Isaiah 43; II Corinthians 3:17-18 - "Ever Be"

As I reflect back on yesterday's sermon I once again feel so blessed to be where I am in relationship with the Lord. When Mike shared yesterday that many Christians do not live a surrendered life, I once again was saddened. This is what the Lord has had on my heart for several months. My heart breaks to see people living with one foot in the world and the another with the Lord. The freedom found in surrender is unlike anything else we can do. 

The Lord took me back to Isaiah 43 this morning, specifically verses 22-24...

22 “Yet you have not called on me, Jacob,
    you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.
23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,
    nor honored me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with grain offerings
    nor wearied you with demands for incense.
24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,
    or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.

These are words from the Lord. Even after all He had done for them they still were not following Him. Even though these words were written many years ago they are still applicable to today. He never gives up on us but when we surrender to Him life is so much better. When He is the One to be at the wheel and us in the passenger seat, life is different. We no longer have to worry about the 'what ifs' but instead can focus on doing His will. John Wesley writes about these verses:

"Verse 22

[22] But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

Weary — Thou hast not esteemed my service to be a privilege, but a burden and bondage.

Verse 23

[23] Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

Honoured — Either thou didst neglect sacrificing to me; or didst perform it merely out of custom or didst dishonour me, and pollute thy sacrifices by thy wicked life.

Verse 24

[24] Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Nor filled me — Thou hast not multiplied thy thank-offerings and free-will offerings, tho' I have given thee sufficient occasion to do so.

But — Thou hast made me to bear the load and burden of thy sins."

Once again it saddens me to think of believers who are still living in a life not fully surrendered to the Lord. I cannot begin to imagine how the Lord hurts over it.  I personally do not want to burden or weary the Lord over my actions. Instead I want Him to be proud of me. The desire of my heart is to do His will and to live a life of freedom as described in II Corinthians 3. I am so grateful for the day I pushed through the veil and totally surrendered to His will and His way. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the freedom of living a life of surrender to You. Thank You for knowing You are in control. Thank You for yesterday when we had the opportunity to worship with Ben and his family. Thank You to waking me up to "Ever Be" again this morning. Thank You for relieving my Momma's pain somewhat yesterday. Thank You for loving me and for never giving up on me. I am so blessed that You are a God of Second Chances. Lord, today is a new day with a new class starting along with playing catch-up with everything that needs done from being on vacation. I will not get crabby or stressed because You are in me and will flow from me. Lord, direct my mind...direct my steps...direct my entire day so that I do Your will. Father, bless my day in abundance as I bless You. Thank You for being My God of Second Chances. Amen.

Isaiah 43 - "Ever Be"

Isaiah 43 is rich in promises for those who believe in the Lord. Many times I have been reminded of the way the Lord will be with me "When you pass through the waters..." or "When you walk through the fire... in verse two. He reminds me that I am "...precious and honored" by Him (verse four) and do not have to be afraid (verse five). One of my favorite verses is verse ten where He tells me I am "chosen"...woo hoo! Last week He revealed to me that change is coming. Something new is about to happen. I am waiting on Him to reveal to me what that is but until that time I am holding onto verse nineteen....

The morning after God revealed He was going to do something new in my life I came upon these flowers. As I looked at the buds I thought, "That is me right now" and when I saw the blooms I thought, "That is what my newness will look like." I am so excited to see what changes are going to happen. I know as long as I live in His will, surrendered to Him He will continue to guide me in the path He desires. 

