Love

Walking in the Presence of God

LynnLeave a comment
Grand Teton National Park

Hallelujah!  Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:1–2 (BSB)

My soul is enraptured by Your majestic Presence, O God. In the stillness of Your creation—among the towering mountains and whispering winds—my spirit trembles in awe. Even the smallest flower, placed purposefully by Your hand, resonates within my heart that You see me. 

Columbine Flower

You commanded it to bloom in this very place, at this very moment, to stir my heart toward You, to refresh my weary soul, and to rekindle the longing to continue to draw nearer.

How humbling it is to stand before such magnificence and realize how small I am—yet how deeply I am loved. You, the God of the universe, are not ashamed to call me friend. Every petal and every breath of wind proclaims Your affection. Words fail me, yet my heart overflows with praise for Your beauty, Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your forgiveness… and most of all… Your love.

There remains within me a quiet ache—a loneliness that only You can fill. Who could ever understand the wonder of moments like these? Still, I long for the world to know Your glory, to see Your beauty, to taste Your love. I long for them to know You as I have known You, even more so. You reveal Yourself so tenderly to those who seek You. May Your glory shine through me and may Your Love be demonstrated through every small thing I do, Lord—not that I may be known, but that You may be known.

Lord, You have filled my soul with wonder. You meet me in quiet places and remind me that I am seen, loved, and chosen. Let every breath I take be a song of praise to You. Use my life to reflect Your glory— not that I might be noticed, but that others may behold You.

You are my joy, my friend, my everything. May my heart never cease to be in awe of You.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Psalm 103:1 (BSB)

Selfless Love

Lynn1 Comment

2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 BSB

In today’s world, we have a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge like no other previous generation. Almost every one of us has the world at our fingertips through tiny screens, we call cell phones. Within the last several years, there’s been an explosion in the technology of artificial intelligence (AI). People have programmed AI so well, that at times, it can be difficult to distinguish between whether or not you are speaking to a real person or an AI program that sounds like a human being.

If you’ve written a book or an article, AI can check for proper grammar usage and punctuation. AI can now make suggestions for a better argument or the use of more articulate sentences. In fact, AI could write the book for you if you’re detailed enough in your requirements. AI can create pictures and videos that are so life-like that you’d think they were real. (A scary thought.) AI is also being used to write its own programs to solve complex, mathematical equations and many scientific puzzles, including calculating and proving out abstract theories.

If you want to know how to switch out the climate control panel in your car or fix your dishwasher, just YouTube it or ask AI specific questions, and BAM!! you’re on your way to fixing the issue yourself. In many ways, having all of this knowledge so readily available can be a blessing, like in the examples above. If there’s a common household problem that needs resolving, the internet offers a million and one ways to solve it. I especially enjoy this kind of knowledge because I like understanding how things work and how they go together. I can easily get pulled into a night of watching YouTube about things pertaining to any type of engineering. You like mathematics? There are millions upon millions of websites and videos you can get lost in. Want to become the best debater and sharpen your skills? Grab your phone and YouTube it. I think in some ways it’s good that knowledge is not out of reach for those who have a thirst for learning that is never quenched.

Just as much as it is can be good, it can also be distracting, taking you down unnecessary paths and stealing hours upon hours of your precious time. Sometimes, you can find yourself so submerged in all that information that you’ve forgotten what brought you there in the first place. You started out looking for information about what kind of tree you saw and somehow you ended up watching adorable kittens playfully pouncing one another. We laugh about it because it’s true. I think most of us enjoy learning new things. After all, God has instilled this desire within us so that we would seek Him.

Studying the Bible is one of the most important things, as believers, we should do. Held within the very words of the Holy Scriptures is Life itself. However, just like we can get lost on the information highway, sometimes we can get lost in obtaining knowledge about God too. Of course, this can be a good thing, until it gets to a point where knowledge becomes superior to love. If I were able to connect each and every Scripture perfectly and interpret them correctly, but are unable to have compassion for a fellow brother or sister, what use is knowing all of those wonderful things? If I can formulate the most perfect argument and win every debate, but lose the soul, what good is it?

Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 BSB

As we draw nearer to knowing God, transformation should not only be happening in our understanding of the Scriptures, but also within our heart as well. Such transformation should be bringing about the love of God from within you. This love is then demonstrated by how you treat others.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:9-10a BSB

I recommend that you read all of Colossians Chapter 1. What spiritual wisdom and understanding is Paul referring to?

