Isaiah 57:2 & Revelation 21:4 - "Goodbye is not forever..."

Not sure why it's been so great but this week it seems like every time I turn around something reminds me of my Daddy.  I sure do miss him.  I saw this picture today....

I praise the Lord for the knowledge that I will see my Daddy again.  I also praise the Lord for my husband who promised my Daddy he would take care of me.  It's kind of funny to think about.  I guess my Daddy thought I couldn't take care of myself.  Of course, with MS there is always the possibility of needing more care than normal.  We've been through some of those times and Doc passed the test!  He didn't run away but pushed through.  He reminds me of my Daddy in so many ways but especially in how he takes care of me.  I know my Momma misses my Daddy caring for her.  My heart breaks for her and I pray continually for the Lord to encourage her.  I pray for people to be put in her path to help her days to not be so lonely.

I am thankful my Daddy knew the Lord.  He is at peace as in Isaiah 57:2.

Isaiah 57:2 “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (NIV)

I also am thankful for my future as I will see my earthly father again when my Heavenly Father calls me home.

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)

Dear Jesus,

Would you let my Daddy know I love him?  Would you tell him I miss him being here so much?  I especially miss his phone calls and hearing him say, "I love you, Sheila Babe."  Tomorrow is going to be hard without him here for my birthday.  Lord, would you please give me an extra dose of You to help me get through these tough days?  Thank You Jesus for being My Encourager.  Amen.

II Corinthians 1:3-7 - Taking on Other's Pain

I've always heard people say, "I wish I could take your pain for you."  I've even said it myself at times.  These last few weeks I've been experiencing times where I've prayed for someone and then I would take on their pain.  I didn't pray specifically for the Lord to give it to me but I did pray for them to have relief from their pain.  Immediately after praying for an elderly lady with a severe headache I had one.  (I don't know whether hers went away or not.)  Then there was another time where Doc had a pain in his neck after he did something to it.  I was praying continually for him to have relief and my neck started hurting for no reason.  Another time was yesterday when I was praying throughout the day for one with neck pain.  Later in the evening I started experiencing neck pain for no reason.  I say "for no reason" but perhaps the Lord is giving the people I pray for relief and I actually take on their pain.  I don't understand this but I do believe the Lord has His Hand in it.  He knows my tolerance for pain is great.  He also knows when I'm not the one in the situation of pain it is easier for me to deal with.  A few weeks back I was with one in the ER with severe back pain.  That morning she had sent Doc a text saying she had prayed for him.  After testing, there was no explainable reason for her back pain.  A few hours later Doc passed one of the biggest kidney stones he ever has passed and he passed it with NO pain.  Did the Lord give his pain to her?  

II Corinthians 1:3-7 reads....

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

As I read this scripture, I thought about how the Lord has brought me through so many physical trials.  So much pain.  So much agony.  MS, two lower back surgeries, two cervical surgeries...just to name a few.  He has comforted me through everything.  He uses my past to enable me to minister to others who have been through the same circumstances.  Is He also using my past with my physical ailments on another level besides praying for them?  Is He using my circumstances to allow me to take on people's pains?  I don't know but I do know I have given Him my whole life for whatever He desires of me.  Therefore, if pain is part of the process then pain it will be.  He has relieved pain in my body many times.  Maybe I am living out the end of verse four.  "so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for always being there to comfort me in times of need.  Father, as I am praying for ones with physical ailments I get the sense that You are taking my prayers one step further.  Lord, I don't understand the situations I've already experienced but I do know I am Your Servant and am ready to do whatever You put before me.  Lord, when the time comes again for me to take on someone's pain I pray for Your Strength in abundance.  I pray for You to not only give me Your Strength but I also pray for You to make the individual aware what You are doing for them.  Lord, this concept is strange but yet it shouldn't be because You are the God Almighty, Creator of all.  Nothing should be strange when it comes to what You do.  Lord, thank You for being My Director.  Amen.

