But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
This bible verse has been one of my favorites for many years. The mere thought that as humans, our senses can not even fathom the wonders that await us…prepared by God who loves us and desires to draw us to Him!
Imagine the most magnificent sights you have ever enjoyed. They are countless, however, a few stand out for me. The faces and smiles of my husband, sons, grandson, family, and friends. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Never ending stars twinkling in a black sky. A rainbow. Niagara Falls. The beauty of one rose, or the splendor of a field of wildflowers.
Imagine the most beautiful sounds you have ever heard. For me, that would include the consoling and refreshing sound of the waves breaking on the shore, the musical notes and harmonies of birds singing in the morning, and the pure delight of hearing babies’ giggles and the sweet voices of my loved ones.
Now, without reservation, imagine what would be the “perfect heaven” for you.Our imaginations can run wild with this one…all of the things that we feel would make us perfectly happy. What are those things for you?
Anything that our eyes, ears, and mind can reveal to us, will never even come close to what God has already prepared for us. His love, mercy, and vision for our lives and our future with him are out of our realm of understanding or discovery. Wow…we are so loved by God, that he has made preparations for us so wondrous, that we can not grasp the full beauty of it!
Now read the verse again…“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”
“For those who love him” jumped out at me a few days ago while reading this verse. I had never thought about that aspect of this verse before.
Many times, those that consider themselves “saved” will nonchalantly answer “Jesus loves me just as I am, no matter what I do” when confronted with the truth regarding sin in their life. Essentially, we tend to make excuses for our behavior, believing that Jesus will love us know matter what our actions or thoughts are. And he will.
However, this verse does not say “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those that he loves.” It specifically states…for those who love him.
Think about that…in what ways do you love Jesus? In what ways do you attempt to grow closer to him? What are the ways that you show him you care for him and want him in your heart…in your life?
In a true loving relationship, the focus is not on “me.” The focus is, “what can I do to please my loved one?” What changes in my life would bring joy and happiness to the one I love? How do I make a conscious effort to love God?
Dear Lord, please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes, ears and mind to the ways I can show my love for you. Engulf me in your mercy and love, and allow me to open my heart as a vessel for your love to flow through to all who live in darkness. Teach me to love you.
For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4
But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Recently, my heart and mind have been reminded of the truth that we all face each day. Many of us refuse to see or acknowledge this truth, some of us are ignorant or apathetic to this truth, and some have made the decision to be seduced and to intermingle and accept the darkness that accompanies this truth.
My eyes have been opened to the truth of the unseen in our midst. Among the unseen is the demonic realm and evil. If you are not aware that it exists, and are not protected by the saving grace of Jesus, you are leaving many open windows for satan and his evil demons to enter your soul.
For you that do not accept that this realm exists, and maybe are even chuckling to yourself as you read this, I pray that you take a few moments right now to pray for the Holy Spirit to shine a light on any darkness in your own heart, and that the scales are removed from your eyes.
When you don’t know your enemy, you will be deceived and wounded. When you don’t understand that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places…you will not have the tools necessary to understand and see what is at work in your friends, family, yourself, and the world in general.
It is so obvious to me now. The Lord is teaching me, and working through me on many levels, as he is with all of you who are sincerely seeking him and loving him through obedience. Although we all still stumble and fall through sin, we rely on Jesus to help us get back up on our feet, loving us and forgiving us as we ask and accept his forgiveness. As we align ourselves with him and walk in his ways, we are more and more filled with truth, and we begin to see people, and the world, with a clarity that we did not possess before.
When I see the intense struggles and suffering of so many around me, I am acutely aware that the majority of them, Christians included, are clueless about the real reasons for their misery. They blame the misery, suffering, and hopelessness on people or circumstances of this world. They don’t understand and have not truly proclaimed victory through Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth and the life. He is our hope…he is waiting for us to trust in him, and give him all of our sufferings, doubts and pain. He suffered for us, he already paid the price for our sins. He is the one who we can truly give our lives to and trust his perfect love for us. He is our protection against the evil spirits around us and is our saving grace.
