It was such a busy weekend. Saturday was full from start to finish with breakfast with friends, a hospital visit, two birthday parties....makes me tired just thinking about it. Sunday wasn't a typical Sunday with me being called to the hospital twice for people in the ER who were transferred by Life Flight and Doc having practice with two bands after church. Needless to say there wasn't much time at home. So this morning Mordecei refuses to lay at my feet and instead is laying right beside me. There's barely enough room for the two of us to lay side by side on this couch. His insistence on being close to me is endearing. He misses me when I'm not at home. He misses me when I don't give him my attention.
It made me think about how much God misses us when we don't give Him our attention. God's love is unconditional. He loves us whether we spend time with Him or not. But when we spend time with Him our love for Him deepens. The more I am in His Presence, the more I desire of Him. Woo hoo! The more I am in communication with the Lord the more natural it feels. Talking to the Lord throughout the day is my norm now. I remember when I struggled to know what to pray. I am now blessed with the knowledge that all I have to do is talk to Him just as if He were sitting here with me. Woo hoo! What freedom there is in being close to the Lord. Some people think there are too many rules or regulations to having a relationship with the Lord but not me. I see it as freeing. No longer do I have to worry about what I am doing or who I am pleasing because He is the only One that needs pleased. The desire of my heart is to be in communion with Him 24/7. I want to hear what He has to say to me. I want to know what He wants of me. I am so grateful for the opportunities He puts before me to be Him to others. To be able to love on people who I don't know or people who are unlovable is a gift He has given me. To be able to share Him with people who don't know Him is the ultimate gift.
II Corinthians 3 reads...
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
These words are exciting! When we believe in the Lord, we are "...transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory..." Woo hoo! That is exciting. The deeper we go in our relationship with Him, the more we will receive of Him. When we allow His Spirit control, the freedom will come in abundance! We can't just give Him part but rather have to give Him total control of all of our being. No longer do we have to worry about who we are pleasing. No longer do we have to worry about our finances. No longer do we have to worry about our schedule. When He has free reign, we will receive the freedom that comes with it.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for our relationship. Lord, I'm sorry when there are times I allow the distractions of this world to get between us. I pray for all believers to come into a full relationship with You so they may know the freedom it brings. Thank You Jesus for the one who came to know You through my words yesterday. Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to be You to so many. Father, I pray for this new week. There are full days and now a funeral thrown into the mix. Lord, please do not allow me to get distraction to the point where I miss what You want of me. Thank You for where You have me in my life at this moment. You are blessing me in abundance and for that I am thankful. Father, thank You for being My Glory! Amen.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Matthew 28:18-20 - "It Starts With Me"
Tim Timmons song "It Starts With Me" has been on my lips for the past few days. I decided this morning the Lord was trying to tell me something!
You’re my revival song, You start where I belong
On my knees, on my knees
When I am weak You're strong, You meet me here
When I’m on my knees, on my knees
Oh, it starts with me
If I truly want to be doing the Lord's Will, I first must be in a right relationship with Him. I was talking the other day to someone about how cool it is to hear the Lord's Voice. There is nothing better than knowing I am doing His Will. But I wonder how many times I don't hear Him. How many times am I so caught up in life that I miss Him? How many times am I distraught over things that I haven't taken to Him in prayer that makes it be that I can't hear Him? If I want to truly be in relationship with Him 24/7, it takes me being able to hear Him at all time. I am thankful for the changes He has made in me over the last few years but I know there is always room for improvement.
I went to Tim Timmons website and read about how he is fighting incurable cancer and the urgency that comes through in his testimony because of it. I love the words he wrote about the church...
We are the church...not the church building but we the believers. If we don't leave the building and share Him with others, how will they ever know anything about Him? Before we can do that though we first must have a revival within our hearts. We have to be in communion with the Lord in order to be able to hear His direction for our lives. We have to be willing to follow the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20.
I love something I read this morning....."The church is the body of Christ---his heart, his mouth, his hands and feet---reaching out to the world." If we want to "leave a legacy" and "speak with authority" as Timmons song says, then first we must be in right relationship with Him and secondly, we must be willing to fulfill the Great Commission.
Dear Jesus,
Forgive me when I don't hear You.
Bless me when I do hear You.
Put before me opportunities today to fulfill the Great Commission.
Lord help us, as the church---as believers---to have a revival in our hearts so that we can do Your Will.
Thank You Jesus for being My Revival!
Amen.
You’re my revival song, You start where I belong
On my knees, on my knees
When I am weak You're strong, You meet me here
When I’m on my knees, on my knees
Oh, it starts with me
If I truly want to be doing the Lord's Will, I first must be in a right relationship with Him. I was talking the other day to someone about how cool it is to hear the Lord's Voice. There is nothing better than knowing I am doing His Will. But I wonder how many times I don't hear Him. How many times am I so caught up in life that I miss Him? How many times am I distraught over things that I haven't taken to Him in prayer that makes it be that I can't hear Him? If I want to truly be in relationship with Him 24/7, it takes me being able to hear Him at all time. I am thankful for the changes He has made in me over the last few years but I know there is always room for improvement.
I went to Tim Timmons website and read about how he is fighting incurable cancer and the urgency that comes through in his testimony because of it. I love the words he wrote about the church...
“Following Jesus versus being a believer in Him is revolutionary,” Timmons says with a smile spreading across his face and his voice teeming with infectious energy. “I actually believe it will revolutionize the power of the Kingdom. What if the people who fill our weekend church services actually saw themselves as the church in the name, the power and the authority of Jesus as we walked out of that building? I get really excited just thinking about it.”
We are the church...not the church building but we the believers. If we don't leave the building and share Him with others, how will they ever know anything about Him? Before we can do that though we first must have a revival within our hearts. We have to be in communion with the Lord in order to be able to hear His direction for our lives. We have to be willing to follow the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20.
Matthew 28:18-20
New International Version (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Dear Jesus,
Forgive me when I don't hear You.
Bless me when I do hear You.
Put before me opportunities today to fulfill the Great Commission.
Lord help us, as the church---as believers---to have a revival in our hearts so that we can do Your Will.
Thank You Jesus for being My Revival!
Amen.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Ephesians 5:21-33 - "Lead Me"
Sanctus Real's song "Lead Me" was on my lips this morning. I love, love, love this song but hearing it in person Saturday night was awesome! There are so many wives in this world who can relate to this song. But there are also so many wives that aren't to the point in the spiritual walk where they are ready to allow their husband to be the spiritual head of their home. I was there many years ago. Since my husband wouldn't be the leader I assumed the responsibility. That was wrong. I did it because it was easier and kept peace in our home. I thought I was doing the right thing but the Lord brought it to my attention that as long as I did it there was no need for my hubby to do it. Ouch!
