Thursday, April 30, 2015

Genesis 15:6; Joshua 12 - "On Fire"

I came across some interesting information in my studies of the Old Testament. Some people might say, "well, duh...I knew that!" But it is definitely something new to me. Not only that the more I think about it the more it excites me to think about. Our textbook brings out the fact of Abraham being a polytheist when God called him. This is referenced to Joshua 24:2f. The text continues to say the “…type of cult he followed is unknown” and “…He abandoned his old religious ways in order to follow God with single-minded devotion”. He left religion as he knew it with multiple gods to having just one God.

Wow! Abraham, who was called by God to be a great leader, did not always follow God. I have read and studied the Bible my whole life and never picked up on this tidbit of knowledge. I wonder why God revealed it to me now. I wonder what lesson I am to learn from it. There are some questions that come to my mind as I think about Abraham leaving his religion and following God...
  • How did God get Abram to leave his country? 
  • Did the promise of blessings get him to leave? 
  • Was Abraham’s faith in God great from the moment he began to follow Him?

In my textbook it tells us that Abraham was "a paradigm of faith." It talks about his obedience and trust in the God who called him. Genesis 15:6 shows that Abraham not only trusted God but he also had faith in His promises. It took great faith when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham proved his obedience through that situation and God proved His faithfulness through it. 


I am amazed by the knowledge Abraham was not always a follower of God. It is kind of like when you see someone who knows so much about the Bible and you think they were raised in the church only to find out they are a new believer. Their knowledge comes from studying the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal things to them. It does not always take a long time to come into deep knowledge of the Word. But it does take obedience to God.

I want more of Him...more of the knowledge about Him...more of His Spirit to empower me. I was so amazed how He gave me "On Fire" this morning...woo hoo!!!! Abraham had great faith and great trust in God. He obeyed even when what he was asked to do was so very hard. He was used by God in some mighty ways. That's the desire of my heart. I want to be set on fire for Him.

Set me on fire 
Set me on fire 
I want to hold God's people close 
Want to feel the power of Jesus' name 
Set me on fire
Set me on fire

Dear Jesus,
I praise Your Holy Name for the way You call us to be followers. I also praise Your Holy Name for the way You reveal things to us. Father, open my eyes to what You want for me to receive from this knowledge. Give me insight as to how I am to use it to further Your Kingdom. Lord, You are so awesome and so great! I was thinking this morning as the rain is coming down about how You are the rain coming down in my life. I don't want to cover my head but instead want to soak up more of You. Father, fill me to overflowing with more of You and less of me. Lord, I pray for the ones going through funerals today. Be so very close to them. I also ask for physical strength to get through this day. Only Lord, I don't want to just get through it but the desire of my heart is to be a blessing to others through Your empowerment. Bless Brother Dan as he comes this evening. I pray people will come expecting and be blessed by how You work through him. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.



Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Psalm 91 - "Psalm 91"

Twice in the middle of the night the Lord woke me up with an urgency to pray for protection. The first time I thought it was just me because I fell asleep watching a newscast about the rioting in Baltimore on TV. I prayed and fell back asleep only to be woken up again with the urgency. Only this time I asked the Lord who I was suppose to pray for. He directed me to pray for protection for...

  • the situation in Baltimore
  • the situation in Mansfield
  • those headed to hell
  • those with serious needs who are hurting themselves through cutting, alcohol, drugs, etc
  • the ones in abusive situations
This was one of those times when I didn't ask for specific names. I just didn't think I could handle knowing names of specific individuals that would fall into these categories. But oh how I prayed. I prayed for not only physical protection but most importantly for spiritual protection. I prayed for those who don't know the Lord to come to know Him. I prayed for believers to be put into the paths of those who need to see the Lord in a mighty way.

The Lord took me to Psalm 91 this morning...

1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
11For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”

I love how this Psalm starts with a promise. When we live in Him, He will protect us from harm. That doesn't mean harm won't come our way but it means when harm does come our way we will be able to have peace in Him. Matthew Henry writes it so well:


He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. 