Isaiah 11:2; Jeremiah 29:11-13 - Praying for My Children and Grandchildren

Sometimes you think your prayers go unanswered while other times you can see the answers.  Yesterday was one of those times when there was no doubt my prayers were answered.  I remember when I was growing up I asked the Lord to let me grow up to be a Mommy with six kids.  I prayed for those six kids over and over again that they would be "good kids that loved the Lord."  Well, I didn't get six of them and I didn't get the "three boys and three girls" I thought I wanted but I did get kids that love the Lord.  As I watched Ben and Emily getting installed into their new church I thought about the prayers I have sent up for them.  When Ben was growing up, I prayed for him to have a wife that would be one to also love the Lord.  As Emily led worship, there was no doubt on where her heart is.  Before they began having children I prayed for my grand babies to be raised in a God-loving home where they would be taught how to love the Lord.  Yesterday seeing Miss Evelyn singing with the children was such a blessing.

To think that had I not listened to my heart and the Lord when Ben was in the womb Ben wouldn't even be here.  When I had my first ultra-sound, I was given the option to abort Ben.  I was told "something just isn't right with the fetus."  Of course, I don't believe in abortion so my answer was "no".  People all over the world prayed for the situation.  A month later I was told "it must have been a mistake because the fetus is fine."  It was no mistake, it was God's Hand that healed my little guy.  When Ben was born, he had a mark on his back.  The doctor said the mark was where he was going to have an open spine but it closed up.  I praise the Lord for His Healing Touch!  I can't remember if I shared with the doctor or not but I sure hope I did because I know the Lord healed him.  

Throughout the years I've wondered how many little ones get aborted before God is petitioned for a healing.  How many times are the doctors pushing for an abortion just to make the parents lives easier when in fact the Lord has a whole different plan?  How many "Ben's" are there in this world serving the Lord because of the power of prayer that healed their bodies?

Another time of healing for Ben was when he was in high school and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  He believed, he prayed, and he was healed.  As I think on that healing I believe it was just one more part of the puzzle of his life.  The Lord knew his heart.  He knew Ben was answering the call to full-time ministry.  He also knew the rheumatoid arthritis would hinder him in the process.  Once again, I am thankful for the healing touch upon Ben.

As I have prayed even before the boys were born and continue to do so for them and their children I think of Isaiah 11:2...

2The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him,
  The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
  The spirit of counsel and strength,
  The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

I am so grateful for the promise of Jeremiah 29:11-13...

“For I know the plans I have for you,”says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find Me when you seek Me, if you look for Me in earnest” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessing of being at the installation service yesterday.  Thank You for the blessing of seeing Miss Evelyn singing with the children.  Thank You for hearing Miss Annabel say "Ganma" as she loved on me.  You are so awesome in the way You bless me.  Father, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers for my children and grandchildren.  I pray You will continue to bless each one of them.  Lead them Lord on the path You so desire of them.  Thank You Lord for being My Prayer Listener!  Amen.

Psalm 119:105 - Help in Making Right Choices

I've been praying for a particular situation that involves people making wrong decisions.  I'm hurt that they just can't see what they are doing is wrong.  Or maybe it's that they see it but they are still making wrong decisions.  I came upon this article that I think is one worth keeping.

