Philippians 4:1 - "Remember"

These beginning words of Paul in the fourth chapter of Philippians speak volumes to me this morning. The Lord woke me up with the song "Remember" several times during the night. There are so many people who need to 'remember' what the Lord has done for them as they go through difficult days. Even when the enemy tries to convince them the Lord is not there for them, He is. We must "stand firm in the Lord" as Paul writes about in this chapter.

Down in the valley, when waters rise
I'm still believing, hope is alive
All through the struggle and darkest day
I'll remember the empty grave

Yes! We must 'remember' He not only died for us but more importantly He rose from the grave to live for us! Woo hoo! That is so exciting! My God is not dead! He is alive in and through me! As the song continues....

Your touch
Bringing me closer
Your hand
Healing what's broken
My prayer
Father, meet me here
My life for all of your glory
Your grace, let it surround me
Let faith change the atmosphere

Yes! "My life for all of your glory..." When we 'remember' to live in a way that He will be glorified, He and us will be blessed. I am praying for many today who need to 'remember'...

• my pastor friend who will receive pathology results today
• many churches that are struggling and ready to close the doors
• a man who has found himself spending his last day in his home with uncertainty of where he will lay his head down tonight
• a recovering alcoholic who is struggling with addiction being so great
• two of my family members who are dealing with cancer
• those in West Virginia who are dealing with the loss of not only material things but of hope in their spirit
• a husband dealing with a health issue in his wife
• a young lady with asthma who continues to smoke even though she can't breathe
• a Momma who is dealing with a young child who had surgery and in pain
• a young wife seeing her husband pass from this earth

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving me this song to remind me to 'remember' and to pray for others to do the same. Father, I pray for believers to share their story so others will come to know You. I pray for people who need to 'remember' what You have done for us to do just that today. Lord, may You fill me to overflowing so all of my words and actions will be Yours today. Father, I pray for my husband as today is the day to bring all of his work together into what You desire of him to preach Sunday. Father, bless His efforts in a mighty way. Lord, I'm not sure what all You have in store for me today but I pray I will be a blessing through You to many. Thank You for being My Savior! Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Don't Worry"

Frustrated...ready to give up...falling onto the bed in tears...yep, that's what happened to me yesterday morning. I spent a long time on the phone being given another number to call because 'you have not called the right department' to the point where I know my voice was showing frustration. On the very last call the representative was transferring me to another department. I asked to please not give me a computer but a live person. I felt bad afterward in knowing my voice was raising but I was so tired of 'for ...hit 1'! The very last representative that I talked to was the right one but I had to ask him to speak up so I could hear him. Frustration was overtaking me and I knew I needed to get off the phone as soon as possible. He sure did not have the answer I wanted to hear. When he told me my health insurance will cost double what I was paying in Ohio, I was shocked. I told him I could not afford that and would have to call back. After getting off the phone with him I fell apart. I was emotionally gone. I cried out to the Lord for direction. I got online and found some other options but was still unsettled in my spirit. Then the representative's words came back to me...'you have sixty days from your move-in date to change your insurance.' Alrighty then, I closed up my folder and computer and walked away from the task. Doc assured me the Lord did not bring us here to fall and He would take care of things. He also told me the enemy was trying to get a foothold. As I pondered what he said, I thought about how I had shared earlier in the day with a pastor's wife who was going through a tough time that I was praying for her that the enemy wouldn't steal her joy! Then later in the evening a friend shared these words: ""Remember when it seems impossible God makes the impossible possible. Look where y'll are now!! Enemy is just trying to discourage you and God has got this!!" Then she sent this picture to me...

I wouldn't consider what I experienced yesterday as worry but more of frustration. But I do know God is greater than frustration. He is greater than the unknowns of life. He is greater than the hurts of life. He is greater than the questions of life. Plain and simple...He is greater. He already knows which insurance I will have AND I am assured it is the best one for me. 

In Philippians 4, tucked between the verses that tell us to be 'joyful always' and the 'whatever' verses are key verses on how to live out each and every day.

