Isaiah 41:10 - "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

Yesterday seems like a bad dream. As we sat in the waiting room of Dr. Mansker's office I shared with Carol how I felt it was de'je vu. I had prayed on the way there I would not have to make any decisions about what do to next. You have to be careful what you ask for. After the exam and looking at the mammogram she scheduled a biopsy. She said there is a 75% chance it is just from the radiation. That would be the best case scenario with nothing further done. Second best case scenario is it is calcium deposits that developed between June and December. Last scenario is that C has returned. Alrighty then.....God already knows the outcome and now I must trust Him as I wait. This is just another bump in the road to take me deeper in my faith. I am praying He will get my emotions under control but maybe I shouldn't pray that. Tears are healing. Throughout the day yesterday I was reminded of Isaiah 41:10 that was given to Sharon for me. I do not and will not be afraid. Actually I don't fear the outcome because I know God will use whatever it is for His glory. I also know I depend on His strength daily. That is the only way I have got through twenty-three plus years of MS. I need to bask in His presence more and allow Him to have every bit of my being. I also need to not give the enemy any open door.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being with me yesterday. Thank You for Carol going with me. Thank You for the great time with the children and teens that encouraged me greatly. Lord, I pray for the young lady in the doctor office that was upset. I am sorry I didn't pray with her. I also pray for many with physical issues but most of all spiritual issues. Lord, this might sound trivial but I need my laptop to do school and ministry. Please give wisdom on how to fix it. I also pray for Doc with work today. Be close to Him and encourage his heart. Thank You for providing his doctor work slip. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

Isaiah 41:10 - "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

There are times where no matter how strong a person is spiritually tough circumstances will become overwhelming. That is what happened last night as I tried to go to sleep. I prayed and yet my mind kept thinking 'what if?' I asked God to knock the enemy down, I prayed Scripture, I sang songs...yet sleep would not come. I sent a message to some friends explaining my situation and asking for prayer. The Lord gave one Isaiah 41:10 to give me...

As I read this Scripture I had peace that came down over me. I know God is with me. I know He already knows the outcome of my appointment today. I know. Plain and simple. I know. I also know last night I had deja' vu. On November 2, 2016 after surgery they said no cancer, two days later I received the call it was cancer. This was something that 'was being watched' since we were in Ohio. Last month I received a 'Merry Christmas, all is clear' when I left from my mammogram. Then a few weeks later the oncologist tells me there is something he wants the surgeon to give me a second opinion on. He said he and the other oncologist think it is from radiation and nothing will need done other than 'to watch it.' Last week I received a letter from the mammogram facility they were 'watching an area.' Trust is the key in all situations. I do trust God. I know He knows the outcome and will be with me no matter what. But my emotions are going all over the place with this situation. It doesn't help that Doc can't be with me today. Oh how I wish it were afternoon and this appointment was over. I cannot allow this situation to my focus off of God. He is my strength. He is the One I know I can depend upon in all situations. He is the One that gave me the words to "Oceans" in the middle of the night...

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters

Yes! I will "call upon" His name as He leads me through this day. I pray for wisdom if there are decisions to be made and peace to overtake my spirit.

Dear Jesus,

I have prayed on and off all night for peace and You continue to give me the feeling of Your arms wrapped around me. I am grateful for that. I also am grateful for people who are praying for me. Sometimes when I am overwhelmed it is hard to even have words but that's OK because You already know my heart. Lord, cleanse me of anything that would keep You from filling me to overflowing. Encourage my heart throughout this day so people will see You through me. I pray for others going through tough days...Linda as she awaits surgery; Mike with therapy; Doc as he returned to work; the young man with the mass behind his heart; the pastors going through cancer treatment; Dolores and her family; Triston; Marlene; the Smith Family; and many others with spiritual needs. Lord, put people before them who will be You to them. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

Psalm 50 - "It Is Well With My Soul"

The Lord took me to Psalm 50 again this morning. This Psalm is about how one is to live their life for the glory of God. It instructs us to live for Him in a way that on the Day of Judgement He will welcome us. We are to worship Him while on this earth with our whole being in spirit and in truth. Matthew Henry writes, "Happy are those who come into the covenant of grace, by faith in the Redeemer's atoning sacrifice, and show the sincerity of their love by fruits of righteousness." Another word for 'happy' is blessed. We are blessed by God as we live our life for Him. We must call upon Him in 'good times' and 'bad times.' We must be in constant communion with Him so we can not only hear His voice but we can walk in obedience. As we go through 'bad times' we will see how they will be easier praising Him instead of lamenting. He gives us what we need to live out such days but we have to be where we can hear Him. We, as believers, need to think about what others see in us. There are some questions all can gain insight from as we strive to live a 'praising life'...

Do they see the peace only God can give when we are going through tough situations or do they see us falling apart, angry, using foul language, etc.? 

Do they see us depending upon the Lord or manipulating situations in our own way?

Do they see us loving on others during difficult times or concentrating on ourselves?

