enjoying life

 

Good Morning

It has been a little bit since we last spent time together –

Nothing special taking place – but I only write, well, when I have something to share

Today – the subject is ENJOYING LIFE

I was watching a movie recently that I first saw last year this time –

A Korean drama simply entitled ‘Chocolate’

I like to go back and re-watch some of these programs. 

I sometimes miss things in my first viewing – what with having to read subtitles

Well, as I watched this particular program, there was a line that caught my attention

It was something I had not thought deeply about the first time I watched the show

To be honest, it is possible that I missed it entirely the first time I watched it

It was a simple scene  - a man and a woman

And he was struggling to express his feelings for her

He felt he had wasted too much time – that it was too late

And this was compounded by the fact that he was experiencing health issues

 

His concern was a natural one and completely reasonable

Her response was deep reflection but delivered with such ease and … absolutely priceless

“You’re breathing right now. You can talk … your heart’s beating nice and strong ... Everyone is terminally fated to die … from the moment they’re born. They just tend to forget that when they’re living.”

 

I had a ‘wow’ moment as I sat in my bed watching this dialogue

But, why was it such a wow moment?

It captivated me because there was so much truth packed in her statement.

 

We know from Scripture that sin entered the world with the fall of Adam and Eve

Through the disobedience of one man, many became sinners and found themselves separated from the LORD God Almighty.

 

 ‘… sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people …‘ Romans 5:12

 

Yes, every person who has graced this earth after those first two – has been born with a terrible diagnosis. We all have been born with a death sentence; with a ‘terminal illness’ as it were.

Yet, we tend to forget this as we go about our daily lives.

And still – we know we will all cross that final line one day. It is just a matter of when.

Thankfully, God had a plan to address the situation

For those who do not know and have not accepted Jesus, it is the end

But for those who do know Jesus and have accepted His free gift of salvation – it is just the beginning.

Not desiring that any should perish, God gave His Son a ransom for all.

And while it did not take away the ‘terminal illness’, it did rob it of its effect.

‘O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ I Corinthians 15:55-57

 

And the beautiful thing is, it is not just fire insurance –

rescuing us from hell and eternal separation from the LORD

It is the avenue by which we may live and enjoy life now –

no matter what circumstances we are facing

 

Jesus, Himself said, ‘I have come that they might have life and that they might have it abundantly’ John 10:10 KJV

 

The Message Version of that verse says, “I came so they may have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.’

 

New Living Translation

‘My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.’

 

New International Version

‘I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full’

 

Amplified Version

‘I came that they might have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]

 

Today –

I do not know what individual challenges you might be facing –

            Illness, heartbreak, financial devastation, hopelessness or simply boredom

But I do know that you can take heart and have courage today

You can be encouraged this day –

Jesus came not only to give you a life in eternity, but a life full of joy right now

You only get one life…

Live it to the full and enjoy every moment of every day –

Walking with the LORD and with those around you;

No delays, no regrets, no excuses

 

Have a Blessed Day!

 ‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.’

Psalm 90:12

A SURE RESPONSE

 

Good Morning & Happy Saturday – it is the weekend!

I started off my weekend with a nice ‘sleep in’

Normally up at 5:30 AM – weekday or weekend – I actually slept until almost 7 AM

I know it doesn’t sound like a major feat,

But any day I am waking up and daylight is just breaking,

it is a small sort of accomplishment for me

Yesterday, I wrote about the simplest of prayers

Today, I would like to focus on a sure response

 

It is one level of faith to reach out to the LORD in prayer –

It is another level of faith to have a confident expectation that He will respond

Yet, this is the exact degree of confidence to which we can cling

Isaiah 65:24 notes a declaration and promise from the LORD,

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Is. 65:24 NIV

That has always been one of my favorite verses

The Good News Translation reads,

“Even before they are finished praying to Me, I will answer their prayers.”

That certainly is good news!

I love it because it shows the pro-active nature of God

It demonstrates His attentiveness to things that concern me –

            in many instances before I have even stopped to petition Him.

To have someone who know what you are going to ask before you ask;

To have someone who makes provision for what you need before you are needy;

How incredible is that?

 

HE IS AN AMAZING GOD!

 

Today –

If you have an issue which you need to bring before the LORD,

              take courage!

He knows what we need before we do and He knows what is best

Yet, He takes it a step further in that He not only identifies the need –

            He has taken steps to address it and provided what is needed

Rest in His promise today – He is on the throne and in control

He has heard your unspoken prayers and has already prepared a means of deliverance.