While knowledge is the accumulation of facts, wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge in a way that brings about a good outcome. Spiritual wisdom, in particular, involves using knowledge with insight, patience, and compassion, which reflects God’s love and truth. (James 3:17)

What does Paul mean when he says, “so that you might walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way” ? (An entire article can be written from this question alone. 😊) What fruit are the above Scriptures referring to? Such fruit is clearly explained in the below reference:

52 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 BSB

Notice that the kind of fruit Paul is referring to doesn’t speak of having the ability to solve every mystery held within the Scriptures or to prove yourself right in a debate. He is talking about those things that we cannot possess without first having an intimate relationship with God. Through our intimacy with Jesus, He develops within us a kind of love that is completely selfless. This selfless love is the very nature of who God is and the very reason why Christ died. (And the reason why we need God so very much.)

5 But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked. 1 John 2:5-6 BSB

What does it mean when it says “walk”? By saying walk, it is referring to a continuous journey. It involves making a daily decision to follow God’s path, seeking His guidance and wisdom to grow more aligned with His heart and purpose. And, how did Jesus walk?

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:1-7 BSB

Can you see the love and compassion woven in Paul’s pleading? He’s saying, if you have any love within you, then consider others better than yourself, be like Christ, who humbled Himself and willingly died in complete submission to God for the betterment of others. We are supposed to be servants of God and then likewise, servants to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our walk with God should not only be solely focused on gaining knowledge for ourselves, but also on the building up of others in the faith. I’m not suggesting that we lose ourselves in serving others, but to remember why we are here. Are we only here to gain knowledge just for ourselves? Are we not to also to build one another up? I implore you, what kind of fruit are you bearing?

As a side note, I noticed this beautiful complement Paul gave Timothy. Read this:

19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. 20 I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. 21 For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:19-21 BSB

Paul’s deep appreciation for Timothy stems from Timothy’s faithfulness and devotion to Paul’s calling. Timothy’s love for Paul was demonstrated by his continued support and faithful friendship. Paul trusted Timothy so much, that he was sending him in his place to care for their fellow believers. What an honor! The bonded friendship between them had a foundation of love that stemmed from being selfless towards one another. What a beautiful example of the kind of friends we should not only seek, but to become.

5 The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5 BSB

Sincere faith is laden with love. Faith should not exist without love, but it can and often it does. This should not be.

All knowledge will cease and only God and those who love Him will remain. In the end of all things, the ultimate goal that God desires for each of us is for us to become like Jesus.

Jesus possessed all wisdom, faith and love. By looking intently into the Scriptures, you can identify Christ’s love woven throughout. The people Jesus rebuked the most were the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the teachers of the Law. Why do you think that was so? You might say that was due to their lack of faith in Who Jesus was or that they had more faith in their doctrine than in God Himself. I see this, but I am also seeing something deeper. We intellectually know that it is never a good thing to place doctrine over God. In fact, it is not good to put anything over God, including faith, and might I so audaciously say, even the study of the Scriptures.

So, what happened to the Pharisees and the Sadducees? They studied the Scriptures all day long and went through special training. That’s all they knew… the precious Scriptures, and yet, they missed the most important thing in all of life!! Jesus Christ Himself! How can such a thing be possible, that is, for a person to spend that much time researching the Scriptures and miss the entire point of it all? (This should pose to us a warning.)

I think it was in part due to their lack of genuine love, the selfless kind of love that God is. They unraveled the Scriptures and understood things that most of the common people did not, and yet, they possessed no true love for others and so God withheld their ability to see the Truth.

22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 BSB

What is acceptable obedience according to Scripture?

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 BSB

37 Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 BSB

The Bible shows that love for God leads us to love one another. By obeying what God has commanded, that is, to love your neighbor as yourself, you will walk in perfect faith toward God.

If the only point in studying the Scriptures is to gain understanding of what they mean, then the Pharisees and the Sadducees would have been first in line and the most praised, but that ended up not being the case. They got lost in their search for understanding. They missed the entire point of it all.