For those of you who proclaim the name of Jesus, and proclaim your Christianity, I have a few things to ask that you ponder. And remember, I live in the same world that you do…and are tempted in most of the same ways you are. Maybe you will be disturbed and defensive by some of what I ask you…however, if something stirs anger or an uncomfortable nudge in your soul, it may be something to pray about, and ask that the Holy Spirit will reveal any dark areas in your life and heal you from the inside out.
What do you willingly allow into your heart, and the hearts of your loved ones on a daily basis? How does your life glorify Jesus?
What movies or TV shows are you watching? Are you watching intense violence and gore, stories about promiscuity/sexual sin that include nudity? Are you watching shows that glorify a “new” kind of family…a family that stands for many things against that of a true godly family? Do you find yourself laughing it off as “just a movie”, or making excuses, that God doesn’t care about a movie or show you are watching? Are you one of the Christians who supported, watched and enjoy entertainment such as “Fifty Shades of Grey?”
Are you supportive of a woman’s “right to choose?” Do you really believe that The Holy Spirit is responsible for mutilating and killing babies in the womb, and filling the soul of the mother and all those that are assisting in this horror with darkness and pain? What spirit do you believe is filling and numbing minds to this evil that is occurring as commonplace in our world?
What music are you listening to? Do you really believe that the music you fill your whole being with, is leading you closer to Jesus (love) or is glorifying your Father in Heaven?
Have you read any books lately that bring you closer to Jesus and help you on your walk with him? Are you reading about your faith, and everything that your faith or denomination stand for? Are you reading The Word of God…the Bible? Or are you reading something else entirely…
Do you dabble with evil…the occult, astrology, mediums, the paranormal, transcendental meditation?
Do you find your joy in overindulging yourself with food, alcohol, drugs or sex?
Are you living in sexual sin…married or unmarried? Do you allow pornography in front of your eyes?
Are you constantly comparing your life to others? Why can’t you have more material things, more beauty, more success…never understanding that God has blessed you uniquely, according to his purpose in your life?
Do you allow the evil in the world to take away your joy? Are you allowing it to penetrate your heart with hate, fear or apathy?
Do you forgive those who have hurt you deeply, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual?
Are you discerning of the ones you associate with? Do you look for the fruits of the spirit in their life? Not just personality, but true integrity of heart?
Do you believe that your purpose on earth is to just “be happy?” Is your personal happiness the focal point of your day to day life?
Do you engage with those living in darkness by sharing the light of Christ or by encouraging or condoning their confusion and error due to “political correctness?”
Are you trapped in pride, arrogance or bitterness?
Many things to think about in our day to day decisions. Which decisions bring us closer to Jesus, which ones glorify our Father? Which ones open windows to satan and his evil demons, allowing them to slowly fill our hearts with darkness and despair? Satan is THE DECEIVER and will twist truth to confuse us…if we don’t know and accept this truth we will not be able to discern spirits and will not know how to arm ourselves against such evil.
Jesus is love. Jesus dispels darkness, for he is The Light. Jesus heals. Jesus is victorious. Jesus is our power. Through Him we are saved. Through His Word we are protected.
I pray that the Holy Spirit opens your heart and fills you with His peace, love, and joy. I pray that you are filled with a new understanding of the depth that you are loved by Jesus, and that you are made aware of the importance of staying close to Him that loves you, carrying your daily cross in union with Him. I also pray that your heart and soul be protected against the evil one, and that you hide yourself in the love of your Lord.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Ephesians 6:11-20
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 14:6
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Today I received the following message through a Daily Bible Passage group email, and I am called to share these words with you.
Forgiveness seems to be the issue that I need to work on, because everywhere I look, “forgiveness” pops out at me.
I pray that these words open your eyes and touch your heart, as they touched mine:
“Deep down, forgiveness means wanting for the offending party what God wants for that person: to live honestly as
someone made in God’s image and likeness, reflecting that in his or her choices.
People sometimes think that forgiveness requires lying to themselves—that the offensive action or omission never happened, it didn’t really do much damage, etc.
