He Did It All For You and Me

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation; that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness instead of light; because their deeds were evil."(John 3:16-19).

"He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted; But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed"(Isaiah 53:3-5).

And it was for you and me that He came. and endured it all, so we could be set Free from it all: all sin, all distress, all sickness, all disease, all things that try to bind us; He endured it all so we didn't have to. What a Mighty, Loving, Caring Saviour He is; So grateful that He would suffer all that pain and torture and then to Lay Down His Life for me and you! What a Mighty God we serve! What a Loving Mighty Saviour in our Lord Jesus!

As we honor Jesus in remembrance of this Holy Week, may we gain a fresh revelation and love for our Lord Jesus and show Him our depth of gratitude for all He was willing to endure so you and I could be free to live a life abundantly blessed in Him. I pray God blesses you through this week as you acknowledge Him in all you say and do; because God loves you and so do I~~~

MY FOREVER FRIEND

 Giving praise this morning to my forever friend in Christ Jesus who is quick to come to my aide protecting me from harm and evil. My friend who sticks closer than a sister or brother, who knows my every thought, my every fear, and every need before it even comes to mind. My Forever Friend dwells within me loving and caring, comforting and assuring peace like none other.

As I thought of the many ways to describe Him this morning, I heard this melody ringing within my soul and thought I would just share it with you as a tribute to Him this morning. Truly there is nothing greater than to introduce you to God.

"May I introduce you to this friend of mine; Who hangs out the stars and tells the sun when to shine; He kisses the flowers each morning with dew; but He's not too busy to care about you. We have a Heavenly Father above with eyes full of Mercy and a heart full of love; He really cares when your head is bowed low; Consider the lilies and then you will know.

Consider the lilies; they don't toil or spin; But there's not a king with more splendor than them; Consider the sparrows; they don't plant or sow; but they're fed by the Master who watches them grow. We have a Heavenly Father above with eyes full of Mercy

And a heart full of love; He really cares when your head is bowed low; Consider the lilies And then you will know.

Having survived the past year with its unknown pandemic and political warfare; I find it heartwarming to know that My Friend doesn't change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, so I don't have to worry about my future or what happens around me. I know He has good plans for me and is working on my behalf to fulfil His Word as I relax and trust in Him.

So let's enjoy this day He has given and look forward to the future He has planned for each of our lives; knowing He has us covered in the palm of His hands. And while we're enjoying all He has given, let's not forget to love on Him too. After all, Jesus is the reason we live pardoned, so let's give Him glory, honor, and praise today; God loves you and so do I~~~

SAFE IN THE STORMS

 Today as the storms move through our area once again, may we remember God's promise declared in Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You;" and find peace in the fact that God has us all covered in the palm of His hands as we rest in Him and His promises.

Our Heavenly Father seeks to provide His children (you and me) with every thing we need to enjoy a wonderful life in Christ Jesus, so even though the storms come upon us, remember that He is our protector in times like these and if we call out to Him, He will wrap us in His loving arms and bring us peace as only He does best.

So as the storm clouds gather, and the heavens send forth thunder, rain, and strong winds, remember that He is the keeper of all the storms so call upon Him and allow His peace that passes all understanding to settle you and calm your spirit as you keep your mind stayed on Him. He is a good good Father who loves us above all things and is forever with us, today and always, and because we are His child, God loves you and so do I~~

HE KNOWS MY NAME

 Oh that mankind could begin to be a reflection of God and of His Love in Christ Jesus! How amazing to know that the same God who created the heavens and the earth and all I see, and even the air and wind I feel, knows me by name....Me, He knows Me! How amazing it is that In all this world filled with all these people He knows me by name; Wow!

This same God knows me by name and lets me know I am His own as He walks with me and talks with me; comforts and counsels me, and is forever within me to help me through those unexpected setbacks in life. I in Him and He in me, forever and ever throughout all eternity. No matter how much I hear it said, It still amazes me that He knows me by name and as I come before His presence and pour out my heart to Him, confessing and discussing my weaknesses and failures with Him, He still loves me just the way I am. How amazing is He!

When I'm feeling devastated and unsure what to do, I can feel Him wrapping His great big arms around me; holding me in His warm embrace so close that as tears fall upon His chest, it's as if I can hear the sound as of His heart beating against my face, bringing such assurance that as I pour my heart to Him, I am made new once again as over and over He reassures me that all I will go through; He has me covered.