Each and every home needs the man to be it's leader. Plain and simple. That is the way God designs us. There are so many scriptures for this topic but this morning the Lord took me to Ephesians 5.
Submit....love....respect....all part of what makes a successful marriage. Both parties have to be willing to give and take. There has to be compromise in order for the marriage to work. But most importantly a marriage must have God in the center of it to be truly blessed. The Lord can't bless a marriage if it isn't glorifying Him.
I am so thankful we came to the point of understanding of what our marriage needed to be many years ago. I am not always happy with decisions that are made but I have faith in my husband that he has prayed about things before making decisions. Sometimes my emotions get in the way and I can't see what the Lord wants. Thankfully the Lord gave me my husband to take care of times such as that.
Dear Jesus,
I pray for the wives who are leading their homes. I pray You will not only open their eyes to the desires of Your Heart but also open their husband's eyes. I pray for You to be the center of marriages and I pray for marriages to be blessed. Right now there seems like there are so many marriages struggling. Lord, speak to these couples. Bring them back into a full relationship not only with each other but also with You. Father, thank You for my husband who is the head of our home. Thank You for his love not only for me but more importantly for You. Thank You Jesus for being The Center of Our Marriage. Amen.
Each and every home needs the man to be it's leader. Plain and simple. That is the way God designs us. There are so many scriptures for this topic but this morning the Lord took me to Ephesians 5.
Instructions for Christian Households
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Submit....love....respect....all part of what makes a successful marriage. Both parties have to be willing to give and take. There has to be compromise in order for the marriage to work. But most importantly a marriage must have God in the center of it to be truly blessed. The Lord can't bless a marriage if it isn't glorifying Him.
I am so thankful we came to the point of understanding of what our marriage needed to be many years ago. I am not always happy with decisions that are made but I have faith in my husband that he has prayed about things before making decisions. Sometimes my emotions get in the way and I can't see what the Lord wants. Thankfully the Lord gave me my husband to take care of times such as that.
Dear Jesus,
I pray for the wives who are leading their homes. I pray You will not only open their eyes to the desires of Your Heart but also open their husband's eyes. I pray for You to be the center of marriages and I pray for marriages to be blessed. Right now there seems like there are so many marriages struggling. Lord, speak to these couples. Bring them back into a full relationship not only with each other but also with You. Father, thank You for my husband who is the head of our home. Thank You for his love not only for me but more importantly for You. Thank You Jesus for being The Center of Our Marriage. Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Philippians 4:13 - One of Those Days....
Today is one of "those days"....one of those "I can't do it" days where I just want to lay on the couch and not exist. The tears are falling... It's these days that remind me I have MS. It's these days where I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it will take the Lord's Strength to get me through. I am holding onto Philippians 4:13 in a mighty way today. Sunday when I woke up having a "green morning" I knew it was because of Hopefest the night before. I did too much walking and standing, didn't get enough sleep and I hurt so bad. Today, on the other hand, there is no rhyme or reason to why I feel so bad. I am going to be the little engine who could but instead of saying "I think I can" I am going to say "I know I can with the Lord's help." Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Today it is physical and emotional strength that He is going to fill me with.
Dear Jesus,
Your Strength is perfect....I know that from experience. It is only by Your Strength that I can get through days like this. I praise You for never leaving me. You are greater than this MS and I praise You for that knowledge. Lord, guide my steps today. Put before me opportunities to be You to others. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.
Dear Jesus,
Your Strength is perfect....I know that from experience. It is only by Your Strength that I can get through days like this. I praise You for never leaving me. You are greater than this MS and I praise You for that knowledge. Lord, guide my steps today. Put before me opportunities to be You to others. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Deuteronomy 30:19 - "Carry Me"
I woke up during the night and the Lord impressed upon me to pray for all of the hurting people in this world. Specifically, for the ones in my circle of the world. There seems to be so many going through tough stuff. Looking from the outside in it appears as the enemy has some footholds in some situations. He needs gone! It amazes me though how many people seem to like to live in that type of world. Chaos seems to be the life of choice. I wish people would realize their situations could be different if they allowed the Lord reign of their lives. Not just reign on Sunday but total reign. 24/7. Nothing held back. We have to get to the point of realizing life is going to be junk as long as we live in the junk.
My heart breaks as I see marriages in turmoil or drugs/alcohol tearing up families. To see families torn apart due to sudden deaths caused by the sins of the world. I can't imagine how the Lord must grieve over the state of our world. Josh Wilson's song "Carry Me" in on my lips this morning.
So I prayed God, would You make this stop
Father please hold on to me, You're all I've got...
I'm at the end of myself
I know I've got nothing left...
We have to get to this point where we cry out to the Lord. He has to be our Solid Rock or we will just keep sinking in the sand of life. If we don't give Him all of us, He can't carry us through the tough times. We can't just give Him part of our life and hold onto other parts. It won't work. That would be like asking Him to carry our arms but not our legs. It has to be all or nothing.
It saddens me to see believers who try to live in both the world and for the Lord. It is important that we realize we do live in the world but we can't be of the world if we truly want to follow the Lord. These scriptures point us in the direction the Lord desires us to go.
In Deuteronomy 30:19 the Lord tells us in no uncertain terms how we are to live.
Once we become a believer there shouldn't be any question on how we are to live. He needs our all. He needs to know He can depend upon us to carry out the will He has on our lives. Why do many believers fall into the traps of this world? Simple. They give the enemy a foothold in their life and once he digs in to them it is hard to break loose. I recently heard someone say, "When the enemy can't make you bad, he's make you busy." How very true. More and more believers are filling their calendars up with stuff of the world instead of the Lord. Many don't have time for personal devotions, family devotions, sharing the Gospel let alone time for church. The devil's foothold is just getting stronger and stronger in their lives. Then they wonder why their teenager is being rebellious or why their spouse no longer wants to be with them. It all comes back to Deuteronomy 30:19. He gives us choice and it is up to us on how we handle it. Do we choose Him or the world?
Dear Jesus,
I pray for the ones going through tough times. I don't ask for you to make things better for them. I ask that You bring them to the end of themselves and to You in total communion. I pray for children who are being affected by the decisions their parents are making. Protect them Lord. Put believers before them that will love on them and show them the way to live in this world without being of this world. Father, I pray You will give me opportunities today to be You to others. Father, use me in whatever way You so desire. Thank You Lord for being My Life and The Length of My Days! Amen.
