Madiba ... may your legacy live on

Tata Madiba, may your legacy live on....

Born July 18, 1918 .... passed away December 5, 2013

Today, Tuesday the 10th of December is the Memorial service of Nelson Mandela or Tata Madiba as people knew him. We also spent the day in prayer and reflection on Sunday, just paying tribute and respect to one of South Africa's greatest men.  A day to reflect what Madiba stood for, what he fought for and what he would like South Africans and other Countries to embrace, live out and put into practice to make this world a better place.  He would not want anyone to digress from his fight against equality.

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do” – Nelson Mandela

Mandela showed us that hate is out of the question but love is what life should be all about. He did everything with love, especially loving children. Mandela was such a humble man; he loved people, always smiling and exerted friendliness. He off course devoted a lot of his time to children, not only to the less fortunate kids, but all kids.  He always tried to empower kids and made sure their well-being was improved.  That is what one of his organisations stood for, the Mandela Children’s Fund. Mandela supported 22 charities and foundations.... wow, what an example he was to us.

“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished” – Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was such a good example how forgiveness can make the world whole.  He was described as the most influential and most forgiving person on earth.  We can learn a lot from him about forgiveness.  Need I say more, he never kept any feelings of resentment or bitterness towards anybody, forgave those who wronged him and fought to sow unity in our nation.   That shows the character he had as a person.  He was an upstanding man full of understanding.  He surely made me understand that we can change the world bit by bit by changing our attitudes.

“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days” – Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was part of "The Elders" (world leaders) promoting peace, women's equality and various other initiatives to promote democracy and address humanitarian crises across the world.

“Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty” – Nelson Mandela

What is extremely striking is that in South Africa today we will have 92 Statesmen that will attend his Memorial Service from all over the world. So many statesmen are in battle with each other but for one common cause and a great man they are standing together peacefully. That is so amazing. As Nelson said in one of his quotes “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner”.  I just think it is phenomenal that even in death Nelson can bring peace across the world.

“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity” – Nelson Mandela

Yes, so true Tata Madiba, you have done your duty across the world, may what you have fought for make an impact across the world forever and may your soul rest in peace. A great man!  We will always remember your warm smile and celebrate your life.  One man that indeed changed the world.

GRACE .... "free" from Jesus to us all...

GRACE ... from Jesus to us : His love, kindness and mercy is phenomenal.

I have been pondering again these last couple of weeks on the grace of God and especially listened as some people judge others.  I have read many articles on the topic of grace and judgement and many says that to judge is not completely wrong but there can be good in it. I off course disagree.  I do believe if we judge others we can take away their spiritual healing and their walk with God and especially if that person is on a path of finding God and finding Christianity we can damage that totally.  Judging only belongs to GOD, that is what I believe.  

Jesus wants us to love, to be kind to one another. We must remember God understands the difficulties we have in this world and He does not judge us but He loves us through our difficulties. Grace from God to us means that despite our sin God saved us. He loves us. It really hurts me when I hear how people carry on saying oh well this one is like that, that one is like this.... she will never go to heaven as she had a baby out of wedlock and she won't go to heaven as she has a relationship with a woman and oh goodness she has tattoos God wont love her. Oh goodness.  All those things don't matter. God accepts us and loves us just the way we are. We don't have to change for Him to love us.  I pray that God will heal those hearts that have been judged harshly and that He will help those Christians that are judging others. I pray that God will show humans on earth that He has already given us Jesus who has taken all our sins upon Himself and who has given His life so that we might live. The grace of God just shows how God loves US ALL unconditionally, well that means WITHOUT conditions.. Wow, yes, no conditions. So if you judge somebody you give them conditions. Jesus has taken all of that away. God has forgiven us all and He loves us.  God's grace is more powerful than sin. 

I remind myself of the scripture in Romans 8 that says NOTHING, yes NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.  Jesus YOU are our precious gift who gave up everything that day on the cross. So yes, YOU did not die in vain. I love you Jesus and I thank you that YOU changed my heart and I pray that You change the hearts of all those Christians that judge others keeping them away from meeting You and experiencing YOUR love for them. I pray this with all my heart.

