Tag Archives: God

Light in Darkness

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter, till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18)

In me and through me, your thirsty soul can drink. There’s much to be troubled about if you focus on the world. But shift your eyes to me, and you’ll find that there’s more cause for joyful celebrations. This was my intent for you all along, dear one. To rejoice, sing praises, and delight in my creation.

As the world around you grows darker, you grow brighter when you focus on me. The darker this world becomes, the more imperative it is that you remain in my light.

So, don’t let your heart be troubled. Don’t let your mind be distracted. Rejoice in my creations. Joyfully celebrate my existence and my imminent return. Arm yourself with my truth. Remember that you’re living in the midst of a spiritual battle, which I have already won. So don’t be afraid. Your troubles are temporary, but my glory is forever.

As you choose daily, to walk in the light of my presence, you will find much to rejoice over. And you will set an example to those around you of what it’s like to know me. 

Cease Striving

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) 

Why are you striving? Why do you entertain feelings of failure? Don’t you know that these are lies directly from your adversary? The one who wants to hold you back from all that I have planned for you… 

Your striving suggests that you do not yet know my approval. But beloved, my work is finished! My approval is yours! If you could truly grasp this, what more could you possibly need? 

When you find yourself struggling with feelings of failure, come into my presence. Bring these lies out of the darkness and into my loving light. So that I can shine my smile of approval on your life. So that you can bask in my loving warmth. 

Cease all striving and lay your concerns at my feet. I have commanded this of you and for good reason. I want you to live out the knowledge and understanding that I love you. That you already have my stamp of approval. That through Jesus Christ and the cross, it is finished. 

I Delight in You

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20)

My beloved child, I am the God of surprises. I delight in delighting you and I know what delights you on a cellular level. It makes me happy when you also delight in delighting me. 

Your gravest danger is forgetting who I am. Forgetting that I’m able to do wondrous things in your life. And even through your life, if you’ll let me. 

So don’t give up. Continue moving forward with your eyes fixated on me. Trusting in my good and perfect will. Rejoicing in who I am and all that I have done for you. 

Don’t discount the possibility of a miracle in your life. Expect one. I’ve been doing them since before the dawn of time. And I am unchanging. Whatever you’re hoping for, if it’s aligned with my will, will be done. So rejoice in me! I say it again, rejoice! 

I am Here

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

My precious child, why are you restless? Don’t you know I hold you by your right hand?

Don’t you know that I am near to you, even when you cannot sense me?

Perhaps the world is distracting you. No matter, I am here.

Perhaps time feels as though it’s speeding up, faster than you can keep pace. No matter, I am here.

I am here no matter your circumstances. No matter what’s going on in your relationships, at work, or at home. I am here.

When other people fail you, and they will, I am.

When you fail others, or yourself, and you will, I am.

Don’t you see, child? I am constant.
Nothing on Earth nor in heaven can separate you from My love. It’s all around you. It’s within you. It engulfs you and swallows you. Whether or not you take notice, it exists all the same.

I exist all the same. I am.

A Spiritual Refining Process

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

My precious child, no one promised that life would be without suffering. In fact, in this fallen world, you can guarantee it.

Even my Son, God as Man, was a man of sorrows. So when you experience trials of any kind, don’t think that I’ve forgotten you. No, I am always near. Instead, choose to view your challenges for what they are – a spiritual refining process.

As my follower, you can rest assured that your suffering won’t last forever. This is your hope. That glory is just around the corner.

Resist the very human urge to escape your problems. In fact, if you can endure life’s blows with utter dependence on me, I can and will bring much good out of them. For it is written, “And we know that all things wok together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) How wonderful of news is that?!

My beloved, when you experience adversity and suffering, do not be dismayed and do not try to run and hide from it. Invite me into your suffering. I am very familiar with it. Then, you can sit back and marvel at my Holy Spirit at work within your circumstances.