What Love our Heavenly Father bestows upon us through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are His Children and He knows us by name and that is just too wonderful for words. Thank You Jesus! I pray each of you will feel His love flow through your being today, making you more aware that He knows you, and loves you, just the way you are. Enjoy a blessed day, dear friends, and always remember that God loves you and so do I~~~

Love Overshadows All Things

 Reading in 1 Corinthians 13, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains but have not Love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but have not Love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; Love does not envy; Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

"But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love!".

In essence Paul is reminding us of Jesus characterizing true followers as people who are known by their love to one another as noted in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples; if you have Love for one another." You see it doesn't matter what we say or what we do, unless it is seasoned with Love none of it matters, because God is Love! And in Him there is no darkness, no evil works, no evil thoughts, no high-mindedness, no unforgiveness! As we walk in God's Love and Amazing Grace, we are kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ' sake has forgiven us!{Ephesians 4:32}

Because He forgave us, we must forgive also!(Matthew 18:21-22} and because He Loves unconditionally, we must reach out in Love as well. We must be no more like children, tossed to and fro, and put away all those childish attitudes and behaviors and walk in His Love! We are urged to put on the mind of Christ as we trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding; but in all our ways acknowledge Him so He will direct our path!(Proverbs 3:5,6).

I pray as you go through the day, you will feel His Love overshadow you, feel His peace envelope you, and feel the joy of His presence within you! Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend, because God Loves You and so do I~~~

Taking Needs for Prayer More Seriously

 Thinking on the goodness of our Lord and the many blessings He has given in the form of family and friends and I can't help but smile with such a warmth that makes my soul smile.

From the time I was born, I was told I was a smiler and I still am. I've just always loved to smile and I think it was because of the love that surrounded me. Love come in all shapes and sizes but I feel the greatest form has been from my family. There is nothing like having the loving prayerful support from those dearest to our heart; and that is my family.

We have always been a praying family with family devotions and never failed to tell each other they were loved. Our parents loving support being coupled with prayerful support, just made us feel their love all supercharged within, so we grew up to love and share as well. There is nothing that can take the place of knowing family cares enough to take a knee or simply bow their head and pray to the Father on our behalf in Jesus' name,

I have learned over my years that being covered in prayer and keeping family and friends covered is the greatest deed we can ever do on behalf of our loved ones. So to each of you dear people, let it be known that your Momma, your Nana, your sister n Christ Jesus, and your friend is praying diligently for each of you and trusting Him to meet the needs you have; so you can be the Best You for His kingdom sake.

I have also learned that it's easy to say, "I'm praying for you" and never really go to prayer for that need, so if you call me or see me in person and ask me to pray for you, I will stop what I am doing and pray for you right where we are, simply because so many loved ones needed prayer but died before I could steal away and pray; so while I have you with me I will pray and then keep you in prayer because there is no greater time to share true love in prayer like the present.

So today I pray we all make the most of our time with loved ones and if they share a need; let's take time to pray with them for that need and then we can spend the rest of our time enjoying this beautiful season God has blessed us with. We have been given a time of refreshing, a time of new beginnings, a time to love family and friends, and a time to give praise to the Lord of lords, Christ Jesus, in all we do; and may you always remember that God loves you and so do I~~~

Refreshing Times Have Come

 It's Springtime! Thought I would share this song with you on this first morning of Spring. It has been playing in my mind all through the night and upon my rising this morning, bringing peace and solace and I pray it might do the same for you. Truer words have never been written and whether you sing It, whisper It, or speak It, there is Power in the name of Jesus! Be blessed!

There is a Truth older than the ages; There is a Promise of things yet to come; There is One born for our salvation, Jesus! There is a Light that overwhelms the darkness, There is a Kingdom that forever reigns, There is Freedom from the chains that bind us, Jesus, Jesus; Who walks on the waters; Who speaks to the sea; Who stands in the fire beside me; He roars like a lion, He bled as the Lamb; He carries my Healing in His hands, Jesus!

There is a Name I call in times of trouble, There is a Song that Comforts in the night; There is a Voice that calms the storm that rages; He is Jesus, Jesus; Who walks on the waters; Who speaks to the sea; Who stands in the fire beside me; He roars like a lion

He bled as the Lamb; He carries my Healing in His hands.

Messiah, My Savior; There is Power in Your name; You're my Rock and my Redeemer, There is Power in Your name, In Your name; You walk on the waters, You speak to the sea; You stand in the fire beside me; You roar like a lion, You bled as the Lamb, You carry my Healing in Your hands; Jesus! There is no One like You, Jesus! There is no One like You!

Spring is here and times of refreshing have come as declared in Jeremiah 31:25, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint;" So in this fresh season of new beginnings, may we call upon the precious name of Jesus and walk in the pathway He directs. May we seek God's face and allow the Redeeming blood of the Lamb to deliver and set us Free from all the chains that tend to bind us and declare Him Lord over all! Truly There is Power In The Name Of Jesus!