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with our whole being with the second greatest being love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). It is not possible to walk in God's will without following these two commandments. It is not possible to sing "It Is Well With My Soul" with true meaning without following these verses. It all comes back to the realization one must live a sanctified life to be walking in obedience to His will. There is no other life desired once self dies and God is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of one's life.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You not only speak to where I can hear You but You give me the desire in my heart to walk in obedience. Thank You for the improvement in Little Layna and Jerry going home. I pray for answers for Nancy; continued strength for my sister Linda; healing in Doc and Dolores; and most of all I pray for a healing in those with spiritual needs. I praise You for the fruitful trip for Cindy and her group to Africa. Lord, You are working through so many who have given You all of their being. I pray that for more believers. I also pray for those who have not asked You into their heart to do so. Lord, today is a new day. I don't know where You will take me but I pray for a cleansing in me so You can fill me to overflowing. Father, I have the sense to pray for the young man with the mass behind his heart and the two pastors undergoing cancer treatment. I pray You will be so real to them and their families. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Praise. Amen.

I John 1:5-7 - "Great Are You Lord"

My prayers during the night were for pastors. Specifically He had me pray for those filling the pulpit this morning including myself. He had me pray for those who fill the pulpit regularly as they preach for revivals, prayer conferences, etc. Chad and Brooke, Michael Adams, and Dan Bohi's Team were ones specifically that came to my mind. He then told me to read I John 1. Verses five through ten go right along with what I had wrote my sermon on. Right before going to sleep I questioned if I wrote my sermon on something I desired or if I had listened to Him. When He woke me in the middle of the night with this Scripture, I knew this is the Scripture He desired me to preach on. Wow, God! 

We live in a dark world where Jesus is needed in a desperate way. We see or hear of murders, suicides, child abuse and/or abandonment, etc. every time we open the paper or turn on the news. It can be depressing yet we have the answer to share. Unfortunately, the message of Jesus is not being shared by many. There are too many believers who are happy with going to church once or twice a week and living for themselves otherwise. They may open their mouth every once in awhile to say "have a blessed day" or "amen" but that is where they stop. That is not what God put us on this earth to do. He did not create us to live for ourselves but instead created us to live for Him. Matthew Henry wrote, "To walk in darkness, is to live and act against religion." If you were to ask a believer if they walk in darkness, their answer would be no. Isn't it walking in darkness when one does not live out Matthew 22:36-40?

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Isn't it walking in darkness when one does not live out I Peter 1:16: "Be holy, for I am holy."? I believe it is. These are words from the Lord. These words are how He desires all to live. If one stays in their little world holding onto their 'stuff'...their checkbooks...their calendars ...their families, they are not living as God desires. There is no way one can be in full fellowship with the Lord when living in the darkness. Light and darkness cannot exist in the same place. There are many today claiming to walk in the Light yet are showing no fruit. There are many who were raised in the church and think they are OK but I fear there will be many on Judgement Day who will be surprised. The church, the believers, need to stand up and be the Light to this dark world. The only way for that to happen is for hearts to be checked and cleansed of the ways of the world and allow God to do what He created for us to be.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for speaking to me! Thank You for giving me an open heart to what You desire! Thank You for putting me on the path of obedience to Your will and way. Lord, I pray once again for all pastors but especially those filling the pulpit today. I pray they will be open to whatever You have in store for them. I pray for myself as You have changed my sermon. May Your Holy Spirit come down upon me so You will be heard through the words spoken today. I pray for open ears and hearts throughout this world today for all who hear a message. Father, be with the Smith Family this morning as the machine is removed from their dear loved one. Be their comfort and their strength. Lord, I pray continued prayers for those who with the flu bug and Little Layna who had her appendix out. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You Jesus for being My Light. Amen.

Romans 12:1-2 - "Made To Worship"

I woke up this morning with these lyrics going through my mind...

