Deuteronomy 11:1; I Peter 1:15-16 - "Offering"

I woke up this morning with the words to "Offering" on my lips. I love this song and am looking forward to leading my church family in worship today as we sing it.

I bring an offering of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing

Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due

O Lord I bring an offering to You

Too many times people think of just money when it comes to an 'offering' but that is not what God wants at all. He desires the 'offering' of ourselves over money. He desires the 'offering' of surrender over anything else we could possibly give Him. The desire of His heart is for each one of us to give all of ourselves to Him. Nothing we have is ours. Everything is His. If only more people would realize that little bit of knowledge then the world would sure be a different place. If only more people would follow the direction Moses gives in Deuteronomy 11:1. The world would be a different place if people loved the Lord in a way that would show they are surrendered to Him. No one is perfect. Therefore, no one can do everything right and not do anything wrong. No one can do everything the Lord desires of them and have the right attitude 24/7. BUT we all can strive to live a life of holiness. In the Church of the Nazarene Articles of Faith we are to be holy people. Article 10.1 reads...

We believe that the grace of entire sanctification includes the divine impulse to grow in grace as a Christlike disciple. However, this impulse must be consciously nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites and processes of spiritual development and improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality. Without such purposeful endeavor, one’s witness may be impaired and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost. Participating in the means of grace, especially the fellowship, disciplines, and sacraments of the Church, believers grow in grace and in wholehearted love to God and neighbor.

This Article lays it out plainly on how we are to live. Some would argue this is a book that is made by man. Therefore, we do not have to follow it. I agree and disagree with that thinking. Yes, it is by man but it is full of God's Words throughout. For example, this particular section about holiness is based upon Scripture. One of my favorite Scriptures is I Peter 1:15-16 which gives His words. “Be holy, because I am holy.” Yes! We are to follow His example as we live on this earth if we want to live with Him when we leave this earth. The only way to do that is to accept Him, live for Him and be surrendered to Him. This morning as I sing these words....I bring an offering of worship to my King; No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing; Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due;O Lord I bring an offering to You...I will know I am truly bringing my best to Him. Oh how I pray for more people to strive to live a life of holiness.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace! Thank You for second chances! Thank You for the encouragement You give me through Your Word and songs. Father, today is a new day and I pray for a newness in my spirit. I pray for anything that tries to make me 'ugly' to be knocked down. I pray for anything that tries to take my eyes off of You to be wiped out. I pray for more of You to be in me so people will see and hear You through all I do. Forgive me for the ugliness of yesterday. Physical ailment is no excuse for ugliness. Forgive me for any lost opportunities to be You to someone yesterday. I pray for people to be in a church today where You are taught. I pray for people to hear of how much You desire of full surrender from us. Lord, give Sunday School teachers, worship leaders and preachers boldness in their words and actions. May they listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and do as You so desire of them. Thank You Jesus for being My Example. Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:18 - "Thy Will"

Sometimes...

• I ponder on what God is doing in my life.
• I look around and see people who desperately need the Lord's peace in their life and wonder if I am the one the Lord will use to enable them to accept Him.
• I marvel at the things some people go through on this earth yet continue to go deeper in their relationship with the Lord.
• I hurt for those who blatantly refuse to allow Christ to be in charge of their lives.
• God is the Only One I can talk to about life.
• life can seem so overwhelming when we don't allow Him to be in charge.
• I sit and look at the nature around me and wonder how anyone could not believe in God the Creator.
• I hear the sound of a child's laughter and yearn to see my 'babies' and their 'babies' laugh.

I am so blessed by the knowledge of His love, mercy and grace. He is so awesome in the way He fills my tank each and every day. I am so thankful for the way He knows exactly what I need. Last night was short with sleep. I prayed. I thought about 'stuff' and questioned some things. I cried out to the Lord for comfort. Finally, I got up. The Lord took me back to Deuteronomy 11 and stopped me at verse eighteen. As I pondered on this verse, I thought about how easy it is to give people verses when they are going through difficult times yet it is not always easy to grasp onto those verses myself when I need them. Sometimes it is very easy and I repeat them over and over. Other times I almost feel lost in the circumstance. I am so grateful for the times I embrace His Word.

