Great Things

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Great Things

“The Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:49

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

Today’s Holy Scripture is an answer to the question posed by a popular song called ‘Mary Did You Know?’ that came out just a few years ago. The angel appeared to Mary, and was very clear about what was ahead for her, and she said “Yes!’ all the same. In this Bible passage, Jesus’ mother, Mary, spontaneously expounds on her awe-inspiring feelings of gratitude that she has for God’s unsurpassed gift to her and humanity. She is grateful to God for allowing her the privilege to be Jesus’ mother. Yet Mary had a choice. She did not have to say “Yes,” but did so willingly, with some trepidation, and with complete abandon, then went on to become Jesus’ mother and His first disciple.

Here is the contextual Bible passage for when Mary was approached by God to become Jesus’ loving mother:

The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[b] the Son of God… ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fullfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. Such was the case with Mary. She was just a young girl, unmarried, and a virgin. Though she was betrothed to Joseph, as you can imagine, in those times, her pregnancy presented serious complications in her life. But she still said “Yes!” to God’s request.

How many times have we tried to avoid what God is asking us to do? How often do we opt to stay in our comfort zone rather than follow God’s leading in our life? Unlike Mary, it is likely that we have never been approached by an angel with a message from God, yet all of us have had times where we feel compelled to ‘do the right thing’ through blessings of conscience. Though I don’t believe in  coincidence, there have been times where I felt I got a God-wink that led me out of my comfort zone, to act on something, or to look at something—or someone—in a new way.

I believe that God tries to communicate with all of us in a way we can understand and embrace. Perhaps not to the extent of Mary through an angel, but we need to pray to God in the name of Jesus, listen and try to be open to whatever He has in store for us and our lives. We need to be open to His Holy Love, his peace, His kindness, and His mercy, and share them with others as we have received them from God. Putting aside any negative imagery of God the Father, we need to bask in His benevolence and Light, and listen a little closer to what He is trying to tell us and show us. His presence is real. Maybe we need to seek Him with greater fervor and a grateful heart and see what miracles He has in store for each of us!

© Copyright 2018   |  Adele M. Gill

What Will Jesus Do for You?

What Will Jesus Do for You?

^‘And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”’

Luke 1:46-47

Today is a very special day. It marks 18 months of remission from needing acute care for myasthenic syndrome, a debilitating condition I have lived with for 35+ years. In and out of the hospital, in all of those years, I have never had a remission like this—and there have been no recent medication or treatment changes. The only explanation I have is that it is God working in my life. So what does it mean to have such a medical healing? Well, I’d say it is about trust, hope, and faith in Jesus Christ, our Great Healer, Lord and Savior.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Sometimes we all have small and not so small miracles happen in our lives. And we barely notice, or avoid calling it just that—a miracle. Too often we try to explain away miracles without giving God the credit, when in fact we fully know that what has happened defies human logic. Accidents averted, miracles of timing, financial blessings, experiencing capabilities far beyond our abilities. I believe miracles happen every day, but we often fail to recognize them and give credit where credit is due.

A Miracle in Progress: The Healing Installment Plan

With this healing I know my prayers are being heard and being answered. I still have a long way to go, as I remain mobility impaired, have occasional garbled speech when fatigued, and am on a respirator 12 hours per 24 hour day. But I am trusting God more than ever that He is in control, and He has purpose and plans for my life. I am also believing that more healing is on the way. To say I am encouraged is an understatement. In essence, I have been on the Healing Installment Plan, looking for any sign of improvement through prayer for most of my adult life. Yes, setbacks are always a possibility, but I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop, figuratively speaking. In the past, I have not been able to plan ahead with any real certainty due to ongoing medical complications. Now, it is possible to make plans with the probability that I will be able to be there when I say I will, rather than requiring acute medical care.

What Will Jesus Do for You?

Having been frequently in and out of the hospital for 3-1/2 decades, I now have new found freedom to grow in hope for myself and others. If God would answer my prayers in such a major way, imagine the healing He has in store for you! For I believe that, in His own time and way, Jesus provides healing for His flock in every way possible during times of infirmity, disability, addictions, mental illness, poverty, aging, loneliness, and grief. He sends His Holy Spirit upon all who call upon His Holy Name. Jesus helps us all in unimaginable ways beyond our comprehension—and saves us in times of adversity. This is not to say that believers will have perfect lives. Rather, when God allows adversity, He always equips us, prepares the way, and gives us whatever we need to accomplish the work he starts in each of us.