Enjoy this first day of Spring and begin to bloom where God has planted you, because He loves you and so do I~~~

FINAL DAY OF WINTER

 Already feeling uplifted of the good news that tomorrow morning at 5:37 A.M. EDT Springtime arrives. The season of new beginnings is at hand so on this final day of winter, I feel blessed to have survived this season of dormancy and look forward to a brand new season upon us where life springs forth newness of hope and vitality doing away with the dead of winter.

Through this winter season of unrest with its unknown pandemic, one fact has remained constant; we serve a God Who is Forever Faithful in All His ways, a God Whose wings shelter His children taking refuge under them; and a God Who never fails to keep watch over His own; so even when our life goes through dreary seasons, we can rejoice in knowing miraculous beginnings are just around the corner and times of refreshing are at hand.

Springtime holds new beginnings waiting to spring forth and a new hope that in due time, things that were hidden in the shadows of winter shall pass away; making room for brighter promises of a brighter day and a better way. But regardless of winter, spring, summer or fall, God promises to walk with us through every season of our life; to lead and to guide us, to advise and instruct us, to comfort and bring peace, as He turns our sorrow into joy, making way for brand new days.

I pray that as this new season unfolds before our very eyes, we will yield forth a harvest into the kingdom of God, pleasing to our Lord Jesus where our Father smiles down upon us while healing our land. I pray we can learn to dance in the rain, to rejoice in good times and bad; and not to fear the unknown but enjoy each new day God gives; one moment at a time, one season at a time; and In all you do, remember that God loves you and so do I~~

Armored Up and Ready

 Ever wonder why Paul was impressed to warn us of the need to put on the Whole Armor(Full Armor) of God, so we could stand in the face of adversity, knowing we are battling a Spiritual Warfare instead of a natural one.

During this season we listen closely to meteorologists' warnings of imminent danger in our areas and the need for us to take shelter due to strong possibilities of lightening, hail, damaging winds and tornadoes heading our way, and we quickly warn our loved ones and scramble to assure everything is ready and in place as we become anxiously watchful and prepared should they be right?

God warns us repeatedly throughout His Word to be aware of spiritual warfare already upon us with its deceptive powers of darkness running rampant over the whole world seeking to destroy all in their way, and yet we fail to put on the Whole Armor God has given us, so we can come out victorious.

Just as the atmosphere releases pent up static causing damaging winds and tornadoes destroying property and claiming lives, the war of spiritual forces come quickly in deceptive forms to destroy souls of loved ones. So God warns us to be prepared at all times as noted in Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV,

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on All of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

"Therefore, put on Every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."

"In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

We have all been taught the importance of having emergency plans in place at all times for threatening weather conditions, it's even more important to have our Full Armor on and every piece in place so we are not caught off guard and defeated. We must be on guard at all times, in season and out of season, protecting our families from the evil forces that continually seek to destroy.

Adorning our bodies with the Whole Armor of God very early in the morning prepares us to stand armed and ready; mentally, physically, and spiritually; knowing of a surety that "No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper in Jesus' Name!"

So let's be armed and ready, alert and on guard at all times lest we be overtaken along our way. Let's trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding; but in all our ways acknowledge Him so HE WILL direct our paths (Proverbs. 3:5-6). With God on our side, we cannot be defeated in Jesus' name! Be alert and enjoy a wonderful, victorious, and blessed day, dear friend, God loves you and so do I~~~

Love Never Fails

 Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains but have not Love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but have not Love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; Love does not envy; Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

"But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love!".

In essence Paul is reminding us of Jesus characterizing true followers as people who are known by their love to one another as noted in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples; if you have Love for one another." You see it doesn't matter what we say or what we do, unless it is seasoned with Love none of it matters, because God is Love! And in Him there is no darkness, no evil works, no evil thoughts, no high-mindedness, no unforgiveness! As we walk in God's Love and Amazing Grace, we are kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ' sake has forgiven us!{Ephesians 4:32}

Because He forgave us, we must forgive also!(Matthew 18:21-22} and because He Loves unconditionally, we must reach out in Love as well. We must be no more like children, tossed to and fro, and put away all those childish attitudes and behaviors and walk in His Love! We are urged to put on the mind of Christ as we trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding; but in all our ways acknowledge Him so He will direct our path!(Proverbs 3:5,6). 