When one is going through difficult times...James 1:2-3

When one feels like they can't go on...Philippians 4:13

When one questions their future...Jeremiah 29:11-12

When one is struggling with understanding their purpose in life...Romans 8:28

When one feels like they are all alone...Hebrews 13:5

When one feels like their life is out-of-control...Psalm 46:10

When one feels like our country is hopeless...II Chronicles 7:14

When one is making a decision...Proverbs 3:5-6

When one feels like a failure in pleasing people...Colossians 3:23-24

When one needs to feel hope...Romans 15:13
When one is afraid...II Timothy 1:7

I am also grateful for the way the Lord brings music into my heart. Sometimes it is to encourage me. Sometimes it is to bless me. Sometimes it is to enable me to see something differently. Sometimes it is to show His love to me. I am so blessed by "Thy Will" that Hilary Scott sings. I think because of knowing the reason behind the song it makes me appreciate it even more.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all the ways You love me. Father, I am so blessed by You! Lord, I pray for a cleansing from my being of 'junk' that has found a way in. I am sorry for thoughts that were not of You that have crept into me. Lord, fill me to overflowing with You and not myself. The desire of my heart is for people to see and hear You in me. Lord, today is going to be a long day with the little sleep I had last night and all that needs accomplished today. I pray for Your blessings on my day. I pray for wisdom in my spirit. I pray for You to use me in a mighty way today. Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest Encourager. Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:16-17 - "Thy Will"

Sometimes I wonder about how people can be swayed away from the Lord to believe 'junk' of this world. It amazes me how much power the enemy can have on people. When the enemy finds a weakness, he pounces on it. In Deuteronomy 11 Moses gives words for all to live by. In verses sixteen and seventeen He writes about what will happen if one turns away from the Lord. Sometimes when the enemy gets ahold of someone it is for them to be taken into an occult type situation. Sometimes it is the god of money that entices people away from a relationship with the Lord. Sometimes it is the person themselves that become more important than the Lord. It does not matter what the reason is. If something pulls one out of relationship with the Lord, then there will be consequences to follow. The saying "God is responsible for our obedience" is so very true. Our loved ones are not responsible when we fall out of relationship with Him. Our pastor is not responsible when we choose to worship another god. Only the Lord has the responsibility to bring us back into relationship with Him. Yes, we need to pray for such people but we are not to worry or fret over them. God will work on their hearts. When they surrender back to Him, there will be rejoicing not only on this earth but also in heaven. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder this morning to pray for those who have fallen away from You. I also am praying for those who are in relationship with You but have not yet surrendered fully to You. Oh how I pray they will find Your peace. I see people still holding onto their selfish ways and the pain that causes them. It breaks my heart. I pray for the time for them to let go and allow You full reign into their lives. Lord, I am praying for family members of those who have taken a different road than one with You. I am praying they realize it is not up to them to save their loved ones. Their role is to keep loving on them, never quit praying for them and maybe the most important role is for them to believe You will bring them back in Your time. Father, today is a new day. I pray for more of You to fill me up so people will see and hear You in me. I pray for an abundance of boldness in my spirit today. I pray for no opportunity You put before me to go unseen. Lord, thank You for being My Peace. Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 - "Love The Lord"

There are so many people in this world who choose to ignore the writings in the Old Testament because they believe it is not written for us today or it's too hard to understand. That is very sad because there is so much history in the Old Testament. There are so many stories that bring the Bible to life as one reads it. I like how the Lord uses people in the Old Testament to direct us in the same ways of those in the New Testament. One example is the direction Moses gives to "love the Lord your God...with all your heart and with all your soul..." In Deuteronomy 11, there is a promise attached to them. The promise is when we love the Lord with our whole being, He will bless us. That does not mean everything will be a life of cherries or that nothing will ever go 'wrong.' What it means is that when we love Him with our whole being, when things go 'wrong' He will be there to give us the strength to carry on. Life is full of disappointments. Many of those disappointments could be eliminated just by following this one direction on loving the Lord with our whole being. When we follow this direction, we no longer think of 'me' but instead put Him first. As we follow this direction, disappointments become less in life. Instead we see things through His eyes and realize what use to be disappointments are now opportunities to strengthen our faith in Him. Today I am praying for some situations people are going through. I am praying they begin to see them as opportunities to strengthen their faith instead of disappointments of life. I am praying for...

• the three seeking new jobs...may they seek Jesus in every decision they make...may they not allow the enemy any foothold with doubt...may they accept the Lord's peace to come down upon their situation
• the ones going through medical issues...may they seek healing from the Great Physician
• my friend dealing with an aging mother...may she seek the Lord to be her words and actions
• the wife who is feeling like a failure in her marriage...may the Lord enable her to pray for her husband and marriage
• many who are blaming the Lord for their circumstances...may they fall on their knees, repent, surrender and allow the Lord full control over their lives
• two Momma's who are expecting yet are fearful due to the loss of other babies...may they be encompassed by the loving arms of Jesus
• the wife who is not happy with herself or life and taking it out on her husband...may she truly find Jesus

We all have a choice to make each and every day. Will we choose life or death? Will we choose to follow the Lord or allow the enemy to play havoc in our life? Will we choose to live on our own strength or will we surrender to the Lord and allow Him to be in total control? A life of surrender is a life of blessing. It is a life of His peace. It is a life that enables us to live without worrying about the decisions we are making because every decision is made through Him. Today, and every day, I choose "to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul" no matter what 'disappointment' that might try to creep in. Today, and every day, I will strive to choose joy over sorrow.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for these words this morning that encourage me greatly. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for bringing some ones to my mind to pray specifically for this morning. Lord, may You be more people's choice. Would You please use me to draw people to You? Would You please be my words and my actions so people will have the desire in their heart to have You be the One in control of their life? Would You fill me to overflowing with more of You so I don't miss an opportunity to be You today? Thank You Jesus for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11-12; Hebrews 13:5b; Philippians 4:13 - "Thy Will"