Yes, the study of Scripture is wonderful and glorious, but if it does not lead you to a life of selfless love, then the Scriptures themselves will have had no real impact on your heart. And this is the purpose for their existence, to lead you to a Selfless Loving God, so that you may exemplify the very traits Christ possessed. God’s selfless Love is woven throughout the Scriptures from Genesis 1:1 all the way through Revelation 22:21. The whole point of our relationship with God should be based on love, and if this is so, then that love should radiate to those around you. The kind of love that puts Self aside and thinks of others. One that puts agendas aside and reaches out to build up and encourage our fellow believers. Sometimes, people put forth a false sense of selflessness, only to hide their true motive, and such motives are to serve themselves. This should not be.

My friends, let us love one another selflessly. In the end, it really doesn’t matter if you can solve all the mysteries in the world and understand all the deep meanings within the Scriptures, if you do not have love, you have missed the most important thing.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 BSB

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. 10 And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. 1 John 4:7-21 BSB

12 And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. 13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 BSB

May your studies lead you to the greatest wisdom of all: Selfless Love.

Fall

LynnLeave a comment

I love you, O LORD, my strength. Psalms 18:1| NIV84

God is a personal God. I mean, He is vividly and actively involved in each of our lives. Sometimes we don’t recognize His presence or acknowledge that He is there, but He is always there. One cannot escape His love and there has been many times where the invisible God has made Himself visible to me. Sometimes it’s through revelation knowledge about a certain subject within the Bible, and other times it’s the refreshing wind on a hot summer day or even rain falling gently upon my face like tender kisses. No matter how He chooses, He makes Himself known that He is there beside me and it blesses my heart beyond measure.

As I grow older, I place these special moments with the Lord God inside my heart and deeply cherish them. I pull them out from time to time and enjoy knowing that my Heavenly Father truly cares about every aspect of my life and all the tiny details. I don’t normally request things for myself of the Lord, at least, not as much as I did in years past. It seems anymore, I petition the Lord on the behalf of others. I guess I could say that I have become content in knowing or better yet, trusting, that God has everything under control, and all is well even if everything is falling apart in regard to myself personally.

Most people do not like getting older, especially women, but I do. Age has brought upon me some maturity and had I not gone through certain things, I wouldn’t have the relationship I have with the Lord. If I could choose between yesterday and today, I would choose the present.

In mid-October when the grey skies and rain started coming sooner than usual, I looked outside feeling kind of disappointed. I then sighed and quietly pleaded with the Lord,

“Please don’t let the grey come so soon this year. I mean, look at all those trees. I haven’t seen them this beautiful in so many years and now the rain is taking away all of their beauty. Can you please give me one day, this weekend, where the sun shines with blue skies? Please…” I paused for a moment and smiled while looking out the window up at the grey colored sky, “…and can you make it warm? Like 60°F? Oh, it would be most wonderful to feel the warm sun one more time… and thank you. Thank you so much for all that you do. You are so wonderful.”

Just so you know, I don’t watch the news, nor do I pay any attention to the weather forecast. I learned many years ago that weather forecasters cannot accurately tell the weather more than one day ahead… even with all of the quadruple Doppler systems in place! They like to drum up emotions and all kinds of nonsense, so I don’t normally pay any attention to it.

Would you know that God so graciously provided a day that weekend (a Sunday) with clear skies and warm temperatures? The high got up to around 65°F. It was so wonderful and amazing. I took full advantage and spent the day outside going all around town taking pictures of the beautiful foliage. I know it’s trivial to ask for such simplistic things, but somehow there are times when I need to.

I hold these times very close to my heart, they are most precious and incredibly beautiful. They demonstrate the love between the Creator and the created. I am merely a woman and nothing more, but my soul is of unlimited value and within it possesses a longing for my Beloved. I am a child of the Living God, my Heavenly Father, the Lover of my soul. He loves me more than anyone ever will and with a faithfulness that has no end. I am both awed and humbled by this truth and more times than not I don’t even know how to respond.

I offer Him my life in return. When He shows me something I should do, I do it out of love for Him. He is my Loving Father and His ways lead to freedom. Living in this world can be burdensome and so can the distractions within. At times my body is a burden and all of its physical and emotional demands a nuisance. I long to shed this body to live with God forever without limitation. I long to dance with my Beloved on the streets of gold, but while I wait for that glorious day, I will close my eyes and imagine dancing with Him in the kitchen remembering and cherishing the moments of simplistic prayers answered in demonstration of His sweet Love. I will bask in the remembrance of that splendid sunny day in October when the sun shone down warming my face, keeping me cozy all winter long.