I pray as you go through the day, you will feel His Love overshadow you, feel His peace envelope you, and feel the joy of His presence within you! Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend, because God Loves You and so do I~~~

Goodness of God

Who needs luck when God is so so good; shining His love down upon us! My heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise as the lyrics rise up within me singing forth:

I love You, Lord, for Your mercy never fails me, All my days I've been held in Your hands, From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God. All my life You have been faithful, and all my life You have been so, so good, With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.

I love Your voice, You have led me through the fire; In the darkest night You are close like no other; I've known You as a Father; I've known You as a Friend, and I have lived in the goodness of God. Cause all my life You have been faithful, and all my life You have been so, so good; Every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.

Your goodness is running after, it's running after me, Your goodness is running after, it's running after me, With my life laid down I'm surrendered now; I give You everything, Your goodness is running after, it's running after me; Cause all my life You have been faithful, and all my life You have been so, so good; With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God."

Today God's goodness continues to fall over all mankind with His mercies never ending; seeking all who will turn from their wicked ways and surrender to His voice so He can lead us all out of the darkness into His glorious Light in the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Christ Jesus, who continually seeks to be our Lord and Saviour.

As for me and my household, we love the Lord and choose to follow Him in all our ways; so with every breath that we are able, we will sing of the goodness of God; Amen and Amen! Enjoy a safe and wonderfully blessed day, dear friends, knowing that God loves you and so do I~~~

Guard Up

 Got your guard up today? Are you guarding what you allow in your mind? Ya know, the mind is a very fragile thing that controls our thought process allowing all manner of doubts and confusion, fears, and stressors, or it can allow Peace!

The wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to "Guard (to watch over) our Heart (our mind) with all diligence for out of it flows all the issues of life." Our thought process controls who we are and how we react. It controls our emotions, our wellness, it motivates us, and ultimately molds us into becoming who we are. Proverbs 23:7 notes that “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

With all the fear from this latest epidemic and politics affecting our lives, we can easily become fearful and anxious and speak forth gloom and doom if we only listen to what the media has to offer; but by choosing to fill our mind with the Word of God and dwelling on good things we can live in peace knowing we know Who Truly holds our future.

Paul teaches in Philippians 4:8 , "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things,"

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that God is ultimately in control and has a good and perfect plan for each of our lives and we know that having been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, we don't have to worry about our future because He has us covered in the palm of His hands and will work the bad around for our good in Christ Jesus.

So let's 'be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God', as noted in Romans 12:2, and live each moment declaring the goodness and faithfulness of our God in all our ways.

As Jesus taught His followers in Matthew 12:34, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks;" So Let's Speak Life, Let's Speak Goodness, Let's Speak Hope in Christ Jesus, Let's declare His Word over our life instead of what man may say, and let's enjoy a wonderfully blessed life, dear friends, God loves you and so do I~~~

Third Person of Godhead

 Welcome Holy Spirit! Third person of the Trinity Godhead, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; all three in one! Helper, Comforter, Teacher, and Friend!

Throughout John 14, 15, and 16 chapters Jesus began preparing his followers that once He ascended back to the Father, He would send back Holy Spirit to abide within them as noted in John 14:26,"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name; He will teach you ALL things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you;" and He continues to teach them in John 15:16-17 "And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him for He dwells with you and will be in you" and again in John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."

Repeatedly throughout the scriptures Jesus tried to prepare His followers that He would not leave them comfortless, and was sending Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in all truths. Jesus knew Holy Spirit could be inside them bringing all things to mind while empowering them to become more than over comers in all things pertaining to Godliness. He knew they would need someone to walk with, someone to talk with, and someone to guide them in all truth; and Jesus knew Holy Spirit would do all that and so much more because He was going to the Father where He would be interceding on our behalf.

We all need reassurance that God is with us wherever we go and is in whatever we are doing. Jesus knew that when we are weak, He is our strength; when we are sad, He is our comforter; when we are troubled, He is our peace! He supplies everything we need to maintain abundant lives with Holy Spirit living within us; and the more we come to know Him the more He becomes our closest and dearest friend. While Holy Spirit is commonly known as the third party of the Godhead; there is never One without the other! None is the greater, nor the lesser of the trinity Godhead, and will never work against the other, but will testify and glorify as ONE Almighty God!

We are all spirits in human bodies and It is Holy Spirit that draws us to Jesus. As we repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, He takes up residence deep within and becomes the power needed as we walk along the pathway of righteousness. Jesus knew it was vitally important to have Holy Spirit in our lives as our Comforter, our Adviser, our Guide, and our Helper while becoming our dearest Friend, so He ascended back into Heaven and sent Holy Spirit to live within each believer. He did not leave us alone but actually sent a part of Him back to each of His believers; a most precious gift in Holy Spirit to walk and talk with us forevermore.

