Isaiah 6:3 - "Holy Is The Lord"

"Holy is the Lord God Almighty...the earth is filled with His glory..." Oh how I love when the Lord wakes me up with a song that is so encouraging! When we sing this song, we are showing Him our adoration. "For the joy of the Lord is our strength..." When we allow Him to be our joy and our strength, we are showing Him our worship. He is so wonderful in the way He loves on us so greatly. The song continues...

It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

Yes! The word 'renown' means 'a state of being widely acclaimed; honored'...that is exactly what we need to do. We need to raise our voices with honoring Him. When we do, we bless Him. In return, He blesses us. Tomorrow people will gather in churches as corporate bodies of believers. There will be many stories represented among the people. I am praying for...

• ones who are in the valleys of life who do not feel like praising the Lord...may they find a reason to praise Him in the place they are in
• ones who are on top of the mountain who feel like they are ready to explode...may they realize the mountaintop is not where they will stay
• people who are 'unhappy' with the music, preaching, etc. in the body of believers they are in...may they listen to the Lord for direction
• those who are feeling stifled in their worship...may they not worry about what man will say but instead listen to the Only One who matters
• worship leaders who are not following the Lord's direction...may their hearts be open
• worship leaders who are discouraged...may they be encouraged by someone

God deserves our worship. God desires our worship. God demands our worship. Church is not to be a social club. It is to be a place of worship. It is not be a place to tear one another down but instead should be a safe place where people are encouraged. Church is not about what we will get out of it but what the Lord has in store for us to receive so we can give. You do not have to go to church to be a believer but it sure does help in our walk when we go and participate with other believers. It is not about us but about Him. 

Isaiah 6 is a vision Isaiah had of what was going to happen. In this vision Isaiah sees the Lord sitting inside the temple. He was seated on the mercy-seat over the Ark of the Covenant. Isaiah saw the glory all around the Lord. In this vision the Lord was represented in everyone in the world. The angels in this vision represented those who were ready to do whatever He asks of them even when they don't understand. He told Isaiah to go out and tell the people about Him. He warned Isaiah that people would not listen or if they did listen, they would not grasp it. But He also told Isaiah to not give up until the end of time. That is exactly what we are to do. We are to walk in obedience to Him, worshiping Him, sharing His love with others and most importantly never stopping. No matter what obstacles come in our way we are not to give up. The easiest way to accomplish the tasks set before us is to praise Him in the process. No matter how many times we get knocked down we need to praise Him and continue sharing Him with others. That is easier said than done but it is the only way we will spend eternity with the Lord.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You so much for this song and Scripture this morning. What an encouragement to never give up sharing You! Lord, these are some tough days but I know You will continue to be My Joy and My Strength as I walk in obedience with You. Cleanse me of anything not of You that will hinder my witness. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You through me. Bless my prayers for others in abundance. Lead me to opportunities today to be You to all I meet. Thank You Jesus for being My Joy and My Strength. Amen.

Luke 2:42 - "It Is Well"

God woke me up in the middle of the night with "Luke 10:42." I asked Him if I were to get up to read it because I wasn't sure about what it said. He told me to go back to sleep and read it this morning. I told Him He would have to give me recollection to remember what verse it was. This morning I wasn't sure if it were 2:42 or 10:42 so I looked up both. He reassured me it was 10:42. This is the story of when Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy 'doing' while Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet. Martha got upset with her sister and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. I'm sure His response was not what she was expecting! He let Martha know Mary was doing as she should be doing. I remember being in Martha's shoes many times when I felt like I was the only one 'doing' when others seemed to not be. It is good to have a servant heart but only if You are serving with the right perspective. It also is good to set an example for others. When I was 'doing' everything for everyone, I was not setting the right example. People need to see Jesus comes first and their needs come after. This was a hard lesson for me to learn in ministry. I am not good to anyone if my cup is not filled first by the Lord. This morning I started wondering about why He gave me this verse. Was it because I am failing in this area or is there someone else that needs to hear these words? Have I slipped back into bad habits? I don't believe I have but if so, I pray for forgiveness. I pray against men or the enemy stealing people's joy as they serve one another. I also pray He will become so real to people there will be no doubt what they need to do to put Him first in their life.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the story of Mary and Martha that taught me such a great lesson. Thank You for filling my cup to overflowing with more of You. May You continue to do so. I pray if I have fallen back into any bad habits You will forgive me. I also pray for others to learn the lesson You intended from this story. Open eyes to what You so desire. Open ears to what we all need to hear. Thank You Jesus for being My First. Amen.

