I John 3:23-24 - "Same Power"

I John reads about the advantages of living out a life of faith, love, and obedience. Verses twenty-three and twenty-four remind us we are to believe and love one another. When we do these things, He will live in and through us. The path He enables us to live this way is found through the Holy Spirit. His Spirit is what transforms us from living a life of sin into living a life of holiness. I like how Matthew Henry states it. "This Spirit of God works a change; in all true Christians it changes from the power of Satan to the power of God." Woo hoo! When we allow His Spirit to transform us, we will receive His peace in a way unheard of to the world. I love these words to Jeremy Camp's song "Same Power"...

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us, lives in us
The same power that moves mountains when He speaks
The same power that can calm a ragin' sea
Lives in us, lives in us, He lives in us, lives in us!

Amen! I have seen people healed from physical and emotional issues. I have received healing myself several times. I know His power is available to all. I also know His power is not being manifested in ways He desires. Some are afraid of His power. Some are timid and do not want to take a chance of being wrong when they think the Spirit is speaking to them. I read accounts over and over again of healing and victory that is happening all over our country. I long to experience more. The desire of my heart is to be bolder so He can use me to be an instrument of His Spirit. I am standing on these words of the song..

We have hope 
That His promises are true 
In His strength 
There is nothing we can’t do 
Yes, we know 
There are greater things in store 
We will not be overtaken 
We will not be overcome 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of I John 3 and from "Same Power" this morning! Thank You for giving me the opportunity to pray for some dear friends during the night. I pray they will be refreshed today in their spirit and draw closer in their relationship as husband and wife. Lord, be my boldness throughout this day through my words, actions, attitude and vision. Fill my cup to overflowing so people will see and hear You today. Thank You Jesus for being My Power! Amen.

I John 3:1a - "Hello, My Name Is"

Matthew West's Song "Hello, My Name Is" has a part that goes like this...

What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King

These words come I John 3. I love verse three of this Scripture that reads, "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as He is pure" (NIV). Woo hoo! That is so exciting to know when we have Him, we not only have Hope of eternal life but also the concept we can be pure. When we repent and accept Him into our hearts, our past is washed away and we are purified. Every day we need to repent before Him so we can live a life of purity. Verse six tells us "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning" (NIV). Intentional or blatant sin is no longer a part of one's life when they are living a life of holiness. A person who lives this life is called "righteous" in verse seven. In order to be a child of God one must love with Jesus' love. That even includes people who do not want to be loved or people who do not love you.  The song continues...

Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I've been saved, I've been changed, I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

Amen! It is all because of His love, mercy and grace that we can be 'changed' and 'set free' from our past. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song this morning that encourages me to be bold with Your love to draw more people into Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace that cleansed me. Father, forgive me of anything I did yesterday that was not part of Your will. Forgive me for opportunities I might have missed to share Your love yesterday. Lord, fill me with more of Your words, actions, attitude, vision and love so people will see You in me. Lord, I pray for Doc. Maybe the reason it is called a stress test is all the stress one feels beforehand. Give him Your peace and strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Life Changer! Amen.

James 1:2-4 - "Just Say Jesus"

After getting woke up at 3:30 I could not go back to sleep. I started praying for different ones who are going through tough times...

• We Are Messengers with their recent accident and loss of their bus, equipment, personal items, etc.
• the parents burying their sixteen year old son today due to an asthma attack
• the young girls last night that are suffering with rejection
• my Momma with her health issues
• a couple large families with very sick children
• a friend awaiting cervical surgery
• some people who are not living for the Lord
• a pastor going through some difficult times with their church

I still couldn't go to sleep after praying so I asked God who else I was to pray for and His reply was "Yourself, Daughter. How many times do you need to read James 1:2-4? You say it but you are not living it out. Your crabbiness is unnecessary and only making you more miserable." Ouch! So I prayed for myself to have a better attitude. I prayed the Lord would enable me to not fret over things that are not my responsibility. I prayed for Him to shield my eyes from people who don't like me. I prayed for Him to overpower my humanness with His love so it would shine through me no matter the circumstances. After I finished those prayers I thought about how I told the children a few weeks ago in a Tuesday night lesson about how when we get into a tough spot all we have to do is just say the name of Jesus and He would bring comfort. When I asked them last night about it, many hollered out "Jesus"! What a blessing that was but also what a great reminder to me! Throughout this day I will call upon Him when I feel the crabbiness kicking in. Although I pray I don't need to for that reason. I pray there will be no phone calls about medication or insurance issues. But if they do I will remember this song that came to my mind during the night...

