II Corinthians 5:1-10 - "Home"

The Lord continues to keep Jeremy's family in my prayers. This morning the song "Home" was going through my mind. Actually, when I woke in the middle of the night it was there and He prompted me to pray for them. The words are so meaningful...

I'm goin' home
Where the streets are golden
Every chain is broken
Oh I wanna go
Oh I wanna go
Home
Where every fear is gone
I'm in your open arms
Where I belong

Home

Yes! "Where I belong..."  It is hard to not be jealous of those who get to leave the mess of this world to the peace of heaven. I know there is more people who need to hear and experience the love of Jesus and that is why I am still here. But I also know there are many days where I am tired of fighting the enemy. When you think about it, the enemy fights only when there is a reason to fight. He does not like the way I love with Jesus love. Nor does he like when people experience the peace of Jesus through my words or actions. So if for no other reason I need to stay on this earth to aggravate the devil! When it is my time, the Lord will call me "Home" and eternal peace will be mine. For now, I will continue living in His will and know His peace is mine on this earth.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly and giving me the hope of eternal life with You! Father, I so desire to be with You. I know when it is my time You will receive me with open arms. I also know until that time I need to be You to others. Would You enable me to do that with Your supernatural power? I pray for Your words, actions and attitude to overtake mine so people will see/hear You instead of me. Lord, I also pray this morning for the Grimm Family and the Lorson Family to have Your peace on this earth. I pray for Jack and Eli and they go through testing today. May Your peace be upon them. Father, You are my Home and for that I am grateful! You are  "Where I belong..." I so desire to be in Your presence and I am thankful I can do that on this earth but I know what is ahead in heaven will be so much better. Thank You Jesus for being My Home. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "Cinderella"

I woke up this morning to the song "Cinderella" going through my mind and immediately thought of the video made for Jeremy's family. These prompted me to pray for Becky and the girls. I cannot begin to imagine all of the emotions they are going through. Having the 'firsts' without their husband and Daddy would be so hard. I started thinking about how his oldest stood and gave such a fine tribute to her Daddy at the memorial service. Jesus and His strength oozed from her. Jeremy led his family as a godly man. He showed them how to depend upon the Lord. The way he loved all he came in contact with was the example of being Jesus. It is because of this that they will adjust easier without him than those who don't have such a relationship with the Lord. The few short years Jeremy had on this earth as a husband and father were not wasted. He leaves a legacy that is beyond the normal. It is hard for many adults to begin to understand 'why' when someone so young dies but it is even harder for the children left behind. Picking up the pieces of life and starting over without a loved one can be difficult but I have faith in Becky and the girls. I see Jeremy's strength from His Heavenly Father in them. Jeremy had no doubt where he would spend eternity and I believe the same can be said for Becky and the girls. My prayers continue to be with them along with Ricki, Bob, Chris, Bradley and the rest of the family. Yes there will be some tough days but praise the Lord they all know they will be reunited with Jeremy some day. May more families come to know that same Hope.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for this dear family. Thank You for their faith and hope in You. Father, I pray for others to come into such a relationship. I pray You will use me to make a difference in people's lives as You used Jeremy. May I live out my life for You as he did. Father, be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day. May everyone I come in contact with see/hear You through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope. Amen.

Hebrews 10:19-20; II Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5 - "You Are I Am"

The only reason we are on this earth today is because God sent Jesus to die for us. Wow, that is some pretty deep thinking! I sure do not want His death to be in vain. I desire to walk in obedience to the way He desires of me to live. I like how this Scripture puts having access to His presence.  He gives us boldness to  walk in "...a new and life-giving way..." Living in His presence is indeed "life-giving"! It is living in His presence that I know no matter what happens in life it will be OK. I was having a conversation with a friend Sunday about this exact thing. He said when we are faced with medical testing we don't have to worry because no matter what happens we 'win.' If the results are favorable, we 'win' and if they aren't we still 'win' by going to heaven. As we are told in II Timothy 1:7, God didn't give us a spirit of fear. These words show fear comes from the enemy. We are also told in Galatians 5 about the fruit of the Spirit. We cannot have these fruit if we do not have the Spirit living in us. We can fake them but eventually it will become clear they are not true. I am saddened to see believers who have stopped at being saved. They either do not see the need to be sanctified or they have chosen to not be. There are too many believers hanging onto self instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way in their life. I am not being judgmental but am just stating fact. You can see it very clearly in people's lives. They believe yet they still have no joy. They believe yet they still have no peace. Instead of love oozing out of them hatred shows in the way they look or talk with people. I am overwhelmed with sadness for many and yet I feel like they do not want to hear what the Lord gives me to share. There comes a time when I want to give up and just quit yet I know I can't. I must press on with what He gives me. I cannot take it personally that people do not want to listen. I can only continue to pray for them to have open eyes to living the life He so desires.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for dying and coming back again so we could live. Father, I pray for anything between You and I to be wiped clean. This is a new day. I pray You will fill it with opportunities for me to be You to all I come in contact with. I pray You will fill me to overflowing with Your love. Sometimes it is hard to not get upset with people who continually are crabby yet they say You live in them. It is hard to see/hear people who over and over again complain. Father, give me Your words, actions and most of all attitude in my spirit when I am in contact with these ones. I pray they will become open to the thought of dying to self. Thank You Jesus for being My 24-7! Amen.

