Jude 3 - "Priceless"

The Lord woke me up with these words from "Priceless" going through my mind...

I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
Oh, so priceless
Irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable
Darling, it's beautiful
I see it all in you
Oh, so priceless

He then took me back to Jude and stopped me at verse 3. There are people who have come to the Lord who are ridiculed by people not only in the world but unfortunately some in the church. People's words can tear a person down in no time. We must remember the past is just that. The past. Once we confess and repent the Lord not only forgives but forgets. It is too bad people can't do the same. The Lord knows our heart. A lot of times people get so caught up in the way we use to be they cannot see anything different. In some situations it takes time for them to see the Lord work in and through us. In other situations the enemy has their eyes blinded. The only thing to do is to 'keep on keepin' on' and pray for them. We must also remember He is a God of second chances.

Sisters, we can start again
Give honor 'til the end
Love, we can start again

Brothers, we can start again
Give honor 'til the end
Yeah, we can start again

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder today the past is the past. Thank You for Your love that washes away our sins when we confess and repent. Thank You for loving us so greatly and feel we are "priceless". I pray for those who are struggling with their past to allow You to work in and through them in a mighty way. I pray for those who are ridiculing them to have their eyes opened. I pray for ears to be closed to words that are hurtful. Lord, people don't even realize what they say sometimes. I pray for their minds to be cleansed from anything the enemy has put in them. Father, I also want to thank You for answers to prayers. I love when You have me praying for someone and then allow me to know the answer. Thank You, thank You, thank You! Lord, You had me praying many times in the night for people who need to be back in fellowship with their church family. Oh how I would love to find out they went today. Father, forgive me when I get crabby like yesterday and then during the night. I am so sorry I allow that to happen. Fill me with more of You so You are my words, actions, attitude and focus today. Thank You Jesus for being My God of Second Chances. Amen.

I Corinthians 16:13-14 - "This I Believe"

The Lord woke me up this morning singing "I Believe"....

I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus

Amen! This is what I believe! I need to not only say it and live it out but I need to be able to explain my beliefs when asked. The ethics class I am taking is very overwhelming as we are studying different philosophers. I am grateful I know who I am and what I believe. I can see how someone taking this class could get so confused if they were not grounded in their faith. It is hard to argue an argument for or against something when it goes against your beliefs. It is especially hard when you aren't allowed to use Scripture to back your words up. On one hand I understand where the professor is coming from because he wants to make sure we know what we believe. On the other hand I don't understand why we can't use Scripture to argue or defend an issue. I guess it will be a new leaning experience for me. The Lord knows my heart. He knows when I write something against His word it is not what I believe but rather just an assignment for the class. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song that reminds me of the importance of not just knowing what I believe but also being able to explain it. Lord, thank You for the opportunity to take classes. Thank You for bringing Doc home safely and for the opportunities You will give him today to be Jesus to many. I pray the same for myself. Lord, fill my words, actions, attitude and focus with You. I pray for people to see/hear You instead of me today. Thank You Jesus for being My Belief. Amen.

Nehemiah 1:5-6 - "My Help Comes From You"

The Lord woke me up several times during the night with "My Help Comes From You" going through my mind and people to pray for...

• the couple who are dealing with a possible miscarriage
• the lady with hip pain
• the lady with kidney failure
• the lady who is desperate for a change in her career
• the family with a member having unknown health issues
• the lady and children whose husband/father left them for another woman
• the lady having further tests done today for her lung cancer
• the family who lost everything in a fire 
• the lady with turmoil in her home with her health and family issues
• the wife dealing with her husband deciding he is a woman
• the son dealing with 'junk' after his father's death
• the man who continues to deal with bronchitis/pneumonia
• the man dealing with shingles pain
• the lady with eye issues who had a second surgery
• the children whose mother is a lesbian
• the man who went back to work after being off for an injury
• the mommy with a little guy dying from cancer

