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Grieved and Crushed

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Psalm 34:15-18 scripture image

  • What are the details in the verses?
    • King David authored most of the Psalms. He wrote them as songs. Much like people write and sing songs today about their sorrows and joys; King David did the same.
    • Here, in these verses, I observe that King David is singing about the Lord watching and hearing the righteous in their sorrows and that the Lord is against the evil-doers and he will not remember the evil-doers. The Lord hears the righteous who cry out for help and hears them and delivers them out of their troubles.
    • The Lord is near the griefed and crushed in spirit.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I feel that God is reminding me that He is with me, near me, and hears my spirit-cries as well as when it is grieved. All I need to do is call out to Him, live right according to His living word, stay alert in prayer, and help the needy when the situation arises. Be alert!
    • What changes do I need to make?
      • Stop being bothered by worldly things. God is in control. It’s all part of His grand plan and purpose.
      • Be in His living word, daily. Let it speak to my spirit, mind, and soul.
      • Be teachable. Don’t be a know-it-all. There is always something new to learn and to unlearn.
    • What action do I need to take?
      • YEP! You guessed it! “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Dear Abba YAH, thank You for being near me and with me. I pray the same for the readers of this blog. I lift up everyone to You, YAH. There’s always someone who has needs. I lift all those needs up to You.  I also want to thank You for the blessings and promises You fulfill in our lives. Some go unnoticed by us. I just pray that we take stock and realize what You are doing in our lives. I praise, glorify, honor, and love You, YAH. In Jesus’ name, amen

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Full of Joy!

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Philippians_4_4-9 scripture image

What I observe in these verses is that Paul the Apostle is strongly urging and teaching the Philippians in being full of the joy of the LORD.

Joy in God is a duty of great consequence in the Christian life; Christians need to be again and again called to it. ~Matthew Henry

Paul also reminds the followers of Jesus to be gentle and kind, not to worry about anything, but to pray and ask God for everything they need, always giving thanks. God’s peace will keep their hearts and minds in Jesus. Also, They are to think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Doing what they learned from Paul. The God who gives peace will be with them.

Always being full of joy and knowing God gives peace is a comfort and a refuge in times of trials. It’s best to be gentle and kind and not to worry about anything, praying to God. I can apply this to my life by being Jesus’ example to an ugly, lost, and hurting world. Also, by praying for others and always being joyful helps to bring God’s peace and comfort to others in time of need. It also helps me appreciate what my life in Jesus brings about.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your joy and the consequences it has wrought in our lives. Help me to exude Your joy to help the world a better place until Jesus returns. I lift up all the hurting and devastated people from around the world, Father God. I trust You in Your purpose and plan to meet all their needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Happy Days!

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1 Peter 3_10-18 scripture image

What I observe here is that Paul is writing to give us instructions on what scripture says for me to live a certain way to enjoy life. Don’t be afraid. I must respect/revere Jesus Christ and be ready to give folks an answer when they want me to explain about the hope I have in Jesus Christ… and I must be gentle and respectful about it. I must keep a clear conscience so that whatever evils are spoken of my good life in Christ, those people will be ashamed. It’s better to do good than evil; if it’s what GOD wants of me.  Jesus suffered for my sins; even though He was not guilty but he suffered for my guilt to bring me to GOD. His body was killed, but He was made alive in Spirit. The Good News of the Gospel is expressed here. Happy Days!

This scripture is a tall order. It can be overwhelming. The thing I need to keep in mind is that I don’t need to be afraid and not let evil take over. I need to stay focused on Jesus Christ and not let my human nature and satan take over. Seek GOD always. Jesus’ gift of salvation is the ultimate gift of love to reconcile me back to my Creator, YAH. Keep on doing good, no matter what! GOD will back me up. Happy Days!

Prayer: Dear Father GOD, thank YOU for the gift of salvation. Thank YOU for using me for YOUR good. I pray for lost souls to be saved and reconciled to YOU. I pray for a lost and dying world to seek YOU in all ways and things. I lift the world up to YOU. There is such tragedy and horrific things going on around the world. I pray for and look forward to the Happy Days with YOU in heaven, LORD. I pray that whatever Your plan and purpose is, people will still seek YOU and give YOU the honor and glory in it all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Loving One Another