This morning I woke up singing "Ever Be" and was blessed in knowing "Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips..." Yes! I will always praise His Holy Name! I am praising His Name this morning for the way He used me during the night. A friend had a very painful night Friday with leg cramps and ended up having other issues from them yesterday. At 3AM the Lord woke me up to pray for her. This morning when I sent her a message telling her I had prayed she replied, "Thank you beyond words and PTL. 3am I WAS STARTING TO CRAMP UP but was able to mentally relax or more like God relax my muscles. A little stiff today but no pain or soreness. Normally I wouldn't be able to take a step without pain. GOD IS GOOD AND PTL I am too!" I am so blessed in being a part of people's praises! I love when I find out such things as the exact time He woke me to pray was the exact time she was starting to have issues. We do not have to have anointing oil or even have to be in the same place for a healing to occur. All we have to have is faith!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for using me as a vessel of healing for my friend. Thank You for reminding me this morning of newness that is coming in my life. Thank You for being with my Momma as she is in pain today. Lord, give her relief from this pain. I pray for an anointing upon her body so the pain will be gone. Father, I pray for people who are 'thinking' about going to church today to actually go. I pray for the ones in churches today to not only hear Your Word but to follow the direction given through it. I pray for all pastors as they go into the pulpit to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for all worship leaders as they lead people to the Throne to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for all Sunday School teachers to speak words of life from Your Word. I pray against anything that is not of You to not go inside the walls of church buildings today. Lord, Your Will be done in all services. There are some pastors not preaching what You desire today. I pray they will be convicted and change their words. Father, I pray for the Holy Spirit to come down upon them in a mighty way. I also pray the same for myself. I pray You will ooze out of me so that people do not see or hear me today, but You. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Praise. Amen.

John 8:31-32 - "No Longer Slaves"

Yes! I do "Take delight in the Lord" and he does give me the desires of my heart. Being able to spend a week in the sunshine of South Carolina was a desire of my heart that He fulfilled. Taking walks on the beach were awesome because I could. The one day we walked six miles! Six miles! Wow is God good! Just a few weeks ago I was unable to walk six steps on my own. I am one blessed lady and I pray He knows how grateful I am for all of the ways He blesses me. Today I was thinking about how wonderful it was to not only be able to walk each day but to be able to walk outside in the sunshine with the Son shining down on me...it was exhilarating! My spiritual tank was filled to overflowing with the ways He blessed me over the last two weeks. 

• The promises He has given me are ones I will hold close to my heart. 
• The love He has shown me is one that will never be forgotten.
• The blessings of each and every day are etched in my mind.

Once again I am pondering on John 8:31-32....

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The desire of my heart is to hold to His teaching which in turn will enable me to know the truth. It will be in that truth that I will live in freedom in Christ. I do not have to be enslaved to sin, fear or anything else the enemy tries to send my way. Why? Because I am grounded in Christ. He is the Only One I listen to. He is the Only One who I will follow. Why? Because of the freedom He has given me to live a life for Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all of the blessings You gave me last week. Thank You for all of the miles traveled safely. Thank You for the miracle You gave us yesterday with Doc's retina not being torn. Lord, You are so awesome! Fill me with more of You so You ooze out of me. I pray for people to see and hear You in and through me. Father, as I start another class I pray for the ability to concentrate and grasp what I am being taught. I pray for enlightenment to come down upon me on new things. I love what I was reading yesterday about 'new' things! Woo hoo! Bring them on! I am ready for some new things! Thank You Jesus for being My Only One. Amen.

John 8:31-32; Romans 12:1-2 - "Your Words"

I woke up this morning singing Third Day's "Your Words" and was immediately blessed with the way the Lord's Words are what we need to listen to. Whether it be through an audible voice or reading His Word...He is the One we need to not only hear but the Only One we need to listen to. People can give 'advice' on what we 'need to do' or 'should do' but the Lord's direction is the only one we must follow. Why? It is quite simple...

For Your words bring life
And Your voice speaks promises Lord, 
Your love offers more Than anything else in this world

Your words give us life that's never ending 
Your words bring us love that never fails 
Everything else will fade away
But what will remain
Are Your words

How can we hear His words? First of all, we must be in right relationship with Him. Secondly, we must be willing to not only hear His words but to listen to Him. It is easy to become distracted with things of this world. Busy schedules can take over a life in a second. He must be first in all that we do in order to truly hear Him. I remember a few years ago when I thought He was first in my life. I am so blessed in the way He opened my eyes to realizing what that really means. I go back to John 8:31-32 this morning....