You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

Chris Tomlin 'hit the nail on the head' with this song. We are 'made to worship' and 'called to love' yet many refuse to do so. Those who do worship and love Him don't always do it daily. Some don't even do it weekly or monthly yet they claim to be His child. The song continues that we are to 'surrender' yet many who do 'believe' refuse to surrender. Many people in this world decide they are their own boss so they won't surrender their checkbook, calendar, family, etc. There are many who live a selfish life because they exercise the free will God gives them. I am not being judgmental in any way. I am just being truthful. It is not up to me to judge them. Only God can and will do the judging. But I can grieve for the way people live their life. I can be sad they are missing out on so much peace and freedom. But I can't make anyone change. The one thing I can and will continue to do is live my life surrendered to Him. Nothing I have is mine. Everything in my life is His. One of the hardest parts of living such a life is missing my boys, their ladies and their babies. The last three nights have been full of dreams about them. This morning I am crying out to God to help me through these times of missing them so greatly. I know He will give me encouragement with the pain I am feeling. I know He will give me a phone call, message or something from them that will help the hurt. He brought me seven hundred plus miles away from them for a reason and I pray I am fulfilling that reason. I pray whatever He desires of me to do in my little world is being done. Just as I know I don't want His death on the cross to go in vain I sure do not want Him bringing us here to go in vain. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Father, I pray for a soothing in my spirit as I miss my boys and their families so bad. I pray for encouragement with this. I pray You will prompt them to call or text me today. Lord, I pray You will let them know I love them and miss them. Father, wherever You lead me today I pray You will use me to be a beacon of light for You. Whatever You desire of me today, I pray You will make it happen in my life. Cleanse me so I can be Your words, action, and attitude. Fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for a healing in people with the flu; Little Layna who had her appendix rupture and is in surgery along with her family who have the flu and pneumonia; the pastors with cancer and going through treatment; my sister Linda as she awaits hip surgery; Mike with therapy from knee surgery; Justin who just had knee surgery; the young man with the mass behind his heart; along with many others who need a physical touch. Most of all I pray for their spiritual needs. I pray they know You and can call out to You for help.Thank You Jesus for being My Everything. Amen.

Psalm 91:1 - "In The Secret"

My class this time and last time are probably the hardest I have ever experienced yet I am enjoying them so much. When Doc told me that was how they were for him years ago, I thought he was crazy. When I first started with this professor, it seemed like I couldn't please him. I couldn't figure out what he wanted. Now several weeks later I realize he pushes me to go beyond what I know so I can learn. He desires for me to not only grow in my intellectual being but in my spiritual being. There are days where I am not sure I can 'do it'...not sure I can think clear enough to form sentences in a post...not sure if I have enough energy to think... But then I am reminded 'I' don't have to do anything by myself. God is with me. He is My Strength. He knows what I need to accomplish what He desires. I am so grateful to be where I am in relationship with Him. I am grateful that I not only hear His voice but I also am where I desire to walk in obedience to what He says. I wish more people were in such a relationship. No, I pray more people will find such a relationship. I pray for more believers to have the desire in their hearts to go deeper with God. I pray more of them would die to self and allow Him full reign to their entire life. Their checkbooks, their calendar, their family... everything. There is no greater place to live than in His 'secret' place.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for the blessings ahead in this day. I pray for Kathy's family as they have her memorial service today. I pray for those who continue to be sick with the 'bug' to feel improvement today. I pray for little Amelia and Doc to have a better day. I also pray for Denise as she heals from her surgery. I also pray for Mike who continues to heal from his knee surgery and Linda as she awaits hip surgery. I continue to pray for the pastor going through surgery and treatments at Duke for his cancer; the young man with a mass behind his heart; and another pastor dealing with cancer treatments. So many people with so many hurts. My heart hurts for them. I pray they will draw closer to You for Your strength and peace. Thank You Jesus for being My Most High. Amen.

Psalm 91:14-16 - "Still"

These words were going through my head throughout the night and are still with me this morning...

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Sometimes the Lord protects us from physical harm...illness, accidents, etc.
Sometimes His protection is for emotional hurt...words spoken to us, people not making contact with us, etc.
Sometimes His protection is for financial harm...making 'bad' decisions, mistakes with bills, etc.
Sometimes His protection is for mental hurt...when a disease takes away normal functions of remembering, 'foggy' brain, etc.

No matter what He protects us from we must be "Still" to allow Him to work in and through us. Yesterday was a frustrating day with getting a message from the bank that a large payment had gone through twice which put our account in a negative. Figuring out I was the reason it happened crushed me. I was so blessed by the bank and the payment company with the way they were so nice in getting a plan in place to fix the situation. Getting a phone call from the pharmacy threw me for a loop because I thought I had done something else wrong but thankfully I had not. It was an emotional day but I kept crying out to the Lord for His help. Thankfully He did not let me down.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the blessings of yesterday where You were with me through everything. Thank You for improvement in Beth. Lord, today is another day where there are so many prayer requests. I pray for the young man with the mass behind his heart and ask You be very close to him and his family. I pray for the pastor and wife who have traveled many miles for surgery and treatment for his cancer. I pray for the unspoken request for another pastor's family. Lord, so many people with so many needs. Most of all I pray for the spiritual needs of all. I also pray for a physical healing in my husband and in all with the 'bug' going around. Thank You Jesus for being My Stillness. Amen.

Psalm 91:3-8 - "Still"

We never know when life will change but we do know who does and that is the Lord. He knows all. He knows what we need to accept the changes of life. He provides what we need as we are in relationship with Him. We can't just say we are in relationship with Him but we must live our daily lives showing that relationship. Trust, faith, love...all of these things must be lived out daily. When there are tough times in life, He must be our Strength. When we feel like we can't handle things, He must be who we turn to. When we need protected from the enemy, He must be our Protector. His love overcomes everything. His power will empower us to overcome things when we allow it. Matthew Henry writes of Psalm 91:3-8:

"He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also."