Help in Making Right Choices
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
God’s Word is the Christian’s guide for making godly, successful choices in life.
Before you make your decisions, compare your desires to what the scriptures say and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Would you be able to ask God to bless it?  Would your decision be something that you can take before God with a good conscience and ask Him to bless? Or is it something that you know the Lord would not be enthused about?
 “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it”  (Proverbs 10:22).
2. Could you thank Him for it?  Would your decision be something that you can openly express gratefulness and thankfulness to God? Or would it be something which would seem inappropriate to thank Him for?
 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
3. Would it be to God’s Glory? Would your decision be something that can bring Glory and honor to the Lord?  Ask yourself how the Lord would be lifted up or blessed by your plans.
 “...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”  (1 Cor. 10:31).
4. Would it be of the world? Would your decision be an indulgence upon worldly, carnal appetites or lusts?
 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
5. Would it be a stumbling block to others?  How would your decision affect the lives of your brethren in Christ? Even if you don’t feel it’s wrong, could it offend or harm the sensitive faith of those who don’t share your convictions?
 “...beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak”
(1 Cor. 8:9).
6. Would it be a weight or hindrance? Would your decision be something that would drag down your Christian life or influence you toward disobedience?
 “...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
7. Would it please God or man?  Whom do you hope to please by your decision?  Will it bring pleasure to God, or will it appease self or man?
 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col. 3:23).
8. How would the Devil react? Would your decision or actions be considered a victory or a defeat by the Devil’s forces? Would Hell celebrate your choice as a fulfillment of Satan’s desires, or would the enemy be angry and disturbed?
 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
9. What would the consequences be? What kind of long-term ramifications would you have to face for your decision? Remember, God will forgive sin and poor judgment, but you may have to live with the results of your decision for the rest of your life.
 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
10. Would it edify you? Would your decision or actions bring you closer to God or pull you farther away? Will it edify (build you up) in the Lord, or will it weaken your confidence of the Lord’s strength in your life?
 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify”  (1 Cor. 10:23).
11. Would it serve the right master?  Will your decision require you to yield to the demands of someone or something other than Christ? Will it cause you to compromise your submission and obedience to Jesus?
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).
12. Would His indwelling presence agree with it? Would your decision bring peace to your
inner man, or would it create discomfort or distress? Is your choice directed by the promptings and leading of the Holy Spirit, or by the appetites of the flesh?
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...” (John 16:13).
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).
13. Would you want to be doing this when Jesus Returns? Would you want to be doing this when Christ comes again? If Jesus would appear to inspect your decision or actions, would
you be embarrassed or delighted? Would His presence make you comfortable or insecure?
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44).
14. Would it promote love? Would your decision or actions express love and harmony, or would it reflect retribution, jealousy or injury to your neighbor?
“Owe no one anything except to love one another... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:8, 10).
15. Have you sought the Lord about it? The Lord promises to give leadership and direction to our life. Consult Him in prayer. Remember, God will never speak something to our heart that contradicts his written Word.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6).
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel; that will stand” (Prov. 19:21).
16. Have you sought Godly counsel or advice? Ask the advice of those who live Godly and have a track record of experience and wise decision making. Avoid the counsel of those whose Christian life is questionable or who have experience of failure in making sound decisions.
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14).
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly...” (Psa. 1:1)

I keep thinking about the situation/people I continue to pray for.  I don't want to give up praying for them because I know the Lord didn't give up on me.  Sometimes, though, I feel I'm not making a difference in the situation.  It is in those times that I know I must not give up on them.  

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these questions and scriptures you took me to this morning.  I praise You, Lord, for not giving up on me.  I also praise You for the burden You have given me to not give up on this situation.  Lord, I pray for You to be very real in those involved.  I pray for an eye opening experience for each of them that will make them realize You need to be first in their lives.  Thank You Jesus for being My Restorer!  Amen.

Psalm 62:5 - Rest in me

Conversation with the Lord this morning....

Me:  Lord, I am tired....physically, mentally, emotionally....my whole being.

Lord:  Rest in me.

Me:  Lord, would You please fill me up?  Would you please restore things that need restored?  I can't even begin to tell You how much I appreciate the way You give me exactly what I need each and every day.  I praise You, Lord, for Your love, mercy and grace.

Lord:  Rest in me.

Me:  Father, You know my plans for the day but I pray You will enable me to see each and every opportunity You put before me.

Lord:  Rest in me.



Oh my goodness.  The Lord is only saying three little words back to me.  "Rest in me."  I do believe I know what He wants me to do!  I am reminded of Psalm 62:5, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him."  If I expect rest from Him, I will receive it.  First though, I have to stop then I will receive it.  