This morning I woke up thinking about where I am in life. I never thought I would ever live this far away from my family. But when the Lord calls you and you are obedient you go. Some days are harder than others and I miss my 'normal' but I have realized I have to make a new 'normal.' I also have realized I must be more dependent than ever on the Lord. Maybe that is one of the reasons He has brought us here. Or maybe one of the reasons is for someone to see how we are living and follow our example. Or maybe it is to draw me closer to my husband. Whatever the reason or reasons are that the Lord has brought me here I am blessed in knowing I am walking in His will. This morning He took me back to Deuteronomy 11. As I was reading, He stopped me at verses eight and nine and I chuckled. He always knows what I need from Him and for that I am grateful. As I walk in obedience I know He will provide exactly what I need. He will provide "...the strength to invade and possess the land that you are crossing the river to make your own." He will provide "...a land flowing with milk and honey." Plain and simple...He will provide. In the words of Hillary Scott in "Thy Will"...

I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store

Amen! I am standing on the promises of His Word that He has a plan for me.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will callon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12

Amen! I am standing on the promises of His Word that He will never leave me.

...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5b

Amen! I am standing on the promises of His Word that He will be my strength.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this morning! Thank You for the beautiful breeze blowing, the different sounds of nature I am listening to but most importantly thank You for the words You spoke to me. You are so awesome! Oh Father, I never want to walk outside of Your will. Lord, this morning You brought to my prayers a friend who has walked outside of Your will in doing life her way. She has made some decisions that weren't 'bad' ones but they weren't in Your will so that made them 'bad.' I pray You will bring her to a place today where her eyes will be opened to Your will. Father, put someone in her path that will do or say something that will enable her to see Your will. Father, I pray for an empowerment in my spirit as I live out Your plan for my life. I pray You will fill me to overflowing so people will see and hear You through me. Thank You Jesus! Woo hoo! I am doing the happy dance as I look forward to this day! You are My Strength! You are The One To Love Me So Greatly! You are My Will! Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest Encourager! Amen.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 - "Dear Younger Me"

Dear younger me
Where do I start...

If I knew then what I know now
Condemnation would've had no power
My joy my pain would've never been my worth
If I knew then what I know now
Would've not been hard to figure out
What I would've changed if I had heard

These words were going through my mind when I woke up this morning. This song that Mercy Me sings is one that looks at the past. There is yearning for 'knowing then what is known now' in one's spirit. Sometimes that might be a good thing but many times I believe it would not. God uses our circumstances to see our reaction. He uses our reactions to take us deeper. We cannot live in the past and the 'what ifs' of life. Instead we need to live in today and look for the opportunities the Lord has in store for us. Life can throw us some tough circumstances. Some of them are because of the choices we have made. Praise God He does not make us stay in bad choices but instead allows us freedom through repentance and surrender. We do not have to live in 'junk' but instead can live in His freedom. We do not have to wallow around in misery but instead can live in His peace. These words are easier said than done but they are possible. The key to living in the present and not the past is found through Christ. He is our strength, our hope...our everything when we surrender to Him. We must not only have the desire to allow Him to work in and through our circumstances but then we must surrender to Him. Surrender is not possible in our humanness but it is possible through out spirit. The act of submission to Him can only be accomplished when we realize we are not in control of our lives. He has to be the One to make all the decisions in our life. He has to be allowed to work in and through us every moment of our day. We can no longer manipulate circumstances to make them have the outcome we desire but instead must follow His lead. There are times we feel like we are living in His will when we truly are not. We are holding onto some things or we are making decisions based on what we want instead of listening to Him. Life will not be what He desires of it to be for us until we completely surrender to Him. In the words of Moses...

We have a choice to make each and every day. Will we choose surrender to the Lord or will we choose making decisions based upon what we want? Will we choose blessing or curse? Will we choose life or death?

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder from Moses on our choices. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to make choices. Thank You for not being a Dictator but instead being a Loving Father who allows His children to make decisions that will grow us. Thank You for giving us the choice of life or death. Thank You for the opportunities You put before us each and every day to choose life over death. Lord, eternal life should be everyone's goal. Today I pray for You to ooze out of me in a mighty way so people see and hear You through me. I pray for an abundance of the Holy Spirit to be in me so the decisions I make are Yours and not mine. I pray for more people to surrender to Your will and accept the blessing instead of living in the curse. Empower people to be greater than the enemy. Thank You Jesus for being My Past, My Present and My Future. Amen.

Revelation 5:13 - "When The Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)

I woke up this morning to a song Philips, Craig and Dean sings called "When The Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)"....specifically these words...

