It seems impossible that another year has passed. Where did it go? It seems like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating 2017 and now here we are looking toward 2018. As I reflect on the last year, I wonder if I made God proud of me or if I disappointed Him. I wonder how many opportunities I missed that He gave to me. I wonder how many lives I touched over the last 365 days. Did I make a difference for Him in this fallen world? Did His light shine through me in a way that made people see Him? Oh how I pray I made a positive difference in people's lives. I pray people saw Him through me. I pray He shined brightly through my words, actions and attitude throughout 2017. Most importantly I pray people will see Him through me more in 2018 than ever before. I pray for more opportunities to share Him. I also pray for more of Him to fill me to overflowing so people will have no doubt who He is to me. I pray for more wisdom in 2018 so the decisions I make will reflect Him. I pray for more of His love to ooze out of me so people will not even begin to question my Christianity. I pray for more of His strength to get through tough days and more of Him empowerment to be mine. When situations arise with people who are not living for Him, I pray He will give me His words to speak to open their eyes. I pray 2018 will be a year of healing in not only my physical body but most importantly my spiritual body. There are some areas that have been compromised through dealing with difficult people and situations. I pray they will be restored. I pray 2018 will be a year of abundance in my spiritual life which will flow over into other people's lives. I also pray it will be a year of great wisdom gained through my studies of His Word. Psalm 90 ends with a verse that I pray over 2018. I love the way Matthew Henry describes this verse. He writes, "Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of Holiness may be seen in our conduct." Yes! I pray for "the beauty of holiness" to be seen through all we do and say. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of 2017. Thank You for the blessings ahead in 2018. I pray for Your empowerment over everything we do in this new year. I pray for Your wisdom to direct us so that Your love will flow through us in a different, new way. Lord, cleanse us of anything not of You so You can be greater in us. I pray for lives to be changed through the way You work in and through us. Not just in the lives of others but most importantly our lives. Open doors that need opened and shut doors that need shut so You can use us mightily. Empower us to knock down the devil when he comes knocking at our door. Thank You Jesus for being Our Beauty. Amen.
After getting woke up my Mordecei at 12:30AM I could not go back to sleep. I was so tired yet no matter what I tried nothing helped. Finally at 2:30 I asked God if there was someone I was to pray for. You would think I would know by now to ask that question when I am first woke up but I thought it was just Mordecei getting me up. I am coming to realize God uses him at times to wake me. He told me to pray for 'Cindy' and when I asked 'Cindy who?' His response was 'all Cindy's.' Alrighty then. Even though I thought this was strange I started thinking of different Cindy's I knew and prayed.
One who had breast cancer several ago...to remain cancer free
One who struggles with the loss of her parents, her upbringing, etc....to find peace
A pastor's wife who lives far away from some of her children...to make every moment of her time with them
A pastor's wife with a special needs child...to have people to love on her and him
A retired pastor's wife...to find her place in her new world
A relative...to find a close walk with the Lord
A children's pastor...to have a renewed passion for her little ones
A single lady...to not be lonely
A pastor with a great women's ministry...to have not only physical strength but mental, emotional, and most of all spiritual strength
A wife/mother/grandmother I grew up with...to give her strength with her parents aging
One who has retired...to give her strength as she struggles with her husband's health
All 'Cindy's' in this world...to have a close relationship with the Lord
I'm sure I probably know more but these were the ones He brought to my mind. It is such a privilege to pray for those He gives me to pray for. I am encouraged as He does so because I know there are people He has praying for me. That gives me great comfort in times such as yesterday when the oncologist went all 'around Helmick's peach orchard' before saying what was seen on the mammogram is not cancer but something from surgery. As he was talking I thought 'goodness and I told Doc he didn't need to come with me since the mammogram was good and now I'm going to hear something bad'! Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind...
As I await an appointment with the surgeon I will trust God it is just something from the surgery. The oncologist had a big long name for it but it sounded like something like scar tissue. The surgeon may even say there is no need for surgery and I would be good with that. But no matter the outcome I will trust Him. I will not give the enemy any open door during this time but instead will trust in the Lord who already knows the outcome.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me greatly. Thank You for the privilege to pray for others and for those who pray for me. Father, today is a new day. I'm not sure what You have in store for me but I am hoping You use me to be a beacon of light in my little world. There are no plans of leaving this house yet I know You will use me no matter if I do or not. Cleanse me and fill me. Use me in a different, new way. Thank You for putting me in the path of one who hasn't been to church in many years. I pray this mother will take the step to come with her children Tuesday night. I pray against the enemy working against her coming. Lord, continue to use us in our community. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Trust. Amen.
"Miss Sheila, why do you have God stuff all over your walls?" "Miss Sheila, why did you say grace to someone over the phone? "Miss Sheila, what does that mean that 'Jesus warms my heart' on that snowman?"