Psalm 13 - "He Is With Us"

"He is with us, He is with us, always, always..." These words give great comfort when going through life. No matter if we are on top of the mountain or down in the valley it is comforting to know we are not alone. Last night in group during our waiting time the Lord confirmed He gives peace to us during times where we are fearful or dealing with unknown things. Psalm 13 was the Scripture given to Doc...

David was lamenting in this Scripture. He felt like things were never going to change. He also felt like the Lord had left him. Sometimes that is how life feels. It seems like one thing after another happens to the point where we feel like we are never going to be 'normal' again. I don't even know what 'normal' is anymore. But I do know God is always with me. There are times it seems like He has left us but in fact He is just giving us a chance to learn a lesson, depend upon Him more, etc. Matthew Henry writes, "It is a common temptation, when trouble lasts long, to thing that it will last always. Those who have long been without joy, begin to be without hope. We should never allow ourselves to make any complaints but what drive us to our knees." On our knees is where we need to be whether on the mountain top or in the valley. Our times of despair will turn to joy as go to Him in prayer. He will fill our cup with hope in times of trials. He will provide us with wisdom when going through tough times. He will give us not only physical, mental and emotional strength but most of all He will give us spiritual strength. It is on our knees that we find the supernatural strength to continue on. David did not receive an answer in Psalm 13 but He did receive the empowerment to trust in the Lord and praise Him for all He had done for him. That is exactly what we need to do when we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed in life. Praising God enables us to see the bigger picture instead of being focused on all the 'junk' we are going through. The enemy does not like our praising the Lord. Therefore, if he is involved in our situation he run. 

I do not think it was a coincidence Doc was given this Scripture last night. I believe God knew we needed to be reminded of its words. I do not know what is ahead but I do know He is with us. Doc reminded me last night of what the Lord gave me last week about this next year. "What is unknown to man, is known to God." The Lord told me we are not to be fearful of what is ahead. Psalm 13 is another Scripture we need to tuck away in our hearts.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You prepare us for things to come. Thank You for the hope and peace You provide. Father, as I was reading Your word this morning one specific lady came to my mind. It seems like she has been hit over and over again with life changing events in her life over the last couple of years. The death of her mother, health issues in family members, etc. Lord, strengthen her faith. I think of another lady who deals with emotional/mental issues. I pray she will continue to be healed from these issues. My prayers are with a man who continues to grieve over the death of his wife and multiple health issues himself. There are so many people that come to my mind that feel beat up over circumstances of life. Father, fill their cup to overflowing with Your love, mercy and grace. Enable them to see the bigger picture. I pray the same for myself. Last night You told me to not allow distractions to take my focus off of You. Oh Father, enable me to concentrate on being focused on You. Sometimes my physical issues cause emotional issues which in turn cause mental issues. May You be my supernatural strength to overcome these issues. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Prepare Me. Amen.

Genesis 6:8-9; 22 - "Take My Life"

The story of Noah was always a favorite of mine growing up. As an adult, verses twenty through twenty-two of chapter eight of Genesis have taken on great meaning in my life. They read:

^“20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. ²¹ The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

²² ‘As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease’” (NIV)

Noah was obedient in building the ark and doing exactly as the Lord directed in taking the animals into it. He was obedient in waiting on the water to subside. When everything was over, he built an altar to give a sacrifice to God. Every step of the way showed Noah’s obedience. The result of his obedience was God keeping His promise to never flood the earth again to the point of destroying all living creatures. Noah’s obedience was blessed. As I walk in obedience, I am blessed. I see Noah thinking of God first in verse twenty. He could have started building a house when the doors of the ark were opened but instead He built an altar for God. The idea that Noah sacrificed one of his few animals showed his faith in God. He knew God would provide in the days to come. This sacrifice was the first act of worship in his new life. Noah is an example I chose to follow. The desire of my heart is to please God every day in whatever way possible. Genesis 6: 8-9 reads, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord…” (NIV). The reason Noah found this favor was because "Noah did everything just as God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22). If we want to be described in the same manner we must live in the same manner. God must come first in our lives. Whatever He tells us to do, wherever He sends us, etc. need to be what we do. Noah's worship of the Lord showed deep faith and trust. I want the same said of my life.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving us the example of Noah. Thank You for encouraging me to live a life of obedience. I praise Your Holy Name for the way You bless me. I praise You for Your cleansing power that enables me to live for You. I praise You for the way You direct my steps. Lord, I want to be more like You. I desire to live more for You. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so I can be more of who You desire me to be. Thank You Jesus for the blessing of yesterday with Katelyn coming over to bake cookies. Thank You for the way You lead me through my school work. Thank You for Tiffany helping me with getting the tote down so I could get out my fall decorations. These things may seem silly to some but they were great blessings to me. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.

