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Then Mordecai asked them to return this answer to Esther: "Don't think to yourself that you will escape in the king's house any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Who... -
In the same hour, the fingers of a man's hand came out and wrote near the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. The king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and ...
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One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don't you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this ma...
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God Is Good
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Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 WEB
"God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread, Amen." We used to pray this at school when I was in the first grade. Still, somehow it is difficult for those words to sink in, 'God is good.' We often say the words, but that is not what we believe in our heart.
Growing up in the south, it was very easy to believe that God was mean and apparently angry, of that I was certain. All the thunder storms and lightning bolts were called 'the Lord's work.' Still all of the prayers, blessings and scripture verses that we read spoke of a loving God out there, One that cared.
It took a long time for me to reconcile that, but I later found that He is the One that cares and so much more than we know. When we catch only a small, but real, glimpse of how much He cares for us, it becomes life changing.
This verse states that in order to please God: 1) You must believe that He exists, and 2) that He rewards those who seek Him. Many of us believe that He exists, but to please Him we must also believe that He rewards those who seek Him.
If you have ever heard yourself say, 'God never does anything for me', then you are not believing part two. Jesus told us: 'But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well' (Matthew 6:31'33 WEB). Jesus is not a liar.
I find that when I just keep my focus on God, that He takes care of us. I try to set apart a few minutes each morning to pray, read, and listen and I find that it shapes the course of my day. I pray throughout the day under my breath, but it is usually too noisy or busy to hear anything once I have started to work.
God is good and He does reward those that intentionally seek Him. As you seek Him, He will reward you, usually in that order. Believe that God will reward you today because you have been seeking Him. 'You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart' (Jeremiah 29:13 WEB).
Prayer: Father, I seek Your face today and I want You to be the focus of my life. Please guide me today into all that You have for me and give me the grace to face it with boldness. I choose You Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
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Paul Cook
The problem seems to be that when I start to lean into God and really start to walk the walk on number 2, this is when my life seems to fall apart and the bad stuff starts happening. It's almost like negative feedback.
September 20, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
It happens because the devil is trying everything he can to stop you from drawing closer to God's loving truth. Stand firm in faith and our Father in heaven will carry you through any hardship you may be facing. Please dear Lord Lift up Paul right now, right where he is and bless him with you. Fill him up with your spirit and strengthen him in you so he can stand strong when things feel lost and know you will never leave his side. Give him more positive feedback so he can feel you holding him in rocky times. Bless this child of yours with peace beyond understanding. In Jesus name ~Amen~
September 20, 2015
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William Pearson
AMEN WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER DIANNA WYLES YOU AREA BEAUTIFUL PERSON WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR THE LORD GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL YOU DO ALWAYS AMEN P.S. I LOVED YOUR PRAYER FOR PAUL TOUCHED MY HEART I JUST WANTED TA LET YA KNOW THAT AMEN THANKS MR.PEARSON
September 20, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
Thank you William. Your words have blessed me. It was just what was in my heart when I read Paul's post. Blessings to you:)
September 20, 2015
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William Pearson
WELL YOU ARE VERY WELCOME BUT I SHOULD BE THE ONE THANKING YOU AND I DO WHEN I SEE SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF JESUS CHRIST AND HOW MUCH THEY CARE FOR STRANGERS THEY`VE NEVER MET JUST TOUCH`S MY HEART AND BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES OF PURE JOY THAT`S WHAT YOU`VE DONE WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL CARING WORDS MAY YOU ALWAYS GET BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD AND AGAIN I DO WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARING PRAYER GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS ALWAYS AMEN
January 30, 2016
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Christina Ocasio
Amem!!!
September 20, 2015
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Carl Thompson
Hi Paul. I can appreciate what you are saying. For so long I was "doing my own thing" and trying to push and shove my life into the ideal of what I thought would make me happy. Finally, in an attempt to overcome a huge personal problem, I was re-introduced to Christ as my Savior, but also as someone I needed to have a real relationship with. When I began that new approach to Him, my reaction was much like yours; Everything got bad. Worse. I felt even more stuck in my dead-end job. I had to stop playing music, for 10 years, not just a few months and that ripped my heart out. But God had a lot of work to do on me. I trusted Him, but it was hard sometimes. Looking back it is all obvious, but I could not see that He was preparing me, getting closer to me and teaching me that prayer really does change things. All the good stuff was in the pipeline, but I didn't know. I had to larn faith all over again and how important trust is. I had to learn to trust God again. Once God had fixed the really major problems I had, He gently led me back to the good things. But now He is a major part of all of them. For me, a large part of #2 was learning trust.