These questions yesterday blessed my heart in abundance. They gave me open doors to share Jesus with one precious little boy. He is beyond his six years of age as far as school goes. I can see why by the way he is always reading, counting, doing math, etc. He turns many situations into learning activities. It was so cool how God worked yesterday. I didn't realize how many 'faith' items I had in my house. A snowman on the tree, a plague out of the decorations bin, another plague in the extra bedroom...wow! That gave an open door to discuss faith. When I asked him if he knew what the word meant, he said it was a little girl in his class. I then explained how it can be a name but it also was what one can have in God without even seeing Him. When Doc got home, he showed him the one plague and told him what faith was. Even though I never left my home yesterday I know the Lord used me to make a difference in this little guy's life. I planted seeds that I may or may not get to cultivate. No matter what, Edward knows a little bit more about Jesus and for that I am thankful. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunity to share You yesterday with Edward. Thank You for his life and for putting me in it. What a blessing he is to me. I also thank You for the opportunity I will have with my two little guys, Jimmy and Eli, this afternoon. May they be blessed through our activity time. Lord, I pray for protection on the roads today as I go to doctor appointments. I pray for both appointments to not have any surprises for me. But even if they do I know they are not surprises for You and for that I am grateful. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your spirit today. May I be a blessing with my attitude, words and actions to all I meet. I also pray for those who are recuperating from surgeries...Val, Dan, Miss Patty, John Jr, Jeff, Michelle, Sharon and for Doc's cousin Jerry who is in open heart surgery right now. May each of these people draw near to You through their time of recuperation. I also pray for peace upon the family with Uncle Buddy's death. Thank You for giving me peace with not being able to be there. I pray for traveling mercies upon all who will be traveling for calling hours and funeral. Lord, continue to bless Doc with rest. I pray blessings upon him today with the people he will come into contact with. Thank You Jesus for being the One To Bless Us. Amen.
Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes emotions run very wild. Yesterday I was celebrating in my heart the birth of my 'baby' thirty three years ago but I also was grieving for the loss of my Momma's last living sibling. I cannot imagine the emotions she is going through as she deals with Uncle Buddy's death. She was not only a sister but she was the oldest so she was the 'big sister' who watched over them. She was the one they called regularly for advice, to check on her, to complain, etc. She was their spiritual strength when theirs was gone. It has only been thirteen months since Uncle Ofie died and ten months since my brother Gene died. The grief from those two deaths is still fresh yet here it is time to grieve again. We can be thankful Uncle Buddy is no longer struggling for breath but instead is breathing freshness in heaven. We also can be thankful it was only four or five days of Hospice care until he took his last breathe. Even though we have these things to be thankful for, it still hurts for the loss. Today I am praying strength for my Momma, his children and grandchildren, and all of those mourning his death. I am praying emotional strength for myself as I feel so helpless being here instead of Ohio. I am praying for the weather to be decent for calling hours Friday and the funeral Saturday. I also am praying for the minister as she brings the message on Saturday. There are many of Uncle Buddy's family who are not in relationship with the Lord and they need to hear the Gospel. I pray she is bold in her preaching and that they will have open ears to the Word. I also pray after the funeral there will be people put in their paths who will cultivate the seeds she plants. We never know when our time on this earth will be over. It does not matter our age or health. We must be ready at all times to spend eternity with Jesus. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the celebration of Ben's birth yesterday along with the celebration of Uncle Buddy's home coming. His death was a celebration in knowing He is no longer dealing with physical ailments but now has a new body in heaven. Father, I pray for those grieving his death to seek You. I pray they will come to know You in a different, new way. May they receive Your peace throughout these days. I also pray for peace in my spirit about not being able to be with my family. This season of my life is here and I need to remember that in times such as this. I pray for a filling in my spirit today with more of You. Cleanse me so I can be a beacon of light for You in a different, new way. Use me to promote Your Kingdom. Thank You Jesus for being My Season Designer. Amen.
It is so hard to believe that thirty three years ago this morning my 'Baby Boy' was born. He has grown into a wonderful husband and father but especially a wonderful son. This past summer being able to spend the night at their house on both of my trips to Ohio was so special. I loved the time of sitting and talking with him and Emily after the kids went to bed. The trip to the airport with just him and I was special too. I love to see how they are raising their children. There is no doubt Jesus is the center of their life in every way possible. Miss Evelyn praying with and for people at the age of nine is a perfect example of their parent ways. It amazes me to see all of the different attributes of the children but the one that is the same is the love for Christ. This morning the Lord took me to I Corinthians 13. This Scripture is one that many associated with weddings but it goes far beyond that. It goes into the marriage a believer has with God. It talks of true love for God. I am so blessed in seeing that true love carried out by Ben and Emily in their marriage.
These words Paul wrote to the Corinthians show the beauty of Christian love. They were not practicing such love. I see this type of love being practiced by Ben in so many ways. In his work place, his family...all aspects of his life. His eye is on the Prize of Christ Jesus and it shows through his words and actions. He has five little ones to disciple so they too will have that same Prize. I am proud of the decisions they continue to make so Emily is with the babies to home school. When we talk, I am proud to hear their maturity in Christ. What a blessing to his Momma. Oh how I miss spending time with them. Yesterday was such a blessing to FaceTime with them. Oh the excitement the children showed! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing You gave me to be Ben's Momma. Thank You for the blessings he and Emily give me with the five babies. Thank You for healing Ben not once but twice. I knew You had great plans for his life through those times of healing. Father, bless his day today in abundance. Let him know You are so proud of the husband, father, godly man he has allowed You to mold. Use him today to make a difference in people's lives. Bless his ministry. Father just as I pray for myself, cleanse him so there is nothing between You and him. Be his words, actions and attitude in a different, new way. I also praise You for Doc having a full night's sleep. May You shine through him in his workplace today. I pray You will shine through me with whatever is ahead in my day. I pray You will draw near to my Momma today as she is going through a tough time. Thank You Jesus for being the One To Bless Us. Amen.