Today, like Mary in this Bible passage, my heart is full of gratitude to God, and I can hardly wait to see what He does next!

^‘And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,                                                                my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”’  Luke 1:46-47  /// NABRE

(C) Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. Please click on this link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Unshakable Joy

^4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

Joy vs happiness. Happiness and joy appear to be similar, but they are very different. There are subtle nuances that help us discern which is which. Happiness is a feeling, as one would experience when enjoying job success, the birth of a child, or buying a new home. It is often dependent on what we do, or experience, and is accompanied by temporary positive feelings. The problem with focusing on your happiness rather than joy, is that happiness can be fleeting, while joy is enduring and unshakable. Truth is, happiness, and human feelings, come and go especially in times of adversity, but joy is lasting, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace that surpasses understanding.

“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

Joy Does Not Change With Circumstances

Joy does not change with circumstances, but rather over rides times of struggle, helping you to see the silver linings in every situation, even when life gets difficult and/or complicated. It helps you rejoice in the Lord at all times, putting aside negative, destructive feelings such as fear, sadness, anger and angst, replacing them with the gentle knowing that all is well as you place your trust in Jesus. Unlike happiness, instead of being a feeling, joy is more of a trusting state of mind and a peaceful heart in concert. It is a manifestation of the fruit of having the Holy Spirit with you, one that is stirred into being through gratitude to God for blessings received.

Joy Is the Result of Knowing You Are Loved

Joy is a blessed gift from God, received through His grace. It is the result of knowing you are loved by God and lovable in His sight; thereby enabling you to be comfortable in your own skin. A joyful heart does not solely depend on things always going well, or others perceptions of you. It is more about walking in gratitude and trusting in Jesus.



Certainly it is not easy to rejoice always in times of adversity. Yet through prayer, and God’s grace, we are able to hop over great emotional and situational hurdles. In essence, happiness is more about how we feel, but joy reflects a much greater reality that stabilizes us through the storms of life.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.” 

Matthew 19:26

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© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. Please click on this link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

7 Ways to Tend Your Flock

“…Tend the flock in your midst…”

1 Peter 5:1-11

Who’s in your flock? In this life, none of us is an island unto ourselves. We have many people in our lives and different roles in this life: Child, parent, spouse, brother, sister, niece, nephew, friend, even acquaintance… And every relationship is beautifully unique. These relationships we have with the people in our lives, some new, some lifelong, offer so many opportunities to practice patience, to help and love others unconditionally, and even forgive them as needed. In reality, some people we treasure and some we don’t. Yet, as Christians, we are called to love them all to the best of our abilities—which as we all know, at times, is no small task!

At times, our greatest temptation is to think we have little in common with other people, while focusing on our differences. However, we must find a way to normalize commonality. That is, to find a bond of some kind, even if it is just a family bond or ones faith. No, we may not like everyone who enters our life, but we are mandated by Jesus to love them all the same. Divine providence has a lot to do with who comes into your life, and that is how one’s flock comes into being.

7 Ways to Tend Your Flock

1)      Understand that relationships are most often mutually beneficial in some way.

2)      Accept that God has given you your flock for a reason.

3)      Always look for common ground with others.

4)      Practice patience with those who are difficult to love.

5)      Pray daily for the flock in your midst.

6)      Be quick to forgive others who hurt or offend you.

7)      Try your level best to love others as God loves you--unconditionally.

When you take a minute to look at your own flock, the comrades God has provided for you on your journey, it can be a little daunting, even baffling. We don’t always get to choose the people in our life, and may even struggle to accept or reach out to them. Some we find truly difficult to love, others we can hardly live without in our daily lives. We may even feel we have nothing in common with them. But there are no coincidences in this life, when we look at those closest to us, especially family members from birth.

As you tend to your flock, you must be willing to accept them as they are. Some are easy to love. While others, you are called to try, with God’s help, to love them with everything you have despite how you feel about them. Sometimes you need to help lead them to higher ground, other times you simply just need to be present to them. When you tend the flock in your midst, you are doing God’s work through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the blessings you receive are awe-inspiring, bringing greater love, peace and joy into your life.

© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.  Click on this link to order:

https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Top 5 Scriptures for Thanksgiving Bliss

By Chaplain Adele M. Gill

Whenever we get together with people, especially with family at Thanksgiving, we all bring something to the table. Yes, you may make and bring your favorite pie or stuffing to share, but we all bring so much more than just food for this annual feast. We may bring memories of all that has gone on since last Thanksgiving, and a deep abiding care and affection for our loved ones, high hopes for a perfect holiday, and/or anticipation that our favorite foods will be there just as we remember from years past. Sometimes we bring other things to the table that, if left unchecked, can derail even the finest holiday gathering, and cause lasting resentments and strained relationships. Truth is, things are never really perfect because we are all human, and relationships can be challenging at times.

Barriers to Thanksgiving Bliss

Difficult childhood memories. Grudges. Political views. Unrealistic expectations. Negativity. Any one of these can easily be detrimental to the pursuit of an enjoyable, peaceful Thanksgiving family celebration. Unfortunately, despite all the preparation and festivities, sometimes people may still choose to disagree on a variety of topics and use that day to ‘share’ or defend their disparate views, or get the final word. We’ve all heard of families that have experienced arguments and conflict at Thanksgiving dinner, as those in attendance engage in heated conversation about various and sundry things. But there is a better way…

Peace Be Within You:

5 scriptures to Help You Prepare for Thanksgiving Bliss

Clearly, as Christians, we all must do our part to make our holiday family gatherings peaceful and enjoyable for all that are there, but each of us is responsible for our own behavior and happiness. Some find themselves in the role of peacekeepers—a valuable role in any family-- striving to focus on commonality and unity rather than strife.

1)      “…Rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”  2 Corinthians 13:11 / NIV

2)      “For the sake of my family and friends…“Peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8//NIV

3)      “Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.’                      Romans 12:10 // NIV

4)      “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” John 15:12  //NIV

5)      ^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 [and speak] about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  // Philippians 4:8-10

For many people, preparing before you go to Thanksgiving dinner is important to set the tone for promoting and maintaining good relationships and living in unity and peace that day and moving forward. If you know Thanksgiving dinner has the potential to be socially challenging with your family, try to embrace these Bible passages and let them be your guide. Pray and ask God for help before you go. You may be surprised at what transpires!

“Peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8//NIV

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© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

The Good Life

Greetings from Adele’s Inspiration Café!

Today’s blog post: 

The Good Life

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

 ^“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17  (NIV)

To many unbelievers, the Bible is nothing more than an irrelevant and outdated book with vague words written long, long ago that have no application for our daily lives in these modern times. It is a book that is sometimes passed down from generation to generation, but too often, it is one that collects much dust, as it’s wisdom and application are put aside, left on a shelf, and virtually unknown.

However, to believers, Scripture is at the center of living a godly life. It is a bright candle in the darkness of a fallen world, a beacon of light for the weary, the lost, the last and the lowly. Sustenance for poor and hurting souls in need of discernment, protection, comfort and guidance, the Bible stands ready to address many of the contemporary issues we experience. It is a light to our feet and your ticket to redemption as you come to believe more and more in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our guide and advocate who was given to us by Jesus Himself.

The Holy Bible is chock-full of practical knowledge we can and need to apply to our daily lives through word and deed. Relationships, work, times of adversity—it’s all in there. It has been said there is nothing new under the sun. Those words take on special meaning when talking about all we can experience and learn through Scripture. For believers, followers of Jesus, there is great insight and clarity in the Word, which leads us ever closer into relationship with Him.

Once we start reading the Holy Bible, as we embrace the scriptural meaning ourselves, we are able to apply the truths we learn in so many ways in our own lives. We are enabled to effectively teach others about Jesus’ life, and The Way to righteousness, as opposed to self-righteousness. We are able to live a good life and use it to help others follow Jesus. We are able to speak truth in Love, helping each other to follow him with greater focus and fervor. In essence, we are to equip ourselves for the Christian life by reading the Bible, especially the New Testament, then in turn, share the Gospel of Jesus with others.

