Our Active Armor

I am your Strength and Shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what’s on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. —Psalm 28:7

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” —Matthew 6:34

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? —Psalm 56:3–4

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” —Genesis 28:15

Where Does Your Worship Go?

Worship Me only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when your mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:7

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. —1 Corinthians 13:11
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Have you ever been so upset that it consumes not only your mind but also what you say and your actions? I know we have all been there before. The negative thought that we have experienced starts to take over our minds and eventually our whole body, restricting us from letting God shine through. This can happen with anything: an argument, a job, the government, etc. the list goes on and on. Because these thoughts take over us we begin to almost idolize and entrench ourselves in it. I can see why God would begin to wonder who we are really worshiping.

However, through all of this we must let our trust in God break through that negative wall our mind has created. Now this can be easy to say, but how can we do that? God knows that we are human and that we will sin. This sin can be forgiven if we just ask God to consume our hearts and our minds. It is not easy. It is something that constantly will have to be worked on, but once we put our trust in Him, He will over come the devil and bring us with Him.

Refocus Your Thoughts on God

Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.

Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. —Psalm 8:5

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. —Genesis 1:26–27

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:5

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. —Isaiah 26:3

He is with Us Always

I am with you always. These were the last words I spoke before ascending into heaven. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. People respond to My continual Presence in various ways. Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. Some ill-taught or wounded believers fear (and may even resent) My awareness of all they do, say, and think. A few people center their lives around this glorious promise and find themselves blessed beyond all expectations.

When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place. As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you can see the world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you makes every moment of your life meaningful.

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. —Psalm 139:1–4

No One is Perfect

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.

It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man… He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:4, 7

Let Him Enfold You

Let My Love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.

Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. —Hebrews 13:15

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. —2 Corinthians 3:18

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. —Psalm 73:23–24

The Peace of God

My Peace is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and the receiver. I purchased this Peace for you with My blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life’s storms. If you have the world’s peace—everything going your way—you don’t seek My unfathomable Peace. Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. —Matthew 13:46

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. —James 1:2

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
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God gave His son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we may have peace and overcome the world. In order to accept this peace and love we must trust Him at all times, no matter rain or shine.

Sometimes it is hard to us to remember to stay focused on God when everything is going our way. The peace of the world may have fallen upon us, but are we letting God's peace into our hearts as well?

And when we face trials and tribulations do we curse someones name and ask "why me"? Or do we Thank God for what we still have and for His total and complete protection from the Devil who is trying to tempt our trust?

It is hard to think about things in this manner. It is difficult to think that God's spiritual lessons can come wrapped up in something we may think as negative, but He is our God and He is forever faithful because He loves us and as Christians we must never ever forget it.

Shining Through Our Weaknesses

It’s all right to be human. When your mind wanders while you are praying, don’t be surprised or upset. Simply return your attention to Me. Share a secret smile with Me, knowing that I understand. Rejoice in My Love for you, which has no limits or conditions. Whisper My Name in loving contentment, assured that I will never leave you or forsake you. Intersperse these peaceful interludes abundantly throughout your day. This practice will enable you to attain a quiet and gentle spirit, which is pleasing to Me.

As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Deuteronomy 31:6

Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. —1 Peter 3:4

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. —2 Corinthians 4:6–7

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! —2 Corinthians 12:9
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I will admit it. I have prayed several times and gotten off track and started thinking about something else, forgetting that I was even praying. I always thought that I was just a bad pray-er, but now I know that it is normal and ok. God knows that this is going to happen and he is not mad at us for it.

The writing above talks about how God shines through our weaknesses. If we did not have any weaknesses we would be perfect like Jesus, which is impossible. God knows that we will sin and He takes those opportunities to really shine through us and teach us a lesson about His love and power.

Trusting God More

Strive to trust Me in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment—accepting things exactly as they are—and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.

Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. —Psalm 52:8

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. —Proverbs 3:5–6

Tight Rope with God

I want you to be all Mine. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone—not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don’t be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on—one step at a time. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving Presence.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, “Destroy him!” —Deuteronomy 33:27

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. —Romans 8:39
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Did you ever go to the science museum when you were a little kid and ride the bike across the center of the room that rests on a tight rope. It seems so scary because it looks like there is nothing to hold you up but that bike and the cord that holds it up from the ceiling. However, you end up going because all of your friends did it and you realize that you didn't fall. You recognize that the cord coming down from the ceiling is holding the bike on the rope and although it looks scary and dangerous, you will really be ok.

This example parallels our lives. We see situations and think that they look scary and that we will fall if we try to overcome them. And granted, we would if we didn't have God (the cord coming down from the ceiling) holding us up. It is hard to trust God before we enter the situation but we must know and trust that He will keep us safe. He will god before us, behind us and beside us. He is our protector and we have to let Him be so that we can get across that tight rope to the other side, heaven!