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this reminder.  Thank You that when I rest in You I am rejuvenated in my body and in my spirit.  Thank You for being My Rest!  Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "We Have Overcome"

Wow Lord...You are so amazing!  It was such a blessing as we sat last night and listened to one who had experienced hearing Your Voice.  This is one we've prayed for years that he would be delivered from addiction and totally surrender to You.  Father, would You please give Him Your Strength as He battles the desires for the junk of this world?  Would You please give Him Your Power to overcome?  I think of the song "We Have Overcome" and am praising the Lord for the way this one is giving You the praise for what is happening in his life.  As he left last night, Doc gave him II Timothy 1:7....For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  I pray he will hold that verse near to him as he goes throughout the days ahead.  I'm so grateful for the way he talked about having peace for the very first time of his life.  His testimony was awesome!  Woo hoo!  

"We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony, everyone overcome"

Dear Jesus,

Would you give this one opportunity to share his testimony?  Would you strengthen him each and every day as he battles the addiction?  Would you wipe things out of his life that need to be gone?  Would you give his family what they need mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in the days ahead?  Father, I praise Your Holy Name for the way You are working in this family.  Bless them mightily.  Thank You, Lord, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the process.  Thank You Lord for being My Testimony!  Amen.

Verse::1

Seated above, enthroned in the Father's love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind
God's only son perfect and spotless one
He never sinned, but suffered as if he did

Prechorus
All authority, every victo-ry is Yours
All authority, every victory is Yours

Chorus

Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever, awesome and great is Your name, You overcame

Verse::2

Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
You're sending us out, light in this broken land

Bridge
We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony, everyone overcome

Psalm 100 - "You Are Good"

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Thank You Jesus for waking me up to singing "You Are Good" this morning!  What a great reminder of just how much You love me and that love blesses me in so many ways each and every day.  "You are the only One; You are the One that I desire; You are the only One, my King."  Woo hoo!  Amen!  Thank You Jesus!

I am reminded of ones I've been praying for these last few days....

...the one who was electrocuted, I praise You for the physical healing that has occurred so far and pray for continued healing not only in his physical body but also his spiritual body

...the one You are healing her back.  Lord, You revealed that the healing process would continue throughout the week.  You told me that she needed to be in Your Presence seeking the healing.  Father, I pray that is exactly where she is.

...my Momma who would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary yesterday if my Daddy were still on this earth.  I praise You for comforting and loving on her.

...the addicted one who I prayed with the other night.  Strengthen her Lord as she is on the road to recovery.  Point her in the right direction for the help she needs.

...the one who is struggling with those she is ministering with.  Lord, give her Your encouragement.  Father, bless her mightily.  I pray the ones around her will be open to what You have in store for them.

...the one who was called to ministry that shared with me how they were feeling.  I praise You that You revealed to her that she is worthy of the call You have placed upon her life.

...the one who is cheating their employee, not with money but with their time.  You revealed to me they didn't realize what they were doing.  Please open their eyes.

...the one who is in an inappropriate relationship with someone other than their spouse.  May the truth come out.

...the ones who have upcoming doctor appointments and need a physical touch.  I pray for the doctors to have your wisdom.

...the ones dealing with major diseases.  Father, give them Your strength to get through these days.  I also pray for the ones who have upcoming appointments to determine what is going on in their bodies. 

...the ones dealing with love ones who appear to be in their last days.  Comfort them.  Strengthen them.  Love on them.


Last night as Dr Diehl was preaching about Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo he said, "When you land in the fire, the Lord will be right there with you."  I pray for more and more people to realize that truth.  I also pray more people will believe and practice another thing Dr Diehl said.  "Do not bow down to sin around you but serve the Lord!"  Woo hoo!  We don't have to give into sin.  The Lord's strength is always right here for us, to get us through any circumstance we are facing.  I praise His Holy Name that I can say, "But I know You're the God who lives in me; And I know You will always have my heart."  Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me.  Thank You for blessing me.  Thank You for being the Head of My Life.  Amen.