The list seems to grow on and on. The thing the Lord impressed upon me is that many of these people need a spiritual healing more than a physical healing. My heart breaks for those who refuse Him. Nehemiah prayed in intercession for those who needed to confess to the Lord. His prayer is showing us to draw near to God. He is the Great One who hears our prayers. He also is the One to speak to us. It is through this relationship with Him that we find comfort in knowing He not only hears us but He answers our prayers. His answers may not be what we want to hear but they are what He desires. He may not heal the physical issues until people have their spiritual issues healed. He may not heal physical bodies on this earth but instead heal them in glory. The thing we must always remember is that He loves us and wants what is best for us.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for using me during the night to pray for so many. Father, I pray for spiritual healing first and foremost. I pray for people to get to the end of themselves so they will allow You full reign in their life. Thank You for loving me so greatly that Your will is the desire of my heart. Lord, today is finally here...the day Doc will be back home...woo hoo! Thank You for staying close to me this week. Thank You for being with him as he was away. I pray for a spiritual touch to be upon him as he continues to seek Your will. I pray for an encouragement to be in his spirit throughout this day and especially tomorrow as he does the route again. He needs You to encourage him greatly tomorrow. Father, enable me to encourage him however You desire. Lord, be my words, actions and attitude so not only with him but with everyone who hears/sees me so they will know Your love through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Nehemiah! Amen.

Nehemiah 1:11b ; Matthew 29:19-20 - "Rise"

This morning I was reminded Nehemiah means "Yahweh has comforted" or "Yahweh comforts." As I read the first chapter of Nehemiah I was in awe of how the Lord used him to do great work. He was not a priest of his day but simply an ordinary man who was called to do extraordinary things. His faith was what enabled him to do the task given to him. He lived in a day where people were not keen on living for God. There was disloyalty to Him by many. The times of Nehemiah sound a lot like today. Not only are there many people who refuse to believe in God but there are many believers who refuse to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 29:19-20. Nehemiah had a heart for people. He desired to see people accept God and live for Him. Verse four of the first chapter of Nehemiah tells us how he prayed and fasted for a change in people. Believers need to follow his example. We need to be praying for the lost. We need to be fasting as we seek direction on what we can do to make a difference in people's spiritual lives. God wants to use us to bring lightness into darkness. Once again this morning He woke me with the song "Rise" and I realized He is telling me to "Rise" above the past and look to the future. The past is just that. Today is a new day. There are people in my little world who need to hear the Gospel. Some may need to hear it in a different way in order to understand. Perhaps they need to 'hear' it through being loved on. Or maybe they need to 'hear' it by seeing it through my actions. Oh how I pray the Lord will reveal to me the exact way to share it. I pray He will enable me to...

So rise
Breaking the dark, piercing the night
You're made to shine
An army of hope
Bringing the world
A radiant light
A radiant light
You were made to rise, rise

Yes! The desire of my heart is to be as Nehemiah in caring about people and most of all having the Lord use me however He desires to make a difference in people's lives. I want the Lord to know I am His cupbearer. I am a willing servant. I will pray without ceasing for people's souls. I know He cares about me and will honor my prayers. I also know things that seem impossible will be possible through prayer and fasting. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the encouragement of Nehemiah today. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You trust me with the things You do. Thank You for blessing my efforts. Father, there are some who continue to refuse You even though I have tried to share You with them. I pray for their souls. I also pray for the souls of some who are pretending to be in relationship with You. Father, use me in whatever manner You desire to make a difference in people's lives. Be my words, actions, thoughts, focus and attitude as I love on people with Your love. Thank You for the opportunities You will give me throughout this day. Thank You for being comfort when I am rejected. Thank You for being my strength to do Your will. Thank You for being My Comforter! Amen.

Jude 24-25; I Peter 1:8-9 - "Joy"

The last few verses of Jude inspire me to keep on keepin' on for the Lord. He is able and willing to keep us from falling so we will see Him in Glory. No one knows when He will return and we must stay in relationship with Him at all times. I think of Revelation 1:7 that tells us "Every eye shall see him..." Yes! That is my goal in life. Last night when I asked the kids what our goal in life is and they responded 'heaven!' I was blessed. I Peter 1:8-9 reads, "You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation (MSG). Amen! Total salvation is what we will receive in heaven. What joy! I love how Matthew Henry says it, "...where there is the perfection of holiness, there will the perfection of joy." Woo hoo! I had a conversation yesterday about the idea of whether God wants us 'happy' or 'holy' and came to the conclusion He desires us to be 'happy-holy'! When one lives a life of holiness, they are joyful. There is peace in the midst of storms. His love flows through them even to people who are 'hard' to love. Even in the darkest times He is there for them. Praise His Holy Name! Oh how I wish more people would experience this type of life. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday...Doc's safe travel, a good appointment with the neurologist, a great time with the kids last night...the day was full of blessings! Thank You for the blessings ahead in this day. I praise You for every opportunity You will put before me to be You to others. I praise You for the way You will ooze out of me in a mighty way. Woo hoo! I am so excited for whatever You give me today. I continue to pray for loved ones who need to feel Your touch today not only in their physical body but Lord some in their spiritual body. I pray You will put someone before them that will make a difference in their life. Thank You Jesus for being My Joymaker! Amen.