In as much as Jesus is the Light of the World, we are all commissioned to love God and one another, and to that end, bring His light into the darkness that surrounds us, while tending the flock in our midst. If we look closely at Jesus’ life and His teachings found in Scripture, we can easily grow in zeal over time, and openly share Him wherever we go--In that way, shining a bright Light upon our little corner of the world.

 “Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.”  Mark 4:21

© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

___________________________________________________

Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              

To order your copy, please click on this link:

https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

The Power of Civility

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

 “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

Like any loving parent, Father God stands in wait for our anguished pleas, for us to turn to Him so He can help us meet our daily needs and challenges.  Though He first loved us, He calls us to love Him, and others, with all our heart and soul. In fact, loving others—especially those who are difficult to love, is one great way that we express our love for God and answer His calling. We need to remember the times we have not been difficult or lovable ourselves, and use that as a starting point to build on in our relationships hence we slip into complacency.

Certainly with this mandate to love, it is important for us to be at peace with everyone in our lives lest hatred, loathing, and unforgiveness take root in us. Yet, what is it about our humanness that leads us to anger and disharmony with others that think and do differently than we do? Perhaps that is a question we’d prefer to answer another day, but there is no time like the present.

Hatred for others has the power to enable people to be ruled by their negative feelings. It can destroy lives, especially those who harbor deep anger, and remove all God given peace and joy in the process making us bitter. Hatred can be insidious, sometimes getting a foothold when we are fully unaware it is happening. When we hate others we know, we sometimes give up that peace and joy in the name of being self-righteous with the need to be right, superior or hostile, which is counterintuitive to God’s love for us.

But what about when we hate or fear those we do not know or respect, simply because they think differently than we do, especially in the current social climate? Well, the effects of hatred still apply—possibly in greater measure, as there is no room for negotiation. When the loathing of an individual involves an acquaintance, or even a public figure you do not personally know, judgement abounds. And the effects of hatred can linger on for years with no closure. Yet, as Christians, we know that there is but one judge, and human judgement of others should have no place in our lives, as one cannot love others and judge them all at the same time. We need to make a choice.

We need to ask for God’s Will in discernment of what is good and right and true, and seek out those things. When we differ with the beliefs or actions of others, whether we personally know them or not, it is best to step away and respectfully try to agree to disagree when necessary. The cost of giving away one’s peace and joy is steep and should be avoided at all costs. There is great power in coexistence and civility. Let that be a goal we strive for in our daily lives.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:6

© Copyright 2018    |    Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. Please click on this link:

https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk 

Prayer Changes Things

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!
Today's blog post: Prayer Changes Things


“Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16

Though it is truly a blessing to have people to pray for us, it is important as Christians to recognize that each of us has equal access to God through Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Whenever we pray and ask for Jesus’ help, it is always a powerful experience whether we pray with others, have them pray for us, or we pray for ourselves.

All of us have times have infirmity, worry, anxiety, sadness, and fear. So what can we do about that which is beyond our control? How can we maintain and restore balance, peace and joy in our lives in times of adversity, against all odds? One vitally important way is through prayer as prayer changes things. Relationships are restored, doors are opened, people are strengthened, comforted, protected, healed through God’s abundant supply, as He cares for all our needs in His own special time and way.

Sometimes we all need divine intervention, and there is great relief to be found in prayer as we hand the situation to Jesus, giving Him control. For the Bible tells us in Matthew 18:19:  “Amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” When you turn to your ‘praying friends’ or family to prayerfully intercede for you on your behalf, you will certainly be blessed. Prayer really does change things. However, each of us is capable of praying and having our prayers heard and answered. This is not relegated to a few—it is a great privilege we all have whenever we venture into prayer.

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.”  James 5:16

To become a righteous person in the eyes of God, we simply need to keep on trying to discern and follow His Will. We all have the potential to be righteous—it is a choice we make. Though we are striving souls focused on doing God’s Will, we all fall short. All of us. Yet, God sees our efforts and hears our anguished cries. He knows our thoughts and actions. He wants us to trust Him with all our being in every situation. That’s why God sent Jesus to be with us—all of humanity--to hold our hand; and trust Him through the storms we all encounter and lead us into eternal life.

© Copyright 2018   |   Chaplain Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is the author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.                To order your copy, click on this link:

https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Good News!

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe

Today's blog post: 

Good News!