Just as this Psalm starts with a promise it also ends with a promise. He will deliver us from anything that comes our way. As we live on this earth we have His deliverance coming through times of trials. The exciting part will be when we live in heaven. Then our days of trials will end.  Matthew Henry writes:


They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is, that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble, and in the mean time be with him in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth, so long as it shall be good for him. For encouragement in this he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done the work he was sent into this world for, and is ready for heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young, yet be satisfied with living. But a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life. At length the believer's conflict ends; he has done for ever with trouble, sin, and temptation.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for waking me in the night to pray. Thank You for not giving me specific individuals to pray for in these situations. Sometimes Lord You tell me things that are just to hard to deal with. I know, I know. You are there for me to give me what I need to handle them....it's just hard at times. Father, once again, I pray for protection over these ones. I pray protection over spiritual needs to come through people coming to the point in their life where they desire to live for you instead of self. Lord, this morning You have brought a couple specific individuals to my mind to pray for. I pray for the two who are dealing with mental issues...Lord if there is anything in their lives that is of satan I pray for that to be removed. If there are demons from their past, remove them. If there are things from their present causing a separation between You and them, remove them. I also think of a couple situation with physical abuse in relationships. Lord, protect not only their physical bodies but protect them spiritual bodies. Put people before them who will make a difference in their lives. Lord, use me to make a difference in people's lives. More of You and less of me, Father. Thank You for being My Protector! Amen.


Monday, April 27, 2015

James 1:2-7 - "Need You Now"

Today is one of "those days"...a day where I feel like I can't put one foot ahead of the other. It is a day where I just plain out feel lousy. How appropriate for Plumb's song "Need You Now" to come to my mind...

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

Some would say I am having a pity party for myself but I don't think so. I know I have the Lord to give me His strength to get through this day. I also know He will direct me as to what I need to do or not do. As I sing this song and cry out to the Lord, I know I don't need Him just today but I need Him everyday. I don't need Him just for the MS issues I deal with but I need Him for every aspect of life.

This morning I think of James 1:2-7...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

Matthew Henry writes: Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? 

As I ponder on these verses, I am blessed in the knowledge that as I persevere through trials on this earth I will draw closer to the Lord. I also know as I persevere on this earth I will  spend eternity with the Lord. Another thing I get from this passage is that I need to expect and not doubt when I ask from the Lord. These words are rather easy for me to read and understand because I've been living them. But what about the people who are in difficult situations and don't have such a relationship with the Lord? How do they get through tough days? Who do they turn to? Even those who know the Lord still struggle many times. Today I am praying for:

  • the family dealing with one in jail
  • the family dealing with a death yesterday
  • the man dealing with an alcoholic father
  • the man with severe medical issues that the doctors can't figure out
  • the woman with severe pain that nothing has helped
  • the family of the one dying
  • the parent dealing with a teen who is questioning life and their worth
  • the young lady who is dealing with suicidal thoughts
  • the parents dealing with a rebellious teen
  • the wife with the unsaved husband
  • the family dealing with the tragic death of a loved one
  • the family dealing with suffer injuries to a loved one
  • the teen taking chemo
There are just so many hurting people who need to cry out to the Lord. We all need to seek His will and His direction with each and every situation we deal with on this earth if we want to spend eternity with Him.

Dear Jesus,
I pray for a blessing upon my physical body today. I pray for You to fill me up with Your strength not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. It seems when my physical body is suffering that all of me suffers. Father, I need more of You and less of me in order to be a blessing to You. There are just so many who need to feel Your presence in a mighty way today. Thank You Jesus for being My Encourager! Amen.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

James 1:2-4; 12 - "You Raise Me Up"


Today is always such an emotional day for me for so many reasons. One, because after all these years I still normally am able to walk on my own. Second, the support I receive from family and friends as I deal with MS is overwhelming. Third, the way the Lord continues to bless me over and over again using my MS as a testimony of His grace, mercy and love. As I looked around today and saw people in wheelchairs, using walkers or canes and then those of us walking the tears came. I am so blessed in so many ways. I don't know how people survive life without the Lord. His strength is my strength. His love flows in and through me. His encouragement gets me through each and every day. I am so grateful for the people He puts in my path, the words He gives me to read, the opportunities He puts before me to share Him with others. I think of the words in James 1...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

I don't expect MS to be what I die from but if that's what the Lord has planned then I am ready. I know I live for Him in a way that the promise of eternal life with Him is a given. I also know as I persevere through the ups and downs of MS He is with me. When I feel down, He lifts me up. When I feel like I can't go on physically, mentally or emotionally, He gives me strength to continue. When I am falling apart, He holds me.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these words of encouragement and for loving me so greatly! Lord, You are so awesome! Father, thank You for those who supported the MS walk financially, walking and through prayer today. Father, more of You and less of me is what I continue to seek. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.