Jesus I praise and worship You and I thank You that You have loved us enough to give Yourself up for our sins. No greater love have I ever known.  Your goodness Jesus gave new meaning to me in my life and in my heart. May we start loving others the way You love us. May we grasp Your heart.  May we never again judge ourselves, our families, our neighbours, our co-workers or anyone that You have created. May we just love and have mercy for people we are in contact with, the way You showed us to do. All for YOUR glory Jesus our Saviour.

It's a Symphony ... Everything with breath praise God..

Let everything that has breath PRAISE God!

Wow.. God is so powerful - we know that He created EVERYTHING including the universe just by the word of His mouth!

All things were created for the Glory of God, so we know that our Loving God created the universe and He created us... all to praise Him. Psalm 150:6 tells us that everything that has breath praise the Lord. Yes, praise the LORD.

 

It really blows my mind just to think about everything God created. Just looking at a tree that we at times take for granted ... the energy in one tree is said to have enough energy to give us enough electrical power for up to 10 years; wow! So my mind can't even fathom the "unseen" God created that has so much energy and the "seen" that we just look at and think nothing of ... all of it, everything God created praise Him, in a symphony. So God created this awesome powerful universe, imagine how much more powerful God must be. God, the God that knows my name and who loves me, that same God is full of greatness and power, more powerful than everything He created. Oh it makes me so excited to think about that.

 

 

God created everything, but He mostly loves us. He created us to have fellowship with Him.  Is that not awesome! Although we are sinners, He loves us deeply. We are priced far above all of His creation.  He even chose His own Son Jesus to die in our place, wow, we won't find a deeper love than that.

 

Psalm 145:3 : Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and HIS greatness is unsearchable.

 

The heavens declare the glory of God ..... How can anyone ever deny that.  The shapes and brightness of the clouds in the sky takes my breath away and that is only a drop in the ocean. If I can stare at the sky at night and the beauty of the clouds in the day, wow, I have not even seen a 10th of the beauty that God created.  Everything He created praise Him in a symphony. Imagine the beauty we will see one day. The magnificence of God. "I can only imagine, what my eyes will see".

 

I just thank God today that He is so amazing and yet He still loves us! May you just lay in His arms today and feel His powerful love always. When you look at the beautiful nature or the clouds or thunder or animals under the sea or the little insects and that little baby that has not been born as yet, remember that they all praise God in a symphony.  All glory to God forever.

Father God may we realise that you love us mostly, You created us to fellowship with You. It blows my mind how much You love us. Yet sometimes people deny you, but You are the greatest, You are all powerful and all magnificent. Thank you that You love us unconditionally. Father God always keep us humble.  May all that has breath praise You Father God forever. I love you with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength, forever!

As long as we breathe ... there will always be HOPE!

God will always give us the strength to keep breathing ...  just hold on!

I just want to encourage people today to just keep breathing in HIS love, keep on pressing on to that goal that you have in front of you, keep on persevering no matter what. God understands and God loves you. The times you don't see Him next to you, just look up as you are sitting in His arms, He is holding you tight and He will never let go. Just keep pressing on!  He loves you, yes you, just as you are! Don't ever forget that. You are special. You are HIS child. You are never alone. Stay in the fight till the final round. Your breakthrough is coming.

 

Such a beautiful song by Plumb : Need You now encouraging us all that we all have a story to tell and we all go through hard times but cry out to God and He will give you strength. Don't ever forget that He will be there for you just keep breathing! I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do.

 

Need You now by Plumb

Well, everybody's got a story to tell
And everybody's got a wound to be healed
I want to believe there's beauty here
So, I guess you're tired of holding on
I can't let go, I can't move on
I want to believe there's meaning here

How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.

Standing on a road I didn't plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I'm trying to hear that still small voice
I'm trying to hear above the noise

How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.

Though I walk, though I walk through the shadows
And I, I am so afraid
Please stay, please stay right beside me
With every single step I take

How many times have you heard me cry out?
And how many times have you given me strength?

How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.
I need you now
I need you now

Let me be the proof of YOUR love ....

We must be the proof of HIS love .....

What does God have in mind for our lives? I wonder about that often and I know when I make my life less about me and more about somebody else, giving to the needy and extending a loving hand then I just feel more enriched in my life.

 

So I have been pondering the thought that God wants us to love. After all God Himself is LOVE. His word says in 1 Corinthians 13 - that :"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude".

