LEARNING TO BECOME

When I was in the 10^th grade I worked in the school library during gym class because I hated Physical Ed. I flunked Physical Ed, but I learned a lot about books and working in the library during that semester. The librarian had me aligning all the books to the edge of the bookshelf so they were neatly arranged. That’s been about 45 years ago and I still align my books to the edge of the bookshelves in my home.

I have forgotten the librarian’s name. I could not identify her in a line-up. I’ve forgotten how to use the card catalog system, however I still line all my books neatly along the edge of the shelf; I also love the books on the shelves.

I think that was the catch, the whole time. God knew that I would come to love books, even before I knew it.

This reminds me of Joseph’s story. At the age of 17, God gave him a dream. But it did not come to pass till he was 30 years old. During those 13 years, Joseph endured a lot of turmoil but it was preparing him for his purpose, and he pulled it off very well, because he was appropriately trained for it. Joseph testified that God meant the turmoil for good to save the lives of many people through him.

In the 10^th grade, I had no idea that I would become a writer, but there I was, in a library full of books learning to appreciate them.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

A FISH OUT OF WATER

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I had a dream that a fish out of water was chasing me down the beach and I was running for my life, full speed ahead in a panic.

A fish out of water is one that is away from their element and usual environment. It is a person who feels awkward because they’re different from most others. This element of feeling awkward has chased me down for most of my life, because I am a fish out of water. Now, at the age of 60, I have come to fully accept me, and love me, for who I am and I’m totally okay with being different. The only problem I have with this revelation is that it took 54 years to figure it out.

God knew when I was 6, that He would bless me with the gift of writing. An important trait of writers is that we thrive on solitude, because how can you complete writing projects if you don’t have quiet time?

My husband says, “I don’t see how you can do it.” The pandemic nearly drove him crazy because everyone was required to practice social distancing, but he just desperately needed to get out of the house. But social distancing didn’t affect me at all. In fact, I loved it. It was the positive aspect of COVID for me.

When I was in elementary school, I hated recess! All the kids were playing on the slides, and swings, and jungle gyms, but I just stood on the grass and watched them. When it was time to go back to class, I ran to the building.

You have to be okay with you, not being okay with you… and don’t let 54 years go by before you figure that out!

I’m no longer in a panic running from that fish. I stopped… turned around… and gave it a great big ole’ bear hug.

Go in peace. ✌

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

MONEY ADVICE IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

Be generous in giving

• Proverbs 11:24-25 (NKJV) There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

• Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV) He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

Place people’s needs ahead of profit

• Proverbs 11:26 (NKJV) The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

Be cautious of co-signing for someone

• Proverbs 11:15 (NKJV) He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure.

• Proverbs 17:18 (NKJV) A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend.

• Proverbs 22:26-27 (NKJV) Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

Don’t accept bribes

• Proverbs 17:23 (NKJV) A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice.

Help the poor

• Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.

• Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV) Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.

Store up for the future

• Proverbs 21:20 (NKJV) There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

Be careful about borrowing

• Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV) The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Be honest in obtaining wealth

• Proverbs 13:11 (NKJV) Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.

Be cautious of get rich quick schemes

• Proverbs 20:21 (NKJV) An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.

Give an offering to God

• Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV) Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

MONEY COME TO ME

My former pastor, whose gone to heaven now, once told us about a vision the Lord showed him a long time ago. He was standing in a vault, and every wall had stacks and stacks of money jam packed on shelves from the floor to the ceiling. He was trying to remove some of the money but it was so packed that he could not pull any money from the shelves. It got very frustrating because there he was, with access to as much money as he could carry but was unable to access any of it.

Finally, the Lord instructed him to speak to the money and say, “Money, come to me.” When he did, money began to fall off the shelves at his feet and pile up. As he stood there in the vault, money continued to pile up. All his efforts to collect it was fruitless, but when he spoke to it, the money fell at his feet.

God says, "Will you please stop striving for what I will give to you? Just claim it."

