Simply Jesus

Growing up in an Italian Catholic family, I came to know about Jesus at a very young age. One of the first introductions was at the Latin mass at Our Lady of Peace Church in NY. My mom made the train trip there with me in tow, as it was her home church. The priest had his back toward the worshippers. The woman wore head coverings and dark clothing. The most important message to me was the need to be quiet. In the House of God you kneeled, prayed the rosary and were quiet. Although no one understood most, if any, of what the priest said, the adults left feeling they had fulfilled their "religious obligation".

We had a Catholic Bible at home that included glossy color photos of Biblical scenes and the different aspects of the church, rituals and sacraments. Most of these seemed scary, especially the ones of Jesus dying and being crucified. The book was written in a version that was difficult at best to read. My parents bedroom, in our modest 800 square foot attached home with "railroad" rooms, was complete with statues of various Saints on the dresser and the Infant of Prague. There were crosses with Jesus hanging on them in various locations.

Major changes in the Catholic church back then to including changes to say the mass in English, have the priest face the worshippers and updating the music and artwork to be more contemporary. Still, many of the rules and  rituals remained including providing hymnals with sections of the Word (an Old Testament reading, Psalm, Letter and New Testament Gospel) to each church attendee each Sunday. Although I was the only one of the children in the family that was allowed to attend public school rather than the Catholic school, I attended religious instruction throughout my childhood at the Catholic church.

It wasn't until I was almost an adult visiting California, that I was introduced to a New Testament Bible, in a version I could actually understand. I also was invited to attend a Bible study. It was beautiful, humbling, convicting and above all simple. In the midst, I went from knowing about Jesus to knowing Jesus. Eventually on my life's journey I was introduced (by my oldest child) to a non-Catholic church. The pastor at the Friends church shared the entire Bible and taught about how the Bible points to Jesus and is all about Jesus. There were simple messages of truth connecting the Old and New Testament. It wasn't about rituals, rules. and feeling obligated, rather it was simply about Jesus the Living God and his desire to have a relationship with every person. 

Times have changed and Jesus, our Savior, King, and Lord of Lords is no longer hidden, or veiled if you will, as he had been from me and so many for so long. Praise God for the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ and our ability to know Him and love Him without a third party or a process. Yes, it's simply Jesus. No sugar coating, redesign, steps to get to him or test to pass. Just Jesus.

Do you know Jesus? Are you in the Word daily feasting on the truth? If not, don't wait any longer. The YouVersion Bible app is a great place to start reading the Bible and provides so many devotionals with contemporary and real messages.  You can find it here store https://youversion.com/the-bible-app/ or at the app store.

"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

John 8:31-32

Surrender

The dictionary defines surrender as "giving up, laying down or relinquishing power or control to another; to give up completely to something." Surrender is waving the white flag and giving up a fight or position you hold about something. Everyone surrenders at some point in life. As a child you may have surrendered to sleep by giving up trying to stay awake to actually see Santa bring your gifts on Christmas Eve. You may have given in to a friend, spouse or child to have their way over yours in exchange for peace. 

When you are tired, weary or up against a major obstacle that wears you down, you can be in a position to surrender more easily. Being bombarded by the world and its culture can lead you to surrender your morals, values and beliefs. You may over time be nudged to accept certain norms and ways of life as you slowly give up the fight against what you believe is right or appropriate.

Surrender isn't necessarily a bad thing and it can lead to positive change when you give up a bad habit, lifestyle or relationship. What are you surrendering to? You may not even be aware of that which you have given up control of for something that is less than authentic, righteous or aligned with what God would want for your life. 

The ultimate act of surrender is that of giving your life to Jesus Christ. It's when you relinquish and lay down control, fear and worry to Him and trust His will to be done in your life. Sounds easier than it really is. To surrender to Jesus is a daily decision to follow Him and give up the world and all its glamour, distractions and lies. You will have to be different, think differently and change what you fill your mind, time and life with. 

Think you have surrendered your life to Christ? Check yourself. Here are just a few things to consider. 