 

 

So therefore I am REALLY thinking how God wants me to love.  We are all redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and so we have the Holy Spirit living in our hearts and He is that small voice we can listen to.  Everyday God wants us to love, yes, even our enemies. Jesus was the perfect example how to love our enemies as He immediately forgave His enemies that sold Him out.  Jesus wants us to accept each other and have GRACE for one another, be patient with each other and encourage each other. We have to LOVE.

 

So I have been "drinking" the song by ForKingandCountry "The Proof of YOUR love" and it speaks volumes about God wanting us to love and I hope when you read the words and listen to the song that you will be deeply blessed. 

 

 

 

The proof of YOUR love ...

The Monologue Mix – For King & Country

If I sing but don't have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise.
If I speak with a silver tongue
convince a crowd but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say.

So let my life be the proof
the proof of your love.
Let my love look like you
and what you're made of.
How you lived, how you died.

Love is sacrifice.
So let my life be the proof,
the proof of your love.
If I give to a needy soul
but don't have love
then who is poor?

It seems all the poverty
is found in me.

So let my life be the proof
the proof of your love.
Let my love look like you
and what you're made of.
How you lived, how you died.
Love is sacrifice.
So let my life be the proof,
the proof of your love.

When it's all said and done,
When we sing our final song,
Only love remains.
Only love remains.

[Monologue]

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's word with power, revealing all of His mysteries and making everything as plain as day, and if I have faith to say to a mountain jump and it jumps but I don't love I'm nothing. If I give all I earn to the poor or even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, no matter what I believe, no matter what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.  

So let my life be the proof
the proof of your love.
Let my love look like you
and what you're made of.
How you lived, how you died.
Love is sacrifice.
So let my life be the proof,
the proof of your love

 

 

Standing on the promises of God .......

God promised to always take care of us ....

God's promises are life changing and powerful.  2 Peter 1:4 says:" And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises". So that is so wonderful that God who created the universe and is all powerful made us a promise that He will always take care of us.  He knows the plans He has for us.  They are good plans to give us a future and hope.  Just believe that with all your heart, even if the enemy comes knocking, trust and have faith in the ONE that will NEVER let you down.

Nothing, yes nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.

Matthew 6:6:" Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them, are you not of more value than they". 

Our hearts need to be at rest as God is not a lier, He will love us, look after us and keep His promises. No matter the circumstances God is faithful.  God gives us provision for all our needs, healing when we are broken, guidance for our daily walk even during difficult times, comfort through all our trials and daily protection. God just wants us not to worry and to be still during trying times and leave Him to restore our souls and to stand on his promises so mercy and goodness will follow us all the days of our lives.  Even during trying times He will renew our strength so we will soar again on the wings of eagles.  

Thank You Father God that we can rest our souls knowing You will ALWAYS take care of us.  

The Word of God declares,

God is the ONE who cares,

He will restore my soul,

He will make me whole.

Father God there are so many people hurting is this world, people are struggling on so many different levels, but this morning I come to you and say thank you Father that no matter what people go through, You are the only stability, the only faithful,  the only restorer, the only ONE who we can trust in the ONLY one that will never let us down.  Thank you for loving us just as we are.  Thank you Father for taking care of us no matter what we are going through.  Your grace is sufficient for all of us.  

Peace from broken pieces

I have been thinking a lot lately how easy it is to blame God when something bad happens or when our lives fall apart.  I had a conversation with somebody a while back that is blaming God for all the poverty and famine in some countries.  All I can remember is passionately defending God and explaining to him that we are God's hands and feet and we are suppose to do something about it, we do serve a wonderful loving God who cares about us and loves us, we must not blame God for the bad.

Someone then told me to read a phenominal book called "Peace from broken pieces" written by best seller +Iyanla Vanzant I can encourage people who want to get through what they are going through to read a copy. 

She said in one part:" If I have learned nothing else in the last five years of my life, I have learned that I can depend on God.  I now know without a shadow of a doubt, that God can and will always hold me up, sit me down, push me forward, pull me back, turn me around, keep me in line, move me along, teach me what I need to know, and remind me of what I already know".

Wow and wow, that is so well said.  God is a loving Father to us and He is always there even if we cant see it at times.  He loves us and He will carry us when we need him.  We must just have faith and believe it.