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won't come cause you're too afraid to pray
Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come
You gotta believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the way, the truth, the life

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for giving me Your Word to be reminded of! Lord, today is a new day and I pray it will be a different day. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to be so real to me today. I pray for Your words, actions, vision and most of all attitude to show through me today. Fill me to overflowing with more of You, Father. Thank You for being My Jesus! Amen.

I John 3: 24 - "Overwhelmed"

Yesterday started as a very frustrating day and ended very frustrating. Dealing with doctors, medicines, etc. is just not an easy thing to do. I think of people who are mentally challenged and wonder how they get through situations such as I dealt with yesterday. After making multiple phone calls last week to the doctor's office to get answers I finally went in and sat in the waiting room for forty-five minutes until the nurse would see me so I could get an answer. I left there still with no answer yet knowing I was finally heard instead of just leaving a message that was not returned. As I sat there waiting to get an answer about my medication I was surrounded by people who are dealing with the loss of their memory. The Lord gave me the opportunity to pray about their situation. One family broke my heart. The son and daughter were there with their mother who obviously was suffering in her mind. They were trying to keep her talking but every so often the daughter would say "don't you remember that?!?!?" when showing her a picture. As soon as the words left her mouth I could see the daughter realized what she said. They both were on their phones showing her pictures, asking her to play games, etc. while she mostly just stared into space. It made me stop and think about how the frustration I was feeling was nothing compared to what that dear lady was dealing with. I thought for sure I would quit being crabby over my situation and was for most of the day but then last night in dealing with doctor bills the crabbiness came back. I don't want to be crabby. I don't want to feel like crying over situations like yesterday. I asked the Lord to help me yesterday evening with the way I was feeling but things didn't change. I couldn't understand why He didn't make me feel better. It is not that I worry about these things but it is just I get so frustrated in trying to resolve them. This morning as I read I John 3 the last verse stuck out to me. The Holy Spirit would not live with frustration so why do I? Or does the He? I don't believe He does unless it is He gets frustrated over people like me who allow such things to frustrate them. I am overwhelmed with doctor bills, waiting on Doc's stress test, school, church, etc. Unfortunately I am not overwhelmed in a good way. I just get so tired of dealing with so many things at once. This morning I went to a song Big Daddy Weave sings called "Overwhelmed" and was reminded of the way I need to live my life every day...

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You

Yes! I will be intentional to run to Him so I can be overwhelmed by Him. When the frustration starts, I will stop and focus on Him. I do not believe He desires for me to live miserable. His love cannot flow out of me when I feel crabby. This day will not be another day of feeling ugly but instead will be a day I will stand upon the promise that He is with me.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the day ahead. I pray for You to be greater than the things that are hard right now. Lord, You know the results of Doc's test, the way the medical bills will be paid, when the medication issue will be resolved, etc. You have gone before me throughout this class and I know You are there as I finish my last two school projects. You know the outcome of the church. You know everything. Therefore I do not have to allow these things to overwhelm me in a negative way. Instead, Father, I am choosing today to allow You to overwhelm me in a positive way. Go before me and be my words, actions, attitude and vision. May people see and hear You instead of me. Thank You for the children and teens You will bring into our home this evening and for the way they will feel Your love. Thank You Jesus for being My Focus. Amen.

I John 2:24-25 - "Everywhere I Go"

I woke up to these words this morning...