Romans 8:14-15 - "No Longer A Slave"

Sometimes we need to leave our comfort zone in order to do as the Lord asks of us. Some people are set in their comfort zones to the point they will not leave. Others are willing to step out as long as the Lord reassures them He is with them. He is always willing to do that. Yesterday when I realized I would be preaching my first thought was to pray and sit down to write the sermon God would give me. But He had other ideas. He told me to preach what He had given Doc to preach. I must admit I 'argued' a bit with Him on this. I have never preached something someone else wrote. I just didn't feel comfortable with it. Second of all, Doc thinks and writes so different than me. But then the Lord reminded me He was the author of that sermon...Doc was just the tool to present it. So I took a look at it, added notes here and there and asked Him to give me His words. I was at peace with the situation. I was definitely out of my comfort zone with using his sermon but I was at peace. I knew the Lord had everything under control. It was reassuring as the Sunday School lesson fit along with what I preached. It also was a confirmation as I had a couple people comment afterwards. God is so good! He is definitely the One to take us out of our comfort zones and encourage us in the process!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for the people You will put before me to love on with Your love. Thank You for cleansing me of anything not of You so You can fill me to overflowing with more of Your words, actions and attitude throughout this day. I pray for wisdom as I do my school work. I pray for empowerment throughout this day in a whole new way. Thank You for Mr. Eli being able to go to school today and Doc being able to go to work. Thank You taking me out of my comfort zone yesterday. Thank You for being My Guide. Amen.

I Peter 5:6-7 - "Love Take Me Over"

Every time the Lord woke me last night He had me praying for pastors. After I prayed, these words were going through my mind...

Love, take these words that I'm speaking
Love, take these thoughts that I'm thinking
Love, take me over
Love, fill up all of my space and
Love, stand right here in my place
Love, hear this prayer that I'm praying
Love, take me, love, take me over

He prompted me to pray specifically for pastors who are hurting. There are so many who need encouraged for so many different reasons. He had me pray for those:

• going through difficult family times due to the stress of ministry, financial stresses, prodigal children, and health issues of themselves or a loved one
• who have churches in turmoil
• who feel inadequate in the place He has placed them
• who have made decisions out of His will
• who are trying to be everything to everyone when He is the Only One who can be such a person in people's lives
• who have been hurt emotionally by someone
• who have been waiting on Him for direction and feel like giving up
• who are tired...mentally, emotionally, physically and unfortunately spiritually
• who have left the ministry and feeling the effects of that decision

This song continues...

Let Your never-ending, never-failing, all-consuming love...Take over me

That is exactly what I am praying for all pastors today. To be filled with His love. Then, and only then, will people hear God instead of them. Then, and only then, will pastors be effective in their preaching. They cannot do life on their own strength but instead must be filled with His love. It is not just pastors who this applies to but all believers. His love must flow out of us in order for people to desire to know Him. If we are crabby and unlikeable, no one will want to have what we have. Only when we are lovable and different will they desire to be in relationship with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday as we celebrated our anniversary. Thank You for another year of life with Doc. Father, I pray You will encourage him when he struggles. I pray not only that for him but for myself. I pray a healing upon his body. Lord, I pray a healing upon many pastors who are struggling with many different types of struggles. Encompass them with Your love in a way they will know You are their strength. Put people in their path who will encourage them in ways they know it is coming from You. Lord, I pray for Your words and love to flow from me today in a new way. Fill my cup to overflowing with more of You. Cleanse me of anything that is not of You so You can work in and through me in a whole new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Fill. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; II Timothy 1:7; Jeremiah 29:11 - King of My Heart