"You only get to keep that which you give away"

Yesterday was the third month anniversary of my Daddy's death.  Actually, I need to rephrase that.  Yesterday was the third month anniversary of my Daddy getting a new body as he ran into the arms of Jesus.  I miss him so much.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him.  I think about the fun times and how much he means to me.  Most of all I think about how he took care of my Momma.  Today would have been their sixty-seventh wedding anniversary.  I can't imagine what my Momma felt when she woke up this morning for the first time in sixty-seven years without him by her side.  I can't imagine how lonely she gets without him there with her.  I'm thankful for her faith and her friends that help her through tough times.  I'm also thankful for the outgoing personality the Lord gave her.   

I praise the Lord for the way my parents taught me to....

...love everyone
...be giving in my spirit
...not to be selfish but rather when there is someone in need to share with them
...to stay close to the Lord
...to be attentive to people around me

This morning when Dr Diehl was preaching I was reminded of how my parents raised me.  Dr Diehl's saying this morning was "You only get to keep that which you give away."  I think my Daddy would have said a big AMEN had he heard the sermon this morning.  Both of my parents are/were givers and they taught me to do the same.  For that I am so grateful.  It isn't just about finances but it's also about other aspects of life.  Listening to those hurting.  Hugging those who need a hug.  Sharing Jesus, sometimes even with a meal, to those who desperately need Him.  

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the example my parents gave to me as I was growing up.  Thank You for what I learned from them on how to give to others.  Father, would You please comfort my Momma today?  Would You wrap Your loving arms around her and let her know I love her?  Father, thank You for being Her Heavenly Father.  Thank You for being My Heavenly Father!  Amen.

Acts 17:24-27 - "The More I Seek You"

"I want to sit at your feet....drink from the cup in your hand...lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat...This love is so sep, it's more than I can stand.  I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming."  Woo hoo!  I love when the Lord wakes me up to a song that draws me closer to Him.  This song says it all.  "The more I seek, The more I find you.  The more I find you, the more I love you."  Amen!  Thank You Jesus!  It doesn't matter how far away we are from the Lord or how close we are in our relationship with Him.  These words are so true no matter which end of the spectrum we are at.  When we choose to seek Him, we will find Him. When we do find Him, our love will grow even deeper.  That's one of the exciting things to being in a relationship with the Lord.  As long as we continue to dig deeper in our relationship with Him, we will enjoy more and more of Him.  Woo hoo!  

The desire of His heart is for us to be in relationship with Him so that we can truly experience a life with Him.  He wants us to know that He loves us.  He wants us to know we can trust Him with our whole being.  He is giving us all of Him so that we will give all of ourselves back to Him.  

Acts 17:24-27 reads....

²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 

Woo hoo....if our purpose on this earth wasn't known before, it is stated here.  We were created to seek Him.  Thank You My Creator for putting a burning desire in my heart to seek more of You.  

Dear Jesus,
You are My Almighty One.  You are My Great Creator.  You are My One and Only God.  I am so grateful for our relationship.  I praise You, Lord, for the way You woke me early this morning with a message and scripture to give to one going through a tough time.  I praise You for answering a prayer that was heavy on my heart.  I praise You for giving me strength when I so needed more of Your Strength.  I praise You for loving me in a way that is indescribable.  You are so awesome!  I look forward to where You will lead me today.  Thank You Lord for being My Blessing!  Amen.

II Chronicles 20:13 - Prayer Warrior

WOW....WOW....WOW....I think maybe one of my favorite parts of District Assembly is the Wednesday Prayer Time.  I absolutely love being with my District Family as we gather for prayer.  Yesterday as we were getting into His Presence I was so blessed with the Lord speaking to me with four specific situations within the room that needed Him in a mighty way.  Being able to pray with ones who were going through some tough stuff was a blessing.  I continue to pray for them as the Lord brings them to my mind. I was blessed to anoint a couple people and look forward to hearing of the outcome from their situations. I also was blessed with the Word that was presented from Pastor Lain out of II Chronicles.  I find it utterly amazing how that particular book of the Bible has been preached to my ears several times over the last month.  Doc, someone at General Assembly, Pastor Steve, and now Pastor Lain.  As Pastor Lain said yesterday, that is where we can find a model for a corporate prayer meeting.  I agree with what he said about the church today missing out by not having corporate prayer meetings.  Not only are the people missing out but the children who aren't seeing what happens when adults pray.  I love the 13th verse in II Chronicles 20...

