This morning the first thing in my mind was, "I can't do this..." The second thing in my mind were these lyrics...
There is power In the name of Jesus There is power Power in His name I guess the Lord was trying to tell me something! Yes, there is power in His name! So when I feel like I can't physically or emotionally continue I will be reminded to call upon Him. "Jesus"...that is all it will take to have my tank filled up. "Jesus"...His name is powerful and can calm the storms of life. "Jesus"...He is the Almighty who will enable me to keep my focus on Him. Things of this world are just that, things but Jesus is forever. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is My Everything. Once again I am reminded that I must be still in His presence in order for Him to accomplish the desires of His heart in and through me. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the reminder of the power of Your name! Lord, I pray for a quietness in my spirit today. I pray for more of You in order for me to stay focused on what You desire of me today. Lord, fill me to overflowing with You so I don't miss anything You desire. Thank You Jesus for being My Everything! Amen.
I am so grateful for the ten hours of sleep the Lord provided last night after the day full of ministry I experienced yesterday. As I was on the way home from the second ER visit last night the Lord spoke so clearly to me to call and pray with a friend. I was so physically, mentally and emotionally drained from the activities of the day. I didn't think I had the strength to do it. But I was obedient and was so blessed through it. This friend is going through some very tough days with a family situation and yesterday her husband was experiencing issues with his heart and needed to see the doctor. As I prayed, I was renewed in my spirit as the Holy Spirit took over my words. She was blessed to the point of tears that the Lord had prompted me to call and pray with her. As I think back on that moment I know the reason why I could hear Him is because I live in His presence. The reason why I was obedient was because the desire of my heart is to be totally surrendered to Him. The reason I was able to minister as I did yesterday was because He directed my path and my words yesterday to include all that I did. The reason I was able to hear comes from these simple words...
I found out yesterday that even when I was moving physically the Lord enables me to "be still" in my spirit in order to hear His voice. That is exciting to think about! No matter what we are going through, as long as we are still before Him He will enable us to hear from Him. Woo hoo! Dear Jesus, Thank You for all that You did through me yesterday. Thank You for loving me enough to give me the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength to fulfill Your will yesterday. Lord, today is a new day. I am physically tired from the activities of yesterday but I know You are my strength. Enable me to hear from You today on the direction You want my path to be and the words You desire to flow from me. Father, love on others through me...encourage others through me...may people see and hear You through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Stillness. Amen.
This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 46 and had me concentrate on verses six through eleven. It reminded me of a conversation I had yesterday about the time for Jesus to return is so close. Many, even those who believe and follow the Lord, are in denial. "People have been saying that for years" is a common phrase to hear. The signs are showing it is close and I fear for many who are not following Him. This Psalm encourages us to trust in Him. He is the All Powerful God. He knows all and sees all. He is Our Hope through all that life throws our way. The desire of His heart is not only for people to believe but for people to surrender everything to Him. It is in surrender that we will not fear the time of Jesus' return. It is in surrender that one can have His peace. It is in surrender that as He leads one will follow, no matter what that looks like. I like the words of Matthew Henry on these verses: Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid. The words to "Freedom Of The Sea" flow through my mind... I know it's safe here on the shore But freedom is worth dying for Liberation comes to those Who hear the truth and sail with you I'll go where you are calling me I'll be what you meant me to be I know the risk is real, but I wanna feel The freedom of the sea
Yes! There is freedom in surrender. Sometimes one has to remind themselves of what it takes to live in such freedom. Trust is key as we sail in life in a life of surrender. When He is our anchor, there is nothing we cannot do in and through Him. Woo hoo!
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of my time in Your Word this morning! Thank You for the hope You give me as I trust You! Thank You for the knowledge that You are My Anchor and in that I have Your strength to do whatever You put before me! Woo hoo! You are so good, Lord! Father, today is a new day and I pray at the end of this day I can reflect back and know I have done what You have desired of me. Fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray people will see and hear You through me today. Thank You Jesus for being My Anchor! Amen.
I woke up this morning singing these words... Doesn’t matter how deep, how dark the night is Keep hoping, keep on shining And they’ll see His light burning in your heart And if the road gets rough, just keep your head up Let the world see what you’re made of That His love’s alive in your deepest parts Like a flame, like a burning star you can shine right where you are He made you to glow in the dark.
There are so many people going through some tough situations that need to remember these words. I am reminded of words of Lysa TerKerst about what one needs to remember in the storms of life... 1. God loves us and He will not leave us.