The other day we had a turtle in the yard that came up from the water. He didn't have a care in the world. The Lord reminded me that He took care of that turtle just as He will take care of me. After supper I asked Doc to go with Mordecei and I for a walk. I am still fearful of the big dog from last week so we haven't walked. The whole time walking I kept repeating II Timothy 1:7 but continued to keep looking over my shoulder. Fear is something that can be crippling to a person. I allowed fear to keep me from walking for a week. Do I know the Lord will take care of me? Absolutely! He protected Mort and I from physical injury last week in a situation that could have been a whole lot worse. Do I need to worry about that dog? No, but I do need to be careful. Do I need to worry about my health insurance? No. I need to pray and wait on His direction on what to do. As I do this, His peace will be My Guide.

Dear Jesus,
You are so awesome in the way You use people, animals, situations, and Your Word together in my mind! You are so awesome in the way You provide exactly what I need at exactly the right time! You are so awesome in the way You love me so greatly! Lord, today is a day full of ministry but please keep my eyes open to opportunities to be You to others throughout this day. I pray for safety on the roads, Your peace to go with us and Your wisdom to be heard through us. I pray for more of You to flow from me. Fill me to overflowing so people will see and hear You instead of me. Thank You Jesus for being My Guide. Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 - "If We're Honest"

My heart breaks for those who are not in relationship with the Lord. I honestly do not understand how people get through tough situations without having His strength to lean upon. The sin we are born with is enough to pull anyone down into the depths of hell if they do not realize Jesus is the answer. I woke up in the middle of the night with the song "If We're Honest" going through my mind. We have to get to the end of ourselves in order to allow the Lord to be not only our Savior but also the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of our life.

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

I am hurting for some today that refuse Him. I am rejoicing for the one who accepted Him into their life Sunday at church. I am praying for those who need to take that step of faith. I love this verse....

One cannot 'wait' upon the Lord unless they are in relationship with Him. In order to be in such a relationship one must not only accept Him into their life but they must go one step further and that is in surrender. This life is not about what we can do or what we want. It has to be all about what the Lord desires for us. He knows best. These last few weeks...months have been challenging and continue to be so yet I know I am right where He desires of me to be. I know as I 'wait' on Him He will 'renew my strength' and He will make the path before me not only possible but blessed. The tears began to form as I was putting out pictures of my babies and their babies. It breaks my heart to think about how my grand babies will never have another Christmas in our home. I was grateful for the comfort the Lord gave me and asked Him to give me an abundance of His love to get me through times like this. I am grateful for His strength that enabled my physical body to make this move without too many issues. I am grateful for His strength that enabled my emotional body to survive all of the 'lasts' in order to enjoy the 'firsts' over these last few weeks. I am grateful for the His strength that enabled my mental body to stay focused even in tiredness. Most of all I am grateful for the strength He has blessed my spiritual body with these last few weeks through some difficult days. Woo hoo! Yes! I will 'wait' upon the Lord because I know that is the best place to be! I do not ever want to manipulate a situation to make something happen in my time or in my way when the Lord's time and way are where the blessings are found. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving us so greatly that You chose us to be in this place at this time to love on people and to be Jesus to them! Thank You for my husband who is a godly man who desires to do Your will. Thank You for my babies and their babies who I miss greatly. Thank You for my new church family who have accepted us so well. Thank You for our old church family who truly are family and are missed. Thank You for the internet finally being in place in our home. Lord, today is a new day and I pray You will shine in and through me. I pray for more of You in me so You will ooze out of me. Lord, direct my steps today. There is so much to do and I don't want to miss any opportunity You put before me. Don't let me get caught up in getting stuff in the house in place when You may want me to be outside of the walls of this place to be Jesus to someone. Thank You Lord for being The One I Wait On. Amen.