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Yes! "If you hold to my teaching...the truth will set you free."  When we are living a life of surrender to Him, we are holding to His teaching. His Word directs us on how to live for Him.  Paul gives direction in Romans 12:1-2 on being 'living sacrifices'....

Yes! The key is found in these verses on how to live. We are not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed in Christ. That is the answer to living a life in His will. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for "Your Words"...whether they be in verbal or written form. Thank You for loving me enough to not only die for me but to live for me. Thank You for all the ways You show Your love to me each and every day. Your will...that is all I want for my life. I want to be the living sacrifice You so desire of me. Lord, fill me to overflowing with more of You. Give me Your words and Your attitude. Enable me to be the living sacrifice You want. Father, thank You for being My Will. Amen.

John 8:31-32 - "All You've Ever Wanted"

Last night was a night of praying but I'm not complaining. I asked the Lord to use me in whatever manner He desires. My night was full of prayers for a young lady who is blatantly sinning. She was raised in a home where Scripture was not only taught but it was lived out. Now, as an adult, instead of living God's way she has chosen satan's way. She is following the laws of the land that allow things instead of God's Word that strictly say it is wrong. My heart breaks for her family but more importantly throughout the night my heart was breaking for her and her mate. They are headed down the path of destruction to hell. I prayed they both would have their eyes opened up and their path would be changed to being one of reconstruction in the Lord. I prayed for their food to taste bad, their bed to be hard...whatever it takes for them to realize the way they are living is not the way the Lord chose for them. Sin is evil. Plain and simple. His desire is for each of us to live a life of holiness. Before we can do that we first must repent of our sins, accept His lead, have the desire in our hearts to be pure before Him. I kept praying they would realize the 'freedoms' of this world are nothing compared to freedom in Christ. Oh how I pray for them to get to the point in their life where they realize they need/want a deeper truth. John 8:31-32 reads, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Yes! These young ladies need freedom from sin. They need freedom to walk in Christ. The only way that will occur is for them to fall on their knees. Until that time I will continue to pray for them. I pray for someone to come into their path that will do or say something to make a difference in their lives. I pray they will realize the Lord's love in a greater way than ever possible. I pray they will get to the point in their life where they realize "Freedom arms are open, My chains have all been broken..." 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the opportunity to pray for these two young ladies. Lord, as I prayed during the night...whatever it takes to save their souls. Lord, strengthen their families. Wrap Your loving arms around them in a new way. They are hurting so badly with the choices their daughters are making. Father, encourage them to not give up. Encourage them to be on their knees. Encourage them to realize it is not their fault their daughters have chosen evil over good. Lord, fill them up to overflowing with more of Your Holy Spirit. I pray the same for myself. I pray You will flow in and through me today. May Your words be on my tongue and may Your actions be my actions. Thank You Jesus for being My Freedom. Amen. 

John 8:31-32 - "The Word"

"...and the truth will set you free." Yes! Free! The desire of my heart is to be totally free in Christ. The way to find such freedom is to be in His Word seeking His Will. When life seems perplexing, what do I need to do? I need to turn to the Word for answers. When people won't accept the Lord and what He has for them, I need to turn to the Word for guidance. When life is challenging, I need to turn to the Word for His peace. All of the answers are found in His Word. No other books are needed...only The One. It is all any of us need.

I think it's time I rediscover
All the ground that I have covered,
Like seek ye first what a verse
We are pressed but not crushed
Perplexed but don't despair
We are persecuted but not abandoned
We are no longer slaves
We are daughters and sons
And when we are weak we are very strong
And neither death nor life nor present
Nor future nor depth nor height
Can keep us from the love of Christ
And the Word I need is the Word that was
Who put on flesh to dwell with us
In the beginning

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the way You inspired each and every Word in Your Book! Thank You for giving me this Guide Book to follow no matter what is going on in my life. Lord, the challenges may be great but Your Word enables me to realize You are greater. Lord, I am seeking Your Will for the days ahead. I am seeking Your Will for all that I do. Enlighten me...reveal to me...give me what I need to see Your Will. Thank You Jesus for being My Word. Amen.