Singing blessing and honor
Glory and power 
Forever to our God 
Singing blessing and honor
And Glory and power 
Forever to our God 

I am so looking forward to the day He returns. I can only imagine what that day will be like! I wonder at times about whether we will know if our loved ones will be drawn to Him or cast out. I wonder if we will have emotions at that time. I have a list of loved ones who have not chosen Him yet or have fell away from Him that I pray over. I also know He put me on this earth to share Him with those who are not in relationship with Him. I pray every day that I will be effective in that endeavor. I sure don't like when I feel like I miss an opportunity. But I know I need to repent and move ahead. If He gives me another opportunity with that same person, I will be grateful but I can't feel like a failure. If I do, I will miss other opportunities He gives me. The enemy loves to get our focus off of the Lord so we will miss what the Lord desires of us. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for yesterday! Thank You for today! Thank You for tomorrow! Father, I want to bless You in whatever way I can each and every day. I pray You will fill me to overflowing with more of You so my words and actions will be Yours. I pray people will know I am Your daughter when I they see me. I pray You will give me the right attitude in all circumstances throughout this day. Lord, I pray for the excitement to be in me that I saw in the children yesterday. I loved seeing them express their talents in so many different ways. Thank You for the opportunity You presented to our church to love on these ones. Lord, I pray people will be in church today to not only hear the Gospel but to be loved on my Your people. I pray for Your people to be ready to love on not only visitors but on one another. I pray for open ears and open minds to what pastors will be preaching, Sunday School teachers will be teaching, worship leaders will be drawing them into...but most of all what You are drawing them into. Father, thank You for being My Blessing And Honor. Amen.

Philippians 4:4-7 - "Exhale"

Sometimes life is not what we want it to be. Sometimes there are things that happen to us that seem like we are going to not be able to continue to live. It is those times that we must take a step back and ask God what He desires of us. Then the key to living a life pleasing to Him is to listen to what He tells us. Unfortunately, in our humanness we do not always listen. We may feel like He isn't speaking so we make decisions on our own. We may manipulate people or circumstances to get things accomplished. When we do these things, we will not be truly happy because we are not living in His will. We can be grateful He doesn't walk away from us when we do such things but instead draws us closer. The state of being one finds themselves in when life is like this is confusing. It is where happiness is far, far away from us. But we must remember that God never promised us to be happy. He desires to see us blessed. When we are living a life for Him, we are very blessed and for the most part we are happy. But at times the things we are dealing with take away our happiness but we must never allow them to take away our joy of being a child of God. 

• It's OK to reflect back to see where we may have stepped out of God's will but it's not OK to tear ourselves down in the process. We all make mistakes and His grace is there for us. 
• It's OK to question God and to even be angry with Him but we cannot stay in that place of being.
• It's OK to be emotional when disappointed but we must not sin in the process of expressing emotion.
• It's OK to not feel better quickly because healing will occur in His time not ours.

I am reminded of the words to a song Plumb sings called "Exhale"....

Just let go let His love wrap around you
And hold you close
Get lost in the surrender
Breathe it in until your heart breaks
Then exhales,
Exhale

Yes! We must allow the Lord to heal our broken heart. We must realize there are times He takes us through tough times to get us to go deeper with Him. There are also times He allows 'bad' things to happen to see how we will react to them. There are also times the enemy gets a foothold into our lives and plays havoc. No matter what the case, the Lord is there to love on us and bring us stronger into relationship with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving on my friend who is feeling so lost. Thank You for giving her exactly what she needs today to get through this day. I pray she will seek You in a different way today that will enable her to experience Your hope and Your peace. Father, life is so hard at times yet You are always there to strengthen us. I pray for those struggling with situations to draw nearer to You. Lord, today is a day filled with opportunities for me to be You to so many people. I pray You will flow in and through me in a mighty way. Fill me to overflowing ...ooze out of me...may Your love show in my words and actions greatly. Thank You for being My Life. Amen.

SaveSave

II Timothy 1:7 - "No Longer Slaves"

The Lord planted a 'dream' into me at District Assembly. Actually, there were two 'dreams' He gave me that I am excited to see come into being. As I have been praying about them the doubts started to enter and very quickly I was reminded of II Timothy 1:7...

Amen! He did not give me these 'dreams' without empowering me to fulfill them. It is just like I told someone the other day, He did not bring us here to fail. When life is challenging, we must remember He is our strength. He loves us and wants to see us thrive where He puts us. He wants us to use the tools He gives us to further His Kingdom. This morning when I woke up to "No Longer Slaves" I was blessed in knowing just how true these words are. I must not only believe them but I must embrace them. I must pray the enemy away. I must stand in the mighty power of God and do His will. 

I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

We truly do not have to be fearful of anything, including our future. He is in control of all. Yes, the enemy can play havoc in our lives but we must deeply be grounded in Christ to give the enemy no foothold. There are times the Lord allows things to happen in our lives to see how we will react to them. Once again, we must stand on II Timothy 1:7 throughout those times.