2. This battle isn’t ours. The battle belongs to the Lord. Let Him fight for you. Save your emotional energy and use it to dig into His Word like never before. Our job is to be obedient to God. God’s job is winning this battle. 3. The battle might not be easy or short-lived, but victory will be there for those who trust God. 4. God is good even when the circumstances are darker than you ever imagined. God is good even when people are not. God is good even when things seem stinking hopeless. God is good and can be trusted when you feel suspicious of everyone and everything around you. 5. Lastly, God is good at being God. Don’t try to fix what He hasn’t assigned you to fix. Don’t try to manipulate or control or spend all your emotions trying to figure it out. Let Him be God. Free yourself from this impossible assignment.
I am praying these reminders over many today...
my sister who is having knee surgery today
my brother who is getting ready to start chemo treatments
my uncle who started radiation treatments
my friend who has been attacked by shingles
my friends who finally sold their deceased parents home yesterday
my friend who sixteen days ago had her father leave this earth and now yesterday her mother left
my friend struggling with high diabetes numbers
my friend who was put in the nursing home yesterday for rehab
my son and his family as they prepare for him to be gone a few days for business travel
my son and his family as they adjust to being in a new home
my son and his wife as he travels for his career
the wife watching her new husband wither away with cancer
the lady recently diagnosed with cancer and it appears to be in her last days
the lady going through testing for mouth cancer
Circumstances of life can be hard to deal with in our humanness but we must remember there is nothing God can't handle. Nothing surprises Him. He is aware of all even before it happens. Yes, it is ok to have a meltdown in stressful times as long as we don't stay there. The better place to stay is in His Word. I am reminded of the words of my dear friend Rob McCorkle about how we need to 'take up residence' in His Word. There is no better place to be, especially in the time of a storm in life, than there. No matter what, we must remember that we can never quit living with the Lord. The desire of His heart is for us to "Glow In The Dark" and we must keep our focus on that idea! We also must remember these words of God...
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of this Scripture, the words of Lysa TerKeurst and the lyrics to this song. You are so good! You are so awesome! You are so wonderful! Lord, today as I go about my day would You fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You through me? Would You be my words? Would You direct my steps? Would You give me eyes to see and ears to hear for You today? Thank You Jesus for being My Stillness. Amen.
As I read Acts 15 this morning I thought about these words of Peter and how they can apply to today. In this instance there was an upheaval over what the 'pagans' were doing. Peter reminded the apostles and leaders that God wanted the pagans to be saved just as He wanted for all. He told them God prepared their hearts too. As I was reading that I started thinking about what is happening in my little world with the controversy over the public restrooms. I believe it is good when people voice their opinion because it gets people to think. But words need to be given in Jesus' love not in one's humanness. Just as the apostles and leaders were arguing over the pagans I find it sad that believers are arguing over this issue. If those who don't follow God hear/see those who do follow God being nasty to one another over an issue, why would they ever follow Him? We have to be careful in everything we say or do. People are watching for our actions and reactions. In my opinion people need to voice the way they feel on issues, especially if there is sin involved. But once again it must be done in love...Jesus' love. Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me! Thank You for loving everyone! Thank You for giving discernment to those who seek it! Lord, I am not sure what my day holds but I do know it holds You and for that I am blessed. Would You fill me to overflowing so others will see/hear through me? Would You give me discernment in the words I speak? Would You love on people through me? Thank You Jesus for being My Loving Father. Amen.