Twenty-eight years...wow! What a blessing to be walking in marriage with my honey. As I think about all that has happened since our last anniversary I am in awe of all the Lord has done in our life together. The events would have broken some marriages but we stand upon the Lord to be centered in our life. Hurricane Matthew; my breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries and radiation; our first holidays away from family; Doc's ER visits; our two trips to Ohio together; Doc's two job changes; purchase of the church building and rehab; death of my brother; Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irma...the list seems to go on and on. We held onto James 1:2-4 throughout this year and will continue to do so. The more things of this kind, the deeper we will go in our faith. This past Wednesday night when the Lord spoke to me about this coming year my first thought was 'ugh.' But then I was quickly reminded we have nothing to fear. We are in this life together with His strength to keep us grounded. No matter what lies ahead, He's got it. No matter how many times we feel like we can't take another thing, He's got it. When the enemy comes knocking at our door, He's got it. Plain and simple. He's got it. He told me we need to make II Timothy 1:7 our verse and we will do so.

I am grateful for the way God directs us. I look forward to another year of walking beside this godly man. There is much anticipation to see what the next year holds. I know there must be some pretty hefty challenges included with the way God spoke Wednesday. "What is unknown to man is known to God." No matter what is included in the unknown we will hold tight to one another. I am grateful for Jeremiah 29:11...

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this day that is ahead. I pray there is time to celebrate our marriage. As I looked back on the pictures from last year of this day I was blessed in seeing the celebration. I am grateful for all the times You give us to celebrate each other. You are so awesome in giving me this man as my husband. I pray You will bless Him in abundance. He greatly needs a physical healing in his body. I pray You will bless him with that today. I also pray You will continue to lead him with the adjustment of being bi-vocational. I pray You will continue to bless us with giving us both more of Your words, actions and attitude. We want to be Your servants in a way that blesses You. Thank You Jesus for being A Part of Our Three Stranded Cord. Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Oh My Soul"

Every time I was awake during the night these words were going through my mind...

Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
'Cause you're not alone

These words reminded me of what the Lord told me Wednesday night in our group waiting time. He told me that as Doc and I begin this new year of marriage we need to make II Timothy 1:7 our verse to hold onto. Urgh was my first thought but then my second thought was God's got whatever is ahead. He knows what will happen today and tomorrow. We do not have anything to fear as we allow Him to be Lord of our lives. I took comfort in His words, "What is unknown to man is known to Me [God]." Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for having me in a relationship where not only do I hear You but I walk in obedience with You. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for prompting me to go back to make contact with the lady at the Sands yesterday. I pray for Your prompting on when to make further contact with her. Lord, be my words, actions and attitude today in a way that people will know You live in and through me. Be with those who are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and most of all spiritually. Thank You Jesus for being My Comforter. Amen.

Galatians 5:14 - "I Am Not Alone"

What a nasty night with issues of being awake. When we went to bed, I told Mordecei we had an early appointment so he needed to sleep all night. Instead he was up at 2:00 to go out and then woke me at 5:45. I was not a happy camper with getting woke up forty-five minutes before the clock went off until I remembered right before going to sleep I asked God to wake me up early if I was to do my devotions before the appointment. I also was disgusted with the physical issues during the night and was quickly told by Him that He needed me to pray. This is what I am trying to practice more...hearing His voice. So if He is speaking I need to not only hear it but I need to listen and be obedient. My prayers through the night were for those in my neighborhood. I know quite a few but there are still ones I need to get to know better. There are also ones I have not met yet. I prayed for...

• those in the military, their spouses and children for protection and to have family time
• the family dealing with a sick child
• my dear ninety-four year old friend who is so lonely
• the couple going through a time of adjustment with a baby born this summer
• the couple with the husband being fairly new in his faith
• the couple who recently bought the house next door as they prepare for their wedding
• the teacher across the street to be filled with God as she is in the classroom every day
• the family who do not want anything to do with God
• the family getting ready to move to Texas
• the ladies who will be moving back for the winter from Maine
• the couple who recently moved back from Indiana for the winter
• the elderly couple with health issues
• the older man who moved here last spring and doesn't want to live here
• the house full of construction workers
• the house with two men who live here during the week and go home on weekends
• the two sheriffs and two policemen for protection on the streets
• the family caring for the adult daughter who had a stroke
• the lady with the bad back who can no longer work
• the family who moved in recently over on the next street
• protection over the children and teens in sports and wisdom for them with school

