Category: Faith

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Rocky Fork Lake

As a child I visited this lake with my mom’s sister and her husband, two kids. Uncle Whitey had a boat and would take us out to try to ski. My sister was able to do it. I was never strong enough to pull myself up. I never remember seeing lily pads there as a child, but I suppose Uncle Whitey never docked his boat in that particular area.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/rocky-fork-state-park

The park is between our house (Amelia) and Wilmington. Bob and I first discovered the lily pads there last year. We were delighted. We marked the calendar to go back this year. The weather has been so hot that the lilies were not at their peak. We marked the calendar for earlier next year!

Spectacular!

You might wonder about my fascination with Lily pads? I first discovered them as a flower to photograph at the Cincinnati Nature Center during a prayerful walk. That inspired a poem in 1990.

Perhaps I Could Ask You Just to Stand and Tip? ©1990  Molly Lin Dutina 

Lily pads at the pond		
Grow on stalky stems
Leaves unfold an opened palm
Cupped at center point
Summer shower starts to drop
Mercurial glistening spheres
Gathering in the center spot
‘til bulbous weight smears silver drops
Into glistening globs
And tips the leaves so full
To pour their contents overboard
And rising from the spill
Stately shielded lily-hands
Begin the cycle once more

Keep my stem flexible, Lord
My hands open and cupped
Eager to receive Your all
Questioning not Your skill
Only trusting the power of Your love
To melt my rigid will

Drench me Lord 
In Your shower of love
Let me gather and drink my fill
Then spill over on those around
And rise to await Your will

Send water of Your Spirit
To tip me over, pour me out
Then wash over me once again
Fresh cleansing by Holy Words

Shine Your light through
This enshrouding mist
Color me with covenant this:
Abiding presence and constant love,
Indwelling grace that conquers sin
Transfigured rigid I
Yielded and bent
In Your service	
Spilling forth rivers of living water	
And giving rest to croaky voiced frogs	  
Who, when Spirit-kissed,
Become priests and kings	
Singing their praises to You.

Perhaps You ask me just to be Your lily leaf
Stand and tip

Though it had rained earlier in the morning when we visited Rocky Fork, I found no pads with ‘mercurial glistening spheres.” That would have been tremendous!

So here I am 33 years later still trying to do the Lord’s bidding, gather the living water, stand and tip, yielded and bent in His service. May you be Spirit-kissed and become priests and royalty singing praises to God!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

My Mind

Recently I came across something that said I need a mind that is peaceful, still, serene and quiet. That led me to the idea that all those things are promised in Scripture. I would imagine you could use a mind like that also? Here are some passages and images that might help you get to that state of mind.

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Another version reads “Whose mind is staid on you.” Staid as in fixed. Read that again and just sit with it a moment. Those of us who are familiar with the Bible tend to run right past the verses we think we know. Can you live this verse?

The mind that is still.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10a

It is easy to read or say “be still” but can you do it? Still yourself. Quiet yourself. Even sit still for an extended period of time? Dan Harris, former ABC news anchor, now heads up 10% Happier, an app based on his best selling book. He says even one or two minutes of stillness can make a huge difference. Take a pause right now to try that.

The mind that is serene. That brought me to two different passages. If you read Psalm 23 you begin to realize how serene life with the Shepherd can be. Though there may be dangers and enemies, He is able to keep His sheep. Philippians 4 with emphasis upon verse 8 came out on top though! It gives us very clear instruction about our mind and what to do with it!

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Philippians 4:4-8 NIV

We CAN take captive our thoughts to Christ Jesus. No, it is not simple, but oh so very worthwhile! Think about such things!

And finally we are urged to have a mind that is quiet. It is exhausting to have a busy, busy mind. Here is help for that situation. But you must DO it.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

Psalm 131:2 NIV
Posted on in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

Make A Trade With Jesus

One of my favorite new artists is Brandon Lake. He is such a powerful figure in contemporary Christian music, I ask that you pray for him and his family. I had not listened to his album, “Help!” recently. When I put it on the other day I was blessed once again. This bridge lyric stuck with me to the point I had to go look up the exact lyrics.

All my Sorrows
Turned to Dancing
All my pain Turned into Joy
And all my Tears
Turned into Laughter
And all my fear Turned to a Roar

So Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord

Judah Akers and Brandon Lake, Meant for Good

I think that describes our life with Jesus so perfectly. At the time of our sorrows, pain and tears we cannot perceive this turning. Yet, consider Psalm 30.

Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
    Help me, O Lord.

11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 30:10-12 The Living Translation

The Bible says Jesus took our sin and made us the righteousness of God through him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Don’t ask me how but it is true.

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:3 NIV

I urge you trade in the things you have been clinging to that weigh you down and sadden your heart. Make an uneven trade with the LORD Jesus Christ. He waits for you to release these things to Him so He can fill you with His good thins.

Posted on in Faith, Journal, Just do it, Listen, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Time with Jesus

Andrew Johnson has a guided meditation on the Insight Timer app entitled “Favourite Place of Relaxation.” I have used it often and usually leads me to a new place with Christ.

This time spent in guided meditation began with a gauzy gray scene, no distinct things to see; then fragrance of a banquet, then full color image of the Lord presiding and directing me to the table.

I remembered the verse “He welcomes me into His banqueting table, His banner over me is love.”

He bid me gather His finest foods, roasted meats, potatoes and onions, grapes, refreshing fruits. All for sharing with His people. All for my nourishment and growth in Spirit. I gathered them into the basket I was carrying.

He loves me. He tells me to return often. To take as much as I can carry. To be at peace knowing how much I am loved. As are you. Rest in that all encompassing love today. Feast with the Lord.


He has brought me to His banquet hall, And His banner over me is love.

Song of Solomon 2:4

The Insight Timer app is free. Click on the link if you want to try this mediation for yourself.

https://insighttimer.com/andrewjohnson/guided-meditations/favourite-place-of-relaxation

May the Lord bless you as you draw ever closer to Him in your daily life.

Posted on in Aging, Faith, Family, Journal, Just do it, Listen, Memories, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

New Sentiment from Gratefulness

We don’t have to pretend to be fine when we are not. We don’t need to push through and be strong. Gratitude is a soft landing place that requires us to be honest, open, and willing to look at everything we’re facing and not turn away.

Alex Elle

I find that quote really powerful. The tremendous freedom in it! Gratitude “REQUIRES us to be honest, open, and willing to look at everything we’re facing and not turn away.”

A dear friend of many years suffered a fall a couple months ago. She shattered several bones. The pain was tremendous. She was hospitalized, then nursing care, then yet another nursing home/rehab situation. It must have been very hard to look at everything she was facing and not turn away. I know she was relying upon the Lord in this grueling recovery situation. The pain still has not gone, but she is coping. I did not learn about her situation until recently. I would have liked to pray for her especially during the worst of it. I know she prayed for me during the worst part of my life years ago. After that fall, the image of a soft landing place could be comforting.

This diagram was used in several other places, so I used it, too.

A neighbor recently had a bout of falling. Her son thought it was from her back pain and perhaps too many meds. She was taken by life squad to the hospital. In reality it was Addison’s disease with severe dehydration. She was in intensive care for several days. We lifted her in prayer plus her son and husband. She is hom02e now and doing well. I wonder if she knows that gratitude soft landing place?

Is the image a heart or a praying mantis face?

As I draw closer to the Holy One, unhealed things rise to the surface. Lately I have been sorting through some feelings and stumbling blocks that tend to trip me up. I have suffered emotional scarring from several situations with women over my 70+ years. Part of me says, “get over it,” and part of me says “the wounds are still there.” This wounding keeps me from engaging with other women freely. There is always a huge part of me held in reserve. Most of it began in my childhood from my family of origin. Hard to believe those wounds are present so any years later! The LORD knows all my scars and has recently helped me heal another layer. He could not help me if I turned away and refused to face the wounds.

All of this has led me to a place of deeper gratitude. Nothing in our life can be taken for granted. Also, everything can eventually become a source of praise.

“We don’t have to pretend we are fine when we are not. We don’t need to push through and be strong.” I had to ask the LORD for help.

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Help me turn every discomfort to You. Show me the cause and help me give it to You for healing. Whether I am in pain emotionally, physically, or spiritually You know and are able to give me wisdom in each situation. If I must return to a topic 1,000 times I realize You never tire of healing and helping, guiding and growing me into the image of Jesus. I also know You are no respecter of persons; You desire to heal every person. Help us each to yield to You. Amen.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Nature, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Worship

Randy Alcorn and Zoon

While writing the post about White tailed deer I came across this post and enjoyed reading parts of it. There is some fantastic art work full of imagination, none of which I chose to post. So with full credit to Randy Alcorn I bring you portions and the link.

Throughout Scripture we read that animals praise God. I don’t know exactly how animals praise God, but our inability to understand it shouldn’t keep us from believing it.