So often in life we receive gifts; but if we leave them unopened we never know what was given. Jesus gave us the gift of Holy Spirit but unless we open up this precious gift from Above and come to know Him, we will never know what He has to offer us in this world. There is no greater joy, no greater peace, no greater power than feeling Holy Spirit stir within us, reminding us that He is forever with us and we are never alone.

It is so amazing that God created this world and all therein and even made provisions necessary for us to walk through this life empowered with His strength and wisdom. Today can be the start of a brand new walk in Him if you just acknowledge Him in all your ways. This is the day the Lord has made, so let's rejoice and be glad in it! Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day knowing God loves you and so do I~~~

NOTHING LESS BUT GOD'S BEST

 "NOTHING LESS BUT GOD'S BEST"

That's why God our Father gave His best for you and me in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, so we could be pardoned from all our sins and receive His best here on earth; not just to live a good life, or even a better life, but that we could live the Best Life He has pre-planned for each of us before the world began.

He desires that each of us enjoy an abundant life filled with love, joy, and peace in all our ways; If only we acknowledge Him in all things, big or small, He cares about them all. Any thing that matters to us, matters to Him. He wants to be part of us every second of every day along our journey here on earth.

And just as God gave His best in Jesus Christ, as Jesus ascended back to the Father, He gave us His Best in Holy Spirit to dwell within us always; Who would never leave nor forsake us but lead and guide us, comfort and keep us in all our ways.

Today you and I can live a guilt free life... free from all sins, free from oppression, free from every thing that would tend to bind us or keep us from living the Best Life in Jesus Christ. Free to live, to dance, free to sing praises unto our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and in all our ways bring Him glory.

Today is a new day blessed with fresh new mercies He has given for us to enjoy. So let's lift up on high the name of Jesus; let's rejoice in His goodness and the bountiful blessings He has given and continues to bless us with; and let's share the Hope we have in Him with those we encounter along our way. Let's be the best we can be for His glory sake; simply because God loves you and so do I~~~

NEED TO WELCOME HOLY SPIRIT

 Welcome Holy Spirit! Third person of the Trinity Godhead, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; all three in one! Helper, Comforter, Teacher, and Friend!

Throughout John 14, 15, and 16 chapters Jesus began preparing his followers that once He ascended back to the Father, He would send back Holy Spirit to abide within them as noted in John 14:26,"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name; He will teach you ALL things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you;" and He continues to teach them in John 15:16-17 "And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him for He dwells with you and will be in you" and again in John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."

Repeatedly throughout the scriptures Jesus tried to prepare His followers that He would not leave them comfortless, and was sending Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in all truths. Jesus knew Holy Spirit could be inside them bringing all things to mind while empowering them to become more than over comers in all things pertaining to Godliness. He knew they would need someone to walk with, someone to talk with, and someone to guide them in all truth; and Jesus knew Holy Spirit would do all that and so much more because He was going to the Father where He would be interceding on our behalf.

We all need reassurance that God is with us wherever we go and is in whatever we are doing. Jesus knew that when we are weak, He is our strength; when we are sad, He is our comforter; when we are troubled, He is our peace! He supplies everything we need to maintain abundant lives with Holy Spirit living within us; and the more we come to know Him the more He becomes our closest and dearest friend. While Holy Spirit is commonly known as the third party of the Godhead; there is never One without the other! None is the greater, nor the lesser of the trinity Godhead, and will never work against the other, but will testify and glorify as ONE Almighty God!

We are all spirits in human bodies and It is Holy Spirit that draws us to Jesus. As we repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, He takes up residence deep within and becomes the power needed as we walk along the pathway of righteousness. Jesus knew it was vitally important to have Holy Spirit in our lives as our Comforter, our Adviser, our Guide, and our Helper while becoming our dearest Friend, so He ascended back into Heaven and sent Holy Spirit to live within each believer. He did not leave us alone but actually sent a part of Him back to each of His believers; a most precious gift in Holy Spirit to walk and talk with us forevermore.

So often in life we receive gifts; but if we leave them unopened we never know what was given. Jesus gave us the gift of Holy Spirit but unless we open up this precious gift from Above and come to know Him, we will never know what He has to offer us in this world. There is no greater joy, no greater peace, no greater power than feeling Holy Spirit stir within us, reminding us that He is forever with us and we are never alone.