Colossians 1:9-12 - "God Will Make A Way"

‘Firsts’…they are a whole lot easier than ‘lasts’… God is so good at the way He continues to bless our new adventure. The ladies and young girls who came to help unpack boxes were awesome! Being able to see my kitchen floor again was such a blessing! The lasagna dinner Janice brought to us for when Adam came was very appreciated. The first service with our new church family was very comfortable! Adam being our first guest was such a blessing in all he did to help us. Hearing him and Doc laughing as they talked into the late hour of the night was such a blessing to me. Yes, the Lord is good and as the song we closed with Sunday says, “God will make a way when there seems to be no way…” Dr. Eddie said it would take a miracle for us to come to Beaufort. There have been many miracles since that first meeting with him. There is no doubt this is where we are support to be. I think of when Moses asked God to teach him the way to go in Exodus 33:13. Asking God for His direction is the key to knowing what to do and when to do it. Not only do we have to ask God for guidance but we have to listen to Him before we act. Too many times we get impatient and take off on our own doing instead of waiting. Waiting on the Lord is another key in the process. Psalm 86:11 shows how David used the knowledge given by the Lord to walk in His ways. Paul writes to the Colossian Church about how he was praying for them to be filled with “…the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). Paul continues that when they have this knowledge they will live the way the Lord desires and will bear much fruit. That is the prayer for my life. I want to be in relationship with Him in a way that enables me to hear His voice. I want to walk in His will. I want to bear fruit. This new adventure may not be what I thought we would be doing a year ago but it definitely is what I know we are to be doing. I am excited for the days ahead where the harvest of our efforts will be seen in a mighty way. I know the Lord wants to do some mighty things in and through us. That is exciting!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for taking care of so many details over these last few days! Thank You for enabling my new friends to love on us so greatly! Thank You for being who You are in my life! Lord, the days ahead are ones of many uncertainties as far as man goes but it is comforting in knowing You already have everything worked out. I praise Your Holy Name for the way You know all! Thank You Jesus for being The One I Follow. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Good, Good Father"

Wow God is so awesome!!!  I was so excited to pull into Beaufort!!! The Lord and I did the trip with no issues!!! Even through the heavy rain, storms, crazy traffic, tunnels...all of it I was able to accomplish the task put before me with the Lord's strength. It was so cool the way He got me through the tunnels in Virginia. First of all, I was concerned about traffic in Charleston but that went well. After getting through Charleston I saw the sign for the National Forest and I thought, "Oh my! I forgot about the tunnels!" That was definitely a God thing that I didn't worry about them! As I started through the first one I looked in my mirror and there wasn't any traffic behind me so I took the middle and got through it with no problem. When the second one cam up, same thing so I took to the middle. Before I was through it a car came out of nowhere so I had to get into the right lane. It was as if the Lord was saying, "Have faith! I am in control!" Yes He was! When I had went through the last one, I thought about how the parting of the Red Sea was a miracle and me getting through the tunnels without traffic on all sides of me was a miracle! Later as the weather turned nasty and I couldn't see very far ahead of me the Lord continued to be my Guide. At one point when we stopped for gas Doc said we should wait a bit before getting back on the road but I knew I needed to continue. I was determined to get through Charlotte if at all possible before stopping for the night. I was thinking late evening would be easier traffic but oh my it was heavy and the rain was heavy. I was so thankful to find a place to stay the night. I don't know if it was because I looked so tired or what but the young girl blessed us with the first room inside the door and didn't charge for Mordecei. She said "Welcome to South Carolina" when she found out we had traveled all day to move here. I was so excited when we pulled into Beaufort. I even woke Mordecei up with my "woo hoo"...LOL. When we did our walk-through of the house we were once again blessed with having it spotless! Even the carpet in Doc's office had been cleaned. Another blessing from the Lord! Then our some of our new friends blessed us with not only leaving our trailer and moving truck at their place but also prepared a wonderful steak dinner for us. God is so awesome in the way He provides brothers and sisters in Christ to help load us in Willard and to help unload us here. I am so excited for the doors He is going to continue to open for us! 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the trip down being uneventful! Thank You for the rest You provided last night! Thank You for all of the blessings of this week! Father, most of all I want to thank You for February 4. If Brother Dan would not had been obedient to Your voice, I may never had been able to do what I have done these last few weeks. Oh Father, You are so good! I praise Your Holy Name for being My Good, Good Father! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Drops In The Ocean"