The Meaning of Christmas (and a Poem)

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality, Poetry

As Christmas is fast approaching, my prayer is that we don’t get so caught up in our own celebrations that we forget the meaning of this special holiday. We celebrate because Jesus Christ purchased salvation for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Christmas would be meaningless if He didn’t purchase salvation for sinners. He lived a perfect life and died in our place. And then He rose from the dead! This is the meaning of Christmas. This is the reason we celebrate. And it sure is cause to celebrate!

God’s children are all across the Earth, in a variety of seasons and circumstances. May our hearts be grateful and generous this Christmas season as we reflect not only on our own lives, but also on the lives of others. Below is a poem I wrote entitled, “The Many Faces of Christmas.” Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!

Cold streets, winter nights

Warm windows, wrapped with lights

Loneliness and hands that freeze

Mistletoes and sparkling trees

Santa Clause finds some, not all

Some are at the Christmas Ball

While some are huddled close together

Under bridges, facing weather

Some are warm, by a fire

Some at stores, the constant buyer

Some in Church, singing praise

Some are gone, been so for days

As you join family and friends,

Think of all the faces that Christmas lends.

And don’t complain, whatever you do

There’s always someone who has it worse than you.

Do Not Be Afraid

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated…” (Isaiah 54:4-5)

Why are you anxious, my precious child? Have I not promised you good things? What are you afraid of? Shame? Humiliation? Of not being good enough? Of not being able to manage the busyness of this season? Of other people? Of the direction in which this world is going? I’ll tell you again, do not be afraid!

Instead, meditate on my word. On my promises. It is your armor. And as more and more piles onto your plate, you’re going to need it. Collaborate with me as I grow the gifts that I’ve seeded within your heart. Rejoice and delight in the work that we’re doing together. I’ll say it again, rejoice! The journey only gets more exciting from here.

Beware of the devil. He prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour. Do not listen to his lies, which only serve to distract you and take you off course. Reject these lies and arm yourself with the Truth.

That still, calm, quiet voice that comforts and guides you, that’s me. I’m always here for you. Do not be afraid.

Uncertainty

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Can’t you look back now and see the ways in which I was at work during times where you felt uncertain in the past? Hindsight often allows you to see my goodness and grace with more clarity. Have I not proven that I am good and graceful?

Take comfort in knowing that the uncertainty you feel is to be expected. In fact, this uncertainty about the path before you is actually a necessary faith booster. The less certain you are, the more you must cling to me. The more you cling to me, the straighter your steps will be.

I have big plans for you! Be excited about all that I have planned for you! Trust in my ways. Hold my hand through your days. We can partake on this adventure together, just as I intended.

Until one day, we’re reunited in the physical form for all eternity. This is the hope you have to look forward to. This is the hope you are to share with the world. In the unique and specific way that only you can share it. My will in your life will be done! Nothing and no-one can stop what I have planned for you. You play an important role in my master plan.

But since you cannot understand my ways, you must walk by faith rather than sight. Clinging to the one who loves you best and knows your heart. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.

You Can’t Understand My Ways

Posted on by under Conversations with God

It is written, “A man’s mind plans his way but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9)

My beloved, I’m in complete and total control of your life right now and in the future. Let this bring comfort and assurance for your weary soul. Nothing can separate you from the love I have for you. Not only do I direct your steps, but I also make your steps sure.

Let that sink in.

Let that be nourishment for your hungry, longing soul.

No, you can’t understand my ways. But you can trust and rest in my promises.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration

It is written, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a funny holiday to celebrate, because we’re called to give thanks every day, in ALL circumstances. That means even when we’re in the dark, and we can’t see how God is at work, we give thanks.

Here’s a simple list to get us started. I’d love to hear what you’re thankful for, too! Let’s start with the small things, because truly, there is so much!

I’m thankful for waking up today.

For the ability to breath and walk and laugh.

I’m thankful for fresh air. That when I walk outside I feel safe.

I’m thankful for other people. Old friends with whom I share a history and strangers whom I have yet to meet.

I’m thankful that I can trust people, because I trust myself.

I’m thankful for clean drinking water and that I never have to worry about when my next meal will be.

I’m thankful that I have a warm place to sleep at night and a roof over my head…

Okay, your turn!