Friday, April 24, 2015

Ephesians 6:13-17 - "Day One"

In the wee hours of the morning the Lord woke me and had me pray the armor of God over people. He urged me to pray for some people I know going through some battles. After I prayed I fell back asleep. It was interesting then when I woke again to have the song "Day One" on my lips. Another interesting tidbit to start off my day was a picture I saw in a devotion I receive on-line.


In the devotion it talked about how not only do we have breakdowns in our physical bodies but we also have breakdowns in our spiritual bodies. It takes preventive care in order to stay healthy. When we eat the wrong things or don't get enough exercise, our physical bodies will suffer. The same is true with our spiritual bodies. When we neglect being filled with God's Word, praying or allow ungodly things into our lives, we will have a spiritual breakdown. Sometimes things are allowed into our lives that blatantly are against God while other times there are subtle things. No matter what we must recognize the need to pray the armor of God over our spiritual life regularly.


The enemy will use every open door to get into our hearts. He will use people and circumstances. He will use things such as alcohol or drugs. He will use busy schedules to pull us away from our time with the Lord, whether it be our personal devotion time or our church activities. He will use physical ailments. We must be on our guard at all times to not allow him any open doors. This picture of the armor of God is specific to the addiction of gambling but no matter what is causing problems in our life His armor is ready to enable us to live a godly life. 

When we have fallen or going through a battle, He is ready to equip us to overcome the obstacles before us. Sometimes those obstacles are put there from the enemy. Sometimes the Lord allows things to happen to us to wake us up or to draw us closer to Him. The desire of His heart is for us to be in communion with Him 24/7. He wants us to grab onto Him when we feel like our world is falling apart. He wants us to cling to Him when the enemy comes knocking at our door. When the enemy finds a weakness, he goes for it. When we have on the armor of God, we have the Lord's strength to stand against the enemy.

How can we have His protection each and every day of our life? By living for Him. By being in His Word. By communicating with the Lord continually. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Will we still be attacked? Oh my yes! When the enemy can take a believer down, it is one less person he has to contend with. How can we survive the attacks? We must stand firm in the Lord's power. We cannot try to handle attacks on our own strength but rather in His power. When we try to handle things ourselves, God is prevented from working in us. A soldier doesn't just stand still and allow the enemy to win. Instead a soldier moves forward with his weapons. That is the same as to what we need to do. We need to move forward as believers with our armor in place and ready to use.

Dear Jesus,
Woo hoo...what an exciting time we've had these last few hours. Thank You for waking me to pray the armor of God over people who are dealing with some nasty things. Thank You for reminding me of Your protection that is available to all who stand up against the enemy. Thank You for being more powerful than the enemy. Lord, he is working overtime in and through people. There are so many dealing with junk from him. I pray they will turn their situations over to You. I praise You, Lord for the way You enable me to stand firm in my faith but I know the enemy would love to stop me. Therefore, I must stay on guard at all times. Father, I also want to thank You for putting someone on my heart last night that was going through a tough time physically. I praise You for blessing me not only in asking me to pray for them but also when I told them I was praying and they told me their circumstances. They were blessed in knowing You had someone praying for them. Lord, I don't know where You will take me today but I pray for more of You to flow out of me in order to do Your will. I pray You will be seen in me today. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector. Amen.



Thursday, April 23, 2015

Psalm 37 - "You Are My Hiding Place"


The Lord took me to Psalm 37 this morning. As I was reading this Psalm I wondered what He had for me through it. It talks a lot about evil but it also gives us direction on how we, as believers are to live. There are four commands in verses three through seven.
  1. Trust in the Lord and do good (verse 3)
  2. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (verse 4)
  3. Commit your way to the Lordtrust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (verse 5-6)
  4. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; (verse 7a)
As I read these commands, I am blessed in knowing I follow them. Verse four that talks about delighting in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart is one that I struggle with from time to time. It's not that I struggle with delighting in Him because I see it a privilege to delight in the Lord. When I think about all of the disappointing times with not getting to see my babies and their babies, I ask the Lord "Why?" often. I see other families who get together regularly and I am sad with our situation. There are too many miles in between, too many schedules to work around, health issues...the list of reasons goes on and on. So if the desire of my heart is to be with my family and I am following the Lord why are the times so few and far between? What am I doing wrong?