John 16:13; Psalm 143:10; I Cor. 13:6 - "Closer"

I was woke up out of a dead sleep at 4:12AM to the words, "And the Spirit will lead you in truth and love." My first reaction was wondering if these words were Scripture. My second reaction was to check out my Bible to see what I could find. But I was so tired so I asked the Lord if I could go back to sleep for the couple hours I had left. I also asked Him to keep these words retained in my mind so I could check it out later when I got up. Thankfully, He did just that. When I went digging into my Bible, I did not find the exact words in one particular Scripture. But I did find some similar...

John 16:13 reads..."But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Psalm 143:10 reads..."Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

I Corinthians 13:6 reads..."Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."

So what do these words mean for me? What does the Lord want me to receive from them? I know in John 16 He tells us He has to leave the earth so the Holy Spirit can come which indeed is what happened. Matthew Henry writes:

The Holy Spirit is our Guide, not only to show us the way, but to go with us by continued aids and influences. To be led into a truth is more than barely to know it; it is not only to have the notion of it in our heads, but the relish, and savour, and power of it in our hearts. He shall teach all truth, and keep back nothing profitable, for he will show things to come. All the gifts and graces of the Spirit, all the preaching, and all the writing of the apostles, under the influence of the Spirit, all the tongues, and miracles, were to glorify Christ. It behoves every one to ask, whether the Holy Spirit has begun a good work in his heart? 

We cannot have the Holy Spirit abide in us if we first do not die to self. What we want needs to be what He wants. The desires of our heart must line up with what He desires for us. True love is only found in complete truth. He is love and He is truth. We cannot have pure love in our lives without having pure truth. There are many people today who 'think' they are OK with the Lord but in fact they are living a lie. They are holding onto things such as hurt from another's words, bad habits, disappointments of life, etc. Such things cause separation from God. He desires us to let go of such things and allow Him to heal us completely. This is easier said than done but as Doc pointed out again yesterday it is the only way to live. We cannot expect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 6:13) if we don't live in the Spirit. We cannot complain about the enemy stealing our joy when we aren't living in the Spirit. Our life is a living book for all who see/hear us to read. We have a choice to make on whether we want people to see a worldly person or a godly person. There is only one way to walk and that is with the Holy Spirit as our Guide. I choose to walk in truth and love with Him. That does not mean I don't mess up from time to time but thankfully His grace is there to pick me up.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these words You gave me in the wee hours of morning. Thank You for the retention of them when I went back to sleep. Oh how I pray for more people to walk in Your Spirit. Life is so different once we die to self. Father, this morning I pray for a cleansing in my spirit of anything not of You. I pray for You to become more in and through me so people will see and hear You instead of me. Lord, I have some people going through my mind who need to be purified in their spirit. Some are hanging onto hurtful things from the past...would You give them what they need to completely let go of those things? How I would love to see more people walk in Your Spirit. Thank You Jesus for being My Spirit. Amen.

II Thessalonians 1:11-12 - "His Strength Is Perfect"

2:22AM...the Lord woke me with the words, "Daughter I need you to pray for pastors." So that is exactly what I did. He had me pray for pastors who are mentally and emotionally fatigued, financially in a mess, physically wore out and spiritually drowning. He told me He hurts over those He specifically called to be shepherds that are not following Him. As I prayed, I had the sense of sadness overtake me for hearing these words. To think of Jesus hurting hurts me. Sometimes we don't think of Him having emotions but He was on this earth in human form so He would. He asked me to pray for those who were not listening to Him. He said there were some who were going into the pulpit this morning with a sermon from themselves instead of from Him. He also asked me to pray for some who would go into the pulpit with a sermon He had given them yet they needed to be open to Him changing it. He said all pastors need to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit but today there would be some who would be challenged to allow the Spirit to change their sermon. They would need to listen to Him intently and in the end would be very blessed. He also had me pray for those who have left the pastorate. They need encouraged as they heal from the hurts from people that go deeply in their spirit. Some need encouraged because of the blatant sin that removed them from pastoring. Most of all He had me pray for restoration in relationships. He said some are relationships with others but some the relationship with Him. He asked me to pray for all pastors to be in a full committed relationship with Him. Some are losing their focus and are distracted. He needs our complete focus which in turn will blind us to distractions. Finally He had me pray for spouses of pastors, especially those who are not supporting the ministry.