Romans 8: 38 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.

Now that promise is straight from God to us.  Amen and thank you Father God.

Cherish my friendships ... equally yoked

Cherish my friendships ....... equally yoked

 

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.  For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

 

When I look at what is happening in the world and I look at peer pressure and who we associate ourselves with in our lives, I totally get what God is trying to teach us.  God is saying that we have to be equally yoked with those that we let into our lives as well.  We have to fellowship with those who will build us and teach us and those who believe as we believe ... being equally yoked. 

 

We are on the border of summer in South Africa and Sunday was particularly humid so my best friend (whom I am equally yoked with - a God sent) saw about 20 kids doing washing with their parents in a stream of water (in squatter camps in South Africa they don't have running water). They were playing and very hot in the sun. So she stopped the car, got out and went to go and count how many people there were, she insisted buying them ice cream (something some of them never get). So we went to KFC and we bought them all soft-serve. Well, between myself, her and my daughter (and her baby in the car chair with me at the back) we had to try and balance all these soft-serve ice creams melting all over us..  Wow, I never realised how fast the hot sun can melt ice cream. We laughed and made a lot of noise... Happy ending ....  the kids came running to get their ice cream. At that moment I thanked God for my equally yoked best friend as she has a heart equally yoked with mine, always in touch with our surroundings and making sure we can extend our hand to others and off course our daughters also see and they will follow suit in their lives. 

 

The point I want to get to is to say, those that God sends into your life that have a heart like yours to extend a helping hand to the world.. cherish them and thank God for them. I thank God for my best friend, she has a heart of gold. Partnerships like this really matter.  After all we are not in this world to see what we can gain out of the world but what can we give .... that is ultimately what will make us happy. Being in touch.

 

 

Mother Teresa said ... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness, kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile ...   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having the heart and mind of a child

The greatest Blessing in the entire world is to be

a child of  God

 

Jesus said to be childlike is what God wants. We all know how much Jesus loves children and even in the Bible when the disciples rebuked the adults bringing little children to Him, Jesus welcomed them, loved them and embraced them.  Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 " I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven". 

 

Then I often thought what Jesus really meant when He said that and how does He want me to change? When I look at little children I can see the love and faith they have in their fathers (and mothers). I see the great amount of trust they have in their fathers, they are heroes, they adore their fathers.  God wants us to be childlike in the same manner.  He is our Daddy, our Father and He wants us to love just like a child would love. To love God with our whole beings, all our hearts, souls, minds and trust Him fully.  We must remember that just like a child we are not self-sufficient but we need Him to sustain us.  We need our Daddy - God our Father to guide us and to provide for all our needs.

 

We need to openly express our love for our Daddy, have childlike honesty, respect people and especially our elders, love others and even our enemies. Forgive quickly, just like a child would do. God loves it when we have humility and compassion for others. Not pride and egoistic ways. 

 

Jesus said the best example of what God wants in His people is humility. To be humble is the greatest characteristic of Jesus himself as well.  Jesus gave up so much for us and we need to give up privileges to serve others and be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.

 

Proverbs 8:13 says : " The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth".  Pride makes us turn away from God and towards sin.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble according to James 4:6. Pride kills faith.  Many people will never have a relationship with God or accept Jesus as their Saviour because of pride. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will change the hearts of those so they can get to meet this wonderful man and realise that they can't do it on their own. Life will never be the same again.

Jesus said the GREATEST commandment is love and children love without constraint, yes they love unconditionally. A great lesson for adults.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus YOU rescued me

Today I am just thanking God for rescuing me. Thank you again for showing me HIS unlimited GRACE. When I sing the song of +ThePlainTruthBandTV  I am saying from my heart that yes Jesus, my heart beats for YOU. The only time I will look back at my life is to see how YOU have carried me and I know that no matter what YOU will never let me go. You have never let me down, I don't have to fear for the future. Yes, my life is worthless without YOU Jesus. I thank you today again for giving up YOUR life for me, YOU took all my shame and all my issues with you to the cross and YOU already gave me all the authority as your child so I can have a life worthy as YOUR child, no matter what I go through in life, what I go through today, I know that YOU will never leave me or forsake me.  Yes, my heart cries out for YOU Jesus and beats for YOU Jesus. Thank you for all that YOU have done for me, for us!