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1 John 3 scripture

  • What are the details in the verses?
    • Think about the who/what/where/when/why/how.
      • We must love each other.
      • It’s been the message from the beginning.
    • If we hate, we’re the same as a murderer.
      • A right-minded person doesn’t want to be a murderer. Right?
    • Verse 16 says: This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.
      • This is the Good News of the Gospel, pure and simple.
      • We must be willing to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.
    • Verses 18 & 19 tell us: Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and how we will be reassured in His presence.
      • I’ve learned over time that true and real love isn’t about emotions and feelings so much.
      • True and Real Love is a verb; it is an action! It’s what you do; not just saying something, but doing. Mull that over for a bit. Pray about it. Let GOD show you and guide you in true and real love.
  • What Is the strong theme?
    • True & Real LOVE.
  • What stands out?
    • Everything I said above…
  • What is God’s word saying to me in these verses?
    • Really love my brothers and sisters through action.
    • I can’t pick and choose who I want to love and how I love them.
    • It has to be GOD’s way.
  • How can I apply this scripture to my life?
    • Do everything GOD’s way; not mine.
    • Go deep into the recesses of my spirit and soul and clear out the cobwebs. Love how GOD wants me to love.
    • Love on my brothers and sisters like never before! In today’s day and age, people need it more than ever.
    • Pray for them also. Even when I don’t know their life’s situation, God knows. That’s all that matters. I do not need to know the details of their situation.
  • What do I need to change to make the application of this scripture work?
    • Stop the negative thoughts and behaviors that cause hate and unloving ways in my life that affect others. Yes, believe it or not, we all harbor some hate deep in our spirits. It needs to be blotted out and destroyed.
    • Once the above is put into place, that opens my heart, soul, and spirit to actively love others.
  • What action do I need to take?
    • Yes, you saw this coming!!! “Just Do It!”

Prayer: ABBA YAH, Father GOD, thank YOU for the gift of Salvation through Jesus. I pray that we can love, truly and really love, according to YOUR word, not what we think or feel it should be. After, Jesus’ actions of willing being crucified and resurrected are the ultimate true gift of love. We must love because He loved us first! Show us YAH! I pray the tragedy and horrific devastation is stopped according to Your will. I pray that we love people instead of fighting, hating, and murdering them. Thank You for allowing me to truly love people, as well as being loved back by them. YOU are in control, YAH. Thank YOU for that! I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

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A Virtuous Woman; Who Can Find Her?

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  • What are the details in these verses?
    • Think about the who/what/where/when/why/how.
      • This scripture is talking about a virtuous and capable wife; not just any woman.
      • A virtuous wife is more precious than rubies.
      • She’s an early riser to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
      • She’s a very fit and capable wife. She is careful and isn’t lazy about getting things done.
      • She extends a helping hand to the needy.
      • She speaks wisely with kindness.
      • She is clothed with strength and dignity. She’s not afraid to laugh for fear of the future.
    • What is the strong theme?
      • A virtuous and capable wife.
    • What stands out?
      • A wife is to be virtuous and capable, not fearing, as well as strong and not lazy, and willing to extend a helping hand to the needy. She needs to speak wisely and with kindness.
      • Nothing holds her back.
    • We need to think about what it means to be virtuous. What does virtuous mean?
      • Honorable with excellent morals, good ethics, and integrity. An honest and humble life.
        • ~ A righteous life. Which means living right! Not right according to human thinking, but right in the eyes of GOD and HIS word. HIS word is a light to our path and a guide to lead us on the right path (we discussed this in a previous devotion.)
    • We also need to think about what it means to be more precious than rubies.
      • A precious ruby is highly valued across the world.
      • Through the ages, the ruby has represented nobility, purity, and passion. Read more here…
      • In reality, translating that into a human perspective…
        • ~ A Virtuous Wife is above these ideals of the ruby. She is more noble, pure, and passionate in her duty as a wife and mother. We can break this down more and more and on and on. However, I believe we get the idea. Study this more in your Bible study time. God’s word is full of nuggets and wisdom related to living a Godly life. 

  • “What is God’s word saying to me right now?”
    •  I have a lot of spiritual work to do related to being a virtuous wife/mother/grandmother.
    • I need to get my vertical alignment right. See more about this below.
  • How can I apply this to my own life?
    • I need to rid myself of the world’s way of life and focus on God’s way of life.
    • Put into action, a plan to convert to God’s way. Which means:
      • Get into and stay in God’s living word and study it closely! Even more, than I do now.
      • Make sure to clean up my act and get to bed early and rise early.
      • Cut out all the noise and distractions of the world not related to living a Godly life as a wife/mother/grandmother.
      • The list could go on forever… list the things that relate to you specifically in your own Bible study notes/journaling.
  • What changes do I need to make?
    • See the applying this to my own life section.
      1. The major thing to focus on is vertical alignment
        1. ~ Reading God’s word daily – more than before.
        2. ~ Praying
          ~ Attending Corporate Church services to interact with other like-minded folks.
        3. ~ Sharing the Gospel with the lost and unbelieving people.
        4. ~ Extending a helping hand to the needy.
          1. * If you’re needy, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. It blesses God to see someone helping others who truly need it.
        5. ~ If you can think of other things that I missed, comment and share so we could all benefit.
  • What action do I need to take?
    • See everything just above. If you think of anything I didn’t, comment and share it so we can all benefit and learn.

Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for who You are and what You do in our lives. I lift up all of the world to You. Everyone has something going on in their lives; whether it be illness, injury, some sort of loss, tragedies, everything bad and negative affecting lives. I pray that whatever Your will is in the lives of Your people, it will be a blessing to each one of us. Thank You for the Good News of the Gospel and for having Jesus as our Savior. I pray we live up to it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 139_23-24 scripture image

Know My Heart, O’ God!

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Psalm 139_23-24 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • King David wrote in reference to a theme that refers to Adam; after the fall of man. King David knows that he, himself, harbors the potential for wickedness. King David makes himself extremely vulnerable here, asking YAH to use all His Godly powers to critically investigate the depths of his being to lay open and uncover any wickedness that He might find there.  King David; to a greater extent, prays that YAH would lead him “in the everlasting way”. King David prayed that God would show him the Godly path that God would call him to walk on. [Note: research was done to get the right idea for this scripture from commentaries, etc.]
  • “What is God’s word saying to me in this scripture?”
    • In reference to my life in modern times; It’s the same as King David. Speaking in human terms, We all harbor the potential for wickedness. We need to seek out YAH and have Him uncover and lay open any wickedness we have in us. We need to pray for YAH’s guidance “in the everlasting way”. Which means the Godly path toward HIM; that HE would call us to walk on.
  • How can I apply what I just read to my own life?
    • We need to be 100% focused on YAH. We need to be the example of Jesus to a lost world so we can lead and point directly to YAH; not man. We also need to share the Gospel of Jesus planting the seed for YAH to tend and harvest at the right time.
    • What do I need to change to make it work?
      • Stop listening to the world and of all its noise and distractions. Satan would love to keep us in chaos and distracted from YAH’s word and truth.
      • Get into HIS Word and stay there. The more focused on YAH we are, the less the world will bother us.
    • What action do I need to take?
      • Just Do It! (My, Kimberly’s, favorite quote!)
      • Whatever is going on, if it’s not totally focused on YAH, it is not as important as focusing on YAH!

Prayer: Dear Abba YAH, thank YOU for Your word for us to learn from and live our lives for YOU. I pray about all the chaos going on in the world around us. We know YOU are in control and that we need to trust YOU in what happens because it’s all part of Your divine design and plan. Whatever Your purpose; it’s perfect. I lift up all the sick, physically, mentally, and spiritually. They each present their own set of problems… however, being sick is being sick. I pray for wellness to take place in whatever manner YOU see fit and that YOU get the honor and glory; no matter what! I thank YOU and praise YOU, YAH. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When Gamaliel Speaks, The High Council Listens

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In Acts 5 the Apostles were teaching about Jesus in the temple. The High Counsel (the Sadducees) didn’t like it, so they sent jailers to arrest them and put them in jail. While in jail, God sent an angel of the Lord to release them from jail without the jailers even noticing. Then, because the Angel of the Lord told them to, they went back to the temple to teach more.

When they were supposed to be brought before the High Council the next day, they weren’t in the jail. They were found at the temple, again. The High Priest was furious and wanted to put them to death immediately. Scripture says:

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts of the Apostles 5:29

Because the High Council was all worked up with anger… This is what happened:

But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men!
Acts of the Apostles 5:34‭-‬35

Gamaliel explained to the High Council what happened when others interfered with God’s plans, the Council had a change of heart. They let the Apostles go. On Gamaliel’s advice that if the Apostles were up to no good, it would fall apart like past situations.

We find that when it is of GOD, nothing anyone says or does can stop it, change it, or interfere with it. GOD will make it happen regardless.

We need to keep that in mind when we think we can control everything in life. When evil is involved, it gets really ugly; fast. Even with GOD in control, things can be ugly, but if we let Him do His thing, it all turns out good. His plans are perfect.

What situation do you find yourself in today? Whatever it is, God is in control. Trust Him with the outcome and answer. His promises will never fail us. He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is right by your side. Reach out to Him. He’s waiting for you.

Dear Father YAH, I pray for the state of the world and circumstances we find ourselves in. YOU know those who are ill. Whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. I lift up all of them, myself included, and ask for healing and transformation for Your good. Thank You for Your word, because it is a lamp to my feet. You show me the way. I pray that we see Your light and follow it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Flee From Capture

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When this scripture says to save yourself and flee, God is offering you an out to escape being ensnared and becoming a slave to wickedness. See what 1 Corinthians 10 says below.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
1 Corinthians 10:12‭-‬14

Satan makes evil things look sweet and wonderful. Masterfully wording things and masking situations so that you don’t see the truth of the matter. He appeals to our human nature. Human nature will always choose sin. Always!