I love to read the Christmas story. There is one particular verse that shows the true heart of Mary as a mother. Luke 2:19 tells us she "treasured" and "pondered" upon the words spoken about her newborn son. That is what a mother does when words are spoken about your children. She treasures and ponders upon them. She is reminded about them throughout her life. When one of her children is sick, she is encouraged to know the Lord is their Healer. When one of them is rebelling, she ponders upon Scripture such as Proverbs 22:6. When she watches her children marry, she ponders upon Scripture such as Jeremiah 29:11. When she watches them have children of their own, she treasures the look in their eyes when they hold them. All of these attributes of a mother are ones that make a mother. A godly mother prays for her children as an act of love. Unfortunately, there are many children who do not have such a mother. There are too many children in this world who will wake up this morning without the love of a mother. They are not just ones in other countries that we see ads for that need food, clothing, etc. There are many right here in the United States without a loving mother. Some are without due to their mothers making 'bad' decisions. Others are because of the acts of others. No matter what the reason, they need to know Jesus is there for them. How can that happen in such circumstances? Believers need to walk in obedience to the Lord and share Him with all they meet. We all need to love people with His love. Jesus came to this earth to die for all. His birth was just the beginning to a great story. As I think of Mary who "treasured" and "pondered" upon her Son, I wonder what thoughts were going through her mind. She had been told she was going to give birth to the Messiah. Did she know what that would entail? Did she know her Son would die in such a horrific way? Did she realize the impact her Son would have for generations to come? As a mother she would have had some instincts but would they have given her insight into what was ahead? A mother prays for her children to have the best in life but with her giving birth to the Messiah what else could she pray for Him when He was the best? This morning I am praying for...
children who do not have a loving mother
children who do not have a mother to protect and care for them
children, young or old, who have 'bad' memories of their mother
children, young or old, with addiction that has been passed down from their mother
children, young or old, who have lost their mother
mothers who have lost their children
women who were not given the right example to be good mommies
women who have aborted their babies
mothers in abusive situations that are affecting their children
mothers who have taken in or adopted children who needed loved
Mary was given the greatest gift when she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Every mother is given a gift when they are chosen to be the mother of their children. I know I am blessed with the gift of my sons. I cannot imagine what Mary went through as she watched Jesus be killed. But I can imagine how she "treasured" and "pondered" upon hearing the words said about her son. It makes a mother proud to hear such things. It also makes for good memories when reflecting back on them.
Dear Jesus,
Happy Birthday! Today is a day set aside to celebrate Your birth yet we celebrate You every day. Oh how I pray for those who don't practice celebrating You. I pray more believers would share You so more people would come into relationship with You. I also pray for more people to take the step to be sanctified so they can walk in obedience. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can walk in obedience better today. I pray for Your words, actions and attitude to be mine in a different, new way. I pray for those who are alone today to draw close to You. I pray for my boys, their ladies, and my grand babies to realize the true meaning of this day. May Your love surround them in a great way not just today but every day. I pray for the blessing of healing in Doc's body. May You empower Him as he is Your faithful servant. I pray for the ones who have lost loved ones, especially in the last days, to draw near to You. I pray they will find You in a way they can celebrate today. I also pray for the families with ones in their last days to find Your comfort. Thank You Jesus for being My Gift Giver. Amen.
The Lord took me to Psalm 96 this morning. This Psalm is another one that encourages everyone to praise Him. As I read the first three verses I started thinking about how there was the reason to sing of the Messiah's birth so many years ago. That reason should still be in the hearts of all today. 'Jesus is the Reason for the season' has the greatest truth ever spoken. If He would not have been born, He could not have died for all. His birth was just the beginning of our story. A "new song" also was on the lips of people when He died and rose again for all. That was a new beginning to our story. Every day we are given on this earth needs to be a new beginning to our story. Every day when He wakes us up with breathe is a gift. It is up to each person as to how they will unwrap that gift throughout the day. Will they unwrap it all at once so it can be shared throughout the day? Will the gift be slowly unwrapped due to distractions of the world? Will the gift be put aside until later in the day or perhaps forgotten altogether due to being too busy? The only way for His glory to be declared as He desires is by opening His gift at the start of the day. I imagine Him sitting and watching me opening 'His gift' every morning with the anticipation of my Heavenly Daddy. I see Him anxiously awaiting to see if I will like 'His gift.' I can only imagine Him hoping I will embrace what He has given me in the way He desires and then share it with others. Oh what a gift He is to me! Dear Jesus, Thank You for these words of encouragement today to open up Your gift each morning. Thank You for the way You use Your Word to teach me, encourage me, love on me...the list goes on and on. Father, today is a new day. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be a beacon of light for You. I pray for opportunities to be You to others. May You be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day in a different, new way. May You lead me to where You so desire me to go. Father, I pray for physical, mental, emotional and most of all spiritual strength over my husband today. Would You encourage Him through the words and actions of others? Would You fill Him with more of You so He feels Your supernatural strength? I also pray birthday blessings over Adam today. I pray He will feel You in a different, new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Gift. Amen.