My heart breaks as I see marriages in turmoil or drugs/alcohol tearing up families. To see families torn apart due to sudden deaths caused by the sins of the world. I can't imagine how the Lord must grieve over the state of our world. Josh Wilson's song "Carry Me" in on my lips this morning.
So I prayed God, would You make this stop
Father please hold on to me, You're all I've got...
I'm at the end of myself
I know I've got nothing left...
We have to get to this point where we cry out to the Lord. He has to be our Solid Rock or we will just keep sinking in the sand of life. If we don't give Him all of us, He can't carry us through the tough times. We can't just give Him part of our life and hold onto other parts. It won't work. That would be like asking Him to carry our arms but not our legs. It has to be all or nothing.
It saddens me to see believers who try to live in both the world and for the Lord. It is important that we realize we do live in the world but we can't be of the world if we truly want to follow the Lord. These scriptures point us in the direction the Lord desires us to go.
- “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)
- “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”(John 17:14)
- “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
- “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. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15)
- “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”(James 4:4)
In Deuteronomy 30:19 the Lord tells us in no uncertain terms how we are to live.
“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …”
Once we become a believer there shouldn't be any question on how we are to live. He needs our all. He needs to know He can depend upon us to carry out the will He has on our lives. Why do many believers fall into the traps of this world? Simple. They give the enemy a foothold in their life and once he digs in to them it is hard to break loose. I recently heard someone say, "When the enemy can't make you bad, he's make you busy." How very true. More and more believers are filling their calendars up with stuff of the world instead of the Lord. Many don't have time for personal devotions, family devotions, sharing the Gospel let alone time for church. The devil's foothold is just getting stronger and stronger in their lives. Then they wonder why their teenager is being rebellious or why their spouse no longer wants to be with them. It all comes back to Deuteronomy 30:19. He gives us choice and it is up to us on how we handle it. Do we choose Him or the world?
Dear Jesus,
I pray for the ones going through tough times. I don't ask for you to make things better for them. I ask that You bring them to the end of themselves and to You in total communion. I pray for children who are being affected by the decisions their parents are making. Protect them Lord. Put believers before them that will love on them and show them the way to live in this world without being of this world. Father, I pray You will give me opportunities today to be You to others. Father, use me in whatever way You so desire. Thank You Lord for being My Life and The Length of My Days! Amen.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Colossians 4:16 - Twenty Four Years and Counting...
Twenty four years of marriage...woo hoo!!!! Thanking The Lord today for my husband who is such a blessing to me! Colossians 4:16 is one of the verses I believe our marriage is based on. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
With our current situation we spend many hours together. That can be good and that can be bad. We both need to have our own space and for the most part we have figured out how that all works. I am so grateful for the many attributes of my husband that have strengthened our marriage. I remember when we first were married he told me, "I don't know what you want if you don't tell me." That statement came after many arguments because I thought he should know what I wanted without me telling him. With the difference between men and women and the way they think that wasn't going to happen!
Spiritual Attribute
I am blessed to have my husband as my pastor. He is my spiritual leader who teaches me, admonishes me, and loves me unconditionally. He also took on the role of being the spiritual leader of our home many years ago. It wasn't always like that but once The Lord spoke to us about how our home was to be we were truly blessed. As partners in ministry we have learned how to be a blessing to many people. I am blessed to serve at his side through good situations and bad situations.
Emotional Attribute
I am blessed for the way my husband allows me to be emotional. He doesn't yell at me if I cry but instead will to show my emotions and comfort me when the timing is right. He follows well in my Daddy's footsteps in this area. I was raised with my Daddy encouraging me and supporting me. My Daddy, for the most part, always let me know he was proud of who I was. Thankfully, Doc does the same. I can't imagine not having his support. He also is my best friend...the one I tell my secrets too. Not only that but he is the one who I have fun with. He makes me laugh so much.
Physical Attribute
He has had to care for me physically so many times over the last twenty-four years due to back surgeries and MS. I remember when we were going through the MS diagnosis and he was working and going to college. Those were tough days for a lot of reasons but he took care of me so well. He stayed positive when I was struggling with my physical ailments.
Love Attribute
He loves me. Plain and simple. I'm not always easy to love but he loves me anyway.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for blessing me with my husband. Thank You for these last twenty-four years and for the years ahead of us. I praise Your Holy Name for his love for You which in turn shows through in his love for me. Bless Him abundantly, Lord. Give him more of You throughout his days. I pray for blesssings to continue on our marriage. Thank You Jesus for being My Marriage Blesser. Amen.
With our current situation we spend many hours together. That can be good and that can be bad. We both need to have our own space and for the most part we have figured out how that all works. I am so grateful for the many attributes of my husband that have strengthened our marriage. I remember when we first were married he told me, "I don't know what you want if you don't tell me." That statement came after many arguments because I thought he should know what I wanted without me telling him. With the difference between men and women and the way they think that wasn't going to happen!
Spiritual Attribute
I am blessed to have my husband as my pastor. He is my spiritual leader who teaches me, admonishes me, and loves me unconditionally. He also took on the role of being the spiritual leader of our home many years ago. It wasn't always like that but once The Lord spoke to us about how our home was to be we were truly blessed. As partners in ministry we have learned how to be a blessing to many people. I am blessed to serve at his side through good situations and bad situations.
Emotional Attribute
I am blessed for the way my husband allows me to be emotional. He doesn't yell at me if I cry but instead will to show my emotions and comfort me when the timing is right. He follows well in my Daddy's footsteps in this area. I was raised with my Daddy encouraging me and supporting me. My Daddy, for the most part, always let me know he was proud of who I was. Thankfully, Doc does the same. I can't imagine not having his support. He also is my best friend...the one I tell my secrets too. Not only that but he is the one who I have fun with. He makes me laugh so much.
Physical Attribute
He has had to care for me physically so many times over the last twenty-four years due to back surgeries and MS. I remember when we were going through the MS diagnosis and he was working and going to college. Those were tough days for a lot of reasons but he took care of me so well. He stayed positive when I was struggling with my physical ailments.
Love Attribute
He loves me. Plain and simple. I'm not always easy to love but he loves me anyway.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for blessing me with my husband. Thank You for these last twenty-four years and for the years ahead of us. I praise Your Holy Name for his love for You which in turn shows through in his love for me. Bless Him abundantly, Lord. Give him more of You throughout his days. I pray for blesssings to continue on our marriage. Thank You Jesus for being My Marriage Blesser. Amen.