I also prayed for the Lord to give me opportunity to show His love to not only those I know but also those I have not met yet. He laid one wife on my heart many months ago and I have yet to find an open door with her. I asked Him to provide one soon. I praised Him for Jack getting his cast off and Eli's test results giving them a plan to get him back to restored health. I prayed for all in my neighborhood to have the desire in their heart to be in relationship with Him. I also prayed He would give us open doors to enable them to do so. He reminded me that my 'neighbor' is not just those in my neighborhood. My 'neighbor' is anyone He puts me in contact with. The smile on the face of our waitress last night when I whispered to ask if her husband got out of jail was priceless. I few weeks ago when we stopped in we asked her how we could pray for her and her request was for her husband in jail. She was so grateful for our prayers and asked us to pray for wise decisions for her seventeen year old daughter who has decided to go into the Air Force. When we left, I hugged her and told her I loved her. She got tears in her eyes and said she loved us too. I do not know her other than when we stop in there to eat. But I do know God has put her in my path for a reason. Last night in group we were talking about how we all need to build relationships with people in order to show God's love to them. We cannot just walk up to someone and ask them if they die, will they go to heaven or hell and start preaching to them. That way would only work if God directed us to. The way to bring people to know the Lord is to live out His love. I pray my 'neighbors' see His love in and through me. I pray my words and actions will show His love in a way unknown to man. I also pray He will continue to impress upon me when His time is the right time.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the strength You will provide for me throughout this day on so little sleep. Thank You for the way You use me to pray for people. Some I know and others I have yet to meet. Father, be my words and actions so people see/hear You and not me today. Be my attitude if I start to get crabby with tiredness. Father, You heard my prayers throughout the night for those in my neighborhood. I pray protection to come down upon us. I pray for open doors in sharing Your love with all of them. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Love. Amen.

James 1:2-4 - "It Is Well"

Yesterday was a day filled with praying for so many people going through tough times. During the night and again this morning I had this song on my mind...

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

I am so saddened by people who are going through tough times without the Lord. I can't even begin to imagine how they cope. He is my strength, whether on the mountain top or in the valley of life. He is who I know I can turn to no matter what. He already knows our hurts yet when we verbalize them to Him it enables us gain more of His strength. As children of the King we know He is always ready to strengthen us. 

When our physical bodies get tired, He is there to give us rest. 
When our emotions seem to be going out of control, He is there to give peace. 
When the checkbook has been depleted and the bills continue coming, He is there to give wisdom. 
When our mental capacities do not seem to work right, He is there to give knowledge.
When our spiritual tanks are low or even feel empty, He is there to fill us up with more of Him.

Plain and simple. He is there. I just pray for more people to realize this truth.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder today of Your presence in my life. Oh how I pray for more people to find You. Lord, cleanse me of anything not of You so I can be a beacon of light for You today. Be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day in a way You have never done before. I need more of You...I want more of You. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday: Eli being discharged from the hospital; Jack getting his cast off; the picture of Clementine on Facebook; the opportunity to bless Dave & Amy's family; the smile on Katelyn's face when she saw her cheesecake; Momma having a day out of the house...the list goes on and on of things that brought a warmth to my heart. Today I pray for those going through tough times to find You. Some already know You but they need to find You as their Source of Strength. Some need to find You for the very first time. Some know of You but are not in relationship with You. May each of these ones come to the realization that life has its ups and downs but You are always there to provide. May they find joy in their trials. Thank You Jesus for being My Source of Strength. Amen.

Proverbs 22:6 - "Through All Of It"

I woke up a few times during the night and again this morning with these words going through my mind...

Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it

Joy...yes! Regrets...yes! But the Lord has continued to be with me through both the joys and regrets. He has enabled me to get beyond the regrets of the 'what ifs' or 'if I would have' by empowering me with His supernatural love. This morning when I woke Jimmy up for school I had memories of doing the same with my own boys. Not all the memories were good ones because not everyone is a morning person but there were so many memories that went through my mind. Oh how I miss my boys. When I talk to the Lord about them, He reassures me they are fine in their spiritual walk. That makes me feel good as a Momma. These thoughts took me to Proverbs 22:6...