When one is in relationship with the Lord, there is no need to fear. There is security found in His arms. If something happens that is not desired, He is there to help accept it. If the enemy comes knocking at the door, He is there to shut the door in His face. It is easy for people to give the enemy a foothold when 'bad' times comes. Even though it is easy, it is something that shouldn't happen. Instead we need to give the Lord access to all areas of our life so He can knock the enemy down.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this song and Scripture this morning that reminded me nothing surprises You but instead You desire to protect me. Thank You for the way You protect me from the ways of the enemy. Father, this morning I pray for Dolores and her family as they deal with Steve's suicide. I pray against the enemy having any open door in their lives. I also pray for there to be people who will love them with Your love so they will come into relationship with You. I so wish I were there with them but I know that is not possible. I also pray for many who are sick with this flu, including my husband. I pray against my Momma getting it from him. I pray for Ashley and her family who are dealing with both her and her husband along with some of the children having it. It seems like this 'bug' is everywhere and I pray for Your strength for people. I pray for those effected by the school shooting in Kentucky and the school incident in Galion. I pray there will be believers supporting them today. Lord, cleanse me and fill me so I can be a beacon of light for you today. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector. Amen.

James 1:2-3 - "Healer"

I love when the Lord lets me know of answers to prayers. I have been praying for Chris for many years for sobriety and spiritual needs. Sunday when his wife put an urgent prayer request on Facebook my first thought was he had fallen. The Lord gave me the sense that was not what was going on. I prayed for them over the next few hours. Yesterday I received this message from Chris...

Barbie, Shiloh and I went for a ride down the back roads down in Holmes County yesterday. We were going down a road we've been down many times before with no problems in our All Wheel Drive Subaru Outback. Except since the last time we were there it had rained a lot and the road was washed out and there were lots of ruts. It is a single lane dirt road going up a hill. I had to back up to an area that I could turn around in. As I was maneuvering the car, I was trying to avoid a deep rut. I underestimated how close I was to it and my front wheels dropped down into it and the frame of the car rested on the ground. We were stuck. Wouldn't go backwards or forwards. I got the jack out of the car to raise it up and put some rocks under the tires. Everything was going great until the jack broke and the car dropped back down. Being in the middle of nowhere, I had no idea who to call for help. I had Barbie lock the doors and I headed back to the main road walking to see if I could find help. Even the main road was dirt and not well traveled, my outlook was dim. I got to the road and about 5 minutes goes by and a guy in a four wheel drive Jeep comes down the road. I flagged him down. He stopped, I introduced myself and told him our situation. He said he would drive to a friend's house and get a chain to pull us out. He came back about a half hour later. It took about 15 minutes to get the Outback out of the rut. I gave the guy some money, told him "God Bless You" and thanked him. The whole time I was walking down the road I was praying for the situation to be resolved. Barbie was praying back at the car at the same time. She also sent out the Facebook prayer request and I know people we're praying along with us. When I prayed, I didn't pray selfishly. I asked God to help us out of the situation safely. I asked him to please do it for Barbie and Shiloh and not for me. This was an out loud prayer not just a quiet silent in my head prayer. The power of prayer is enormous! The incident that happened yesterday got me thinking. I realize that my prayer life has been lacking lately and need to put my focus back on it. I need to not just reach out to him in times of trouble but also in times of rejoice and when life is just being mediocre. So much has changed since I got sober back in 2015. My life is not all peaches and cream but I know how to deal with things now that would have been handled completely different had I been drinking. Please feel free to share any or all of this story to anybody you want who needs to see what the power of prayer can do!

This is what happens when people pray. The prayers I sent up on their behalf Sunday were not the only ones answered. The ones I have been praying for Chris to grow stronger in his faith over the last years were also answered. I love how God used a trying incident to open his eyes. That is what God does for all of us. He uses tough situations to make us see we need to allow Him control of our entire being. It is then, and only then, He will be able to be glorified through us. Tears stream as I think about the answers to prayers for this family. I am so blessed in knowing God not only hears our prayers but He answers them.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with the celebration of my Momma's birthday. Thank You for giving me the testimony from Chris. Thank You for being with me in times of pain last night. Father, You bless me in abundance over and over again. Lord, I pray today You will bless me with freedom from pain. I pray for my friend Norma who will have treatments today. I pray her body will be renewed through the medication. I pray for many who are suffering from the flu. I pray for little Amelia who is so sick with it. I pray for ones who have colds and pneumonia or bronchitis to have deep breathes. I also pray for Beth who had to be put back on the vent yesterday and her family as they continue on this road. Father, I don't know the condition of the lady ran over by the car yesterday but I pray for her and the driver. Lord, cleanse my spirit of anything not of You so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You Jesus for being The One Who Answers My Prayers. Amen.