What a mighty God we serve!

 

Have a Blessed Day!

THE SIMPLEST PRAYER

 

Good Morning!

Here we are, one week into the new year of 2021 –

It has already been an interesting beginning.

Yet, it is not always necessary or fruitful to offer abundant commentary;

There are times when all that is called for is – the simplest of prayers

Whether it is for your home, health or finances,

For yourself, family or friends,

For your business, your city, your nation or the world,

Prayer is the first and best course of action!

O’ God, save us …

  

Have a Blessed Day!

THE LORD OUR HELP

Good Afternoon!

I pray and trust your Sunday is off to a great start

We are three days into the new year –

And, the LORD has already demonstrated His faithfulness to me;

He has shown, without question, HE IS THE LORD OUR HELP

Here in the United States, when desperate help is needed, we dial 911

It is the ability to get assistance and protection – for health emergencies, fires, and against perils

And while it is a great service – it is not the ultimate source

Yesterday – I shared an image from an accident my youngest son was involved in;

I also shared portions of a verse – PSALM 91

Following the accident, my son and his friends had to call 911 for assistance. However, the degree of assistance they required, was minimized because I “dialed” 911 before he even left our street that evening.

 

The first verse of PSALM 91 notes:

‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.’

Psalm 91:1

 

That is a powerful promise!

It is a promise that God is faithful to fulfill

Therefore, I thought it would be fitting to share Psalm 91 in its entirety today.

That entire Psalm is tremendous – detailing the love, protection and provision of the LORD;

It demonstrates that our God, HE IS THE LORD IS OUR HELP

Whether you are in need for a moment, for a day, a month, a year or all of eternity;

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY – HE IS THE LORD OUR HELP

 

Psalm 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    He is my God, and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
For He will order His angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me.
    I will protect those who trust in My name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

 

What a powerful section of Scripture!

THE LORD OUR HELP –  

And you can ‘dial’ Him any time of day ... He will not disappoint

 

Have a Blessed Day!

PROTECTED

I pray and trust your new year is off to a great start

My New Year’s Day was fairly uneventful –

However, that quiet day took a turn just before midnight

I was not aware of the turn of events ... because I was sleeping

Yet, the LORD, who never sleeps, was on the job protecting;

My fragile heart and my son’s life – PROTECTED

My youngest son had gone out with a friend earlier in the evening

The last thing I said to him was, ‘Be careful out there … I love you.’

The first thing I said when he closed the door was, ‘LORD … keep him safe.’

This is the picture he showed me when he reached home ... I added the verse.

 

THE HAND OF GOD –

It was raining heavily last night and the car hydroplaned on the interstate

It was then struck by another vehicle

My son was in the passenger seat

He emerged from the vehicle and from that incident COMPLETELY UNSCATHED

Not one single injury, not a scratch, not even a pain

All I could do was to keep thanking the LORD

 

THERE IS NO ONE WHO PROTECTS AND DEFENDS LIKE OUR GOD!

 

After verifying that my son was indeed fine,

I told him ‘Happy New Year’

To which he responded, ‘this is not how my year is going to go.’

To which I responded, ‘I was not referencing the accident … but how the LORD kept you’

You see, I had a discussion with him earlier that day before he left the house;

I was sharing how the LORD had blessed him and kept him through 2020,

            And that He would continue to bless him through 2021

Little did I know what was rapidly approaching ….

But God who knows all things, knew what would happened and intervened to PROTECT

 

PRAYER WORKS

‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’  James 5:16 KJV

The Amplified version of James 5:16 reads, ‘The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].’

I like that version because I understand that I am not righteous in my own right

It is not because I am special or because I do things right all of the time

I am declared righteous because of Jesus’ sacrifice – I am clothed in His righteousness

His power activates my prayers

 

When I closed my post yesterday, I wrote:

‘I pray the LORD would bless you and your loved ones,

            Every day, in every way, throughout this entire new year’

The LORD did exactly that for me last night!

 

This morning, this day, this month, this year –

Know that, as you place your trust in the LORD, He will keep you

As you trust him to protect you and protect your loved ones,

He makes it His business to prove that trust by ensuring you are PROTECTED

‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper …’ Isaiah 54:17

They may form – but they will not prosper because you are PROTECTED,

            PROTECTED BY THE HAND OF GOD!

 

Praying the LORD will surround you and yours with His loving care & keep you safe

 Have a Blessed Day!