Seeking Gods Face

Seek My Face, and you will find more than you ever dreamed possible. Let Me displace worry at the center of your being. I am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind. My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.

I am the goal of all your searching. When you seek Me, you find Me and are satisfied. When lesser goals capture your attention, I fade into the background of your life. I am still there, watching and waiting; but you function as if you were alone. Actually, My Light shines on every situation you will ever face. Live radiantly by expanding your focus to include Me in all your moments. Let nothing dampen your search for Me.

When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” —Psalm 27:8

Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. —Philippians 4:7

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13

Do Not Cheat

I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts. Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path. Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me.

Learn to trust Me when things go “wrong.” Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through this day. I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep draughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it!

Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” —John 21:19

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. —2 Corinthians 4:17

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. —Habakkuk 3:19
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We all know an experience where someone has cheated to get what they want. Where has this ended them up at? Almost always that person gets faulted for their cheating ways. Sooner or later someone will find out what they did and then their end goal is no longer achievable.

We can apply this same understood experience to our life journey with God. If we try to cheat and go off the path before He directs us to, we will only hinder our relationship with Him. However our God is a God of forgiveness and although we may wander off the path and try to go our own direction, He will take our hand and bring us back to the road on which we should be on.

Follow God today and let Him direct your path. Do not try to cheat to get around the obstacles that maybe be before you. These challenges will only deepen your relationship with the Father.

He Will Give Us Rest

Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you—now and always. Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to Me, and relax in My Peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28–30

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you… 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.” —Joshua 1:5, 9
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Have you ever heard, "What is the point of stressing about something when it is going to come anyways"? I seems like a stupid saying but it is actually true. Why should we fret about something that has yet to come? We are only working ourselves over and inflicting more pain. Instead of doing this we need to turn to God in the moment of stress and ask Him for His peace and strength. God will rise above and wrap His arms around us.

Spotting Your Turns

My Face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out “Help me, Jesus!” and I will lift you up.

The closer you live to Me, the safer you are. Circumstances around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in the distance. Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. By the time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of My design. I am always beside you, helping you face today’s waves. The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you. Laugh at the future! Stay close to Me.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” —Matthew 14:30

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:2
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Have you ever spun in a circle before and lost your balance? The reason you lost balance is because you were not keeping a spot. A spot is something that you look at every time you turn. This spot will keep your focus in one location, thus making sure you stay balanced and do not get dizzy. People who take dance class use a spot a lot, but we can also use a "spot" in our everyday life and that is God.

When we keep our eyes on God, no matter what turn we take we will not fall because our focus is on Him. If we start to shake because our legs feel weak we can always call out to Him for help. He is our support and our rock, without Him we would fall and have the chance to really hurt ourselves.

When things get out of control during a turn and you stop looking at your spot you begin to fall. However when you find that spot again you can regain you focus. This is similar to our relationship with God. We are all human so we are bound to "turn out of control", however God will pick us back up and let us start "turning" again.

Keep your eyes on God today. Focus on His face as being the spot to the turns you take.

Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord

Let Me bless you with My grace and Peace. Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you. Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.

It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being. There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me. Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weaknesses into strengths. Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace. Therefore, nothing that you do or don’t do can separate you from My Presence.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7

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. —Romans 8:38–39
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We can hide nothing from God. Even if our outside appearance looks like we have it all together, God knows what is underneath it all. We are such a judging country. We are constantly looking at others making assumptions based on their height, weight, clothing and abilities. NONE of that matters to God. God is the only one who can truly look at our hearts and neglect to let any of those other features and attributes affect His judgement for us.

All we have to do is open the eyes of our hearts and let God come in and see who we really are. His grace is what gives us this relationship and the more we open up and let Him in, the stronger that relationship will become.

Everyday is an Adventure

Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective.

A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. —Psalm 118:24

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. —1 Peter 2:21

Trust Him

Trust Me by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is My world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love. I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.

When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises.

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! —Psalm 46:10 amp

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. —Colossians 4:2

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. —2 Peter 1:3–4

Practice Makes Perfect

Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into My treasury. Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble. I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously. The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.

Practice trusting Me during quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening. Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven, through placing your trust in Me. This practice will keep you in My Peace.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? —Psalm 56:3–4

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:20–21
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Practice makes perfect, we all know that. So when nothing to crazy is going on in our lives we need to keep our trust in God. This will make us prepared for the day when all hell breaks loose, literally.

We cannot reach out to God only when we are in a bind. This type of relationship is similar to only playing a sport when you have a game. Do you think that is going to make you win? NO! You will not know what plays to run, how to defense and you will not know your teammates at all, which is bound to bring term-oil.

When we only show up for the "games" with God, which would be when the Devil strikes our lives, we will lose. The Devil will find our weaknesses and we will have no idea how to overcome them because we will not have practiced our trust in God.

So make sure that you are going to be on the winning team and practice your trust in The Lord ALWAYS!