Romans 6:23 - "Made to Worship"

In my reading for school it said salvation is a gift. I started thinking about how people get so excited when given a gift but then the excitement dwindles as time goes on. For many people the same can be said about salvation. Many are on fire for the Lord when salvation is fresh yet as time goes on the flame begins to flicker. For some, the flame goes completely out. Some people open a gift and decide it's not the right size, color, kind, etc. so they return it. There are people who 'try on' God but then decide they like their old life better so return to it. A gift is not something earned but rather is something received in love. It is something someone chooses specifically for another. God chose the gift of salvation for all when He brought His Son to this earth to die. He chose it for all when He had Jesus raise from the grave. The Gift of salvation can only be received when one accepts it. But the gift of salvation is not where God stops with giving gifts to us. He also gives the gift of sanctification. That gift is the 'icing on the cake' so to speak. It brings more joy than salvation. It is where He shines through us as we take on more of the gift. The ultimate gift will be in glorification when we live with Him for eternity. If we don't accept His salvation, we cannot accept His sanctification. If we don't accept His sanctification, we cannot accept His glorification.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all of the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me so greatly. Thank You for my Momma who is celebrating her eighty-seventh birthday today. Thank You for the example she has given me to love You. Thank You for the way You continue to sustain her. I pray a blessing upon her day in a mighty way. Father, I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing. Lord, You are so awesome in the way You continue to answer my prayers. Hearing that Jerry and Ray were both in church yesterday blessed my heart. Also hearing that Barbie's prayers were answered quickly and Beth was off the ventilator blessed me in abundance. Lord, I know You hear me as I cry out to You and that blesses me. I pray for a physical touch upon Doc today as he isn't feeling well. Thank You for being My Gift. Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 - "Run (Isaiah 40:31) After The Chase"

Saturday nights have a special place in my heart. Most of them are spent praying for pastors on and off through the night. Last night He woke me at times to pray for pastors, their families, and at times for the people in their corporate body. 

• Pastors who are out of the pulpit due to health issues/surgeries...one with a brain tumor; one recuperating from knee surgery; those with the flu...I prayed against any open doors the enemy may be able to enter
• Two pastors on mission trips...I prayed for not only their safety but for their families at home
• Pastors dealing with disunity; financial concerns; low attendance; and people leaving their church...I prayed they would seek counsel
• Pastors ready to give up their current church and/or one ready to give up on ministry altogether...I prayed for them to be encouraged today but most of all I prayed they would listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance
• Pastors being tore apart by people in their church...I prayed for strength, them to seek counsel, for the eyes of the people to be opened, and for the enemy to lose hold
• Bi-vocational pastors who are physically, mentally, and emotionally wore out...I prayed for them to be renewed in their spirit
• Pastors who are in school...I prayed for God's wisdom to be theirs
• Pastors who have struggled all week with what to preach and yet still have no idea...I prayed for them not to stress but instead to enjoy what the Holy Spirit was going to do through them today
• People who are trying to tear down what their pastor has built...I prayed for their eyes to be opened
• People who have left or contemplating leaving a church...for their focus to get off of self and follow God's will
• People who will go to the altar today...I prayed their pastors would show God's love to them in a mighty way
• Pastors spouses...to feel love and accepted by the people of the church
• A pastor's wife who is feeling lost after the sudden death of her husband...I prayed for strength for her as she not only tries to find her place in the world but as she has many children to now raise without him
• Pastors children...for people to not expect more out of them just because they are PK's
• Pastor's families...for the pastor to not allow ministry to come before them
• Those who will be called into pastoral ministry...I prayed for openness in their hearts

There are so many blessings in being in ministry but it takes a lot of God's love for others for it to not be a negative in life. It takes living in God's will to not take things personally. Being in ministry is hard when you pour so much of yourself into people only for them to walk away. It is hard to see people 'back-slide' into old habits. There are times ministry makes one feel like a failure by the world. It is so important to not allow the world to be the 'thermometer' but instead let God be the gauge. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead today. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to pray for pastors last night. Thank You for the ones You brought specifically to my mind. Lord, I pray for not only myself but for all pastors to be cleansed today so we all can show Your love in a mighty way. Fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see/hear You instead of me. Thank You for the good reports about Jerry and Beth yesterday. I pray a continued healing upon both of them. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Call Me. Amen.

Psalm 50:1-6 - "Gracefully Broken"

The Lord woke me up once again with "Here I am Lord, arms wide open..." going through my mind. They were going through it all day yesterday with a feeling of contentment. At first I thought maybe I was doing something wrong or not doing something I should be or not having the right attitude of submission. Then my spirit felt a completion or contentment that made me realize He was just blessing me. Psalm 50 is about the glory of God that will come on the day of Judgement. This is where He took me this morning. He stopped me to ponder on the first six verses. I read the words of Matthew Henry on this Scripture...

This psalm is a psalm of instruction. It tells of the coming of Christ and the day of judgment, in which God will call men to account; and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgement. All the children of men are concerned to know the right way of worshipping the Lord, in spirit and in truth. In the great day, our God shall come, and make those hear his judgement who would not hearken to his law. Happy are those who come into the covenant of grace, by faith in the Redeemer's atoning sacrifice, and show the sincerity of their love by fruits of righteousness.