Matthew Henry writes about these verses:
"He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God. Commit thy way unto the Lord; roll thy way upon the Lord, so the margin reads it. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer spread thy case and all thy cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We must do our duty, and then leave the event with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou has committed to him."

There's my answer...commit my family to Him. But I have already done that. I gave them to Him a long time ago. I guess that is why I had time with Ben and his family yesterday. Before going on our trip I prayed for the Lord to give me some "Grandma Time" but it didn't happen. After returning home I prayed for the same thing. Yesterday that prayer was answered with four of my five grand babies. I am grateful for that time. I just need to keep praying for the desires of my heart to be with my family. 

Dear Jesus,
I praise You for loving me! I praise You for giving me the desires of my heart with Ben and his family yesterday. I pray the same with Paul and his family. I pray You will open up calendars so we can spend time with them. Lord, I also pray for those who don't have family close enough to visit or perhaps have no family at all. Put people in their lives who will become surrogate family to them. Lord, I pray for Ruth who is going to see her brother in the hospital today. I pray for safe travel mercies for her and her family. I also pray for Your will in his life as his days seem to be coming to an end on this earth. I praise You, Father, for the good news yesterday in the Hicks/Giles family. Lord, continue to be so very close to them as they go through so much. Lord, would You continue to open my eyes up on how I can be more obedient to You? Would You fill me with more of You and less of me so I can be more effective for You? Thank You Jesus for being My Delight! Amen.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Hebrews 12 - "Soul On Fire"


I woke up this morning with Third Day's "Soul On Fire" on my lips. What an inspiring song to wake up to! We can never have too much desire in our heart to be on fire for the Lord. When we were in Israel, I saw so much passion in the people and came home with the desire in my heart to have more passion for the Lord. 

God, I'm running for Your heart
I'm running for Your heart
Till I am a soul on fire
Lord, I'm longing for Your ways
I'm waiting for the day
When I am a soul on fire
Till I am a soul on fire

My soul is on fire for the Lord but how can I get it flaming? How can I ignite it to be greater? What can I do in my daily walk with Him to have a deeper burning for Him? I was reading and came upon some suggestions on how to be on fire for the Lord. It takes more than book knowledge. One must have heart knowledge of the Lord in order to be on fire for Him. We cannot accept substitutions for the zeal we have for the Lord. One cannot allow others things to take His place in our lives. We must be sold out to Him completely in order to have our soul set on fire for Him. The desire of my heart is for people to see my love for Him in everything I do. I want them to see Him in me. 

Chapter twelve of Hebrews ends with the proclamation from Deuteronomy that "God is a consuming fire." To that I say, "woo hoo!" The desire of my heart is that He consumes me totally. I want to be overflowing with more of Him.


Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song this morning. Thank You for reminding me of the importance to be on fire for You. Lord, I need more of You and less of me in order to be what You want me to be. I pray for people to see You in me in such a way that they will want what I have. Father, bless people through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Fire. Amen.


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

I Chronicles 4:19 - "Beautiful Day"

I woke up this morning to Jamie Grace's song "Beautiful Day" on my lips and just had to smile at the way the Lord encourages me. While singing this song I was encouraged to...
  • ...start my day off praising Him no matter what happened yesterday or what will happen today. 
  • ...allow Him to get me through tough times.
  • ...realize it is through the tough times that I will draw closer to Him.
  • ...not worry about anything but instead allow Him to work in and through me.
  • ...His grace is with me, no matter what.
Oh no I could never get enough of You
This feeling can't be wrong, I'm about to get my 
worship on
I'm gonna sing a brand new song, Yeah I'm about to get 
my worship on
Take me away on this beautiful day


I was thinking about where I am right now in life. For the most part I am comfortable with my life. But being comfortable may not be where the Lord wants me. I have the urge to begin praying the prayer of Jabez again. That prayer has taken me places I never dreamed of being. The first time we prayed it the Lord moved us to Willard to minister. The second time I prayed it the Lord opened up the door at Mercy to minister. In my spirit, I feel like He has something on the horizon in the way of a new door that He wants to open. I know when He opens new doors there are more blessings to come. 



Before one can pray this prayer they must be ready to accept whatever the Lord has in store for them. We have to be ready to go through some open doors that may take us out of our comfort zone. I remember when He brought us to Willard. I was excited for the change yet there was a part of me that wasn't quite sure I was ready for it. The enemy tried to put doubts in my mind yet the Lord continued to encourage me. What a blessing to be here and knowing this is where He wants us to be. When the door opened at Mercy, I had no qualms about it. I knew the Lord had opened the door in order to grow me and bless me. In praying this prayer once again, I am saying that I am ready for more of His power so I can experience more of His blessings. I am ready for more of His favor and anointing. 