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

LET JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL

Heavenly Father,

For some time, You have been dealing with me about my independent spirit; trying to get me to let go of self-sufficiency. The greatest problem I’ve had with this transition is being dissatisfied with how others do things, so I feel compelled to just do it myself, like the lady in the Kayak commercial who takes down her scarecrow and climbs up on the bar and scare away the birds herself. That’s been me for a long time but we are now at the threshold of a new mindset and a new way of living and thinking about life. The other day I said to myself that my husband does not wash dishes like me and that is okay. No criticism. Just acceptance. I'm entering a new way of thinking.

I read in the Bible dictionary that true faith is confidence in God, not confidence in one’s self.

The apostle Paul said in 2Cor. 3:5 that we don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own, but rather it is God who gives us what it takes to succeed. Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing. I’m happy that we have come to this transition, and new way of thinking.

I rearranged my office, and got rid of my To Do Lists so that I can be led by the Holy Spirit and follow His lead from day to day.

Last Friday Sheilenna sent me that Carrie Underwood song Jesus Take The Wheel. It was so on time. The lyrics say:  Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands, cause I can’t do this on my own, I’m letting go, so give me one more chance, and save me from this road I’m on.

That is my prayer today Lord Jesus. You take the wheel. You be in charge. Without You I can do nothing, but with You I’m more than a conqueror, and nothing can separate me from Your love. That brings great consolation to my heart. Thank You my Lord. In Jesus’s name I humbly ask and pray. Amen.

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

WHEN LIFE IS A BEAT DOWN

Heavenly Father,

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught so profoundly about the futility of worrying. But sometimes life can get so oppressive that it just gets hard to stay hopeful. Many have committed suicide because trying to hang on gets worn out. When endurance has depleted, they feel it's their only option.

Jesus said in His sermon, “Do not worry about your life, because your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” But sometimes it takes so long for our prayers to be answered that we are long past worry, and are drenched in hopelessness.

However, I recall the prophet Isaiah’s encouragement that says, "Those who wait on the LORD shall have their strength renewed; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Father, when we’re feeling that low, and hopelessness is trying to set in, I pray that You will renew and restore hope and faith and endurance. Lord, let us never give up or lose assurance in Your faithfulness. Let us mount up with wings like an eagle. Let us run and never get tired. Let us walk and never grow weak.

I recall the passage of Scripture where Jesus was on His knees in agony there on the Mount of Olives. Praying earnestly and sweating profusely He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then a heavenly angel appeared to Him, and strengthened Him. Jesus went on to bear the cross and said before He died, “It is finished.”

It is written in Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to Your throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.”

O Father, when life if giving us a beat down and our strength and endurance is decreasing, please remember that day on the Mount of Olives, and renew our endurance. Help us bear our cross to the finish and not forget that You will never leave, nor forsake us. In Jesus’s name we humbly ask and pray. Amen.

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER PETITION

May 2, 2024

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.

(Psalm 33:12)

INTRODUCTION

Heavenly Father, we come to Your throne of grace on this National Day of Prayer to pray for America whose Pledge of Allegiance declares that we are one nation under God, and on whose currency is printed In God We Trust. We pray that You will rule over this country. Lead us forward to dispel darkness and bring light throughout this country and around the world. Forgive us Lord for our sinful ways, as we stand in the gap for our fellow Americans pleading the blood of Jesus over our country. If we walk in the light, as You are the light, then surely darkness will dispel and we will have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us of all our sin.

You said in Your word, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Forgive us O God, and heal our nation.

FAMILY

Bless us to love one another as Jesus taught. Restore our commitment to holiness, and to the sanctity of marriage, family relations, and human life. Let us live and walk in the Spirit everyday so that He may teach us how to walk honorably in Your presence.

