Tag: love

God Sees Our Hearts

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining a church in a time of fasting and prayer, something many churches do at the start of a new year. Although a fast is challenging, it is also exciting to spend extra time with God in prayer and let His presence replace some of the daily foods I consume and activities that take up my time.

It’s also a time of anticipation, as I anticipate growing closer to the Lord, hearing His voice more clearly, and learning whatever He wants to teach me through His Word.

During my time of fasting and praying, God strongly impressed upon my heart how much He loves His church, the community of believers, who confess Jesus Christ, His Son, as Savior and Lord. He showed me how His heart breaks when our hearts drift away from Him.

He revealed that one of His greatest desires for those in the body of Christ, who have drifted away from Him, is for them to repent and return their hearts to Him. I could sense God’s urgency, so this caused me to examine my own heart and repent of the ways I have knowingly or unknowingly allowed my heart to drift away from Him.

Acts 3:19-20 NIV

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Through this time of fasting and praying, God also impressed upon me that He desires to be our main Source for provision, protection, value and acceptance. Many have turned from Him and now search for these things in the world, but He is the supplier of our needs.

He is our Provider, our Protector, and the One who accepts us and loves us unconditionally. Our value does not come from worldly accomplishments. Our value does not come from the opinions of others. We are valuable because we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27).

The world offers us many options apart from God, but He is beckoning us to choose what is best, to choose Him, above all else. He loves us more than we even know and cares for us in ways we do not always understand.

God illuminated to me how far above this world His Kingdom is. His kingdom exceeds anything this world could ever offer us. Yet many times as His children, we get caught up in the temporary satisfaction this world has to offer.

Psalm 145:16-17 NIV

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.

We can return our hearts to God daily, through the time we spend with Him in prayer and His Word, and through the choices we make that show our love for Him and our allegiance to His kingdom. 

One thing we can always be sure of, is that God always wants our hearts to be fully surrendered to Him. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that, “…People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

We can be confident that the God we serve sees our heart, which encourages us to come to Him about anything. We don’t have to hide, because God sees all, but still chooses to love us unconditionally.

How blessed we are to belong to Him and be part of His kingdom. May God continue to bless and keep you as you abide in Him daily.

John 15:4 NKJV

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Scripture & Prayer: Meditate on God’s Word, Psalm 1:1-2

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Photo by: Tara Winstead

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your Word declares that we are blessed when we choose to not follow the ways of those who reject you. It is you who makes our paths straight and keeps our way pure. Help us to stay clear of sin and choose to walk in the righteousness that we have received through the blood and body of Jesus Christ. When we struggle with sin, help us to turn to you, repent, and receive the strength and courage we need to change.

May we walk in the Spirit of self discipline that you have given us and choose to meditate on Your Word day and night so that we can know and understand your truth, hide it in our hearts, and be doers of your Word. For your Word is flawless and it will always stand.

In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Have a blessed week!

Continue On the Narrow Road to Life

Well, we’re a little more than half way through March already! And for about a week and a half, March ushered in some unusually warm weather here in Virginia, with temperatures ranging from 75-88. Although this premature spring weather did not last, it was a lovely reprieve, an unexpected but welcome blessing. But of course, I realize everyone does not feel the same because after returning from a sunny warm lunchtime walk, I expressed my excitement about the warm weather to a colleague in the hallway. My enthusiasm was quickly met with her disappointment. She said it was way too early for the cooler weather to be gone. Then, I remembered she spent many years in the midwest and favored cold weather. Even though I too spent many years in the midwest (Michigan), I still prefer warmer weather.

However, I knew she was right about it being too early to be so warm. But that didn’t stop me from taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, to visit a nearby park, sit on a bench, drink a smoothie, watch the water, and enjoy the delightful sounds of children on the playground. It was refreshing. At some point during my visit to the park, my colleague crossed my mind. As I remembered our conversation, I chuckled.

Photo by: Karolina Grabowska

It’s true, God made us all different and our preferences with the weather is just one small example of that. But another difference, one that has a much greater impact, is faith. Faith can vary from person to person. Even within the same faith, Christianity for example, we can find an array of different beliefs and perspectives. I think most of us could agree, that while some differences related to faith can be a good thing, because it encourages us to learn, grow, and love each other through the differences, there are times it causes much disunity and stress.