John 8:31-32; Philippians 4:8 - "Diamonds"

As I read about strongholds in Rob's book called Bridging the Great Divide I began thinking about how strongholds are lies or misconceptions many are living in. How can we know how to handle a stronghold? How can we demolish a stronghold out of our life? Why would God allow a stronghold in our life? The answers to these questions are found in His Word. In order to know the answers, we first must study His Word. Being in His Word is part of the process to finding freedom from strongholds. It will enable a proper understanding of truth as shown in this picture. Confession, repentance, and holiness are also part of the cycle. 

As we continue in the cycle of freedom we must continually be in His Word in order to stay strong against the strongholds that come our way. That is imperative if we truly want to have the Lord's strength against them. Lies no longer have to be a part of our lives when we actually know His Word. His Word is truth. Jesus told the Jews in John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Woo hoo! Yes! The truth, His truth, is found in His Word. Something that sounds so simple yet is something many do not practice on a regular basis. I think of Philippians 4:8 that I call the 'junk in/junk out' verse...

When we follow this verse to think about anything that "...is excellent or praise worthy," the only thing that fully falls into this category is the Bible. Therefore, we need to fulfill this verse each and every day of our life. We need to be in study of His Word.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Rob's words which remind me of the importance of studying Your Word. Thank You for the reminder of how to brake strongholds. Thank You for the reminder of where to find true peace. Lord, increase the desire in me to be in Your Word more. I pray for more of You in my life. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to empower me to gain knowledge that I can't even imagine. Father, I am so grateful You are "...making diamonds out of dust..." Thank You for being My Truth! Amen.

Ephesians 3:16-19 - "You Lead"

The Lord woke me up for over an hour at 12:15 to pray for a family going through a tough time. As I was praying I heard Him say, "Pray specifically." I thought how in the world am I suppose to pray specifically when I don't know specifics. Once again, "Pray specifically." I started thinking about the situation and asked the Lord to give me specifics, which He did. Then at the end of that time I prayed for Him to wake me again if needed. A couple hours later He woke me and told me to "pray specifically" which I did to the best of what I knew. The third time He woke me I told Him I didn't understand how I was to pray specifically when I didn't know specifics. To that He replied, "Where's your faith?" Now I was confused. What did my faith have to do with this family? He explained that it had nothing to do with this family but it had to do with me. If my faith is deep enough, I won't question when He tells me to do something that doesn't make sense but will do it. He didn't need my prayers in this situation, He already knows the outcome. But He did need my faithfulness. Wow! Thank You Jesus for this revelation! This picture reminds me of my relationship with the Lord. The buds represent before Christ; the buds that are starting to bloom represent a new life in Christ; the flowers that are blooming represent a life deeply grounded in Christ. The flowers are a product of nurturing and growth. They are what the Lord desires of all of us. His desire is for us to be a fragrant offering to Him.

I am accepting the prayer Paul gave to the Church of Ephesus in Ephesians 3:16-19...

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You reveal things to me! Thank You for new life! Thank You for the way You speak to me AND the way I hear Your voice. Father, today is a new day. I pray You will fill me to overflowing with more of You. Direct my steps, may I speak Your words...may people see and hear You in and through me. Lord, use me in whatever way You so desire. Thank You for being My Creator. Amen.

Ephesians 1:15-23 - "Your Words"

Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul writes....

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every namethat is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

"...the Spirit of wisdom and revelation..." The only way for the Lord to give one the Spirit of wisdom, they first must have the desire in their heart to learn more about His Word. All believers should have such a desire. Unfortunately, many do not. Many are content with going to church and allowing the pastor to give them wisdom. What about the pastors who don't seek out the Lord's wisdom? What type of teaching/preaching are they giving to their congregations? Many pastors are happy to keep people in the church so they say whatever the people want to hear. That is not a true pastor. A true pastor seeks a Spirit of wisdom not only for themselves but for the people. Matthew Henry writes about this passage...

"Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Are not the best of us unwilling to come under God's yoke, though there is no other way to find rest for the soul? Do we not for a little pleasure often part with our peace? And if we dispute less, and prayed more with and for each other, we should daily see more and more what is the hope of our calling, and the riches of the Divine glory in this inheritance. It is desirable to feel the mighty power of Divine grace, beginning and carrying on the work of faith in our souls. But it is difficult to bring a soul to believe fully in Christ, and to venture its all, and the hope of eternal life, upon his righteousness. Nothing less than Almighty power will work this in us. Here is signified that it is Christ the Saviour, who supplies all the necessities of those who trust in him, and gives them all blessings in the richest abundance. And by being partakers of Christ himself, we come to be filled with the fulness of grace and glory in him. How then do those forget themselves who seek for righteousness out of him! This teaches us to come to Christ. And did we know what we are called to, and what we might find in him, surely we should come and be suitors to him. When feeling our weakness and the power of our enemies, we most perceive the greatness of that mighty power which effects the conversion of the believer, and is engaged to perfect his salvation. Surely this will constrain us by love to live to our Redeemer's glory."

Dear Jesus,
Today many pastors went into the pulpit with the goal of pleasing people when instead they needed to be pleasing You. Oh how I pray for them to come to the realization that You are the One to please. My prayers are for their eyes to be opened to the Truth. May they be in Your Word seeking more wisdom. Lord, tomorrow is Monday and for many pastors it is a day where they decide to give up pastoring. How I pray for those who are discouraged to find Your peace. How I pray for those ready to give up to find Your strength to continue on. Lord, may You empower them with Your Spirit. May they receive a revelation from You that will change their live. May You fill them with more of You to the point of them overflowing. Thank You Jesus for being My Revelation. Amen.

Matthew 19:26 - "What Faith Can Do"

Yesterday I was so blessed as I listened on the call with Dan Bohi. He encouraged me to continue to step out where the Lord leads with a faith that is unstoppable. As he was talking about being in the boat I thought about how the Lord keeps telling me to go 'deeper' and wonder where that will take me. I thought of how much faith it took for us to go to Israel last March. I thought of how much faith it took for me not to give up when I wanted to with my MS. I thought of how much faith it took when I continued to beg the Lord for a healing in my physical body on February 4, 2016. Faith is the key to living! Yesterday Dan asked us to speak our declaration. I am standing on seeing these declared words come to reality...

Dear Jesus,
Take me deeper...deeper...into where You desire me to be. Thank You Father for all You do for me. Thank You for loving me in some mighty amazing ways. Lord, I pray for others to come into relationship with You in a deeper way...whatever that may mean for each one. Lord, I also pray for non-believers to accept You. I pray for believers to surrender to You. I pray for an anointing on those in ministry. I pray for Your fire to fall on all in ministry. Lord, bring the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit down upon all Your believers. Oh Father, may fruit be seen from my ministry. May You be seen in and through me...fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You Father for being The One I Put My Faith. Amen.

Philippians 1:27-30 - "Set A Fire"

If we are full of Jesus, He will flow from us...
If we are full of His love, we will love the unlovable...
If we are full of His goodness, we will be kind...
If we are full of His righteousness, we will strive to be Christ-like...
If we are full of 'junk', nastiness will come from our words and actions...
If we allow the trials of life to overwhelm the love of Christ in us, we will no longer have His peace but instead will be tormented by the enemy...

Paul's words to the Church of Philippi are ones we need to hear today...

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Matthew Henry writes...."There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God." This world is full of doubt, disbelief, etc. We, as believers, must stand in faith on the salvation of the Lord. We must take that one step further and be sanctified in order to live in His complete peace. The way to be sanctified is to be pure and holy in Him. The way to be pure and holy in Him is by living a life of surrender where His will is sought each and every moment and His way is followed. Oh how the cry of my heart is for more of Him...

Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain
I can't control
I want more of you God
I want more of you God

Dear Jesus,
I pray for more of You to be in me today. I pray when people see or hear me they will know it is You. I pray for an anointing of the Holy Spirit to be so great on me today. Lord, I thank You for being My peace. I thank You for enabling me to lean on You in tough days and rejoice with You in good days. Thank You Father for the relationship we have. Thank You for the way You use me as Your servant. Thank You for giving me the desire in my heart to be Christ-like. Thank You Jesus for being My Example. Amen.