All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord.

They all were standing before the Lord.  The children weren't off in Children's Church but they were with their parents standing before the Lord.  I know children need to learn at their own level but are we doing them an injustice by not having them more involved in services?  I'm thankful our church keeps the children in with the adults through the offering so they can experience Praise and Worship.  I know our children believe in prayer and have been taught to have faith in believing the Lord will answer their prayers.  But are we doing enough for them?  Definitely something to pray about.

Throughout the day yesterday I had people come up to me and ask me to pray for them.  Some explained their situations.  Some did not.  I had a call from a lady at home that needed prayer.  At lunchtime I had a situation where I needed to go into an office on campus and had one who needed prayer.  It just seemed like every time I turned around there was someone who needed prayer.  I will have to say it was a day full of praying and I was blessed.  It amazed me how tired I was when I went to bed last night.  I told Doc this morning I don't even remember going to bed.  But it was a good tired.  I am one blessed lady!  Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for yesterday...thank You for blessing me in such a mighty way.  I praise Your Holy Name for loving me enough to use me as Your Servant, Lord.  Thank You for bringing some from yesterday back to my mind today to pray again.  Lord, I pray for opportunities to be a Prayer Warrior again today.  Lord, as I was sharing with a group yesterday about feeling like I've lost both of my Prayer Warriors over the last few months I was blessed with an insight You gave to one.  She said there is scripture in Revelation about the prayers of the Saints being lifted up.  She also said You shared with her, when she felt as I do, that the prayers that have went up in the past for her continue.  I like that idea.  I miss my Daddy and Lenore calling me and praying for me but the idea that their prayers continue help me.  Thank You Lord for being The One Who Loves Me!  Amen.

Romans 8:28 - "The Call"

I was thinking this morning about how often we think of the Lord as the big santa claus in the sky who is there only for when we want/need something.  I talked about this with the teens in Sunday School.  I came upon something to read and ponder....

The Call 
Author unknown 

The Master called my name one day because He needed someone to go: I said, "Lord, in my spare time, between school, spending time with my husband, working from 8 to 6, and trying to coordinate a program for my community to help our children do better, I will help you look. See, I know I can't go right now because I have so much to do." He said, "Well where shall I find such a person? I thought I saw your name on my list of available people." 

"Well, Lord, that was the prayer that I prayed last year, but since then, things have changed." He said "Like what?" "Well, I'm working on my Ph.D. and I'm needed by so many people and my husband is always wanting something done, and on top of that, my community EXPECTS me to help and give to them so..." 
"Well, since you're busy, I'll let you go, but we will talk again, if YOU have some time." I went on through the days, and the weeks, and the months completing my tasks as always. One evening, while studying for my comp exams, I received a call from the hospital concerning my husband. He had been in a terrible accident and was in critical condition. I dropped everything and ran to the Hospital where I found my husband hanging on for dear life. I immediately begin to pray: "Lord, don't take him now, I can't bear it," but my prayer echoed off the wall and returned into my own ear. 

That next morning I left the hospital tired and weary, and walked in the door of my classroom just in time to begin my comps. As the professors begin asking me questions I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. In my mind, I began praying, praying hard, but my prayer echoed again and I found myself upset at the Lord because He was nowhere to be found. I could not explain to them what was happening. After leaving from my exams, I called in to work because I was so distraught at all that was going on. I explained to my supervisor what had happened and she demanded that I take some time off. 