Consider the psalms. Psalm 148 commands all of creation to praise the Lord, including the animals: “Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens” (vv. 10-13). If in some sense fallen animals, shadows of what they once were, can praise God on this fallen Earth, how much more should we expect them to do so on the New Earth? “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Since animals are said to have breath, they are included among those directed to praise God.

Passages in Revelation also indicate that the animals will praise their creator: “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'” (Revelation 5:13). What are these “creatures” said to do? To sing praises to God in worship. If “every creature in heaven and on earth” includes animals, then animals praise God.

https://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Jan/18/are-animals-capable-praising-god/

I sometimes read “every creature” to mean human, but no, it means every creature, Molly! in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them.”

The most striking example of animals praising God in Heaven is often overlooked because of word selection in our Bible translations. We’re told eight times in Revelation of “living creatures” in the intermediate Heaven: “Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.’… The living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne” (Revelation 4:8-9).

The word translated “living creatures” is zoon. Throughout most of the New Testament the word is translated “animal” and is used to indicate animals sacrificed in the temple and wild, irrational animals (Hebrews 13:11; 2 Peter 2:12; Jude 1:10). In the Old Testament, the Septuagint used zoon to translate the Hebrew words for animals, including the “living creatures” of the sea (Genesis 1:21; Ezekiel 47:9). In extra-biblical writings, zoon commonly referred to ordinary animals and was used of the Egyptians’ divine animals and the mythological bird called the Phoenix (1 Clement 25:2-3 1 Clement 25:2-3 ). In virtually every case inside and outside of Scripture, this word means not a person, not an angel, but an animal. The King James version translates zoon “beasts” in Revelation, but the negative connotations of that word led subsequent translators to settle on “living creatures.” The most natural translation would be simply “animals.” That word would likely have been chosen by translators if it didn’t sound so strange for readers to envision talking animals praising God around his throne!

https://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Jan/18/are-animals-capable-praising-god/

I love it! I just love this sort of Bible study where I learn something I never knew before. I was taught and believed that the ‘living creatures’ around the throne ‘look like a lion, ox, a man, and an eagle’ but Alcorn purports that they are more than just what they look like. They are animals. Now that gives us something to ponder!

“Talking animals praising God around his throne!” Sweet. In the Episcopal church years ago we had a casual Sunday evening service and we were so few in number that we would circle the altar table for communion. The information from Alcorn’s teaching and that Sunday evening experience let me envision praising God with talking animals in an intimate circle of communion.

Yes, the creatures described by Ezekiel come to mind, but as one commentary notes, “The description in the vision cannot be taken too literally, for the prophet constantly reminds his readers that the images used to describe the vision only approximate what he actually saw. The visionary combination of vague, evocative images with concrete but fantastic objects helps the prophet to describe the divine reality that he saw but that cannot ultimately be described.” Harper’s Study Bible

I praise God saying whatever the Zoon are, bring them on LORD. Come quickly I pray! Let’s get Your victory party started!!

Somehow we have failed to grasp that the “living creatures” who cry out “Holy, holy, holy,” are animals—living, breathing, intelligent and articulate animals who dwell in God’s presence, worshiping and praising him. They are greater than the animals we know, and they preexisted the animals we know. Perhaps they’re the prototype creatures of Heaven after whom God designed Earth’s animals. But even though they’re highly intelligent and expressive, they’re still animals; that’s what Scripture calls them.

Randy Alcorn
Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Memories, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

Go Outside!

When was the last time someone told you to “Go outside and play”? So often we take topics like faith so seriously that I think God is telling us to go outside and play with Him. Perhaps this is something you need? Even if your access to the outdoors is restricted by health, you can still have a playtime.

Ponder for a few moments the Scripture John 3:8. Here is the NIV version

Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Reading Sensible Shoes and Two Steps Forward by Sharon G. Brown, I found great images about play and flowers. I will retell it in my own words as I do have permission to copy large portions of the books.

Hannah (a busy Christian servant) saw herself as a child running in and out of the throne room bringing flowers to Jesus. Then later she saw herself running in and out of the throne room taking flowers from around Jesus to others. Both times He stopped her, scooped her up and wanted to just spend time with her. He also told her in the second scene that the flowers were for HER! Later in Two Steps Forward she saw a pinwheel and realized it looked like the flowers she had seen earlier.

I have a large pinwheel and several small ones in our yard. A pinwheel can sit still all day or spin frantically in a heavy breeze. It helps me ‘see’ the wind and reminds me of the Spirit of God.