Friday, September 20, 2013
II Corinthians 12:1-10 - Prickles of Life
My husband bought this towel for me while we were on vacation in New Orleans. It is one of the first things I see when I walk into my kitchen. Of course, I chuckle when I see it but I also pray the Lord will give me what I need to make this happen.
We all have the choice each and every day to allow either the Lord or the enemy to have full reign on of life. When we allow the enemy control, life will be chaotic but at times it will seem "good". When we allow the Lord control, life will be peaceful but at times it will seem "bad". That doesn't make much sense to some people. Some think when you allow the Lord control life will be easy or as I've heard before it will "be a bed of roses". I chuckle when I hear that old saying. Think about it. What exactly is a bed of roses? They can be beautiful when the roses are blooming. They can be fragrant. But they also can be prickly! There is more to that old saying than what people think. Can something be beautiful and fragrant yet prickly? Most definitely! Can life be good yet challenging? Most definitely. That's when we grow the most in the Lord. Our faith is stretched. The disciple Paul tells us in II Corinthians 12:10 that the Lord's power becomes strong through our weaknesses.
We all have the choice each and every day to allow either the Lord or the enemy to have full reign on of life. When we allow the enemy control, life will be chaotic but at times it will seem "good". When we allow the Lord control, life will be peaceful but at times it will seem "bad". That doesn't make much sense to some people. Some think when you allow the Lord control life will be easy or as I've heard before it will "be a bed of roses". I chuckle when I hear that old saying. Think about it. What exactly is a bed of roses? They can be beautiful when the roses are blooming. They can be fragrant. But they also can be prickly! There is more to that old saying than what people think. Can something be beautiful and fragrant yet prickly? Most definitely! Can life be good yet challenging? Most definitely. That's when we grow the most in the Lord. Our faith is stretched. The disciple Paul tells us in II Corinthians 12:10 that the Lord's power becomes strong through our weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12
12 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Matthew Henry writes that the troubles the Lord allows us to endure are to teach us to pray. When we don't get the answer we desire, He gives us the grace to continue on. We have the choice to make. Will we allow the enemy to take over or will we allow the Lord to grow us?
"The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
I want to make sure I allow the Lord full reign of my life each and every day. I don't want to miss any opportunities He puts before me. When the enemy tries to come knocking at my door, I sure don't want to open it up for him. I do want to be just as the towel says, "I'm the kind of gal who when my feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says "Oh crap! She's up!" I want the devil to be scared of me. I want him to be unhappy with my actions. On the other hand, I want the Lord to be proud of me and the way I live. Just as the apostle Paul says in this passage, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." These words give me exactly what I need to get through the prickles of this life. I am strong in my faith because of all I have been through. I don't always see the prickles as good things when I am going through them but once past them as I reflect on them I can see how the Lord used them to strengthen me.
Dear Jesus,
I praise Your Holy Name for loving me! I praise You Lord for all the ways You strengthen me. I will admit I'm not always happy with the prickles of my life but I will say that I'm happy with the results afterwards. Lord, Your Strength is what I need to get through each and every day. Your Wisdom and Guidance are what I need to get through each and every day. Your Attitude and Love are what I need to get through each and every day. Father, I pray You will enable me to slam the door shut on the enemy when He comes knocking. Thank You Lord for Your Strength. I praise You for being My Faith Builder! Amen.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
I Peter 3:1-6 - I Am Beautiful
While on our walk this morning the Lord brought to my attention a tree that is so beautiful with it's many colors...
As I took in it's beauty, I thanked the Lord for the beauty of His creation. His response was, "You are a beauty in my creation." I said, "I'm not near as beautiful as this." He went on to tell me how I am so much like this tree. He explained the different colors of the tree represent the different aspects of my life that I allow Him to work through. He told me that if the sun were shining this morning I would see the light peaking through the leaves, enhancing the different colors. He went on to say that is how it is when I allow Him to shine through me. He is enhanced by my obedience. It was so cool listening to Him. I wish I would have had something to write down His Words in case I forget anything. Wow! He thinks I'm beautiful! As a human being, that isn't something I think of myself as being. But in the spiritual realm of things I am beautiful because I am created by Him and I am allowing Him to shine through me.
When I read the words in I Peter 3:1-6, I am challenged to make sure my inner being is beautiful. I don't need to worry about the criteria the world puts on whether I am beautiful or not. I just need to make sure the Lord believes I am beautiful. Today He confirmed that is what He believes and for that I'm grateful.
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for speaking to me this morning. Thank You for loving me enough to encourage me with Your Words. Father, You are so awesome! I am so privileged to be a Daughter of the Most High! Woo hoo! Father, I pray for You to keep my feet on the right path and to bless me as I go throughout this day. I pray You will open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed so that I may live in Your Spirit no matter what comes my way. Thank You Jesus for being My Encourager. Amen.
As I took in it's beauty, I thanked the Lord for the beauty of His creation. His response was, "You are a beauty in my creation." I said, "I'm not near as beautiful as this." He went on to tell me how I am so much like this tree. He explained the different colors of the tree represent the different aspects of my life that I allow Him to work through. He told me that if the sun were shining this morning I would see the light peaking through the leaves, enhancing the different colors. He went on to say that is how it is when I allow Him to shine through me. He is enhanced by my obedience. It was so cool listening to Him. I wish I would have had something to write down His Words in case I forget anything. Wow! He thinks I'm beautiful! As a human being, that isn't something I think of myself as being. But in the spiritual realm of things I am beautiful because I am created by Him and I am allowing Him to shine through me.
When I read the words in I Peter 3:1-6, I am challenged to make sure my inner being is beautiful. I don't need to worry about the criteria the world puts on whether I am beautiful or not. I just need to make sure the Lord believes I am beautiful. Today He confirmed that is what He believes and for that I'm grateful.
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for speaking to me this morning. Thank You for loving me enough to encourage me with Your Words. Father, You are so awesome! I am so privileged to be a Daughter of the Most High! Woo hoo! Father, I pray for You to keep my feet on the right path and to bless me as I go throughout this day. I pray You will open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed so that I may live in Your Spirit no matter what comes my way. Thank You Jesus for being My Encourager. Amen.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - Seasons
I love this time of year. I think I always have loved it. I remember the car rides to see the pretty leaves as I was growing up. I remember the soups my Momma and Daddy made when this time of year rolled around. I remember sleeping and waking to the crispness of the air coming in my bedroom window. I would snuggle down deeper in the covers and soak a little bit longer to enjoy. Sitting out in football games with a sweatshirt on loving the night air is another memory I love. My morning walk today reminded me of so many of these fond memories. I began to think about fall being the "perfect" season. For a flash, the thought went through my mind "Why can't it be like this all year long?" Silly me. Of course it can't be like this all year long because then we wouldn't have the crops of the summer that we enjoy on our tables all year long. Or the earth wouldn't have enough precipitation that it needes. Just as the earth needs seasons, we need seasons in our lives in order to grow in the Lord.