2021: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It is here – 2021 has finally arrived here in Virginia Beach, VA

Happy New Year!

I pray you had a safe New Year’s Eve

I had a rather simple night at home with my sons,

            where I was quietly thanking the LORD for His goodness and faithfulness

Even in trying times, He is always with me

‘Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.’ Lamentations 3:22-23

He surrounds us with His unending and unfailing love

My prayer is very simple this morning:

I pray the LORD would bless you and your loved ones,

            Every day, in every way, throughout this entire new year

God Bless & Happy New Year!

NOT BY POWER

Good Morning!

I pray all is going well with you this morning –

It is officially the last day of 2020

It is the official first day of 2021 for our friends in Tonga

We made it! 

And, I think most would agree, it has not been by our own power

It is certainly a time to give thanks to the LORD who has carried us by His strength – Who has sustained us by His power

 

I heard a verse yesterday as I was driving to pick my son up from work

The announcer was sharing their verse of the day:

She read, ‘The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.’ II Chronicles 16:9

It caught my attention because it is one of my favorite verses in the Bible –

It also caught my attention because that is not the version I have committed to memory

The New King James Version of that verse – along with other translations – reads:

‘For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.’ II Chronicles 16:9 NKJV

 

BLESSINGS on PURPOSE

The LORD God Almighty, He looks for opportunities to show Himself strong on our behalf

This a reason why I often source multiple Bible translations to ensure I am doing everything I can to understand the truest intent of the scripture.

It is one thing when He strengthens us to accomplish a task

It is an entirely different matter when the LORD takes responsibility for the task Himself

We are thankful when He strengthens us but we are awestruck when He does it!

 

‘This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit’, says the LORD Almighty’ Zechariah 4:6 NIV

 

‘This is the word of Adonai to Z’rubavel: ‘Not by force, and not by power, but by My Spirit,’ says Adonai-Tzva’ot.’ Zechariah 4:6 CJB

 

‘This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from My Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.’ Zechariah 4:6 ERV

 

‘The angel told me to give Zerubbabel this message from the Lord: “You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by My Spirit.’ Zechariah 4:6 GNT

 

AND FOR YOU, MY DEAR FRIEND:

This is the word of the LORD to [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit’, says the LORD of hosts.’

 

It was not by our strength, power, military might or superior intellect in 2020

It will not be by our muscle, agility, prowess or planning in 2021

IT IS THE LORD – AND THE LORD ALONE

He has showed Himself strong on our behalf … He will continue to do so

 

This morning –

Whether you are enjoying the final hours of 2020;

Or whether you have just ushered in the start of 2021 –

May the LORD show Himself strong on your behalf and bless you abundantly in every way.

 

Happy New Year’s Eve & Happy New Year’s Day!

God Bless …

‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.’

Numbers 6:24-26

2020: New Day ... New Year

Happy New Year!

What a blessing it is to see a another year arrive…

And I am filled with a confident expectation this year –

            For myself  for all of you,

            That it will be a year of peace and prosperity

My prayer for you this New Year –

      Is that the blessings of the Lord abound all throughout 2020

May your steps be made sure everywhere this year takes you

May the Lord place a hedge of protection around you

May your heart be filled with joy

May your home be filled with peace

May your year be filled with precious moments

with the people you love - and those who love you back

Happy New Year & God Bless

Happy New Year: 2019

Greetings Friends

I pray your New Year’s Eve is going well ...

For my dear friends who have already ‘crossed over’:

I say, Happy New Year!!!!

This year has been a whirlwind –

However, my heart is filled with gratitude. 

I am thankful for so many things:

My sons, my mom, my dad, extended family, dear friends –

And, most of all, the love & faithfulness of an amazing God!

He has truly been a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Things are not perfect –

However, I can look at my life and truly say, ‘I am blessed’

And – while I may not know what the coming year will hold 

I do know the One who knows all

In the book of Proverbs – 

When speaking of the virtuous woman, it is noted:

‘She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

For all her household are clothed with scarlet.’

Like her, I do not fear for my family – naturally or spiritually

For we are clothed in scarlet – covered by the blood of the Lamb.