"...he purified their hearts by faith." When I was asked what this meant, I think I fell short on my explanation. This morning when the Lord woke me up to the song "Diamonds" I was reminded of these verses. He's making diamonds, diamonds Making diamonds out of dust He is refining in his timing He's making diamonds out of us The word purified means 'to make pure; free from anything that contaminates, guilt or evil.' The word refined means to be 'freed from impurities.' When a diamond is taken from it's original state and made beautiful, it is refined. When a person is taken from their original state of sin and made beautiful, they are purified. A diamond sparkles when refined...a person sparkles when purified. Light shines off of a diamond when it is refined just as the Lord's light shines off of a person when they are purified. When one believes and has faith in God, they come into relationship with Him. As we repent to Him our sins are washed away. I love the concept of justification. My husband uses the phrase with it as 'just as if it never happened'! Jesus cleanses us when we ask for forgiveness. He washes us white as snow. It takes faith in God to be saved. It also takes faith in God to be sanctified. When we totally surrender to Him, we are purified...we are set apart...we are sanctified. Yesterday Doc made the statement that 'faith is a lifestyle' and to that I said 'Amen!' If I didn't live by faith, I would worry and fret over every little decision to be made. Without faith I would question everything that happens in life. But with faith I am confident that the Lord is in control. He is My Guide, My Counselor, My Comforter...My Everything! Him being My Purifier is so cool to think about! He makes me pure! When He refines me, He takes away anything impure in me. We must repent before Him each and every day for anything impure in our lives...whether it is something we knowingly or don't know we did. Dear Jesus, Thank You for being the One who cleanses me, purifies me and refines me! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Wow Lord! Yesterday was such an awesome day with my church family! Thank You for speaking to me specifically about one who needed salvation in the service! Thank You for the testimonies that were given of victories! Thank You for the encouragement You gave me in Corporate Prayer Time! Thank You for the way You spoke to my friend in Corporate Prayer Time! You are so awesome! Lord, today is a new day and I praise You for it! Even though my physical body is not up to par today I am ready to do whatever You so desire of me...fill me to overflowing with You so I can see things to happen 'on earth as it is in heaven'! I love how You brought back to my mind the phrase from Miracle Sunday...'may it be so'!!! Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for being My Purifier! Amen.
Being in ministry has many ups and downs and Sundays can be full of so many different emotions... You are excited as you anticipate gathering together with your church family... You are happy when you hear people testify of the Lord's blessing on their life... You are sad when you see people refuse what the Lord has for them... You are joyful when the Lord speaks to you... You are hopeful as you await the Holy Spirit's presence to take over the service... You are encouraged in knowing the Lord has prepared you to experience Him in a whole new way. Today's service was so awesome! I knew when Doc told me this morning that the Lord was changing the sermon but he didn't know to what it was going to be good! Starting the service with testimonies was so encouraging!
Hearing of a physical healing from numbness in arms that has been a part of one's life for the last several years was so cool!
Having a wife tell that her and her husband who have been separated for eight weeks are reconciled was so exciting!
Hearing of God's perfect timing in my own life last week that enabled me to be with my Momma on the anniversary date of my Daddy's death was so cool!
Hearing of one who is struggling with spiritual warfare and having the opportunity to pray for him was a blessing!
Having the testimony of a physical healing in one of the boys who had an injury this week was awesome!
Hearing from one who has been put down over and over by their boss but is listening to the Lord was so cool!
The Lord wants to bless everyone! He also wants to have people surrender to Him and allow Him full control of every aspect of their life. During Praise and Worship the Lord told me there was one in the room who needed salvation. At the end of the service one accepted the Lord! I go back to the words of the Lord's Prayer that we pray..."on earth as it is in heaven"...YES! The Lord wants us to live in victory on this earth so we can live in victory with Him in heaven. I desire to live out John 7:38 each and every day of my life. The desire of my heart is for Him to flow in and through me.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all of the blessings of this day! Thank You for the testimonies that many shared today! Thank You for Doc's obedience in what You wanted us to hear today! Thank You for giving me a heart for more of You! Lord, fill me to overflowing with You so all who see or hear me will see You! Thank You Jesus for being My Living Water! Amen.