Jude 20-21; Romans 8:26; Romans 12:1-2 - "The Lion and The Lamb"

As I was pondering on the book of Jude this morning I once again settled in on verses twenty and twenty-one. It is interesting what Jude directs us to do in dealing with people who are trying to cause problems in the church. He does not tell us to attack them. Instead he tells us to be focused on our own walk with the Lord. So many times we, as human beings, want to lash out at those who are doing us wrong. That is not the way the Lord desires us to do. His desire is for us to love them with His love. It reminds me of the old saying to 'love them with kindness' that you hear people say when someone is causing you problems. The way we can do this is by:

• keeping ourselves in the center of His will so we can love with His love (vs 21)
• building ourselves up on our faith (vs 20)
• praying in the Holy Spirit (vs 20)
• stay ready for His return (vs 21)

We must continue to grow in our spiritual being in order to stay in tune with what the Lord desires of us. Our prayers need to change from just asking for what we need or want to listening to His voice for the desires of His heart. In order to hear His Voice we need to be living in the center of His will. To live in the center of His will we must be sanctified holy in Him. That life is where we will live out Romans 8:26 in our prayers. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. That life is also where we will live out Romans 12:1-2.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Yes! That is exactly where I enjoy living...in the center of His will! There is no better place to be then there!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday! Thank You for the way You have already blessed me this morning with safe travels for Doc. Lord, today is a new day and I pray for lots of opportunities for Your love to show through me. Father, enable me to focus on You throughout this day in a way that will blind my eyes and ears to anything negative. Be my words, actions, thoughts, and focus throughout this day in a mighty way. Lord, You woke me up at 11:35 last night to pray for a loved one in a difficult situation. I pray for them to feel Your presence as they go throughout these tough days. I pray You will stay so close to them and love on them through people who love You. You brought "The Lion and The Lamb" to my mind as I prayed for them. I am so blessed that You are the Lion and You fight our battles! Thank You Jesus for being My Lion of Judah. Amen.

Isaiah 60:1 - "Rise"

I woke up this morning with the song "Rise" that Danny Gokey sings going through my mind. Specifically these words...

So rise
Breaking the dark, piercing the night
You're made to shine
An army of hope
Bringing the world
A radiant light
A radiant light
You were made to rise, rise

Danny Gokey wrote this song after going through a dark time in his life. He did not understand why the Lord was allowing him to go through such turmoil but finally realized he needed to 'rise' about it. The song is based on Isaiah 60:1. Matthew Henry writes about this verse: "And if God's glory is seen upon us to our honour, we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return its praise." Praising the Lord enables us to 'rise' up against the tough times that come our way. Today marks the twenty-third anniversary of my diagnosis of MS. Wow, God has been great many times over these last twenty-three years as He enabled me to 'rise' above the obstacles of MS. He also was awesome when He enabled me to 'rise' above the obstacle of breast cancer last fall. Today is the anniversary of my Daddy's funeral and God enabled me to 'rise' over him leaving this earth. Many times over He has enabled me to 'rise' over hard circumstances. He encourages me to shine for Him so He will be glorified in all I do. I am so grateful for that encouragement. Yesterday morning He prepared me with the song "Tears" when I woke up. Yes, there were a lot of 'tears' for various reasons yesterday yet He continued to encourage me to keep on shining for Him. Today has started out to not be what we planned but I am praying He will be glorified in our words and actions. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for yesterday's encouragement. Lord, with the plans changed already this morning we need to feel You in a great way. We need to be encouraged. Father, go before Doc today and make his path to be exactly what You desire. Selfishly I would like to pray for it to be easy but Lord I just pray for Your will for his day. Be a constant reminder to him that You are His strength. I pray He will feel Your loving arms around him in such a way that He will know he is not alone. Thank You for whatever comes of this day for him. Lord, I also pray for You to be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day. Give me wisdom on how to love on him and others throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Make Me Shine. Amen.