Winter can sometimes be a bleak and ugly season. It can also be depressing with having to be inside so much and the gloominess that comes along with it. But in our spiritual lives winter is needed so we can regroup and draw closer to the Lord.
Spring is a time of rebirth not only in nature but it can also be a rebirth in our spiritual lives. When spring rolls around, we are ready for new things. We are ready to do some spring cleaning not only in our homes but a lot of times in our spiritual lives.
Summer is normally full on the calendar and that can be a distraction in our spiritual lives. But summer also gives us opportunity to socialize more which God can use to His Glory when we give Him free reign.
Fall is a comfort time for me. It's a time to start making the comfort foods. A time to enjoy God's creation in a way that only the season of fall offers. It's also a time to dig deeper into my relationship with Him.
No matter which season we are in our spiritual lives the Lord is here for us. I think of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 this morning and am blessed to know the Lord is my guide through all the seasons of life. He is my guide through the "junk" and through the blessings. Woo hoo!
To Every Thing There is a Season
Winter can sometimes be a bleak and ugly season. It can also be depressing with having to be inside so much and the gloominess that comes along with it. But in our spiritual lives winter is needed so we can regroup and draw closer to the Lord.
Spring is a time of rebirth not only in nature but it can also be a rebirth in our spiritual lives. When spring rolls around, we are ready for new things. We are ready to do some spring cleaning not only in our homes but a lot of times in our spiritual lives.
Summer is normally full on the calendar and that can be a distraction in our spiritual lives. But summer also gives us opportunity to socialize more which God can use to His Glory when we give Him free reign.
Fall is a comfort time for me. It's a time to start making the comfort foods. A time to enjoy God's creation in a way that only the season of fall offers. It's also a time to dig deeper into my relationship with Him.
No matter which season we are in our spiritual lives the Lord is here for us. I think of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 this morning and am blessed to know the Lord is my guide through all the seasons of life. He is my guide through the "junk" and through the blessings. Woo hoo!
To Every Thing There is a Season
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for seasons. Thank You for the opportunity to grow in my spiritual life. Thank You for being with me through the "junk" and through the blessings. You are so awesome, Lord. I praise You for this season of fall in nature. The way You paint the landscape is majestic. I also praise You for guiding me through different seasons in my spiritual walk. Thank You Jesus for being My Season Tender. Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Philippians 4:6-8 - A New Week
"Sometimes the things the Lord reveals to me in prayers are just....not even sure of the word to use...." These are the words I wrote last night as I reflected back on the day. Yesterday at the altar the Lord revealed to me something to pray for about a situation that I have no idea about. I don't personally know the people involved yet as I prayed for one the Lord brought something different to pray for. It seems strange when something like this happens yet it shouldn't. When I am in communion with God and hearing His Voice, I should not be surprised by anything. He's probably looking down on me, shaking His head and saying, "Sheila, Sheila, Sheila....when will you get the picture?" LOL "I'm trying Lord!" would be my response. I love when He tells me to go to people and pray with them. It's especially neat when I do and after I've prayed they tell me I prayed for exactly what they were going through. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning with the urgency to pray for a few different people/situations. I'm grateful for this part of my life. I know many pray for me so it's my way of giving back.
Today, I'm praying for....
...the one wanting an abortion
...the one going into surgery
...the three going through cancer treatments
...the one feeling unloved
...the Momma who lost all of her children in a fire
...the single Daddy who is raising a child on his own
...the newly married couple
...the pastors who are discouraged
...the week ahead as we seek to do the Lord's Will
...the pastors who are on vacation
...the unwed mother
I think of this scripture today...
Philippians 4:6-8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
As another week begins, I pray for my life to be Spirit-filled. I pray for my days to follow the path You so desire. Lord, please guide my steps. Please guide the words that flow from my mouth. Father, You know what is on the calendar but You also know of the opportunities You will put before me. Please don't allow busyness to get in the way of Your Business. I love having Your Peace and I know the only way to have it is to be in Your Will. Guard my heart and mind, Lord so that the enemy will have no place to live in me. Thank You Lord for this new week. Amen.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
R-O-C-K
R-O-C-K
ROCK
I was woke up in the middle of the night with the Lord being adamant for me to hear His Word "ROCK". My first thought was He is my Rock. But He said, "No, that is not it." I started thinking about rocks in nature but once again I heard His Voice say, "No." Finally, I asked Him if it like a baby being rocked and He said, "Yes." I didn't know what I was to do with this word and I eventually went back to sleep. The second time He woke me to the word I began praying for ones who I know are pregnant and ones I know who are trying to get pregnant. I also prayed for the babies that I know. Once again I fell back to sleep. When morning came, He continued to bring the word to my mind and I was baffled on what I was to do with it. Then I had a text asking me to pray for one who was wanting an abortion. Even though I don't know this person as I prayed I got a mental image in my mind of a young Momma rocking her baby. Oh my! The tears began to fall as I realized the impact of my prayers. The Lord doesn't want the evil one to prevail with allowing an abortion to happen. He wants to give life. As I asked the Lord, "Is this what "rock" is all about?" His reply was, "Yes, Daughter. You are the intercessor for this little one. Pray against the evil one having his way. Pray specifically for the evilness in her life to be eliminated." I get the sense this one knows better but is being pushed into it. WOW! I may never know what happens in this situation since I don't know the person. But I do know that when the Lord wakes me up with a word I pray I never disregard it. My job as an intercessor has just taken on a new meaning for me. I love to hear the Lord speak to me and especially when He does it in a way that doesn't make sense for the moment. I love when His plan is revealed piece by piece. It's kind of like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Sometimes it all goes together easily and is complete while other times a piece will be missing. Sometimes He gives me all the information at once on what to pray for while other times it comes in pieces.