It is interesting that Henry says "the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of judgement." In thinking of the Trinity I never thought about the Holy Spirit being a part of judgement. I always thought God the Father would be the One to give judgement. Jesus died for everyone's sins to be in submission to His Father God and Jesus would be the One to come back to give judgement.  This is just another aspect to think about in studying the Trinity. The most important thing is not which part of it will bring judgement but that I am ready for Him. I want to be sure I am "aligned" with His will. That is why I pray every morning for Him to cleanse me so He can fill me. It is why I desire to worship Him "in spirit and in truth" (Henry). It is why I strive to love with His love so fruit will show through my life. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace that enable me to be Your servant. Thank You for yesterday and the laughs we had around the dinner table as we shared stories with dear friends and family. Thank You for the sunshine that is shining today but most of all for You being the Sonshine of my life. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can shine from me in a mighty way today. Thank You for improvement in Beth. I continue to pray for a healing in her spirit. Thank You for improvement in Jerry who I continue to pray for strength not only for him but his family. Thank You for the physical strength You will give me today. Thank You for being My Sonshine. Amen.

Galatians 5:25 - "Gracefully Broken"

As I went over the bridge last night on the way back home from having ice cream with Miss Beverly and the girls I broke out repeatedly with...

Here I am, God
Arms wide open
Pouring out my life
Gracefully broken

I was in awe of the way the Holy Spirit's presence came down over me in such a powerful way. These words just kept coming out of the me over and over. I felt such a sense of excitement. I am so blessed to be living in His presence. He continues to give me not only physical strength but mental, emotional, financial and most of all spiritual. He knows what I need and gives it to me at the exact time I need it. He blesses me in ways I would never have thought of. The word 'broken' is often associated as being a negative but it is a definite 'positive' when it comes to what God in and for us. The song starts...

God will break you to position
He will break you to promote you
And break you to put you in your right place
But when He breaks you He doesn't hurt you, He doesn't
When He breaks you He does it with; grace
Anybody been gracefully broken?

"Right place"...that does not mean just the physical place He puts you but it means the right state of mind, the right desire in the heart and spirit, the right attitude...the right everything. There will still be times one's humanness will come out but they will be less and less the more one allows Him to break them. I love these words in this song...

My heart stands in awe of Your name
Your mighty love stands strong to the end
You will fulfill Your purpose in me
You won't forsake me, You will be with me

This is the emotion I went through last night. I was in awe. I was surprised by the outburst of the song yet I was blessed. I desire for Him to fulfill His will in my life. I feel His love in a mighty way throughout my day. I know He is always with me. We are in constant communion. As Doc said the other night, that is the key to be in relationship with Him. My physical body may be tired and feel worn but my spiritual body is on fire. There is such freedom in such relationship with Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for last night's experience. Thank You for the full night's rest. Lord, I pray for more of Your Holy Spirit to take over me. I desire for a cleansing in my Spirit so that can happen. I also desire You to ooze out of me in a different, new way. Father, I thank You for the answer to many prayers for my dear friend Norma. I thank You for her faith that opened these doors. Father, I pray for more people to have such faith. I pray for more people to have experiences like I had last night. I continue to pray for Beth and Bill who not only need a physical healing but most of all a spiritual healing. I also pray for Betty, Jerry and Mike who need a physical touch from You. Lord, wherever You lead me today I pray You will use me to be a beacon of light for You. I pray for Doc to be beacon of light in the workplace today. Lord, use us to make a difference in our little world. Thank You Jesus for being My Breaker. Amen.

Joel 2:28/Acts 2:17-21 - "Believer"

Last night in Bible study Doc gave 'homework' to take a step closer to God this next week. He talked about communication being key in our relationship with God. He gave the example of how we, as parents of adult children, desire to have communication with them. God is the same with us. His desire is to be in communication with us all the time. There are some barriers to such communication. Sin in our lives can be a barrier. Another barrier is our 'busyness' which is a sin in itself. Another one can be unbelief or lack of faith. It is important to daily ask for a cleansing of any such barriers so He can fill us up with His Spirit. I started thinking about what it would look like if all believers took a step closer to Him. What it would look like in a corporate body of believers if all the members took such a step. It would look like the early church in the book of Acts. There would be excitement and anticipation of gathering together instead of feeling like it was something that had to be done. There would be sharing with all in His love. There would be new converts regularly. Miracles would no longer be few and far between but instead would flow fluently. People would not shy away from prayer meetings but instead there would be multiple ones throughout the week. Clocks would no longer rule church services but instead the Holy Spirit would have free reign. Worship would no longer be just for Sundays but instead would happen 24/7. It also would no longer be dead but would be joyful. The prophecy of Joel and later proclaimed by Peter would happen. I know of some bodies of believers who are experiencing this type of setting on different levels. Some have seen a glimpse of it while others seem to be getting the just of what it means to be living close to God. I desire to not only be in such a relationship personally but also with my Christian brothers and sisters. The end goal for all should be living for eternity for the Lord. I can't see any better way than starting such living while on this earth.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the Bible study last night. Thank You for leading Doc to this teaching. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so Your Spirit can fill me to over flowing. I pray for more believers to have such desire in their heart as well. Lord, set hearts on fire for Your glory. I pray for those who are dealing with pain to have relief. I pray for those recuperating from surgery to have Your strength. I pray for those grieving to have Your peace. Most of all I pray for those who do not believe to have someone go before them today so they can come into relationship with You. I also pray for those who do believe to take a step closer to You. Father, thank You for being My Now and Later. Amen.