IT IS REAL!!!!! The Lord plants a seed and then He begins to open doors to have that seed come to reality. There are tough times along the way with all of the 'last times' to see people for awhile or to do things. But the best part about the process of this move has been His peace. From the very beginning there was the knowledge that He was in control and that was comforting. Yesterday as we loaded the truck it seemed like the Lord was confirming His peace. When we first started, there were no worries but as the guys put the bigger things into the truck the doubts of being able to get everything in it started. It was as if the Lord was testing my faith. Now today the rest will be loaded and I am confident He will stretch that big ole truck so that everything does fit. If something doesn't fit, then we weren't suppose to take it to begin with. We have sold, given away and thrown away so many things to get to this point. It is unbelievable how many earthly possessions two people can accumulate. It is also unbelievable how easy it was to get rid of things a year ago I would have struggled with parting with. I know it is all the Lord's doing. I also know it is because of His healing touch that I am functioning as I am. I know it is His physical touch that will strengthen this body to get through these next few days. I know it is His strength in my mental spirit that will enable me to do what needs to be done. Woo hoo! It is all Him, not me. I have nothing to fear because He is with me. I was blessed when I accepted Him into my heart many years ago. I was blessed when He accepted me back when I strayed. I was blessed when He gave me a godly husband who not only followed the call on his life but also nurtures the call on my life. I was blessed with physical healing upon my body. I was blessed when the Lord told me to go deeper. Plain and simple....I am blessed. I may not always understand why He blesses me so much but I do know I am His Daughter and He loves me deeply. I do not deserve all the blessings but I accept them because I know He knows what is best in all circumstances. In these next few days I am going to accept the blessings He will give with physical, mental and emotional strength because my spiritual tank is full and overflowing with Him. I will accept the way He will give clarity in my thinking even though I am physical drained. I will accept the way He will pour favor out on me in all aspects of my life because once again I know He knows what is best for me. I will accept His direction and His love because I know His way is best for me. Am I excited? Definitely! I am so ready to see how He will be glorified through me! Am I scared? Definitely not! I am standing on II Timothy 1:7 in knowing He gives me empowerment to do what is ahead! Am I sad? Yes, to a point in knowing there are people who I won't see again and ones I won't see as often but I also know He will take care of loneliness when it creeps in. Am I worried? Nope because I know who is in control of my tomorrows! Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You seems so inadequate to say as I think of all You did and continue to do for me. Father, I want to live out my life for Your glory and I pray for Your direction to continue to do so. I pray for more of You to flow in and through me so people see/hear You and not me. Empower me with Your supernatural power! Bless me in ways that seem incomprehensible to people! Thank You Jesus for being The One To Empower Me! Amen.

Psalm 37:4 - "Good, Good Father"

Yesterday was one of those days where I thought I would bust if the Lord blessed me anymore. Woo hoo! Hearing Ben preach, experiencing worship under the lead of Jason and Emily, seeing Miss Evelyn and Mr Beckett participate in the service, being able to bless them at the altar, having lunch with them....oh my! God is so good! As I was blessing them at the altar I thought back to how I was probably Miss Evelyn's age when I started praying for the children I would have. My goal in life was to be a Mommy and so I decided as a child I should start praying for my children. I wanted six at that time and picked out three girl and three boy names. I was a dreamer! I would lay out in the yard looking at the clouds, watching the airplanes fly over and ask God to bless me with children. He did good even though He realized I didn't need six! My prayers continue to be answered with the godly men my sons have grown to be. After I had them, I started praying for the Lord to bless them with godly wives. Once again, He did good! As they were growing up I prayed for them to seek His will for their lives. Yesterday as Ben gave his testimony about how the Lord worked through the time of the job he didn't like, the RV, the basement living and the position at Family Promise I was so blessed in knowing the Lord has answered my prayers. He is taking care of my boys and their families even when I can't be there. When we left Delaware a few weeks ago for our 'last time' for awhile, I fell apart. The Lord knew I needed yesterday. No tears fell but there were a whole lot of prayers of gratitude going up as we left them. God is so good. He had a plan for keeping us here another week. Part of that plan was so we could minister to Laura's family. Part of that plan was for rest. Another part of that plan was revealed yesterday as peace took over my being.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday! Thank You for the blessings You will give us today! Thank You for continuing to bless my boys, their ladies and their children. This Momma/Grandma/Memaw has prayed for that and will continue to pray for them all. Father, the day has finally come for us to get the truck. I pray we will have help to load. I also am thankful for the email I received of the help that will be when we arrive at our new home. Lord, so many memories flood back as I reflect back on these last fifteen years. As Ben said yesterday about the Delaware Church, they do life together. That is what a church body is all about. When we love on one another with Jesus' love, we will be empowered to love others too. Lord, would You please bless the Willard Naz, Delaware Naz and Beaufort Naz with the empowerment of doing life together in such a way that they will leave the comforts of their congregation to love on people? Would You empower them to be Jesus to all they meet? Would You bless them in abundance so there is no doubt You are at work in their midst? Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for being My Blesser. Amen.