Dear Jesus,
I am so excited this morning that I feel like I could scream. If we lived in the country, I would be outside shouting right now. You are so awesome in the way You love me and encourage me. I am so grateful for all You do in and through me. Father, I am once again praying the Prayer of Jabez. I pray for more of Your blessings to be upon me. I pray for You to enlarge my territories again. I pray for Your protection from the evil one to be upon me. Lord, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. More of You and less of me is the only way for me to live. Fill me to overflowing. Father, I don't know know the particulars about how this blessing will work out but I do know I am blessed that You will reveal it to me in Your time. I think about these words to the song You gave me this morning...I'm gonna sing a brand new song.  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for being My Door Opener! Amen.


Monday, April 20, 2015

Psalm 118:24 - "This Is The Day"


Once again the Lord woke me up with Psalm 118:24. My first thought was I don't feel like rejoicing. How can I rejoice as I think about this being the second anniversary of my Daddy's death? Two years ago at this very moment he was still alive. He was close to leaving this earth as he had his last moments with my Momma but he was still alive. Getting the phone call from her was so horrible. I was so sad she was alone yet in looking  back on it I know it was the perfect way for him to die. Just him and my Momma. After sixty-six years of marriage there was no better way to leave this earth. In his own home, peaceful, and having one last conversation. But even as I think back on that today I tear up because I miss him so much. He was my greatest encourager. I looked forward to his phone calls every day and oh how I miss hearing, "Sheila Babe, how are you?" If I told him I was feeling good, his response was "That's my girl." If I told him I was feeling bad, he would tell me to take it easy and rest but to make sure I didn't stay down.

So once again I ask the Lord how do I rejoice today with so much pain? How do I not just spend the day in tears? How can the pain feel like he left us just yesterday? The Lord reminded me that my Daddy is no longer in pain as he was on this earth. He is no longer dealing with the cancer that had taken over his body. He is whole once again. I never knew my Daddy as whole because he was always having a surgery or an illness. I can't imagine how he even would feel. As I think about my Daddy and his outgoing personality here on this earth I wonder how he is enjoying heaven. Is he up there hugging everyone? I don't think we will need encouraged in heaven but if there is someone who needs encouraged I am sure he is doing that.

I do wish my Daddy could see my grand babies. I also wish he knew how the Lord is working in and through me. I wish he could have heard about and seen our trip to Israel. But I wouldn't wish him back to this earth for anything. He is where he should be. I do wish I were with my Momma today. I know it will be a hard day for her. I'm praying she is basking in memories. I also hope she knows it's ok to cry...tears are part of the healing process.

So once again I ask the Lord, how can I rejoice today? Simple. Allow Him to work in and through me as I remember my Daddy. I will rejoice because he made a difference in so many people's lives while on this earth. I will rejoice because he loved me enough to teach me important lessons in life. I will rejoice because his words of encouragement over the last years with the MS stay with me each and every day.

I will rejoice because today is the twenty-first anniversary of my MS diagnosis and I am still walking on my own. At this time, I am not using a walker or cane as in times past. At this time, my vision allows me to drive. It hasn't always been as such. There have been so many times where I felt like giving up but my Daddy's words kept me going. I will rejoice the Lord gave me Doc who cares for me. He knows when I need a swift kick to move and he knows when I need to rest. I remember when Dr. Berke was talking to me about the first medicine I went on. He asked what my goal for the medicine was because he wanted me to realize it wouldn't change what I went through then but was more to stop the progression of the disease. I told him I wanted to be able to play with my grand babies without being in a wheelchair. (I knew that would be fifteen-twenty years from then.) I have accomplished that! I can't do what their other grandmothers do with caring for them which makes me sad. But I am able to play with them and enjoy being with them.

April 20 is a day of so many emotions. But I will without a doubt say and live, This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. 


Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me memories to think about as I think about this being the anniversary of my Daddy's death. Lord, be with my Momma in such a mighty way. Give her a day where she feels Your presence so closely. Father, I do rejoice that my Daddy is no longer dealing with the deterioration of his physical body any longer. I also rejoice that You are my strength as I deal with the MS. Father, thank You for being My Gladness. Amen.