Psalm 51 - "Find You On My Knees"

The Lord took me to Psalm 51 this morning to ponder upon. This Psalm is significant for anyone who has repented and accepted Him in their life. Verses ten is one I remember from Sunday School growing up. I love the word picture The Message gives in verses ten through fifteen. The cleansing one receives when allowing God into their life is complete. They are given a 'clean slate' so to speak. The past is just that...the past. Once accepting Him, the enemy tries to get them back by bringing up things they previously did. As a new believer it is hard. But we must remember that God has taken those things away. He desires to make something new in our life. He gives us the opportunity to see our life in a different way. We just have to accept it. There are many who say they have too many bad things or are too unloveable for God to accept them. That is the furthest thing to the truth. He already knows our sins. He already knows how far we have gone into the depths of hell. In this Psalm, David wrote of receiving the joy of salvation. To receive such joy one must realize it cannot be achieved by their own power. One can look around and see people seeking joy through others, money, prestige, career, etc. But true joy cannot be found except through Jesus. Once again the enemy does not like when we have true joy. He chisels away on us trying to take our joy away. One must stay strong in their salvation. The only way to do that is to stay strong in relationship with God. Daily soaking in His Word is key. The beginning of this passage in The Message reads, "Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life." Yes! I want soaked every day! Every morning I pray for a cleansing and a filling of Him. The enemy uses guilt, God cleanses guilt away. The enemy uses shame, God cleanses shame away. God is greater than anything the enemy can put before us. My prayers have been so heavy recently for many who need to come to this realization....

• the older gentleman with health issues, living in blatant sin, and refusing to accept the Lord
• the young gentleman who was raised living for the Lord yet as wandered away
• the lady who was raised knowing who Jesus was yet took the road of drugs and is now fighting for her life
• the man who was raised living for the Lord yet has lived a life of sin for so many years and pretends he is spiritually OK
• the mother separated from her children as she is in prison who needs to feel Jesus' love...oh how I pray someone will share Him with her
• the young lady with multiple issues who knows Jesus yet has not fully relied on Him
• the mother who was raised in and out of church and continues to make bad choices with her children
• the mother living with another man instead of her husband

I also am praying for many who are going through tough days but continue to rely on the Lord's strength. I pray they will not only keep their joy but realize it in a mighty way...

• my sister Linda who is awaiting hip surgery and in pain
• my friend Mike who had knee replacement
• a pastor couple who recently had a new baby and the same week the Daddy was diagnosed with a brain tumor
• the Knox family as they continue Jerry's health battles
• the Flack family as they continue the grieving process over the death of Baby Everly
• a dear friend as she deals with issues with her parents; another friend as she deals with failing health of her Mother
• the Armstrong family on the mission field

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the way You answered my prayers with a difficult situation yesterday. I realize how important it is to wait on Your time and not try to manipulate situations. Thank You for the time we had with the children and teens last night. Thank You for my Momma getting to experience them. Lord, this morning I pray for a cleansing in my spirit. I pray for a renewal in not only my physical body but most importantly my spiritual body. I pray for a sweetness of You to overtake me today. May You ooze out of me in a way so great that people will not only see and hear You but also smell You. Thank You Jesus for being My Aroma. Amen.

I John 4:4b - "Your Love Defends Me"

I woke up during the night and then again this morning with these words to "Your Love Defends Me" going through my mind...

Surely my God is the strength of my soul
Your love defends me, Your love defends me

The word defend means to protect. I know the Lord protects me in more ways than I can even comprehend. There are ways I do know such as the deer who stayed beside the road instead of going in front of me last night. I am sure there are also unknown ways. I do know His love surrounds me at all times and protects me from things that will pull me down into the depths of hell.