I love to be a prayer warrior and especially when He calls me in intercessory prayer. What a blessing it is to pray for pastors! I know first-hand the ups and downs of ministry. I also know of the importance of having people pray for you. I know there are many who pray for us and for that I am grateful. Sometimes we don't know how to pray but the Lord gives someone else wisdom on how to pray. I am blessed with my ninety-four year old neighbor who prays for us every day. When I sat and chatted with her this week, my cup was filled. She encourages me so greatly, especially with her wisdom. This week she looked me in the eyes and said, "dear...you must remember your health, your marriage and your church" as we discussed what was happening in my little world. She helps me put things into perspective sometimes in a loving, gentle way. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for using me in intercessory prayer for pastors during the night. Father, You are so awesome! I pray for a cleansing in my spirit of anything that is not of You. I thank You for those who pray for us and ask a blessing upon them. I also pray for more of You to ooze out of me in my words, actions and attitude. I pray for an anointed service not only in our church but in all churches today. I pray for the Holy Spirit to reign down on all congregations who are worshiping You. May You be blessed by our worship. Thank You Jesus for being Our Strength. Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "No Longer Slaves"

There are two things I think I have always been fearful of in life. One is mice and the other is the dentist. I blame the first on the experiences I had living on the farm. The second was caused by the nasty experience I had with my first dentist as a little girl. Yesterday was an awesome day in the way the Lord delivered me from the second fear. I have not been to the dentist for a cleaning since moving and actually had not been to one for probably at least a year prior to our move. I seemed to always make excuses to why I didn't go. I had an appointment for a cleaning last winter but then radiation treatments came into my life so I cancelled it. I did go in once after radiation because of what I thought was an issue which thankfully was not. It was then Dr. Donovan told me the effects radiation can cause on the roots. A couple weeks ago I made the decision to call and make an appointment. I started fretting at that point and praying for the Lord to give me strength. I repeated II Timothy 1:7 every time I thought of the appointment. Yesterday morning on the way there I started praying and asking the Lord for His strength and also for His favor financially that the bill would not be extreme. Immediately the song "No Longer Slaves" came into my mind and I felt His Holy Spirit wash down over me. Yes! "I'm no longer a slave to fear...I am a child of God!" Woo hoo! I felt so excited! I couldn't even begin to understand the way I felt. I walked into a dentist office for the very first time without fear. As I sat down in the chair I was blessed with having no nervousness. The lady who cleaned my teeth told me about how she grew up loving to go have her teeth cleaned. Her father was a dentist in the Navy and she knew she wanted to work with the same tools. I can't even imagine having such a childhood. Normally I end up sweating during an appointment and having issues with my 'hippy-hippy shakes' but not yesterday. Dr. Donovan came in when she was finished and checked everything out. Not only was my fear gone but I also was blessed with no cavities and being told there was no sign of radiation issues. The Lord's strength had taken over AND His favor was given. Wow, God! For the first time I can sing these words with the knowledge I am not singing just words but words that I mean...

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

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

Yesterday Emily posted about how the enemy uses fear along with this picture. I thought I had given everything over to the Lord but it seems like I was holding onto this fear for some reason. What a blessing to to have Him take this "mountain of anxiety" out of my life!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for delivering me from the bondage of fear over the dentist. I was thinking about how it has taken all these years for this prayer to be answered. I don't know why it did but I am blessed in experiencing it. Praise Your Holy Name! Lord, I pray for more mountains to be knocked down in my life. I pray for more of You in me so You will be seen and heard through me. Be my words, my actions, my focus...most of all my boldness! Lord, I also pray for You to wrap Your arms tighter around the Grimm Family today as they have the Celebration of Life for Jeremy. Be their strength in a mighty way. Enable them to see You through all they come in contact with. Deliver them from the fears of the days ahead. Thank You Jesus for being My Deliverer! Amen.