I long for the Lover of my soul, for my Beloved to come take me Home so nothing stands between us, neither time nor distance. Oh, how I long for my Lord.

Conversation with God

LynnLeave a comment

I cried to the LORD, “All of my companions have abandoned me.”

He replied, “My Precious Daughter, though everyone has forsaken you, I will receive you.[1] Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.[2] I am a friend who sticks closer than a brother.[3] Be 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 you from My love that is in Christ Jesus your Lord.”[4]

I wept saying, “LORD, I am afraid.”

He replied, “My Daughter, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.[5] Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you.[6] Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, fear no evil, for I am with you; My rod and My staff, they will comfort you.[7] When you are afraid, trust in Me.[8] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”[9]  

I said to the LORD, “My heart is broken.”

He replied, “Dear Child, I am He who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.[10] I live forever and I am holy, I live in Heaven, in a holy place, but I will also live with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.[11] Do not forget, I am close to the brokenhearted and I save those who are crushed in spirit.[12] A broken and contrite heart, I will not despise.[13] For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.[14] At the end of time, I will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will pass away.”[15]

I said to the LORD, “I feel lost.”

He replied, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy.[16] I am the way and the truth and the life.[17] I came to seek and to save what was lost.[18] I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.[19] Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear My voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”[20]

I said to the LORD, “I am weary.”

He replied, “Daughter, do you not know? Have you not heard? I am the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. I will not grow tired or weary, and My understanding no one can fathom. I will strengthen the weary and increase the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but hope in Me and I will renew your strength. You will soar on wings like eagles; and you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not be faint.[21] Come to Me, My Daughter, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”[22]

I said to the LORD, “If everyone has left me, does that mean I have no value?”

He replied, “My Daughter, can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.[23] I love you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.[24] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.[25] I was despised and rejected by men, I am a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their face. I understand your pain.[26]

My Child, I have searched you and I know you. I know when you sit and when you rise; I perceive your thoughts from afar. I discern your going out and your lying down; I am familiar with all of your ways. Before a word is on your tongue I know it completely, my dear Child. I hem you in–behind and before; I have laid My hand upon you.[27]

I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made; My works are wonderful, you know that full well. Your frame was not hidden from me when I made you in the secret place. When you were woven together in the depths of the earth, My eyes saw your unformed body. All the days ordained for you were written in my book before one of them came to be.”[28]

I said to the LORD, “I am lonely. If others have left me, won’t You leave too?”

He replied, “My Child, I am a Father to the fatherless, a Defender of widows, I am God in My holy dwelling. I set the lonely in families, I lead forth prisoners with singing;[29] I will go before you and will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.[30] Where can you go from My Spirit? Where can you flee from My presence? If you go up to the heavens, I am there; if you make your bed in the depths, I am there. If you rise on the wings of the dawn, if you settle on the far side of the sea, even there My hand will guide you, My right hand will hold you fast.”[31]

I said to the LORD, “I am worried that I will not have the strength to walk alone while I live upon this earth.”

He replied, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.[32] Cast your cares on Me and I will sustain you; I will never let the righteous fall.[33] My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore boast all the more gladly about your weaknesses, so that My power may rest on you. For My sake, delight in your weaknesses, in the insults of others, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when you are weak, then you are strong.[34] You can do everything through My Son who gives you strength.[35] I am near to all who call on Me, to all who call on Me in truth. I fulfill the desires of those who fear Me; I hear their cry and save them.”[36]

I said to the LORD, “If no one else loves me, how can You?”

He replied, “My Dear One, as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love.[37] You know that in all things I work for the good of those who love Me, who have been called according to My purpose.[38] I love you with an everlasting love; I am drawing you with loving-kindness.[39] How precious are My thoughts, my Child! How vast is the sum of them! Were you to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When you awake, you are still with Me.[40] I am righteous in all My ways and loving toward all I have made.[41] I am gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.[42] I am the Rock, My works are perfect, and all My ways are just. I am faithful who does no wrong, I am upright and just.”[43]

I asked the LORD, “Where do I go from here?”

