Various Scriptures - Words of Encouragement

I loved the experience I had this morning at Firelands Hospital when we went to pray with a friend before surgery.  When the anesthesiologist came in to talk to her about the surgery, he told her that he and his wife had prayed for her this morning.  Woo hoo!  Not only did he tell her they prayed for the surgery but he spoke words of encouragement over her that the recuperation was going to go great too. I loved it!  What he said were words one would expect from us as pastors to say but not necessarily ones from someone in the medical field. It got me thinking about others who hear those same words from him.  My friend has a strong faith and understood what he was saying.  Not everyone would understand those words.  But he plants seeds as he goes throughout his days.  What seeds am I planting?  When I'm in the hospital praying with people, they expect words of encouragement and prayers.  But what about when I'm out and about and people see me.  Am I planting seeds for the Lord?  Am I seeing the opportunities the Lord has for me and seizing them?  I sure hope so.  I don't want to plant any "bad" seeds nor do I want to miss any planting!  I want the words to flow out of me to be words of encouragement. 

Strength Quotes For Encouragement

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Comfort And Encouragement Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  your rod and your staff,  they comfort me.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Peace Scripture Quotes For Encouragement

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the experience I had this morning with hearing the words of encouragement from this one.  I praise You for putting people who aren't afraid to share You into places such as the hospital.  Lord, help me to plant more seeds with my words.  Enable me, Lord, to be more of an encourager to others.  Open my eyes to opportunities.  Thank You Lord for being My Encourager!  Amen.

Blessed - "All I Can Do"

I am one blessed woman!  Woo hoo!  I saw a saying yesterday that reminded me of just how blessed I am.  It said "Thank You God for blessing me much more than I deserve."  Amen!  I can't even begin to thank Him enough for all the ways He has protected me, all the ways He has encouraged me, all the ways He has provided for me, all the times He has forgiven me but especially for always being there to guide me.  Unfortunately, I must admit that I've not always listened to Him.  I haven't always been in the place in my relationship with Him that I could hear Him.  That's sad but I'm thankful I live in His Presence now.  When I think about all the wasted opportunities that I know I missed, it's sad.  But I can't live in the past.  I must live each day as they come.  I know there is no way to make up for those missed opportunities but I do know He will be blessed as I live my life in His Presence doing His Will.  I know I can't begin to thank Him for everything He does for me so I will just say, "All I can do, all I can do, all I can do is say thank you."

Praying some scriptures this morning....

1Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercyendures forever.

Psalm 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Colossians 3:17 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.

2Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

Daniel 2:23 “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

1Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

2Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

Dear Jesus,
I thank You for yesterday and I thank You for today.  It is a new day in which I pray for many opportunities to be Jesus to others.  I am claiming my personalized Colossians 3:17 this morning.  And whatever I do in word or deed, I will do all in Your name, giving You thanks.  You are the One in control of my day.  Thank You in advance for the way You will be with me throughout the day.  Thank You Jesus for being My All!  Amen.

• 

  All I Can Do (Thank You)

  MIKESCHAIR

  from the album All I Can Do (Thank You) - Single

  
  

  I could write a love song
  Tell You what I think You wanna hear
  But it wouldn't be good enough, no
  Yea I could try so hard
  To give it everything I've got
  But I'm not ever gonna measure up
  
  [Chorus]
  All I can do is thank You
  For this life I never deserved
  Wanna thank You for the grace
  I know I don't have to earn
  You love me, You love me
  Your mercy is proof
  All I can do is say thank You
  All I can do is say thank You
  
  It would have been easy
  But I'm glad You never walked away
  Cause Your love runs deep for me
  And I see this beautiful world
  And it brings tears in my eyes
  And I think it's beautiful to be free
  
  [Chorus]
  
  (Thank You)
  For hope, for love, for all the ways You move
  (You)
  For everything You do
  (You)
  What else can I say but thank You
  Thank You
  
  I could write a love song
  Tell You what I think You wanna hear
  But it wouldn't be good enough
  
  [Chorus]
  