In Two Steps Forward Brown wrote

“There’s nothing useful and productive about pinwheels. They serve no practical purpose. They just wait for the wind without striving. An image of receptivity. And fun. Whimsical delight and wasting time. What a growing edge for me! And to have a pinwheel combined with the image of a flower is perfect. Thank you, Lord. The flowers are for me. The Lover’s gift to the beloved.”

Hannah in Two Steps Forward by Brown

In my Transfiguration Associates fellowship group I shared these ideas and passed out pinwheels for each person. I wish I could hand one to each reader right now! I bought ours at The Dollar Store which is now $1.25! I encouraged each person to go play, (but not to put them out the window as they were driving home.) You see, that is one of my first pinwheel memories, a summer day in the car having the X-mph wind blow my pinwheel.

I encourage you to play with God this week. If you do not have a pinwheel perhaps you could make one? https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pinwheel

Can you relax with God and rest in His love enough to just have fun? He has so many aspects to His personality that you will never know all of them. How about learning more about this one? Remember that when you have a fun time with an earthly friend you have a deeper bond. Just imagine how having fun with God will deepen that relationship! Go play!

God is the fountain of life. The only fountain of life. His glorious life is meant to flow through us every day – healing us, filling us with creativity, courage, joy, playfulness, and resilience. It comes through attachment, bonded love, the soul’s union with God.

John Eldredge “Resilient”

The wind is His, but He lets us see it and use it. The wind is one symbol of the Holy Spirit! Go play! The pinwheel brought all sorts of things to mind such as the song “Breathe on Me Breath Of God.” Sit with God and the wind, play and discover where He will lead you. Just don’t put your pinwheel out the car window while driving!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Beagle, Challenge, Faith, Nature, Thanks

White Tailed Deer and Other Critters

Monday afternoon before I could grab my camera out of the corner of my eye I saw a large doe walking down our street with 2 fawns behind her. The fawns were larger than I usually see, but still had their spots. In one sense the sight was breath taking, in another scary.

If you are a regular reader you might remember I posted a week or so ago how deer came in the night and mowed down (ate) sunflower heads and roses and neighbors rare day lilies and all manner of garden flowers. I hoped this doe was not ‘casing the joint’ for tasty flowers. Last evening I went out and sprinkled repellent pellets on the flowers. They were all intact this morning. One neighbor feeds the deer on a platform feeder in her front yard. Not many of us are happy with her about that.

This one in our backyard, but you get the idea.

Deer trotting down the street in afternoon sunlight.

There are times I take Lucky out for her evening walk and the air is rank with the smell of skunk (which some peculiar people like m husband think smells good). There have been a few times when we have the bedroom windows open at night and I can smell skunk. My next door neighbor has a driveway camera. She told me the skunk is a little one but he travels all of the yards in the dark. We know from camping that you can smell skunk without them spraying. Like Pepé Le Pew they just radiate that stench! Please Lucky, do not get sprayed by that thing! That is one of my concerns when Lucky gets out and takes off.

Skunks roaming our property at night.

Did I mention the rabbits? The web says that cottontails only get about 2-3 pounds and 15-18-3/4 inches long. The ones in Sherry’s yard look huge. Like as big as large cats get! These things can move or just sit so perfectly still that unless they twitch an ear you might not see them. They are out grazing morning and evening. I wonder what their burrows are like. Instead of a drone I would love to get a tiny camera in their nest to watch what goes on. Maybe I can attach a GoPro to one and get the hopping action? A few visit the garden and likely eat the plants. One more reason not to try to garden next year. Otherwise the rabbits are lovely and peaceful.

Lucky has occasionally found toads or frogs along the sidewalk as we walk in the evening. I am guessing the drought conditions this spring led to the death of many tiny frogs. Lucky finds them dead along the edge of the grass or occasionally on the sidewalk. Like Grogu, Baby Yoda, she would like to eat them. She never forgets where she has found them either! I am kept on my toes trying to remember so I can warn her to “Drop it!” or “Leave it!” One day someone left a large dead crayfish on the edge of their driveway. That she did not like! Jumped in the air and backed up in fear.

Maybe the death of the baby frogs explains the huge population of crickets?

A few neighbors have seen snakes. I am afraid of snakes. A very primal, visceral fear that brooks no explanation. I know they eat mice and other things. Perhaps one would like to consume the chipmunk that taken up residence under the deck, runs tunnels through the gardens,etc? I just do not want to come upon it catching, eating or digesting! Or even resting.