Ephesians 6 - "My Story"

I woke up this morning from a bad dream about a pastor. I immediately started praying for all pastors who are going into the pulpit this morning. There is a battle going on every time a pastor preaches. The enemy does not want people to know the way of the Lord so he fights every word in whatever way possible. He cannot be everywhere as the Lord is so he uses people to do his job. Some of these people will be critical of the sermon. Some will be angry  and be nasty to a brother or sister in the church. Some will quit going to a church for one reason or another. The enemy is working overtime, especially in a church with a godly leader. Oh how I pray for the enemy to be knocked down in all situations. I pray for the glory of the Lord to shine bright through pastors. I pray for those going through times of 'drought' in their ministry to be rewarded greatly. I pray for those who are dealing with issues in their personal life to repent and allow the Lord to cleanse them. I pray for those who are hurting over a prodigal child to have their faith renewed in knowing they will return. I pray for those dealing with physical health issues to be healed. I pray for those dealing with temptation to stand up against the enemy and live what they know to be pleasing to the Lord. I pray for the flocks of churches to surround their pastor with encouragement today instead of tearing him or her down with hurtful words. I pray for churches to be full today with people who are supportive of their pastor. My heart breaks to be asked to pray for situations where pastors are asked to leave or ridiculed to the point where they are broken. As I was praying these lyrics from the song "My Story" came to my mind....

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! All believers need to be able to sing these words but especially those God calls to preach the Gospel. They are at the frontline to receive darts from the enemy. They are the ones who live in glass houses with people just waiting for them to make a mistake. It is critical for them to stay in right relationship with the Lord. They must be on their knees seeking His ways each and every day in a greater way than others. Before their feet hit the floor each morning they must put on the full armor of God and be ready for the battles that  will be put before them. Some of those battles come from the Lord to stretch their faith but many come from the enemy to tear them and their church apart.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for waking me to pray for pastors. Thank You for my pastor who I get to see live out a life for You each and every day. Thank You for the way he is taking this step of faith in listening to moving. Thank You for the way You continue to provide exactly what is needed during this step of faith. Thank You for keeping us here an extra week so we could be wh Laura's family as she left this earth. Lord, I don't know if the dream I had was from You or not but I pray specifically for this pastor in my dream. If he is dealing with temptation, give him what he needs to stand up against it. I also pray if there is a different pastor in the same situation, give them what they need to stand up against the enemy. Father, I pray for all pastors going into the pulpit today. I pray for the Willard Church as it will be the first Sunday Doc is not there. I pray for Pastor Mike as he preaches there. I pray for Pastor Karen who will be preaching her last Sunday as interim at the Beaufort Church. I pray for Ben as he preaches at the Delaware Church. I pray for Pastor Roland who is traveling a distance to fill in as interim. Lord, go before these pastors and others going into the pulpit. Strengthen them through Your love. Empower them with the Holy Spirit with boldness. Father, I also pray for family members of pastors who are hurting. I pray they will be empowered with Your love so that their words will be soothing to them. There are many pastors are Sabbatical right now or getting ready to go on one. I pray for them to be renewed and refreshed during this time away from the pulpit. I pray for their families to be reconciled and for their church to be in prayer for them. I pray for those who will be ordained at District Assembly to take their vows seriously and to be in prayer about this step in their life. Lord, I pray for more of You to be in me so that I will see how to encourage pastors in a greater way. Thank You Jesus for being My Full Armor. Amen.