I am blessed in knowing Paul and Ben are good husband's, daddy's and godly men. As I pray for them throughout my days I pray for them to have a deeper walk with the Lord. I also pray they will realize, as parents, there are joys and there are regrets. I pray they learned from mistakes I made when they were growing up so they don't have the same regrets. I also pray for them to be the head of their household. Too many times women take charge not because they want to but because the husband has a lot of his plate. This is not God's plan and I pray against it for my boys and their ladies. I also am grateful for my Momma who I miss greatly. I am thankful for telephones so I can call her. I remember when I was a little girl long distance calls were expensive. Every month my Daddy had a fit when the phone bill came. She limited her call to her Momma once a week or every other week. I cannot imagine going that long without talking to my Momma. We usually talk every day and sometimes twice a day. I feel so bad when I get busy or don't feel well and miss calling her. She is the only Momma I will ever have and I need to make sure she knows she is loved!

There's a saying about how parents need to give their children roots and wings. The roots grounded in the Lord are so necessary. They give stability and security when chaos occurs. A home filled with the Lord makes the best root system ever. The wings give them freedom to be themselves. The way a child is raised determines how high they will soar. I pray for my grandchildren who are being raised in godly homes to soar to where the Lord takes them in a way that will make their parents as proud of them as I am of my boys.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminders from this song this morning. Thank You for blessing me in abundance with boys that are following You. I come in contact with many children who are not blessed with such a home life and that saddens me. Would You enable me to be You to them in ways that will help them be rooted in Your love? Father, You know my heart is breaking over two of 'my boys' who are going through difficult times. I pray for not only their physical needs but most importantly their spiritual needs. Thank You Jesus for being My Heavenly Daddy. Amen.

James 1:2-4 - "Not For A Moment"

My heart is heavy and my prayers are great for many who are going through situations that are life changing...

• the family with the accidental death of their thirteen month old
• a lady who had a stroke yesterday
• a man who is struggling with the loss of close family members over the last few years
• a pastor who is having a mass removed today from his colon
• the people who lost their homes to the recent hurricanes
• the congregations that are dealing with loss or damage of their church buildings due to the recent hurricanes
• Jeremy's family who continue to adjust to life without him on this earth
• a man with multiple health problems who has been diagnosed with an unknown blood infection
• a man whose wife died a couple years ago, his son is in prison and now he has had a stroke and wants to give up
• a young teen who was deliberately hurt and had to have surgery for the injury
• a lady who is dealing with her recent diagnosis of diabetes
• a man who is dealing with complications from diabetes and another one who cannot get his blood sugar leveled

Some of these people have physical needs. Some have emotional ones. But all of them have spiritual needs that only the Lord can meet. Some of them are in relationship with Him while others are not. The ones who believe and walk with Him know an inner strength that only He can provide. I do not know how people get through such life changing events without the Lord. As I think back on my life there are many times of turmoil even as a child. But the one constant thing I had was His strength. Even when I walked away as a young adult His strength was still there for me. I can and do pray for people every day to find Him but that is not enough. I need to make sure I am boldly proclaiming Him to those who are not in relationship with Him. I need to take every opportunity to share His love with people. There are many in my little world who are hurting badly and need His comfort. They cannot grasp the words of James 1:2-4 because they are not in relationship with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace! Thank You for the cleansing of Your blood over me! May You wipe anything away that hinders our relationship. Father, I pray for this day ahead to be filled with opportunities to show Your love to others. I pray for Your words, actions and attitude to be mine today. Lord, You know what is ahead in this day. May You keep my eyes open to You. Enable me to not be crabby from lack of sleep last night. Put a smile on my face even if I am struggling. May Your joy reverberate through me. I pray for Your supernatural empowerment to come down upon me as I begin this new class. It looks overwhelming but I know You are with me. Thank You Jesus for being My Constant! Amen.

I Peter 1:16b - "In The Garden"

The Lord woke me up throughout the night to pray specifically for believers who are content with stopping at salvation, their pastors who need to listen to Him on how to lead them into living a sanctified life and their worship leaders who need to draw them to the altar through the music the Lord lays on their heart. He had me pray for people to get beyond themselves and realize life is not about what they desire but what He desires. Every time I woke up He had the words to this old hymn going through my mind...

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

The only way to hear His voice is to be in right relationship with Him. We may think we hear Him but we won't until we are completely surrendered to Him. We cannot sing these words unless He is Lord of Lords in our life...

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray throughout the night. I pray people will go to a corporate body of believers today where the pastor preaches what You gave them and the worship leaders have the freedom to do as the Holy Spirit leads. I pray for a willingness in the hearts of people in services today to follow Your lead. I pray for those who are on the fringe of surrender to take the plunge to living a life of holiness. Father, be my words and actions so people will see You through me. May they desire the joy I have through the life I live for You. Thank You for being My Lord of Lords. Amen.

