Nehemiah 8:10b - "Old Church Choir"

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
There ain't nothing gonna steal my joy
No there ain't nothing gonna steal my joy

These words are going through my mind this morning. I love how the Lord encourages me. He is so good in letting me know He is with me. When things in life seem too tough to handle, He reminds me I don't have to handle anything without His strength. This song continues...

When the valleys, that I wander
Turn to mountains, that I can't climb
Oh, You are with me, never leave me
Oh 'cause, there ain't nothing there ain't nothing gonna steal my joy

Yes! He never leaves me. He is with me in the valleys and He is with me on the mountaintops. His strength is with me no matter what. It is so wonderful knowing He already knows of the valleys and He knows the outcome. All I have to do is trust Him through every day. This morning I am praying for many who need to trust Him with their whole being. They need to trust Him even when it doesn't make sense. Trust is key to having victory over the challenges of life. Trust will take one deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Trust in God will knock the enemy down in all situations. This morning I am praying for...

• Marlene with her upcoming surgery...I am grateful for this opportunity for her to be healed through surgeons
• Mike and his family as they go through these last days with his aunt...may God be their strength
• Shelly and her family with their Mom in Hospice care...may God be their strength
• Sandi who is broken hearted...may God be close to her and Katie
• Mike who is being God's faithful servant...thank God for using him to bring people into a deeper relationship with Him
• Little Owen and his family...for the medical personnel who are having a gentle spirit with this little guy as he heals
• Jeremy's family as they continue to wait on earthly justice to occur...may God continue to be their strength
• Norma as she continues to deal with her disease...thankful for God giving doctors wisdom for this sweet friend

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for safety for the many miles traveled over the last week. Thank You for the time You gave us with family and friends. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for You to be close to those who are in valleys of life so they can trust You in the process. I also pray for those who are on the mountaintops to realize You are with them too. Thank You Jesus for being My Joy. Amen.

Psalm 5:12 - "Blessings"

God is so awesome in the way He blesses me. Having Momma with us in our home for an extended stay, having time with my babies and grand babies, finding an affordable place to stay for a couple nights with my honey...the list goes on and on. He knows what we need and provides it in abundance. This morning when the clock (that I didn't set) went off before 6 I was not a happy camper. We had not got in bed until close to midnight last night and I was tired. I was afraid I would not be able to go back to sleep but I drifted back only to be woke up a half hour later with a bloody nose. I asked God if He was telling me to get up and He said 'no.' Then I asked Him if it was the enemy then why didn't He stop him. To that He responded, "I do not stop all attacks because you will draw closer to me through them." Alrighty then. I asked Him if He would enable me to back to sleep and I was able to for another hour and half. Once again, He blessed me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for blessing me in abundance in so many ways. I am so thankful for the safety of many miles of travel over the last few days. I also am thankful with time with family and seeing friends. Thank You for the opportunity to pray with 'Laura' this morning at breakfast. Thank You for the day of rest that is ahead for us. May You cleanse us so You can fill us so You can ooze out of us. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Bless Us. Amen.

Hebrews 12:1-3 - "Shout To The Lord"

I went to bed last night praying for pastors and woke up at 3AM to pray some more. The Lord specifically had me pray for...

• those unable to sleep due to worrying about 'their' sermon...for them to realize the Lord had it ready for them if they would only listen
• one who was going to be confronted this morning...to have the Lord's words, actions, and attitude in response to the confrontations
• one who was living in 'hidden' sin...to realize the Lord knows all and they need to repent
• one with severe family issues...to allow the Lord to work in and through their family
• ones who are walking in obedience and life is great...to not let their guard but instead to go deeper with Him
• ones who will have their sermon changed right before going into the pulpit...to trust the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to have free reign 
• ones who are filling the pulpit today..to be accepted and for people to be willing to listen to someone different 
• one who is struggling with something the Lord is asking of them...for them to not fear
• one who is on vacation...to go back refreshed and renewed