I am surrounded
By the arms of the father
I am surrounded
By songs of deliverance

We've been liberated
From our bondage
We're the sons and the daughters
Let us sing our freedom

When we are His children, we have His freedom! There is no better place to live than in freedom. Bondage to fear can be crippling. Bondage to sin can keep us from doing the Lord's will. Bondage to what happened in the past disables us to do His will. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these truths today through Your Word and through this song. Thank You for freeing me to be Your servant. Thank You for my past being just that...my past. Thank You for enabling me to let go of things in order for You to work in and through me. Thank You for the 'dreams' You have put on my heart. I am looking forward to seeing them come into existence. Father, the only way that will happen is for You to fill me to overflowing with more of You. Fill me to where Your words are my words and Your actions are my actions. Father, oh how I pray for those who are caught up in bondage. I pray for those who are living in the words spoken over them in the past to be released from such bondage. I pray for those who are allowing the enemy a foothold to take the step of surrender to You. I pray for those who are fearful of taking that step to realize Your love and grace encompasses them when they do. Thank You Jesus for being My Liberator! Amen.

Galatians 5:22-23 - "Ever Be"

"The Lord is more interested in how you react to what happens to you than in what happens to you." These words of Dr. Jerry Porter are thought provoking. As I was going through a series of phone calls yesterday morning trying to get medicine ordered, I became frustrated. I know my words were getting short with the people on the phone and a couple times with Doc. That was not how I was suppose to react. That was not how Jesus would have reacted. He would not have become frustrated to the point of a migraine. He would have reacted with the fruit of the Spirit. I reacted in my humanness. I failed and for that I am sorry. When our highest goal is to be like Jesus, we need to choose to allow tough circumstances to transform into spiritual gain. Easier said than done but with God it is possible.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of Dr. Porter's words. Thank You for giving second chances when we fail. Thank You for loving me so greatly. Father, I was so hoping the migraine would be gone this morning but it is right on the age of going full-blown again. I pray for a healing within my body....a total healing including not only my physical body but especially my spiritual body. I pray for more of You to flow in and through me. Lord, I am disappointed the day ahead is not what planned but enable me to bask in Your presence. Direct my steps and direct my words. Thank You Jesus for being My Savior. Amen.

Ephesians 4:17-19 - "That's Why We Praise Him"

I woke up this morning singing....

That's why we praise Him, that's why we sing, 
That's why we offer Him our everything
That's why we bow down and worship this King, 

'Cause He gave His everything, 
'Cause He gave His everything.

"He gave His everything..." Yes, He did! He did not just die for us but He rose again! Woo hoo! The words to this song are so plain and simple. We need to praise Him because of all He did and continues to do in our lives. I praise Him for District Assembly....for the encouragement He gave through Dr. Porter and Dr. Eddie...for the bonding with our new friends...for the way He spoke to me through His Word...for the 'dream' He has put on my heart. Wow! He is so awesome! He definitely has given me lots of reasons to praise Him! Yesterday was a blessed day with coming home and finding mail that encouraged me greatly! My first piece of mail as Rev. Sheila R. Burrows with my first District License and a program from the service thanks to Crystal Browning; Card from Rhonda Lynch; "Destiny in a church bathroom" testimony from Sharon Foor; and a housewarming card and check from June Rogers!!! The Lord knew I needed encouragement and boy did He take care of it! I had not been on the computer much these last couple of days and when I got on I was so encouraged by these words by Dan Bohi...

"I'm not interested in selling fire insurance. I want to bring people into an encounter with a living, present Jesus. I want them to know His love and acceptance. I want them to know what He thinks about them. I want them to know there value and identity. If they get Jesus now, eternity will take care of itself."

Yes! His last words say it all..."If they get Jesus now, eternity will take care of itself." Not only will people live a different life when they know Him but they will in turn share Him with others. It goes back to what we were reminded of in District Assembly with discipling. As we disciple one they in turn will disciple one who in turn will disciple one.... God did not die for us just for us to have some fancy church building to run programs. He died for us so we can 'get our hands dirty' out in our community and replicate ourselves. Woo hoo! He died for us to be Him to others. We, as the church, must change our ways if we are going to be the most effective for Him. We, as individuals, must be in relationship with Him where we not only hear His voice but we follow it. We, as a church body, must be willing to leave the comfort of a building and get out into our community. We also must be willing to do things differently. The world is changing and so must the church. The Gospel does not change but the manner in which we present it needs to change. We have to get out of the mindset of "this is the way we have always done it" and get into the mindset of "Lord, open us up to new ways that You know will enable us to be You to many." 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for District Assembly! Thank You for the way You spoke to me! There were some 'down' times for me with being in a new environment but as I look back on those times I truly believe the enemy was trying to stop me. He did not want me to hear what I heard. He did not want me to dream about what You have given me. I praise Your Holy Name that You are greater than the enemy! Oh Father, how I pray for You to open doors with this dream. I truly believe You have planted it in my mind and now I need to listen to You and bring it to reality. Father, direct my thoughts. Direct my steps. Direct my words. Fill me to overflowing with more of You. I will greatly praise You throughout this time and I pray You will be blessed through my obedience. Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus for being My Dream! Amen.

