Take Those First Steps

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Take those first steps and trust in the Lord, for He is good and His love never fails.

Do you ever feel too uncertain, too afraid, to take those first steps? It is written, “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7)

I don’t want you to fear bad news. I want your heart to remain steadfast, trusting in Me and My unfailing love.

Remember, My love isn’t based on your performance. So even when you stumble and fall, I love you all the same. Like new parents with their child, I joyfully applaud and cheer you on, as you learn to take baby steps while trusting in me. And when you reach out for me, I cannot resist coming to your aid.

I want you to trust me in the same way that a child trusts his parents. Unafraid to follow My lead. Trusting that I know and want what’s best for you. Boldly walking forward in the direction that I call you.

You know I am your safety net. And you know I love you even when you stumble. So take those first steps, my precious child. I’ll be right here beside you.

To grow in your walk with Christ, I highly recommend reading the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource.

Should We Follow Our Hearts?

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should we follow our hearts? The Bible says no, we shouldn't.

We hear over and over again in modern culture, to follow our hearts. But should we really follow our hearts?

It is written, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Our hearts, in their fallen condition, are deceitful above all things. Idol-making comes naturally to all people. Even good things can become idols when they take first place in our hearts.

Rather than trust our own hearts, we are to commit our hearts to God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This Bible verse gives us specific instructions not to trust ourselves and it also gives us a promise of guidance when we instead choose to follow the Lord.

The Bible makes it clear that if we follow our hearts, we follow an untrustworthy guide. It also tells us that our hearts are desperately sick. There’s no way for us to repair our hearts. This is why, when we become Christians, we’re given a new heart.

But that doesn’t mean that we can rely on our hearts once we’ve come to faith in Jesus Christ. Even as believers, we’re encouraged to follow God’s will over our own desires. The Bible teaches us that, “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

We have an all powerful, all knowing, benevolent Lord who promises to give us wisdom. (James 1:5) And we also have His inspired and inerrant Word written down for us. So why then would we turn our backs on God and His promises in order to pursue the desires of our heart? It is better to align our desires with the promises of our Lord. And we do this through the daily practice of studying the written Word of God. This way, we can properly discern between the desires of our flesh and the desires of the Spirit.

I highly recommend daily Bible reading to deepen your faith. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

Whom Shall I Fear?

Consider our most common fears. Almost always they revolve around an imagined future projection of our reality.
fear
The problem is, as we create this imaginary scenario and ponder the bad things that could happen, we forget to include God. Not only is this troublesome for us and hurtful to Him, but it’s also unrealistic. As our future stretches into eternity, there is not even one second of it in which God will be absent. Already, our fears are unfounded.

Fear doesn’t exist in the present moment, because that’s where God is. And with God, there is no fear. Therefore, we must do all we can to stay present and not be afraid.

When our mind begins to creep ahead of us, we must make the conscious effort to include God in our imagery of the future; helping us, strengthening us, encouraging us in all things. So that rather than being intimidated by tough times ahead of us, we will see them as the wondrous adventures that they are- times that God and us will get through together.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Conversation with God – Jeremiah 29:13-14

It is written, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

Child, can’t you see that I long to be pursued by you? I am a true romantic.

And selfless as My love is, I want this for you, not just for me. Though it brings Me great pleasure when you search for Me, it benefits you even more.

It is this process, this endless pursuit, this great romance that defines our relationship. Doesn’t it sound exciting? I hope that your heart delights in Me, as Mine does in you.

Continue to seek Me. Begin your search again and again with each new day. Not only does this please Me, but it fulfills your deepest desire: to be found.

It is My desire too; to be found. Can you tell that you were created in My image? 😉

Conversation with God – Galatians 5:22-23

It is written, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

This is where the fruit of the Spirit lives, in your heart. It is where I reside. If you can quiet your mind enough to listen to your heart and be present in every moment, there you will find all the fruits of the Spirit and many more gifts as well.

All you have to do is stay present and open. Here you will find all the fruits of the Spirit and they will fill your entire being, intertwining themselves in your life and relationships. I will be there. I am.

Conversation with God – Numbers 6:24-26

It is written, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26) Child, it is no coincidence that you are hearing this blessing today. There are no coincidences in My kingdom. Because you knelt before Me, and humbly offered yourself to Me today, My peace will be with you.

You’ve come into My presence, a resting place from the chaos that surrounds you, and you will reap the rewards. Stay here, Child. Do not be distracted. The entire world serves to distract you. Abide in me. I am not far from you, as you often feel.

Perhaps could your feelings actually be a reflection of your distance to me? When you feel that I am distant, despondent, or silent, come closer. In my presence, you will see that I’m offering to you peace. My face is shining upon you. Abide and bask in the light of My presence. Then go, and share this light with the world.

Conversation with God – Jeremiah 29:11

It is written, “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah 29:11). My child, you are my sheep, and I am your Shepherd. You depend on me, the way a sheep depends on his shepherd; for survival. It is that serious. A matter of life and death. But you are in good hands, little one. The best Hands.

Fear not, for I am Your God. Fear is what the devils uses to get to you. Do not allow it to seep into your being. Remember my promises. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Use them as a shield against your Adversary.

My promises are not like your promises. My promises are always upheld. Until the end of time. My Word is true. It is the only Truth. So cling to my promises, as they are your life and your armor against fear.

 

Conversation with God – Psalm 5:3

It is written, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice…” (Psalm 5:3) Thank you, little one, for coming back to me this morning. I am a proud father. Well pleased. The morning is my favorite time to sit with you, before your mind has begun and your day has yet started. My joy comes in the morning. By meeting with me now, you are able to take my joy as a gift and carry it with you throughout the day, using it to bless those around you.

When you look at Buddy (my dog), laying peacefully beside you, think of how much joy and warmth it brings to you. Now multiply that by one billion, and that is what it is like for me to see you resting peacefully in me.

Yet remember, I did not come to bring peace. But to save. So lean on me during all times and my peace will transcend your circumstances. I am your Rescuer. May you go in peace.

Conversation With God – Matthew 11:28

It is written, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Why are you weary, little one? I am here, always here, crying out to you in a gentle whisper like the wind. I know every hair on your head and when it will fall. I knew you before you were born and I loved you – then, now, and always. Can you grasp my love for you?

Not yet, but you can fixate on it. Fill yourself with it. Like a car refueled, you will be more alive, more ready and able to do what I have called you to do. We are on this journey together, so why do you try to go at it alone? It hurts me to see you carrying such heavy loads, bring them to me for my burden is light.

Fill up on my love so that you will stop trying to fill up on worldly things, things that don’t satisfy you, that don’t please me, and that don’t help us. You want to live, child? You must first die; to yourself and to your desires. You know this and yet forget that in order to live each day, you must die again each day. I give you enough to get through one day alone. And so we take this journey together one day at a time. Living fully each day by dying fully each day.

I love to see you in the morning, precious one. It allows me to guide your day and you to live in awareness and communion with me. Often, you are like the workers who rush off to their fields to pick the crops that are growing in their own home. Yes, child, have your fill in the morning, so that I can show you what you need each day and lead you through it.

I wait for you to follow, lamb. And when you wander, I go searching for you. I am your Shepherd and I will never leave you. I love you.

God Answers

When I pray, “Give me wisdom.”

God answers, “Read my Word.”