I love Saturday nights when He gives me specific prayers for pastors. Being married to a pastor and being a pastor myself makes me appreciate such times because it means He gives people specific prayers for us. Ministry is not an easy life but it is a rewarding life. It is not always pleasant in the things we are called to do but there is comfort in knowing He is always with us. Feeling responsible for many people can be daunting yet we must realize He is the One ultimately responsible for them. When people hurt, we hurt. When people go through tough times, we are there to support them however the Lord leads. We are called to be Jesus to all we meet. We are called to love with His love. That is what all are called to do, not just those called into vocational ministry. This morning I am taking before the Lord in prayer all who will participate in a body of believers today. I pray they will love with Jesus' love and be Christ-like to all they meet. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for our time with Paul, Lizzy, and Miss Bella yesterday. Thank You for the blessings of that time together. As I made an ornament with Miss Bella I was reminded of how I started praying for her when I was probably around her age. That is when I started praying for my babies, their spouses, and their children. You have blessed me in abundance through those prayers. Lord, I pray for them to continue to follow You and to go deeper in their relationship with You. Lord, I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can go deeper with You. I pray for safety on the roads for us today and for our time with Ben's family to be blessed. Thank You Jesus for being My Depth. Amen.

Psalm 37:4 - "Faithful"

Last year when we came to Ohio I still felt like it was home. This year coming back is different. South Carolina feels like home to me. That doesn't mean I don't miss being around family but it means the Lord has settled my heart in the place He has put us. He put the desire in our hearts to move when it was His time. He encouraged us in the process as He knew it would be difficult to leave family and friends. He continues to encourage us as the enemy is fighting us so greatly. It has been an encouragement to be missing home while here. That enables me to not only know where we are suppose to be but also be content where He has put us. I think of the words of Psalm 37:4...

Today will be our Christmas celebration with Paul, Lizzy and Miss Bella. I am beyond excited to spend some time with them. Tomorrow will be our Christmas celebration with Ben, Emily and the children. Once again, I am beyond excited to spend time with them. God made this trip possible because He knew this Memaw/Grandma needed time with them. He also provided financially for the trip along with protection on the roads. He is so wonderful in the way He cares for us to not only provide our needs but also the desires of our heart. We are so blessed.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for the money saved at the Salvage Grocery Store and Cheese House. Thank You for time with friends last night and seeing ones we didn't even plan on seeing. Thank You for all the ways You bless us. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I desire to live in Your will and walk in obedience to all You desire of me. You are so awesome! Thank You for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.

Psalm 19:14 - "Come To The Table"

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

Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table

Yes! There is such freedom available for all when Jesus becomes a part of our life. There is no longer bondage to sin when we repent but instead there is freedom in living. When one takes it a step further to living a sanctified life for Him, the freedom becomes even greater. The desire for more 'stuff' is eliminated as one listens to His will and walks in obedience. Finances become easier to handle as one turns everything over to Him. The neatest part of living for Jesus while on this earth is knowing you will be living with Him for eternity. Today I am praying for...

• family caring for their mother in hospice care
• a man recently diagnosed with bone cancer
• a newborn with the mommy tested positive for drugs
• a dear friend with a rare disease that effects her muscles

So many hurting people in this world. I pray for more people to "Come To The Table" with Jesus so He can be their strength during tough days. I pray for more believers to get to the point of turning everything over to God so they can enjoy more of His freedom that is available to all.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the safe travels yesterday. Thank You for the blessings provided at the surplus store and cheese house. I pray for more of You to overtake me so people will see/hear You instead of me. Cleanse me of anything not of You so You can fill me up to overflowing. Thank You Jesus for being My Redeemer. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-17 - "Forgiven"

I was awake throughout the night and each time these words were going through my mind...

Forgiven! Forgiven!
Child there is freedom from all of it
Say goodbye to every sin
You are forgiven!

I started praying for those who need to repent before the Lord for the first time along with those who have accepted Him into their heart but have strayed away from Him. I prayed for those who have strayed to realize He has not left them. He is always there for Him but He is a gentleman and waits on them to come back to Him. He loves all and desires to have all in relationship with Him. He also desires to have those who are in relationship with Him to give their all to Him. All of their checkbook, their time, their family...all. Not part but all. There are many believers who have not chosen this route. I do not understand why anyone would not and continue to pray for them to realize how life can be so different if they would only do so. There is peace in such a life. There is freedom in such a life. There is contentment in such a life. It does not mean life is perfect. In fact, I would say it is even harder in the sense of fighting against the enemy but it is easier because nothing is done on your own strength. His strength is available in abundance. I am at the point in life where it seems like one attack starts before one is done. I won't say I get discouraged by it but there are times I feel very tired of it. But I won't give up. The Lord gives me His full armor every day to put on and I am grateful for that.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. Thank You for safety on the roads and good weather traveling. I praise You for protection. I also praise You for Your cleansing power that comes down over me every day so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today in my word, actions and attitude. May You be greater than me. Thank You Jesus for being My Full Armor. Amen.