Walking by faith does not always produce quick answers, which is contrary to the society we live in that usually promotes an I want it now, rather than later culture. Developing faith takes time. Getting to know God takes time, a lifetime. But God does not change, we do. So that is why God’s Word is a priceless treasure. For in it, we can see His steadfast love and unchanging character. It teaches us how to navigate our ever changing world. Through its real life stories, we learn about God’s character, His faithfulness to love, heal, deliver, vindicate, discipline, and provide. And of course, through the Bible, we learn how to be like Jesus and walk in His way.

Photo by: Philip Wels

So why are we prone to wander from the truth, hope, and beauty of God’s word? I am sure that answer, like most things, can vary from person to person too, but perhaps in many cases, it is the allure of something better. A perceived better path or a quicker way to have our desires and needs met. Matthew 7:14 NLT, warns us that following Christ will not be easy, it says, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” So, not only is the road difficult, but it is only traveled by a few. And for those of us who have chosen the narrow difficult road, we know very well, it requires us to abide in Jesus continuously. Day by day, He is our daily bread. He is the One who directs our path and fills our hearts with joy as we travel the narrow road.  

As I reflect on my journey, one thing I have found to be unwavering is the love of God. It has taken me many years to become more confident in His love for me and I am still learning what confidence in God is. But, when I allow myself to rest safely in His perfect love, I have all I need. There is no lack, whatsoever. The peace and contentment found in His love is not even dependent on circumstances or people. It just comes from having faith that God will be exactly who He promised to be in any and every situation.

As Christians, we have to choose Jesus and embrace His joy, which means we choose to let life’s difficulties (which includes circumstances and people) point us back to Him. After all, our lives should be about His glory and helping to expand His kingdom. And when He becomes the focus, the very center, life somehow seems more manageable, simpler and sweeter, even in the midst of the complexities and chaos. It is hard to explain, but in my experience, that is just the way it is.

His love is a place of refuge, like nothing I have ever experienced before. I pray that you too would be kept safely in His love and care and run to Him for refuge.

Psalm 46:1 NLT

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

Hebrews 10:38 NLT

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

Scripture & Prayer: God is our Source, James 1:17

James 1:17 NIV, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Father, 

I honor You today and thank you for being who You are. You are my Source, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. You do not change, You remain the same through every season of life I encounter. 

I am thankful to you for working out the details of my life, even when there are detours, interruptions, or some type of mistreatment by others, You are still in control. You protect me, care for me, and comfort me. 

Father, I praise You. You are the God who never forgets me. You always see me, hear me and love me. 

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a blessed week! And remember life and people change, but God is always with you. His love remains the same.

Every good and perfect gift is from above

Small Bites

In my Bible reading, the Lord has been impressing upon me the importance of taking my time and choosing quality over quantity. I have found this to be very beneficial as it allows me the golden opportunity to take in the small details that I would otherwise overlook.

If I feel pressure to race through my daily reading, in an effort to complete a chapter or two, I will miss many of the simple truths that God wanted to speak to me that day through His Word. God’s Word is so full of the refreshment and nourishment that we so desperately need and I have found that consuming it in small bites has really helped me not to miss what matters most.

I am sure you have experienced those moments in your Bible reading where you have been reading and all of a sudden the words you read, jumped right off the page and captured your heart. And the crazy thing is that it is often something that we have read many times before. I have been finding that to happen more often, as I have been taking my time to hear what the Lord is saying to me by taking small bites of His Word, journaling, repenting and praying about what I have read. 

I have been going through the book of Genesis, and about a week ago, my reading for the day was Genesis 4:13-16. Chapter 4 in Genesis shares the story of Cain and Abel. In the previous verses of that chapter, we learn that Cain killed His brother Abel and the Lord told Cain that when he worked the ground, it would no longer produce crops and that he would be a wanderer. Cain’s response/plea is below in verses 13-14. But God’s astounding response is in verse 15.

Genesis 4:13-16 NIV

13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

When I got to verse 15, GOD’S MERCY struck me, it jumped off the page and captured my heart! It was massive and hard to comprehend, but real. There was no way I could miss it and it caused me to examine my own heart, repent of my pride and realize how I, like Cain, have received God’s mercy, not once, not twice but time and time again. Here was a man who committed murder, yet the loving God we serve was willing to spare his life. God marked Cain so that no one would kill him, even though he had killed his brother, Abel. 

