The Lord Hears YOU!

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:3

Life is a journey. A journey through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. In the midst of fear and among the constant threat of death, David continued to sing and glorify the Lord. This was not because he saw the end to the storm, and at many times did not see a way out of the darkness that surrounded him. No, he sang and glorified the Lord for he knew that the Lord would sustain him, uphold him in his right hand, protect him when he was vulnerable, fill him when he was hungry, and guide him when he was lost. He praised God because he trusted God to keep hold of him through the storm and bring him out with life and love abounding!

Wherever you are today, I challenge you to seek God, listen to his voice, and praise him even when you don’t feel like it. Despite the circumstances, God is leading you to a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He is with you now and will be with you always, a light to your path, leading you to mercy, grace, forgiveness, healing, and righteousness. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:7-8, Hebrews 10:22-25). Be still and know he is God and praise him continually (Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 13:15).

Rest my friends in the peace that is beyond understanding and walk in the light, especially when darkness surrounds, for there is where God will meet you! Blessings and love as you continue your journey with God! ❤

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:1-8

Your Mission….

Your mission today should you choose to accept it, comes straight from the Word of God:

 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32

 

If we all lived by this and made it a point to treat others as we would love to be treated, oh what a wonderful world we would live in. May you find blessings in simple things that surround you and hope in the everyday things of life. All my love ❤

Journey in Relationships

I have found myself exceedingly blessed with a wonderful Godly man with which I am spending time getting to know and we are growing in our walk with God both independently and together. However, though we are both Christians and want to please the Lord and bring him honor and glory in our relationship, life has a way of challenging that mentality. The journey to purity is never easy, but always worth it! I was blessed to be reminded of this song and wanted to share it. No matter what trials, temptations, or tribulations we may face, if we fix our eyes on the Lord, all things will work out for our good!

May you be blessed and remember that “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13. This does not mean that we can bear the temptation in our own strength and might, but rather through strength in Christ we can stand and walk in obedience to God (Phil. 4:13).

Blessing and love to you all ❤

Mind Games

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,
if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,
practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:8

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:5

May your thoughts be centered on Christ, focused on the Heavenly realms and beautifully grounded in God’s peace. Let not the winds carry your thoughts away with it, but instead, take each thought captive and relinquish them into the hands of God. Surely, He designed us to think freely….oh, what a gift to be treasured. Funny, that as I enter a new journey in my life, it is my thoughts that run away with me! Lo, and behold, today’s devotion for me was about letting God control my mind! Alas, I love when He speaks and I pray that you also hear His still, small voice reminding you that he is with you in the storms, trials, and temptations of life. It is His peace that comes when your thoughts are focused on the things above.

All my love ❤

The River ~ Jordan Feliz

Know you have the power of angel armies behind you! Claim them for your life and have peace in all that you face. May you find salvation in the hands of God, and ultimately eternal peace and joy despite the circumstances. Be changed forever ❤

Are YoU LivInG?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
~ John 10:10 ~

YOLO! Yep, that’s right You Only Live ONCE!!  What are you doing with the life that God has so richly blessed you with? Are you looking at all the bad in life and letting it bring you down, or are you choosing to see the rainbow midst the storms? Do you let the world drown you with its waves of chaos and despair, or do you call upon the One True God that can cause you to walk on the water? Do you sit on the throne of selfishness and greed, or do you humble yourself in the joy of giving and loving?

Life indeed throws us turbulence and turmoil frequently, and we often have exceedingly difficult choices to make, but we as Christians know that there is more than the insanity this world offers us, and we assuredly know that all the choices we make have lingering consequences both here and now that echo into the eternity to come! When the Lord leads your life, there is hope, there is freedom, there is mercy, there is light, and there is overwhelming love!

Yes, there will be sad times, times of anger and pain, and times where the mind is downcast, but Psalm 126:5 states, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” God is true, just, and holy, and all that he allows to occur while we walk the face of this fragile world are to mold and shape us into the righteousness of Christ! He fulfills his promises of joy, peace and comfort daily….all you need do is trust and lean on him!

