Matthew 25 - Be Ready

Many people will wake up this morning with the lives of their loved ones changed forever.  My heart and prayers go out to each and every one that was involved in the tragic situation last night.  Once again I am reminded we must be ready at all times for the Lord to take us.  We never know when we might be in a situation such as the one last night.  

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew Henry writes about this passage....

The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ's coming. See the nature of Christianity. As Christians we profess to attend upon Christ, to honour him, also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Those are the truly wise or foolish that are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be long done, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren. The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine more bright; while the mere professor's conduct shows that his lamp is going out. Watch therefore, attend to the business of your souls. Be in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

Last night's situation was tragic but I am praying good comes from it.  I pray for all of us to realize the urgency of being ready to die.  We just never know when we will be in a similar situation.  As Matthew Henry wrote we need "...to attend to the business of your souls."  If we don't, we won't be able to live eternally with our Lord.  

Dear Jesus,

I pray for Your Spirit to come down upon everyone involved in such a mighty way.  I ask that You be so real and give Your Peace to all.  Father, I pray for the spiritual needs of the people of Willard.  I pray this situation will make them realize just how fragile life is.  Lord, bring all of us to our knees.  Thank You Jesus for being My Peace!  Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 34 - "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)"

Sometimes the things of this world can be so overwhelming.  The sickness.  The marriages struggling.  The families fighting.  It can get to be too much to even comprehend.  And then the Lord brings a song to me that uplifts and encourages me.  That is exactly what happened this morning as I was coming home from praying with a friend at the hospital.  Big Daddy Weave's song "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" came on KLOVE.  I love the chorus to it.  "When I wake up in the Land of Glory; And with the saints I will tell my story; There will be one Name that I proclaim."  Woo hoo!  I just wanted to shout out, "Take me Jesus!"  I daydream about what heaven will be like.  As we were studying the topic of worship last night I began to picture heaven in a whole new way.  I also was reminded of how being in His Presence in heaven will be so awesome.  Worship here on this earth is one thing but being able to worship in heaven will be a whole different situation.  Woo hoo!  

Those thoughts took me to thinking about those who don't have a personal relationship with Him.  What do they have to look forward to?  How can they have hope in this hopeless world without the Lord?  They can't.  Only those who call on His Name can experience that hope.  Yesterday I came in contact with several non-believers and I prayed for the Lord to use me to plant seeds for Him.  I prayed my words would be His Words.  I want everyone to know what I know.  I want everyone to have His Peace.  I love the words of this song that goes:

Yours is the Name the Name that has saved me

Mercy and grace the power that forgave me

And Your love is all I’ve ever needed

Yes!  His love is all any of us need.  When we experience His love, we will experience His mercy and grace.  We may think we need "stuff" but all we really need is the Lord.  The things that are overwhelming of this world need given to Him.  We need to not only give them to Him but then we must leave them in His hands.  We must follow Proverbs 3:5-6.   Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths;  When we pray to the Lord, we must trust Him.  In order to trust Him, we must allow Him to work through the situations we have prayed for and not try to manipulate them.

Psalm 34

¹ I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
⁶ This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
⁹ Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.
¹⁰ The lions may grow weak and hungry,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
¹¹ Come, my children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
¹² Whoever of you loves life
    and desires to see many good days,
¹³ keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are attentive to their cry;
¹⁶ but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
    to blot out their name from the earth.

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;
²⁰ he protects all his bones,
    not one of them will be broken.

²¹ Evil will slay the wicked;
    the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
²² The Lord will rescue his servants;
    no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Verse fifteen of Psalm 34 gives us hope that He hears our prayers.  

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Verse nineteen tells us that no matter what we go through on this earth He will deliver us from them.  Sometimes that deliverance comes on this earth but I believe there are other times where the deliverance will come to us when we see the Lord.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Verse twenty-two gives us the promise of eternal life.  