"Leave it all behind....and come to the well..." Yes! My life has truly been changed since surrendering to the Lord. I love these words in this song... And now that you're full, Of love beyond measure, Your joy's gonna flow, Like a stream in the desert, Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me, Cuz you came to the well This is where I live....where His joy is my joy. Each and every day I pray for people to see Him flow from me. He blesses me every day in so many ways. Yesterday was an example of a huge blessing. I received a message from a friend yesterday morning asking if I knew of a local therapist. She has suffered with depression for many months and realizes she needs to professional help. I prayed and then gathered some information for her. When I messaged her back, the response I received was that one of the places I gave her was where she was scheduled for an appointment in June. (That was the soonest they had available.) Her response back to me was they had called her because they had an opening and she went at 10:30 yesterday! At 8:30 when she sent me the message I prayed for open doors for her...WOW God sure opened that door quickly! Then I received a message from a friend whose sister went in for surgery for the removal of a polyp in her stomach only that had been found previously on tests. It was not there...WOW God! My sister had five biopsies on her thyroid this week and received the news yesterday they were benign...WOW God! I pray she will see how the Lord had a hand in her life and she will desire to come into relationship with Him. The step I took to go deeper since last year at this time changed my life in abundance. Yes, I was saved and sanctified before but I've gone even deeper in my sanctified life. Everything was His before but now not only is everything His but I am hearing from Him daily. I love to be where I am in my relationship with Him but I will not stop here. I want to go deeper. I think about a swimming pool where you start going in ankle deep, then knee deep, then waist deep, then up to your head, then over your head to where you cannot touch bottom but you can still see bottom, then as in a lake or the ocean when you go out so deep you can no longer see the bottom...in the beginning there is fear involved in each of these stages but once you take the plunge fear is gone so you can enjoy where you are. Woo hoo! I love the word picture Nehemiah gives in chapter 9 of the Israelites who were in the desert for forty days. God took care of them even in their wandering. He provided for them even though they were not following Him. I am praying for those who are not following Him today to get to the end of themselves and allow Him to be their Savior. I am also praying for those who accept Him as their Savior to get to the end of themselves again and surrender fully to Him. When that happens, life will change and they will reap the rewards of a sanctified life.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for this song this morning and the reminder that I will continue to seek to go deeper in my relationship with You. Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for speaking to me and directing my words and actions. Father, fill me to over flowing so I can experience more of You and others will see You through me. Be my words and actions in a mighty way today. Be my boldness. Thank You Jesus for being My Living Water. Amen.
Waking up to these words gave me a sense of excitement and contentment...
In the presence of Jehovah God Almighty Prince of Peace Troubles vanish hearts are mended In the presence of the King
Yes! Living in His presence is the best place to live. Getting through an emotional day as yesterday with such peace is explainable only as the Holy Spirit. He guided me through the day with giving me good memories to bask on. He directed me to love on people instead of feeling sorry for myself. He encouraged me with Scripture. Most of all He allowed me to feel His presence the entire day. I know some do not understand what I mean when I say I live in His presence but I sure wish I could voice it in words that made sense. It took me a long time to get to this point but I am so grateful for full surrender to Him that enables me to live with Him 24/7. Surrender is the key. When I fully surrender, I no longer live for Him but I live with Him. Once again, that is probably not the verbiage others would understand but the state of contentment I live in is the best. Speaking words of life instead of death is my way of life. Encouraging others instead of discouraging is my goal each and every day. Living with Him as my Guide is my way of life. I choose joy instead of all of the other negative emotions that people choose!
As I look at this flower I see a pretty little thing but others would see a thistle with some dead leaves. When others see all the negative aspects of life, I try to find the positives. When others choose to be crabby, I choose to be joyful. It is when I allow the world to take over instead of basking in His presence that my attitude becomes as others instead of the joyful being the Lord has called me to be. It does not mean everything in life is peachy-keen because it isn't. It just means that I have surrendered every aspect of my life to Him and He is in control. That is where my joy and my peace come from....actually it's not mine but His joy and His peace that lives in and through me. Woo hoo! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the reminder of the words to this song this morning. You are my strength! Woo hoo! Lord, You are my Joy...You are my Peace...You are my Everything! Father, thank You for Your presence being so great in my life yesterday. Thank You for the way You gave me the physical and emotional strength to accomplish all You set before me. Thank You for loving me so greatly. Thank You for being so very real to me. Lord, today is a new day and I pray for more of You as I start this day. I pray You will be so overwhelmingly real to me. Father, give me Your words and Your actions in all that I do. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength! Amen.
April 20....so many memories attached to this day. Twenty-two years ago today was the day my neurologist confirmed his suspicions that I had MS. Three years ago today was when my Daddy left this earth to be with Jesus. Both of these events are ones that forever changed my life. But they are both events that I am grateful the Lord strengthened me in my spiritual being through. Would I have chosen MS? Would I have chosen for my Daddy to die? In the selfish me, no. But in the me who is blessed with the Lord's strength, both are 'ok' because I have Him to depend upon. The MS has taught me how to persevere, lean on the Lord, be more grateful...the list goes on and on. The death of my Daddy has taught me how to hang onto memories, to not be sad but to be joyful in all circumstances...once again the list goes on and on. I am so grateful for the love my earthly Daddy lavished on me but I am even more grateful for the love my heavenly Daddy blesses me with every day. I am thankful for the guidance both of my Daddy's gave/give me. I am thankful for the example of my earthly Daddy that came from my heavenly Daddy. Yes, today is one that has many emotions attached to it. The desire of my heart is to go for a long walk because my heavenly Daddy has blessed me with healing and because my earthly Daddy would be pleased that I have not allowed the MS to stop me. Oh how I miss the encouragement from my earthly Daddy but I am grateful to have the memories of his words etched into my heart. When he would call and I would say I was laying down, he would always tell me that it was ok to rest but only for a while because I had to keep moving. Those are the best words of advice for anyone with MS.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace...thank You for being who You are in my life...thank You for giving me such a wonderful earthly Daddy! Lord, I am choosing joy! I choose life over death in my words and actions! I choose to be You in a way that some people will not understand. Fill me to overflowing so people will see and hear You in and through me. I pray people will surround my siblings, children and other family members with Your presence in a great way today as they think about this day. Lord, may the memories made with my Daddy be stronger than the ache in their heart. May they choose joy today instead of mourning. Thank You Jesus for being My Heavenly Daddy. Amen.