You:

• spend time in the Word daily
• put God first in your day not last or an after thought
• pray rather than worry       
• seek God's direction in decisions you are making
• fill your life with positive relationships of believers
• choose to listen to, read and watch programming that aligns with godly ways
• trust God above all

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24

God Work

 

It happens all the time and likely you have experienced it. It is the constant interruption and disruption of the time you spend with God or the work you do to honor Him. There are multiple reasons for this. The most common is competing priorities. Let's face it, there is housework, schoolwork, and perhaps work you are being paid to do just to name a few. Of course there is the added work of the evil one. You know, the spam phone call, barking dog, crying child, or alarm ringing the moment you set out to spend time with God or do anything for His glory. 

Not to worry! God Work is always in progress. Whether you know it or not God is always working to provide and create good in your life. He sees your effort to devote the time and love you have for Him. Be persistent in continuing your journey with Him, reading His Word and doing the work you set out to do to glorify Him. 

Yes, you may need to erect a sign, set up a work zone or even call in others to get the time and do the work you desire for God. Even so, do whatever it takes. There is no greater work you can do. 

When priorities and road blocks come against you, stand firm and work to:

• share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a kind act or work
• donate resources to charities and causes to care for others and expand God's Kingdom
• be an encouragement and pray for and with someone suffering from illness, addiction or loss
• set up a prayer, worship or bible study small group to support one another and maximize the impact you can make 

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9

The Grass Is Always Greener

My husband has a green thumb when is comes to our front lawn. He knows exactly how much water it needs, how to fertilize it and just when to cut out the patches of weeds that often spring up. He takes the time to plant new seed when needed and is very particular about the way he manages it through the seasons. 

Often neighbors, and even total strangers, stop to ask his secret for maintaining a lawn that is so green and plush. He shares tips and techniques for lawn nurturing but it is difficult for others to replicate his success. Many want the beautiful results but few want to invest the time, money, or patience necessary to grow their lawn to be the best it can be. 

Jesus shared a similar story in the parable of the sower. Most Christians desire a life that is rich and meaningful and where they can bear much fruit for the Lord. Still, not everyone is willing to invest the time and the commitment required to be fruitful. What about you? Which of these describes your walk of faith with Jesus? 

• Sitting It Out – you hear the Word but allow the enemy to cultivate doubt and weed out any chance of walking with Jesus and producing fruit. 
• Intermittent Walker– you hear the Word and receive it with joy for a short time then without any depth or real commitment to Christ you fall away. 
• Fruitless Walker – you hear and study the Word and are devoted to the Lord but you let the worries of this life, distractions and the desires for other things come in and uproot your devotion. 
• Flourishing Walker- you hear the Word and produce much fruit as evidenced by your life and daily walk with Jesus Christ.

If you are anything but a flourishing walker, take this opportunity to turn things around. Ask God to search your heart. Ask that He provide you the tools and strength necessary to rid your life of the people and situations that interfere with your walk; and that He refresh and revitalize your relationship with Him. 

Plant seeds of commitment and obedience. Cultivate love, kindness, and peace. Have God’s Word be your daily bread and the relationship with Him be your water. Seek His grace and enjoy the opportunities and lifestyle necessary to bear much and various fruit for the Lord. 

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15

God Is

Life's journey with God is the most incredible experience you could ever be blessed to have. I have shared my experience writing The Daily Journey since 2001. The archive of posts since 2009 are on the blog. 

Here are some of the things God has proven to me during this time. You must have more of your own God truths to add to this list. Comment below and share your heart.

God is:

the source of all life

always present and available 

always faithful

in total control

righteous in all situations

the God of wonders and miracles

He:

• defies logic
• displays love which exceeds all understanding
• works through people and places them exactly where He needs them
• hears and answers prayer
• never makes mistakes
• has perfect timing
• is limitless in resources
• creates vastness and abundance from what seems like nothing

"I will make my people strong with power from me! They will go wherever they wish and wherever they go, they will be under my personal care." 