Everyone has the choice to make on whether they want to live with God or without Him. There are some who make the decision for Him but then 'life' happens and they choose the easy road instead of Him. A relationship of obedience to Him is not always easy. Sometimes it doesn't make sense on what He asks of us or how long we must 'suffer' through something. Hours can turn into days and days into months as one goes through a tough situation. But the important thing is to keep in communication with Him. The only way that can happen is to be in full relationship with Him. When one is in full relationship with Him, they will not only hear His voice but walk in obedience. I had the pleasure of sharing with a heath technician this week about the last hour of my Daddy's life. The way he knew he was dying that morning and God blessed him and my Momma with a last time of holding, kissing, and talking. There could not have been any better way to die. His last hour is something one would read about in a book or see on a movie screen. Life doesn't normally end like that. But the months, even years that led up to that hour were not easy. But my Daddy (nor my Momma) ever lost their love for the Lord. They never gave up even through the chemo, hospital and doctor visits, oxygen, etc. They were my example and I intend to do the same. I will not give up. I refuse to allow the enemy an open door. My God is greater than him. My God is greater than physical issues. My God is greater than the hurt in my heart over situations I have no control over. Plain and simple. My God is greater. This morning God took me to Psalm 95 and now I see why. This Psalm is about coming before the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. It is about living in the Lord's presence where one not only hears His voice but walks in obedience. The enemy cannot have an open door in one's life. If he does, their heart will be hardened. There are many people who blame God for their circumstances. They would rather wallow in their mess than accept blame for their part of it and allow God to heal them. Some would rather stay in the midst of chaos than to allow God to give them rest. Those are the people I am praying for today. The ones who need His rest in their spiritual lives. As Matthew Henry wrote: "There is a rest ordained for believers, the rest of everlasting refreshment, begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come. This is the rest which God calls his rest." Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing of our 'date' time yesterday. Thank You for the gift card we had for our dinner. Thank You for the protection on the roads. Thank You for loving us so greatly. Father, neither of us had much sleep last night due to physical issues. I pray for a physical rest in our bodies as we rest in You. I pray You will open our eyes to anything You have in store for us today. I also pray for a healing in our physical bodies. Lord, cleanse us of anything not of You so You can use us in a different, new way. Be with my Momma and family as they gather today to celebrate Christmas. I pray especially for Uncle Buddy's family as he has gone into Hospice. Thank You Jesus for being My Rest. Amen.
Today is Friday...yeh!!!! That means a lot of different things to people. Some it means the end of the work week. Some the end of a school week. For me it doesn't mean either of those things but it does mean the end of Doc's secular work week which makes me very happy! I am hoping we can have a date night even if it is just watching something on netflix with homemade pizza. Just to have some time with no constraints or duties would be awesome. As I reflect back on this week I am blessed in abundance with all God did throughout the week to make me know He loves me...
Monday night JOY ministries was so fun gathering to study, pray and fellowship
Tuesday night with one of the young girls accepting the Lord
Wednesday night our time of study on prophecy
Thursday with the way He held me as I went through the follow-up mammogram and then blessed me with it being 'good'
Getting my final grades for Systematic Theology I...yeh for A's!
'Chatting' with Paul, Ben and Rachel
Many opportunities to share Him with others; praying with Roberta when He directed me too even though I didn't know what she was going through until afterward
I am sure there were many more blessings but these are the ones that stand out in my mind. Is my life perfect? No. Do I have hurts in my heart? Yes. Is God greater than those hurts? Yes! Why? Because He loves me so greatly. I am His obedient servant. He takes me places where things do not make sense yet I know He is in control. Places such as South Carolina when Ohio was the only thing I ever knew. Or praying with people I don't know with a confidence that He is in control. I remember when I use to say He took me 'out of my comfort zone' but the other day I realized I no longer have a 'comfort zone' as I use to have. My 'comfort zone' is wherever He leads me. Woo hoo! That is an exciting thing to realize! I love the words to "He Loves Us"...
And we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking. And Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss, And my heart turns violently inside of my chest. I don't have time to maintain these regrets When I think about the way... That He loves us, Oh, how He loves us,
Psalm 16 is one of devotion to the Lord. David fled to God believing He would protect Him. He had confidence in God that is a great example of how we need to live. We need to flee to Him daily and ask Him for forgiveness of anything that may be between Him and us. We need to ask with confidence for Him to fill us with more of Himself. The only way we will spend life for eternity with Him is to live life for Him on this earth. We must not live for ourselves but rather live for Him. Our 'comfort zones' must be no longer. We need to be 'comfortable' in whatever setting He puts us. That may mean leaving the life we've always known with people who love and support us. It may mean living in an 'unknown' world where everything is different. It may mean talking with people we don't know. It definitely means allowing God to be everything we need or 'a portion.' When we sit down and eat a meal, a portion is what we need. A second portion may be what we want but not necessarily what we need. In our relationship with God, a portion of Him is exactly what we need. It also should be what we want. Verse seven is especially true for me because He speaks to me often during the night. My 'portion' of Him is found in living a '24/7' type of life. Matthew Henry writes about Psalm 16...
"David declares his resolution to have no fellowship with the works of darkness; he repeats the solemn choice he had made of God for his portion and happiness, takes to himself the comfort of the choice, and gives God the glory of it. This is the language of a devout and pious soul. Most take the world for their chief good, and place their happiness in the enjoyments of it; but how poor soever my condition is in this world, let me have the love and favour of God, and be accepted of him; let me have a title by promise to life and happiness in the future state; and I have enough. Heaven is an inheritance; we must take that for our home, our rest, our everlasting good, and look upon this world to be no more ours, than the country through which is our road to our Father's house. Those that have God for their portion, have a goodly heritage. Return unto thy rest, O my soul, and look no further."
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all of the blessings of this week. Thank You for being My Portion and Prize. Thank You for Your love, grace and mercy that allows me to bask in Your presence. Father, as I said a couple weeks ago, there are times when I feel like I am experiencing heaven on this earth. You are so awesome in the way You cleanse me each day and then fill me up with more of You so I can be Your obedient servant. Thank You for the times with my little guys yesterday that distracted me from my afternoon appointment. Thank You for the ladies at the Mammogram office that were so supportive as I fell apart. Thank You for Angela who was so gentle not only physically but emotionally. Father, I pray a healing blessing upon my husband who had little sleep last night. Give Him Your supernatural empowerment as he works today. Bless Him in abundance with opportunities to be You to others. Thank You for the blessings of that You have already given him this week. May the seeds that have been planted become fertilized and grow. Thank You for being Our Portion and Our Prize. Amen.