"My heart cries holy..." Yes it does! What an awesome song for the Lord to wake me up with this morning. This is exactly how I feel about my relationship with Him right now but I am praying for more. Last spring when He told me to 'go deeper' I had no clue what was going to change in my life. What a blessing to be obedient to Him and seek more of Him. I remember when I was a little I thought once you accepted Him into Your heart that was it. All you had to do was live for Him and life would be good. I am so grateful for the teaching of the Nazarene Church to live a life surrendered to Him...a life of holiness. Woo hoo! I also am grateful for Him taking me to I Corinthians 13 on Sunday. If we do not have His love flowing in and through us, we have nothing. His love enables us to love as He loves...to accept as He accepts...to think as He thinks. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the desire You put in my heart to be surrendered to You. Thank You for speaking to me. Thank You for loving me with unconditional love. Oh Father, how I pray for Your words and Your attitude to show through me today. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You today through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Holiness. Amen.
He's making diamonds, diamonds Making diamonds out of dust He is refining in his timing He's making diamonds out of us
Yes He is! Yesterday the Holy Spirit showed up in a mighty way in our service. Two were saved, many stood to be sanctified and we continue to hear of healing that occurred. He was invited and He came. I loved what Doc said at one point in the service, "The atmosphere has changed!" Woo hoo! Yes! Why did it change? Because many who obeyed to praying and fasting over the last twenty-one days. Because many got to the end of themselves and allowed Him to work in and through them. The testimonies were awesome yesterday! In the morning and again last night in our Corporate Prayer Time we had some new faces and that was a blessing. More and more people are 'getting it'! This song continues... I'll surrender to the power Of being crushed by love Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh Till the beauty that was hidden Isn't covered up Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh Oh it's not what I hoped for It's something much better I found this words interesting as the Lord led me to I Corinthians 13 in the 5PM Corporate Prayer Time. In the first few verses Paul explains without love there is nothing.
It was so cool after the Lord took me to these verses I looked up and on the screen was a beautiful sunset scene with these words, "I love you, God." Woo hoo! He is so awesome! Yesterday was a day I will never forget. I have been praying and fasting for people to allow change and those efforts were blessed. I pray as people left the church building they continued to bask in His presence. May they know He is their strength no matter what the world throws their way.
Oh the joy of the lord It will be my strength When the pressure is on He's making diamonds Dear Jesus, Thank You for yesterday but most importantly thank You for the day that is ahead. Lord, would You please make me dazzle and be sparkly for You today? Would You take off any rough edges in me and allow be to be brilliant for You? Would You make me beautiful in Your eyes? I don't want physical beauty but I do desire Your beauty to show through me. Would You sharpen my words with Your words? Would You enable my life to be something people desire to also live? Fill me to overflowing with more of You Father as You make a diamond out of me! Thank You Jesus for being My Refiner! Amen.
These lyrics mean so much more to me today than they did at this time yesterday...
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord
Those who gathered for a special time of corporate prayer yesterday could feel the Holy Spirit in our midst. He spoke to many with individual messages yet they all pointed to what will happen today in the lives of those who were obedient over these last twenty-one days. Today is the day we will see fruit from our efforts. It is sad to think not everyone participated but the Lord gives free-will and some have chosen to exercise their will toward themselves and the way of the world. Yesterday for those who were there the Holy Spirit was so great. He was welcomed and He came. Oh how I pray He will be welcomed today in our body of believers. I pray He will be welcomed in all bodies of believers. I pray these words will be the cry of many hearts today... Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness When theses words are on the hearts of His people, He will come in a mighty way. There will be miracles and signs. There will be healing in physical, mental, emotional but most importantly in spiritual bodies. Woo hoo! Holy Spirit come! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the special time of prayer yesterday at the church. Thank You for the time last night when I heard Doc crying out to You for our church family. Thank You for the churches who will be open to Your Spirit today. Lord, more of You is my cry...more of You in me...more of You in my brothers and sisters. Father in Your words You gave me yesterday, "May it be so"...Yes! Thank You Jesus for being My Glory! Amen.