The Lord will rescue his servants;
    no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Dear Jesus,
I thank You for the promises of Your Word.  I praise Your Holy Name for the way You encourage me when life gets overwhelming.  Father, I pray for more people to come into relationship with You.  I pray for more people to have Your Hope and Your Peace.  I also pray for more opportunities to plant seeds for You.  Lord, You are so awesome in the way You lift us up.  I proclaim Your Holy Name on this earth and I look forward to proclaiming it when I get to the Land of Glory!  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for being My Goal!  Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - Deficiency

I think this week's theme must be His Strength.  Yesterday as I heard, "Your Vitamin D level is very low" I thought, "I kind of thought that's what was going on."   I've been struggling with fatigue again which could be caused from the things I've been doing, low Vitamin D count or the stress I've been dealing with.  Or a combination of all three!  It's amazing to me how I went a year and a half with good levels due to soaking up the sunshine two summers ago.  It also amazes me how the Lord gets me through each and every day.  It's so hard to believe it will be twenty years in April since my MS diagnosis.  So much has happened over those years with my health and in my family.  The Lord has been my Strength through each and every situation.  Woo hoo!

When I think about having to take Vitamin D again, it reminds me of how we need to start or increase our spiritual supplements from time to time.  It could mean....

• Starting a new Bible study or group.  
• Reading our Bible more or praying more.
• Getting involved in a new ministry.
• Thinking more of others rather than ourselves.
• Giving more time or resources to the Lord to bless however He desires.

The word supplement means: "Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole."  As I think of spiritual supplements I wonder what am I deficient in?  What does the Lord want me to do different in my life?  How can I strengthen my relationship with the Lord?  I love the part of the definition, "...strengthen the whole."  Isn't that what our spiritual walk is all about?  Everything we do for the Lord strengthens our whole being.  Woo hoo!  I am so grateful for the way He uses opportunities to bless me.  

So once again I am leaning on Philippians 4:13....Sheila can do all things through Christ who gives her strength!  The Lord continues to strengthen me each and every day.  I need His strength not only physically but also mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially.  Praise His Holy Name for strengthening me in all those areas!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your Strength that gets me through each and every day.  I praise You for the way You work through others and situations.  You are so awesome!  Lord, would You please open my eyes up to any areas in which I am deficit in my spiritual life?  Enable me, Lord, to understand more of what You want from me.  Thank You Jesus, once again, for being My Strength.  Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - Control

"I have to get out of here...I have to get out of here..."  Those were the words going through my mind as I sat on the front row at church yesterday with people standing and singing all around me.  I just wasn't sure how I was going to get out of there.  My arms were shaking out of control and my legs were starting to kick in with the shaking too.  I was afraid if I stood up I wouldn't be able to walk.  I looked back over my shoulder and asked Jody to help me.  When she came around, she saw I was struggling.  When I told her I needed to get out of there, her first response was that we were going to pray before we did anything.  Thank You Jesus for leading her!  After she prayed, we got up and she helped me out into the foyer.  I had taken three of my hippy-hippy shake pills already that morning so I knew that wasn't an option.  Doc was at a point where he could slip out so he came to me.  Once again, thank You Jesus!  Between the prayers and the pills things calmed down within a few minutes.  I spent the rest of the service resting on the couch in the foyer.  It sure wasn't the morning I wanted to have but for some reason it was the morning the Lord had in store for me.  

In the afternoon Doc and I talked about it.  My question was "Why does my shakies happen so often on Sunday?"  I would say 95% of the time I have them it's on a Sunday.  I know stress causes them to come on but I've been stressed on other days and don't have them.  I wondered out loud if it's because I'm not doing something right such as not worshiping right.  Doc encouraged me and told me that the Lord is in control.  

Later in the day after I thanked Jody for helping me she shared:

He always has a plan and is in charge. This morning he used you to show me what out of control really means. Praise him for all he does!  I know it probably wasn't an awesome situation for you. But believe me God was there and in control.


"Control..."  It is not something that we, as humans, like to give up.  When you deal with a disease, such as MS, you don't have a choice in the matter.  Physical control of my body is not always something I have.  