 

Rescued Me  ( The Plain Truth)

Can You feel my heart beating
It beats only for You
YOU, YOU

And everything in me
Cries out for Your love

And now I know I’ll never look back

‘Coz I know You gave it all for me
Your life, Your blood
Was shed for me
Jesus You came and set me free
Take my life in Your hands
You rescued me

Save me from falling
Lead me I’m calling
YOU, YOU

My life is worthless
Without You Jesus

And now I know I’ll never look back

‘Coz I know You gave it all for me
Your life, Your blood
Was shed for me
Jesus You came and set me free
Take my life in Your hands
You rescued me

Crucified
YOU delivered me
Took my shame upon the cross
Purified
Cleanse me Lord
I pray

I know You gave it all for me

Your life, Your blood
Was shed for me
Jesus You came and set me free
Take my life in Your hands
You rescued me

I know You gave it all for me

Your life, Your blood
Was shed for me
Jesus You came and set me free
Take my life in Your hands
You rescued me

Put a fresh "Spring" in your step ..........

Put a fresh "Spring" in your step .....  Embrace Change

It is Spring Day today in South Africa, it is the 1st of September. A new Season! The season that is known for renewal, regrowth and rejuvenation. 

 

So, as this new season of renewal starts we need to make a commitment to ourselves to make a positive change (even if it is only one) - start anew.  Just as a dry, seemingly dead tree blossoms into something beautiful, let the same take place in our lives. Let something that feels "dry and dead" become something renewed, changed into something exquisite, something beautiful. Always remember that you are a beautiful person, unique just as our Father God created you.

C.S Lewis said when a thing must be attempted, one must never think about possibility or impossibility.  So when you make a positive change don't think about any impossibilities but make changes with a positive mind-set. Nothing in life is too much or too difficult when we have God to fight with us and for us.

When you think of your own life, think of the things you would like to change.  Choose 1 or 2 things, start small. Once you have decided what you would like to change, COMMIT to it. Daily!  "Keep a journal".  

 

• You might want to start eating healthier
• Abstain from "those" things you know about that is not good for you
• Take your vitamins and medication the way you should
• Complete that degree or diploma that you want to complete
• Start that new hobby you love
• Start talking more about your blessings than your problems
• Start looking after the poor and less fortunate
• Change your self-talk and start loving yourself more

Think for a minute about those happy, joyful, peaceful people you know.  Think of some of their outlooks.  These include:

• Being grateful, even in the little
• They believe in themselves
• They treat others with dignity and respect
• They are kind, gentle and compassionate
• They don't judge and they look for the good in people
• They don't complicate things
• They ignore the negative
• They set realistic goals

Express Gratitude

Always be grateful for what you have and keep in mind those that are going without, don't complain, but say thank you to God for the blessings He has given you.  When you have a job that you don't enjoy, try and change your attitude, be thankful as there are many without a job and cant provide for their families.  Be thankful that you have a car, no matter what car you have, you might not have the best, BUT, be thankful that you have one, so many people wake up at 3 catch a train and taxi's, you don't have to, so be grateful.  Your health, if you are healthy, thank God for your health and always say a prayer for those that are ill. Just start being grateful in life and stop complaining. Always remember that even if you feel like a failure at times (in a relationship or other) that God will let your life blossom if you let Him.  Never look back and let your regrets stop you from growing and changing as a person. Stand up and shake loose and make that change. Embrace Change! Today, don't wait a day longer. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed God says that absolutely anything and everything is possible.  He did not say that only some things are possible ... everything is possible.  If there is something that is not feeding your soul in a positive way, LET IT GO, give it to God.

 

Be the best you can be.  We serve a God where NOTHING is impossible, so as the new season starts let the new season of something beautiful start in your life.  Just look how the trees and flowers will now blossom into something beautiful and let that be the choice you make for your life. TODAY!

 

I close with a quote from C.S Lewis as he said your real, new self will not come as long a you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for HIM. So look up in times when it becomes difficult BUT embrace change, don't give up!

 

As I sing the words of the song of +CarrieUnderwoodAUS when things are tough ......

 

Jesus take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

So give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

Oh, Jesus take the wheel .....

 

Make that choice now... embrace change! And always keep Him close to your heart!! We cannot live without God or do it on our own.