I woke up this morning with these lyrics to "If We're Honest" going through my mind and asked the Lord what He wanted me to get from them. Were they for me? Am I not being honest about something? Or is there someone I need to pray for that needs to be honest with themselves or others?
Bring your brokenness, and I'll bring mine 'Cause love can heal what hurt divides And mercy's waiting on the other side If we're honest If we're honest
It would change our lives It would set us free It's what we need to be
The old saying of 'honesty is the best policy' is so true. As this song says, "It would set us free..." His words to me were, "Pray for people to be honest in the service tomorrow. Pray they will fall down before me in total surrender." Yes! There will be such freedom in our church body as we all surrender to Him. I am expecting great things from the culmination of our twenty-one days of fasting and prayer. I don't know how many participated but I am praying tomorrow people will share how the Lord has worked in their lives over these last three weeks. I go back to II Chronicles 7:14 with the realization that this is the only way we, as believers, will see a change in our personal lives, our church bodies, our town and our country. Oh how I pray for more believers to realize this verse must be followed in order to follow God's will for each of us. Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, Your mercy and Your grace. Thank You for dying on the cross for each of us. Thank You for speaking to us. Thank You for guiding us. Lord, fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You in and through me today. Thank You Jesus for being The One Who Loves Me. Amen.
What a blessed feeling I have in my spirit today. I was so tired yesterday and asked the Lord to give me His supernatural energy and He provided in abundance! From the time I prayed yesterday morning until the time I went to bed last night He was so very real to me. He blessed me so many ways...
by speaking to me so clearly as I was filling a shoebox...
having time with Ben, Emily and the kids and seeing their new home...
watching my grand babies eat their supper so good and then playing at the park with them...
having Miss Clementine want me to hold her and having the strength in my arms to do so...
sleeping nine hours last night and then another hour of just soaking.
Yes, He definitely blesses me. It seems that since Doc challenged us to follow II Chronicles 7:14 the blessings have been even greater. These last nineteen days of fasting and praying have brought about some major God moments in my life. I am so grateful for the way He speaks to me.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Voice that speaks so clearly to me. Thank You for my eyes that see and my ears that hear from You. Thank You for all of the blessings from yesterday and for all of what You have in store for me today. Direct my steps, lead me to where You so desire of me to go and may Your words be my words! Fill me with more of You, Lord. Ooze out of me in such a way there will be no doubt it is You shining through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Everything! Amen.
Dear Jesus, Paul writes in Ephesians 3 about how we can approach You with "freedom and confidence" through having the faith to do so. Father, I am approaching you this morning and asking You to calm my spirit. There is so much going on in my little world and I need to stay focused on You. I do not want the situations of life taking away my focus from You. I don't want to miss anything You have in store for me this day. Lord, my mind is going all over the place but I need You to reel me in. Take over my thoughts so my actions will be Yours. Father, my physical body is struggling with so little sleep. Would You please fill me with Your supernatural energy? Would You speak life into me this day? "My Story" was going through my head when I woke up. This part really speaks to me... If I told you my story You would hear victory over the enemy And if I told you my story You would hear freedom that was won for me And if I told you my story You would hear Life overcome the grave Yes! It is the desire of my heart to have victory over the enemy! It is the desire of my heart that when people hear my story they will see how You gave me life over death. Thank You Jesus for all that You bless me with and all the ways You show Your love to me. Father, I praise Your Holy Name for the peace You give me when I focus on You. May Your peace be in me in abundance today. May Your love flow from me to all I talk to today. May Your freedom shine through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Story! Amen.
The lyrics to "Everything Comes Alive" are going over and over in my head this morning. I guess the Lord might think I am feeling 'dead' or needing a push to get moving! He took me back to Ephesians 3 this morning and stopped me at verse twelve...