Doors have been opened that no man can shut [Rev. 3:8]

God is indeed working all things together for the good [Rom. 8:28]

He is supplying every need according to His riches [Phil. 4:19]

He is revealing long-hidden mysteries through dreams & visions [Joel 2:28-29]

He is doing exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think [Eph. 3:20]

He is a faithful God who – though He is exalted – takes note of the humble. To those who trust in Him, He promises to be a shield for them [Proverbs 30:5]

So this is my New Year’s Prayer & Blessing for you:

I pray you will be able to take a moment to look at all of your blessings –

Despite any challenges which might have arisen in 2018.

I pray that you would place your trust in Him –

And that your faith would not waiver

May His Blessing Abound … Exceedingly & Abundantly!

§  May His goodness and mercy follow you throughout 2019

§  May He go before you and make your way smooth

§  May He bless you with wisdom, favor, joy & peace 

Happy New Year & God Bless! 

Happy New Year 2018!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year 2018 to our friends who have already transitioned into the new year - our friends in Samoa, Australia, North Korea, China, India, Afghanistan, Greece and many more.

When thinking of a New Year’s verse, there is a section of scripture which has become a staple verse for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Indeed, it has become such a standard recitation for the New Year that I almost developed a lackluster attitude concerning its content. I had lost some of the awe and wonder which accompanied my very first reading of that verse.

“Do not remember the former thingsNor consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thingNow it shall spring forth;Shall you not know it?I will even make a road in the wildernessAnd rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:18-19

Yet, as I reflected on the coming year, I began to think about the gift that God grants us with the dawning of each new day. He truly does a new thing ... daily. Each day is filled with opportunities to hear His voice, to feel His presence, to see evidences of His supernatural movement in my life individually and in the lives of others. It holds an opportunity to be an extension of His hands in the earth to be a blessing and encouragement to someone we encounter along this path called life.

And what makes a Happy New Year but a series of happy days, woven together to make a beautiful tapestry of days and weeks and months.

Looking in the dictionary, one of the first definitions of happy is noted as ‘favored by luck or fortune’. It is based on happenings. And while we cannot control all of the things which will happen in 2018 - we can control our approach and response to them. So let's do it with a joy-filled attitude of expectancy … with a teachable spirit and a determination to extract the best life lessons from every situation.

This year …

·         2018 may be a year of reconciled relationships

·         2018 might be the year of renewed health

·         2018 could be the year for a positive financial reversal

·         2018 may hold a series of divine connections and enhanced business effectiveness

·         2018 could see the realization of dreams which have long been dormant

·         2018 could be the year that the LORD connects you with that one special person who will become your life partner

Whatever it holds, know that God will be right there with you … every step of the way.

He is Emmanuel … God with us

He is Omni-present which means it is impossible for Him not to be present in your life.

Even when you cannot see where He is working … or understand how He is working … trust that He is present and that He is working still.

Keep Trusting … Keep Believing!

The year we lost our home in 2011 was nothing compared to the moments in 2017 when I lost hope.

Never lose your hope!!!

You can get through anything as long as there is a hope and expectancy for the next day.

I pray your New Year will be blessed with peace, strength and unending joy.

Happy New Year!

Zenobia

Endless Praise ... 2017

Happy New Year!

I pray your New Year is off to a great start and that you are eagerly anticipating all that 2017 has to offer. With this being the first day of the New Year, it seemed an appropriate time to chart the course before this 2017 journey begins.

Understand this – no matter where your individual road carries you throughout the remainder of this New Year, one thing is certain: Praise will be the fuel to keep you going.

In the book of II Chronicles, an account is provided of a situation where enemy forces stood ready to wage war against the Israelites. Yet, a word of encouragement came to Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah:

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” II Chronicles 20:17

What followed was a detailed account of steps taken by Jehoshaphat and the people, in response to this declaration:

^“Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord.” II Chronicles 20:18

^“Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” II Chronicles 20:19

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his love endures forever.”

II Chronicles 20:21

“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” II Chronicles 20:22

In response to their praise, the LORD waged war on their behalf and secured their victory against their enemies. There was no task left for the people of God but to collect the spoils.

Understand this – Your victory is closer than you think!

It is right at the tip of your tongue.

So let us make a determination today, this first day of 2017, that no matter what the coming days and months hold, we shall praise the One who stands alone as worthy of praise.

Praying you have a blessed day and an exciting year full of realized expectations and sudden surprises!

Here is a beautiful song I stumbled upon this New Year’s Eve. 

It is not new … but it is new to me ... and so fitting for our first communication of 2017.

Hillsong UNITED – Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)

Be Blessed … and … Happy New Year!

“Through Jesus, therefore,

Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—

The fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Hebrews 13:15