Romans 8:31b - "The Only Name"

As I was sitting at the bedside of one who appears to be in her last hours the song "The Only Name" came across on the TV. Yes! I want to live my life in a way that I can always say...

When I wake up in the Land of Glory
And with the saints I will tell my story
There will be one Name that I proclaim

When people are in there last days, family and friends react differently. Some deny it while others try to do their best to be strong. Some people who know they are dying will fight it while others give in peacefully. The Lord gives each person what they need when they allow Him to be their Comforter. Sitting at the bedside of a loved one who appears to be close to leaving is a hard place to be. It is a place no one wishes on anyone. But when we believe in the Lord we have His strength to enable us through the tough times. When we surrender to Him, we will see Him at work in and through not only others but through ourselves. He has a plan for each one of us. He knows when we will take our last breath. He knows what we need and will provide it. We do not always accept what He gives us but He is there for us. A lot of emotions come to the surface from things of the past as a loved one is passing from this earth. Some of those emotions are happy ones while other ones are hurtful. But He is greater than the hurts. He is greater than the 'junk' the enemy brings back into our memory. He is greater than words that are said that pierce our heart. He is greater than anything. There is a question in Romans 8 that we must remember as the enemy tries to tear us down in our weakness...

He is our strength during 'good times' and 'bad times'...He wants to enable us to stand up against the enemy when he tries to tear us down...He wants to see us lean on Him! Plain and simple. When we choose His strength, we will be enabled to get through tough circumstances a whole lot easier. It won't take the tough stuff away but it will make it easier!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the opportunity to be You to this family this morning. Thank You for loving them through me. Thank You for enabling me to have Your words. Father, I pray for peace in Laura. I pray You will be her and her family's strength during this tough time. Father, You are so awesome in the way You encourage me. I was grateful to hear "The Only Name" come on right at a time where I needed the reminder. Your Name is sometimes the only thing to say during these times. Your Name brings comfort. Your Name brings strength. Love on this family as they endure through some tough times. No one knows whether it will be today, tomorrow or when but when Laura walks into Your arms I pray Your arms will also be around this family. Thank You for living in and through me. I pray for more of Your empowerment as You continue to lead me down this road of being Your servant. I pray for more of You to speak through me and to be my actions. Thank You Jesus for being My Comforter. Amen.

Romans 8:17 - "From The Inside Out"

"Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fails...Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame..." Several times during the night the Lord woke me up with these words to "From The Inside Out" and I was blessed in knowing I am living it out. "Your will above all else, My purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise..." Yes! This is my purpose in life...to live a life of surrender where He is in control. Yesterday as I talked with the one who appears to be in her last hours I was overwhelmed with His love. I don't know if she wasn't able to comprehend how deep His love for her is because of not being able to think clearly or if it was that she couldn't fathom how He would love her when she had not been living for Him for so many years. But I do know she knows He loves her and wants to be her strength in these tough days. As I held her hand and prayed He had me repeatedly pray for her to lean on His strength. I am so hopeful she is doing that. I remember praying with her son in the ER one time in his last days. He showed fear in his eyes but after talking and praying with him he had peace. I pray she has the same peace. I pray her family members will visit her and see that peace. I pray for ones who do not have His peace to seek it. The last days of a family member are so hard to deal with in so many different ways but when people know His peace it makes the days a bit easier. Watching and caring for a loved one as their earthly body deteriorate is so hard. It is only when we know we will see them again that we can bear the separation. I praise the Lord for the opportunity to share Him with Laura yesterday. I praise Him because I know even though she couldn't articulate many words she said "yes" when I asked her about Jesus. I praise Him for not only being her strength in these days but also being Carol's strength as she cares for her Momma. I am grateful Carol knows Him in an intimate way that will allow her to be strong even when she feels like she can't go on. Romans 8:17 tells us when we are His children we will share in His sufferings and also will share in His glory. As His children, no matter what happens to us while on this earth we have hope in spending eternity with Him. We need to be in relationship with Him and surrendered to His will so we will know what He desires of us. Glory! Woo hoo! Hope for tomorrow! Yes! That is where I desire to live! I do not want to live in the yesterdays because He has already forgiven me of what I did or did not do. I want to live today in knowing I am doing His will so I can be with Him in the tomorrows.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my time with Laura yesterday. Thank You for hearing that weak "yes" from her. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to talk with her. Lord, I pray an abundance of Your supernatural power to come down upon Carol. I pray for Your love to flow in and through her so she will feel Your strength. Lord, I pray for the day ahead for them. Whatever Your will is Father, I pray for them to accept it. Lord, thank You for loving us so greatly. Thank You for filling me to overflowing with more of You as I go throughout this day! Thank You for giving me the strength for today! Thank You for all You do for me! Thank You for being My Purpose! Amen.