Psalm 22:9-11 reads:
These words could be from that unborn child. The Lord can be that child's God even if the Momma doesn't accept the Lord. The abortion could be the "trouble" that "is near" but praise His Holy Name the Lord is there to help and save this child. So many could be's in this situation but I'm praying for the Lord to have victory in the outcome.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for using me to pray for others. Thank You for giving me direction even though sometimes it isn't clear. I pray for this one who is wanting an abortion. I pray against the evilness in her life. Lord, I pray for someone to be put in her path that will say or do something that will make a difference. I pray for strength for the unborn child. I pray for it to come into this world with full breath. Lord, I also pray for this child to be in a loving love, whether it be with the biological mother or not. Lord, please don't let me forget this. Please remind me to pray for this situation. Amen.
ROCK
I was woke up in the middle of the night with the Lord being adamant for me to hear His Word "ROCK". My first thought was He is my Rock. But He said, "No, that is not it." I started thinking about rocks in nature but once again I heard His Voice say, "No." Finally, I asked Him if it like a baby being rocked and He said, "Yes." I didn't know what I was to do with this word and I eventually went back to sleep. The second time He woke me to the word I began praying for ones who I know are pregnant and ones I know who are trying to get pregnant. I also prayed for the babies that I know. Once again I fell back to sleep. When morning came, He continued to bring the word to my mind and I was baffled on what I was to do with it. Then I had a text asking me to pray for one who was wanting an abortion. Even though I don't know this person as I prayed I got a mental image in my mind of a young Momma rocking her baby. Oh my! The tears began to fall as I realized the impact of my prayers. The Lord doesn't want the evil one to prevail with allowing an abortion to happen. He wants to give life. As I asked the Lord, "Is this what "rock" is all about?" His reply was, "Yes, Daughter. You are the intercessor for this little one. Pray against the evil one having his way. Pray specifically for the evilness in her life to be eliminated." I get the sense this one knows better but is being pushed into it. WOW! I may never know what happens in this situation since I don't know the person. But I do know that when the Lord wakes me up with a word I pray I never disregard it. My job as an intercessor has just taken on a new meaning for me. I love to hear the Lord speak to me and especially when He does it in a way that doesn't make sense for the moment. I love when His plan is revealed piece by piece. It's kind of like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Sometimes it all goes together easily and is complete while other times a piece will be missing. Sometimes He gives me all the information at once on what to pray for while other times it comes in pieces.
Psalm 22:9-11 reads:
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
These words could be from that unborn child. The Lord can be that child's God even if the Momma doesn't accept the Lord. The abortion could be the "trouble" that "is near" but praise His Holy Name the Lord is there to help and save this child. So many could be's in this situation but I'm praying for the Lord to have victory in the outcome.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for using me to pray for others. Thank You for giving me direction even though sometimes it isn't clear. I pray for this one who is wanting an abortion. I pray against the evilness in her life. Lord, I pray for someone to be put in her path that will say or do something that will make a difference. I pray for strength for the unborn child. I pray for it to come into this world with full breath. Lord, I also pray for this child to be in a loving love, whether it be with the biological mother or not. Lord, please don't let me forget this. Please remind me to pray for this situation. Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
911 Reflection
911
September 11, 2001
A date never to be forgotten....
As I reflect back on that morning twelve years ago I remember the sudden urgency I had to be home and have my family with me. I was working at Smucker's in Orrville that morning and soon we were glued to the TV. Doc was home in Willard. Paul was at Akron U and Lizzy was at Ashland U. Ben was at school in Willard. I was so far away from all of them yet knew where I needed to be. An hour and fifteen minute drive was normal for me at that time and one that I didn't think too much about. But it was the longest hour and fifteen minutes of my life as I was desperate to be with my family. At that point no one knew if there would be more attacks of the US or not. The school had sent Ben home so I knew he was safe with Doc. I remember busting through the door and hugging Doc and Ben for the longest time. We sat anxiously as we watched the TV and prayed. It wasn't too much longer before Paul and Lizzy came through the door and we were relieved. I remember thinking, "Oh no! Lizzy is here and not with her Momma." Thankfully, Paul had traveled safely from Akron to Ashland to pick her up and then came here. The assumption was that he came here to watch to see what else would happen but I think he knew his Momma was freaking out and needed to see him. When I think about it though, why did I freak out so much and want my family with me desperately? I know they are in the Lord's hands and I know He protects them each and every day. Those are easy words to say and even to understand but after living through 911 I understand my reaction that day. The unknown of who did it? Why did they do it? Would they do it again? We just never know. All of the lives that were lost in a senseless death make me sad. All of the children who lost their parents that day for no good reason. All of the people who will never be the way they were before because of evil. So sad. I am thankful the Lord brought my family together that day for a physical touch that I so needed. I am also thankful for the way He protects us each and every day. There are some days where I wish I could have my children back as they were growing up. I miss the hugs. I miss the talks. I miss the fun. But I know the Lord gave me them to raise to be the godly men they are. I know they now are making their own memories with their own families and for that I'm grateful. I'm also grateful for a quote from Hodding Carter, "There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." The boys were given their roots growing up and I pray they were embedded deeply in them. When it came time for them to fly, they had their wings and were ready. I praise the Lord for the way they are now raising their children to have deep roots. Today I am praying for the families who lost loved ones on 911. I am also praying for ones like my autistic nephew who continues to be traumatized on this day with all the publicity that goes on. Many, many people who need extra prayer to deal with this day. We must never forget to pray for our enemies who need to find the Lord.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my family. Thank You for blessing me in such a mighty way with their love. Father, I ask that You be with everyone today that needs an added dose of love as they endure this anniversary date of 911. Father, draw them close to You. Put people before them that will make a difference in their life. Lord, thank You for the protection You give us each and every day. Amen.
September 11, 2001
A date never to be forgotten....