John 11:35 - "Tears"

I woke up this morning singing "Tears" and started wondering if today was going to be an emotional day. I wondered if the Lord was trying to tell me something for myself or for someone else. Tears are healing. Society says men should not cry because it shows weakness. That is not true. Tears are a part of how God created us. Jesus wept as He was with Mary and Martha when their brother Lazarus died. Why did He weep at that particular time? Was it because He was emotionally drained from the situation? Was it because they were weeping and He was sharing their sorrow? Was it that He was sad Lazarus died before He got there? Maybe it was because Jesus knew going to this family would take Him closer to His death. Jesus knew what His Father wanted of Him. In John 4:11 He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus knew His time on earth was nearing the end. Later in the chapter John writes of how He stayed with His disciples instead of going around sharing the Gospel. I wonder if Jesus wept as He told them of His nearing death. If He did, I don't believe it was because He was afraid but instead maybe a little anxious on whether His Heavenly Father would be glorified through Him. Sometimes life gets hard and tears come. Sometimes those tears are out of frustration, sadness, fatigue, etc. But the part that is so great about tears is Jesus uses them to cleanse. The words to this song go...

Just let 'em fall, like healing rain
Watch the walls, start crumbling
Let your heart beat, and feel the weight
You've carried disappear

Just let 'em fall, right down your face
Hit the ground, in a pool of grace
And feel the things, you haven't felt for years
That's why God made tears

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the emotional release of tears. Thank You for being with me throughout tough days. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You allow me to feel emotions to the point of tears. They cleanse what needs to be released. Father, I have Your peace yet there are times where life is tiring. Thank You for giving me Scripture and music to fill me up. Thank You for showing me it's OK to have tears. Lord, I don't know if this reminder was for me today for myself or for someone I will be in contact with. Either way I am grateful for it. Lord, be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day in a mighty way. I pray for Your love to flow out of me in everything aspect of my life. Thank You Jesus for being My Example. Amen.

Jude 20-21 - "What A Beautiful Name"

"Staying right at the center of God's love..." The only way to do this is to be in the right relationship with Him. This takes work yet the rewards are greater than anything one can go through. It takes commitment to doing not only what is right but what He desires. It takes sacrifice of time, money and efforts. The greatest thing it takes is dying to self. One must let go of what they think they want to do or say and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through them. It is so cool to think about how God created us so Jesus could save us so the Holy Spirit could work in and through us. Woo hoo! That is everyone's purpose while on this earth. Jude talks about how there are people who are trying to tear down believers. They are going into churches to cause problems. Sometimes these are people who were worshiping right along side others but turned away from God. That saddens me to think. Where are we, as a church, going wrong? What could we do different to keep people in relationship with Christ? It is nothing we can do personally but the Holy Spirit can work through us as we love on people. He is the Only One who can convict people. We can not but we can love on them with His love so they will be focused on Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that strengthened me to get through the last few days. Thank You for the way You protected me over the many miles traveled. Thank  You for the blessings of learning I had at the District Assessment. Thank You for the encouraging words I received. Father, my physical body is drained but my spiritual body is renewed. Thank You for that! Thank You for the way You will give wisdom on what You desire me to do over these next few days and what I don't have to do. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You through me. Thank You for being The One I Listen To. Amen.

Psalm 1 - "Blessings"