Through Christ, we too have been marked by God’s mercy. He often withholds the punishment we deserve and the punishment we think others deserve. Realizing this, gives us the ability to trust Him with justice, after all, He has said that vengeance belongs to Him. 

Romans 12:19 NIV

12 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

When we see others do wrong and it seems that they are getting away with it, justice belongs to the Lord. He has promised to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Vengeance can take on many forms. And in the times we live in, that vengeance often can come through the things that are being posted on social media. Many people often use their social media platforms to speak harsh words, post divisive things, hurt others, or insist upon their own way.

So, it’s even more important to make sure that what we post is coming from a place of love and God’s truth instead of vengeance, since we have a responsibility as Christians to bring glory to God and help expand His kingdom, not divide it. We know that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

I am thankful God used these verses in Genesis to remind me of the greatness of His mercy. I love how the Word of God brings humility, conviction, and instruction to all who are willing to receive it. 

James 2:13 NIV

13 “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Too Busy?!!


I recently remembered a visit I had to a nursing home as a child. There was a lady in a wheelchair sitting in the hallway. I remember a nurse saying that it was the lady’s birthday and she told the lady to tell the little girl (me) how old she was. The lady in the wheelchair immediately became agitated, put a frown on her face and quickly said, “I’m busy, I don’t have time!”

Photo by: Patrick De Boeck

 As an adult reflecting back on that visit to the nursing home, it seems quite comical. To think, here’s a person who is now confined to a nursing home, possibly to live out her final days, sitting in her wheelchair in the hallway, yet she thought she was too busy to share how old she was. I’m guessing this lady, probably had many hectic days in her life, prior to arriving at the nursing home. Days when she felt so busy she couldn’t even catch her breath or find adequate time to rest. Over the years, she probably got really good at saying, “I’m busy!”

 This memory caused me to consider my own life. It made me ask the question, “What is it that I think I am too busy to do?” And if I am too busy, “why?” Am I really too busy or are my priorities just out of order? Am I really too busy or are there just things I need to eliminate from my schedule?

 Remembering my encounter with this lady many years ago, taught me a couple of lessons about life that I can understand now as an adult.

1.) Don’t allow myself to become so busy (or think I’m so busy) that I no longer have time for the simple things in life that mean so much.

2.) Make sure the things I am doing, are fruitful things that God really does intend for me to do, especially if I plan to tell someone, “I’m busy!”

 Many of us can probably relate to the overwhelming feeling of being busy, especially with the world we live in today. Although we can’t change the world, we can certainly ask God to show us areas of our own lives where we have become too busy. And we can ask Him to help us prioritize according to His will, and He will guide us.

There are many things we can fill our days with to keep busy. But what is most important? And how can we best serve God and bring Him glory as we go about our daily tasks?

 May God grant us wisdom and discernment as we surrender our work/tasks, goals and schedules to Him. When we surrender, He will be faithful to give us the perspective we need.

 Romans 12:2 ESV, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

 1 John 2:17 ESV, “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

 Colossians 3:23-24 ESV, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Staying in the Fight & Celebrating 8 Years!

Last month, I celebrated 8 years of blogging on Drawing Closer to Christ. It is a blessing to be part of this blogging community. I appreciate all of your support! Thank you very much! 

I heard a pastor say recently that living a life of faith in God doesn’t mean everything will always go smoothly, be easy, and work out according to our plans. Instead, it means we have to keep fighting! And his admonishment reminds me of 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

I have days where I feel like I am struggling to stay in the fight, keep trusting in Christ, and walking by faith. Especially when things don’t go as I thought they would. But praying about everything, holding on to God’s promises, and taking time out to be still in His presence and listen for His voice has helped me to keep going. He is with us every step of the way, we just have to surrender to Him daily and keep fighting the good fight. He will give us the strength, courage, wisdom and protection we need.

Staying in the fight is a daily choice, and we often have to make that choice multiple times throughout our day when faced with unexpected challenges. However, God is with us and has promised to never leave us. He is our faithful Lord, who loves us more than we can even understand at times. And His love never fails.

I pray His love would be revealed to you today as you persevere in your faith. Stay in the fight, God is by your side!