After visiting my husband in the hospital that evening, I went home and fell into a sunken state, crying and despairing. Just then I heard someone calling my name. "Lord, is that YOU?" "Well, yes it is. Do YOU have some time? I wanted to see if I could just talk .... " Instead of waiting to hear His questions, I lashed out in anger and resentment. "How is it that when I needed You today, YOU couldn't be found and last night I cried and cried, but all I heard were echoes from the walls. My husband is dying, I'm flunking out of school, I may not have a job, and you can just sit and say YOU want to talk." The Lord interrupted me in my foolish speaking. "My child, I was busy, out looking for someone to go and tell others about Me when you cried. By the time I came to answer, you had moved on to something else. So, I decided to let your husband rest, and keep you home for a few days. That way, MAYBE you would get in touch with me, if YOU had some time. For you see, before your husband, the community, or your job needs you, I NEED YOU. And if all these things take you away from Me, I have to almost take them away from YOU in order to get a moment." 

I calmed down and began to cry. For I remembered my prayer of wanting to go and do for the Lord. He said "I just wanted to check with you to see if you knew of ANYONE that I could send to be a witness for Me and tell others about Me ... anyone at all?" With tears in my eyes and feeling so unworthy I said "Lord, send me, I'll go." The Lord should never have to ask us if we have some time. When He died on the cross He put aside everything to insure us eternal life. We should be more than GRATEFUL to do service for the Lord, to witness, and to tell ANYONE we can about Jesus. Don't let your (things), WHATEVER they may be, get you so tied up that the Lord has to become a meeting time in your yearly planner. He had more than enough time for us. The least we could do is have time for Him. 
*I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong. 
*I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve. 
*I asked for prosperity and God gave me brawn and brains to work. 
*I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome. 
*I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait. 
*I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help. 
*I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities. 
*I asked for everything so I could enjoy life. 
Instead, He gave me life so I could enjoy everything. 
*I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed.

I know there have been times in the past where the Lord called me to do something and I didn't respond appropriately, if at all.  Shame on me!  I am sorry Lord for those times.  I also know when I do the Lord's Will I am at peace.  I am enjoying exactly where He places me when I am doing His Work.  Last night's service really got me thinking about where I am headed with the Lord.  Questions came to my mind that I need to ponder and pray about.  Where are You taking me Lord on this new path You started me on?  How will my days look a year from now?  Will more doors be opened on this path?

I am holding onto Romans 8:28.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for the promises of Your Word!

Dear Jesus,
I love You so much!  I am so grateful for the way You lead and direct me!  You are so awesome in the way You bless me!  Lord, I miss my friend Lenore.  I miss knowing that she is praying for me.  After my Daddy died, she went from #2 to #1 in being my biggest cheerleader.  I feel like I've lost so much prayer support in these last months.  Would You please put someone in their place to pray for me?  I need a prayer warrior who is in tune with You so they will know when I need a phone call to encourage me.  I need someone who lives in Your Presence Lord so they will hear Your voice.  Thank You Jesus for being The One Who Called Me.  Amen.

Psalm 32:8 - "Lord, I Need You"

Oh my goodness....I woke up singing Chris Tomlin's "Lord, I Need You" and had to chuckle.  I need the Lord to give me physical strength in a mighty way BUT that's not the only thing I need His Strength in.  I need His Strength spiritually, mentally and emotionally today.  Today will be a great day from start to finish but it will be a long day.  I know at some point in time I have to stop and rest.  I also know He will direct my path and I must be tuned in so I hear His Voice.  I need to be able to hear when an opportunity comes my way.  I also need to hear His Voice to know when I need to rest.  I love the part "My one defense, my righteousness"....woo hoo!  "Righteousness (also called rectitude) is an important theological concept in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism (Dharma), and Zoroastrianism. It is an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been "judged" or "reckoned" as leading a life that is pleasing to the god's portrayed in these belief systems."  Yes, I have been "reckoned" with!  I also know God is pleased with me but I need to stay in His Presence so I can hear His Voice.  Woo hoo!  Praise His Holy Name!  I am standing on Psalm 32:8 as I start this day.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Dear Jesus,

I am so excited to see where You will guide me today.  Who will I have an opportunity to love on?  What exciting things will You put before me?  Will I see a miracle today?  Lord, I am Your servant.....do as You will...  Amen.