  All I can do, all I can do, all I can do
  Is say thank You
  All I can do, all I can do, all I can do
  Is say thank You

Various Scripture - "Just Say Jesus"

I woke up this morning praying for an individual that is so mad and distraught.  Their faith has faltered to the point of not existing any longer.   I have prayed for them.  I have tried to see them but they refuse.  I feel like I am getting nowhere with them.  That hurts.  I wish they would just give me a chance to sit and talk.  I've never been in their situation but I have been in the place of being mad at the Lord.  It's not a fun place to be.  I remember times of being so miserable because of how I felt toward Him.  As I was praying this morning, the song "Just Say Jesus" came to me.  

The part that goes, "If the words won't come; Cause you're too afraid to pray..." is a place I've been.  In fact just the other night I found myself in that place.  I received a text that infuriated me.  I got so mad about it that the thought that went through my head was, "I need to ask some people to pray about this situation because the Lord won't listen to my prayers with the way I'm feeling."  Thankfully He always hears our prayers.  After I calmed down then I was able to pray.  But if I would have thought of this song all I would have had to do was "Just say Jesus..."  

"Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come, you got to believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Light"


There is power in the name of Jesus and He has given us that power when we call upon His Name. He has shown us the power in His Name.  

John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.   (NKJ)

Ps 89:24  "But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted.   (NKJ)
Matt 18:5  "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  (NKJ)
Matt 18:20  "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (NKJ)
Mark 9:37  "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." (NKJ)
Mark 9:39   But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. (NKJ)  
Mark 9:41   "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." (NKJ)
Mark 13:6  "For many will come in My name, saying, `I am He,' and will deceive many. (NKJ)
Mark 16:17  "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; (NKJ)
Luke 9:48  and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great." (NKJ)
Luke 21:8   And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, `I am He,' and, `The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them. (NKJ)
John 14:14  "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (NKJ)
John 14:26  "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.(NKJ)
John 15:16  "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (NKJ)
John 16:23  "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (NKJ)
John 16:24  "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.''(NKJ)
John 16:26"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;"   (NKJ)

Dear Jesus,
The enemy is working overtime in many lives.  He is making them believe lies.  He is tearing families apart.  Father, I pray in Your Precious Name, the one You have put on my heart would open themselves back up to You.  I pray they will see through the lies and begin living with You again.  Father, this world can tear us down so quickly.  At times, it's hard to keep going.  That's where this person is today.  Lord, I pray in Your Holy Name, to be so real to them today.  Father, You have given me such a burden for them but yet I feel like I'm making no progress.  I know things have to occur in Your Time.  I also know I will not give up until I see victory.  Bless my efforts, Lord, in a mighty way.  I am claiming John 15:16.

  You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (NKJ)  Lord, I pray for fruit to be in abundance as You use me.  

Thank You Lord for being My Jesus!  Amen.


"Just Say Jesus" - 7eventh Time Down
Life gets tough, and times get hard
It's hard to find the truth in all the lies

If you're tired of wondering why
Your heart isn't healing
And nothing feels like home
Cause you're lost and alone just screaming at the sky

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won't come
Cause you're to afraid to pray
Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come, you got to believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Light

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won't come
Cause you're to afraid to pray
There is just one name
Strong enough to save
There is just one name
There is just one name
Jesus

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There's still power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words wont come
Cause you're to afraid to pray
If the words wont come
And you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus

Psalm 51 - "Help Me Find It"