Ephesians 4:2 - "Thy Will"

I always love the night of ordination at District Assembly. It is a night of reflection back on the night Dr. Diehl ordained Doc. He was one to give a word to the spouses too. The charge is placed upon me was "...to have a gentle and quiet spirit..." I was teased afterward about that because I tended to be more bold than gentle or quiet. The Lord has worked so greatly in me over these last sixteen years. As I reflect over the ways He has used me I am amazed. The way He has grown my faith is another thing I am amazed over. The move to South Carolina is another thing that amazes me. He is so awesome! In Ephesians 4:2 Paul gives direction on how we, as believers, are to live. Sometimes we must be 'gentle' by taking a step back from a person and allowing them to have a chance to listen for the Lord to direct them. At times, being 'gentle' means keeping our opinions to ourselves. There are also times that being 'gentle' means not allowing people to offend us because when we become offended the enemy has an open door into our life. The last part of this verse is one that I try to exercise daily..."bearing with one another in love." The love of Christ is a must if we, as believers, want to be Christ-like. That means we must accept negative words and attitudes, even from those we love, the way the Lord would accept them. It means supporting people through tough times with His love. This verse means being Christ-like.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the example You give us on how to live a life of holiness. Thank You for the way you answer prayers. Thank You for the news of the successful surgery for the young lady yesterday. Thank You for the new friends made yesterday. Thank You for the way You give me a "gentle and quiet spirit." Lord, I pray for the closing of Assembly to be blessed mightily. I pray for people to take the vision that has been given back to their church and for great things to happen. I pray for the pastors who are discouraged to be encouraged. I pray for the lay people who have been been challenged to take the challenge set before them. I pray for the seeds that have been planted to come to life. Lord, I pray for the things You have put on my heart. I pray You will give me direction to fulfill Your will. Fill me to overflowing with more of You as I go throughout this day. Love me so I may love others. Thank You for being My Director. Amen.

Ephesians 4:22-24 - "Clean"

The Lord woke me up with "Clean" that Natalie Grant sings...

Washed in the blood of Your sacrifice
Your blood flowed red and made me white
My dirty rags are purified
I am clean

Woo hoo! Yes! We are clean through the blood of Christ! There is such freedom through Him. He takes our lives and rebuilds them when we allow Him to do so. He restores us to a place of peace instead of living in a state of chaos. The desire of His heart is to make us "clean" so we can fulfill the purpose He has for us on this earth. The coolest part about being made "clean" through Christ is knowing He is there to keep us "clean" through a relationship with Him. We must stay close to Him in order to hear His Voice. We must be sold-out to Him in order to know what He desires for us. Some people find it hard to comprehend how that is possible but once you surrender to Him it is so easy. There is so much freedom through surrender. I go back to Paul's writing in Ephesians 4 this morning and stop at verses twenty-two through twenty-four. When we turn from our "old self" and allow the Lord to make us "new" then we will be "clean"! Sometimes it takes a while to get completely "clean" but it will happen IF and WHEN we allow Him to work in and through us. It is hard to comprehend how our past can be just that...our past. But when we allow the Lord to cleanse us He wipes our slate clean. We no longer have to think about it. Yes, others may still bring it up but when they do we can testify as to how the Lord has cleansed us. 

I see shattered
You see whole
I see broken
But You see beautiful
And You're helping me to believe
You're restoring me piece by piece

God is so good! Not only does He cleanse us but He enables us to see we are worth something to Him in a world that gives little worth to people. He builds us up when the world tears us apart. Why would anyone want to continue in worldly ways when the ways of Christ are so awesome? Many continue because they do not know of His way. That is where we come into play. We must be sharing Him if we want others to come into relationship with Him. If we don't share Him, we are failing in our responsibility as a believer.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder that this morning that my past is just that...my past. Thank You for accepting me back, forgiving me, cleansing me, restoring me....plain and simple for loving me enough to die for me. You are so awesome! Lord, I pray for more boldness in my words. I pray for more of You to flow in and through me. I pray for an abundance of You to be in my words and actions. Thank You for the message from Lee yesterday that encouraged my heart greatly. Lord, I pray for continued blessings to be upon us during this time of transition. I pray for more of Your plan to be revealed to us. Lord, thank You for being My Cleanser. Amen.