GOVERNMENT

Lord, we pray for our government to include all the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Federal, State, and Local offices around the country. We pray for all who are in authority and elected to office that You will rule over them, that us citizens may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Father, we are six months away from a very important election. We pray for discernment so that we may vote for candidates who hear Your voice and keep the ways of truth as they follow in lock step with the Lord Jesus guiding us to justice, prosperity, and peace. Awaken us that the same hands lifted to You in prayer are the same hands that will be in the voting booth… and let the best candidates win this election.

NEWS MEDIA

From national networks to print mediums, we pray for personnel, editors, reporters, and commentators that are committed to accuracy, integrity, truth, and morality. And we pray that You will dismiss biased and immoral news media who are reporting anything less than the truth. We pray that journalists all across America will do their best to bring truth and light where there is darkness and deceit. We ask You to promote those who will use the power of their words and platform for good and who brings the highest regard and integrity to the news media industry.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERNET PLATFORMS

Thank You Lord for the good gift of the internet and social media platforms through which we can create, communicate, learn, and glorify You. Help us not to twist the tools of technology with methods such as artificial intelligence (AI) that only serve to increase the darkness. Help us to discern our thoughts, words, and actions with all wisdom so that we may not be hypnotized by ungodliness on the internet and social media. Let our speech and our postings build one another up, and point them to Your amazing grace and undeniable mercy, and glorify Your name forevermore. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil of this world as we utilize these good and useful gifts. May our stewardship of these great resources show that we honor You in every scroll, post, message, tweet, pin, and blogpost. And may the time we spend on social media cause us to have a deeper communion with the Holy Spirit as we edify ourselves and others in the process.

BUSINESS

We pray this day that You will provide corporate America with business leaders who are committed to conducting themselves honorably with loyalty to their employees, clients, and the business world. We also pray for physicians that they will care for their patients with tender hearts and always look out for their patient’s best interests. We pray that entrepreneurs and corporate employees of every industry will conduct themselves with integrity and tenacity while they fulfill their responsibilities to meet their goals. Let the workplace become a pleasant place to be 40 hours a week.

EDUCATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION

We pray for every student that’s attending scholastic academies and public schools all across America. Let all those in authority instill curriculums that adequately educates, and not radicalize our young people who are becoming the future leaders of this country. We pray You will prepare the hearts and minds of high school and college students to lead our country into the future.

We pray that the college and university protests that are being carried out all across the country will be done peacefully and with a heart for decency, integrity, and a sense of respect for all mankind regardless of race or religion. We pray You will dispel darkness and increase truth and upstanding citizenship on every campus and in every classroom and dormitory across the United States of America.

We pray that You will stop the mass killing of children while they attend school and keep them safe from all harm. Please let Your angels guard these children and let no harm come to them.

MILITARY AND ARMED SERVICES

We pray for America’s military soldiers and all the armed services serving on American soil and around the world. Please keep them safe from hurt, harm, and danger. Please keep our police officers and armed agents operating with a high degree of integrity while they protect our communities against illegal acts and violence.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

We pray for celebrities, producers, directors, writers, and executives of TV shows and movies, that You will work in miraculous ways to win their hearts and minds to the gospel message. We ask that You raise up extraordinarily gifted men and women to bring change and goodness to the entertainment industry. Give them creative ideas and the wisdom that will propel them to the front of their fields where they may be salt and light in an industry that has darkened the entertainment arena with evil entertainment.

AMERICA’S EVOLVING POSITION IN THE WORLD

Let America’s presence around the world be a blessing, and let other countries see Almighty God in and through us. Let our lives and our aid to other countries be a testimony that we are one nation under God, and that You are our God. Please remember our fellow countrymen and women that are being held prisoner around the globe. Bring them back home safe and sound.

THE CHURCH

Lord, embolden us Christians to take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God and run boldly into the darkness and light up this world with the gospel message. Help us to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life. Lead us into all the world to preach the gospel that will change the hearts of mankind from evil to good, as Jesus commanded us to do, because we know that You desire for all of us to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

These and all blessings we humbly ask and pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

LET HEALING WATERS FLOW

The Prophet Ezekiel's Vision of Healing Waters

An angel took the prophet Ezekiel out of one of the temple side doors and brought him to the front of the temple. He could see water flowing out the front door of the temple and down past the right side of the altar of sacrifice.