The Lord woke me up this morning with the song, "Help Me Find It" and started me praying for some specific people who have lost their way from Him.  We all have been to the breaking point where we know we can't continue on the same path we have been going.  We know we don't have the strength to continue because we have fallen away from His Strength.  It's a desperate place to be.  It can be a lonely place.  It also can be a place where we feel more anger than we have ever had before in our life.  We must get back in His Will in order to have His Strength and His Peace.  That is a hard thing to do but not impossible.  We have to give up ways of the world in order to find Him.  People love to give advice but the only advice that is perfect is the advice that comes from the Lord.  Sometimes His advice comes through people but we must be very careful that it isn't the enemy trying to trip us up.  We must get to the point of not trying to live on our own but rather allow the Lord free reign of our whole being.  Surrender is the most important thing we can do in our life.  The best part about it is that the Lord never says "no" when we turn back to Him.  He is always ready with open arms.  Psalm 51 lays the groundwork of what we need to do when we find ourselves away from Him.  We first must ask for forgiveness and mercy.  We must seek a cleansing from all our sins. We must be broken before the Lord in order to be made whole again.  Sometimes we allow people or circumstances to pull us away from the Lord.  That's not what He wants though.  The desire of His heart is for us to be in full relationship with Him.  Full relationship.  We can't just give Him part of our life but we must completely surrender everything.  Sometimes it's hard to admit we've done wrong.  Sometimes it's hard to give up the ways of the world.  Sometimes it's easier to keep living the way we have fallen into.  But those "sometimes" are not the where the Lord wants us to live.  He wants us to live with Him, completely.  

Dear Jesus,
My heart is heavy this morning for two situations where people need to come back into full relationship with You.  Father, I pray their eyes will be opened today.  I pray their hearts will be fixed today.  I pray their ears will hear exactly what they need to hear in order to turn back to You.  I ask the enemy to be knocked down today in their lives.  Lord, You are their Creator who has an ultimate plan for their lives.  Reveal it to them in a mighty way.  Thank You Jesus for being My Restorer many years ago.  Amen.

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

¹ Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
² Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

³ For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
⁶ Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
⁹ Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
¹⁴ Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
¹⁵ Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
¹⁶ You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
¹⁷ My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

¹⁸ May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹ Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Sidewalk Prophets - Help Me Find It

I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

[Chorus:]
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

[Chorus]

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need

[Chorus]

Various Scriptures in John - "Great I Am"

I loved, loved, loved yesterday as the Lord kept bringing to my mind that He is the Great I Am!  Woo hoo!  It started in the morning as I was driving and the song came on the radio.  Then in the Abraham's prayer group Joan praised the Great I Am!  On the way home from Sandusky I started humming the song when I got back in the car, turned the radio on and KLOVE was playing it again!  Woo hoo!  I love how the Lord used that song to bless me!  

Hallelujah, Holy, Holy
God Almighty, the Great I Am
who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the Great I Am

He is the Great I Am!  I love the scriptures that describe Him as the I Am!  In the book of John, there are seven references to Him being the I Am and each and every one of them make him personal.

"I Am the Bread of Life"  John 6:35, 48, 51
"I Am the Light of the World"  John 8:12
"I Am the Door of the Sheep"  John 10:7, 9
"I Am the Good Shepherd"  John 10:11, 14 
"I Am the Resurrection and the Life"  John 11:25
"I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"  John 14:6
"I Am the True Vine"  John15:1, 5

He is the Great I Am which makes Him so powerful!  Woo hoo!  He is powerful enough to heal bodies!  He is powerful enough to restore relationships!  He is powerful enough to knock the enemy down when He comes knocking at our door!  Woo hoo!  

The mountains shake before You
The demons run in fear
At the mention of the name 
King Of Majesty
There is no power in hell
or any who can stand
before the power and the 
Presence of the Great I Am

The key to victory lies in "...the Presence of the Great I Am..."  The Great I Am is ready for us at all time.  The desire of His heart is for us to have victory while on this earth so we can have victory in eternity.  

I praise the Great I Am for being My Bread of Life...the Light of My World...My Door...My Good Shepherd...My Resurrection and Life...My Way, My Truth and My Life...My True Vine.  

Hallelujah, Holy, Holy
God Almighty, the Great I Am
who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the Great I Am

Dear Great I Am,
I am so grateful for all You are to me.  Father, thank You for the way You reminded me yesterday of You being My Great I Am!  Woo hoo!  Lord, this day that is ahead of me is Yours.  Please lead my steps to where You so desire them to go.  Open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed throughout this day.  I praise You Father for being My Great I Am!  Amen.