I was reminded last night that in order to have a Matthew 7:7 life one first must have a Matthew 6:6 one. Doc said last night that too many times people will ask yet not listen; seek yet not really want to find; and knock without expectation of a response. I believe too many times believers think they can do life on their own. They don't even begin to have the benefits God blesses upon them. His supernatural empowerment is available for all but many choose to not tap into it. Today is a day where I know I must have His supernatural empowerment to get through. I keep telling myself God didn't give me a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) but instead He empowers me to be greater than fear. Why then are the tears flowing? Why am I so emotional? Why do I just want this day to be over with? I am grateful I have my little guys to spend time with this morning. Hopefully they will be just the distraction I need as I await my appointment for the 12 month mammogram. As I reflect back on last year at this time I think of all the opportunities God gave me to meet new people, bless people in different ways, go deeper in my faith, etc. all because of 'C.' I also think about how the outcome could have been so different. I was blessed with only having stage one with radiation. As I went into the MRI the day after the diagnosis I prayed that the Lord would not have chemo in my future and was blessed when it wasn't. When the radiation caused such awful burns and my skin was raw, I wanted to give up. There were many tears shed yet the Lord blessed me with His comfort and strength to continue on. This morning the tears are flowing yet He continues to bless me with His comfort and strength. This week has been one where He has felt especially close. I think the reason why is because He knew I needed to feel Him more for today. Tuesday He blessed me with a young girl praying the prayer. Last night He blessed me with giving me the opportunity to pray with a waitress I had never met before. He told me to pray with her and tell her He wanted to be her strength..."her full strength." I had no clue as to why she needed to hear this prayer until after the fact when I looked up and saw tears in her eyes. She said, "He knew I needed to hear that." She continued to tell me she had a young man who was a co-worker killed Saturday in a car accident. He was also her daughter's friend and the accident happened after leaving their house. She thanked me for praying with her. Wow, God! He knew we both needed that experience. I needed it to show me He continues to use me even in times of doubt. She needed it to be encouraged. I live out Matthew 7:7 by asking Him to use me, seeking more of Him, and expecting Him to answer. The only way these things are accomplished is because I live a '24/7' life for Him. Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessing of using me to pray with Roberta. Thank You for the encouragement we both received from that prayer. Father, I pray against the anxiousness I am feeling this morning. I pray against any open door for the enemy to get into my life through today. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me up to overflowing with You. Ooze out of me today so people will see/hear You instead of me. Be my actions, words, and thoughts throughout this day in a different, new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Empowerment. Amen.
I woke up this morning with the song "Hard Love" going through my mind...
Hold on tight a little longer What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love You can't change without a fallout It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
This song is about relationships. We are told as parents there are times we must have a 'tough love.' There are also times in a marriage where it seems like 'tough love' has to happen. The thing we must remember is that no matter what we are going through in a relationship God is with us. He will be our strength as we go through change with others if we allow Him to be. He will give us the right direction if and when we seek it. Sometimes we get into hard seasons of life that seem like they will never end. It is one thing upon another. Sometimes the enemy is involved. Sometimes the choices we make are just that...'our' choices. God gives us free choice and will use them to be a time of drawing us closer to Him. "What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger" are words that ring so true in life. There are two deaths we go through. One is the death which happens in our physical bodies. The second one is the death that happens in our eternal bodies. The decisions we make can have a bearing on both but the most important is our eternal bodies. Where we spend our eternal life is the most important aspect of life on this earth. The Lord brought to my mind this morning the ones I prayed for yesterday with depression. It is a deep, dark hole that is hard to climb out of. Unfortunately, the enemy knows that and preys on people suffering from it. Sometimes he uses co-workers and even family members to pull us deeper into the pit. How can one feel 'strong' when they are so down? How does one see the Light in all the darkness? It takes standing strong in the Lord. Part of this song goes...
When the wolves come and hunt me down I will face them all and stand my ground 'Cause there's a fire burnin' in me They will see my strength in this love I found
Yes! When down, believers must find His strength that is deep inside of them. His strength will knock the enemy down every time. It is not easy to do but it is possible. This morning I am praying for those who feel like there is only darkness around them. I am praying they can find the glimmer of Light that is inside them. I also am praying for some who have never accepted the Light to ask Him into their heart today. May those in despair feel His strength...
one going through some 'hard love' circumstances in their marriage; another couple who are separated
one deep in depression
a family with members in two hospitals
a family who is at odds with some members not speaking
a family who is dealing with their father who appears to be in his last days
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace! Thank You for being the Light I have even when there are tough circumstances. Thank You for the blessing last night with sixteen children/teens here for activities. Thank You for one who asked You into her heart last night! Woo hoo! You are so awesome! Thank You for using us to be a beacon of Light for You! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me up with You. Ooze out of me so people will see/hear You today and not me. Thank You for Doc having seven hours sleep last night. What a blessing! I pray blessings over his day today. Thank You Jesus for being Our Light. Amen.