Everywhere I go on this road, high and low
Where I go, I go with You
So I won't be afraid, this my hope, come what may
Where I go, I go with You

I pray the members of We Are Messengers will not let this recent tragedy with the bus accident stop them from walking with Him. Darren has endured some nasty things over the last year in his personal life. Last night as I listened to him and his wife talk my heart hurt badly for them. I prayed they will draw closer to the Lord through these tough times. Knowing a young man lost his life in this accident is hard to deal with. I pray he was a believer. I pray for his family who are going through this great loss. God did not promise easy days but He did promise to be with us through everything. There are times where He allows things to happen in order to draw us closer to Him. People will ask 'why?' this young man had to die. There may never be answers. It could have been the enemy at work through sin or it could have truly just been an accident. No matter what the reason, the Lord is there to comfort in the grieving process. Not only is the band grieving the loss of this young man but they also are grieving the loss of their bus, instruments, personal items, etc. They also are questioning why God saved their lives. By the looks of the bus they should have all been gone yet they escaped with no injury. I was overwhelmed in the concert Saturday night with the Holy Spirit. It was more like a worship service than a concert. I truly believe Darren's authentic spirit is exactly why they are here today. The Lord wants to continue to see people healed through this ministry. He wants to continue to see lives changed through this ministry. That is why this band is alive today. I pray they will keep their focus on Him and allow Him to love on them in a whole new way.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for another day that is ahead. I pray for this group who are waking up this morning and still feeling so sad. I pray they will be in Your Word and on their knees seeking Your comfort. Lord, I also pray You will engulf them in a sense of purpose for You. I pray the same for myself. I pray You will continue to encourage us on this road You have brought us to Beaufort. Some days are very difficult but Lord You are our Hope. There are times when I feel so let down by people but Father You are the Only One who I need to concentrate on. I pray for more of Your words, actions, attitude and vision. I pray You will love me more today than yesterday so Your love will flow out of me in a whole new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope. Amen.

I John 2:10 - "Magnify"

I am exhausted physically which in turn affects my mental and emotional beings. Thankfully the Lord knew just what I needed spiritually and filled my tank last night through the ministry of Stars Go Dim and We Are Messengers. I was blessed as Darren shared his testimony, prayed over people and became overwhelmed by the Spirit. During one part the Lord had me pray for 'a single mother who needs to know she is loved' and I did. He prayed a couple times for someone in the audience who had an abortion. When he brought the man up on stage and prayed for him to no longer feel defeated, I prayed for others in the audience who were in the same shoes. The enemy wants us to feel defeated and finds ways to do it all the time. I think of my husband with his physical issues. He is struggling not only physically but also emotionally as he continues to not feel good. This morning the Lord woke me up praying for a pastor who is going into the pulpit very discouraged by the way his church is going. The Lord also had me praying for his congregation to be open to His will. Last night Darren said many times what is wrong with America is that we do not love. Ouch! Jesus' love is so easy to give away for some but others are fearful to practice it. The way to get away from that fear is to surrender everything to Him. Then His Holy Spirit will fill you in ways that do not make sense. When the church is full of spirit-filled people, there will no longer be a religious spirit. Instead there will be a loving spirit that is ready to live out His love. Oh my...there is so much truth in that. This morning I am praying for the people with religious spirits to realize there is freedom in living in His will. I am praying people will realize the need, the urgent need, to come into such a relationship with Him. I pray for people to get to the point where these words will be in their heart...

God be greater than the worries in my life
Be stronger than the weakness in my mind
Be louder let your glory come alive
Be magnified (2X)

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the work accomplished yesterday at the church building. Thank You for those who came out. Father, I pray open doors with the process that is ahead for the interior of the building. I pray You will knock the enemy down every time he tries to stop progress. I also pray for a healing in Doc's body so he can continue in the process of the building rehab. Lord, just as this song says..."be greater than the worries in my life..." You are the greatest and for that I am grateful. You are greater than illness, building codes, etc. I am so grateful for the way You live in and through me. Oh how I pray for more people to come into such relationship. Lord, please do not allow my physical tiredness to distract me today from showing Your love to others. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day in a mighty way. I am so grateful for the way You love me! Thank You for being My Greater! Amen.

I John 2:5-6 - "The Stand"

When the Lord wakes me up with a song throughout the night, I wonder what the reason is for it. Am I missing something in my life or is there someone else I need to pray for that is missing something? Does He bring a song to me to remind me of who He is in my life? Is the song for encouragement to my soul? These words to "The Stand" were in my heart every time I was awake and then again this morning...