Zechariah 10:12

Joyful, Joyful

 Of late, it would seem difficult to find any joy in the world. Every day seems to bring more bad news, worry and darkness. Still, as a Christian you have a mighty hope and much joy in Jesus Christ. He is your peace and rest. In Him there is so much to celebrate especially this time of the year as you anticipate the arrival of Christmas! 

What an extraordinary gift God gave you and the world in his Son Jesus. Nothing past, present or future compares. There in a manger, Jesus, God in the flesh, entered the world as the Savior and newborn King. Praise and hallelujah was raised by shepherds, men and animals too. The first Christmas was a blessing for eternity. 

No matter what you are facing in life, know that this Christmas and Jesus Christ deserve  acknowledgement and honor. Sure you could just skip it and be gloomy, depressed and hopeless. The enemy would like if you decided to do that and not celebrate the birth of your Savior. 

Do not let that happen. It's Christmas! It's a celebration of the day God sent the most precious gift to you. Sing praises, string up some lights, lift your eyes to the heavens and raise up a happy birthday and gratitude wish to Jesus. While you are at it, why not brighten the world for one or two others as well? 

See, Jesus is your joy. It is because of Him that you can boldly claim and proclaim Joy to the World! Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed beyond measure this Christmas and into the New Year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   – Isaiah 9:6

If You Listen

Photo credit Casie Steele 

 In the midst of the chaos and madness of the world you may find it difficult to hear anything positive. There is much talk about what you can't do, what is wrong, how bad things are and what trouble looms in the future. Hardly ever do you hear words of optimism and encouragement. If you listen to the world you hear anger, fear, mixed messages and how life is changing for the worse.

 If you listen to God you will hear something very different. Yes, things are changing but God is not. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He hasn't given up on you nor has he stopped being the God of mercy and loving kindness. The issue isn't that things are so bad. The issue is that you are listening to the wrong source of truth.

If you listen to God you will hear the truth that the world can never tell you. Sure, you will need to shut out the world to hear Him and when you do you will hear and have hope. God says that he will protect you, restore you and always love you. He says you are a masterpiece and you have a divine purpose. He says that love and mercy are the answer and that you are the just the person to bring them to others. 

When you listen to God you will learn that if you delight in his word you will be blessed. He promises that all things will work out for God and that you will have comfort in your trials and peace when you pray. He promises he will supply your needs, lift your burdens, and give you power from on high. Best of all, in Him you have salvation and eternal life through his son Jesus Christ.

Stop listening to the world! Make it your goal to listen to and spend time with God every day. Turn off the TV, social media and those friends that are wearing you down. Turn to God and listen closely because he has so much to tell you. He will really make your heart smile and restore your soul. 

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

The Fabric of Faith

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Life's journey with Jesus is filled with great riches. Not the kind of riches the world honors, but rather, riches of the Heavenly realm of the Spirit of God. The deepest of these are the ones born out of faith. Through faith, the weaving of life's blessings are the fabric of your journey. The Holy Spirit, your Comforter, provides the power for your faith. For you are not covered in shame, fear and hopelessness. You are covered in the full and complete grace of Jesus Christ. In Him you live, and move and breath. 

For the grace of the Lord and your faith assures you of the fulfillment of every promise God has made. In time you will be before Him face to face for eternity. For now, continue your walk with Christ in faith and peace, as you come into the fullness of your purpose. For only you can complete the work God designed you to fulfill. Your faith and the power of the Holy Spirit will be your guide.

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

God's Peace

Photo Credit Casie Steele 

When asked, "If you could have anything in the world what would you ask for?", there are literally hundreds of responses one could give. Fame, fortune, health, freedom may be among the most popular. Most people would ask for these and even more to improve their current life and secure their future. Of late, I would venture to guess there is another reply that is popular and people are seeking and praying for every day. That simply would be, peace. 

Peace is defined as "freedom from disturbance" or "tranquility". Another definition is "a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom". Well, that sounds unattainable for sure, right? Not exactly. 