As I reflect back on that morning twelve years ago I remember the sudden urgency I had to be home and have my family with me. I was working at Smucker's in Orrville that morning and soon we were glued to the TV. Doc was home in Willard. Paul was at Akron U and Lizzy was at Ashland U. Ben was at school in Willard. I was so far away from all of them yet knew where I needed to be. An hour and fifteen minute drive was normal for me at that time and one that I didn't think too much about. But it was the longest hour and fifteen minutes of my life as I was desperate to be with my family. At that point no one knew if there would be more attacks of the US or not. The school had sent Ben home so I knew he was safe with Doc. I remember busting through the door and hugging Doc and Ben for the longest time. We sat anxiously as we watched the TV and prayed. It wasn't too much longer before Paul and Lizzy came through the door and we were relieved. I remember thinking, "Oh no! Lizzy is here and not with her Momma." Thankfully, Paul had traveled safely from Akron to Ashland to pick her up and then came here. The assumption was that he came here to watch to see what else would happen but I think he knew his Momma was freaking out and needed to see him. When I think about it though, why did I freak out so much and want my family with me desperately? I know they are in the Lord's hands and I know He protects them each and every day. Those are easy words to say and even to understand but after living through 911 I understand my reaction that day. The unknown of who did it? Why did they do it? Would they do it again? We just never know. All of the lives that were lost in a senseless death make me sad. All of the children who lost their parents that day for no good reason. All of the people who will never be the way they were before because of evil. So sad. I am thankful the Lord brought my family together that day for a physical touch that I so needed. I am also thankful for the way He protects us each and every day. There are some days where I wish I could have my children back as they were growing up. I miss the hugs. I miss the talks. I miss the fun. But I know the Lord gave me them to raise to be the godly men they are. I know they now are making their own memories with their own families and for that I'm grateful. I'm also grateful for a quote from Hodding Carter, "There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." The boys were given their roots growing up and I pray they were embedded deeply in them. When it came time for them to fly, they had their wings and were ready. I praise the Lord for the way they are now raising their children to have deep roots. Today I am praying for the families who lost loved ones on 911. I am also praying for ones like my autistic nephew who continues to be traumatized on this day with all the publicity that goes on. Many, many people who need extra prayer to deal with this day. We must never forget to pray for our enemies who need to find the Lord.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my family. Thank You for blessing me in such a mighty way with their love. Father, I ask that You be with everyone today that needs an added dose of love as they endure this anniversary date of 911. Father, draw them close to You. Put people before them that will make a difference in their life. Lord, thank You for the protection You give us each and every day. Amen.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Philippians 4:12 - "Ignite the Fire"/Women Living Well
"It's not fair!"
"Why do I always have to be the one to do everything?"
"He must not love me as much as I love him or he would do that without me asking!"
Oh my, oh my! How many times did these words go through my mind or fly out of my mouth! They are words from a selfish, hurting person who thank the Lord has learned to find peace. Philippians 4:12 is a verse to hang onto, especially when going down the rocky roads of life.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want.
The Lord gives us those rocky roads to grow us. He wants us to learn from our situations. If life were always easy, what would we learn? Absolutely nothing.
As I am reading through "Women Living Well" Ignite the Fire series I am reminded of the early days of our marriage. URGH is all I have to say. I was ugly...my mood was ugly....my words were ugly....I was ugly. I don't know how we survived those days. As I reflect on those days, my hubby was ugly too. Ummmm....wonder why? LOL Who wouldn't be ugly back to someone who was being ugly to them! A lot of times, as human beings, we respond to the way people are to us with exactly the same attitude. Praise the Lord for the changes He has made in both of us over the years!
The website reads...
As I read through this list, I want to say I am all of these but to be honest I know I'm not all of these ALL the time. He deserves it ALL the time not just when I feel like it. It's easy to be kind to someone who is kind to you. What about when he isn't feeling well and is crabby? What about when he is under ministry stress and needs an outlet to vent? What about when he is too tired to give me the attention I want/need? Even in those times I need to strive to be kind.
I will admit that being in the ministry can play havoc on a marriage due to the stress it involves. But it also blesses a marriage by people who encourage you along the way. The people who realize how important it is for the two of you to have "down time". The people who financially bless you to make that "down time" doable. Most importantly the people who support you with prayers.
We just spent a wonderful seven days in the Caribbean with no contact with our "real" world. That probably sounds selfish but for a pastor to get away from their computer and phone for seven days is the most wonderful thing ever. When we went on our first cruise last year, I found it to be the perfect vacation because of this very reason. We were able to reconnect as a couple, not have to worry about the issues we were going through with people, and be renewed in our spirits. Last night was a good example of the stresses of our "real" world. In a matter of a few minutes we were asked to pray for: one who is going through issues of possible cancer with different family members; one who continues to be estranged from her family; one with major health problems; a family with financial issues; one who is in an abusive relationship and trying to get out; and one who is going through some major transition in their home. Yes, those all came in a matter of a few minutes. Thankfully the Lord is in control of all and we don't have to fix everyone's problems. All we have to do is allow the Lord to lead us as we minister. At the end of the day our "real" world can be heavy and leave us to the point of not having the kind words to say to one another. At the end of the day our "real" world can be challenging in the area of schedule and whether we see each other or not. At the end of the day our "real" world can be difficult as we minister to people who don't know the Lord or have turned away from Him. But at the end of the day we can be thankful we have each other and know we can depend upon the Lord to strengthen us through the tough times.
The challenge from this website this week is:
Ignite the fire of kindness in your home this week. Be intentional about showing your husband kindness this week. Plan a date just for him, treat him to his favorite meal, honor him wiht your words, and make him feel incredibly special.
Dear Jesus:
Thank you for these words from "Women Living Well" and for the way they took me back in reflecting upon how much my marriage has changed over the last twenty-four years. I praise You Lord for my husband who is a godly man. I praise You for the way He cares for me and loves me unconditionally. I praise You for his spiritual leadership in our home. Lord, thank You for the time we had recently had away. Thank You for renewing our relationship and our spirits. Lord, I pray for more kindness to flow out of me toward Doc. I pray for more words of encouragement for him. Lord, would you please keep my eyes open to what he needs? Amen.
"Why do I always have to be the one to do everything?"
"He must not love me as much as I love him or he would do that without me asking!"
Oh my, oh my! How many times did these words go through my mind or fly out of my mouth! They are words from a selfish, hurting person who thank the Lord has learned to find peace. Philippians 4:12 is a verse to hang onto, especially when going down the rocky roads of life.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want.
The Lord gives us those rocky roads to grow us. He wants us to learn from our situations. If life were always easy, what would we learn? Absolutely nothing.
As I am reading through "Women Living Well" Ignite the Fire series I am reminded of the early days of our marriage. URGH is all I have to say. I was ugly...my mood was ugly....my words were ugly....I was ugly. I don't know how we survived those days. As I reflect on those days, my hubby was ugly too. Ummmm....wonder why? LOL Who wouldn't be ugly back to someone who was being ugly to them! A lot of times, as human beings, we respond to the way people are to us with exactly the same attitude. Praise the Lord for the changes He has made in both of us over the years!
The website reads...
Webster’ Dictionary says kindness is: the quality of being friendly, generous, sympathetic and considerate. It is a genuine concern for the happiness of another.
I love this definition because it so clearly lays out what the 5 qualities a kind wife:
1. Be friendly – Be a good friend to your husband. Listen. Laugh. Hold his hand. Watch a ball game with him. Be at his side for the things that matter to him. Support him. Be his BEST friend!