I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand
My soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours

This is how I live my life...surrendered to His will and His ways. There is nothing I want more out of life than knowing I am in a place where I not only hear His voice but I follow it. I love living in the knowledge I do not have to fret over things but instead can have His peace. There is such joy in living where He desires of me. I pray I will fulfill I John 2:5-6 in a better way today than yesterday. I pray for forgiveness for any opportunities I missed to be Him to others. I also pray for people to see/hear Him in my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day. He loved me so much that He died for me. The least I can do is to be surrendered to Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders from this song. Thank You for the way You speak to me. Lord, I am in awe of all You do for me every day. I thank You for yesterday and the time Doc and I had. I thank You for the beautiful sunshine that shined down on us as we picked strawberries but most of all I thank You for warmth of the Sonshine throughout our day. Father, give us strength for today in not only our physical bodies but most importantly our spiritual bodies. I pray for our hearts to be prepared for tomorrow as we gather to worship as a corporate body of believers. Thank You Jesus for being My Sonshine. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Jesus Saves"

The Lord woke me up singing a song Jeremy Camp sings called "Jesus Saves"...

Shout it out to let all the world know
That Jesus saves

This is what all believers are to do, not just pastors. We are all called to fulfill the Great Commission. In The Message the Great Commission reads, "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” In verses sixteen and seventeen we read about how the disciples worshiping Him when they saw Him yet they "held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally"(MSG). That happens every day in believers as they hold back their worship. They are afraid of what someone will say or how they may react to them. Or them are afraid of allowing the Holy Spirit to have full reign in their lives. Once a person gives into a life of holiness they will no longer worry about what others think. They will realize Jesus is the Only One to please. It then will be when they realize true worship. I pray for those who are not in relationship with Him to find Him. I also pray for those who know Him to go further into their relationship so they can have the freedom of true worship. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for dying on the cross so I could live. Thank You for giving me Your love, grace and mercy in abundance. Thank You for the opportunities You provide for me to share Your love with others. Father, I pray it is Your will for us to experience some newness in our church. I pray You will open doors to hearts to You in a brand new way. Father, please fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You instead of me today. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision. Thank You for being My Savior. Amen.

I John 1:7 - "Shine"

When I woke up during the night a song Jeremy Camp sings "Shine" was going through my mind. The Lord had me praying for people inside the church who think they are OK with Him yet are not. He told me to pray for those who grew up in the church and think they have nothing else to learn. He also had me pray for those who are in churches that are not teaching the Truth. My heart breaks for people in such circumstances. Some get caught up in the emotion of things and lose site of the real meaning. I want to know Him in a way in which He will be glorified in all I do. The desire of my heart is for Him to be heard through my words and seen through my actions. As the song goes, I walk in His light so I can "shine bright." That is the only way others will come into relationship with Him. It is also the only way those who know Him will go deeper in their relationship with Him.

And Your glory shines all around us
Your faithfulness shown for all to see
When we think of all of Your wonders
The beauty of Your plan that's been revealed
When we walk in Your light, we walk in it

Shine bright, let Your glory fill this land
Lift high, the King of Kings and great I am
Jesus, You are the way
You are the way

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of this song. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ways You will bless me today. Father, I pray for physical strength throughout this day. I pray my tiredness will not be a distraction for what You desire of me. Lord, I also pray for those You had me praying for during the night. Be very real to those who 'know' You but are not in a relationship where they truly know You. This morning I pray for a couple of families in distress with situations in their homes. I pray there will be people surrounding them with Your love. I pray they will draw closer to You throughout these tough times instead of falling away. Thank You Jesus for being My Light. Amen.