As the scripture tells us, the wicked will be destroyed.

When we’re in the word of God, we learn to discern evil and wicked things. We know not to allow ourselves to become enslaved in unrighteous behaviors and thoughts. When we pay attention to God, we know better.

As the cliche says, “Just say NO!”

That scripture in the image at the top sounds so familiar with the things going on in the world. A wink here, a nod there, and a nudge here… Wickedness ensures.

How are you handling the wickedness around you? I pray for people, places, and situations. At this point, prayer is the best answer; until God reveals a plan He wants us involved in.

Dear Yahweh, I lift up the world to You. Only You can deal with everything going on. There are evil people and things, there are sick people and they’re lives ones trying to do what they can, there’s all the political shenanigans going on, and lost souls involved in it all. I pray the lost will become found, the sick healed, and harmony within the body of Christ. I pray for the world leaders to come into alignment with You, LORD God. I know this is all part of Your grand plan, Father YAH. We don’t understand, but even so, YOU are in control. We simply need to heed to You. Trust and obey. Thank You in advance, YAH, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

at Jesus' feet

Who Do You Serve?

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Matthew 6 scripture image

“A general maxim laid down; no man can serve two masters, much less two gods; for their commands will some time or other cross or contradict one another, and their occasions interfere.” Matthew Henry

Generally speaking, serving more than one can become quite cumbersome. At some point, the two will intersect. It will be at that point you will have to choose. Human nature will always choose sinfulness. It’s just how it is.

We all have a bent toward something in the secular world. It can be anything. When the secular becomes your choice, you will be out of alignment with GOD. Once out of alignment, you will not be blessed with GOD’s promises.

It tells us more in 1 Timothy:

Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich. Serving God does make us very rich; if we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:3-7

The caution is given three times. That seems pretty important; don’t you agree? GOD uses the number three a lot in scripture. There’s a symbolic link between the trinity and His Word. Three is very important. So, if warned three times… we must take it to heart or suffer the consequences.

We are encouraged by GOD that He will provide our needs when we trust and obey HIM to the fullest. We are of more value to HIM than all the creatures that move on this earth and in the skies. HE is our FATHER. We are his firstborn.

If we had but more faith, we should have less care. Matthew Henry

We need to have faith and trust GOD to care for and meet our needs. When we worry and carry on we only add more stress to our lives. It’s not worth it.

GOD tells us in Revelation 2:

8 “Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
“The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again, says this: 9 I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the bad things some people say about you. They say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

The book of Revelation is the prophecy of what’s to come. We need to take heed of it. TRUST GOD.

How does this look in your life? What are you doing to trust and obey GOD and have faith in HIM?

Dear YAH, ABBA, I lift everyone up to YOU. I pray that they will put all their cares at YOUR feet; at the foot of the throne and leave them with YOU. Please show us what to do and how to live, to have all the faith we can muster in YOU. Thank YOU for all YOU do and continue to do in our lives. I pray for the ill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. YOU are THE Great Physician and can heal us in all ways. I trust YOU. I adore, honor, and glorify YOU, YAH, in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Learn To Be Satisfied

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Philippians 4 image

In today’s day and age, there’s this mindset that people want it all and they want it now and believe they deserve it. That attitude flies in the face of GOD’s word. GOD is not selfish and self-centered. He doesn’t teach us to be selfish.

In the Word, Paul teaches us that we don’t need everything and we don’t need it now, to be satisfied in life. GOD will provide when something is really needed. We can become so busy thinking only about ourselves that we forget about GOD. If we want to be blessed by GOD we need to point to HIM in all things. All we have to do is read HIS word to find His will for our lives.

We find, also, in GOD’s word that he commands us to love HIM and only HIM, that we’re not to have any other gods. When we take our eyes off of GOD and start fretting about what we need and want, we make those things our god.

What are you focusing on that could become your god? We all do it. It’s our human nature. Satan would love nothing more than to catch you in his traps and keep you in bondage. He’s the ultimate deceiver. HE can make himself look like GOD in his word trickery and ensnare you. Look what he did to Eve in the garden.

Repent and turn to GOD and trust HIM for all your needs.

How can I pray for you? Leave me a message below:

Dear Father GOD, I lift up the readers of this blog. I pray that they seek YOU, find YOU, and surrender fully to YOU. I praise, honor, glorify, adore, and love YOU, GOD. I lift up all the sick; physically, mentally, and spiritually. I trust YOU, GOD, to meet all their needs and that they know and trust YOU in their lives; as well as myself. I can get sidetracked, GOD. I pray that my gaze is fixed on YOU and that I get vertically aligned and stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to YOU in heaven. I pray this for all the readers here too. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.