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
~ Proverbs 3:1-8 ~

No matter what you face, no matter how big the storm, no matter how hindering the mountain…God has you! He is in control and he will bring joy each and every day!  Choose to praise despite the chaos.  Choose to see the beauty and blessings of life instead of dwelling on the disparity and ugliness.  What you choose will bring you life or it will destroy your life!

Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I will never be moved.”
O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;
You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
To You, O LORD, I called,
And to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?
“Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me;
O LORD, be my helper.”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
~ Psalm 30:4-12 ~

Be the light of God’s love and the beacon of eternal hope to a desperate and hurting people! Choose to LIVE and live FULLY. Choose to LOVE and love DEEPLY. Choose to HOPE and hope ENDLESSLY. Choose to REJOICE and rejoice with SINGING. Choose to SERVE and serve HUMBLY.

May God grant you joy every morning and hope each day! May he bring you peace beyond measure and shower you with love overflowing! May your heart and mind always be set in eternity and not the here and now, and may you find the strength and courage of Christ to help you through the trials and persecution.

All my love!

Never Underestimate the Power within ME!

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Never take your own revenge, beloved,
but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written,
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him,
And if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will reap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Romans 12:18-21 ~

Though I am a Christian, that does mean I am perfect
Though I am naive at times, that does not mean I am weak
Though I am a peacekeeper, that does not mean I cannot make war
Though I am forgiving, that does not mean I will let you hurt me
Though I live in this world, that does not mean I am of it
Do not underestimate the POWER of GOD that holds me up!!

For those who have been persecuted
For those who have been accused without proof
For those who have been crushed
For those who have been struck down
For those who have been trodden upon

I stand with you now
Reminding you that YOU have strength beyond measure
YOU have legions of  GOD’s angels to fight the evil that comes against you
YOU CAN do ALL things through CHRIST who gives YOU strength
YOU CAN be ALL that HE calls YOU to be in HIS NAME.

Do not fear
Do not give lead to the lies of Satan
Do not lose hope
For the GOD of the UNIVERSE holds YOU
He will NEVER leave YOU nor FORSAKE you
Stand still under the shadow of HIS wings
Let HIM seek the VENGEANCE of those who hurt you
Let HIM fight the WAR for you knowing HE WILL WIN it every time.

In the end
Every knee will bow
Every tongue confess
Every eye will see
Every heart revealed
Every action judged

Rise above
Rest in the HOPE of the CROSS
Rest in the PEACE that surpasses all UNDERSTANDING
Rest in the ASSURANCE that GOD has your back

All my love and may you know how strong you truly are and how beautiful are the characteristics GOD has graced YOU with despite how the world views them and seeks to devour.  YOU are a child of the ONE TRUE GOD!  YOU are holy, mighty, and righteous in JESUS name ❤

Why?

Searching for meaning? Seeking more for your life? Have the nagging feeling that there is more to your existence than the day-to-day routine? Guess what? You are right! You are called to so much more than what this world has in store for you. Did you know you were designed by God Himself for a purpose? You were created to fulfill a mission that is of the utmost importance! Yes, you!! You are called to share the word of God, to bring His truth into deceived hearts, to bring hope to those who have lost theirs, to be a light that shines midst the darkness. You were created on purpose for a purpose. As scripture says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God designed you to desire more than the mundane routine of this world! Stand in His strength and live your life to the fullest! Glorify God’s kingdom and bring eternal joy to your heart.

All my love! ❤

He said to them,
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:15-16

Why?

Why am I here?
What is my purpose?
There is an answer
I do propose

You were created on purpose
To fulfill your destiny
Designed to share God’s love
Even in the midst of scrutiny

You were created for such a time as this
To declare the mystery that is of God
Revealing His truth
Breaking through the world’s facade

You have been called to something higher
A mission from God, the Creator Himself
You were created to shine His light
Not to live for yourself

You are needed to bring salvation to the lost
To shine light were darkness resides
You can be an instrument God uses
Bringing  hope to desperate, longing lives

Why are you here?
To reveal God to the lost and dying hearts that be
What is your purpose?
To stand in faith that shines for the entire world to see

Listen to your heart
Heed that still small voice
Know that you were made for so much more
Will you stand on your own or abide in His choice?