The Lord took me to bed with the same song He woke me up with yesterday. "It's A Beautiful Day." For the first hour after going to bed and then throughout the night He woke me to pray for people who are depressed. This morning I had a message from a friend asking for help because she is depressed. I did not know she was suffering through it and was touched by the Lord having me pray even before I knew. Some of my prayers were for specific people who I knew are struggling but some were general prayers for others going through tough times. 'Wow, God!' was my first thought as I read her message. Depression can rear it's ugly head in believers and non-believers. When the enemy gets a foothold in one who is dealing with depression, it gets worse and can lead to harming oneself. In the last week I have been asked to pray for the families of two middle school boys and two mothers who took their own lives. I don't know their circumstances but I do know all four were in relationship with the Lord. That is hard to comprehend but with being someone who has struggled with depression in the past I know it can happen. Due to medication I have dealt with it from time to time. It is not fun. I remember asking myself, "How can I be a Christian and be depressed? Have I lost my faith?" God reassured me I was still His daughter, He loved me, and He would empower me to get through the awful time. Some people's depression is caused by circumstances while others are depressed due to a chemical imbalance in their body. No matter what the reason depression happens, I always encourage people to seek God as to who they talk to. People, even believers, can give 'bad' advice if they do not seek God before opening their mouth. Throughout the night that was one of the things the Lord had me pray for...those depressed to seek godly people to talk to. Another thing was for people to not be alone but instead to surround themselves with others. A third thing I pray for is for people to be sensitive to people in their little world who may show signs of depression. When people start retreating from others, that can be a sign they are feeling depressed. If they start missing activities, church, socials, or even work, they may be depressed. Loss of or gaining weight quickly can be another sign of depression. Being in a group yet not actually 'being there' is another sign. I have to wonder if the four suicides could have been prevented had someone recognized there was an issue and talked with them or encouraged them to talk with someone. I am praying for some who God has laid on my heart to find Him in a different, new way today. I pray they will know He is there for them. I pray they would come across Psalm 40:1-3 and believe it as I do. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”
one who lost their job
a pastor who announced a surprise thirty day leave from the pulpit Sunday
one with extreme financial difficulties
one separated from their spouse
one who will not forgive someone from something that happened years ago
two dealing with awful physical pain
one feeling very alone during this holiday season
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the privilege to pray for many who are dealing with depression. Thank You for using me as a prayer warrior. Lord, there was little sleep again last night but I know You will empower me with Your supernatural strength throughout this day. I pray You will be with me as I meet with this one who has reached out to me. Lord, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit of anything that is not of You so that Your words and love ooze out of me in a way that will soothe her soul. I also pray this morning for my Momma and Uncle Buddy's family as he appears to be close to the end of life. May You be so very close to them. Lord, thank You for the fun last night as I gathered with the ladies for a time of study and fellowship. Thank You for the blessing of being here yesterday afternoon for Amy and the boys. Thank You for the blessing with the savings on the ham. You bless in abundance over and over again. Today is a new day. I pray healing blessings upon Doc. I also pray for spiritual blessings upon us with children and teen activities tonight as we celebrate Your birth. I pray specifically for there to be change in hearts as the Christmas story is read. Yes, it will be a 'beautiful day' because You are in control! Thank You Jesus for being My Hope! Amen.
"3:30...please Lord don't let this be the time I get up today...I'm so tired. If I am awake, I might as well pray. Who do You want me to pray for? Please can I go back to sleep when I am through praying?" I guess I didn't really have the right attitude to the situation but He told me to pray for those in my neighborhood. I felt it odd He didn't use the word 'neighbors' but instead used 'neighborhood.' I knew He meant those who live around us. I first thought it was just something in my mind since so many came to our Open House but He reassured me that was who I was to pray for.
the elderly neighbor lady with multiple doctor appointments this week; I praised Him for her daughter being here to take her to the appointments
the elderly neighbor man in the hospital who had been on a ventilator and has no family; I praised Him for him being off the vent
the man who has to be out-of-town this week for work and his wife with this situation as it is abnormal
the family with the father traveling regularly for his work
the new neighbors who will be separated for a few months as she finishes work before moving here
the young father who is fairly new in his faith and has to work a lot of Sundays
the young boy who is celebrating his birthday today
the lady with a brace on her wrist
the two ladies who need to find a relationship with Jesus
the family who care for their adult daughter who had a stroke
the elderly couple who need assistance with every day care
protection over the police and sheriffs; one family with both parents as sheriffs
the family having their first Christmas without her mother
the family celebrating their first Christmas in their new home
the family with a toddler who will experience Christmas differently this year
the family with four children under the age of six
the families who are going to be traveling over the holidays
many service men and women in our neighborhood; one family with both parents in the Navy
a lady with multiple health issues
the families who have moved over the last year...may the children have someone in their new neighborhoods to love on them with Jesus' love
After I finished praying for the ones He brought to my mind I prayed for my husband who is struggling with pain when he lays down. I prayed for God to give him wisdom on what to do. I continue to pray for a healing in his body. I also thanked God for being with two friends with heart issues last week. I praised Him for the quick resolve with one with the heart cath and stents. I also praised Him for the way He directed the doctors to do a procedure on our other friend after Christmas. I prayed for two others who are having surgeries after Christmas. I prayed for complete restoration of sight in one and the other one to have his foot issued resolved through the surgery. There are so many people to pray for. It seems like my list grows every day. Physical, mental, emotional, relational, financial and most of all spiritual needs are all represented on my list. This time of year is so hard for people to deal with in so many ways...