Ezekiel and the angel walked along the stream for 1,750 feet and stepped into the water. It came up to Ezekiel’s ankles. Then they walked another 1,750 feet and stepped into the water again. This time, it came up to his knees. They walked another 1,750 feet and the water came up to his waist. They walked another 1,750 feet and the water was over Ezekiel’s head.

As Ezekiel and the angel turned back and walked along the riverbank, things had dramatically changed. There were many evergreen trees growing on both sides of the river. This river was flowing out of the temple and through the desert valley and into the Dead Sea. But everywhere it flowed there was healing. When it reached the Dead Sea, it made the salty waters fresh and pure.

Even though the water flowed through the desert valley, it created droves of living things. Even the Dead Sea now produced an abundance of fish of every kind. Wherever the river streamed, life flourished.

Jesus said, “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his or her heart rivers of living water will flow.”

The soul can become a dry place, like a desert. But when Jesus (the river of life) flows out of that heart, healing comes. I’m telling you everywhere His water flows, healing and restoration comes, no matter how dry the desert, evergreen trees will abound and flourish (and not one leaf will turn brown).

Sometimes life can make you feel bottomed out and cause you to struggle to keep hope alive. But the healing waters that flow from Christ through our heart, can heal and restore any Dead Sea and make it flourish better than it ever did before.

I’ve been going through some rough storms in recent days. Two days ago, I was sitting in the Living Room battling hopelessness. Suddenly, I felt the presence of God in front of me. I reached up and hugged His invisible neck and wept till I got it out of my system. I was studying something else this morning when the Holy Spirit dropped this blogpost in my spirit. I promise you that healing waters are flowing again and joy and hope has returned to my soul. Sometimes it starts at the ankles, and increases till it’s over your head. But God…

Even when we’re feeling bottomed out, and the hope resuscitator system is alarming loudly, the Lord’s healing power can flow, and heal, and restore. In His presence is fullness of joy.

The river of life symbolizes life from Jesus Christ, with the healing and restoration that flows from His throne, like what Ezekiel saw coming from the front door of the temple. It is a gentle, safe, deep river, expanding as it flows, until the riverbed is so deep that the water came over Ezekiel’s head. Everywhere it flows, nothing remains the same.

The weapons of our warfare are not of this world, but are powered by God and are completely effective to win every battle we fight.

Someone wrote a song that says…

I’ve got a river of life flowing inside of me

He makes the lame to walk and the blinded eyes to see

He opens up prison doors and sets the captives free

I’ve got a river of life flowing inside of me.

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

PRAYER SCRIPTURES

Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV) Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'" Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"  🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

James 5:14-18 (NKJV) Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Psalm 102:1-2, 17 (NKJV) Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; incline Your ear to me; in the day that I call, answer me speedily. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Psalm 69:14-17 (NKJV) Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the floodwater overflow me, nor let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me. Hear me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble; hear me speedily. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Matthew 14:34-36 (NKJV) When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Luke 10:19 (NKJV) Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV) And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Psalm 88:1-2 (NKJV) O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Psalm 141:1-2 (NKJV) LORD, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 🛐 🙏

➖ ➖ ➖ ➖ ➖

Mark 5:34 (NKJV) And He (Jesus) said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." 🛐 🙏

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

THE GOD OF PEACE

This was about 8 years ago… I went to Walgreen's and was heading fast down the straight-away between the aisles when Prima donna dressed to the hilt in leopard print (even her 5-inch heel sandals and tippy-toes) almost crashes head on into me coming out of one of the aisles. I was already in a foul mood when I went to the store and instead of her apologizing to me, I apologized to her and Prima donna sashayed on off as though it was my fault, and I was supposed to be the one apologizing. Because I was already in a foul mood, that drove my irritability radar soaring into the red zone. "Miss Thing with her leopard print toenails thinks she is too good for apologies," I thought.