Acts 9:36-43 - Dorcus Study Part III

Once again the Lord said "Dorcas" when I woke up this morning...

Acts 9:36-43

New International Version (NIV)

³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

It wasn't Dorcas' faith that brought her back to life.  Did the widows gain faith through watching Dorcas?  Peter definitely had the faith for her to come back to life.  Did the Lord use this situation to grow Peter's faith?  Probably.  Did He use this situation to grow Dorcas' faith?  Probably.  Did He use this situation to grow the widow's faith?  Probably.  I know myself when I've been healed my faith has grown along with others who have witnessed the healing.

Yesterday I asked the Lord to reveal to me what He wants me to get from this study on Dorcas.  I'm still waiting on His answer but I know as long as He continues to direct me this direction I will continue.  I have to wonder if I'm missing opportunities to take care of the poor and/or the widows.  I also wonder if people see me as someone with strong faith.  I sure hope so.  I also hope what I do for the Lord always glorifies Him and not myself.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for leading me again to the story of Dorcas.  Lord, as I prayed yesterday, please reveal to me exactly what You want me to get from this study.  Father, if I ever have glorified myself instead of You, please forgive me.  Lord, Your Will be done in my life.  I pray for many to come to know You through me.  Open doors for opportunities to share You with others.  Thank You Jesus for being My Opportunity Maker!  Amen.

Acts 9:36-43 - Study on Dorcas Part II

Acts 9:36-43

New International Version (NIV)

³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

It was interesting how when the phone rang during the night the Lord brought Dorcas to my mind.  I was tempted to get up then and start reading more about her but I went back to sleep.  I know if I would have been suppose to get up He would have kept me awake.

As I read more about Dorcas, she sounds like one fine lady.  To be called "a disciple" back in those days was highly unusual for a female.  That showed she followed the Lord in a mighty way.  She didn't just half-heartedly follow Him but she did as He desired.  Another thing that shows her relationship with the Lord is that it is the first thing that is said about her.

The next thing we read about her is "she was always doing good and helping the poor."  She was given the gift and used it well.  She had the ability to make garments and shared that gift.  I think of how my Daddy liked to make vegetable soup and potato salad.  He would make it and then give it away.  If my parents knew of someone who was sick or even just needed to be cheered up, they would drop off food to them.  That makes me chuckle.  They always thought food was the answer to everything.  LOL  As I think about Dorcas I think about how she shared.  She was a generous person.  That's my goal.  I want people to see me as a generous person.  I don't want people to see just the things I do but rather I want them to see how my relationship with the Lord effects the things I do.  "This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."  Dorcus' death had a purpose.  That purpose was so the Lord could bring her back to life in order for others to believe.  This makes me stop and think about the things that happen in my life.  What is the Lord's purpose for them?  As I think about the many physical healings I have received I know they are because the Lord wants others to see my faith.  I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my MS is because the Lord is glorified through it.  The desire of my heart is to further His Kingdom.  I praise Him for every opportunity He puts before me to share His Love with others.  I don't understand why I am chosen to do the things I am but I do know He loves me and directs my path.  I also know His Direction is clear when I am in His Presence, able to listen to Him.  

I am reminded Colossians 3:17...."And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  I believe this would have been Dorcas' life verse.  She gave her all for the Lord.  When the Lord presented opportunities before her to love on the widows, she went through the open doors.  When He gave her the opportunity to come back to life, she went through the open door.  I know I have had a lot of open doors the Lord has led me through.  I wonder how many open doors I missed because I couldn't hear the Lord.  Or perhaps I was too busy to take the opportunity.  Or maybe I missed an opportunity because I was trying to please others instead of the Lord.  I don't want to miss any open doors He puts before me, no matter what the reason is.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for bringing Dorcas to me to study.  I wonder if the reason You did is because I'm missing open doors of opportunity.  Father, please keep my focus on what You desire of me.  I pray for open doors to be revealed in a mighty way.  Thank You Jesus for being My Open Door!  Amen.