I John 1:1-4 - "What A Beautiful Name"

"What a beautiful name it is, what a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ my King..." These words were on my mind when I was woke up with the storm last night and then again this morning. I told the children last night when they find themselves in a situation they are afraid or just don't know what to do all they have to do is say His name, Jesus. He is always there to love on us. I love how they are sponges soaking in about Him. It is a blessing to see what they remember from week to week. I also love how two brothers stayed after activities for over an hour just talking. It brought back memories of when my boys were growing up and still at home. It seems like that was just yesterday. I also thought about how I had Lucille Hill to talk to after school when my Momma was working and my Daddy was still out on the farm. She would make me a cup of hot tea and give me saltine crackers for a snack. They had little money but she sure had a lot of love to give. I pray I am a person children and teens have fond memories of sharing life with. I pray our home feels like an inviting place to come to. Most of all I pray they remember Jesus through me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday! Thank You for the opportunities of today which You will turn into blessings! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Lord, Your name is One I have been repeating over and over throughout the days. I am grateful for the encouragement this act gives me. I also am grateful for the way You are always with me. Father, wherever You lead today I will go. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day. May You shine through me in a mighty way! Thank You for answering prayers yesterday not only in my own life but in different ones I have been praying for. Thank You for open doors You provided and closed doors You shut. Lord, this morning I pray for just that in a situation a friend is dealing with. I pray for the truth to come out and for You to somehow be glorified in this ugly situation. Thank You Jesus for being My Word of Life. Amen.

I John 1:1-4 - "Testify"

The beginning words of I John 1 touched me greatly this morning. The disciples saw Jesus and proclaimed His story. A key to their relationship with Jesus is found in verse two. "we have seen it and testify to it"..."we proclaim..." In verse three they give the reason for their actions. They testified to bring others into fellowship with the Lord. Doc's sermon Sunday was about how we need to testify to what He has done in our own lives. I know personally I pray for more boldness to share Him. I pray for more opportunities to share Him. I was thinking this morning about how I was told 'if you don't use it, you will lose it' when it comes to my MS. I thought about how there are many believers who say they don't know anyone who isn't a Christian. To that I say 'you aren't living right.' We all have someone in our little world who is not a believer. Even if it is the cashier at the store you go into regularly or the waitress who serves you a meal. There are people all around us who need to hear our story about what He has done for us. "I don't have time" is another excuse people use for not sharing Jesus. If we don't take the time to share Him on this earth, He may decide to not take the time with us for eternity. Ouch! There is a part of the song "Testify" that I can relate to so much...

Wave after wave
As deep calls to deep
Oh, I'll reveal my mystery
As soon as you start to let go

My testimony of the nine months the Lord had me out of commission physically is one that goes right along with this. He took me deeper in my relationship with Him and He revealed to me new things in the end. New things are not always easy nor are they ones we want to experience but when one knows they are living in the will of God new things are OK. In fact, new things can be a blessing when we embrace them.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all of the opportunities You give me to share Your love. Thank You for the way You not only gave me this new way of life but You also gave me the desire to embrace it. Lord, today I pray You will fill me to overflowing with more of Your words, actions, attitude and vision. I pray for all who see or hear me today to know You are the One in control of my life. I also pray for those believers who are afraid to testify. Give them II Timothy 1:7 to strengthen them. I also pray for those believers who think someone else will share You so they don't have to. Lord, open their eyes to the blessings of testifying! Thank You Jesus for being My Story. Amen.

I John 1:9; II John 9 - "Love Broke Through"

The Lord woke me up during the night to pray for my boys, their ladies and my grand babies. I thought this was kind of weird because I pray for them regularly but I was blessed for Him to wake me. I am also blessed by them. Oh how I miss the days of having hugs and praying with them each night before bed. I miss their joking around like their Grandpa. With being in South Carolina I miss getting together with them. The time I had with them in February was priceless and I am already thinking about the next time we can be together. I am so grateful the Lord loved me enough to bring me back into relationship with Him when I walked away years ago. If He wouldn't have, my life would be so different today. His love is so powerful. It is so great. His love washed away my sins and accepted me back into fellowship with Him. His love continued to pull on my heart until I finally became committed to a life of holiness in Him. His love. Wow! He loved me enough to die on the cross so I can live. He didn't do this for just some but for all. Everyone has the hope of eternal life when they accept Him. In II John verse nine it reads, "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." Jesus walked in obedience when He loved our Heavenly Father and died on the cross. We need to walk in obedience with Him. If we don't, His death was for naught. I don't think He is asking too much of us when I think of what He gave for us to live. He showed His love in a powerful way through His obedience. Life can be so different when we walk in His will through a life of obedience. Many are still fighting the idea of obedience but there is freedom in obedience. There are blessings in abundance in obedience. Yes there are times when obedience does not make sense but in the end the Lord knows what is best. I love the words to the song "Love Broke Through"...