"...with freedom and confidence..." I love the word picture Paul gives in his writing to the Church of Ephesus. There is nothing that can stop us from approaching God. There is no problem we have that He doesn't already know about. There is nothing that will surprise Him because He knows our thoughts. So with that knowledge why do people still hold back approaching Him...especially those who are in relationship with Him? Many are being told lies from the enemy. They are told they don't need God or He isn't the answer to their problem. Those are blatant lies. We all need God. He is the One who knows exactly what we need even before we know ourselves. He is our Advocate who listens to us and then we in turn listen to Him. When we live a life depending on Him on this earth, we will spend eternity with Him when we leave this earth. And when my days are done I've got a Hope that I'm sure of
I'll be with You in heavenly places My heart is beating to the rhythm of Your love My feet are running ever faster to Your grace I'll be with you in Heavenly places
Everything comes alive Yes! I want to be alive for Him on this earth! The desire of my heart is to do His will. I am surrendered fully to Him and live a blessed life. That does not mean I don't have problems but it does mean there is nothing I can't handle with His strength that lives in and through me. I have confidence in Him. He will lead me down the path He so desires and I will follow. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is My Everything. There is freedom in living a surrendered life for Him and oh how I pray more people will experience that freedom! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the reminder today from this song that even when this physical body gets tired I need to be alive for You. I pray against distractions today that will keep me from seeing opportunities to be You to others. I pray for more of You to ooze out of me so people will hear and see You through me. Lord, I am tired but I sense You have something great in store for today and for that I am praying Your strength. Give me an abundance of energy to do Your will. Bless me abundance of supernatural strength...Your strength. Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for being The One To Make Me Alive. Amen.
The Lord woke me up this morning singing a song Toby Mac sings called "Move" and took me to thoughts of yesterday. It was full of prayer from start to finish. Yesterday morning in Corporate Prayer Time the Lord put on my heart to prayer for 'protection' over my husband. I didn't know exactly who or what he needed protected from other than the Lord told me to "pray against words that will hurt his heart" and so I prayed. I became very emotional as I walked into the sanctuary and the Lord prompted me to anoint the podium he would be preaching from. As I did He kept bringing it to my mind to pray for his protection. My heart hurt just thinking about someone hurting him. Then in the Worship Service he preached upon intercessory prayer. He reminded us the need for intercessory prayer and the result if no one participates. My heart was saddened in thinking of all the people who need someone to pray for their souls yet there are so few praying. Yesterday was our monthly House of Prayer and for April we are praying for the 'prodigals'...the ones who have walked away from the Lord. In the evening Corporate Prayer Time as I was praying for the prodigals the Lord directed me to Ephesians 3. The prayer Paul prayed for the Church of Ephesus in the last part of this chapter was one I prayed for those who have walked away from Him. I prayed for them to be empowered to knock the enemy down out of their lives and to come back into relationship with the Lord. I prayed for the prodigals to feel His love and acceptance.
What a blessing to receive a message on the way home from a family of a prodigal that had a glimmer of hope in the situation they are dealing with. Prayers are being answered. If more people would become intercessors then more changes would occur. It saddens me to think of how the Lord has directed Doc to preach for these last few months yet there appears to be little change in people. But I cannot allow others actions to pull me down. The enemy would love to stop me from praying but I refuse. I have seen miracles and healing in bodies in the past but I have faith that I will see more. Last night the Lord woke me at midnight to pray for one who I graduated high school. I do not have contact with her other than an occasional post on social media. I am not sure what is going on in her life but He told me to pray for her to "trust and have peace" so I did. She is a cancer survivor and I hope she will not have to battle that again. But whatever she is going through I felt privileged that He woke me up to pray. Sometimes we know what we are praying for and sometimes we do not know specifics. It does not matter. He knows. We do not have to know. Yesterday there were two different pastors wives who asked for prayer on social media and I immediately prayed for them. I didn't know the need but I knew the Lord did. Once again it doesn't need to be that we know. This song this morning encourages me to keep on praying no matter what happens, no matter if the situation is known or not, no matter if others pray or not, no matter what...I must keep on praying! 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
Dear Jesus, Thank You for this song and words of encouragement from You this morning! Lord, I pray for the prodigals to come back into relationship with You. I pray for more intercessors to be raised up. Oh Lord, how I pray for people to realize the need to pray for others. Open hearts to have a burden for others. Open eyes and ears to what You desire for people. Fill me to overflowing with more of You, Father, so I will fulfill the desires of Your heart. May Your words be my words and Your actions be my actions. Most of all I pray Your attitude will be my attitude. Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest Encourager! Amen.