^{Adele M. Gill}

^{http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net} 

^“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians 1:3-6

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Scripture tells us that we as Christians are called, and enabled, to spread the Good News in one form or another. Sometimes it happens inadvertently, as is the case when we simply smile or say “hello” to a total stranger as we go about our day. Other times it is more purposeful as in praying for others or providing compassionate encouragement to a loved one, friend or even an acquaintance who is hurting. As this passage says, we are all partners in bringing the Bible message to the world right around us; to the people whose lives touch our own, and beyond. And to that end, it begs the question, if we, as believing Christians, don’t reach out to others, especially in times of need, who will?

Everyone’s way to share their faith is different. Some people prefer to quietly help others and thereby spread their faith through their actions sharing one-on-one. As Christians, we need to pray and look for opportunities in our daily lives to share our greatest hope, our most prized treasure—Jesus Christ.

As an aside, I have found that the internet is my chosen medium for sharing Jesus. For this effort, each time I write this blog, I post it on Catholic Online (over 1 million readers), Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter, Author’s Den, Blogger, an email service such as Mail Chimp, and most recently, FeedSpot: Christian and Faith Blogs, which reportedly has 2.2 million readers. Because of this blog about God’s Love which I have been writing and distributing for 8 years, I continue to pray for my readers and continue to look for places to post it, and by the grace of God, great opportunities continue to open up. The writing process is this: I pray and write whatever comes, edit it, then post it online. It is pure joy to write what God sends, and share His message, and I pray, with your help, that I will be able to continue this ministry for many years to come.

Even something as simple as ‘liking’ or ‘sharing’ this blog can have a far-reaching positive ripple wave effect on souls, helping them to grow in faith. I am truly grateful and consider people who do that for this blog to be important partners sharing in this effort, this ministry, also known as Silverlining Communications. Some people attend seminary and go on to preach in parishes or congregations. Others engage in leading or participating in Bible study or the written Word. 

The options for faith expression and sharing are endless as we are all unique. It does not require eloquent speech or grand standing—just heartfelt love for God and others. But make no mistake about it, God will use all of your efforts to ‘plant seeds’ of faith—No effort is too small or is ever wasted, as we walk in peace, Love and joy, sharing the gift of faith we have so generously been given by God Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit.

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

© Copyright   2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is the author of 3 books including, “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              Amazon link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Wherever You Go

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Wherever You Go

^9 “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.”

Joshua 1:9

Some say God can only be found in church, others say he is nowhere to be found. However, today’s Holy Scripture tells us He is with us wherever we go. As believing Christians, we need to guard against limiting God in our own minds and hearts, and help each other understand the truth, the timeless realities, revealed in the Bible. The New Testament promises us that Jesus, our Savior, God’s only Son who was resurrected from the dead for us, is with us always; that He will protect us, guide us, lead us, comfort us and save us as we go about our daily lives and lead us into eternal life for the asking. He is intimately involved in our lives as we invite Him in.

In as much as Jesus loves us all unconditionally, He is ‘Emmanuel,’ which means God with us. He is with us in good times and in bad. How can it be that He is with us through it all; that He knows us better than we know ourselves? It is through the power of the Holy Spirit, imparted to the Disciples on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit it came into being when He breathed new life into the disciples.

In order to be present to humanity, Jesus stands close to us all, as the above Scripture says, ‘with us wherever we go.’  This is true for believers and non-believers alike, though the latter are generally unaware of His presence, or they would likely believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 / NIV

This passage also talks about the command to be strong and courageous. Though through free-will, and fear and uncertainty we often fall short, we need to try to follow God’s commands. Perhaps to gain strength in times of weakness, and grow in our relationship with Jesus, we need to approach life reminding ourselves that we are never alone; that all that is good comes from God. He IS our strength in times of adversity, watching over us especially in times of need. Yes, it is easy to forget we are children of God and need to depend on Him for everything. But in our humanness we sometimes don’t trust Him as we should, as fear takes hold and we lose our courage.

Could it be that we need to pray more fervently for God’s help, that we will be able to trust Him fully, seek Him more often, and accept His Son as our Lord and Savior? Certainly it would be helpful in assisting us to grow spiritually, in peace and Love, the essence of Christian life. 

© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill   |   Distributed by News Consortium

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              

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