2. Be generous – Be in the habit of giving generously to him without expecting anything in return. Selfless love is so rare in our culture. Live your life openhanded to your husband.
3. Be sympathetic – Show compassion toward the difficulties your husband faces. Listen to him and be understanding to his plights in life. Use caring, gentle words and pray with and for him daily.
4. Be considerate – Be careful to not hurt your husband. Be slow to speak and thoughtful about the power of your words and how they effect his soul. Part of being a good friend to him is caring about his feelings.
5. Be genuinely concerned about his happiness – the praise, respect, comfort and attention of a wife brings much strength, security and happiness to your husband.As I read through this list, I want to say I am all of these but to be honest I know I'm not all of these ALL the time. He deserves it ALL the time not just when I feel like it. It's easy to be kind to someone who is kind to you. What about when he isn't feeling well and is crabby? What about when he is under ministry stress and needs an outlet to vent? What about when he is too tired to give me the attention I want/need? Even in those times I need to strive to be kind.
I will admit that being in the ministry can play havoc on a marriage due to the stress it involves. But it also blesses a marriage by people who encourage you along the way. The people who realize how important it is for the two of you to have "down time". The people who financially bless you to make that "down time" doable. Most importantly the people who support you with prayers.
We just spent a wonderful seven days in the Caribbean with no contact with our "real" world. That probably sounds selfish but for a pastor to get away from their computer and phone for seven days is the most wonderful thing ever. When we went on our first cruise last year, I found it to be the perfect vacation because of this very reason. We were able to reconnect as a couple, not have to worry about the issues we were going through with people, and be renewed in our spirits. Last night was a good example of the stresses of our "real" world. In a matter of a few minutes we were asked to pray for: one who is going through issues of possible cancer with different family members; one who continues to be estranged from her family; one with major health problems; a family with financial issues; one who is in an abusive relationship and trying to get out; and one who is going through some major transition in their home. Yes, those all came in a matter of a few minutes. Thankfully the Lord is in control of all and we don't have to fix everyone's problems. All we have to do is allow the Lord to lead us as we minister. At the end of the day our "real" world can be heavy and leave us to the point of not having the kind words to say to one another. At the end of the day our "real" world can be challenging in the area of schedule and whether we see each other or not. At the end of the day our "real" world can be difficult as we minister to people who don't know the Lord or have turned away from Him. But at the end of the day we can be thankful we have each other and know we can depend upon the Lord to strengthen us through the tough times.
The challenge from this website this week is:
Ignite the fire of kindness in your home this week. Be intentional about showing your husband kindness this week. Plan a date just for him, treat him to his favorite meal, honor him wiht your words, and make him feel incredibly special.
Dear Jesus:
Thank you for these words from "Women Living Well" and for the way they took me back in reflecting upon how much my marriage has changed over the last twenty-four years. I praise You Lord for my husband who is a godly man. I praise You for the way He cares for me and loves me unconditionally. I praise You for his spiritual leadership in our home. Lord, thank You for the time we had recently had away. Thank You for renewing our relationship and our spirits. Lord, I pray for more kindness to flow out of me toward Doc. I pray for more words of encouragement for him. Lord, would you please keep my eyes open to what he needs? Amen.
Monday, September 9, 2013
II Peter 1:2-4 - "Hurricane" and "Need You Now"
I love when the Lord brings someone to my mind to pray for and then gives me a specific word for them. As I was praying for a lady going through a difficult time with her physical body He said "endurance" and I thought wow! What a great word for her situation. Immediately I thought of Natalie Grant's song "Hurricane" and wondered if she feels like she is in a hurricane. When I think of a hurricane, I think of disaster and things out of control. Basically, that's where this lady is at. She has dealt with one physical issue after another after another over the course of the last few years. She has no control over it. But thankfully she knows the One who does and that's the Lord. No matter how desperate our situation may seem, He is greater. No matter how many times we've cried out to Him, He is always there. It reminds me of the song "How Many Times" by Plumb. The words go, "How many times have you heard me cry out "God please take this"? How many times have you given me strength to just keep breathing? Oh I need you; God, I need you now." I'm sure this is where she is today. Her faith is probably shaky but she knows, down deep, she has the Lord to turn to and lean upon. He has a reason for everything. When we are going through tough times, we don't always see the reason BUT He does. The cool thing about it is that we don't have to know it or even understand it because He is in control. As I reflect back on the down times with my MS I am so grateful I finally came to the knowledge that I don't have to know or understand what is going on. If He chooses to give me that knowledge, He will. If He doesn't chose to, then I will be content in knowing He is in control and that is enough. I use to think I had to be in control of everything...what a joke! The Lord doesn't make us to be in control. He creates us to allow Him control. Woo hoo! What a freedom in that knowledge!
I love the words found in II Peter 1:2-4....
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
The words, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" are the best! His power gives us all we need to live holy lives. His power is ALL we need. We don't need anything else in order to live as He desires of us. Woo hoo! I love it! And when we give in to that power we will have grace and peace in abundance. Who doesn't want that? We all should! There are so many people living in this world stressed out over stuff when they don't have to be. The answer is in the knowledge that God is in control and that's all that matters.
Dear Jesus,
I thank You for the knowledge You gave me that I don't have to be in control but rather I just needed to allow You full control over my life. I thank You for the way You encourage me through physical ailments. Father, I pray for this one who is going through such a difficult time in her physical body. Would you please put people before her that will encourage her today? Would you give her exactly what she needs to get through this day? No, let me change that. Not just to get through this day but to rely on You and allow You to be her strength throughout this day? Father, You are so awesome! I praise Your Holy Name for being My Endurance! Amen.
Hurricane - Natalie Grant
I love the words found in II Peter 1:2-4....
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
The words, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" are the best! His power gives us all we need to live holy lives. His power is ALL we need. We don't need anything else in order to live as He desires of us. Woo hoo! I love it! And when we give in to that power we will have grace and peace in abundance. Who doesn't want that? We all should! There are so many people living in this world stressed out over stuff when they don't have to be. The answer is in the knowledge that God is in control and that's all that matters.
Dear Jesus,
I thank You for the knowledge You gave me that I don't have to be in control but rather I just needed to allow You full control over my life. I thank You for the way You encourage me through physical ailments. Father, I pray for this one who is going through such a difficult time in her physical body. Would you please put people before her that will encourage her today? Would you give her exactly what she needs to get through this day? No, let me change that. Not just to get through this day but to rely on You and allow You to be her strength throughout this day? Father, You are so awesome! I praise Your Holy Name for being My Endurance! Amen.
Hurricane - Natalie Grant
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