It is so amazing that God created this world and all therein and even made provisions necessary for us to walk through this life empowered with His strength and wisdom. Today can be the start of a brand new walk in Him if you just acknowledge Him in all your ways. This is the day the Lord has made, so let's rejoice and be glad in it! Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends; God loves you and so do I~~~

Having a Christ-Like Mindset

 John 1:1-5 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! The same was in the beginning with God! All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made! In Him was life; and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not."

I find it amazing that Jesus, Son of Almighty God, the very Creator of all Heaven and Earth, walked among His very own creation and no one recognized Him for Who He truly was? Were they like so many of us? So involved in their daily cares that they could only see through natural eyes, without the ability to see the spiritual Light walking alongside them. Compare them to us not being able to see or to feel Him walking beside us? Or to sense Holy Spirit working within us?

It's all a conditioning thing! While many of us will set aside time to improve our bodies physically and change our eating habits to obtain healthier bodies; where is our motivation to improve the spiritual side of us? God expects us to take care of our bodies which is the temple of Holy Spirit, but we should be just as mindful to set aside time to spend in the Word so we can grow and be nourished mentally and spiritually in Him.

So how do we reprogram our self spiritually? Through setting aside time for God and by literally scheduling Him into our busy schedules. Start by scheduling time to spend with the author and finisher of your faith, Jesus Christ! I challenge you to try this: set your clock 30 minutes earlier than normal, just as you would if you had something urgent to do, grab a cup of coffee or your morning drink, pull out an empty chair and invite Jesus to join you. Open up your Bible and begin your morning devotion and then relax while you enjoy your coffee and fellowship together while allowing time to really listen as He communes with you. I love taking communion in my mornings with Him as well.

Just as it takes a little time to feel the effects from exercise, you may have to do this for a little while before you begin to feel His presence drawing close; but when it's done with an earnest heart, He will accept your invitation and your life will never be the same! Everything worth having is worth doing right!

So let's begin to show the Lord how important He is to us by allowing time out of each day He gives to communicate with Him, with loving admiration for all He has done in our lives. Make time to be blessed, dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Sowing Love

 What a glorious gift God has given! Cool and brisk outside but whether hot or cold, sunshine or rain, sleet or snow, each new day is a gift from God filled with His fresh mercies and tender grace.

Regardless of the outer elements that surround us, let's rise and shine forth His Love and Hope within! Let's be grateful that He showers us with His Amazing Grace and be happy with the life given as we rise above the storms, dance in the rain, and if we're gonna dance, then let's sing forth His praise:

"Oh how beautiful are you Lord, it's your Words, it's your Love; Oh how glorious are You Lord, It's Your power, It was Your cross, That saved me and rescued me, Just a moment there, set me free! I give You glory, glory! I give You glory, glory! I give You glory, glory, Jesus! I give You glory, glory! I give You glory, glory! I give You glory, glory, Jesus!

Now doesn't it do your heart good to feel His praises rising up within you whether you sang along or not! Well, you know I just had to sing this morning! I find it wonderful to open my eyes and breathe in the goodness of each new day given; to be able to get myself out of bed and to move about and have my being; even tho it's slow at first, the more I move, the easier it gets, just as every thing we do in life.

No matter if in our physical walk or our spiritual walk; the more we practice what is needed, the easier it gets; and the more rewarding it feels! So with each new move we make, it's good to feel the joy of the Lord springing up within the very depths of our soul as we feel the Love of Jesus, the Lord of lords, King of kings, God of all gods, the Great I Am, Prince of Peace, and Lover of my soul wrap His arms around us bringing comfort and peace as nothing this world has to offer! What joy to know that I am His, and He is mine forever and ever throughout eternity, Praise His Holy Name! Thank You Jesus!

So how about you? Come join in and not just rush through today, but enjoy all He has given; let's make every moment the very best it can be for His glory sake. We can make it a good day, or it can be a better day; or we can even aim at making it the very Best it can be.

Good, Better, Best; Never Let it rest; Until the good is better, and the better is Best! Let's make it Best as we enjoy His blessings along the way.

Let's sow His love into someone's life today by sowing seeds of kindness along our way; How about it? Let's choose to be happy, to enjoy all He has given and live our life to the fullest! Let's choose to be Free to dance in the rain; to sing His praises through it all and bring glory to the Kingdom of God while being all we can be for His Glory sake!

Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends, because God loves you and so do I~~~

Perfect Unity

 While reading in Colossians 3 this morning, Paul stressed the need for followers of Christ Jesus to pray one for another so we all remain strong in the Spirit, and with so much going on in our world today, we must purpose within ourselves to lift up the fallen, to encourage the weak, and to share God's Word in Love so our journey is successful, while helping others to stay strong as well.