Genesis 2:18 - "Cherish the Treasure"

God is so good and blesses me in abundance. He provides exactly what I need when I need it. A lot of times what I need is something as simple as time with my husband. Time where there are no other demands on life. It does not necessarily take money or not a lot of it has to be involved. Last night was a perfect example of how God provided time and it was for less than $25. A wonderful 2-3 hours of time with pizza, gelato and a walk at one of my favorite places by the waterfront. As we sat on the tailgate eating I thanked God for giving us this peaceful place to come to be renewed. I thought about how Judy Hawes told me of her and Jay going to the Lake to get away from the stresses of life and just sitting and talking. Doc was not in full-time ministry yet when we had the conversation so I could not fully understand what she was talking about. It seems like there is always something to do in ministry or an issue that needs dealt with. Prior to Doc being bi-vocational Fridays were my favorite day of the week because for the most part they were 'ours' to just be us. Now there are no 'our' days but we have to take snippets of time such as last night. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4 this morning, specifically verses nine through twelve...

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

These words say why it is important for a couple to have a marriage with God in the center. There is strength when a couple work together in the 'good' and 'bad' times of life. But when God is the center "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Woo hoo! Through the time of adjustment to our new life God has remained the Center. He has to be our Center in order to be our Strength. If we allow our guard down for even one second, the enemy will tear us apart. Instead we will stand firm in our faith and be who God has called us to be.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for giving me such a wonderful husband who is a godly man. Thank You for the way You prompt him to do things for me. Thank You for prompting me to do things for him that show I love him. I pray for more marriages to have you in the center. I pray for those who are newly married as they adjust to living as a couple. I pray for those who have been married for years to become more loving to one another. I pray for those who feel like there is nothing left in their marriage to seek You for a renewal. I pray for those who take advantage or abuse their spouse to realize the gift You have given them. Lord, forgive me when I do not support my husband the way You desire. Fill me with more of You so He will see and hear You through my words and actions. May people see our marriage and have the desire to have You in theirs. Thank You Jesus for being Our Center. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "Never Been A Moment"

Sometimes I wonder why God loves me so much that He would send His One and Only Son to die on the cross and raise again just for me. 

Sometimes I wonder why He accepted me back with open arms when I walked away. Sometimes I wonder why He has me where I am today...what He desires of me...what opportunities He will give me to be Him to others. 

Sometimes I become so overwhelmed by His love, mercy and grace. 

Sometimes I just sit in awe of Him.

I can't imagine life without Him. It blows my mind on how people can get through the ups and downs of life without His hope. I am so grateful for the way He gives me hope no matter what is happening. I feel like I have let Him down this week with being so engrossed in all that is going on. I feel like I have missed opportunities He has put before me. That saddens me. I just would like life to be back to normal...whatever that is. I need to feel physically renewed instead of so tired. I pray for a restoration in my physical body to happen soon. These days of not feeling like I can put one foot in front of the other are hard. Seeing things around me that I would like to do and not having the energy to do them makes me just want to cry. But then I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11...

He knows what will happen in this day and what will happen in the days to come. He has a plan for me. He knows how I am feeling in my physical body and He knows how and when I will feel better. He knows how He gives me hope for 'better' days. Plain and simple. He knows. That is all that matters. I do not have to sit and wonder if or when things will change because I know He is in control. I do not have to worry because I have faith in Him. Life is challenging yet that is where my faith deepens the most. Woo hoo! I am thankful for anything that draws me closer to Him. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the rest You provided yesterday. Thank You for the day that is ahead. Whatever You lead me to do, I will do. Wherever You lead, I will go. I am Your servant. I pray for restoration in my physical body which will also restore my mental and emotional body. I pray for more of You to fill me so You will be seen and heard through me. I pray for those who are hurting so deeply from the recent weather events. I pray they will have someone be You to them in a way that will draw them to You. Lord, be with the ones who are going through tough days in ministry. May they see You through someone today that will encourage them. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope. Amen.