When love broke thru 
You found me in the darkness 
Wanderin’ thru the desert 
I was a hopeless fool 
Now I’m hopelessly devoted 
My chains are broken 
And it all began with You 
When love broke thru 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love that encompasses me and spills out of me. Thank You for Your death that allowed me to live. Thank You for my boys, their ladies and my grand babies who You bless me with. I started praying for each of them when I was just a little girl and will never stop praying for them. Lord, may today be a day they each find You in a new way. May they feel Your love in abundance today in ways that are different. Lord, I also pray for people who I will be around today or I will have contact with. May they see You in me. May Your words, actions, attitude and vision be mine throughout this day. Father, I pray for this week ahead to not be too filled with 'stuff' that my focus goes off of You. It is a little overwhelming to see the calendar but Father I know You are with me. Give me wisdom on when to stop and rest. Give me boldness when sharing You with others. Thank You Jesus for being My Love. Amen.

I John 1:3-4 - "I Will"

I think I was awake more than asleep last night. Every time I woke up I prayed for someone going through some tough stuff. Some of them are going through physical issues while others are doing through issues that are effecting them caused by the actions of another. Some are going through spiritual growing pains as the Lord tries to get their attention. No matter what people are going through they all need to know the Lord is always there for them. Citizen's Way sings a song called "I Will" that kept going through my mind throughout the night...

I will hold you when your breaking like a father and a friend
I will carry you through darkness till we see the sun again
So rest your head and cry your tears
Know that I'm with you here
When you can't lift that weight
Beleive me when i say
I will

Plain and simple...He will always be there for us to comfort us, to strengthen us, to love on us, to carry our burdens for us. We are never alone. But in order to know the depth of His love for us we first must accept Him and then we must allow Him to have full reign of our lives. Sometimes accepting Him is much easier than allowing Him full control. As we take on a life of holiness it may mean we do things that don't make sense. It also may mean we do things we don't want to do. It may mean we talk to people we don't normally talk to or go places we don't normally go. His will may not align up with what we think we want but His will is perfect in all ways. His way is the only way to live life. I John 1:3-4 tell us that communion with the Lord brings joy. I can attest to that! Even when life is not easy I have His joy. The secret to having His joy even in trying times is to live a life knowing He is in control. I do not have to worry about anything because He already has things taken care of. I do not have to fret over bills because He already knows how they will be paid. I do not have to spend time begging people to come into relationship with Him because they will in His time. I do not have to sit and wonder why He puts me in the places He does because I don't have to understand the 'whys' of life. Plain and simple. He knows all and that is good enough for me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace that enables me to live in a way of freedom. Thank You for this song that is a great reminder You will always be with me. Lord, throughout the night I prayed for many who are going through some tough times. A family with their wife/Momma failing in her health. A pastor who is dealing with a nasty church situation. My husband who continues with health issues. A friend with job issues. I'm sure there were more but these are the ones I remember this morning. Father, be very real to each of these ones. Open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed in their lives. I pray each of these ones will know You are there for them in their situation. Father, fill me to overflowing with more of You today. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Constant. Amen.

Matthew 6:26 - "Sparrow"

I love opening the door to let Mordecei out in the mornings and hearing the birds singing. It gives me such joy. As I think about birds I am reminded they are cared for by our Heavenly Father in some pretty amazing ways. Through storms, rain, drought, etc. He cares for them. That is exactly what He does for humans. He cares for us through the mountains and the valleys of life. In Matthew 6:26 in The Message it reads that the birds are "not tied down to a job description." In several other transitions that part reads, "they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns." Birds have no worries. They do not fret over what may or may not happen. According to one commentary...