Day after day, night after night
I will remember, You're with me in this fight
Although the battle, it rages on
The war is already won
I know the war is already won

My God is greater than anything! He is greater than issues with people. He is greater than physical, emotional, or financial issues. He is greater than dealing with the 'junk' of this world. Plain and simple. He is greater! Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder this morning that You are greater than anything that comes my way today. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for Your words, actions, and attitude to take over my entire being. Keep my focus on You so I do not miss any opportunity to share Your love with all I meet today. I also pray for Your wisdom as I do my school work; Your strength in my physical body; and Your discernment as I deal with a situation. May You empower me in every aspect of life but especially the spiritual. Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest! Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-17 - "Point To You"

It has been a night of praying. The first time the Lord woke me was at midnight. He told me to pray for one who was contemplating suicide. I prayed and prayed for quite awhile and then fell back to sleep. He woke me up a couple more times and now here it is 4:30 and I'm still praying. Sometimes I do not understand when someone's soul is teetering on heaven and hell why He doesn't just snap His fingers and 'fix it.' The words to a We Are Messengers song keep going through my head...

How can I forgive when I can't forgive myself
How can I move on when all I have is regrets
How can I fix you when I keep turning away
How can I make it past the noise with my shame

I need a miracle
Some healing for my heart
I need a revelation
A brand new start
I want simplicity
Where I can rest
But I need a miracle to put my past to death

This person He has me praying for needs to allow Him to help them. As I prayed, my words kept coming back to this person needing to feel His love. I prayed for them to not only feel it but to accept it. Too many times we, as humans, beat ourselves up to the point where there is no room for the Lord. There must be room in our heart for Him. As I prayed for this person, evil kept showing up in weird ways whenever I fell asleep. There was ugliness shown through people in dreams. There was a sense of evil surrounding people. I don't remember ever experiencing such a night. I prayed the armor of God to take over this person. I prayed for the belt of truth to be around their waist; the breastplate of righteousness to be over them; the shoes of peace to be upon their feet; the sword of the spirit to be in their hands; the helmet of salvation to take over their being; the shield of faith to become real to them; and I prayed they would find a way to pray for the Lord to take over their situation.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for using me to pray for this individual who is so desperate. I know You don't really need my prayers to take care of the situation but I also know there was a reason for waking me repeatedly. Lord, stretch my faith. Take me deeper in relationship with You. Cleanse me so You can fill me. I pray I do not hear of one today that has been taken over by the evil one. If I do, I pray Your love will be greater than the depths of hell this person has gone through while on this earth. Use me today in a different, new way so people will see Your love flow from me. Thank You Jesus for being My Armor. Amen.

Romans 8:28 - "For The Sake of the Call"

The Lord woke me up at 1:30 to pray for pastors who are filling the pulpit for others today. I know there are many since this is the weekend of the Ministry Retreat here in South Carolina. He had me pray for those who were feeling a little apprehensive over it and those who were feeling very apprehensive. He had me pray for those who were doing it for the first time. He also had me pray for pastors who left retreat early because they felt like they had to be in the pulpit themselves. Some people think being a pastor is easy. Many think being a pastor involves just preaching on Sunday and doing a funeral or wedding now and then. Many do not realize what all a pastor has on their plate nor the hours put into the ministry. I have taken on a deeper respect for bi-vocational pastors since Doc is now one. There are no 'days off' since he is bi-vacational. He has vacation time from the church but only just recently received a few days from his regular job. Being bi-vocational means needing to use those 'vacation' days to attend ministry events instead of using them for a true vacation. Working Monday through Friday at his job and Saturday and Sunday for ministry leaves no regular day off. There has to be creativity to carve out time off. A few hours in an afternoon/evening are one way that can be accomplished. But even then if there is an emergency that doesn't happen. Men and women who are pastoring, finishing up school, and working a secular job have to be very careful to carve out 'down' time. There has to be a time of rest, renewal, and a time with family or one will crash. God did not create anyone to go full steam ahead twenty-four/seven without filling their tank. First, there must be daily time with the Lord. Second, there must be time with family. Third, there must be wisdom on what to put on the calendar. Fourth, there must be boundaries set in relationships. When one is plugged into God, they will be able to accomplish these things in a way that will make it easier than if not. They also will not be frazzled but instead be at peace with life. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for waking me to pray for those filling in preaching today. Thank You for being close to them and encouraging them. Oh how I pray for them to realize You are their strength, there is nothing to be fearful of. I pray against the enemy giving doubt or using people to cause them to feel like they have failed when they are done. Lord, I pray for people of encouragement to surround them. Father, I also pray for pastors at retreat to be renewed and refreshed from this weekend. I pray for pastors who are feeling disheartened to be given words of hope. I pray for those who are drained to be filled. Lord, I also pray for the pastor and wife who are on a mission trip to be blessed in abundance. I pray for my pastor friend in Ohio who is recuperating from knee replacement surgery to have Your strength in every aspect of his life. Father, I pray for pastors who are going through difficult times in their church to realize it is only in Your power they will come out victorious. Lord, I pray for my husband who works so hard in his new role as a bi-vocational pastor. I pray for open doors for him to share the Gospel in his workplace. I also pray for open doors with the building project. Lord, I ask for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be filled with more of You. I pray You will give me greater insight into how I can lighten Doc's load. I also pray for a continued encouragement as I work on school. Open my mind up to all You have in store for me to learn. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Call Me. Amen.