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize

I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? —Romans 8:31

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. —Psalm 46:1–3

“For nothing is impossible with God.” —Luke 1:37
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I am sure you have heard the saying "Keep your eye on the prize", right? With God by our side nothing can break down our path to that "prize", heaven. God is not telling us that it is going to be easy and that the journey will be cake, because the Devil is sure to try and upset our plans. However with God, even though we may face those challenges, they will definitely be overcome.

Most of us are impatient and want what we want NOW. However as a Christian one of the things we have to obey is God's timing. This is something that I personally struggle with because I am a "go do-er, get it done" type of person. When we give our lives to God, we also give up control. The path we take may not be what we think is right, but we no nothing of what God has in store for our lives.

When I think about all of this I get the mental image of running with God and Him pushing everything in the path out of my way. If God is on my side then nothing can be against me. This song is a great illustration of just that...

Have Hope

Softly I announce My presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. —Psalm 46:1

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. —Romans 12:12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
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We all know that when we are weak is when we need God the most. And we also know that when we are healthy and happy we should also praise and seek God in thanks.

Hope is what gives us this connection. When we have hope and faith in God, we strengthen that bond between us, while also opening up more opportunities of experience with Him. Like we talked about the other day, we learn best from experience. When we fail and need picked up, our hope is at an all time high: hope that God will bring us out of the current situation, hope that no one will be harmed or hope for a brighter tomorrow. Having this hope in The Lord will overflow our lives with love and joy. Trust in The Lord for with hope, He is our protector, deliverer and best friend.

Praise and Thanks

It is impossible to praise or thank Me too much. As it is written, I inhabit the praises of My people. Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured—an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. —Psalm 22:3

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. —Psalm 146:1–2

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
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Praise God from who all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Praise The Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy name. Sing like never before O my soul, worship His holy name.

I am sure you have heard of both the songs above. We are told by the bible, by worship and by God Himself, to worship and praise Him and to give Him thanks. Without Him, there would be no "us". We should praise and thank Him in all circumstances, because He has given us all that we have. Not only does it bring us closer to Him, but it brings us happiness and joy, for we have an abundant life, because of our God.

Failure is Ok

You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me.

True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life, through deepening your dependence on Me.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. —Psalm 34:17–18

For we walk by faith, not by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7
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What a great point today. A lot of us try to be perfect and complete tasks at work or in our personal lives, without fault. We are constantly being told by the world that if you do not do everything 100% right the first time you fail. But then how would we learn? Ask anyone who has had a failure and I guarantee they can tell you something positive that they learned from that situation.

In our walk with God, we will not be perfect. We are human and the only perfect one is God and His son Jesus. We must invite God into our lives and let Him carve our lives into being. Yes we will still fail, but we will learn so much more while strengthening our dependence and trust in God at the same time.

Become Stronger in the Lord

I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus,” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective—through the Light of My universal Presence—fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. —Psalm 63:2

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. —Isaiah 40:10–11

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. —Psalm 139:7–10

God's Peace

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. —Psalm 31:19–20

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” —John 16:33
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What does it mean to have peace? To be confident in what you say and do, because you are letting God work His will within your life? To stand and say nothing at all and let God do the work? To overcome the Devil who is constantly pushing back at you because you know God lives within you and gives you power?

God gives us peace when we give our lives to Him. He will do all these things if we promise to give Him our hearts, our minds, our bodies and our souls. It can be hard to have peace in ever situation we face. However, if we step back and take a breath before we make a decision, God will take control when we let Him.

Today I challenge you to feel God's peace. He is always with us, even when we may not want Him to be or when we think He is not there. Sit still and listen and watch for His will to be done.

Relax

Relax in My healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. —Psalm 105:4

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:39–42
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I am sure we all can admit that when we pray to God, sometimes we get a little side tracked and end up thinking about what we have to do for the day or what is coming up during the week. I know I am guilty. Instead of talking to God as if it is something to "check off the list" for the day, we shall come to Him looking for a source of serenity and renewal.

When we have that list of task that is beckoning at our door, we shall not let the Devil in. Stay strong in what is needed, time and prayer with The Lord. This strength will not come from ourselves. We have to ask God to give us strength for the times when we are weak and subject to losing sight of the One who really matters.

A New Year!

Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2

“For 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
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Start this year fresh with an open mind and an open heart. God wants us to be pliable to His molding hands. We must seek to be transformed by God and ask Him to reshape our lives. God knows everything about us, our pains and weakness from last year as well as our future in 2013. God wants to help us, all we have to do is open our minds and our hearts and let Him in.

No matter what type of battle we face: weight loss, gambling, foul language, etc, God can transform us. When we give our lives to Him and let Him be in control of the situation we will start to feel His presence shape and mold our lives.

So give your resolution to God. Let Him be in control of your weakness. That is the only way you shall overcome.