I am so excited I feel like I could jump out of my skin! The Lord woke me up with these words to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)" going through my mind... Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior
Yes! "Spirit lead me..." The desire of my heart is to be living in the center of His will. When I am there, I will hear His voice and know what He desires of me. It is in surrender that I will be obedient. "Wherever You would call me..." Those use to be hard words to say, let alone put into action. But no longer is life like that. He knows wherever He calls me to go and whatever He calls me to do I am His obedient servant. "Take me deeper..." These words started almost a year ago and have not stopped yet in my walk with Him. The desire of my heart is to have more of Him. "In the presence..." Oh how I love to be in His presence. It is so wonderful to live there 24/7. No more worries about the little things of life but just depending upon Him gives such peace. Dear Jesus, Thank You for this song this morning to encourage me. Thank You for loving me so greatly. Thank You for walking me down the path of obedience. Lord, cleanse me of anything that would get between You and I. Lord, give me Your attitude today. Enable me to not be judgmental but instead to love with Your love. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so people see and hear You today. Thank You Father for being My 24/7! Amen.
As I was out shoveling the snow this morning I thought of the words of Psalm 51:7...
Yes! That is the desire of my heart...to be 'whiter than snow'! What does that mean? It means every day I will go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness for anything I have done or said that is not of Him. That is the only way to be 'whiter than snow'! As you look at snow that is untouched, there is not only a cleanness to it but also a sparkle. I have never considered myself to be one that is 'sparkly' but the more I think about it the more I like the idea of being sparkly for the Lord! Something that is sparkly gives off light. I want to give off the light of Jesus! I want to be a beacon of light in this dismal world for Him. He is the Light of the World and if I am living with Him in me, then I should also be the Light of the World. Woo hoo! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the beauty of Your creation with this snow today. Forgive me for complaining about having snow. Being outside in the crispness of the air was invigorating and I am so grateful for the physical energy to be able to do what I did. Lord, You are so good! Would You bless me in abundance today with more of You oozing out of me? Would You show me Your path for me today? Would You be my words, actions and attitude? Thank You for being My Light of the World! Amen.
As I read Psalm 51 this morning the Lord stopped me at verse six...
The desire of the Lord's heart is to have truth from us. He knows the truth even when we are not forth coming with it but He needs us to be truthful not only with Him but with ourselves. It is only when we present the truth that we can have all of Him in us. We cannot try to hide things from Him because that is impossible. He knows all. He sees all. He hears all. In a commentary on biblestudytools.com it reads: "The love of the heart, the mystery of its fall, and the way of its purification -- this hidden wisdom we must all attain; and it is a great blessing to be able to believe that the Lord will "make us to know it." No one can teach our innermost nature but the Lord, but he can instruct us to profit. The Holy Spirit can write the law on our heart, and that is the sum of practical wisdom. He can put the fear of the Lord within, and that is the beginning of wisdom. He can reveal Christ in us, and he is essential wisdom. Such poor, foolish, disarranged souls as ours, shall yet be ordered aright, and truth and wisdom shall reign within us." Woo hoo! I love the word picture this gives of how the Holy Spirit gives wisdom. Practical wisdom...wisdom...essential wisdom! Yes! The desire of my heart is to be filled with the Holy Spirit to the point of Him oozing out of me so people see and hear Him and not me. The way for that to happen is to come before the Lord and ask Him to cleanse me of anything not of Him and then to walk in the Spirit each and every day. That is the desire of His heart...for all to walk in His Spirit. There is freedom in walking in the Spirit. There is freedom in truth. Jesus told the Jewish believers in John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we know the truth and live the truth, we will live in the Spirit with great freedom. We do not have to live believing the ways of the world but instead can live believing the truth of God. We do not have to succumb to sinning but instead can live a life of purity as we live with the Holy Spirit in us. Many people cannot understand the concept of living in the Spirit. It doesn't make sense so they ignore it. But I am a living testimony that living in the Spirit is the best place to live. It is the only place to live if you want as the Lord desires of you. It may not make sense in the human realm but it makes sense in the heavenly realm. When we live in the Spirit on this earth, we will live in the Spirit for eternity. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the reminder today of how much You desire truth to live in and through me. Thank You for the freedom that comes in living in this manner. Thank You for the promise of eternal life with You when I live in the Spirit. Lord, today is before me...it is a new day. May You fill it with opportunities for me to bless others through You. May You flow out in my words and actions so others will see Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Jesus for being My Truth. Amen.