Romans 8:38-39 - "Good, Good Father"

These words were going through my mind when I awoke this morning...

oh and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers only you can provide
'cause you know just what we need before we say a word

You're a good good father
It's who you are, It's who you are
Its who you are
And I'm love by you
It's who I am, It's who I am
It's who I am x 2

Today I have an opportunity to share my Heavenly Father with one who appears to be in her last days. She knows Him but has not been in relationship with Him for many years. Since my friend asked me to talk with her Mom I have been praying for His words to be my words in a way that would enable her to understand His love for her. This is a time where that might be hard to comprehend yet it is so necessary. He is the answer for life's heartaches. He is the answer on how to get through the days that lie ahead. He is the answer not only for this one but also for her family. He wants to be the loving arms to wrap around them as they struggle with the effects of cancer. He wants to be the One they cry out to in time of distress. He wants to be the One they lean upon for strength. He wants to be the One to love on them in such a way there is no doubt of His love. He wants to be the One to give them His peace in the midst of this storm they are in. Plain and simple...He wants to be the One. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the rest of yesterday and for the way You will give us rest today. Thank You for the opportunity to talk with this one who needs to be reconciled with You. Thank You for using me as Your servant even in the midst of the chaos of life. Thank You for loving me enough to give me this opportunity to be You to hurting people. Father, fill me to overflowing so people will see and hear You in me. Give me Your love in abundance so You will ooze out of me in such a way people will desire to have what I have. Thank You for being My Good, Good Father. Amen.

Romans 8:1-4; II Timothy 1:7 - "Break Every Chain"

"There is power in the name of Jesus...break every chain, break every chain, break every chain..." As I read the beginning of Romans 8 the Lord brought this song to my mind. There are so many hurting people in my little world that continue to refuse to accept God's peace. If only they would realize, the way to His peace in the midst of the storms of life comes through surrender. True surrender happens when one realizes nothing they have belongs to them but rather belongs to the Lord. Surrender allows freedom from the ways of the world that pull us into sin. Surrender allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through us in a supernatural way. I know some people ran from 'supernatural' but I run into it because I want His power to be in me. I have seen His power heal. I have seen Him empower. There is nothing to be afraid of when thinking of His supernatural power. The enemy wants us to fear but I stand on II Timothy 1:7 that promises me that God did not give me a spirit of fear but instead He gives me a spirit of power, love and self-control. Woo hoo! He is so awesome! It is only through His empowerment that we can walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh. He gives us free choice and we must choose His way instead of the way of the world. As we make this choice, we will realize the freedom that comes in it. We don't deserve this freedom but because of Jesus' death on the cross we can realize it. Oh how I pray for more people to get to the end of themselves and to allow the Holy Spirit free reign. I pray for people to realize this world is only temporary but a life with Christ is eternity. One cannot live  their life in the flesh and expect to live with the Holy Spirit for eternity. The decision must be made to be sold out to the Lord in every aspect of their life. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the day ahead. Thank You for the rest You have provided. Thank You for the peace in our situation. Lord, today I am praying for those who know You but have not surrendered to You. I am praying they will get to the end of themselves and realize You need to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords of their life. Father if they need direction, I pray they will seek counsel. I pray for some mighty great changes to be seen in people's lives. I pray You will truly be number one for more people. Lord, thank You for breaking the chains of my past and giving me the joy of living for You. Thank You for the hope of the days ahead. Thank You for filling me with more of You as I walk in Your ways. Thank You Jesus for being My Number One. Amen.