Today marks a big day in my life. Four years ago today my earthly Daddy left this earth. There have been some sad days since then but there are so many happy memories of him. Today I am choosing to bask in the happy times instead of the sad times. I miss him so much but I will think of the morning phone calls and hearing, "Sheila Babe how are you doing today?" If I told him I was struggling, his reply was "It's OK but don't let the MS get to you. Keep moving. I love you." I am one blessed lady with having so many 'good' memories of my Daddy. I know many ladies don't have such memories of their growing up years. That makes it especially hard for them to accept a relationship with their Heavenly Daddy. My Daddy taught me so much...to love the Lord, to be generous even when I had little, to respect, to encourage...so many things. He taught me when you are a parent the decisions that have to be made are not always easy. Sometimes the decisions our children make disappoint us but we must remember part of growing up is making mistakes. We learn from our mistakes as we depend upon the Lord. We grow in our relationship with not only our Heavenly Father but also those we are in relationship with. As I look back on my boys lives I know I made a lot of mistakes in raising them but I also know they have grown into two fine men. I am one blessed lady as I see the godly husbands and fathers they are. I am grateful the Lord blessed me with both of them seeking His will in their life. Both of them are making memories with their little ones that are making lasting impressions on their hearts. I also am blessed with the godly man God has given me in my husband. Last year he told me to pray about where the Lord wanted us to serve. When the Lord revealed to us it was South Carolina, there was no hesitation. He knew it would be a difficult move for me to be away from family but he also knew if we didn't follow God's will we would be miserable. I am one blessed lady with this man being so devoted to the Lord and for loving me through "sickness and health" in some tough situations. Oh how I wish my Daddy could see our new home. I wish my boys could see it too. I hope some day they will be able to. Today I am choosing to remember happy memories. I am choosing joy over sadness. I am choosing life over death. Yesterday is just that but today is a new day that I will listen for what the Lord desires of me. Yes, I am one blessed lady.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for today! Thank You for the way You will go before me as I travel and give me a safe trip. Thank You for the way You will encompass me with Your strength as I go to the Ministry Assessment without Doc. Thank You for the way You will love on my family on this day that brings back so many memories of my Daddy. I pray they will choose joy instead of sadness today. I pray You will enable them to remember the happy memories and give them Your peace. Father be my words, actions, attitude and focus throughout this day so people will see and hear You through me. Thank You for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.

Jude 20-21 - "Lift Me Up"

The Lord woke me up with these lyrics to "Lift Me Up" going through my mind...

Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign
That I'm where You want me to be

I thought about how knowing I am where He wants me to be is a comfort. Yes, it is hard to be away from family but the Lord gives me encouragement to get through tough days. When I feel like some family has forgotten me, He has someone to give me words of encouragement. When a special day comes up on the calendar and I can't be with them, He has something happen that lifts me up. When I feel lonely, He puts someone in my path. The song continues with...

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me 
So I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me 
So I'm letting go

These words are so true. When we allow Him to have total control of our lives, we feel His love in a whole different way. His love is the only way I can live each day doing His will. Plain and simple. His love. Oh how I wish more people would experience living in His will. There is so much freedom in living a life of holiness. The hurts of life are not felt as deeply because of the peace He gives through them. In the book of Jude we are told to persevere through life. As I was reading this book this morning the Lord stopped me once again at verses twenty and twenty-one...

Woo hoo! "the real life!" That is my goal! I know I must stay in the center of His will in order to accomplish all He desires of me. I also know I will be greatly blessed through this type of life.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday. Father, I know I could not have given the Gospel message last night without Your strength with the way my head was pounding. Thank You for the children who heard it. Thank You for giving me not only the physical strength but the mental and emotional strength. Today is a new day and the headache is still with me. Would You please take it away or if not, would You please give me the physical, mental and emotional strength for whatever this day holds? Lord, I pray for someone to make the decision today to live a life of holiness through something I do or say. I know it may sound selfish but would You also let me know of their decision? Be my words, actions, attitude and focus throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Life! Amen.

John 15:5-8 - "Oceans"

So, so many people to pray for....

• a mother with a drug addicted son
• a woman having a breast biopsy today
• a woman going through breast cancer surgeries
• a widower who is lonely for his wife
• a teen and her brother who are dealing with the suicide of their father
• a young mother/wife who is struggling with spiritual needs
• a family in turmoil
• a college student with a presentation today
• a missionary with serious health issues
• a separated couple
• a pastor seeking God's will on where they should be ministering