Jesus commissioned His followers to spread His Word in Love while being His examples on this earth. Being followers of Jesus requires us to purposely adorn our minds each new day with compassion, with kindness, with humility, with gentleness, and determined patience; to determine within ourselves to forgive one another quickly as He has forgiven us, and above all these virtues, to put on Love; which is the key to binding all the other virtues together in Perfect Unity as noted in Colossians 3:12-15.

Perfect unity binds us together in Christ Jesus with love that goes above and beyond to care one for one another so we all remain strong in the faith. Hurting, oppressed, bound, and lost people are looking for a way of Hope that is ours in Christ Jesus; but because we don't walk the walk to match up with the talk we share from the Word, they become disappointed in our outward portrayal of the life we live before them.

So as true followers, we must be prepared at all times; constant in season and out, to give account of that blessed Hope we have obtained, having been changed from our former sinful life by Jesus' atoning blood into a brand new life of freedom. We become living testimonies of God's Amazing Grace, not only by the words we speak but by the life we live before others who may never pick up a Bible but will watch the lives of so called Christians to see if we really can walk the walk we so readily talk about.

As we share Jesus with our words and deeds, let it be in a manner that others will want the same hope that lies within us, knowing there is no greater joy than a life redeemed by our witness of Christ Jesus, and to God be all glory, honor, and praise! Even the angels in Heaven rejoice over just one sinner being saved! So let's determine to make this day the best it can be as we glorify Jesus with loving kindness shown to others along our way. Let's make this a wonderfully blessed day, simply because God loves you and so do I~~~

His Great Love

 "But because of His Great Love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions; it is by grace you have been saved; and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the Heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:4-10.

What manner of Love is this--what Grace He has shown to allow His only begotten Son to die in our place upon that cruel cross. Such love is beyond our human ability to comprehend and yet His love is never ending and holds no restrictions. What assurance to know that the God of all creation loves us with a love so unconditional that nothing can ever separate us from His love as declared in Romans 8:38-39, " For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

As you go about your day, I pray you feel His Love saturating every part of your being so you enjoy a wonderfully loved and blissful day; simply because God loves you and so do I~~~

Never Give Up

 My thought to you today is "Never Give Up". "Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning"(Psalm 30:5). Whether you are faced with personal or physical challenges or facing those “mountains” seeming impossible to climb; the God you serve is "able to do EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”(Ephesians 3:20); and as He declares in Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind; Is there anything too hard for me?" and as Jesus declared to them in Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We have His promised Word to declare so 'Never ever give up' but keep holding on to Him and His Word; "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"(Philippians 1:6). Doesn't matter what comes our way, whether good or bad, He is forever with us; throughout His Word promising to never leave nor forsake us; waiting to gather us into His loving arms; to dust off our hurts and failures, to love on us, and to guide us along our way,

We just have to take time to acknowledge Him and let Him be part of our daily life as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6. Don't get so busy in your daily life that you leave God out. Talk with Him steadily as you go about your day; include Him in everything you do; keep trusting God and hold firmly to His declared promises and He will bring you through every situation you encounter.

We just need to be persistent and steadfast in making Him part of everything we do; and we will enjoy a blessed life, dear friends; God loves you and so do I~~~

New Beginnings

 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, But sometimes I wonder what He can do for me; No great success to show, No glory of my own; yet in my weakness He is there to let me know: His strength is perfect when our strength is gone; He'll carry us when we can't carry on; Raised in His power the weak becomes strong; His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect."

"We can only know the power that He holds; When we truly see how deep our weakness goes. His strength it must begin, When ours comes to an end; He hears our humble cry and proves again. His strength is perfect when our strength is gone; He'll carry us when we can't carry on; Raised in His power the weak become strong, His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect!"

I feel the words to this song are needed not only for myself but for someone reading this today, so I pray you will also take them to heart and know that n our own strength we can't do all that is needed; but through Christ and Him alone we find the strength to do ALL those difficult things in our life (Philippians 4:13).

Just as Solomon describes the life seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we can all agree that each season of life is in God's supreme control, and just as each season has its appropriate time to shine forth, our lives also contain seasons of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, harmony and struggle, and life and death. Nothing stays the same, and we must learn to adjust to the ebb and flow of God’s designs. Some seasons are almost unbearable to the point we do not understand what God is doing; but it's In those times, we learn to humbly submit to the Lord's plans and trust that He is working all things out for our good and His perfect plan.

As Spring is just around the corner and times for new beginnings is at hand. Excitement builds as we eagerly await the budding forth of a fresh new season inspiring Hope for brighter days ahead. Just something about Spring that wakes us from the dead of winter into God's glorious new beginnings of new days and new life ahead.