Saturday, April 18, 2015

Acts 8:29, 30a - "I Will Follow"


One of my favorite places to spend time at when in Jerusalem was the Wailing Wall. We were able to go there once to pray at the wall and a couple times to just be there and experience the moment. The one time we were there we saw a group of tourists who were so excited to be there. They were singing and dancing...excited. 



That excitement was seen throughout the time there in many people. Of course, not all of the people in Jerusalem believe in God but whoever or whatever they believe in they are passionate about. I was saddened to think of Christians in America. Too many are fine with status quo. Whatever they have done for the last 'x' amount of years is fine. Staying stagnant in their relationship with the Lord is fine. Not pursuing growth in their spiritual walk is fine because they are content with salvation being enough. I am thankful for the day the Lord showed me it is not enough. Being sanctified through and through, entirely, totally...whatever terminology you want to use...that is what the Lord expects of us. When we surrender to Him totally, He will bless us. He blesses me everyday by the way He uses me.

Today is Saturday. For the Jews it is their Sabbath. I love hearing the words "Shabbat Shalom."  When one is greeted with these words, it is a greeting of peace. It is the standard greeting for Jews to greet one another from sundown on Friday through sundown on Saturday.  Shabbat is more than a day off. It is a day set apart from the normal activities "for introspection, spiritual growth, and renewal" that is strictly adhered to in cultures other than ours. When we visited Tiberius on a Saturday, the stores were all closed until that evening. I can't imagine how people in America would react to that happening! 

The more I reflect on life in Israel and life in America I am saddened by the lack of depth in the spiritual walk of people here in America. I am saddened by the lack of passion for many when it comes to God. Many have passion for other things such as their job, sports, etc. but it is not the same for God. I want more passion. I want the Lord to know I am passionate for Him, without any doubt. I think of Philip in Acts 8:29, 30a.

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join yourself to this chariot. And Philip ran there unto him..."

Philip was passionate in listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit told him to go, he ran! He didn't second guess if he was hearing from the Lord. He didn't ask 'when' or 'how' but went as he was told. Not only did he go but he ran right then to do as directed. I was pondering upon this and thought about how many times in the past the Holy Spirit directed me and I tarried. I can't say it always happens but I can say that it happens more than not that I know when the Holy Spirit speaks to me and I do as directed. I don't want to miss any blessings for others or myself. In the story of Philip and the eunuch they both were blessed through Philip's passion to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In the song "I Will Follow" there are lyrics that explain what happens when we follow the Lord...

In you, there's life everlasting
In you, there's freedom for my soul
In you, there's joy, unending joy
And I will follow you


What a blessing to know we will live with Him in eternity when we follow Him. It is also a blessing to know we can have freedom and joy when we follow Him. Is following enough? I don't believe so. I believe we have to follow Him with passion and determination. Passion that will enable us to live as He desires of us. Determination to share Him with others in such a way they will want what we have in Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Shalom...peace...the only way to experience it in the fullest is to be passionate for You in a way that will allow You to work in and through me. The desire of my heart is to have more of a passion for You. I know it will take more of You and less of me to be inside of me. Lord, fill me up to overflowing. Father, I pray for not only myself but for other believers too. Lord, open eyes up to obstacles in the way of You having full relationship with people. Close doors that need closed in their lives so they can be more focused on You. Thank You Jesus for being My Shalom. Amen.


Friday, April 17, 2015

Psalm 118:24 - "Shout To The Lord"


This morning before my feet even hit the floor the Lord had this verse going through my mind. He knew I needed to be reminded of the importance to rejoice. Physically, I don't feel like rejoicing. Mentally, I don't feel like rejoicing. Emotionally, I don't feel like rejoicing. But thankfully this scripture inspires me spiritually to rejoice. It's hard to rejoice when there are so many hurting people. How can the family who are burying their loved one today rejoice? How can the spouse watching his wife deteriorate from cancer rejoice? How can the spouse watching her husband or the mother with her teenage son struggling for life rejoice? How can the couple with the loss of the husband's job rejoice? How can the man who is struggling with the loss of his marriage and having severe physical issues rejoice? How can the one who within a week went from feeling healthy to having surgery to remove cancer this morning rejoice? How can the one who is undergoing treatments for her MS rejoice? How can I rejoice when I feel like I can't go on?

There is only one answer and that is in the Lord. Matthew Henry writes about Psalm 118...

Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Savior be my Savior, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.
The Lord is with us through the good days and the tough days. His strength is what carries us through all days. He is our Comfort. He is our Strength. He is our Savior. I think of the song Daniel and Branden sang at Sharon's funeral, Shout To The Lord

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord, there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

We have the promise of eternal life when we live for the Lord. Just as Matthew Henry reminded me in his words this morning, we must present ourselves as living sacrifices each and every day. Today is definitely one of 'those days' where I feel I can't 'do' the day. But I don't have to 'do' the day on my own. The Lord is with me. His strength is my strength. I will rejoice in Him and know that He will be blessed. How will the people going through tough times get through this day? Hopefully with the same knowledge.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You encourage me. Thank You for the reminders You put before me. Thank You for loving me in such a way that I have no doubt You are taking care of me. Lord, I know I can't 'do' today on my own but I also know Your Strength will enable me to be a blessing to many today. I pray for all of the ones going through tough days. I pray they will lean upon Your strength. Father, You know what is on the schedule today, who I will come in contact with, opportunities You will give me to bless others and how my day will go. Will You please give me more of You and less of me so I can be more effective? Will You please fill me to overflowing? Lord, will You please bless my efforts to be You to others? Father, I can't 'do' this day without Your supernatural power coming down upon me. I thank You in advance for enabling me to do Your will. Thank You Jesus for being My Superman! Amen.


Thursday, April 16, 2015

I Peter 3:1-7 - "Burn Bright"


I Peter 3:1-7 was part of our study last night in group. I am so blessed to be the wife of a godly man who is the leader of our home. It wasn't that way in the beginning of our marriage because I didn't allow him to be in that role. What a blessing when the Lord revealed to me the importance of him being our spiritual leader and then revealing to him that is what he needed to do. Last night we talked about how many today see their worth in their outward body instead of their inner body. That is sad. Whether we are male or female we need to realize it is not our physical bodies that are the most important. It doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of ourselves but it does mean our souls are more important than our physical bodies. 

Living a life of holiness is the perfect way for us to live. When we have the Lord in our hearts, the joy will overflow from us. He will shine through us. I think of the words to the song called "Burn Bright"...

You were made to shine
You were made for life
Even if you've lost your way
Turn and you will hear love say
You were made for more
So much more
Child of everlasting light
Made to blaze away the night
So baby, burn bright
Burn bright

You can rise up from the ashes
Make something beautiful
Of all the broken pieces
And I'm believing you'll come running
Into the arms of Jesus


There are so many people that need this reminder but especially some who are in broken marriages. We all need to be reminded from time to time the importance of letting our light shine for the Lord. With today's schedules, children, work, everything that pulls us in all different directions we need reminded to even spend quality time with our spouse. The other day when I heard my husband say "I need to make an appointment with her" I was crushed. I don't want him to feel that way. Life has been so busy lately with ministering to others yet we need to remember to make the time for us. We have not taken our Sabbath since being back from Israel due to church activities, funerals and hospital visits. I told him the other day when we see Friday is taken we have to pick another day. Yet as we look at the calendar there is no other day in the week where there isn't something going on. We HAVE to make it a priority for us. If we don't, we will be no good to anyone else. Our marriage has to be a priority. Time with one another without being pulled in several directions must be a priority. 

I want to be a wife my husband and the Lord will be blessed by. I like the words of I Peter 3:5-6...

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, 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.

I want to be like Sarah who obeyed her husband. The desire of my heart is to be adorned with joy which will flow from me. I pray for more wives to have that same desire. I also pray for more husbands to take on the role of being the spiritual leader of their home. This song is written about an individual going through a time of falling away from the Lord. But I see how it can apply to a marriage that is falling apart. When we shine for the Lord, He will enable us to "rise up from the ashes" of a hurting marriage and "make something beautiful of all the broken pieces" as we allow the Lord to work in and through us.
Dear Jesus,
My heart breaks for those who are hurting in their marriages. I pray for them to submit to You in all they think and do so You can heal them. I pray for the marriages that have already fallen apart to be restored. I pray for the marriages who are struggling to have their eyes open to the way of healing. I pray strength for the two who are watching their spouses struggling for life. I pray for the couple who are dealing with the loss of a job. I pray for the couple who are dealing with infertility. Oh my...so many couples going through some really tough stuff. Lord, I also pray for You to open our eyes up to making sure we have time for one another. I pray for wisdom on how to have our Sabbath. Lord, I also pray for more of You and less of me so that I will "Burn Bright" for You. I want people to see my inner joy come through in my outward appearance. The desire of my heart is to be a blessing to both You and to my husband. Lord, open my eyes to what I need to do for him. Give me words of encouragement during tough times. Bless me with ways to bless him. Thank You Jesus for being My Joy. Amen.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Matthew 6 - "Beautiful, Beautiful"


What an emotional day yesterday...it's those kind of days that can make my physical body get so tired. Yet as I went throughout the day I felt the Lord was right with me. Even though there were many things accomplished one of the greatest things was I was asked to fast for a young man with some serious health problems. After I said I would then I thought about what I had to do and questioned myself on why I agreed to do it. I prayed and the Lord's response, "Yes, Daughter. I am with You. Your efforts will be blessed." I knew He would see me through the day with an abundance of His strength and He did.

My morning started off with running an errand and then dropping off clothes to a young Momma in a difficult situation. I apologized for not having any clothes for her older daughter and only a few things for the newborn. I explained I did have several pieces of clothing for the two boys. I pulled out a hat for one of the boys and both her and the little guy started smiling. I found out he keeps a hat on all the time. In fact, yesterday he had his hood pulled up over his head. I left there in tears. I was overwhelmed with how the Lord provided a "new" hat for that little boy whose world has been turned upside down. A hat that someone donated when they were through with it was such a blessing to not only the little boy and his Momma but to me. 

I was reminded of the scripture about God cares about us and provides for us just as He cares for all of nature. When I went to read Matthew 6, I was excited to see how that chapter was my day yesterday.

  • Verses 1-4 are entitled "Giving to the Needy"
    • I took clothes to a Momma for her children.
  • Verses 5-14 are entitled "Prayer"
    • I prayed throughout the day for many but many times for a young man with a serious health issue. I also anointed one when I prayed with them for a physical ailment.
  • Verses 16-18 are entitled "Fasting"
    • I fasted for a young man. The Lord kept bringing to my mind to pray for not only his physical needs but most importantly for his spiritual needs. He also had me pray for his emotional/mental needs. I found it interesting he had news from the doctor that was pretty heavy on this day that a group of us were fasting for him.
  • Verses 19-24 are entitled "Treasures In Heaven"
    • When I was at the store, I bought some things for others who need encouraged and blessed. There were some things I saw I would have liked for myself but the Lord prompted me to put them back so I could bless others instead.
  • Verses 25-34 are entitled "Do Not Worry"
    • When I prayed about the fasting and everything going on in my day, the Lord gave me peace that it would be OK. When I heard from Him "Yes, Daughter. I am with You. Your efforts will be blessed" I knew I had no need to worry.

This morning the words to Francesca Battistelli come to my mind because He has made my life so very "Beautiful, Beautiful"....

Don't know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need, You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

He blesses me each and every day and for those blessings I am so grateful. The joy I have inside is so great and I pray it flows to the outside through my attitude, words and every aspect of my life. 

Now there's a joy inside I can't contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it's pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face


Yesterday was not all a bed of roses. I also visited with a man and his family who is in ICU on a ventilator. They continue to go through tough days. I went to the calling hours for man who passed to show my support to another family. I dropped off some things to another man who lost his mother this week. The "rain" of disease and death continues but I am thankful the Lord gives me His strength to do what He puts before me. I was so blessed I had my anointing oil with me as I prayed with a lady with severe knee pain yesterday. He is so good in making sure we have what we need when we need it.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Matthew 6 that was my day yesterday. I don't think I've ever found a whole chapter in the Bible that outlined my day in such a way! Woo hoo! I like that! More importantly I like that You didn't show it to me before it happened but waited until afterwards. If I would have read that before, I would have tried to follow it. But instead You allowed me to live it and then read it.I like that very much! Father, I know it is only through more of You and less of me that I can accomplish what I do. As I look back on yesterday, I'm thankful for the rest time You gave me in the afternoon to refuel not only my physical tank but also my mental/emotional tank. I'm also thankful for the way You will continue to bless the efforts of those who fasted yesterday. Lord, touch the ones today who need You in a mighty way. Fill them with Your love. I pray they will feel You right now, right where they are in such a way that there will be no doubt in their mind that it is You. Thank You Jesus for being The One Who Blesses Me As I Bless Others. Amen.