Ephesians 4:32 - "Forgiveness"

This morning the last verse of Ephesians 4 hit me in the face. Wow, God! That last part is crucial in how we are to forgive others. "...just as in Christ God forgave you." When Jesus died on the cross, it was for all mankind. The sins of people who had never been born yet were taken care of through His act of obedience to His Father. I was sharing my story with one the other day and made mention the person who violated me has never apologized. Through counseling and many years of praying I have been able to forgive him even through he has not asked for forgiveness. It hit me as I read this verse our Heavenly Father forgave us before we asked for forgiveness. That is the type of love we are to have in us. That is the type of love that enables me to forgive even when people do not ask for forgiveness. That is the type of love that gives me a heart to pray for such people. That is the type of heart that goes beyond 'worldly ways' and looks to 'heavenly ways'!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly that You died on the cross for my sins. Thank You for giving me a heart like Yours to love on people. Thank You for filling my tank to overflowing with more of You each and every day. Father, I am a little apprehensive about this day. I woke up wiped out in my physical body which in turn causes issues in my mental and emotional body. Would You please give me an extra dose of You to 'do' this day? Would You please enable me to think and speak clearly today? Would You please be honored and glorified through me today? Father, I know I can't 'do' this day on my own strength but it will be only accomplished in Your strength. Thank You for being My Strength. Amen.

Ephesians 4:30 - "Ever Be"

Last night was one of those nights where I kept waking up over and over. I did a lot of praying for different people and for our "Back-to-School" event today. I love how the Lord had these lyrics to "Ever Be" in my mind every time I woke up...

Your praise will ever be on my lips,
ever be on my lips
Your praise will ever be on my lips,
ever be on my lips (2X)

Yes! I have so much to praise the Lord for! This week has been one of great blessings! I am praising Him for...

• Unlimited free long distance so I can talk to family and friends anytime. This is such a blessing in being able to talk to my Momma everyday. 
• My boys, their ladies and my grand babies...the way the Lord is helping me to adjust to being so many miles away from them.
• Having Doc's cousin Terri with us overnight...the fun time last night seeing the fireworks over the water with the Marine Band playing in the background.
• The realization last night that if this were last year Doc would have been pushing me in a wheelchair to go to the waterfront event.
• The sale of the refrigerator.
• Finding a new dentist that was able to get Doc in quickly.
• Protection on the road when a driver went crazy.
• Doc's five year old laptop being fixed for free.
• Answer to prayers for a successful surgery for a young Momma and a dear elderly gentleman this week.
• The opportunities given to me to pray for some difficult situations some are going through. A family in crisis...a former missionary facing difficult surgery this next week...some men who have been on Sabbatical and going back to the work God has put before them...a newborn who was dealing with jaundice but is now doing better...a lady going through a hurtful time from a broken relationship...a friend recuperating well from having a kidney removed due to a tumor...a grandma and a young lady who had surgery and are waiting on test results to see if it was cancer...a pastor who has left his church after a hurtful series of events...our Willard church family who are seeking a new pastor...a woman going through multiple surgeries and waiting on a decision for disability...a woman waiting to have shoulder surgery...a young woman who is having a hysterectomy Monday.
• My first District Pastor's License being granted.
• Improvement in a physical situation I am going through.
• Time with children at the Wesleyan Church this week.
• The school supplies that will be donated today for our "Back-To-School" event.

As I was reading Ephesians 4 this morning verse thirty spoke greatly to me. I do not ever want to have the Lord disappointed in me. I know as a human being there will be times I miss opportunities He puts before me and that will disappoint Him but I sure do not want to blatantly disappoint Him. I love the intimacy in verse thirty. "His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself." Woo hoo! Yes, that is a gift from Him! I love being in such a relationship with Him! I love hearing His voice and feeling His love! 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this song this morning to remind me of all of the things I have to praise You for in my life. Thank You for this place You have brought us to be You to a new group of people. Thank You for the way You are helping me during this time of adjustment being away from my family, a new climate, a new church family, a new financial situation....so many adjustments yet You brought us here and are faithful in being with us. Thank You for loving us so greatly that You trust us with the task before us. I also want to thank You for the opportunities given to me from friends in Ohio to pray for them and their situations. Thank You for the encouragement that gives me. Father, I praise Your Holy Name for all the ways You love on me! I praise Your Holy Name for the way You will provide strength today in this body that is so tired. I praise Your Holy Name for the way You are going to ooze out of me as I love on people. Woo hoo! Thank You for the anticipation for the day ahead! Thank You for being The One I Praise! Amen.

Ephesians 4:22-24 - "From The Inside Out"

In Ephesians 4 Paul gives instructions on living a life for Christ. He lays out a life lived for Christ very plainly. A couple verses stood out to me this morning as I read this chapter...