Love from Above

But God demonstrated his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

What does your love look like?  Don’t just say, “I love well!” or “Those around me know how much I love them.”  How do they know?  How do you show it?  How well does your love measure up to the love God has so freely and deeply given to you?

Really ask yourself; dig deep and look within your heart, look at your life and examine how you love.  Is it selfish, demanding, and prideful? Do you love with the expectation of love in return? Do you give and whine when you get nothing in return, not even a thank you? Do you anger and keep track of all the wrongs done to you? Is your love foolish, does it give up easily, or walk away when things get tough? Does it doubt, cast blame, and live in fear?

God’s definition of love is beyond your capabilities!!! It is only when you understand the depth of his love for you, a lowly sinner, broken and torn, that you truly know what love is! It is only when you see the beauty of his grace, mercy, and forgiveness that you can freely and deeply love others.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a

Yes or No?!?

But above all, my brothers, do not swear,
either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath,
but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no,
so that you may not fall under condemnation.
~ James 5:12 ~

I have been attempting to get my prayer and study life back in order after the chaos of last year. You know, there are just times when I struggle with both, feeling that I am wandering in the desert, but none the less, God beckons me to his side time and time again!!

In the Bible study I am attending on Wednesday evenings, I am reading Danny Silk’s book titled “Keep Your Love Light On”.  I have just finished the first chapter and am already convicted! Thus far we are discussing the difference between powerless and powerful people–not as the world defines power, but as scripture defines power–and how both dynamics impact relationships we are in.

We were discussing the attributes of both types of people, but the powerful one resonated with me. The powerful person is one who chooses to manage and take responsibility for his or her life. A powerful person does not blame others, or play a victim role, in life. A powerful person chooses to love unconditionally, for his or her love does not hinge on that love being returned, or on what the other person says or does. The powerful person creates a safe place to know others and for others to know him or her. The final thought that struck home with me tonight was that powerful people choose yes or no.  There is no I’ll try, I have to, or I can’t.  There is either YES or NO. Simple right?!? Aha, but there must be a balance, therefore it is not always so simple–or so I thought until tonight (had one of those aha moments!)

I tend to be a “YES” person in life for a variety of reasons, one of which being that I like to help people. I like to be around others, lifting them up, encouraging them, and helping them in a myriad of ways, from moving to playing to counseling to just listening. However, saying yes all the time is not always internally felt. There are times I am tired, have other obligations, or just don’t feel like being there, but somehow, I still say YES. In James 5:12, we are told “…let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no…” If I say YES, but my heart or mind or body is screaming NO, then I am not in sync with what God is calling me to do. I become a walking contradiction!

So the epiphany for me tonight (and please don’t laugh)! I actually have to say NO sometimes. A powerful person is able to choose to say no because he or she needs time to rest, meditate, and enjoy life. When I say YES to everyone, I find myself stretched thin and of little help to anyone…including myself! When I say YES to everything, I don’t have the much-needed time to spend with God, learning and growing in my knowledge, understanding, and relationship with Him and His Word. When I say YES to everybody, I have to admit, I become bitter or resentful because sometimes I just want to say NO, but I don’t. When I say YES to everyone, I end up drained and empty.

I am just now really learning to say NO because I cannot be everywhere, with everyone, at every moment. It just isn’t possible. So, as I practice becoming and building the skills necessary to be a powerful person as scripture defines, I have some choices to make:

1. Quality time over quantity of time!!
2. Meaningful and deep relations with others over empty and shallow ones!
3. Lingering, intimate time with God over rushed moments here and there!

Ah, so much to learn and so far to go on this journey to becoming Christ like, and so very excited to see where God leads me!

Praying that you too will be true to your heart, to the calling of God, and to building a deeper, more intimate, stronger relationship with God. Take time each day to devote to Him, saying NO to the things that interfere. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Let the Lord reveal the things in life you need to let go of, the things you need to say NO to, and let Him lead you to the things you need to say YES to.  All my love and may your week be blessed to overflowing ❤