Psalm 91 - "His Love Defends Me"

I woke up this morning with "Your Love Defends Me" going through my mind. During the night "Good, Good Father" was with me. Yesterday "One Thing Remains" was the song He woke me with. I see a common theme of God's love being with me. He knows I need this encouragement. That is why He is reminding me that He loves me. His love is powerful and becomes even more so in times of attack by the enemy. His love is greater than anything the enemy can throw our way. His love is greater than words of people, things done against us, etc. His love is greater than everything. That is a comforting feeling. When feeling like you are not making progress, His love encourages to keep pressing on. When you feel like you are knocking your head against the way, His love shows You otherwise. These words are ones I need to remember throughout the tough days of life.

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

Yes! I can have victory because He already had victory. That is exciting to think about. No matter what happens on this earth it is nothing compared to what He endured on the cross for me. His death and resurrection were for me along with everyone else. I do not want it to go in vain. The desire of my heart is to fulfill His will. There is no better feeling than knowing you are walking in obedience to His will. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminders of Your love. Thank You for the way You have already won the war. Thank You for choosing to walk in obedience to Your Heavenly Father so I have the opportunity to do the same. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today. I pray for traveling mercies as we leave today. I pray for not only safety on the roads but especially for opportunities to show Your love as we travel. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. Thank You Jesus for being My Victory! Amen.

I Corinthians 13 - "One Thing Remains"

What would this world look like if everyone had God's love oozing out of them? What would it look like if even just those who call themselves Christians would have it oozing out of them? What would it look like if even just half of the people in a neighborhood, work place, school, etc. had it oozing out of them? It would look different than it does today. There would be harmony where there is conflict. There would be life instead of senseless death. There would be hurting people feeling the love of God in a mighty way. I Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the 'love chapter' and many times used in wedding ceremonies. Paul begins in the first three verses of the necessity of having God's love. One cannot love others in the way God intended without having His love grounded in their being. Verses four through seven describes such love. The remaining part of the chapter speaks of how everything on this earth will not matter when the time comes to see Jesus. Faith, hope and love are all that will matter. We must have faith in God to have hope in Him. His love will flow from all who will allow Him to take over their being. We will no longer need to have faith when we are in heaven. Nor will there be a need for hope because we will already be with Him for eternity. But there will always be His love. This morning I am praying for many who are hurting. I am praying they will know Him and have faith in Him so they will have hope in Him. The way that is possible is for those around them to share His love in a great way.

• families dealing with recent deaths - Florida school; 13 year old boy
• two families with their mother/grandmother in Hospice care
• a family with great conflict 
• one with unresolved conflict from many years ago that continues to show in their life

Dear Jesus,

I praise You for the blessings of yesterday and the blessings ahead in this day. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Lord, I thank You for all the ways You show Your love to me. I pray I will be better at sharing it. I pray You will keep my focus on You so I do not miss any opportunities You put before me. Be with Doc today and enable him to be a beacon of light in the place You have put him. Thank You Jesus for being My Love. Amen.

Psalm 119:57-64 - "Your Love Defends Me"

Today there is heaviness in my spirit as I pray for so many hurting people...

• the family of the 13 year old boy who committed suicide
• the husband who found his 'healthy' wife dead
• the family who have called in Hospice for their mother
• my hubby with arm pain/numbness
• a pastor who is discouraged by hurtful words said yesterday to them
• Jeremy's family as they come to the six month mark of his leaving earth
• several families who are grieving...even though it is a celebration in heaven, the loss is great on this earth
• Mike who is having intense back spasms
• a daughter with an unsaved father who has been given a 'bad' diagnosis
• a missionary couple with a sick little boy
• a separated couple with financial needs
• our waitress who was called to a family emergency; her family separated
• a pastor praying for wisdom on how to handle a situation with someone who left their church

I am reminded this morning of the words to "Your Love Defends Me"...