Verse 1:
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Verse 2:
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge:
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Philippians 4:13 - Green Mornings

Why? Why? Why? Lord, why are my "green mornings" 95% of the time on Sundays?  I have prayed and prayed against the enemy having anything in my life.  Yet I wonder if it's him causing me to feel so bad.  Or is it that You are trying to teach me a lesson?  I just don't understand how physically I can function normally...OK, as normal as a person can with relapsing-remittance MS...six out of seven days a week and then BAM Sunday morning comes along and it's bad.  Yesterday I struggled to ask to be anointed because I felt like there were so many others with worse things than me.  Then You told me, "Daughter, you must ask so that someone else in this place will see your obedience."  After hearing that I thought now I will feel better.  Yet I still didn't.  URGH!!!!  I just don't understand but then You reminded me that I don't have to understand.  I just have to lean on Your Strength and You will give me what I need.  So here I am...Monday morning....no green feeling and thanking You for whatever yesterday was all about.  I am relying on Your Strength for whatever is ahead.  Lord, You know what I need to get through this week.  I especially ask that crabbiness does not show through when I get tired or overwhelmed.  I appreciate the way You have helped with that in the past and appreciate the help You give me in the future. 

Dear Jesus,
I praise You for Your Strength that gets me through each and every day.  I praise You for allowing me to have MS which has strengthened my relationship with You.  You are so awesome in the way You work through things.  I praise You Lord for the Strength You will give me this week emotionally, physically and mentally.  Father, there will be people who will be trying.  There will be situations that will be overwhelming.  But I just need You to show through in everything I do.  I am standing upon Philippians 4:13.  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Amen.

John 14:13-14 - Disappointment

Disappointment....something that we experience every day in one way or another.  Disappointment in people.  Disappointment in circumstances.  Disappointment in ourselves.  Why do have to deal with disappointment?  Because we depend upon the world instead of the Lord.  I was thinking this morning about how the world hypes us up to so many things.  It makes us want what others have.  Sometimes we get our focus off the Lord and we become disappointed in not getting something.  Or sometimes other people choose to follow the world and their choices are a disappointment to us.

That's where I am.  I'm disappointed in someone.  They are following the ways of the world instead of focusing God.  How do I deal with it?  I've fasted.  I've prayed.  Yet it hasn't changed things.  When the Lord told me the other day to fast for this couple, I asked how long.  His response, "I will tell you went it will be over."  Then when he told me a couple days later that a decision had been made in the situation and it was time to stop I was so disappointed the decision wasn't to follow His Ways but to follow the world's ways.  My heart is broken.  I can't imagine how the Lord is feeling.  One of His children making the decision to follow the world and not Him would have to break His heart.

I think of John 14:13-14 where Jesus tells us when we ask in His name our prayers will be answered.  Why were my prayers not answered for this situation?  Why did I fail?  Did I do something wrong?  I prayed and fasted as the Lord directed.

"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the

Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

The Lord's Will wasn't chosen by the ones involved.  Instead free choice came into play.  Romans 12:21 reads, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Why didn't the ones in this situation do this?  Why did they stray away from the Lord?  Don't they remember II Corinthians 5:17?  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  I am disappointed.  I feel like I failed as a Christian.  Was there something I could have done or said to keep their focus on the Lord?  Did I fail at I Thessalonians 5:11?  "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing."  

Dear Jesus,
I come before You this morning feeling like a failure.  I don't understand why my fasting and praying didn't change the situation.  Lord, I need Your peace.  I need to hear from You if I did something wrong or didn't do something I should have.  Father, I won't give up praying for a miracle in this situation.  Lord, I need to feel You in a mighty way today.  Amen.