By the time I made it to the check-out line, guess who lands right in front of me? Yes! Leopard toes herself! So now my irritation is directed to the Lord. "You would let her get right in front of me."

At the end of her transaction, she drops twelve cents on the floor. Without even thinking, I dove to the floor and picked it all up and handed it to her. She gave me a sincere “God bless you,” and walked out of the store.

In that moment, my heart melted, I forgot all about my foul mood and said, "Thank You Lord, You just gave the devil a black eye." I felt bad that all through the store I was thinking bad thoughts about my sister in Christ who happens to dress differently than me. Perhaps if I had not been speeding like a gazelle through the store, we wouldn't have almost had a head on collision. In truth, I did owe her an apology for judging her the way I did, simply because I was angry at someone else.

When I got home and pulled into the driveway, the Lord sent a beautiful blue jay to visit me on my front porch as a reminder that He is with me always... even concerning the thing that initially got me in the foul mood to begin with. I sat in my car and watched the blue jay play in our front yard for a minute or two as the peace of God flooded my soul and washed away the thoughts wreaking havoc in my emotions.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

May the God of peace be with you all. (Rom. 15:33)

The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. (Rom.16:20)

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

YOU'RE DAZZLING!!!

 

One day (about 20 something years ago), I heard the word "dazzling". It just came out of nowhere, and I knew it wasn't me. For several weeks this went on... and on... and on. I kept seeing and hearing the word dazzling but had no clue what it was in reference to.

One day my former husband brought me home a candle that had the word dazzling on the label. I knew that God had moved on him to gift me with that because he didn't know anything about my hearing this word over and over.

I sat down to watch the movie Sabrina (Harrison Ford's version)... and low and behold I got the reference. Sabrina was a chauffer's daughter and she was in love with the young son of the family her father drove for, but the son did not know she was even alive.

They paid for her to go to work in Paris France, and when she returned she had changed dramatically. Suddenly, now the young son noticed Sabrina. He invited her to their mother's birthday party. As they danced that beautiful evening, he said to Sabrina, "Do you know how beautiful you are?" She dropped her head and said, "No." He said, "You're dazzling."

❗Oh my God ❗

At the same exact moment both me and Sabrina said, "Dazzling?"

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxECed4Ki_bY76IeWT0PkcQGgxo_pLyTE8?si=AYBgifdYNiEB9elg

(13 second YouTube clip of that scene)

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

I never saw that coming. And up to that point, I had never-ever seen a dazzling me when I looked in the mirror, or at photos of myself.

Fast forward to 2024. I turned 60 years old on my last birthday. My hair started thinning and falling out. I prayed about it and I'm not seeing so much hair in the combs anymore, but the Lord took me way back to that time when He had taken me from self-loathing to self-acceptance.

I've started reciting verses from the Song of Solomon as a way to rebuild my confidence, because if God says I'm dazzling, then for sure I'm dazzling... and so are you. So are you!

Song of Solomon 4:1-2 (TLB) King Solomon: "How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful! Your eyes are those of doves. Your hair falls across your face like flocks of goats that frisk across the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are white as sheep's wool, newly shorn and washed; perfectly matched, without one missing.🌺

I'm dazzling because the Lord says I am.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

THE STINK OF OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION

The Stink

In the movie Facing the Giants, Grant and Brooke Taylor had a stink in their home that they could not figure out where it was coming from. At the same time, their relationship with God had grown cold and they hadn’t even noticed. They lost sight of God while they were pursuing other interests. The stink in their home was a physical expression of their spiritual condition. Every time they walked in from outside, it would hit them in the face.

God’s Rebuke

God rebuked the children of Israel through the prophet Isaiah (65^th chapter). They had grown rebellious and unresponsive, following their own evil paths and crooked schemes. They insulted God by worshipping idols and pagan gods. They ate food that was forbidden. They had a holier-than-thou attitude, and thought they were spiritually superior to others. In Isaiah 65:5 God says, "These people are a stench in My nostrils, an acrid (unpleasant) smell that never goes away.” The Lord said, “I was ready to respond but no one asked for help.”