Colossians 3:23-24 - "Move (Keep Walkin')"

I was singing Toby Mac's "Move (Keep Walkin')" and started tearing up over the many times I've been disappointed over people who have chosen to not live in a relationship with God. Some have blatantly refused Him while others are in and out of relationship with Him. When they 'need' Him, they cry out to Him yet when life is 'good' they turn away from Him. It breaks my heart to see people living in such a manner. It really breaks my heart to see children being raised in homes such as this. They are innocent yet their lives are being effected for eternity. Many will grow up seeing this as the way of life and not following the example of their parents. The Lord has told me I must not give up. Yes, He is coming back and I believe it will be soon. Until that time He has told me to keep sharing Him with everyone I come in contact with. The words to this song are so appropriate with what I need to do....

Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet

Last week He gave this message to a friend for us...

My fellow Comrad, We are in a Battle but we know who the Champion is. In prayer this a.m. I heard this while praying for you and Pastor Doc-God is giving you Marching Orders. Full speed ahead. Onward Christian Soldier. Blessings. We are in this together. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

I am so blessed for fellow believers who not only listen to the Lord but who share what He tells them. We have been in a battle for a few months. Just when I feel like I can't take anymore the Lord blesses me with this. The Lord is and will continue to be my strength. One thing I learned many years ago in ministry is Colossians 3:23-24...

"...with all your heart..." There is no other way to do something. But the most important part of these verses comes in "...as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." He is the One I aim to please. Oh yes, it is nice when people are happy with what you do but if it is not His will then it is not good. His will is what I seek. His will is where I desire to live. His will is the ultimate place to bask in His peace. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of the need to keep "...movin on." When days are tough, You are with me and for that I am grateful. When going through difficult situations, You are growing my faith and for that I am grateful. When people put expectations on me, I pray about them. If they are not of You, I praise You for giving me peace. When people won't accept what I give them about You, You have enabled me to continue on without fretting. Once again, Your peace is perfect. Lord, wherever You lead me today I will go. Whatever words You desire out of mouth, I will speak. I am Your servant and the desire of my heart is to do Your will. Thank You Jesus for being My Commander. Amen.

Psalm 118:17 - "Healer"

The Lord has given me a mission to fulfill and that is to proclaim what He has done for me. He has done so much and I know will continue to supply what I need. People need to know...

• He died and rose again...people need to know He is their Savior
• He loves with an unconditional love...people need to realize such love is available to them in this unlovable world
• He has a peace available for all...people need to know there is peace in the midst of the storms of life
• He wants all of us...a life of surrender is the best place to live.
• He will heal their hurts and pains...in His time and to fulfill His purpose.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share with my church family what He gave me this past week. I pray seeds were planted for people to draw closer to Him. A man came to me afterward with tears in his eyes, thanking me for the sermon. Many said 'good job' but those weren't the words I wanted to hear. What would have made my heart happy were to know people have made the choice to live a life of surrender. I was hoping more would come to Corporate Prayer Time last night but as I told Doc I gave what the Lord gave me to share and it is up to the ones who heard the message to make their decision. It is not my responsibility other than praying for seeds to be cultivated and to grow. My heart breaks for many. I can only imagine what the Lord feels.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You seems so inadequate for all you have done and continue to do for me. You are a God of second chances...a God of unconditional love. I am so thankful for our relationship and I pray for more people to find such relationship. Lord I am surrendered to You. I pray if there is anything in my life not of You, You will eradicate it. Father, fill me with more of You. Lead my steps and my words today...ooze out of me...may people see You instead of me. Thank You Father for being My Everything. Amen.

"Why has God left us on the earth? Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I willing to be of no value to this age or this life except for one purpose and one alone-to be used to disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ? My life of service to God is the way I say "thank you" to Him for His inexpressibly wonderful salvation." Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for the Highest