God is always looking for ways to bring about new beginnings to all who will awaken from their deadly past and hear His Word to obtain better days ahead as noted in Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

We have to become aware of the need for changes and understand that it's all in God's master plan as we wait expectantly and begin to sense His work at hand.

Learning to acknowledge the Lord very early in our morning times allow us the privilege of walking beside Him through every season in our life. When you walk with a friend you learn to share the good and the bad, the happy and the sad times, and there is no closer friend we will come to know than the gift our precious Lord Jesus sent in Holy Spirit to reside within and talk with us throughout each season of our life.

We can Trust Him to work the work needed in our lives today as His Strength empowers us along our way. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and The Life (John 14:6) and just as God reminded Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6, It's Not by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, that all things are accomplished.; Praise the Lord! Let's allow Him to do what is needed in our life today. I pray you enjoy a wonderfully blessed today, knowing that God loves you and so do I~

WHAT MANNER OF LOVE IS THIS

 "But because of His Great Love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions; it is by grace you have been saved; and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the Heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:4-10.

What manner of Love is this--what Grace He has shown to allow His only begotten Son to die in our place upon that cruel cross. Such love is beyond our human ability to comprehend and yet His love is never ending and holds no restrictions. What assurance to know that the God of all creation loves us with a love so unconditional that nothing can ever separate us from His love as declared in Romans 8:38-39, " For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

As you go about your day, I pray you feel His Love saturating every part of your being so you enjoy a wonderfully loved and blissful day; simply because God loves you and so do I~~~

PERFECT UNITY

 While reading in Colossians 3 this morning, Paul stressed the need for followers of Christ Jesus to pray one for another so we all remain strong in the Spirit, and with so much going on in our world today, we must purpose within ourselves to lift up the fallen, to encourage the weak, and to share God's Word in Love so our journey is successful, while helping others to stay strong as well.

Jesus commissioned His followers to spread His Word in Love while being His examples on this earth. Being followers of Jesus requires us to purposely adorn our minds each new day with compassion, with kindness, with humility, with gentleness, and determined patience; to determine within ourselves to forgive one another quickly as He has forgiven us, and above all these virtues, to put on Love; which is the key to binding all the other virtues together in Perfect Unity as noted in Colossians 3:12-15.

Perfect unity binds us together in Christ Jesus with love that goes above and beyond to care one for one another so we all remain strong in the faith. Hurting, oppressed, bound, and lost people are looking for a way of Hope that is ours in Christ Jesus; but because we don't walk the walk to match up with the talk we share from the Word, they become disappointed in our outward portrayal of the life we live before them.

So as true followers, we must be prepared at all times; constant in season and out, to give account of that blessed Hope we have obtained, having been changed from our former sinful life by Jesus' atoning blood into a brand new life of freedom. We become living testimonies of God's Amazing Grace, not only by the words we speak but by the life we live before others who may never pick up a Bible but will watch the lives of so called Christians to see if we really can walk the walk we so readily talk about.

As we share Jesus with our words and deeds, let it be in a manner that others will want the same hope that lies within us, knowing there is no greater joy than a life redeemed by our witness of Christ Jesus, and to God be all glory, honor, and praise! Even the angels in Heaven rejoice over just one sinner being saved! So let's determine to make this day the best it can be as we glorify Jesus with loving kindness shown to others along our way. Let's make this a wonderfully blessed day, simply because God loves you and so do I~~~

Nothing Too Hard For God

 Then came the Word of the Lord unto Jeremiah saying, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:26-27). and dear friend, I ask you today, "Is there anything too hard for our God; the Lord God of all creation; the God who created Heaven and Earth and all therein; The Lord God our Creator?" I tell you of a surety, the answer is NO.... a thousand times and beyond..... there Is Nothing Too Hard for our God!

When I Think about the Lord; How He saved me, how He raised me; How He filled me, with the Holy Ghost; How He healed me, to the uttermost; When I Think about the Lord; How He picked me up and turned me around; How He set my feet on solid ground; It makes me wanna shout; Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus; Lord, You are worthy, of all the glory, and all the honor, and all the praise!

God bless you, dear friends, as we sing forth praise unto the Lord, our God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, Jesus Christ our Saviour, our Redeemer, our Healer and Lord! May we sing forth His praise:

Majesty, Worship His Majesty, Unto Jesus be all glory honor and praise; Majesty, Kingdom Authority, Flow from His throne, unto His own, His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus;

Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King; Majesty, worship His Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings!

I pray the joy of the Lord fill you with His strength and bring you peace and happiness beyond measure as you go through this day. God loves you and so do I~~~