Psalm 27 - "Better Is One Day"

When I went to pray with a friend this morning before her shoulder surgery I was surprised to be told she was in the ER. She fell at the door of the hospital and broke her wrist. Not only is she now dealing with a broken wrist but what a disappointment to have a surgery you have waited on for three months to be postponed. Disappointments are hard to take. I told her maybe the Lord knew the surgeon wasn't in top form today and that was His way of protecting her. No matter what happens in life we must remember God's timing is the best timing. Easier said than done but words we need to hold close in times of disappointment. It is during times of disappointment that our faith can grow. His strength can take on a whole new meaning during the time of a disappointment. David prayed in Psalm 27 to have communion with God. He realized the need to live in His presence. The way to live there takes the dying of self and allowing the Holy Spirit to reside in us. It is there His peace will be our mantra during the time of disappointments. Matthew Henry writes of this Psalm:

The psalmist requests the favour of the Lord; the continuance of his presence with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of Divine protection. God's time to help those that trust in him, is, when all other helpers fail. He is a surer and better Friend than earthly parents are, or can be. What was the belief which supported the psalmist? That he should see the goodness of the Lord. There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all calamities. In the mean time he should be strengthened to bear up under his burdens. Let us look unto the suffering Saviour, and pray in faith, not to be delivered into the hands of our enemies. Let us encourage each other to wait on the Lord, with patient expectation, and fervent prayer.

Yes! We must wait on His timing. In doing so, we must pray with expectation!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all of the blessings of yesterday and the ones You have already given me today. Thank You for loving me so greatly! Lord, I pray for Paula as she is dealing with this disappointment. I ask that You would love on her in a special way today. Would You fill me to overflowing with more of You today? Would You cleanse me of anything not of You? Would You ooze out of me in such a way that people will see and hear You through me? Thank You Jesus for being My Presence. Amen.

II Corinthians 12:1-10 - "Forever Reign"

The first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning was about the people waiting on things. I remember my last bout with MS that lasted nine months as I waited on the Lord to restore my health. There were some very long days during that time. But the best part about the time of being in the 'waiting room' of life was drawing closer to the Lord. Today I am praying for those who find themselves in the 'waiting room'...

• The Grimm Family as they wait on Saturday for the celebration of Jeremy's life.
• The father and three children who were in a serious car accident yesterday with the youngest little girl critical with no brain activity showing.
• The families of the Navy personnel who are missing since the crash.
• A friend waiting on her husband to come back to the Lord after a blatant rebellion.
• A friend waiting on a job as she has been out of work for a few months.
• A friend taking treatments to see if they will stop or at least slow down the progression of her cancer.
• A friend going through a divorce.
• A family struggling with the health of their wife/Momma.

I also am praising the Lord for some who are seeing the end of their 'waiting room' time...

• A Momma whose two sons left to live with their father but now have returned.
• A Momma who is having her fifteen year old son come live with her after being separated for twelve years.
• A friend who has peace in her home for the first time in a few years.
• Those who just came home safely from deployment.

All of these ones are dealing with some tough things but nothing is too tough for God. Most of all I pray for their spiritual needs. I pray if they are not in relationship with God they will find Him. If they are in relationship with Him, they will go deeper. There is peace that is available for all in the 'waiting rooms' of life but it is only found in His presence. That is where we must live. I do not know how people get through life without Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for so many people. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You entrust me with praying. Father, would You show up in their lives today in a supernatural way? There are some I am praying for that will only see You if You come in that manner. Some are so distraught they are distracted from You and need their focus put back. Oh Father how I pray for more of You to show through me so people will see and hear You supernaturally. Be my words, actions and attitude in a way that can only be seen as supernatural empowerment. May You ooze out of everything I do and say today. Thank You for being My Supernatural Empowerment. Amen.

Romans 12:1-2 - "Casual Christian"

The words to "Casual Christian" are going through my mind this morning...

I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be a casual Christian
I don't wanna live, I don't wanna live a lukewarm life
Because I wanna light up the night
With an everlasting light
I don't wanna live the casual Christian life

As I was singing it I immediately thought of the Grimm Family. Jeremy definitely did not live a lukewarm life. The article in the Daily Record was such a tribute to his life. In this song it talks about being 'an everlasting light.' The only way any of us can be that is to live Jesus every day. Last night with the children and teens I was blessed in knowing we were planting seeds. I pray those seeds will be nurtured throughout their lives not only by us but by many others. I see pictures of kids from Willard and am blessed in knowing we planted seeds in many of their lives. What is even crazier to see are pictures of kids of the kids we planted seeds with in Orrville. God has certainly blessed us over these last twenty-six plus years. But we can't stop now. There are more seeds to plant! The only way we can do that is to be in close relationship to the Lord. I want more of Him in my life. I want more of His words to flow from my mouth. I want people to see Him more than me in my actions and attitude. This song continues...