Surely my God is the strength of my soul
Your love defends me, Your love defends me
And when I feel like I'm all alone
Your love defends me, Your love defends me

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

No matter what we go through on this earth we must remember that God is always with us. He is always there to support us, comfort us, give us His strength, and most of all be our Guide. He encourages us with bringing scripture to our minds. He loves on us when people are against us. He gives us exactly what we need when we need it as we allow Him too. There is peace in living with the Holy Spirit in control. There is no longer fretting over bills when we turn everything over to Him. It does not mean there is a free flow of money but He gives wise council on paying what needs paid. He directs us to spend more wisely and be more frugal. He blesses what we have in abundance.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminder of how You take care of our needs. When our 'wants' fall into step with Your will, You bless us with those too. Father, I am praying for so many people who are going through difficult times. Some of them have great spiritual needs. I pray for those first. I pray for physical healing, especially for my husband. I pray against the spiritual warfare happening in our lives. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude today in a mighty way. Thank You Jesus for being My Defender. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5 - "Even If"

The words to "Even If" are going through my mind as I pray for pastors who are going through some difficult times. Some are in times of despair in not knowing what to do next in their ministry. Some are going through tough times with family situations. Some have health issues that are trying. I pray they will remember the words to this song...

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

The Lord is their hope no matter what they are going through. There are times when it is hard to hold onto His hope because of circumstances. There are also times when it seems like nothing is going right and we want to give up. He did not put us on this earth to give up but instead He put us here to be victorious. His death on the cross was for us. The desire of His heart is to for us to be Christ-like in our words, actions, and attitude. The way we can do this is to have hope in Him and allow the Holy spirit to empower us through 'good' and 'bad' times. When we cry out to Him, it may seem like He is not listening. There are times our hurts and pain continue no matter what we do. We must remember that He is still with us and what we are going through will only last for a season. The more we seek Him, the deeper our faith will go. If our circumstances are not changing, perhaps it is because we need to go deeper with Him. Or perhaps we need to listen to Him in a different way. No matter what, we cannot give up. I am praying for several pastors who are at the point of wanting to give up...

• one with continual physical issues to be healed
• those with financial issues in their church to be enlightened to the root cause of such issues
• those with conflict in their church body to have a healing in people's souls so the conflict can be resolved
• those who are tired...physically, mentally, and emotionally to find rest in Jesus

I pray for each of them to go deeper in their faith. I pray they will allow the Holy Spirit to empower them to not only get through these tough days but to come out victorious in the end. I pray the enemy will be knocked down in each situation. Most of all I pray for them to feel their Heavenly Father's arms wrapped around them in a mighty way. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You once again for the privilege to pray for pastors. Thank You for those praying for us. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Be my words, actions, and attitude today in a mighty way. May You shine through me. Lord, I pray for the associate pastor who is filling the pulpit today. It is so exciting to know You placed a sermon on their heart four weeks ago without them having any knowledge they would be preaching. I love to see how You work in people who are willing to be Your servant. May all believers, not just pastors, have the desire in their hearts to allow You to mold them into being who You desire them to be. Thank You Jesus for being My Molder. Amen.

John 12:46 - "I Saw The Light/I'll Fly Away"

Last night's Crowder concert was awesome! Even though it was a Christmas present I bought Doc, I was blessed in abundance. Waiting in line until 7:40 when the concert was suppose to start at 7:00 was not fun but it was worth it. I do believe what they said at the beginning about the devil trying to mess up the evening was true. I know we needed to be renewed and refreshed in our spirits and that is exactly what happened. Toward the end with them doing "I Saw the Light" in their own kind of way I was so blessed. 

I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the lord I saw the light.

Yes! As I sang along with them, I thought about how when I was a little girl singing this song I thought it was just about asking Jesus into your heart. As an adult I realized it can also mean when one becomes entirely sanctified. Even after Jesus is in your heart original sin is still in you. There is still darkness in your heart because you are still bent to sin. When you give everything to the Lord, He resides in your heart. Therefore, there is no more darkness. He (Light) cannot exist in darkness.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings from yesterday with my final being over and the Crowder concert last night. Thank You for our date night that we needed so much. Father, I pray for blessings over this day with the work day at the church building. I pray whatever You have to be accomplished will be accomplished. I pray for people to participate and to work together. Lord, bless our building in a mighty way. May people be drawn to You through the work done throughout this day. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May people see/hear You through me throughout this day. Thank You for being My Light. Amen.