He replied, “Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will make your paths straight.[44] Come near to Me and I will come near to you.[45] I will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is unwavering, because he trusts in Me. Trust in Me forever, for I am, I am, the Rock eternal.[46] As for Me, My way is perfect; My word is flawless. I am a shield for all who take refuge in Me.”[47]

I said to the LORD, “What if I wander away from Your path?”

He replied, “Daughter, how can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to My word. Seek Me with all your heart; I will not let you stray from My commands.[48] My word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.[49] I will keep you from all harm–I will watch over your life; I will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.[50] Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will make your paths straight.[51] My Child, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.[52]

My Child, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to My words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”[53]

I said to the LORD, “I still feel afraid to walk alone, but I will put my trust in You. I will put my focus on You and all that You have promised. I love you, my LORD, my God.”

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.[54] I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.[55] Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.[56] For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts![57] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.[58] My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.[59] Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.[60] I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.[61] Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.[62] How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.[63] The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.[64]

References

[1] Psalm 27:10

[2] Isaiah 46:4

[3] Proverbs 18:24b

[4] Romans 8:38-39

[5] Isaiah 41:10

[6] 1 Peter 5:7

[7] Psalm 23:4

[8] Psalm 56:3

[9] Joshua 1:9

[10] Psalm 147:3

[11] Isaiah 57:15

[12] Psalm 34:18

[13] Psalm 51:17

[14] Jeremiah 29:11

[15] Revelation 21:4

[16] Ezekiel 34:16a

[17] John 14:6a

[18] Luke 19:10

[19] Isaiah 48:17

[20] Isaiah 30:21

[21] Isaiah 40:28c-31

[22] Matthew 11:28-30

[23] Isaiah 49:15-16a

[24] Jeremiah 31:3

[25] Matthew 10:31

[26] Isaiah 53:3

[27] Psalm 139:1-5

[28] Psalm 139:13-16

[29] Psalm 68:5-6a

[30] Deuteronomy 31:8

[31] Psalm 139:7-10

[32] John 14:27

[33] Psalm 55:22

[34] 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

[35] Philippians 4:13

[36] Psalm 145:17c-19

[37] John 15:9

[38] Romans 8:28

[39] Jeremiah 31:3

[40] Psalm 139:17-18

[41] Psalm 145:17

[42] Psalm 145:8

[43] Deuteronomy 32:4

[44] Proverbs 3:5-6

[45] James 4:8a

[46] Isaiah 26:3-4

[47] Psalm 18:30

[48] Psalm 119:9-10

[49] Psalm 119:105

[50] Psalm 121:7-8

[51] Proverbs 3:5-6

[52] Proverbs 3:1-3

[53] Proverbs 4:20-23

[54] Psalm 119:50

[55] Psalm 119:162

[56] Psalm 119:141

[57] Psalm 92:4-5

[58] Psalm 119:18

[59] Psalm 119:20

[60] Psalm 119:27

[61] Psalm 119:32

[62] Psalm 119:33-34

[63] Psalm 119:103

[64] Psalm 119:130

Sunset

LynnLeave a comment

This past week I was able to see, probably, the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen while living in the North. The sun filled the sky with brilliant purples and pinks… it was truly remarkable. When the sun kissed the horizon, the horizon blushed, and turned bright red. What a precious gift God painted in the skies. He truly is the Master Artist, but what made this sunset even more special is that He knew I needed encouragement and something beautiful to reflect upon.

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God cares about the little things in our lives and knows just when to intervene. A smile here, a kind word there, and even a beautiful sunset. He knows that we are human and sometimes our needs are more human-based than spirit-based. Like, take a hug for example. Sometimes we just need a hug, to feel comforted and protected. Sometimes we need to laugh to ease the burdens we carry. Sometimes we need to feel loved and we need to be encouraged. God cares about those things, because He cares about you.

He may bring someone your way to offer up words of encouragement, or perhaps a child to wrap to their arms around your neck. Or, maybe He will paint the skies, to display His love for you in a glorious and grandiose way.

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 | NIV84

Remember to look for the small moments when God is reaching out to you, extending His hand, and giving Himself to you. Time is the most precious gift a person has to give, and when God takes the time to display His love for you, cherish it. If you look closely with your heart, you will see that God is always, somehow, someway, reaching out to you. Let Him love you, by giving in to Him. By doing so, He will give you freedom in return. May God bless you with eternal hope and joy within your heart.