The Lord hears our prayers even though He already knows the needs. I praise Him for listening to me when there is not the need on His end but He knows there is a need for me to speak to Him. In before Amen Lucado words it, "We speak. He listens. He speaks. We listen." I love how Lucado describes when we prayer. "When we invite God into our world, he walks in. He brings a host of gifts: joy, patience, resilience." He continues writing about how when we pray, we have peace over tough circumstances. We have peace in the midst of storms through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Today I am praying peace over many people who are going through storms. I pray they will have relationship with Christ so they can be empowered by the Holy Spirit. I pray they will know God as their Daddy. I also pray they will know how to have such a relationship. There are so many who grew up not knowing their earthly Daddy or did but was continually hurt by him. They struggle with understanding a close relationship with their Heavenly Daddy. I am so grateful I had a wonderful relationship with my earthly Daddy. Oh how I miss him! It is so hard to believe in two days it will be four years since he left this earth to be with our Heavenly Daddy. Oh how I miss his morning phone calls. I miss his encouraging words. But I am grateful the Lord took him out of his pain on this earth. He no longer deals with the effects of cancer but instead is pain-free. Woo hoo! 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me enough to listen to my prayers. Thank You for empowering me so I can have peace in the midst of storms. Father, this is a tough week but You are greater than anything that comes my way. You are greater than a tough class, the emotions of the week of the anniversary of my Daddy's death, ministry assessments, adjusting to Doc working, etc. You are greater and for that I am so blessed! Today is a new day and I pray blessings to be in abundance. Thank You for the blessing of ten hours of sleep. Thank You for the blessing of the beautiful sunshine. Lord, whatever and wherever this day leads me to I pray You will use me mightily to be a beacon of light for You. Be my words, actions, attitude and vision. May I be a blessing to You in all I say and do. Thank You Jesus for being My Peace. Amen.

Jude 20-21 - "Lift Me Up"

Jude describes those who are false teachers and those who are grounded in Christ. The false teachers try to pull believers way from the Lord with lies, ungodly ways of life, etc. Believers must stand strong in their faith so they will not be sucked into the 'junk' put before them. Sometimes believers are fascinated by things that seem to make life easier or even more fun. Sometimes the false teachers make their lifestyle even seem like God approves of it when in fact He doesn't. Every time we drive past a Jehovah Witness building we pray for a young man that has been sucked up into their beliefs. He was raised in the church with godly parents yet something intrigued him to leave and go their way. My heart breaks for his family but mostly it breaks for his soul. He is walking out of God's plan for his life without even realizing what is happening. He has been tricked into thinking their beliefs are right and his family believes wrong. This young man was raised believing in: the Trinity; the real Bible; salvation comes through acceptance, belief and confession; hell is a real place where non-believers go; and Jesus will return for all believers. Now all of those beliefs have been washed away with 'junk' that goes against Christianity. How this happened just does not make sense to me. Whatever took Him away must have made sense to him though because he is a bright young man. How do we, as a church, allow this to happen to believers? What could have been done to make his life different? Why did Jesus allow him to be pulled away? So many questions with no answers at this point but we keep praying for his return into the Lord's open arms. We also pray for his family to not get discouraged. We pray for strength in their spirit as they depend upon God through these tough days. Jude verses twenty and twenty-one give us all direction on how to live on this earth if we want to live with Him for eternity.  We are told in verses twenty-two and twenty-three to "God after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin" (MSG). I pray for this family and the families of many others who have left the road of Christianity and chosen other ways of life. I pray for boldness for them to show through in a loving manner. All believers must persevere in a life of holiness. We must allow the Lord to grow our faith. We must never give up praying for the lost nor praying for the Lord's will in our own lives. We must stay near Him and draw closer to Him through tough days such as having a lost loved one. We must make sure to stay in His will at all times so we will not be sucked into untruth.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the day that is ahead! Thank You for yesterday and all of the blessings of the day! From starting with the Sunrise Service in Sun City, praying with the clerk at the gas station, our first breakfast and service at the property, lunch with friends in our home to a time of rest...Your presence was felt so greatly! Lord, I pray wherever You take me today will be full of opportunities to be You. Ooze out of me in a way people will know You live in and through me. Fill me to overflowing with Your love. Father, once again I pray for this family who are hurting so badly over their son/brother. I pray You will encourage them to not give up praying for him. I also pray for other families in their shoes. Lord, I also pray for the teen and her brother who are dealing with the suicide of their father. They have been through so much 'junk' in their young lives all because of the work of the enemy. Please put people before them who will love on them with Your love. I wish I could be there for them but Lord I am asking for someone to be there who has Your love showing through them. Thank You Jesus for being My Life! Amen.