It made me think about spiritual control.  That is also something we, as humans, don't like to give up.  But it definitely is something that we need to allow free reign over.  I'm so thankful to be in the Nazarene Church that teaches about sanctification.  Being sanctified means to be set apart for the Lord's work.  It means giving up self and allowing the Lord to use us in whatever manner He so chooses.  Sometimes that means we have to leave our comfort zone.  Sometimes that means we have to be used as an example for someone else.  I see yesterday as one of those times.  I didn't want nor like having my body be out of control yet the Lord used it to bring a point to Jody.  Praise His Holy Name!  I'm thankful something positive came from the negative situation.  I also praise Him for bringing me where I am in my relationship with Him.  Another praise is how He has seen me through so many times with the MS over these last 19+ years and I know will continue to do so.

As I was going through this time yesterday, the words of Philippians 4:13 came to my mind.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Woo hoo!  He is My Rock...My Strength...The One I Want To Serve!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being My Strength...not just physical strength but also mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.  I praise Your Holy Name for the way You use me.  I ask that You would continue to open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed for me to see opportunities You have in store for me.  Father, bless Jody in a mighty way.  Thank You for her servant heart.  Lord, thank You for being the One Who Controls Me.  Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "I Go To The Rock"

I had a prayer request last night from someone who just needs the Lord to be very close to them.  Life has been very tough for them for quite a while and their words were "I'm just tired."  The Lord woke me up to pray for them throughout the night and then this morning woke me up singing "I Go To The Rock."  Praise His Holy Name!  I pray for those struggling with life today to lean upon The Rock.  

"When the storms of life are threatening?  Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrows blow?"  Yes, He is there during all of the tough times of life!

"The Lord is a rock for my salvation; The Lord is the stone that the builders rejected; I run to the mountain and the mountain, he stands by me; When the Earth all around me is sinking sand; On Christ, the solid rock I stand; When I need a shelter, when I need a friend; I go to the rock..."  Praise the Lord for the knowledge that He is our Strength at all times.  He doesn't stop and ask us questions but instead just lets us lean on Him.  He doesn't even give us a time limit but rather is always there for us for as long as we need.

When circumstances of life seem overwhelming, Our Rock is there for us.

When relationships are falling apart, Our Rock is there for us.

When family members are sick and dealing with diseases, Our Rock is there for us.

When we don't know how we are going to put food on the table, Our Rock is there for us.

When we feel ugly and worthless, Our Rock is there for us.

It's exciting to me to know I have My Rock to lean on.  Once again, I am reminded of the verse the Lord gave me almost twenty years ago...Philippians 4:13.  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Woo hoo!  That verse has brought me through many tough things...MS exasperations, back and cervical surgeries, relationship issues, the death of my Daddy.  I praise My Rock for being here for me no matter what.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always being here during tough times.  You are so awesome in the way You never leave us...You never turn us away...You are always there.  Lord, will You remind those who need Your Strength of this today?  Would You wrap Your loving arms around them and encourage them?  Would You please give Your direction to those who are faltering?  Thank You Jesus for being My Rock.  Amen.

I John 3:16-18 - "Tammy's Story"

I do not think it was a coincidence that I was asked to be a part of a presentation called "Generational Poverty" yesterday.  It was very eye opening and made me think about how many times I've thought, "Why don't they just get a job?"  about people who seem to just work the system.  It opened my eyes to how hard it is for children to grow up in poverty and be able to break the chain of it as adults.  I was touched by this video...

This week we have received many calls at the church from people who can't pay their utilities or rent; need clothing or food; or are looking for gas money.  It seems like these calls are becoming more and more frequent.  One call was for clothing.  A single mom (who has cancer) with three children recently moved to the area.  They all need clothes.  I was able to find some for the two girls but not anything for the Mom or son.  When we went to drop off the clothing, they were so appreciative.  She said she had called many churches and agencies but we were the only ones to respond.  My heart broke for this family.  I wish I could take her cancer away...I wish I could make the transition at the new schools go better for the children...I wish I could provide for all their needs.  But of course, I can't.  But I did offer Jesus to them and He can meet all their needs.  As I prayed with them, I was blessed to hear the children say "Amen" when I finished.  I sure hope they will come to church so our church family can love on them.  I pray for their spiritual needs first and foremost but I also pray for their physical, emotional, mental and financial needs as well.  I pray for the Lord to enable them to find His Peace throughout the storms of their life.  The kids are afraid to go to school because they fear their Momma will need them or even die while they are away from her.  

