Abide in Him, He is faithful and will be with you always.
It is the winter, a season of cold and dreary weather. The trees are bare and empty. However, they still reach out their branches to heaven and stand strong. God is shining through; His love and light are ever radiating. Whatever season you are in, in your life, or no matter what situation you are going through, you are never alone. God says He is the vine and we are the branches. He also tells us that we need to abide in Him for us to bear fruit, to have success. If we abide in Him, He abides in us. It is this working together, in the right relationship, that produces a good result. He is faithful and will be with you. His love and light enfold all who welcome Him. In the verse John 15:5, it says without Him we can do nothing. We need Him and He wants us.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5(NKJV)
Do not let this get you down that you can do nothing without Him. I would not want to be without Him because He is our sustainer. God does not leave us helpless. The Bible tells us that we can do all things through Him. He is our hope, and that should comfort and strengthen us.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Consider all that may be ahead. A vast amount of opportunity lies before us.
Looking out from Whiteface Mountain, we see hills, valleys, waterways; what an endless display of natural beauty. It can bring peacefulness to us, as we behold such grandeur. We clearly can see all the landscape in front of us. Thinking forward, at this point, consider that we cannot see into our future and know all that will befall us; as we travel on our life journey. However, we can carefully consider and contemplate the paths and choices that are ahead. Thoughtfully pondering the situations before us, can help us to choose wisely our direction.
Yes, a “New Year” is once again upon us; actually, it is in full swing. Sometimes we think about it as a time for a new beginning, a fresh start, or a change of some kind. We might reflect on the past and ponder as we consider our future. Thoughts about what was helpful in the last year may go through our minds. We also, might question ourselves about what wasn’t so useful. We can contemplate about both aspects; learn from them and make any changes that can be a benefit to us. We may even make a “New Year Resolution,” that many times we do not keep. Maybe, it has already been broken!
There are many paths, roads, situations, challenges and choices that lie ahead for us this year. Let’s look at what some of these paths might be like. Use these photos, below, to visualize some situations we may encounter.
Some paths are leisurely and pleasant.
Some paths or circumstances are challenging.
Other paths may be choppy or unsure.
There are ups and downs, highs and lows, along with twists and turns.
Some paths are clearly marked, others are not. Some are long, some lonely and dark. Other ways are busy and crowded and some definitely connect one place to another.
Paths have a destination, some lead us to safety, others don’t. Some are lighted along the way, others are not. There can be hope at the end of certain roads, if we choose wisely the road to take.
As we can see many things await us each year. Some will be very welcome; others may not. There will be countless choices and decisions for us to consider. It can be difficult or complicated as we navigate our way through the trials of life. We all will need great wisdom to help and guide us along. I go to God’s word, The Bible, and see what the scriptures say. There is a verse for every situation. My thoughts and reasons for this blog is to help us to thoughtfully consider and ponder what lies ahead and prayerfully contemplate wise choices. May God Bless you all this year ahead. Have a wonderful journey.
Below are a few verses to help. Go search for yourself, there is an endless supply of wisdom available to you. Seek the words of the Lord. Happy travels.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills-From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NKJV
“Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27 NKJV
“He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night.” Psalm 105:39(NKJV)
The picture featured, illustrates this scripture very well. It shows the cloud, as the covering. The sun, with the red glow, portrays the fire. Psalm 105:39 tells us how God was there for the Israelite’s all through their exodus and journey in the wilderness. God led them out, but didn’t desert them, even though the Israelite’s complained like He had. That is not true, He supported them all along the way. They weren’t living a luxurious lifestyle, but their needs were being met in miraculous ways. Some thought it would be better to go back to Egypt. Had they already forgotten why they cried out to be delivered? They were living under harsh bondage. God is loving and caring.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13: 5-6(NKJV)
We really can’t say too much about the Israelite’s and how they behaved, because we must honestly look at our own lives to see we have fallen into the same attitudes. We, who have the Holy Spirit as our helper, cannot even walk as we should. We grumble and complain. We are not content, as it tells us in the verse in Hebrews. God does care for us and is there for us through everything. He hasn’t deserted us either! His word teaches and guides us.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)
This scripture says a lot. Simply put, it tells us that God doesn’t change. He gave us the Bible, His word; Holy Spirit inspired, for us to have and live by. It is His Story from creation (Genesis) to His coming again (Revelation). It has the beginning, the fall of man, His plan to redeem us, guides to life, many promises, the end; basically, everything we need to live by. God was with the Israelite’s as they wandered along their pilgrimage, and He is also with us as we travel on ours. May we at no time forget that He is our God, He is our helper, and He will not at any time leave us nor forsake us. God does not change; He will always be there for us. God is our covering.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The setting of this photo draws you in. It brings a feeling of coziness, glowing warmth, and peaceful comfort. The lamp Illustrates the glow of His love and light flowing to us; fully enveloping us, illuminating the words of Psalm 119:105, NKJV.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
God is like this! He is our light, hope, comforter, teacher, strength, shield, protector, and much more. In everything we do, He longingly, reaches out to us, ever so gently bidding us to come to Him. In His word we read the following:
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
NKJV
“Come to me, all you who labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
NKJV
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come away with me.
Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.’” Mark 6:31 NKJV
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That
I might not sin against You.” Psalm
119:11 NKJV
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 NKJV
Take a break, sit a while, learn of Him, let his word and His spirit fill you. Feel His love and light surround you. Let Him be the lamp to your feet. God Bless!
One Summer evening, after a cleansing rain, my husband
and I were on our way to the store. We
saw a rainbow in the sky. I had to get the picture. I was working very fast, as the rainbow was
fading as quickly as it had appeared. I
was focusing on the rainbow when I realized that the moon was in the sky as
well. It was a stunning image to behold!
I was astounded at the profound sight before me. You might be wondering why I would say it was
a profound sight. Let us look at the
following Scriptures:
Genesis 1:16-18 (NIV)
“God
made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light
to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the
sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to
separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.”
Psalm 89:37 (NKJV)
“It shall be established forever like
the moon,
Even like the faithful witness in the sky”
Genesis
9:13-16 (NIV)
“I
have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant
between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the
rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you
and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a
flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will
see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living
creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Considering these verses, think about how, in the days
of Noah, God sent the rain of judgment on the earth. While it was a rain of judgment, it brought
about a cleansing of the Earth. The healing,
cleansing rain, came along with a glorious rainbow and promise. God said He
would never again flood the whole earth and destroy all life. God is still sending rainbows today, reminding
us of His unfailing promise and love.
He created the moon for the “Nightlight” watching over
us, guiding us through the dark. The
moon has it’s nightly “Reign.” God is
still sending the moon every night, faithfully.
The clouds and darkness may hide it from our eyes at times, but it is
still there. This comes from the Creator,
who is faithful and true to His living word.
Finally, through His creation and word, how can we not believe in our
Heavenly Father? To God be the glory. We
thank you for your everlasting covenant.
This is PROFOUND!
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name . . . just looking up into the painting God has placed in the sky above assures me that God, our creator, is there! He is allowing a little glimpse of His majesty to shine forth. God wants us to know Him and be aware of His presence all around, we see it in all things. Romans 1:20 NKJV is a comfort to us:
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
Remember God tells us, in His living word, in Genesis 1:1 NKJV, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” We see that His word proclaims the creation to be true. This should be a great assurance for us to grasp. Feeling down, unsure and alone, meditate on His words, and behold His glory in all you see. He is there!
“And the clouds are the dust of His feet.” Nahum 1:3 NKJV
Now gaze into the skies and see His handiwork.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 NKJV
On a recent trip to Lake Placid, NY my husband, and I were blessed to have a hotel room with an amazing view. Every morning God painted a different design for us to enjoy. Each design was more stunning than the one before. The scripture that came to mind was “His mercies are new every morning.” It was so awesome to see God’s word come alive in His creation. It is The Living Word! I look for God and His truth in all things. Reflecting on how he gives us a new day, start, and another chance, is a special reminder of God’s faithfulness. Truly, he loves us and is merciful to us. Creation’s beauty offers you entrance into God’s mercies day to day. Take His fresh mercies every day and soar.
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