Jude 1:2 - "Never Been A Moment"

The book of Jude was written to those sanctified by Christ with no particular person or church in mind. I love how the second verse reads in The Message. As I read it this morning I thought it was perfect in this season of life. Life is just too crazy right now. This week having off from classes went by so fast. I did not get accomplished what I wanted on break but then again I did not have a break from anything but school. We have prayed for a year for Doc to have a part-time job. It does not make sense why it happened now but we are grateful for it. The week before Easter is a busy time in the church with extra services and activities. It has been extremely tough for him to be in training this week. One day in Charleston and four here were a bit much. But once again the Lord has provided the strength to do what we needed to do. In the KJV this particular verse reads, "Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." His grace, mercy and love provide peace. He knows all and has His reasons for the things that happen. Perhaps He is stretching me to use the things I am learning through my studies. Perhaps He is stretching Doc. He only knows. He woke me this morning to the song "Never Been A Moment" and I was blessed with these words...

You've been the rock
You've been the peace
Always showing Your good heart to me
My days are marked by grace I don't deserve
You've been the price I could never pay
You've been the light that has led the way
No matter where I am, I am sure 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace! Thank You for Your peace in the midst of chaos! Father, bless our efforts in a mighty way! Stretch us to what You desire us to be. I pray You will be our hands and feet as we serve in this area You have led us to. Father, be our words, actions, attitude and vision as we continue to live out Your will.  Ooze out of us in a way that people will feel Your love. Thank You Jesus for being My Lord. Amen.

III John 4 - "I Have This Hope"

I woke up this morning to a song Tenth Avenue North sings called "I Have This Hope"....

I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go

I immediately thought of a friend who was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her family has had so much to deal with over the last few years. She was praying the biopsy would be clear so they wouldn't have to go through more. She is a strong believer and has the hope of Christ but she also has loved ones who are not believers and that grieves her. I pray she will be strong in her faith throughout whatever the days ahead hold. The song continues...

So, whatever happens I will not be afraid
Cause You are closer than this breath that I take
You calm the storm when I hear You call my name
I still believe that one day I'll see Your face

He is with us no matter what life throws at us. Sometimes He allows pain in order to draw us closer in relationship with Him. Sometimes He allows heartache in our lives so others will come into relationship with Him. Either way we have hope when we believe in Him. That hope is magnified as we live a life of holiness. When His desires go above our human desires, He is pleased. Some people do not understand that. They think it means You choose His way instead of the way you want to go. That is true but what holiness really means is that the desire of His heart will be the desire of your heart. You no longer will desire to sin but instead will desire to be righteous. It is not an arrogant righteousness but instead is a beautiful one. John wrote words in his third letter that I pray the Lord can say of me...

As I think about today being Good Friday I am in awe as I think of the pain He went through so all can have hope in eternal life. If it weren't for today, we would not celebrate on Sunday. His death showed our Father's love for us in a great way. I pray for more people to find that hope. I pray for those who have found it to go deeper in their walk with Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song that reminds me of the hope I have in You. Thank You for the way You use me to share that hope. Father, I pray for my dear friend with this new diagnosis to not only rely on Your strength but also for You to be glorified in her situation. Comfort her as she goes through these tough days. I pray for more of You so Your hope shines through me. I pray for a reliance upon the Holy Spirit today for Doc as he is on overload in not only his physical body but also his mental being. As I prayed with him this morning, 'go before him'! Thank You for the opportunities you are giving him in this new mission field. Lord, direct my words and actions today in the manner You so desire. Fill me to overflowing. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope! Amen.

I John 5:4-5 - "The Lion and The Lamb"

I woke up once again this morning to "The Lion and The Lamb" lyrics going through my mind...

Oh who can stop the Lord Almighty?
Who can stop the Lord?

Nothing 
Nothing can 
Nothing can stop 
Nothing can stop the Lord!