I love the last part of these verses. "...created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Woo hoo! God does not expect us to be anything He isn't. He does not expect us to do anything He wouldn't do. That is how we, as leaders in the church, should be. We should not expect people to live any different than we live. We must set the example of holy living if we expect others to live in that way. We should not expect people to do anything we won't do ourselves. In other words, if we are not willing to be sharing the Gospel freely then we should not question people if they are sharing freely. If we get caught up in 'stuff' that needs done 'in the church' then we cannot expect others to not do the same. To take it one step further, many leaders in the church live and breathe the church activities. If people see us doing that instead of being out in the world being Jesus to others, then we cannot be upset with them for getting caught up in worldly activities they are living and breathing. It all comes back to the part of these verses that reads, "...to be made new in the attitude of your minds;" I truly believe before God's Church will become the True Church there needs to be an attitude adjustment in leaders. Ouch...stepping on my own toes here but I am thankful the Lord took me to this particular passage this morning and particularly to these verses. The desire of my heart is to live a life of holiness myself but also to see the True Church come alive with believers being sold-out to Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving us the example on how to live a life pleasing to You. Thank You for Your grace when we don't live like You desire of us. Thank You for Your prompting when You have an opportunity for us to be You to others. Oh Father, You are so good! Lord, thank You for the opportunity to love on the kids yesterday. Thank You for the smiles and hugs You gave me through them. I needed my tank filled and You did it so greatly! Father, today is Doc's day off which is always one I look forward to. I praise You that even though it is a day off from regular ministry we never take a day completely off from loving on people with Your love. I praise You for giving me a heart for loving on people. Lord, I also praise You for the love You show me through people. May You be glorified in my words and actions today...may You be glorified in the way I share You today...may You be gloried in the way I accept opportunities You put before me today. Fill me to overflowing so people hear and see You through me. Thank You Father for being My Example. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Give Me Your Eyes"

I just love how the Lord works! This morning He woke me up to a song Brandon Heath sings called "Give Me Your Eyes" and I was amazed at His timing! I know I should never be amazed at anything He does but at times I still am.

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten

These words are my prayer this morning as I prepare to go minister to a group of children who need His love lavished on them greatly. Oh how I pray they see and hear Him through me. I also pray He will enable me to not miss any opportunity to share His love with them. Sometimes we can get so caught up in this world with 'doing' that we miss opportunities. The things we are doing may even be 'good' things but if they take our focus off of Him then they no longer are as effective. I want to be effective for the Lord. The desire of my heart is for souls to be won for Him. It does not have anything to do with me but rather it is all about Him. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me Your eyes to see people who need You so greatly. Thank You for giving me Your love to pour out on them. Father as I go to be with these children would You please keep my focus on You so I don't miss any opportunity You put before me? Would You fill me to overflowing so You ooze out of me? Would You use me in a mighty way to bring You to these children? Father, thank You for this opportunity this morning. Thank You for using me as You work in and through me with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for being My Opportunity Maker! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Even So"

So we wait
We wait for You
God, we wait
You're coming soon

These words were in my heart throughout the night every time I woke up. They are words of hope...words of love...words of anticipation.  Waiting is something many people struggle with doing because waiting can seem to take forever before an answer is received or a situation changes. But waiting is the best place to be. It is in the waiting time that we can draw closer to the Lord. We can go deeper in our faith so we can hear His voice clearer. We also can bring others into a relationship through our waiting. It is so important to not rush our time when we are waiting on an answer. We dare not manipulate any aspect of life during a waiting time. If we do, the Lord will not be glorified through it. We must wait for Him as we pray for direction. It is imperative to wait for Him if we truly want to do His will. If one cannot hear His voice, they cannot give up. Instead they must seek why they are not hearing from Him. Or perhaps He is speaking but they are refusing to listen. We must be willing to say...

Even so come
Lord Jesus, come 

Then we must be willing to follow His lead. We cannot be the one in charge of our life if we want Him to be glorified through us. We cannot be the one to make decisions but instead must look to Him for everything we do. Many people think this is a crazy life to lead but I personally believe it is the only way to live. A life surrendered to Him is a blessed life. Sometimes there are waiting times where I wonder if He ever is going to answer me. A few years ago I was blessed in no longer wondering if it were Him speaking or not. He makes things very clear to me and for that I am grateful!

I told my sister the other night I can hardly wait for a new body when the Lord returns. I know I have to wait but more importantly I know He has put me in this place at this particular time for a purpose. As I wait on His plan to be revealed to me, I am seeking more of Him. I know I need to be ready to do whatever He puts before me if I expect to be with Him for eternity. I am anticipating His return but until it happens I must be doing His will. I may not know all the particulars of what He wants of me but I do know He wants me to love on people with His love so they come into relationship with Him. I also know He desires for believers to see me sold-out to Him and desire the same for themselves.

Like a bride waiting for her groom
We'll be a Church ready for You
Every heart longing for our King
We sing
Even so come
Lord Jesus, come

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this waiting time! Thank You for the way You are drawing me deeper into relationship with You! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for being so direct with me and for giving me ears to hear You! Lord, today is a new day. I don't know who You will put into my path but would You please ooze out of me so they see/hear You through me? Would You please put boldness in my speech? Would You please give me the direction of what You desire of me to accept every opportunity that You put before me? Thank You Jesus for being My King. Amen.