Close To the Brokenhearted.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin). Psalms 34:18 Holy Bible Amplified Version

When you have lost a loved one through death or divorce or because they have left the nest, your heart is crushed and your heart is broken, why not take it to Jesus?

When walking amongst us did not His family divorce itself from Him and did He not experience broken heartedness when one of His loved ones died? Did He not suffer separation from our beloved Father on the cross?

I have lost many loved ones and He was there to comfort me as no one else could or would.

When you lose your job or home why not take it to Jesus?

Did He not experience homelessness? Didn’t he and His disciple sleep in the wilderness where there was bandits, scorpions and many man eating predators?

I have been homeless and living in a tent surrounded by bears. It was taking security that

I went to sleep with no concern of being attacked while sleeping

Did He not lose His job as a carpenters son (He did not go right from being a carpenters son to His ministry.)?

There have been many times when, through no fault of my own, I was released from a company (usually because they went bankrupt) that I believed I would be at for all of my working years. It was He picked me up when I felt like giving up and going out and pounding the pavement and or upgrading my skills and getting another place to work. For those of us over fifty that are considered unhirable why not ask Jesus how you can be blessed with self employment?

When you are crushed and brokenhearted because of illness, didn’t Jesus experience the pain of whipping and beating in His body and the agony of hanging on the cross? I was a sickly boy with very bad asthma and water on the knee. It was only in reading the Bible and talking with my beloved Jesus that a lot of that pain was endured and I felt His presence the closest to me.

So will He not be close to you and heal you spiritually when you experience these things (He may not heal your relationships or get your job or home back or heal your illness but will He not as a loving Savior be close to you and heal your spirit)?

Indeed may these not be viewed as a burden but rather as a blessing?

It is in our hard times that we are the closest to Jesus. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Shammah (God is present ) for Your life giving presence with me through my oh so many trials and tribulations. If You were not there I do not believe I would have lived through oh so many of them. I give thanks for this wonderful loving care through Your son who experienced everything I have and so much more Jesus Christ. Amen.

May Jehovahs sweet love envelope you today a and every day.

Boy What an Answer.

This morning has begun early, waking up at one a.m. After suffering through a night of night sweats and weird dreams. I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms from cigarettes. I thanked my Beloved for them because I knew that these must occur when the poison is being eliminated from the body, having confidence that this time He will help see me through this to a successful conclusion. The very first morning devotional had these verses in them Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isaiah 43:2 (VOICE)
When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned.

Psalm 62:5-6 New Living Testament)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

Psalm 34:17-18 New Living Testament)
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 73:26 (New Living Testament)
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Isaiah 41:1 MSG)
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Exodus 33:14 (New Iinternational Version)
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (New Living Testament)
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Joshua 1:9 (New Living Testament)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 3:16-17 (New Living Testament)
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

John 14:16-17 (NKJV)
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Psalm 5:3 (New International Version)
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 63:8 (VOICE)
My soul clings to You; Your right hand reaches down and holds me up.

Romans 8:38-39 (New Living Testament)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Boy what an answer He gave me. Prayer: Thank you my Beloved Jehovah-Mephalti (The Lord my Deliverer) for blessing me with these encouraging words that delivers me from the temptations endured during this difficult time. I exalt You in the name of He who delivers us all from sin Jesus Christ. Amen.                           

  May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah

He is Always There.

 Your way [of escape for Your people] was through the sea, And Your paths through the great waters, And Your footprints were not traceable. Psalm 77:19 Holy Bible Amplified Version

There have been many times during my trials and tribulation, sorrows and snares in life that I cried out unto Jehovah to come and rescue me but believed He had deserted me. In reflection it was revealed that He is always there.

Do you think it is just a coincidence that that man or woman came into your life at just the right moment when you needed help but there was none forth coming?

When it seems as of you are walking through the desert with no job prospect do you think it is coincidence that that employment offer came along?

For me many times it was tiny ads in the newspaper that jumped out at me and would not let go until I took action on them. It always resulted in amazing accomplishments in my life. It helped me find employment, it helped me find good Christian councilors, it guided me to schools that Jehovah wanted me to attend to learn a skill that would be used in service unto Him later on. This is just but one example of Him being there without me even knowing it at the time.

There is no such thing as coincidence in the Christian walk. Joseph son of Jehovah

So, no matter what ordeal you are experiencing now and it seems as if Jehovah has deserted you take comfort child of Jehovah He is always there.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Immanuel (God is with us) for the blessing of always being with me through the numerous trials and tribulations, sorrows and snare, victories and love You graciously bless me with each and every day. I thank you in the name of He who walked amongst us Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

He is There.

 

 

Turn to me [ Lord ] and be gracious to me, For I am alone and afflicted. Psalm 25:16-17 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Have you ever moved into an apartment by yourself ?

I have.