Woo Hoo! Nothing can stop what the Lord desires. The enemy tries so hard to stop us but he cannot when we are persistent and intentional on getting the Lord's work done. I John 5:4-5 tells us we have to have great faith to win "out over the world's ways" which is sometimes too much. Many times the enemy wins because people give up. They think they can't succeed in the fight because of the lies he tells them. They get tired and discouraged and surrender to the enemy instead of standing strong in the Lord. It takes great faith to have victory over the enemy. It also takes great belief that the Lord is your strength to win the battles the enemy puts before us. Sometimes the battles we go through are not from the enemy but from the Lord. He puts things in front of us to strengthen our spiritual bodies. The desire of His heart is for all to live a life sold-out to Him. He loves when we stand up against the enemy but He really loves when we are victorious in doing His will.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You once again for this song. It has been heavy on my heart over the last week or so. I praise You for victories in my life. I praise You for Doc's blood sugar being lower today. I praise You for his job. I praise You for putting us here in this place that needs the message of holiness so badly. I praise You for the way You are going to be my words and actions today. I praise You for the opportunities You will put before me in the day ahead. Lord, be with those who are struggling in battles. I pray they will realize You are the One to win the battles for them. They are not alone nor do they need to fight the enemy on their own strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Stopper! Amen.

   

II John 6 - "Live Like You're Loved"

As I read 2 John this morning there were parts that confused me and parts that I wondered how many times we have to be told in order for us to understand. At first I thought it was written to a "lady" (verse 1) but realized after reading further it was written to a church. I also realized it was written to a church that needed reminded of somethings. One is that we are to love (verses 5 and 6). Another is we are (verses 7-11) to be on guard of those who will try to deceive us. My favorite verse of this short letter is...

We were told previously in I John 5:3, "The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome" (MSG). Proof. What does proof do? It shows something. So if we truly want to walk the walk that we are talking when we say we love God then we must follow His commandments. I know there is the greatest commandment, ten commandments, etc. but to me I Peter 1:16 is the icing on the cake. Of course in order to follow it You definitely have to be following the rest of the commandments He has given. I like what Matthew Henry wrote about verse six in II John...

Our walk is true, our converse right, when according to the word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet, as to the matter, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. 

Plain and simple. We must love God, others and ourselves if we intend to fulfill His wishes. We cannot do this just when we want to or when it is convenient. We must love at all times. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You!
Thank You for Your love! 
Thank You for Your love You put in me!
Thank You for Your love You put in me to love others!
Thank You for Your love You put in me to love others no matter what the circumstances are!
Father, fill me to overflowing with more of Your love to ooze out of me in a way people will see and/or hear You through me today. Thank You for the fun time we had last night with the children and teens. Thank You for the attentive ears to the story of Your resurrection. Thank You for our visit with Bill and Marlene. Father, You are so good with blessing us. I pray we are a blessing to You. Thank You Jesus for being My Love. Amen.

I John 5:4-5 - "The Lion and The Lamb"

Once again the Lord woke me to "The Lion and The Lamb" that Big Daddy Weave sings...

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah
He's roaring with power and fighting our battles
And every knee will bow before Him
Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain
For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb

Woo hoo! "Every" not just some but "every"....that is so awesome to picture! As a believer, it gets difficult to see people not believe in the Lord but even more so it is difficult to see those who believe but live one foot in the world and the other for Him. I remember when I thought I was living the way He desired only to find out I was still holding onto things He wanted. There were hurts from my past stopping me from allowing the Holy Spirit free reign in my life. The way people treated me or spoke to me made me respond in an unloving manner. It was so much easier to give up my 'checkbook' and my 'calendar' than it was to give up 'junk' from the past. I am so grateful for His empowerment that opened my eyes. I also am grateful for the confidence I have in knowing I will be with Him again in Paradise. These days are tough in so many ways but I know He is My Strength. In so many instances, life doesn't make sense but that's OK. I do not have to understand. All I have to do is trust in Him and have faith He will enable me to do what He desires of me. Some days I feel like I am on the ride of my life and I just have to hang on. Even though the days can be grueling they are exciting. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of this song again this morning! Thank You for the knowledge I am living in Your will. Father, I pray for more knees to bow before You. I pray for more people to come into relationship with You so they too can be confident of their future with You. Father, today is another crazy day. I need Your supernatural strength in a mighty way... physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually. Would You put before in my path who will see and hear You through me today? Would You please give me opportunity to pray with people and enable me to be focused on You so I don't miss any opportunity You give? Would You feel me to overflowing with more of Your Holy Spirit? I love You so much and am so grateful for all the blessings You give to me. Thank You Jesus for being My Lion and The Lamb. Amen.