We live in suburban Amelia, Ohio yet the wildlife are right here with us. Deer, skunks, frogs or toads, snakes, oh my! All manner of things reside here and we are in their midst. I have not seen a single coyote recently? No explanation for that. I hope the Canada geese stay gone. The sidewalk around the retention pond is much neater without their droppings. Only a few rabbit pellets lately.

Treasures in Plain Sight! What have you seen in your neighborhood recently? I praise Him for all of creation.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Worship, Yield

J. Philip Newell

Listening to a podcast where J. Philip Newell was interviewed, he mentioned that when he teaches and/or writes he is not informing us of anything radically new on the earth. He is simply reminding us of things we already know. I pray you have found this true from reading my blog, (though it is a lofty thing to compare myself in anyway to Newell). If my words ring true from Scripture and the journey of following Jesus, then I would think there should be some familiarity to you. If you are a brand new believer or someone just exploring the faith, then perhaps not.

J Philip Newell

I took his quotes from talk #1 which begins after about 5+minutes of introduction and announcements from Rob Bell.. Here is the link https://www.earthandsoul.org/podcasts

In the interview J. Philip Newell mentioned that he had a new grandchild. When she looked him straight in the eye he was reminded of the idea that Dickens captured:

“It is no small thing, when they, who are so fresh from God, love us. ”

-Charles Dickens

Have you had a similar experience? That piercing gaze of a newborn or very young child? One so fresh from God. Many years ago my husband bought me a bookmark with that sentiment on it. At the time I had raised our children and was working as a nanny to other children. When those babies would gaze into my eyes I was deeply blessed.

There is a story that speaks about a man who went into a church everyday and sat. Finally the priest asked him was he was doing as the priest never heard the man pray. The man answered, “I look at Him. And He looks at me.”

Have you spent time just looking at the Lord and allowing Him to look at you? Could you pause more often during any day or night and turn your eyes upon the Holy One, allowing yourself to be seen, inside and out? Do you love God enough to gaze and rest and be made new with this holy looking?

I think trying it will provide your best answer.

I had a friend named Char. I met her through crochet lessons I was offering. She had lung cancer, but was determined to squeeze every single drop of life out of the time that remained for her. As she came nearer to the end of her life she asked me about prayer. She wanted to know if she was ‘doing it right.’ She said as she went about her day she spoke with Jesus about everything. I was floored. I told her that was absolutely correct as I understood Christianity. We involve God in our every thought and action and even our resting. I have been studying Brother Lawrence for years and trying to practice His presence always. Speaking to Jesus, listening for instruction and direction. Doesn’t get any better than that!

I pray you will enter into ‘continuous communion with God’. Nothing on earth will reward you like that practice!

Posted on in Book quotes, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

Reading Richard Rohr

During my 6 day retreat I came across a book entitled The Naked Now, Learning to See as the Mystics See by Rohr.

He wrote:

There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn or get the Holy Spirit; there is nothing at all you can do to attain the divine indwelling. Don’t try to “believe” in the Holy Spirit as one doctrine among others. Instead, practice drawing from this deep well within you, and then you will naturally believe. Put the horse first, and it will draw the cart.”

Richard Rohr

Do you remember the New testament story when the sorcerer wanted to buy the Holy Spirit? Read Acts 8:9-25. Verse 13 says this man of Samaria believed about Jesus and was baptized. Disciples were sent to teach and anoint with laying on of hands for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. That is when trouble really began for this man. He wanted to buy the power. Peter rebuked him saying:

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.

Acts 8:20-22 NIV

Draw from the deep well of living water within you. You do not have to go to a conference or revival to get the Holy Spirit! The Spirit is given freely by the Father due to the Risen Christ. Believe and receive it. Then practice drawing from that holy well.

You might ask, “How will I know it is from God?” In almost every text I pick up from my book shelf the statement is made that if you want to be certain your relationship is with the Living God you will be required to enter silence, solitude. There are also a few tried and true ways outlined in steps.

  1. There should be a Scripture to back it up
  2. This will be something others are saying to you
  3. You will experience peace from the Lord, the peace that passes all understanding.

The enemy of God wants to mislead you, but the Father is insistent that He loves those who are His. He will protect us, guide us, lead us and deliver us safely. Jude sums it up well!

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 17-25 NIV

Give yourself to practice drinking from this deep well, the holy drink from the Holy Spirit. Be amazed at how God can work in and through you.