 

Help feeding hungry people

Help feeding the hungry .....

Today I am asking for some advise....

I know there are people out in the world that really care about other people going to bed hungry.  Tonight I just need to hear how you feed the hungry in your respective countries. I live in South Africa and although we do have soup kitchens and we do have homeless shelters we also do have people in the streets or people in informal settlements that do not work (not because they are lazy, but because they can't find work) and who beg for just a slice of bread.

Just tonight again (like most of the days) I had a homeless man asking for food and then off course I abide to being Gods servant and give.  God knows how this burdens my heart as I dont like to see people suffer when I eat a meal every night.  

So I was thinking what if everybody with left over food can take their left overs to a specific place (like the police station) or a diffrent point as our churches are closed.  People can then go to the police station to ask for something to eat, in that way they don't roam the streets and they can at least get something to eat.

I really need advise from people as to what we can do to to help feed the hungry.  Please let me know what you do in your countries or I am just open to some advise.

I am not sure if my "comments" button works so please feel free to email me on: godwhispersgrace@gmail.com

Let us help those in need!

I trust You Lord

We can absolutely trust in God.....

So many people are going through such challenging times around the world. Today, I want to let them know once again, that no matter what you are going through, no matter what challenges you are facing, you can trust in our Father God. Just persevere, just hold on to Him. Let your heart connect to His heart and no one would ever be able to break that strong bond that will be there. Remember always that Jesus loved us first and He will NEVER let us go, no matter what. Always remember that HIS grace is sufficient for us. Remember that HE will carry you through your problems. Just hold HIS hand and don't let go!

 

I would like to uplift your spirit today with a song from +James Fortune about trusting in God. Please read the words and if you can download the song and sing it from your soul. God will NEVER let you go.. you can TRUST HIM.

 

Enjoy....

I Trust You: by James Fortune & Fiya

One of the most difficult things to do is
find yourself in a storm and
while in that storm it seems like everyone who you
thought you could count on has
well walked away;
Sometimes it seems like even God Himself has
forgotten about you.
But in spite of it all you should still be able
to lift your hands and say
"Lord, I trust You"
Even though I can’t see
and I can’t feel your touch
I will trust you Lord
how I love you so much
though my nights may seem long
and I feel so alone
Lord my trust is in YOU
I surrender to you
so many painful thoughts
travel through my mind
and I wonder how
I will make it through this time
but I’ll trust (it's not easy) Lord it's not easy
sometimes the pain in life (make you seem so far away) makes you seem far away, but I’ll trust you I need to know your here(as long as I know you are here Father I know I can make it) through the tears and the pain (thank you Jesus) through the heartache and rain I’ll trust you (oh God I trust YOU sometimes it’s so hard because everything that I see tells me not to believe)
everything that I see
tells me not to believe
but I’ll trust you Lord
you have never failed me
my past still controls me(things that happen to me 10 years ago)
will this hurt ever leave?
I can only trust YOU
no one loves like you do
(but it’s the painful thoughts)
but I’ll trust you
Lord it’s not easy
sometimes the pain in my life
makes you seem far away
but I’ll trust you
I need to know you’re here
(through the tears)
through the tears and the pain
through the heartache and rain
(anybody had to cry late in the midnight hour)
(listen somebody's going through something right now and the devil is trying to convince you that there’s no way you can make it out, he said there is no way you are going to be able to get out this situation, but I wish somebody would make the devil out of a lie right now and lift your hands and say God I will trust you I don't know how you are going to do it, I don't know when you are going to show up, but God I know you going to do it God I know you going to bring me out, if that's you come on and lift your voice and say I will)

I can I will I must trust you
I will
trust you
I will
trust you
I’ll trust you
I will
God will make a way

The " Ultimate " gift of God: Grace

The journey of life

The journey of life .... day by day .... will never be pain free, it will never be without any challenges ...... God did not promise us an easy life ..... even to those of us that call ourselves a son or daughter of Christ .... But even in difficulties, it is a life that will be totally worth all the struggles and pain as He will one day be waiting for us when our journey ends.  He will be waiting for us with open arms and say: "Oh my child, I love you and although your journey on earth was tough you have run the race with Me in mind and it was all worth it".  I cannot wait for the day when Jesus and His angels will welcome me/us with open arms and because I believe in His grace and I  know it by faith and not by my works, I know this is so. 