The first night the apartment seemed so big , even though it was small , dark and lonely. I prayed unto Jehovah , took out my Bible and read His reassuring words that said He is there. It was quite comforting , reassuring and blessed me with a good nights sleep.

The same thing happens to widows and widowers when their life long soul mate passes on to the other side. The loneliness is overpowering. Those who take solace in Jehovahs loving arms find peace , comfort and strength.

Have you ever moved to a different community , or to a country where they do not speak your language , have different customs and you know no one ?

I have.

It seemed so overwhelming ,scary and lonely ( indeed there were a few circumstances where there was no newspapers , radio stations or TV in my native language { this was before they had the internet } ). Boy were those some rough times. Throughout it all there was constant prayer and Jehovah blessed me with strength , courage , peace and reassurance that not only got me through it but helped me thrive in it. He kept on assuring me that He was there.

Precious child of Jehovah , whenever you feel alone and dejected take it to our Father in Heaven who loves you and cares about you so very much. Have your Bible close by. He will sometimes just envelope you in His Divine love and peace . Sometimes He will guide you to Bible Verses which will comfort , reassure , strengthen you and fill you with His love , peace , security and strength to see it through.

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Heseh (God is love) for blessing me with Your abounding love and assurance when it seems like such a cold dark world. I praise You in the name of He who is the light of the world Jesus Christ. Amen

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Is Your Head Hurting?

 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me?
Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him. Psalm 42:5 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Despair is the state of being discouraged.

Is your head hurting from walking into walls ? You know the feeling , like no matter what you try it is like walking into a wall. You are pounding the pavement looking for employment yet it seems as if every door is closed. You have tried all kinds of different medical treatment yet your ailment is getting worse. Of course there is the wonderful experience of raising teenagers and they refuse to listen to you ( that has been going on for eons. ) .

The list could continue for a long time couldn’t it ?

To hope for something is to believe in the future occurrence of (something).

We are children of the Supreme God , children. Take hope that He loves you and because He loves you He will come to your aid in Him time in His way. His answer may not be what you desire however He is far more wiser than you. As a consequence He knows what is best for you far better that you do.

I know, there have been many times when I desired something in my life and passionately prayed for our Beloveds blessing to have it come to fruition. He did not. At the time I was bitterly disappointed. In reflection I see the wise providence of His hand that if He had of granted me my desire it would have been a disaster.

On the other hand there have been event that I fervently prayed for every day for decades. Finally He blessed me that they blossomed into reality. Again I understand why it took Him so long to grant my request and am joyously grateful for His blessings.

“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” – Henry Ward Beecher

Prayer : Thank you Jehovah-Jireh (God is our Provider) for Your Divine abundant assistance throughout my life. I thank you that You refused some requests that would have led to certain disaster and for answering those that bring about joyous events that will glorify You. I exuberantly praise You in the name He whose sacrifice answered my call for salvation Jesus Christ. Amen

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

The True Superman.

  ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;
I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation] Isaiah 41: 10 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Do you know Superman really exists?

He does you know. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the original and true superman.

When you are sick, he will bless you with strength to either get through it or strength to face the terminal end of the disease.

When some one does you wrong and the politically correct courts do not deliver true justice do not worry because the perpetrators cannot escape Jehovahs true justice.

When you lose a job and have no money He will always supply for you ( that does not mean you can just sit back and wait for Him to do all the work for you. Some times He will provide directly for you and some times He will provide another employment opportunity for you. ).

When you are suffering a destructive addiction and place it at His feet , He will provide salvation for you. Some times that means direct Divine intervention and some times it means He will provide resources to you to help you conquer your addictions ( like Godly Christian councillors. ).

How can I be so sure of these blessings?

Because, He has done it for me in so many ways in so many times. I am a walking, talking testimony of the original Supermans intervention in my life.

I never would have made it this far in my life with out Jesus walking by my side through thick and thin. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-‘Immeku ( The Lord Is With You ) for being the ultimate Superman in my life through my many trials and tribulations , sorrows and snares. I exalt You in the name of He who calmed the storms for His beloved disciples Jesus Christ . Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

We Will Never Understand It.

 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. Ephesians 2:8-9 Holy Bible , Amplified Version.

We will never understand it. How Jehovah in His amazing love allowed His most cherished Son to be humiliated, beaten, tortured, mocked and allowed to die an agonizing death and be cast into hell for three days because of His awesome love for us.

Most of us were less than holy when He graciously came to us, indeed many of us were downright scoundrels.

Scoundrels make the best saints because they realize the magnificence of Jehovahs love. Joseph- Anthony: Green

In the world you have to earn it if you want it (except of course in “liberal” societies were the bums expect the government to do everything for them because of the “you owe me” attitude which is destroying some many societies in the world today). Yet Jehovah, in His miraculous love, came unto us with such an fabulous offer that we would be insane to refuse.