"...they fill the grove with music, and meet the coming light of the morning with their songs, and pour their notes on the zephyrs of the evening, unanxious about the supply of their needs; yet how few die with hunger! How regularly are they fed from the hand of God! How he ministers to their unnumbered wants! How cheerfully and regularly are their necessities supplied!"

Wow! I love the word picture this gives. The birds are a prime example of how we, as humans, need to approach life. We need to be joyful in the knowledge He cares for us and supplies our needs. We need to sing His praises throughout the day no matter what we are going through. Jason Gray sings a song called "Sparrows" that says it all...

if He can hold the world He can hold this moment
not a field nor flower escapes His notice
Oh even the sparrow
Knows He holds tomorrow

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder this morning just how much You care for me. Father, I praise Your Holy Name for the way You provide not only for our needs but also for some of our wants. Lord, encourage those who need encouraged today. I pray for the pastor with the meeting with the DS. I pray for my friend who is looking for another job. I pray for my friend going through through medical testing. I pray for my husband who needs a physical healing. Lord, be so real to these ones. Enable them to see You are there to take care of their needs. I can't physically be with them but I pray my written word will encourage them. Lord, be my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day. May people see You instead of me. Thank You Father for being My Caretaker. Amen.

II Peter 3:8-9 - "Everything Comes Alive"

I’ll be with You in heavenly places

I’ll be with You in heavenly places

These words were going through my mind every time I woke up during the night. I must admit I am so ready for the Lord to return. But I know there is still work to be done. It will happen in His time not mine. But I can daydream about what life will be like when there is no more disease...no more bills...no more 'junk' to deal with. Life will be perfect as we bask in His presence 24/7, worshiping Him. Woo hoo! That is so exciting to think about! It hurts my heart to think of those who are not in relationship with Him. A friend shared with me yesterday of a man on the news who said something along the lines that he was not afraid to go to hell. How in the world could anyone ever say that? He needs Jesus in a mighty way. I was blessed this morning to read of one I've been praying for who has turned back to God. My list is long of ones in her same shoes. Some will return to Him while others will continue to live a live strictly for themselves. I think of all of the parents with prodigals and pray for them to receive the blessing of their prodigal to return. I think of those who have loved ones who have strayed away from the Lord and pray they will be blessed with their return. This song continues...

My heart is beating to the rhythm of Your love

My feet are running ever faster to Your grace

Amen! This is how we are to be living. When we live a life of holiness, His love will flow from us in ways we can't even imagine. Such a life is available to all. It just takes faith, trust and commitment. It does not mean life will be easy or everything will go our way. It means we will walk in His strength to get through the mountains and the valleys. It means we will receive freedom by allowing Him total control. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for Your grace and mercy that brought me back into relationship with You many years ago! Thank You for every opportunity You give me to share Your love with others! I pray for the day ahead. I'm not sure where You will take me but I know You are already there before me. I pray for more of You so my words, actions, attitude and vision will flow with Your love from me. Thank You for a lower BP for Doc yesterday. I continue to pray for a complete healing in his body. Thank You in advance for the way You will be glorified through his healing. Lord, empower him to be more of what You desire of him to be. Thank You for being My Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Even If"

Every time I turn around it seems like there is someone going through 'junk' the enemy is a part of. Sin is the reason we have cancer on this earth. Sin is the reason there are divorces. Sin is the reason for the 'junk' we go through. God can and will use the 'junk' to draw us closer to Him. He also will allow the 'junk' to continue in our lives until we get what He desires of us. This song that Mercy Me sings was going through my head this morning...

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

These words say it all. I know God is greater than the 'junk' of this world. As a human being I get tired of dealing with it but I must remember no matter how long it takes to get through it He is there for me. The song continues...

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well, good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

This is where I desire to live...my relationship so solid that even when my faith is weakened I do not give up. This morning I am praying for so many who are in some mighty nasty times as they deal with 'junk' yet I pray their faith draws them deeper into relationship with Him.