 Trouble with the kids, job matters, financial challenges, and daily life stressors all will take aim at disrupting your peace. You can insulate yourself from all of that and more when you receive God's gift of peace. See, beyond the worldly definition of peace there is peace that God provides. He offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with circumstances; it is secure no matter what is happening in your life or around you.

Sound too good to be true? Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Those weren't empty words but rather an absolute promise. When Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you and peace does too. 

Maybe you aren't living in God's peace. You may be needing to reaffirm and claim it for yourself. Here is a prayer and link to verses about peace:

Lord, thank you for your promise and gift of peace. Thank you that YOU are my PEACE — my perfect Prince of Peace who died on my behalf so that I could live in peace, because you have conquered the king of fear. You have trampled the enemy under your feet. Help me not to be afraid when trouble comes my way. Help me trust and rest in you at all times, regardless of what my feelings try to convince me to think. I joyfully receive your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/peace-bible-verses/

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart sand your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Rooted

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We are living in unprecedented times. There is change, fear, and for some even panic, as the world adjusts and reacts to the threat of disease and an unraveling economy. During this time of significant life adjustment there is confusion and turmoil across the globe. 
How are you doing in all of this? Are you handling things with grace or have you been in a frenzy, feeling troubled and worried?

The way you react during these times reveals a lot about what you are rooted in, where you draw your strength from and your view of life. If you are rooted in the world and all its treasures, conveniences and niceties you may be quite unnerved. You actually may be feeling hopeless, paralyzed and frustrated. You aren't sure who to believe or trust. 

The media messages are much different from the message delivered through God's Word, prayer and a relationship with Jesus Christ. When you are rooted in Jesus, the Word and God's promises, you are likely to be feeling a bit awe struck.You realize the events unfolding are not a surprise to God. He has a master design for good and has things well in control.  

Stay rooted and grounded in Jesus. When you are, you will be steadfast in your daily journey with sure footedness and grace. As you trust in God and have a deep connection to Him, you will be provided divine direction and wisdom to navigate the chaos of the world.

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" 
Genesis 50:20

On the Other Side of Tomorrow

Photo credit Marilyn Drone
Times right now may be hard, confusing and quite worrisome for most of us. There are what-ifs, hows, whens, and some very candid I don't knows. If only, we should have and whys are part of the virtual and literal conversations. Truth be told we are all only human. Even with all of the fancy technology and state of the art advances we still are not, and never will be, God. 

God knows all, sees all and understands all. He is the source of life and orchestrator of the universe. His ways are different than human ways. We can never comprehend the complexity of life as God knows it; nor are we in the position to even try. Instead, we look to him in faith for grace, favor, peace, and wisdom that only he can provide. 

Yes, today may be hard, confusing and worrisome but on the other side of tomorrow there will be greater clarity. People will have discovered their purpose. Families will be stronger. Relationships will have more meaning. Things will certainly be different, however God will remain the same. He will continue to be the God of miracles and wonders and His Son will still be Savior of the world. 

On this Easter, rise up and know without a doubt that your future with Jesus Christ is gloriously secure because He is already in your tomorrow and forever.

Then Joshua told the people to purify themselves, "For tomorrow", he said, "the Lord will do a great miracle." Joshua 3:5

Happy and blessed Easter to you and your family.

Focus on God

 Let's face it, it's a very unsettling time right now. There is an invisible virus enemy, economic fallout, illness, and great uncertainty. As you listen to or read the news you will likely grow anxious and worried. You may become focused on the negative and lose sight of the the big picture and blessings in your lives. You may believe the current reality is all there is and that things will not improve. 

The truth is you are in a "valley" on life's journey. The landscape of your life goes beyond valleys.There is a beautiful mountain top with a clear view just up ahead. You are blessed and there are so many more blessing that already have your name on them. They are yours! They just may be out of clear focus right now. 

 Lift your sights to the Heavens.  Keep your eyes on Jesus. He will guide you along the way out of the valley and up to the highest peaks where all is clear and well. 

"But when I am afraid. I will put my trust in you."
Psalms 56:3

Soul Restoration

How are things with your soul? Not sure? Just like your body, your soul can become depleted, tired, overwhelmed and have the life drained from it. That is not what God intended. He desires for you to have a soul full of light, love, peace and rest. Much like a home restoration, your soul may be in need of restoration, repair, and refreshing. 

God is the lover and restorer of souls. He alone turns dark to light, chaos to calm, and despair to love. Perhaps you need a total soul makeover. Has it been a while since you let God in to clear away the cobwebs, break down the walls, remove the old damage and created a fresh and glowing place where you and He can unite and rest?

Ask God in! Say, "Father God, I need you. Thank you for restoring my soul and for sending the Holy Spirit in to wipe away the old and Jesus Christ to create in me the new."

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:1-2

Scared Encounters

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These days, frustrating encounters are all too familiar. You know, they are the encounters where you are mumbling under your breath, shaking your head in disbelief and telling yourself to just be calm, let it go, and take a breath. It may happen in traffic, with an inconsiderate individual at work or a relative that reacts emotionally to something you innocently said. Hopefully, the number of frustrating encounters you experience is lower by far than those of sacred encounters.

Sacred encounters are interactions that touch your heart and soul on a deeper level. It’s a melting of two spirits for what may be a short time, and even so you are amazed, knowing something incredibly powerful just occurred. They are the moments spent being so present and real with someone you actually lose track of time. It’s meeting a total stranger and feeling incredibly familiar and comfortable, as though you have known them your entire life. The encounters you experience where love replaces fear, erases shame, or transcends differences are sacred encounters.You walk away from the encounter changed, moved and a better person as a result. 

Sacred encounter are not to be taken for granted. They are ordained magnificent gifts tied up in a bow of awe. They leave you knowing they were deliberately designed for a purpose by God himself.
This Thanksgiving, remember to give praise to God for the sacred encounters you have experienced, and for the ones he will provide to you in the days to come.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
Colossians 3:17

Door Watcher

As a child, I often would sneak downstairs once everyone was asleep to check that our front door was locked. It might have been a result of having had our home broken into once while we were out on a short visit that caused me to do this. All I know is that I secretly became the family door watcher, a role I still play to this day.

The truth is, God is our Door Watcher. He in his supernatural power and wisdom keeps watch over all the doors of our life. He knows which ones to open to allow blessings, opportunity, and perfect circumstances. He know which doors to shut and does so in love with purpose and care. 

God never leaves his post as Door Watcher. He wants what is best for your life. He will act to protect you and do what will be best even when you can't quite see the reason. 

You may not always agree with God's door decisions and be disappointed when he closes one that you prayed to be or remain open. Still, in the long run, looking back over your life you will be better able to understand God's door decisions. His fingerprints are all over the door knobs that opened the way for your journey and those that kept you from experiencing less than your purpose. 

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."  Revelation 3:8

What's Ahead

Photo Credit Deborah Duerr

Down the road a bit, just passed the horizon lies the entrance to tomorrow. It's waiting there for you! Experiences, challenges, heartfelt moments and even some promises reside there. You can't exactly see what's ahead nor can you get a sense of what's in store, still it's perched right there waiting to welcome you.

Not knowing what's ahead may cause you to be curious or even anxious. Will tomorrow bring clear skies or will it be stormy? Will the day go smoothly or be sprinkled with interruptions, frustration and delays? Who will you encountered there and what will be the interaction? What lies ahead is really a big question mark. 

In all of this there is one thing for certain. When you get to tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, Jesus Christ will still be on the throne. His love for you will continue. He will still be fighting your battles for you, cheering you on, and providing everything you need exactly when you need it. There will be people and situations that will be in your path that God has set their for your good. His plan for your life will unfold and you will have His grace, strength and spirit to lead you through. 