September 20, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
Amen! Well said! Blessings to you friend in Christ
September 20, 2015
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Dion Todd
I call that "Backlash." As you begin to rise above the normal, draw closer to God, you also become a threat to the enemy and they call in reinforcements. You have to fight on through it. A new level, a new devil.
September 20, 2015
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Schalk de Beer
Yes Lord, please give me Your grace, I will face it with boldness, I Jesus name I pray it, amen.
September 20, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
Thank you for this message. I try to start my day always in prayer and devotional readings. It does help me focus on God's word through out my work day. It is a blessing that you offer these things here on this sight. While I do read other devotion blogs I love this site for it's all inclusive feeling. It feels like a family of believers and we are always quick to uplift each other in our times of need. I believe seeking him first gave me the blessing of this online community and it feels like a hug from God's gracious and loving arms in a world that only seems to know how to hurt and hate... Thank you Pastor Dion and Sylvia for being God's hands and feet & providing a place where God's people can be so greatly encouraged and strengthened. Thanking God for all you do here :) Many Blessings to you. Ps... as always I love the prayer ;)
September 20, 2015
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Rose Theuret
Thank you for this message today. And yes God is GREAT..... I start my mornings with your devotionals to make me feel inspired and think and pray for the things God has in store for me. May everyone have a wonderful and blessed day.
September 20, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
amen
September 20, 2015
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Wayne Felicetta
Amen...i realized its like a double edge sword though...because yes he does reward those that truly believe in him,and for seeking him...but as the sametime,the more you seek him and become closer to him,the more trials and tribulations come our way because the testing of our faith...
September 20, 2015
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Jim Jarrell
That may be true Wayne, but the finished product will allow you so much more faith!
September 20, 2015
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Jim Jarrell
I know that this will be hard to believe, but just this morning in my prayer time this scripture was on my mind. I had a discussion with my grandson about his life and God. He told me no matter how much he prayed, nothing changed. This scripture came to my mind, but I was not sure where to find it. If one does not think God is there, just think trough what I am saying. Thank you for being who you are Dion! God is there just waiting for some one to believe!
September 20, 2015
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Cheryl McNamara
I've been through trials. I had no one to turn to but God. He used the hurt to have me lean on Him
look for God with all your heart, he will speak to you and set you on a new path. He will give you the desires of your heart. My heart is thankful he brought me closer to him. Nothing else is of any value without knowing God as my Father. How amazing that he can use all things for our good.
If you are doubting ask for his help. He will use trials to prove he is in control. You will be amazed.
Without the hardships I would not have the closeness. Having that closeness is everything.
thank you, Jesus.
September 20, 2015
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Joey Smith
Amen and All the Time GOD is Good, thank you Pastor Dion for the wonderful words of the Lord. Even though we go through different challenges in our everyday life God always blesses us in his own time. He may not come went want him tocome, but he is always on time. Have a Blessed and wonderful Sunday, for this is the day that the Lord has made.
September 20, 2015
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Mark Duell
Amen. Sometimes it takes some of us a lifetime to finally realize what it means to seek Him and to find Him with all of our heart. We are raised in a world full of material things, ideas and we tend to think it's all about us. We try to prove we have it all together. Then we look back and see it was all for nothing. Trying to please man and the flesh. Trying to prove we are worthy of the worlds love. Then in the end we find we haven't gained anything, but have lost years of something special. Something that could have been 100 times better than we could have ever imagined. But the past has been forgiven. We need to focus on what He has before us now. To search for Him with all our heart. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where theives do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
September 20, 2015
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Kathie Byram Lopez
This is so true .Why do we have to learn everything the hard way ? God is great!
September 20, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
You are so right Mark. My Dad (God Bless his Soul) used to call it the "school of hard knocks."
September 20, 2015
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Lawrence Dorman
I admit, I'm having some difficulty with this right now. I have been out of work for over a year, and have not been able to find a job, despite numerous interviews. My car was repossesed on Friday - I have until October 3rd, 2015 to raise $30,000 to get it back. I have attempted to start a business, but don't have any clients yet. I need a miracle.