As I think back on the presentation yesterday and then the contact with this family my heart breaks for those in poverty.  I came across this prayer that I think says a lot of how I feel.

Advent Peace prayer for people living in poverty

We say a prayer of thanks today for those among us

in our community, in our country, who are living in poverty.

Thank you for the courage of people with no money,

for their resourcefulness and ingenuity,

for the way they show that loving relationships do not depend on income,

for their joy and laughter in difficult circumstances

and for the willingness of those who live with little

to share with anyone who asks,

for they understand the spirit of Christmas.

We say a prayer of petition today for those among us who suffer from poverty;

for the mother who must decide which bill to pay, the electricity or the heat,

for the senior who moves to a room because they cannot afford an apartment,

for the father who doesn’t want to go anywhere near a foodbank

but must stand in line there to feed his family,

for the single person who has just been evicted and is in a shelter,

for the child who listens quietly and sadly

as their friends describe all the things they got for Christmas.

We pray for all who have experienced the dangers of our social safety net.

Show us, Lord, how to be people who bear good tidings.

Help us to make the crooked way straight for people suffering in poverty,

to set free those in captivity to want.

With our wallets and our voices and our votes, help us to be advocates,

creating a society that takes care of its citizens.

Open our ears to the angel’s song,

peace and goodwill for all your children.

Christmas is two months from today.  We don't need "stuff" but there are many who need their physical needs met.  I pray the Lord will open our eyes to those in need.  I John 3 reads:

¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

I want to love people with the Lord's love.  I want to be more giving.  The desire of my heart is for my actions to go along with my words.   We give to so many already but we can never out give God.  

Dear Jesus,
Open my eyes to opportunities to give more.  Enable me to have discernment to know who is truly in need.  Lord, Your Word tells us that in order to have Your Love in us it must flow from us.  Would You please flow in a mighty way from me?  Father, thank You for all that You have blessed me with.  Lord, help me to share more with others.  Thank You Lord for being My Provider.  Amen.

James 5:16 - Prayer

3:03 AM....eyes pop open and the urgency to pray kicks in.  The Lord continues to amaze me with how many times He has me praying for this one I don't know.  "His spiritual needs."  That's what I hear.  After praying as I drift back to sleep the thought occurs to me again, "Why me?"  But I soon go back to the same answer that it doesn't matter why me.  I must admit though the thought goes through my mind if I'm the only one praying.  I know that's can be because he is on our church prayer list and I'm sure many others.  

When I think about prayer, it's more for us than for the Lord.  He already knows all.  He doesn't need us repeating names in a corporate setting where names have been shared.  He doesn't need us telling Him our problems because He already knows them.  But we need to share them.  Sometimes we need to work things out in our minds or just get things off our chest to give us peace of mind.  That comes through sharing our requests with the Lord.  Praying creates a link between us and the Lord.  It creates and maintains a relationship with Him.

Why do we pray for others?  Especially, when we say the same prayer over and over and over again.  Does He not hear us the first time?  What kind of impact does our prayers make in our life and in the lives of others?

When Jesus was on this earth, He gave us many examples of how He prayed.  He didn't do anything without asking His Father for His Will and Direction.  He gave us the Lord's Prayer as a way to pray in Matthew 6:9-13.

James 5:16 reads, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  I can't say that I totally understand how prayer works but I can say it does work.  It draws me closer to the Lord.  It also encourages me as I see answers revealed.  

As I think about how much time I spend in prayer and how it relates to my relationship with the Lord, I am amazed.  The more time with Him, the closer I feel to Him.  The more that I am obedient in praying for others, the closer I feel to Him.  The desire of my heart is to do my best at being obedient to Him.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the 3:03 wake-up call to pray.  Thank You for laying this one one my heart throughout the day to pray for him.  Lord, bless my prayers for him in a mighty way.  As he has surgery today, direct the surgeons hands.  Give a gentle spirit to all those who care for him.  Lord, he needs Your closeness in a mighty way.  Would you please put someone before him today to be Jesus to him?  Thank You Lord for being My Wake-up Call!  Amen.