When we attend worship without any remorse for the sin in our lives, it is a stench in God’s nostrils. When we act holier-than-thou like scribes and Pharisees, it is a stench in God’s nostrils.

Return To Our First Love

I love that verse in 2Cor. 2:15 that says, “We are to God the fragrance of Christ;” a sweet-smelling fragrance, not a stench in His nostrils.

In the movie I mentioned at the beginning of this blogpost, God led the couple to what was stinking up their house. It was after they finally came to realize through a number of incidences that they needed to return to their first love. If you have not seen Facing the Giants, I highly recommend it.

Prayer of Repentance

Jesus said in Rev. 2:5, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

In David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” He’s repenting and praying for restoration and renewal.

The sacrifices of God, dear friend, are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. (Ps. 51:17)

May God richly bless you. Go in peace.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

THE GOD-SHAPED HOLE

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has planted eternity in the heart of mankind. This is a part of us that can only be satisfied by His presence. We have a spiritual hunger and thirst that cannot be satisfied with earthly pleasures and pursuits. They will always fall short of satisfying the God-shaped hole in our soul.

The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen. 2:17).

Someone once told me the story of a coworker whose life was going great. Great marriage… great family relations… great career… financially stable… and had great health. But he kept feeling that something was missing and couldn’t put his finger on it. Some kind of way God revealed to this coworker that his soul was hungering and thirsting for God. He came to Christ, and received satisfaction.

It's kind of like when you’ve missed some meals and your stomach is growling, then you sit down and enjoy your favorite meal. Nothing can begin to compare to the satisfaction of God’s presence. He is our breath of life.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

THE PRECIOUS CHIEF CORNERSTONE

In every stone building, one stone is crucial. It is laid first, and it is to ensure that the building foundation is square and stable. It is the rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests. It is the cornerstone. 

Though Jesus Christ was the stone which the builders rejected—yet He is the Chief Cornerstone of God's entire plan of redemption. In Him alone we find salvation. Only by faith in Christ Jesus can we enter into the kingdom of God. Once we place our faith in Jesus, our adventure of faith begins.

 

Together, all believers form a habitation for God, and are the stones being built upon the Chief Cornerstone. So let each one take heed how he or she builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 3:11).

 

When I make my bed in the morning, I remind myself that what my hands find to do should be done with precision, and heartily as unto the Lord (Eccl. 9:10 & Col. 3:23-24). So also, it is with how we build on the precious Chief Cornerstone… how we build on His foundation… how we walk out this adventure of faith in Christ. Our lives should be a mirror that reflects the image of Christ. Build on that foundation as a master builder that others may see Him in us.

When I was growing up my mother used to quote to us often, "When a task is once begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the laborer great or small, do it well or not at all."

Don't build with inferior material, my friends, use the best you've got. Go in peace.

 

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove

TRUSTING WHEN IT HURTS

King Hezekiah and the Prophet Isaiah

The Lord told king Hezekiah to set his house in order because he was going to die. Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly and prayed that he would not die. The Lord added fifteen more years to Hezekiah’s life, during which time he fathered a son named Manasseh. His son became king after him, and reigned 55 years. He massacred more Hebrews than any king before or after him, until Jerusalem was filled with innocent blood from one end to the other.

If king Hezekiah had died at the time God told him to get his house in order, Manasseh wouldn’t have been born, and many wouldn’t have suffered horrible deaths.

At times we may misjudge God’s decisions and the things He allows, but God is loving, and good, and faithful. A lot of times He's working behind the scenes to prevent tragedies... but for Hezekiah, his impending death just made him wail the ugly cry.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

We can learn to trust God no matter what the circumstances appear to be at present. It may take some time, but if we draw near to God, He'll draw near to us. He reveals Himself to those who want to know Him.

Psalm 40:5 (NKJV) Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove