Tag: Jesus

Jesus Will Light Your Path

Psalm 37:23 NLT, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Last week I stopped by the leasing office at my apartment complex, and turned in my notice to vacate. When I informed the leasing consultant that I would be moving out of state, she asked me where I was going. When I told her Virginia, she immediately perked up and said that she knew a couple that had moved there recently. She said they are a really nice Christian couple, and that the wife is the sister of her pastor. Then after that, she begin to share their story with me.

She told me about Alex, the twenty-one year old son of this couple, who was killed in a motorcycle accident two years ago. He was thrown from his bike and died instantly due to head injuries. She showed me the last picture that Alex had taken with his family before his death.

Alex had always dreamed of living in Virginia. So when he lost his life, his parents and his younger sibling, packed their bags, said goodbye to Florida and moved to Virginia. His parents said that life was short and this was what Alex always wanted, so making the move to Virginia was their way of making his dream come true.

Photo By: Khanh Le

Hearing this story brought tears to my eyes, and the leasing consultant said retelling it gave her goose bumps. Not only had this family lost Alex, but Alex’s Dad was also a cancer survivor. Although their story is one of unimaginable loss, it’s also one of triumph, because I’m sure this family understands what it means to make everyday count. They know first hand how brief our days here on Earth can be. I thanked the leasing consultant for sharing this story with me. It was a vast reminder not to take life for granted.

After I left the leasing office, I couldn’t help but wonder what God has in mind for Alex’s family. I believe He will use their testimony to touch many souls. Hearing their story of faith and perseverance in the midst of tragedy brought me joy.

Jesus always has a way of shining light in the midst of darkness. We just have to be willing to open our eyes to see it, like Alex’s family did. We may not always understand all of God’s plans for our lives, but if we keep obeying Him, He will reveal truth to us. No matter how dark a situation may seem, we can trust Jesus to light our path.

Don’t Withhold Good

Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”

Yesterday morning I was reading Proverbs chapter 3. Verse 27 kept jumping out at me. I kept thinking to myself that if everyone lived by this, the world would be a much better place. It’s pretty easy to withhold good from others because we live in an age that reinforces, ”looking out for number 1” all of the time. Of course we need balance and it is important to take care of ourselves. But what would happen if everyone made an attempt to regularly think of the needs of others, and help them whenever possible?

The closer we get to Jesus, the more compassionate and loving we become toward others. He helps us to look beyond the surface and see the true need. He helps us to let go of the fear of lack, and give when it is in our power to do so.

There is so much more to giving than just money, a simple compliment can make someone smile. There is one greeter at church who always gives hugs. Many Sunday mornings I was thankful for her hug. Handshakes are good, but hugs are awesome! Even in my own life, I’m asking God to help me not to withhold good from others. No matter how small the deed may seem, if we’re lead to give, we must obey God and give.

We serve a God who gives of Himself freely everyday. As His representatives, we have the privilege of doing the same. Learning to let God be our standard instead of the world, will open up a whole new sea of opportunities to give of ourselves that we never even knew existed.

He Guards And Protects

Proverbs 2:8 NLT, “He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.”

This verse used to be the theme verse for a singles ministry I attended in the past. I also had it on the dashboard in my car for awhile. The verse reminded me daily that the Lord is guarding my paths and protecting me. Even as I drive down the road, navigating my way through the busy traffic, He is watching over me. It’s a comfort to be kept by our Savior.

It’s easy to become fearful with all the things that are happening around us. Even within our own families at times, there are tragedies and other unfortunate things that we must endure. But keeping our eyes on the Lord, helps us to remain anchored. No matter how rough things may get, we can trust Him to take good care of us.

Staying faithful to the Lord is no easy task. But deciding to stay on the narrow path and be faithful to Him, will lead us to good things. We may not understand every turn we take or every hill we must climb, but God will be with us every step of the way. Even through difficulties, His love will sustain us.

Whatever path you are traveling, God has His wall of protection all around you, so keep on following as the Holy Spirit leads you. God always has a plan, and His plans are good.

Jesus, Our Daily Bread

John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

I hadn’t heard this song Breathe by Michael Smith in years, but I woke up this morning with it on my mind. Truly Jesus is the air that we breathe. As Christians, His Holy Presence living inside of us is everything. He is the bread of life. In Him we are filled completely. He is the One who can take away our emptiness and replace it with joy. His words give us life and hope.

Praying you have a very blessed day!

I hope you enjoy this song:

Breathe by Michael Smith

Prayer In The Waiting Room

Colossians 4:2 NLT, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

Yesterday I had to go visit the GYN for my annual exam. It’s a very busy place, so when I go, I always know that I’ll be waiting at least an hour before I see the doctor, but this time my wait ended up being an hour and a half. I waited one hour in the main waiting room, and thirty minutes in the exam room.

All the women I saw were anticipating the arrival of a little one. I thought to myself, at this point in my life, I wouldn’t want to change places with them. But I also remember when I was there like them, expecting my daughter, and how exciting it was as the time for her arrival drew closer. It’s hard to believe how fast the years have flown by.

I was happy when I thought my name was called, but I was a little preoccupied on my phone, so I verified with the medical assistant at the door that she did say, “Dawn”. I was glad she said yes when I asked her. When I got into the exam room, she gave me a pink gown to change into.

As I was sitting on the exam table waiting for the doctor to arrive, I noticed the gown was a little flawed in some places. All of a sudden, I begin to think about all the women who had worn that gown before me. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to say a prayer for them.

I thanked God for all the wonderful blessings that He had bestowed upon them. I also realized that some of the women who had worn the gown had received a life changing diagnosis. Some had struggles with infertility. Maybe even some were victims of rape or some other type of abuse that had altered their lives. Buried in the hearts of the women who had worn that pink gown, were many joys, but also many pains.

In all the years I have been going to the GYN, I cannot recall ever being lead to pray for other women while waiting in the exam room, but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to do so. I’m thankful God used my prayers to help bring comfort and healing to women who I will never know personally.

My doctor, who is originally from the country of Jamaica, is a very intelligent and personable lady. I always enjoy talking with her. She has a way of helping you to get over the fact that you had a long wait. She’s really good at what she does, so I assume that’s why she has so many patients. I’m thankful I found her office, and had her as a GYN doctor while in Florida. God always leads us to the right places with the right people.

We can’t physically be everywhere or know everything, but through prayer, God uses us to make a difference. Our prayers can reach all the way to places we can’t go. And they can help change the lives of people we may never see.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJB, “Pray without ceasing.”

The One In You Is Greater

1 John 4:4 NIV, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The Holy Spirit who lives within us is greater than any opposition that tries to come against us. We can look to Him to give us the strength we need to overcome the obstacles that we must face. He will empower us to victoriously live for Jesus and follow the plan God has for us. He will give us eyes to see beyond the difficulties that attempt to hinder our progress for the Lord, so that we can stay focused on God’s greater purpose.

As you go throughout your day, remember that the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you is greater than the enemy who tries to steal your peace. God’s light always shines through the darkness, and He is with you every step of the way.

Rejoice And Be Glad

Psalm 118:24 NLT, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Every time the Lord allows us to see a brand new day, we can choose to “rejoice and be glad in it”. I like the idea that no matter what, we have a choice. Since His goodness and mercy are following us, we can confidently face each new day. God’s presence with us, surpasses any negative thing that may come our way. His love far outweighs even our greatest worries.

Rising above our circumstances and choosing to rejoice, may not always come naturally. However through Christ, we can supernaturally make a decision to trust God and rejoice. Through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).