Genesis 22:12 - "You Are Near"

I love the study on Worship that we started at church on Sunday.  When we think of the word worship, we normally think of singing in a church setting.  I learned a long time ago worship can be so much more.  First of all, worship can occur anywhere we are.  There is no need to be in a church building nor is there a need to be in a group of people.  Second of all, worship is not just about singing.  It's about getting into the Presence of the Lord and allowing Him to take over our being.  As we were talking in group last night I was reminded of the different places I worship.  Taking Mordecei for a walk and seeing the beauty of the Lord's creation is one of them.  Driving down the road with the music cranked up and singing to the Lord is another one.  The key to worship is revealed in Genesis 22:12 when Abraham received direction from the Lord...

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

In the beginning of the story Abraham was given the direction to sacrifice his son Isaac.  He listened to God and prepared to do just that.  When God saw his obedience, he was stopped.  "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."  Abraham feared God.  It wasn't a scared fear but a respectful fear.  Abraham wasn't going to withhold anything from God.  He was going to be obedient to the point of even sacrificing his son.  Wow....am I that obedient?  Do I fear God that much?  I pray each and every day that I am exactly where I need to be with the Lord in order to hear Him and be in His Presence.  I love the words of Hillsong's song, "You Are Near".

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for growing me in my relationship with You to the point of being able to hear You.  Your Presence is exactly where I want to be.  I don't want to just be in Your Presence when I'm praying but want to be there 24/7.  Thank You for being the One I worship.  Amen.

Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate

If any of you should ask me for an epitome of the Christian religion, I should say that it is in one word - prayer. Live and die without prayer, and you will pray long enough when you get to hell.

Charles Spurgeon

I received a couple prayer requests last night that made me stop and really think.  So many times the prayer requests that come in are for physical needs.  But before I can pray for the physical needs I first must pray for the spiritual needs.  It amazes me how many people ask for prayer even when they don't have a personal relationship with the Lord.  I know some know of Him but others have never had any relationship with Him.  I'm thankful they ask for prayer because it shows something or someone is getting through to them.  

I don't want anyone to go to hell and if there is anything I can do to prevent it, I will.  I also don't want people to think God is our Santa Claus in the sky and will give us whatever we want.  It is ones who believe that who will blame God when life goes wrong.  Right now, in my little world, it seems like there are so many "believers" who aren't following the Lord but rather self.  I praise His Holy Name I'm not their judge but I also pray for Him to open their eyes.  Some of them know what it's like to be living in full relationship with Him.  Some of them also know the way back to Him because they've been down a similar road before.  

I am reminded of Matthew 7:13-14..."You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."  The narrow gate...I want to make sure I go through it when I leave this earth.  The only way that will happen is to be living in His Will.  In order to live in His Will I must be listening to Him and be obedient.  It's not enough to just believe in Him.  In order to live with Him for eternity, we must live for Him throughout the days He blesses us with on this earth.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for blessing me in so many ways.  The people You put before me to prayer with and for are such blessings.  The situations that seem hopeless yet through time and prayer become hopeful.  Father, the two situations that came across last night for prayer are ones that need You to be so very real to the people.  Lord, I pray for Your outcome in both of these situations.  I pray against the enemy having his way in their lives.  I pray the outcome will prove to them that You are real and that You are there for them.  Thank You Jesus for being My Gate Keeper!  Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - The Grieving Continues....and That's OK