September 20, 2015
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Dion Todd
I pray that the Lord will make a way somehow for you to get out of this. May the right door open soon in the name of Jesus Christ.
September 20, 2015
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Lawrence Dorman
Thank you, Pastor!
September 20, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Prayers sent Lawrence. Don't worry about anything, give it all to God, when we worry we are taking it back from God, I have learned this the hard way. I no longer worry once I give it to God and it all works out for the very best. I understand it is hard not to worry, I have been there, but, I have also found that when I give all my worries to God it all works out. May God truly Bless you.
September 20, 2015
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Lawrence Dorman
Thank you Karen! He did it for you, so He can do it for me. In Jesus' name.
September 20, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
You're welcome and yes he will, never give up and give him your worries.
September 21, 2015
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MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
Lord, please keep Lawrence in Your care and help him with the money and job that he needs. Please put an end to his waiting and help him with his business and with keeping his car. In Jesus' name I ask this for him. Amen.
September 20, 2015
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Lawrence Dormanedited: September 20, 2015
Thank you Mary Pat! I pray that the Lord will supply all of your needs, and bring a man into your life that can see you just as He sees you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
September 20, 2015
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MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
Thank you so much!
September 21, 2015
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Carol Pady
Amen!
September 20, 2015
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Lasheika Simmons
Amen!! Yes Lord I seek you Jesus. Please hear me Father. You are so good!
September 20, 2015
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Anna Eriksdotter
<3
September 20, 2015
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Melchorita Fahey
Amen! God is good always.
September 20, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
LORD GOD with thy HOLY SPIRIT please help me seek thy kingdom with all my heart. For believing and loving and faith in you LORD ia going to be my life prayer's through my LORD JESUS CHRIST. Amen
Have a wonder Sunday everyone. And thankyou Pastor for this message reminding us that truly "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME"
September 20, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Amen! I have found that even during the bad times Jesus has always been there. When I was down to my last penny (literally), I would find money on the floor somewhere, strange as it may seem to some people, it is the truth. One time I was at a hotel but totally broke and had to continue to travel, coming up to the room low and behold I look down on the hallway floor near our room, I found a folded up bill. I thought it was $1.00 until I sat on the bed and unfolded it and it turned out to be $100.00. That was a God sent..... it got us all the way to where we were going. This was many many years ago and $100.00 went pretty far in those days.
September 20, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Love the story:). Great you knew the Lord then.
September 20, 2015
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MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
I've been out of work for well over a year now, only worked sporadically for the previous year. I too have tried my own business, but I've only had one sale. My car was already paid for, but is in need of repairs that I cannot afford. My boyfriend has been helping me or I'd be on the street. We don't get along well a lot though and this doesn't help. I'm trying to keep my eyes on Him and trust in His promises but it is still hard at times. :'(
September 20, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
I hear wisdom as you speak I hear wisdom coming thru. God is blessing to you!!
September 20, 2015
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MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
Thank you for your encouragment, Cheryl. :)
September 21, 2015
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Marie Fletcher
Yes, God IS good !
Amen.
September 20, 2015
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Natalie Stidham
for those of us that believe and receive His grace......when I have found myself faced with great life "challenges", I pray and remind myself......God has never not been there for me or not answered, I'm certain He will not start now.....Thank you for your graces our very Dear Lord, thank you for Your presence, thank you for Your compassion, thank you for Your being, and thank you for the life You and You alone have blessed me with. Amen
September 20, 2015
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Kealtis "Key" Austin
The love of God is so beyond our imagination. Just like His power, it's something our finite minds just can't comprehend. I thank God for all of Him.
September 20, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
I read this & I thought to myself I never really thought on if I do something for Him I get what ever. As I read the verse I see it though. I have just thought on how do I serve you, Lord, & work on keepin' on with that.
September 20, 2015
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Melissa James
God is a a good God all the time inspite of us!
September 20, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
TYL, Love the message and Thank you Pastor Todd
September 20, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! Lord, I'll take Jesus for mine.
September 21, 2015
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Iris Parlin
God is Good! You must believe.
September 23, 2015
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Elena Vasquez
Amen
October 30, 2015