That approach to forgiveness can keep a person in an abusive situation, lead to serious financial loss or put someone’s life in jeopardy. It’s not forgiveness to make excuses for another person’s addiction or behavior and its negative consequences.
Forgiveness cannot change past facts but it can put them into a different perspective, a more life-giving perspective. For that reason, forgiveness and truth are allies, not enemies. Nothing worthwhile can be built on a lie.
It is appropriate to forgive someone when you can look in the mirror and tell yourself honestly, “I want for that person what God wants.” Until you can say that, you should pray for the grace to say it honestly. When you can, you will be free.”
When I sit at the front desk at work, sometimes my spirit gets to feeling stagnant. The office environment, for me, is stifling. There is a constant drone of voices wafting through the air that almost feels hypnotic. My vision of the outdoors consists of extreme traffic at most times….not a pretty sight. However, there are two little trees in my line of vision that are my saving grace. When I watch them swaying in the breeze, it brings life to my spirit, and reminds me of God’s beauty.
This morning, I was drawn to take a short walk around the building during my break. As I talked with God, all at once, my senses were overwhelmed with Him. Simultaneously, a squirrel made his way upon my path, a cardinal flew close to me, and a few geese flew overhead. While that was all happening, my ears took in the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and singing, and then I could feel the sun’s rays peaking through the trees, warming my whole being.
That was the voice of God.
I am reminded of the homily that our priest shared with us this past Sunday. He talked about “Voice Recognition” and how important it is for us to know the voice of God.
The Lord speaks to us in different ways…through His beautiful creation in nature, through the people He places in our lives, through His Spirit which guides our conscience, but mostly we learn to recognize God’s voice through the Bible. Through His Holy Word that pierces our heart with Truth and Love.
Once we know His Voice, we are never the same.
How do we discern what is of God, if we do not know Him and His Word? Will we just take the word of someone’s good intentions? Will we just take the word of someone else’s interpretation without knowing for ourselves if what is being taught and spoken is truly the Word of God?
Each day that is gifted to us provides us with an opportunity to became closer to our Lord and Savior.
Accept that gift wholeheartedly, and you will be blessed in ways you can not even imagine.
I pray that the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to the most amazing voice of our Father in Heaven. May we learn to remain open to His love and mercy, and that through His Word, we may live in Him. And that through Him, we may serve our brothers and sisters with love, always living in light, guiding those in need of salvation toward Jesus.
But whoever keeps his word, in him truly is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:5
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20
This morning, I sat down to read a Daily Bible Passage email that I received. The featured “Final Thought” really caught and warmed my heart…”Make it your only expectation to magnify Christ wherever you are and whoever you are with.”
As Christians, every single moment of our lives should be a testimony to the Glory of God.
That is an overwhelming thought, isn’t it? The problem is, we are human, and will fall short. We must not lose heart, for those are the moments that Jesus uses in our lives to help us on our spiritual walk, for all things work toward good for those that love Him. When we love the Lord, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, and strive to align ourselves with Him, He will work for us and through us in all circumstances.
A beautiful moment of testimony was shown to my husband and me this morning. We stopped on our way to work for our morning coffee, and witnessed a Jesus love moment.
An older man who was using a cane, and a little unsteady on his feet, slowly got out of his car and looked at the icy ground. As he was assessing the situation, a young, strong, somewhat scraggly looking construction worker bee-lined over to him, and very slowly and patiently helped him into the restaurant.
That seemingly small act of kindness was a testimony of God’s love and glory.
Have you witnessed any of these moments lately? When you do, treasure and ponder them in your heart, and don’t forget to share! We all need to hear of the good things that are happening around us daily, for Jesus is in our midst every single day.
Praise to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all the opportunities we are given every day…no matter how small they may seem…to love as Jesus loves, and to glorify our Father in Heaven!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:16
Yesterday was Election Day. So many thoughts are going through my mind today.
How could there be so many with their eyes closed to what is happening right before them? This country, and the world, would be a different place if we really lived our Faith.
How can a Christian support the killing of innocent babies in the womb?