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us :"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves , it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast"

Yes, sure life is tough when we see people suffer, having nothing to eat, when they don't even have the luxury of having the basic necessities of life like a nice warm bath at night or a warm bed to sleep in. Yes, life can be heart rendering and at times I "file" so many things in my "I don't understand it" file, but Jesus says when we just press on it will all be worth it. I believe this in faith.  The real challenge is that even though we go through things in our lives we still need to be the "face of grace" to those people in need. That is what God expects from us. 

 

I love the version in The Message, Philippians 3:14 that is focused on the Goal, telling us:  "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back".  

 

I do believe in life we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We have to show Grace to the world. But do we really know what Grace is. Grace is how Jesus wants us to be. Grace does not judge, it does not boast, it does not pity people or resent people, it does not think it is better than others, NO, Grace is humble like Jesus, it is compassionate, it loves through the eyes of Jesus. Yes, we can't "change" the world but we surely can change or touch the lives of at least one person. Just one person at a time is all it can take.  How would you feel when you help somebody and you actually see that person change, getting better from an illness or start believing again, seeing the Glory of God illuminating the soul of that person. To be able to make a difference in the life of somebody else is a blessing.

 

Challenge:

So today, think of a person in need, a person you know that has difficulties, think of some ways you can help or support that person. You don't have to think "big". The best ideas in the world started off small. It is the small things in live that could be more effective. Sit and ponder and think how you can make a difference in the life of that person............ I am going to ............. (Do it). Don't wait and miss your opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. After all, His grace is FREE. It is a FREE gift. We don't have to do anything or boast about anything to get HIS approval. It starts small.

 

What can you thank God for today as you sit and think of your life. What can you thank Him for that He set you free from. Thank Him and start accepting His Grace in your life today! By the grace of God we can overcome our past, our pain, our sins our "I am not good enough", "I will never be able to be anything". Yes we will. The Grace of God helps all of us to overcome everything  and to accept who we are in Christ Jesus. 

 

Hebrews 13:5 (MSG) :" Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?"

Prayer:

Thank you Jesus that YOU opened up my heart so that I can see myself through your eyes - that Yes because of Your grace I am good enough. Thank you that I don't have to do anything to deserve your grace, that it is a free gift, You died on the cross for ALL OF US. I am truly nothing without You in my life. Life has no meaning if You are not in it. Oh I would be nothing without Your grace. Your grace is AMAZING! Thank you once again Father God that I can stand up as a daughter of the Greatest King and say Your grace is sufficient for me. Jesus thank you for Your Grace, thank you that You had all of us in mind the day you died on the cross. All for your Glory Father God!

 

The words of this song I have sung so many times in my life but only when God opened my heart letting me in on His wonderful Grace, when I realised what Jesus has done for me on the cross, that I do not have to do anything to "win" His approval but I can just be myself, THAT DAY, the day the reality sank in, the reality of His grace, that day I have seen these words so differently. Wow, thank you Jesus for opening my heart.

 

Amazing Grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost

but now I'm found

Was blind

But now I see

Jesus BE THE CENTER ... Its all about YOU

Jesus be the Center

 

Today just meditate on making Jesus the center of your life. Whatever you might be going through just meditate on the words below and make it all about HIM.  He after all is the reason, He is the reason God has extended us GRACE, because HE loves us so much, unconditionally. 





I pray the words of the song by +Hillsong United 's Darlene Zschech will bless your heart today. When you have time listen to the song but let the words of the song speak to you as you meditate today on making Jesus the Center of your life.

Jesus be the Center (by Darlene Zschech)

Jesus at the center of it all
Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it's always been You
Jesus, Jesus

Nothing else matters,
Nothing in this world will do
'Cause Jesus You're the center,
Everything revolves around You
Jesus You,
At the center of it all,
At the center of it all

Jesus be the center of my life
Jesus be the center of my life
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it's always been You
Jesus, Jesus

Nothing else matters,
Nothing in this world will do
'Cause Jesus You're the center,
Everything revolves around You
Jesus You

From my heart to the Heavens,
Jesus be the center
It's all about You,
Yes it's all about You

Jesus be the center of  Your church
Jesus be the center of  Your church
And every knee will bow
And every tongue shall confess You
Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus, Jesus

From my heart to the Heavens,
Jesus be the center
It's all about You,
Yes it's all about You

It's all about You, all about You, Jesus

"That" deep place .... where only God goes

"That" deep place ... where only God goes.