Yesterday was one of the most emotional days of my life.  It started with it being a Sunday where Doc and I were praying throughout the night for the service.  We knew the enemy didn't want his sermon to be effective just by how much we were praying.  Once we were at the church there were people who canceled being there and other things that were very frustrating.  After service it was our annual Chili Cook-off with games for the children and hayrides.  Normally, I am a big part of such events but I had to leave after service to go to Orrville for the Hospice Memorial Service for my Daddy.  You would think after being in ministry for twenty plus years I would get use to church activities coming before family activities but yesterday was one of those days where I would have given anything to have Doc with me.  As I got closer to Wooster (where the service was held) I lost it and the tears started flowing.  I looked at the time and thought it should be safe to call Doc and ask him to pray with me so I did.  Unfortunately, I got his voice mail and that made me cry all that harder.  It was then the Lord spoke to me and said, "Daughter, I am with you.  I hear your call.  Lean on my strength."  I continued on my journey and went into the service.  As I sat there and listened to the music the tears started again.  I was determined to be strong for my Momma.  Seeing others crying didn't help much.  I kept repeating over and over again, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  When the time came for my Daddy's name to be shared and roses given to each of us, once again the tears flowed and once again I thought I needed to be strong for my Momma.  At the end of the service, Pastor Nathan prayed that the service would have been another step in our healing process.  It hit me.  It's OK to cry.  It's OK to show my emotion.  I miss my Daddy.  It's not that I would ever wish him back here because he was ready to receive his eternal healing.  But I do miss him and that's OK.  After the service as my Momma talked with some people I slipped back toward the door and stood off to the side and cried.  All at once a lady came to me, hugged me and asked me if I were OK.  I explained I was trying to be strong for my Momma but I just needed to cry.  Her words encouraged me and in the course of the conversation, I found out her son had committed suicide.  Wow!  We can always find someone going through something harder than we are.  At least I had my Daddy here on this earth for 87 years and here she was with losing her son.  After getting my Momma settled in at the fellowship time I slipped out and was blessed with getting ahold of Doc on the phone.  He encouraged me and I knew he was praying for me.  I then was encouraged by being able to talk with Pastor Nathan and Dixie.  The Lord took care of putting people there for me even though Doc couldn't be with me.  At the end of the day, he blessed me with being able to say bedtime prayers with my Momma.  Today he blessed me with time with her and getting things accomplished for her.  He then blessed me with a safe trip home.  On the way home I called Doc and told him I needed an appointment with my pastor.  When he asked what for, I told him, "I just need to know I'm OK."  I don't want anyone to think I've lost it because I'm grieving so much over losing my Daddy.  I've never lost a parent before.  I don't know how long it is normal to cry.  He reassured me that I'm OK and shared about how everyone grieves differently.  All words I've heard him say to others before and I've myself said to those grieving.  But I needed to hear them.  I've said all along this journey of the last six months that I'm surprised at well my body has done through the turmoil and emotions.  My MS has behaved itself which has been amazing.  But I know it's because of Philippians 4:13.  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Woo hoo!  His strength is perfect!  

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for being My Strength.  Amen.

I Timothy 1:12-17 - Obedience

I Timothy 1:12-17

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  ¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

These words of Paul to Timothy have so much depth in them.  None of us would be here today if it were not for the love, mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I'm so grateful for the way He loves me, no matter what.  It amazes me how He is always there to pick me up when I fall.  He is always there to encourage me when the enemy tries to push me down.  Verse 14 says it all...The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  Woo hoo!  No one is too bad to receive the Lord's love, grace and mercy.  I've heard many people say they can't go to church until they quit this or that.  The church is not full of perfect people.  The church is full of sinners who are there to be cleaned up by the Lord so that they can live a life for Him that will make him pleased.  

I am so blessed with the way the Lord is using me to touch people.  So many people are hurting to the point of not knowing what to do or where to go.  The Lord is the only right answer.  People, money nor things will gain true happiness for anyone.  Only the Lord can bring true happiness.  Only the Lord can heal deep wounds.  Only the Lord can give protection from the enemy.  He is the Only One that can be our Savior.  

I get frustrated with people who claim a relationship with the Lord yet don't live it out in their daily walk.  They may try God for awhile but end up giving up for something that comes along that seems better.  I just wish people would understand there is nothing better than the Lord.  There is no greater joy than living in His Presence.  But first we have to choose to live for Him.  We have to be willing to make a break from bad habits and bad influences in order to be able to fully comprehend a life with Him.  We must surrender our ways and accept His ways.  We can't do it half-heartedly.  We must be all in...24/7...complete surrender in order to reap the blessings of living with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for blessing me in so many ways.  I am humbled by the way You use me to pray with and for others.  You amaze me in the ways You open my eyes to what You want me to do or say.  Yesterday was a prime example of me being amazed.  You spoke.  I didn't understand why You were telling me to pray with a particular lady.  When I went to her, I was amazed at her situation and thankful I listened to You.  Woo hoo!  Thank You Lord for having me to the point in my life where I can hear You and not only can hear You but am willing to be obedient to You.  Thank You Lord for being My Savior.  Amen.