• my husband who continues to battle high blood pressure and high blood sugar
• the pastor facing a nasty church situation that could close the church
• many parents with children going through cancer treatments
• the wife watching her husband be in his last days on this earth as cancer takes him
• the pastor without a church and their former church without a pastor
• my friend who is being treated unfairly in the workplace
• my friend awaiting a probable cancer diagnosis
• my friend awaiting her first mammogram results after having breast cancer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being the Strength we all need through times of going through 'junk' on this earth. Father, "I know You're able and I know You can" take care of each of these situations I am praying for today. I know You will in Your time. Father, I pray for my physical body. I pray against the fatigue and the tingling in my head. Lord, most of all I pray for these things to not be a distraction to Your will for me today. I pray for Your words, actions, attitude and vision to show through me today. I pray for a filling of more of You to flow from me. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

II Peter 3:11 - "What A Beautiful Name"

This is the third day the Lord has "What a Beautiful Name" going through my mind. He must be trying to tell me something I am not getting. Either that or He wants me to remember something. Whatever the reason is, I am blessed by this song. These words in particular bless me...

You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name, above all names

Amen! He is the One to reign in my heart. Oh how I pray for more people to come into relationship with Him. I especially pray for people who have accepted Him into their heart to know Him in a more personal way. When I asked the children last night how many had asked Him in their heart, they all responded they had. That shows me what I need to do is to teach them how to live a life of holiness. Sometimes I think it is easier to teach children than adults because they have faith that does not question every little thing. Children have a way of walking by faith without having to understand every little detail. That's what faith is all about. Trusting God. It was so cool last night when I was going to pray at the end of our time and three children asked if they could pray. It also was a blessing when afterward a neighbor couple who came with their children prayed over Doc. God knows what we need to encourage us to keep on keeping on. I am so grateful for all of the ways He blesses us.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for yesterday and all the ways You showed Your love to me. Thank You for today and the opportunities I have to show Your love to others as I go to the hospital for my test, am meeting with a new friend, and whatever other opportunities You put in my path. Thank You for tomorrow for the way You will go before me to another appointment. Father, You are always with me and for that I am grateful. You are always encouraging me and for that I am grateful. I loved hearing the prayers of the children last night. What a blessing I received! I also was blessed with Oscar and Angela praying over Doc. Your Holy Spirit was felt in such a great way as they prayed and spoke scripture over him. Lord, he needs Your healing touch in a mighty way. I pray today will be the day his counts will be lower and he will feel better. Lord, thank You for being My Everything. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "What A Beautiful Name"

Once again this morning the Lord had "What A Beautiful Name" going through my mind...

What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

Yesterday I was intentional on saying "Jesus" throughout the day. The song goes on with...

What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

Amen! There is power in His name. The enemy can come knocking as much as He wants but I am empowered by the Name of Jesus. As I said His name over and over yesterday I was blessed over and over. I felt encouraged. I felt empowered. Not everything went easily but that is not what life is all about. Life is about Him...leaning on His strength to get through tough days. I share with one going through some tough days in her physical body that I wish the Lord would return so this junk would be over. She agreed but we both know our work on this earth is not done and that is why He has not returned yet. There are still many lost that need Him in their lives. There are many who need the freedom that comes with having a life of surrender to Him. Until that day comes we must keep pressing on. We must not allow the enemy any foothold that will enable him to get into our lives. We must stand upon the Name of Jesus and be empowered by His supernatural power. Until His return we must remember such Scripture as Philippians 4:13. He will get us through tough days in ways we cannot even fathom.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You once again for the reminder of the power of Your Name. Thank You for the encouragement I received yesterday as I continually said Your Name. Thank You for the way You will encourage me today. Lord, I'm tired of 'junk' but I know You are My Strength. I'm tired of feeling like we go two steps forward and four steps back but I know You will empower us to do whatever comes our way. Father, I pray for healing in my husband's body. I pray for his BP and sugar to lower so he will feel better. I also pray for my dear sister who is dealing with pain in her body from surgery. I pray for strengthening not only in her physical body but in her emotional, mental and spiritual body. Lord, fill her with more of You. I pray the same for myself...more of You to overflow from me. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision throughout this day. In the Name of Jesus I pray for a breakthrough in our lives. Thank You Jesus for being The Name I Call Upon. Amen.