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

Pick Up Your Mat and Go Home

Many years ago, I heard my now favorite Bible story in Mark 2:1-12. It literally changed my life. The story is about a paralyzed man. His friends go to great lengths to get him in front of Jesus to be healed. They remove a roof and lower him on a stretcher right in front of Jesus in the middle of a crowded house, with no standing room to accommodate them. Imagine having friends that are so committed to you they stop at nothing to get you to Christ? Maybe you do. Perhaps you are a Christian because you had a friend just like that. 

The story though, is more than about amazing friends. The story touched me because Jesus gave instructions to a man that was paralyzed that He gives to you and me. "Pick up your mat and go home." Don't let this world and all the chaos and challenges paralyze you. You may have the weight of the world weighing you down, keeping you from moving forward, causing you to be stuck or paralyzed. You may have given up trying and quit moving forward. You are not alone. Like the man in the story, you have a friend in Jesus. He is your answer. 

Whatever is causing you to be stuck, dismayed, feeling hopeless, and unable to move ahead is removed when you trust Christ. Get up! Pick up whatever is keeping you down, roll it up, put it away and go forward in Jesus. 

“I tell you, stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.” Mark 2:11

Waiting on God

Let's face it, if you are like most people, you hate waiting. Waiting for traffic lights, for planes to arrive or take off, for a seat at a busy restaurant, well basically for anything, is hard. We are impatient, and growing more so. The world around us promotes and provides faster service, instant access and reminders of what we need, before we need it, so we don't have to wait.

While there may be benefits to not waiting and to having instant access or results, the process of waiting is in a sense, sacred. God didn't complete creation in an instant. Rather, He took the time over multiple days to create the Heavens, earth, and all that would inhabit them. He certainly had the power to simply speak everything into existence at once. Still, God waited to complete the most incredible design over time.

Waiting implies a process or steps of a process are taking place which when completed will provide a desired state or creation. New life, an absolute miracle, takes time from conception to birth. Perhaps this is where the expression "worth waiting for" or "miracles take time" stems from. Both infer the wait will result is something beyond usual or typical. The result will be exceptional or extraordinary. 

There may be something you are waiting on that seems to be taking longer than you think it should. It could be a promotion, delivery, fulfillment of a dream, or conclusion of the process to obtain a piece of property. Whatever it is, recognize that your desire to speed things up may be counter to what God is doing. His timing and processes are perfect.

While you wait on God, remember that waiting is a sacred time. It's a time where God is weaving and knitting together the most intricate and incredible pieces that only He can create and orchestra, to provide the perfect results for your life.

"And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You." Psalm 39:7

Looking Up

Photo Credit: Casie Steele @Steele a Peek Photography

The enemy is real. He aims to steal your joy, bring you pain, have you doubt and cause you to suffer. Your shield and hope to counter the enemy is Jesus Christ. 

With Christ there is certainty of victory, strength and all that is intended for your good. Don't be deceived. The enemy would like you to believe there is no hope, no way out, and no answer to all that plaques you. 

Look up! Set your sights on Jesus. Know that He reigns, is in control, and has you in the palm of His hand. The same hand that stretched out the Heavens and drew the boundary lines for the ocean is holding you. How can you go wrong?

Let go of all burdens, worries, and fears. Stop trying to make sense of the sorted details and give it up to God. Trust Him to handle it and rest in Christ. Settle into His perfect grace. Embrace and hold Him tightly. For He cares for and loves every inch of you.

"Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance." Jude 2:1

Dwelling

There is a place where your heart and mind go. 

Often without realization or set as a plan. 

You find yourself there for a moment or a time. 

Feeling happy or dismayed depending on the circumstance. 

Away from the world and all its chaos you dwell.

There, where no one can intervene or interrupt, you hide. 

Thank you, wonder why, what if, and remember when all reside here. 

Tugging at your heart like an old acquaintance just dropping in 

to see if you still want to know them. 

Soon, you understand that only God deserves this space. 

Here, He influences you, oh so gently and makes

it clear. God is your dwelling place. 

The place to dwell is not away from, but rather in Him.

There you will know rest, love, grace and peace. 

He provides all you need to persevere in the world.

"How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!"

Psalm 84:1