How can a Christian support homosexual “marriage”?
How can a Christian support the government’s right to forcibly take away money, through taxes, from its citizens and hand it out to others? Shouldn’t we be loving and charitable with our money and possessions, in the ways we are personally called? Have you seen some of the disgusting ways our money is being used? (take a look at what they are doing and teaching in our schools)
How can a Christian trust, support and give the right to the government regarding our healthcare? Why would we give up our God given freedom and hand it over to the government?
How can a Christian support the government’s right to be in charge of dispensing our hard earned money? Why would we trust the government to use our money in any way they deem fit? Wouldn’t a Christian want to support causes that the Lord leads them to…and choose the way he is led in charity?
Why do we support a government that is chipping away at religious freedom? Why would anyone accept that “Heather has Two Mommies” is ok, however, “The Bible” is not? Why is it ok for the government to force companies or Churches to comply with the government’s truth concerning areas of religious faith?
Why do we blame guns for the wickedness that is running rampant in the hearts of men, however, we are unable to teach the Saving Power of God, or even mention His name in our schools…when HE is the only answer to the blackness that is overtaking souls?
Please, let’s take a step back and look at what is happening all around us. The questions I just asked are just a small portion of what has been sneaking into our country while we are sleeping.
Or are we just pretending to be asleep so we don’t have to take a stand?
What I see is a government that is phasing God out, and stepping in to take God’s place.
Is that what you want? Is that what we desire for future generations? Something to think about, isn’t it?
Lord, please forgive us for our laziness, complacency, and sinful pride.
We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to search our hearts for the sins in our lives that need to be acknowledged, and ask for the humility needed to allow us to beg your forgiveness.
We throw ourselves at your feet, and rest in your healing mercy and grace.
Jesus, have mercy on us. Jesus, save us. Jesus, lead us to fulfill your purpose.
Amen.
Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations Jeremiah 1:4-5
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Psalms 139:13-15
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:26-27
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29
This morning, I woke up with the same thoughts that go through my head every day, in the same order. First, I thanked God for another day, and for all the blessings in my life. That led me to thank Him for my most precious gift, my husband of 35 years, who was fast asleep next to me. At that point, my heart is filled with love, leading me to my life’s big question. “Lord, what is my purpose…how can my life glorify You?” I have been waiting for God to reveal to me the BIG mission of my life for years, and today I had an enlightening revelation.
I believe we are meant to know God and share God’s love through each person that we interact with every day. Each person, whether it be a spouse, family member, friend, or someone we pass casually as we go through our day, is an opportunity to share love.
How many times have you seen a mother who is having an especially difficult time with her children and might need some tender words of support? Or maybe a family shopping for groceries who appears to be in need? You see their shopping cart with just a few items in it…when it is apparent the family needs much more. A friend is depressed or an elderly neighbor is lonely…your heartstrings are tugging at you, but what can you do? So many people are quietly suffering in their daily life, and you feel powerless because you don’t know what you can do for them.
What was my revelation? It was as simple as this. I heard God speaking to me. “Are you ready to see?” To me, that meant “are you ready to really see the people around you?”
Don’t let the bigness of the world’s issues weigh you down and cause you to feel powerless. Really look at the people around you. Take the step toward DOING SOMETHING, no matter how small the gesture seems to you. Say a prayer, then send a card or call your friend and let them know they are being prayed for and that someone “has their back”. When you see someone who is looking sad or depressed, smile at them or stop to talk with them, and really listen to what they share with you. If you know someone is in financial need, if you are able, send them some cash. I have come to learn that sometimes the best way to help someone may be to help him or her anonymously. If you handed your friend or family member cash, they would feel embarrassed or in debt to you. If they receive it anonymously, they receive hope, and they cannot repay it to the giver! Hopefully, they will pass it on to someone in need once they are back on their feet.
This blog is meant to open eyes and hearts to the little things we can do each day to share love, one heart at a time. Sometimes, the only way a person can learn that God loves them, is by knowing that somebody loves them. One little gesture just might be the key that is needed to open the door of a heart in need.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God
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