those hurting greatly over the loss of a loved one
those lonely...some with family nearby and some far away from family
those with physical issues...some in pain...some knowing they are near their time to leave this earth
those who try to buy everything their loved ones want even when they can't afford it; those who feel like they are letting loved ones down because they can no longer give gifts as they use to; those who feel like a failure because they can't give as others give
those with added events in their schedule whether it be for children, work, church, family
those who try to keep up with traditions just for the sake of doing them not because they have a special meaning to them
Throughout the time I was praying and then every time I woke from snoozing after praying the Lord had "It's A Beautiful Day" going through my mind. This song is one that has great meaning on how to see each day as the Lord's Day no matter what your circumstances. Jamie Grace has overcome many obstacles in her young life yet she continues to use the gifts God has blessed her with for His glory. I desire to do the same. Any day I wake up is a 'beautiful day' because God made it that way. Yes there are disappointments in life but just as God reminded me last week He doesn't disappoint. My expectations of others will cause me to be disappointed. The way I think people should be is not necessarily the way God thinks. The free choice the Lord gives people also allows the enemy an open door if and when people choose to let him in.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for our time together during the night. I know when You use me to pray throughout the night You also will give me strength in the day ahead. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can shine brightly for You today. Fill me with more of You. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Bless Doc with a supernatural strength today as he had little sleep last night. I also pray for a blessing upon my 'babies,' their ladies and my grand babies today. Oh how I miss them. Would You please give me an abundance of Your love to heal my heart from being away from them? Would You let them know I love them even with the miles between us? Thank You Jesus for being My Daddy. Amen.
When I woke up at 4AM with horrific pain in my arm along with numbness, I cried out to the Lord 'why?' I told Him I was beginning to feel like His servant Job who went through so much suffering on this earth. He reminded me the outcome of Job's life. Through all he went through, he continued in his relationship with God. Job's friends tried to get him to turn from his sins yet Job was insistent that he was in right relationship with God. Job questioned why God caused so much pain in his life when in fact it wasn't God but it was satan doing the attacks. His friends gave Job both 'good' and 'bad' advice. Job's response was not always the best but God did not take His eyes off of Job. In the end, God came and restored Job. This story gives me hope as we go through physical issues. It gives me comfort in knowing God is always with us. It is no wonder He had these words going through my mind at 4AM and continue to play through it... All my hope is in Jesus Thank God that yesterday's gone All my sins are forgiven I've been washed by the blood
Yes! I don't have to live in the past. I don't have to think about the issues from yesterday. I can live in the hope of Jesus every day. He will be my strength no matter what is going on in life. I will be His faithful servant no matter what. After bringing Job's story to me He then had me pray for pastors and directors who are leading Christmas programs today, specifically He had me pray for people to encourage them. He had me pray against those with critical spirits that will say unnecessary things to them. He also had me pray for the people attending. There are many 'C&E' attenders who He had me pray will realize they need to be more faithful in attendance. He also had me pray for those who don't attend church to feel a pull to be a part of a church community.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the hope of Job's story this morning. Thank You for being my strength throughout difficult physical times. Father, whatever You desire is my desire. I pray You will enable me to not allow the pain to distract me from opportunities to be You to others. I also pray You will not just get me through this day but enable me to be a beacon of light for You throughout the day. I pray a blessing upon our Open House this afternoon. I pray for those who come to be blessed by You in a mighty way. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be in full relationship with You. I know that is the only way I can be filled with You. I continue to ask for a physical touch upon Doc. I also pray again for all pastors/directors of Christmas programs today. May they be blessed in abundance by You. Thank You for being My Hope. Amen.
I woke up with a headache yesterday that lasted all day long. I had two naps throughout the day and that was the only time I had relief. Last night I prayed and asked others to pray that today it would be gone. This morning when I woke up and still had the headache I cried out to God asking Him to take it away. He told me I needed to depend upon His strength through the pain. I just don't get it. Sometimes I wonder what I am doing wrong that causes so many physical ailments. Am I not listening enough? Am I not doing something He desires me to do? Do I have the wrong attitude about someone or something? All of these questions go through my mind. I know deep down He loves me and is always with me. I know He has seen me through some major things with me depending on His strength. I also know there have been times He has told me I need to be an example for others to see on how I handle life. But sometimes it becomes overwhelming. It seems like I go from one physical issue to another. Sometimes I get tired of such things but I know I can't give into them because that is exactly what the enemy desires. I know God is using me in some mighty ways to make a difference in people's lives. I also know He will continue to do so. I just need to depend upon His strength. I was reminded this morning of the beginning of the time with the MS when I went months with a headache. I pray that is not going to be what happens this time but if it is I must depend upon His strength. I cannot depend on anything else to get me through. His strength is perfect. I believe it. I know it. I've lived it before and will continue to live it. Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me so greatly that You never leave me. Thank You for being My Strength through difficult times. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with my school work being finished for this class. I prayed for wisdom and recollection before taking the final. It was the hardest one yet and I pray my words were the right words. I wish I would have had time to go over it but time had run out. No matter what the grade I know I did my best with Your help. Father, today is a new day. It is a day I pray will be filled with You oozing out of me. Remove anything not of You in me and fill me up with Yourself. Give me Your words as I speak with one on a delicate subject. Give me Your attitude throughout this day as I continue with this headache. Thank You for being with my friends Carl and Danny with heart issues. Thank You for the time my Momma had with Beulah and Amelia yesterday making candy. Once again I pray for healing in Doc's body. Father, thank You for being My Strength. Amen.
There was not much sleep last night but a whole lot of praying and pondering. I kept going over the words to Josh Wilson's song "Carry Me" as I prayed. I wondered how many people at the concert last night were going through tough times. As he sang this song I prayed for those there that needed encouraged. Carry me, carry me, carry me now From my sinking sand to Your solid ground The only way I'm ever gonna make it out Is if You carry me, carry me, carry me now God carry me, carry me, carry me now
There are so many people I'm praying for that are in some tough situations. Some are because of their own actions, others not. Some don't even realize they are the cause of their issues. Some can see no end in sight with their situation. Some are in relationship with God, some are pretending to be, and some blatantly don't want anything to do with Him. No matter where they are in relationship with Him I will continue to pray for their situations and most importantly for their souls.