This, of course, is not just salvation but also an astounding love affair of which is impossible to match anywhere else. As we progress in this relationship he slowly burns off the dross (sometimes he expels destructive addictions and behaviour on His own and some times He walks through it with it with us) to mold us into a truly new creation. Those that formerly new us are stunned and confused about the change. Of course this process will continue until we reach our heavenly home. As a result our love, respect and admiration for Him is constantly expanding.

“I do not understand the mystery of grace; only that it meets us where we are and doesn’t leave us where it found us.” Anne Lamott

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Heseh (God is love) for the most wonderful blessing of Your magnificent gift of grace unto a undeserving child such as I. Oh a great big thank you for your incredible transformation of a filthy little rag a bound into a beautiful child of Yours through a slow but steady hand of the Heavenly Molder. I exalt You in the name of he whose stunning gift of His cherished blood made all this possible Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

He Washes Them Away.

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]. John 14:27 Holy Bible, Amplified Version

Have you ever sat by the shore of a lake or ocean?

I like to sit there and relax. As the waves go out they grab my anger, fear, frustration, worry and sorrow and carry them away. I believe that is a gift from Jehovah as He washes them away. As the waves come in they fill me with peace. I believe that is a gift from Jehovah as He fills me with His divine peace love and joy.

Now, we do not need an ocean or lake to experience this blessing but it is experienced its most effective in nature. Try sitting by a small creek with little rapids or a quite forest or a quiet meadow.

Here is the formula I use: first I close my eyes and bawl my eyes out unto my Heavenly Father what ever the problem is. Then I sit there quietly while He blesses me with enveloping me in His loving, comforting arms. Once He has filled me with His Divine peace I slowly open my eyes and He reveals all the beauty around me He has created. Every time there is an over whelming feeling of love, joy, peace and awe. I fill at one with my Beloved and cannot but help shout out “ I love You oh Holy Father, I love You.” It is truly the most amazing experience I have ever been blessed with.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord blesses with Peace) for Your blessings of bountiful peace during the storms that crash around me and the fires that surround me through out my walk with You. I magnify You in the name of the Price of Peace Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

I am Afraid and Pray.

 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ ”Isaiah 41:10 Holy Bible, Amplified Version

This one has taken me decades to have faith in. I believe in our early walk with Christ we all have doubts about the validity of His word. Do not be ashamed. Read your Bible. How long did it take Moses. Abraham and Jacob to be blessed with absolute faith in our Heavenly Beloved? Decades.

Now, when there is circumstances beyond my control that look like they are heading for certain disaster, I am afraid and pray.

Jehovah comforts and reassures me. He walks with me through them.

Sometimes they are averted by Divine will.

Sometimes I must walk through them, with the Holy Spirit by my side, because Jehovah is teaching me something through this experience.

Now, when the wicked ones scheme and plot against me I am afraid and pray.

Again, Jehovah comforts and reassures me. I am filled with Divine peace and strength to face them. In the moment of confrontation the Holy Spirit fills me with His infinite wisdom and the wicked ones go down in flames. They are infuriated and confused where I gained the wisdom and strength. Jehovah laughs at them.

It is natural to be afraid when these and other circumstances occur in our lives.

The best Christian defense is to pray, wait and obey and grow in faith. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer:Thank you Jehovah-‘Immeku (The Lord Is With You) for walking with me through my troubles, snares and sorrows whenever I humbly cry out to You. Thank you in the name of He who is my best friend that is always there for me Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Have My Joy Fulfilled

 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others],joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22 Holy Bible, Amplified Version

I do not believe I have ever seen so many depressed and spiritually empty souls as there is today.

That is because they are happiness junkies. They are constantly seeking out physical stimuli to fill there desire for a few fleeting moments of happiness. You see these thrill junkies when they are having fun but have you seen them when they are not feeding their addiction to an adrenaline rush? The same is said for the fashion freaks with each new style or sports freaks with their teams or the list goes on. Just like a drug junkie when they do not have their fix they are irritable and depressed.

Happiness is physical and fleeting. Joy is spiritual and ever lasting. I choose joy. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Now, although we are a minority, I am and have seen Jesus junkies. We are the type that constantly needs a fix of Jesus’ Holy love, peace and joy. Of course, the only way to obtain this unending supply of these cherished gifts is to nourish an obedient loving relationship with Him. We do not require outside stimuli to get our fix because when we dwell with Christ it is in our Holy DNA every moment of every day.

“The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talks about a “happy Christian.” Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not. Remember, Jesus Christ had joy, and He prays “that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”” — Oswald Chambers

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-‘Ori (the Lord is my Light) for blessing me with Your amazing love and joy that You abundantly shine Your divine light into my heart each and every day. I am eternally grateful for this cherished blessing in the name of the light of my life Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.