This life is filled with strong distractions
One pulls from the left one from the right
I've already made up my mind
Gonna leave this world behind
Gonna make my life a living sacrifice.

Distractions come in all sorts of ways. They come through people. They come through health issues. They come through job stress. They come through financial concerns. But the best way to fight against distractions is to keep your focus on the Lord. The only way to be a 'living sacrifice' is to live a life for Him 24/7. Sometimes life seems so crazy with schedules, health, etc. But the One thing that remains with us no matter what is going on is His peace when we are living in His presence. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You use music to encourage me. Thank You for the way You pull my focus back to You. Father, I continue to pray for the Grimm Family during these tough days. May You be their peace in a mighty way. I also am praying this morning for many others who are going through tough days. The Ellison Family, Little Raymond and his family, Aiden's family as they continue to grieve, Sami as she moves into Trevecca along with many others who need Your peace. Father, be my words, actions, attitude and most of all focus throughout this day. Knock down the distractions I am facing and encompass me with Your strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Focus. Amen.

John 10:27-29 - "Jesus, Loves Me"

When I woke at 2:30, the Lord had me praying for the Grimm Family. They have been in my prayers continually since Jeremy's death. I cannot begin to fathom the depth of their loss. He once again brought to my mind words to the song Jesus, Loves Me... "Jesus, He love me, He loves me, He is for me..." If Jesus loves us so much, why does He allow the death of such a fine young man? What is the purpose of his death? How can anything good come from such a tough situation? All of these questions are going through the minds of many with this situation. The only thing to hold onto is Jesus. He is our Hope that enables us to know we will see Jeremy again. He is our Strength during the tough days ahead without a loved one. He is our Healer as we find a new way of life without our loved one. Perhaps there is someone that will come to know Christ through Jeremy's death into heaven. I am confident there were ones that came to know Him through Jeremy's life on this earth. The song continues.... 

He holds the stars and He holds my heart
With healing hands that bear the scars
The rugged cross where He died for me
My only hope, my everything

 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being exactly what we need even in times of the death of a loved one. Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace that gives us hope of eternal life. Father, just as Doc prayed this morning I pray You will use us to be You to all we come in contact with today. Father, my contacts are few compared to his but numbers are not what it is all about. It is about the authenticity we show in our love for You. Spill out of me...my every part of my being have You oozing out of me...be my words, actions and attitude in a mighty way. I continue to ask for Your strength for not only the Grimm Family but all of their family and friends. I continue to pray for strength for John and Tom as they minister while they are hurting themselves. Thank You Jesus for being Our Everything. Amen.

John 14:6-7 - "Jesus"

Some people laugh when the Spirit overtakes them during corporate worship. Some lift their hands. Some shout. I cry. Yesterday I found myself overtaken by the Spirit yet had the conflict of leading worship. What was I to do? I couldn't let the Spirit overtake me to the point of tears when I was suppose to be leading the people. Oh yes I could! I should never say 'no' to the Spirit. I started to feel guilty and the Spirit knocked the enemy down. No guilt...only worship. Not only did the congregation survive but most kept singing themselves. I was so blessed with seeing hands in the air and tears flowing in some others. The Spirit was so heavy. It was awesome. It continues to lay heavy on my heart for those who don't 'get it' but the Lord has reassured me I am not responsible for anyone other than myself. I am praying more people find the life of living in His presence. It really is no secret. All it takes is to surrender self and allow Him to work in and through you in every way possible. I pray they will realize...

There is a truth older than the ages
There is a promise of things yet to come
There is one, born for our salvation 
Jesus

There is a light that overwhelms the darkness
There is a kingdom that forever reigns
There is freedom from the chains that bind us 
Jesus, Jesus

Yes! "Jesus, Jesus"! In Him is where true life is found. I think of Jeremy who lived his life for Him. He was a walking testimony to the Lord. When one saw Jeremy, they saw Jesus. That is exactly what I desire. If I died today, the greatest thing someone could say would be they saw Jesus in me. Pastor Tim said at the memorial service how Mr. Fred would ask the nurses and doctors at the hospital if they knew Jesus. He continued saying how he didn't want his last words on this earth to be 'ooowww' just as Mr. Fred didn't. That struck me hard. We never know when our time on this earth will be over. We never know when the breath we take will be our last or when we will say our last word. That is why it is so important to live a life for Christ. A life filled with no regrets. A life filled with no holding onto bad thoughts of another or of things we should do that we don't. A life where we ask and expect from the Lord. I love the part of this song that goes...

Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the lamb
He carries my healing in his hands
Jesus

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessing ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me so greatly and allowing me to experience the work of the Holy Spirit. Father, today I am asking and expecting. It is hard for me to pray for myself but that is exactly what I am doing. The song says "He carries my healing in his hands"...I am tired of this fatigue. This servant needs Your healing touch in a mighty way. I need to be filled with Your Spirit to supernatural power. This fatigue has got to go away and the only way that will happen is through You. If that means more rest, than make the way. If that means less stress, than make the way. If that means instantaneously, than make the way. Thank You Jesus for being My Way. Amen.

Psalm 5:11-12 - "Home"

Yesterday was a day full of memories. The memorial service for Mr. Fred brought back fond memories of our visits at the hospital, nursing home and their home. They normally included singing hymns and laughing. They also included memories of when he was in church and as Doc said being the ‘amen corner’! Oh, how he will be missed. Then to come home and find out of Jeremy’s death more memories started playing in my mind. Seeing him grow up into a godly man was one of them. Having class with him at Wayne College was another. Praying for him when he was so sick and encouraging him however I could was a privilege for me. Now I am praying for his wife, daughters, parents, siblings and the whole family as they grieve his loss from this earth. This family knows where Jeremy is because of the life he lived. But the loss of him here with them is great and the days ahead will be tough. I pray His strength over them in a mighty way. I pray for their tears to cleanse them in the name of Jesus. I pray the memories they have will be soothing to their souls. I will never forget how Jeremy helped my Daddy when my Daddy testified about an accident he witnessed that Jeremy was on the jury for. That meant a lot to Daddy because he knew it was the right thing to do yet he didn’t want to ruin someone’s life. Jeremy assured him it was OK. The shirt Jeremy wore the day Daddy testified was a Christian one. Daddy saw it and was encouraged. As soon as I found out about Jeremy's death I cried but immediately started praying. Right before falling asleep I prayed once more for this family.

The Lord woke me at 3:00 to pray for today. He had me pray for pastors to not be hit by fiery darts of the enemy as they are in His house. Specifically He had me pray against discouragement, people’s words, the looks on people’s faces as they preach, and misconception of people’s words or attitudes. He also had me pray for worship leaders who are trying to please people instead of God. He had me pray for congregations full of critical people. He also had me pray for Jeremy’s church family as they grieve today, especially for the pastors as they minister to people even though they are hurting themselves.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the hope of eternity that I know both Mr Fred and Jeremy had. Thank You for the knowledge that we will see them again when You call us home. Thank You for the way You will encourage and love on those hurting over the loss from this earth of their loved one. Lord, I need Your supernatural strength in a whole new way today. I need You to overtake my body with You. Thank You in advance for the way You will be my words, actions and attitude today. Thank You for filling me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You for being My Home Maker. Amen.

Philippians 4:12-13 - "Better Is One Day"

How lovely is Your dwelling place oh Lord Almighty,
My soul doth long, And even faint for You
Here my heart is satisfied within Your presence
I see beneath the shadow of Your wings

Oh how these words are so full of truth. There is no better place to live but in the presence of the Lord. That is where true contentment is found. True contentment is being content no matter what is happening. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12-13…

Paul saw tough days and he saw good days but he never gave up. In today’s society when a couple starts having issues in their marriage they file for divorce. When a parent starts having issues with their unruly child, they blame someone else such as the school, the other parents, etc. and throw up their hands and allow the child to do whatever they want. When a person has issues at their workplace, they blame someone else and quit. When things do not go right in life, believers will blame God and turn from him. Or they will blame others and cause issues in relationships. The best thing to do is to go deeper with the Lord and allow Him to work in and through us. We need to take our faith to a new level and trust Him to give us His supernatural strength to enable us to be winners over our situation. God does not like quitters. He loves when we fight with His power. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the day I realized what living in Your presence is all about. Thank You for Your strength that empowers me to toughen out physical issues. Thank You for Your empowerment that enables me to win over hurtful issues. There is no better place to be than in Your presence. Father, I pray for more believers to find the peace in Your presence. I pray for the Holy Spirit to come down upon people so they will know You in a whole new way today. Lord, would You use me today to show people Your peace? Would You be my words, actions and most of all attitude throughout this day? Father, I pray for Ms Nancy today as we have the memorial service for Mr Fred. I pray for Your love to wrap around her so much that she will feel Your Strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Presence. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Hills and Valleys"