The families of two wives/mothers who committed suicide this week.
Jeremy's family who are dealing with legal proceedings with the man who hit and killed him.
A family at odds with one another.
A young lady who is seeking God yet still doing a lot of pretending in life.
A young mother struggling to make ends meet.
Our friend Carl who had an emergency heart cath with stents last night..
One who is unhappy with life and blaming others for their unhappiness.
Two elderly widows who are feeling very alone.
One who continues with intense pain.
This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 52. This Psalm encourages my heart in so many ways. The first few verses are about the destruction that occurs when people are against God and/or the church. The last few verses are the ones of greatest encouragement to me. They are the ones that describe a person who stands firm in their faith. Verse eight describes such a person as being like an olive tree. I was amazed at the olive trees when we were in Israel. There were some pretty huge ones that had survived hundreds of years. They had to be strong to survive so long and still produce fruit. I like how Matthew Henry describes people who are strong in the Lord... Those who by faith and love dwell in the house of God, shall be like green olive-trees there. And that we may be as green olive-trees, we must live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace. It adds much to the beauty of our profession, and to fruitfulness in every grace, to be much in praising God; and we never can want matter for praise. His name alone can be our refuge and strong tower. It is very good for us to wait on that saving name; there is nothing better to calm and quiet our spirits, when disturbed, and to keep us in the way of duty, when tempted to use any crooked courses for our relief, than to hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. None ever followed his guidance but it ended well. That last statement blows me away. "None ever followed his guidance but it ended well." Yes! No matter what happens in life, when God is in control, the best possible ending will happen. He sees all and knows all. He has our best interests in mind at all times. We need to praise Him at all times. This includes, maybe even is especially, when going through tough times. Dear Jesus, Thank You for our date night! Thank You for loving us so greatly that You provided it for us. I pray for the ones at the concert last night who needed to feel You carrying them through their current circumstances. I pray for everyone I prayed for throughout the night. Lord, open eyes that need opened to You and Your plan for their life. I pray against anyone manipulating their circumstances to fit their desires. Lord, cleanse me and fill me so people will see/hear You instead of me today. I pray for recollection and wisdom as I take my final exam today. May Your clarity be mine. I also pray for Doc who had a tough night physically. I continue to pray for a healing in his body and ask for Your supernatural strength to be his today. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Praise. Amen.
The Lord woke me up a couple times during the night with these words going through my mind... I don't wanna hear anymore teach me to listen I don't wanna see anymore give me a vision That you could move this heart to be set apart I don't need to recognize the man in the mirror And I don't wanna trade your plan for something familiar Yes! I want to be "Different." But to be that there are some things I need to do and some things I need to not do. I need to be more Christ-like. In order to be that I must submerge myself in Him, in His Word, etc. I must do more than just hear Him. I need to listen to Him and walk in obedience. As I become more like Him, His love will ooze out of me in a mighty way. Also as I become more like Him, I will no longer have the desire in my heart to be nasty, crabby, etc. Instead I will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to have a joyful heart no matter what the circumstances. Maybe that is why He woke me with this song. I am so physically tired that I feel like I can't go. I've tried resting extra but that has not helped. I've asked the Lord what I need to do but have not heard anything specific. Sometimes I think the activities of the holidays can just be too much. Not only can they be physically draining but they are also emotionally draining. The distraction of my breast cancer last year definitely was just that...a distraction. This year it has hit me even more so about being away from family for the holidays. Yesterday when I was asked, "Sheila, am I a bad Christian for just wanting it to be January? I use to love celebrating Jesus' birth but there is just too much going on in my family. I haven't even done my Christmas cards yet." I reassured her that she was not a bad Christian. There is just a lot of 'junk' happening that can take our focus off of Him. As I thought about her questions throughout the day I was overwhelmed with how many times I've allowed the 'junk' of my little world take my focus off of Him. Sometimes that 'junk' is just the open door the enemy needs to pull us down. We must be 'prayed up' at all times to stay on our toes against the enemy. Yesterday as I read the Christmas story to Mr. Eli we focused on the angels response in Luke 2 when they were told of Jesus' birth...
The angels were praising God for the birth of the Messiah. Tuesday night as the children made nativity's they were excited. Yesterday as we did the "Giving Project" at the school where the children earned 'money' to buy their parents/grandparents gifts for Christmas they were so excited. They could hardly contain themselves as they watched the ladies wrap the gifts they picked out. Yesterday as I read the Christmas story to Mr. Eli he had a big smile on his face. Maybe the 'secret' for Christmas is to look at it through the eyes of a child. Instead of getting caught up in everything that we are missing maybe we need to focus on what we already have been given...the best gift of all...Jesus. Dear Jesus, I am so sorry for all the times my focus has left You. Please forgive me for allowing the hurt in my heart over being away from family to deter me from doing/saying what You have for me. The words to this song, "And I don't wanna trade Your plan for something familiar..." hit me hard this morning. I know we are where You want us to be. I know it. It is definitely not what we've always known or 'familiar' but it is where You have put us. Oh Lord, help me to do better at being away from family. Enable me to be stronger. Empower me with your supernatural strength. Lord, I pray the tears that are falling will have a cleansing effect on my spirit. Cleanse me and fill me with more of You so people will see/hear You instead of me today. I pray for Your strength for Doc today in not only his physical body but most importantly his spiritual body. Thank You Jesus for being Our Savior. Amen.