Psalm 28:7 (NIV) :"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him"

 

 

 

God knows our hearts spiritually, He knows what we are thinking and He knows what we are going through every second.  Is that not just great.  He knows exactly what I need in order for me to be restored back to "health".  He knows what I lack and He knows what I need.  He knows what my soul needs in times of trouble.  This is a very humbling thought for me. Imagine that! The God that made this whole universe and the heavens and all the living creatures, that amazing God knows my every thought and my hurts and my longings AND what is even more amazing is that He understands what I am going through and He loves me unconditionally and His GRACE is sufficient, as no matter what I go through, He is there and He loves me with my thoughts and my pain. Wow, thank you Lord God that no matter what I go through YOU love me just as I am. I am humbled by YOUR love for me!

 

1 Chronicles 28:9 (Message) :"For God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek Him, he’ll make sure you find him" 

God knows me better

God knows me better than I will ever know myself, God knows when my heartbeat is weak, when my heart is hurting, when it is no longer beating life but it is beating despair - slow and painful - in that deep place, the place only He goes. Lord hear, oh hear my heartbeat!

 

Lord God, You are the God of the "unseen" world. The world of faith. Let me not only put my hope in what I can see with my eyes and hear with my ears, but let me put my hope in You, the Lord of the unseen as You will never let me down, although I am silent and go into "that" deep place, the deep place where I met You, I know YOU understand, I know You will lift me high on the wings of eagles and give me new life when You have strengthen me.

 

You count my heartbeats Lord until you strengthen me and take me out of that deep place, the place I let no one in BUT YOU.

 

You allow me to have a "human day"

Lord You understand me and even "allow" me to have a human day, you don't judge me but You love me unconditionally even when I have a human day.

• When I ask You questions
• When I have a depressed day
• When I feel insecure and unsure
• When I don't like what has happened
• When I feel angry
• When my faith is shaken

Yes God, You still love me and You understand my heart, don't judge me.... BUT .... YOU kiss my heart better with Your gentle Spirit. So soon I will let go of yesterday and run the race again.

 

Psalm 42:5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation"

 

My invitation to You my God

I invite God, my God of the unseen world to sit at the feet of my soul, the place I let no one in. He turns to me and tells me:" My child it is fine to let someone in", but I cant as I need to just be silent, I can only let YOU in for now my Lord, only YOU understand, only YOU don't judge, only YOU can heal my soul, in that deep place only YOU are allowed in.

 

Then suddenly I heard a voice in my "deep" place ... the place where nobody goes  ...... "It is ME, I love you my child, I understand ... but we need to have a heart-to-heart". I answered yes Father, I am still here ... we can talk. God spoke in such beautiful tones through my heart, so gentle and loving ... I understand my child ... it will all be better ...... I will give you strength just put your hope in me ... take baby steps ... moment by moment, little steps on your soul. 

Hebrews 13:5-6 For He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

The times I thought I was all alone in that deep place ... the deep place only You entered, You were actually working on me, strengthening me!  When I thought I was all alone at times I was not, you were there with me ... holding me ... giving me wisdom and strength, equipping me for my brighter future .... You were at work in me, at work in my hidden places, YOUR awesome power at work.  You now showed me beauty again, those little things I missed, the striking rainbow, the beautiful sunrise .... You said don't feel pressured but just have faith!

Lord God ...

I was bruised but never broken

Wounded but always had hope

Tired but You promised I will run

You were the music to my soul

Lord You always had plans for me

Plans for a brighter tomorrow

Plans of joy, plans for a new me

You are the only One ...

Who could ever change my mourning

into dancing

Thank you, thank you Father God

for the gift You have given me

The "place" I met You

I had a Friend for LIFE in YOU

 

My prayer:

Lord thank you that You know our hearts inside out, that You can go into that deep place and heal our hearts and give us new meaning in our lives as we trust You and You show us that Your mercy is new every morning. All for YOUR glory God.

 Eph. 6:2  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!"