Yesterday was a bit strange. I woke up from having a dream that made me pray throughout the day. I asked God if He gave it to me to prepare me. I never received an answer just felt the urgency to pray so I did. I wasn't connected throughout the day to any news but when I turned the radio on in the car in the evening I heard something had happened in Barcelona Spain. The same place that was in my dream. Even though I didn't pray specifics throughout the day He had me praying for that area. After I heard this I prayed specifically for all involved including the ones responsible. I would not wish such an attack on anyone but I am hoping this is the reason God had me praying and not for what happened in the dream. Although, He knows His will is all I desire. There is so much going on that is not of God. Attacks that cause injuries and death are happening all over the world. How do people cope without the hope of Christ? How do people get through tough days without His strength? I know I can't. He is what is seeing me through these days of pain and being so tired. He is the One I turn to for encouragement when life is tough. I praise His Holy Name for all the ways He loves on me in the mountains and the valleys of life. I pray for more people to find Him so they will also have His peace.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. Thank You for all the ways You encourage me. Lord, I pray for more of You to fill me to overflowing so people will see and hear You instead of me today. I pray for an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to flow out of me. Be my words and my actions in a mighty way. Thank You for being My Peace, Hope and Strength. Amen.

II Corinthians 4:6 - "Oceans"

Listening to God's voice changed my life. Before I could hear Him I first had to be in right relationship with Him. I had to die to self so He could live in and through me. I had to realize life is not about what I desire but what He desires. "Oceans" was so heavy in my thoughts during a time when the Lord took me deeper.

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

That is exactly what He did. He called me to go deeper in my relationship. Where I was, was not enough. But the thing about it is we should never be content with staying where we are in our relationship with the Lord. We always need to strive for more of Him. Saying you are 'saved' or 'sanctified' is not enough. People need to see Christ living in and through us. Last night in group it was awesome the way the Lord spoke to us individually but it all was one focus. We need to be a light in this world. Sometimes we are the only connection people have to Jesus. The burdens can become very heavy but He is always there for us. We must remember the Holy Spirit goes before us and prepares people to hear the Gospel from us. It must be done in God's time and not our own. But before we can share Him we have to know Him. We have to be in right relationship with Him. That sad part is that the church today is full of people who are 'playing church' instead of living out Jesus. There is too much legalism in the church today. For many gatherings of believers there is too much what man desires and not enough of what God desires. Man's choice of music, man's words in preaching, man's way of worship...man's way not God's way. I love to hear the stories of the people waving their hankies and running the aisles when they got blessed in a service. I love to be in a service where there is freedom to worship so if the Holy Spirit pours down upon someone it comes out of them. My heart breaks for...

• the times Holy Spirit is stifled
• when people allow their own personal likes of music to cause issues
• when pastors have to have their congregation out by a 'certain time'
• people who are in conflict with others in the congregation

All of these things show where people are in their relationship with Christ. We have to get past self and allow the Holy Spirit to take us where He desires.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Yes! The only way to be "In the presence of my Savior" is for Him to be not only your Savior but the Lord of Lords and King of Kings of your life. That is exactly what I am praying for today for many believers. I am praying they will let go of their desires and accept His. When they do, they will be blessed in abundance with a new freedom.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday! Spending time with Jimmy and Eli was awesome! The way You spoke to us in group was so exciting for me! Thank You for the day ahead and for the ways You will use and bless me. Lord, I pray for more of You to take over my spirit. May people see and hear You instead of me today. I also pray for more believers to allow Your Holy Spirit to work in and through them. Lord, may Your Holy Spirit have reign in more bodies of believers in the days ahead. May You receive freedom to be a part of services in a whole new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Freedom. Amen.

Matthew 4:10-11; "He Knows"

As I read Matthew this morning I stopped at chapter 4 to something I never picked up on before. In the very beginning it says that Jesus was led into the wilderness "...by the Spirit for the Test" (MSG). Some people always give the devil credit for putting temptation before them when in fact sometimes it is the Heavenly Father who puts tests before us. Satan is always looking for ways to trip believers up. He likes to make believers look bad to those who are not grounded in faith. Doubt and despair are part of what he likes to see people wallow in. He likes to see them in such distraught that they will sin against God. We must remember the words of Jesus when satan tempted Him...

Satan listened to Jesus and left. We read in verse eleven after he left the "...angels came and attended" Jesus. This lesson is one all believers need to adhere to. We need to knock the enemy down when he comes knocking at our door. We need to remind him God is who we serve. When we do this, God will empower us with His supernatural strength. We also need to remember sometimes when we are going through tough times it is a test. The Lord wants to see if we will pass or fail. He wants to see if we will dig our heels in deeper with Him or if we will give up. When I feel like giving up, He reminds me that He is always with me. When things seem to go wrong time and after time, He reminds me nothing is wrong when He is in charge. What I see as 'wrong' is just a little detour in the way He sees it. His timing is the best timing. His way is the best way. The little detours along the way are places where we can be crabby or we can embrace. We have to make the choice. As we embrace the detours of life He will bless us with His peace. 

