and allow your self to come to God with all humility and thank Him that He doesn’t react to us with the first “thought” He has with us when we do wrong by Him.
God loves you & I love you too!
Luke 6:31 NIV - “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
GOD BLESS.
Who says God doesn’t speak to us when we call out to Him? Have we opened our Bibles to hear from Him?
Proverbs 18:19 NKJV - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
“A brother offended is harder to win”, it’s easy to wear oneself out trying to gain the acceptance and approval of man, but do we try hard to be accepted by Jesus?
Do we not know that Jesus died on the cross for us? For His love for us?
When you feel overlooked, God observed.
When you feel ignored, God acknowledged you.
God loves you & I love you too!
John 17:26 NIV - “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
GOD BLESS.
Proverbs 18:19 NKJV - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
“A brother offended is harder to win”, it’s easy to wear oneself out trying to gain the acceptance and approval of man, but do we try hard to be accepted by Jesus?
Do we not know that Jesus died on the cross for us? For His love for us?
When you feel overlooked, God observed.
When you feel ignored, God acknowledged you.
God loves you & I love you too!
John 17:26 NIV - “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
GOD BLESS.
Isaiah 2:11 NKJV - The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
“And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.” What day? The day where the unjust becomes just. The day when the unrighteousness become righteous. The day where the unworthy become worthy.
The day where the mistreated becomes treated with favor. The day when wrongs will be made right. Will God do it? Yes He will!
Stay humble.
God loves you & I love you too!
Proverbs 22:4 NIV - Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
GOD BLESS.
“And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.” What day? The day where the unjust becomes just. The day when the unrighteousness become righteous. The day where the unworthy become worthy.
The day where the mistreated becomes treated with favor. The day when wrongs will be made right. Will God do it? Yes He will!
Stay humble.
God loves you & I love you too!
Proverbs 22:4 NIV - Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
GOD BLESS.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV - But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”
“But you,”.....who? The neighbor? The friends? The family member who can’t stand you? No, YOU.
“I’m just tired! I can’t! I’m done!”.... have you let God try? It’s exhausting to Impersonate perfection.....
When we are weak, God is strong.
When we are vulnerable, God is resilient.
When we are powerless, God is powerful!
Let go. Let God.
God loves you & I love you too!
Proverbs 4:25 NIV - Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
GOD BLESS.
“But you,”.....who? The neighbor? The friends? The family member who can’t stand you? No, YOU.
“I’m just tired! I can’t! I’m done!”.... have you let God try? It’s exhausting to Impersonate perfection.....
When we are weak, God is strong.
When we are vulnerable, God is resilient.
When we are powerless, God is powerful!
Let go. Let God.
God loves you & I love you too!
Proverbs 4:25 NIV - Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
GOD BLESS.
Psalm 82:3 NIV - Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless;”….defend who? The one who is strong, tough and invincible? No, the one who is soft, timid and vulnerable.
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 37:4 NIV - Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
GOD BLESS.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless;”….defend who? The one who is strong, tough and invincible? No, the one who is soft, timid and vulnerable.
God loves you & I love you too!
Psalm 37:4 NIV - Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
GOD BLESS.
Matthew 5:37 NKJV - “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” “I should, but I won’t.”; “I shouldn’t, but I will.”
“I should go, but I will stay.”; “ I should move, but I will remain.”
It’s easy to struggle with our thoughts, and thought processes, but what is God telling you? What is God asking of you?
Stop. Listen. Be still.
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV - For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the LORD’s people.
GOD BLESS.
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” “I should, but I won’t.”; “I shouldn’t, but I will.”
“I should go, but I will stay.”; “ I should move, but I will remain.”
It’s easy to struggle with our thoughts, and thought processes, but what is God telling you? What is God asking of you?
Stop. Listen. Be still.
God loves you & I love you too!
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV - For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the LORD’s people.
GOD BLESS.