John 10:10 - "Old Church Choir"

Yesterday was exhausting as I tried to get the yard cleaned up before Doc got home from work. It wasn't done but there was a big dent in it when he got home. But then the boards had to come down off the windows. I helped for the first couple but did not think I could continue. What a blessing for the neighbor to come over and help. He told Doc I looked pretty tired. That was an understatement. I tried to continue helping but realized God provided him for a reason so I went inside and laid down. I was grateful I had put supper in the crock pot earlier in the day. As soon as we ate I showered, put on my jammies and laid down even though it was only 6:15. That is where I stayed for the evening. Reading and relaxing. I fell asleep soon after 10 only to be woke up by a chirping in the smoke detector. Mordecei is so afraid of that noise so I woke Doc to take care of it and I went back to sleep. I didn't even hear his alarm go off but woke up to him making noise this morning. I was mad he had not woke me because I was going to have to rush to get his breakfast ready before he left for work. We weren't communicating very well and that caused issues. Then I remembered the song the Lord woke me up to...

I've got an old church choir singing in my soul
I've got a sweet salvation and it's beautiful
I've got a heart overflowing cause I've been restored
No there ain't nothing gonna steal my joy

Duh! I need to remember these words every day but especially on days when the enemy tries to cause me problems. He sees my tiredness as an open door. I cannot allow that to happen! No matter how tired I am I have to stay on my guard against him. He does not belong in my life. God is the Only One to have a say for me. I thought of the towel Doc bought me in New Orleans and chuckled. 

The enemy better be afraid of me because I am not going to allow him any say-so in my day. Yes, I am exhausted and yes there is a lot that needs done today. But God is in control. If He tells me to rest, I will rest. If He tells me to get things accomplished, that is what will happen. But I refuse to listen to the enemy. He will only cause me issues. God will provide peace. God was the One to provide salvation for me. He was the One to provide restoration in my soul when I walked away. He is the One who provides joy in my spirit. Plain and simple. He is the One. The only way to continue having Him in my life is to stay focused on Him. That is my goal every day. Then, and only then, I will have His joy living in and through me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly that You remind me of things such as how to have Your joy. Thank You for giving me opportunities to see how You work in and through me. Thank You for Your supernatural strength that enabled me to accomplish what I did yesterday. Father, I am so tired but You already know that. I am physically and emotionally drained and need Your rest. I pray for an outpouring of Your Holy Spirit to come down upon me in a mighty way. I pray for You to be so very real to me that I do not miss any opportunity to be You today. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so You ooze out of my words, actions and attitude. Thank You Jesus for being My One and Only. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10b - "Thrive"

Last night was not really night at all with little sleep. I don't know what was wrong with us. Neither of us could sleep and we were both so tired. Doc said he had too much going through his mind. Work, church, the yard mess, the boards needing taken down off the windows, etc. I tried praying but God told me to rest. Throughout the night the words to "Thrive" kept going through my mind, particularly these words...

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Yes! We cannot allow the enemy any foothold into our lives. We cannot allow things like Hurricane Irma to take our joy. We must stand firm in our faith. We must continue to have God's love flow from us 24/7. Then and only then will we realize the fullness of His glory. We need to remember to show Him our gratefulness. I was starting to grumble yesterday about this week. It is my off week from school so I usually get caught up on house stuff, filing, reading for leisure, visiting more, etc. Instead I am faced with getting the inside of my house put back together, cleaning up the yard and taking down boards. BUT we are alive and our house is fine. That is something to be thankful for! My hurting body is not something to grumble about but be thankful for! My tears are not something to be mad about but to be thankful I can still cry. God is so good. If Irma would have taken her original track, we may not be here or at least our house may not be. We were inconvenienced with being away for four nights along with the expense but that is nothing compared to those in Florida and in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. I refuse to allow the enemy a foothold into my life. I am keeping my joy and going deeper in my faith. His love WILL flow out of me even in times of a hurting body and a compromised mental state. He is my Lord of Lords and King of Kings and I will praise His Holy Name throughout this day. He will be my Strength and will give me wisdom on when to work and when to rest.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song again that inspires me to do a better job at being joyful as I look out at the yard. Thank You for the way You protected us and our home through Irma. Thank You for the friends and family who encouraged us over this last week. Thank You for the protection over our church family and their property. Thank You for no damage to the church building. Father, be with those who are dealing with major damages and loss of life. I pray for the home we passed yesterday that had the tree go through it. Lord, bless them in a mighty way. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so Your words, actions, and attitude will be mine today. Empower me with your supernatural empowerment throughout this day. I pray the same for Doc. Thank You Jesus for being Our Strength. Amen.