This morning I was thinking of how my Daddy use to tell me it was OK to rest but I couldn't stay in bed or the MS would take over. He would tell me that I couldn't give up even when I felt like I couldn't fight anymore. I am so grateful my Heavenly Daddy was my earthly Daddy's strength. I am blessed in having his determination to never give up when the detours of life come along. No matter how hard, no matter how many tears fall, no matter how people treat you...God is there to enable and empower.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with the children and teens last night. Thank You for the blessings ahead in this day. Father, I pray You will enable me to stay strong in my faith. Give me Your words and attitude today in a brand new way. Shut my mouth when it needs shut and speak boldly through me when the time comes. May Your will be done in my life today. May You be glorified through me today in a mighty way. Thank You Jesus for being My Detour Guide. Amen.

Genesis 1:9-10 - "God of Wonders"

On the third day of creation God created land and sea. I always have felt drawn to water, particularly the ocean. When we were on one of our cruises, we swam in water where I could see my feet. It was beautiful. Now that the Lord has brought us to South Carolina and we live on an island I see water everyday. As we cross the bridge I feel like I have to pinch myself that I am living in such a beautiful place. I remember telling the DS that if God was going to bring us to SC He would put us near the water. I think he thought I was joking but I knew if He was going to take me so far from my family He would bless me with being near the ocean. It is there that I feel the most peace. As I sit and watch the waves I see His power. The light breeze across my face is Him touching me. The smell of the ocean air is Him in every breathe. Last year at this time I went out to the beach multiple times during the week. This year I may get there once every couple weeks. That saddens me. I need to make time to be there more often. It is where my cup gets filled the best. It is where I am encouraged the most in my loneliness. The beach is where I am able to tune everything else out and tune in best to God.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessing ahead in this day. Thank You for a decrease of pain. Thank You for the time ahead tonight with the children and teens. Lord, will You show me how to make more time for myself. I feel selfish in taking it and I feel even more selfish in asking You to enable me to do so. I need more of You in my life. I need more concentrated time with You. The desire of my heart is to become more like You. I pray You will enable me to do so. Fill my cup to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You through me today. I cannot be who You desire of me if my cup isn't full. I cannot give people what they need if I am empty. Thank You Jesus for being My Blessedness. Amen.

Galatians 5:22-23 - "He Is With Us"

Some days are just harder than others. Sometimes people or circumstances cause you to want to quit but you know God doesn't want that. He wants you to persevere through tough times. The desire of His heart is to be seen through you in circumstances that are not fun. Doc's sermon on James yesterday reminded us if we wanted to keep our joy we needed to stay in close relationship with the Lord. That makes sense in so many ways yet as a human being it can be hard when dealing with hurt. It is hard to stay focused when dealing with physical pain. It is hard to not take things personally when dealing with people in ministry. One must remember everyone has a story and with their story comes baggage. 'Hurting people hurt people' may just be a saying but it is very true. Sometimes people hurt others on purpose but a lot of the time they don't even realize they are doing it. Sometimes words come out of mouths or looks come across faces that hurt another person but not intentionally. The Lord knew I needed the words to the song He Is With Us this morning...

We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding onto you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us, always, always
He is with us, He is with us, always

Amen! These words are promising words that we all need to hold onto. No matter what we go through in life "He is with us!" Yes! Praise His Holy Name! 

We believe
There is purpose, there is meaning
In everything
We surrender to His leading
He wants nothing more
Than to have us close

As Doc shared yesterday, when we walk in obedience He will give us insight as to what He desires us to do. When "We surrender to His leading" His voice will be heard and followed. It is the best place to live. We must trust Him 24/7. He will soothe the hurts brought on by life. He will give insight as to how we need to approach people and love on them even when they are unlovable. He will empower us with His Holy Spirit so the fruit of the Spirit will flow from us even when it seems to be impossible.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder this morning that You are with me no matter what. Thank You for giving me Your words and attitude in times of hurt. Father, You know the things I am dealing with and You also know the outcome. I pray for more of You to show through me. I pray for more focus as I deal with physical pain. I pray for You to be glorified in all I do. Lord, I also pray people were not only listening but they were grasping yesterday's sermon. Oh how I pray for more to walk in the path of obedience. Open doors that need opened and shut doors that need shut in all of our lives so You will be greater than us. Thank You Jesus for being My Promise Keeper. Amen.