Psalm 19:1 - "God Of Wonders"

"Lord of all creation...of water, earth and sky..." These words are going through my mind this morning. What an awesome day yesterday to enjoy His creation with my Momma at Hilton Head. If anyone would have told us five years ago we would have had such a day, we would have told them they were crazy. But with our move down here and her visit to see us it happened. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather. Well, Momma probably would have liked it to be a little warmer or at least a little less windy but the sun was shining so beautiful as the Son was shining down on us. It is no wonder this song is in my head this morning as I think of looking out over the sandy beach, water, and beautiful blue sky. I was saddened when I got on Facebook last night and read about Debby's mother passing. As I read posts from others who commented on our pictures from yesterday, I realized how many of them no longer have their mothers with them on this earth to have such days as I did. I prayed for some who may physically still have their momma here but mentally they are already gone. I prayed for them on emotional days as they think of their momma's. I prayed they would have godly women in their lives who can 'mother' them, be there for them, listen to them, etc. I prayed for those like Shirley who have been so many years without their momma. I also prayed for momma's who have lost their babies already in life to have peace in their souls. I also prayed for estranged relationships between parents and children and for those who may not even know where their parent or child may be. There are so many hurting people in this world. I pray they will find God's peace in the midst of the storms of life they go through. I praise God for giving us this time for my Momma to see our new world. I praise Him for Norma and Mike who brought her down. I cannot believe how fast five weeks have gone by. I wish it didn't have to end and I could just keep her down here forever. But that would be selfish as I know friends and family are missing her. I will be grateful for the time God has given us and pray it will happen again!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. I pray an abundance of blessings upon my Momma. I pray You will enable her to knock the enemy down when he comes knocking at her door. Lord, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can feel me to overflowing with more of Your Spirit. I also pray for Your wisdom today as I take my final exam. Give me clarity and recollection. Enable me to not get frustrated with questions I do not know. I pray for an empowerment in Doc's physical body as he is so tired. Bless our date night tonight in a mighty way. I pray for safety on the roads as we travel and a renewal in our spirit as we bask in Your presence at the concert. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Bless Me. Amen.

Psalm 32:7 - "You Are My Hiding Place"

Yesterday was a day where I had no doubt the Lord was in charge of my life. After breaking a tooth and calling to find out I could not get into the dentist for a week we prayed for someone to cancel so I could get in. Not only did they cancel but I had less than two hours to think about the appointment. That was a true blessing. Another blessing was finding out what I thought was going to be $100 to fix was really going to be $300+ but because the dentist told me $100 he did it for $200. Another blessing was I didn't cry during the whole ordeal. The tears came close when there was the conversation about the money but they did not come out full blown. I felt the Lord's presence with me with all the drilling and the forty-five minutes it took to complete. I told Dr. Donovan I would rather have an MRI than be in his chair but he was making it become more bearable. I told him in fact, I would rather do radiation treatments for breast cancer than be there but then I said except for #21-#25 treatments. That shows how hard it is for me to go to the dentist. My experience as a child put unnecessary fear in me. But praise the Lord between first Dr. Stewart and now Dr. Donovan I am realizing not all dentists are alike. The Lord has put these two men in my life to enable me to overcome my fears. I think of the words of a song Selah sings...

You are my hiding place
(I will trust in You)
You always fill my heart
(Let the weak say I am strong)
With songs of deliverance
(In the strength of the Lord)
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You

Yes! He is my hiding place as I trust Him through all of the situations of life. He delivers me from fear as I bask in His presence. He is my strength in times like yesterday as I trust in Him. As I laid back in the dentist chair with my hands clasped, trying to not be fearful, He gave me these words singing through my head. "I can do all things...through Christ who gives me strength...but sometimes I wonder what He can do through me...no great success...no glory on my own...yet in my weakness He is there to let me know...His strength is perfect when our strength is gone..." His strength was my strength yesterday. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am praying for His financial strength as He shows me how to pay for the bill. I do not fret because I know He will provide. He already started the process by the gift of several bags of groceries last night from some friends. What a blessing! I have no fears He will continue to provide. He always has and He always will. The more we walk in obedience, the more we see His hand at work in our lives. That is a blessing in itself.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for opening the door for an open appointment with the dentist. Thank You for him being able to save my tooth. Thank You for the conversation I had with his assistant. Sometimes I wonder why things happen like a broken tooth but then when I see how You are glorified through it I realize it is just another opportunity for me to walk in obedience. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit of anything that is not of You. I also pray for a filling up of my spiritual tank with more of You so people will see/hear You today. Lord, be with our friends who are traveling today. I pray for not only safety on the roads but physical strength in their bodies. I also pray for Momma and I as we do some traveling around today for safety on the roads and physical strength. "Your strength is perfect" in so many ways. May You continue to be glorified through the strength You give me mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. Thank You Jesus for being My Hiding Place. Amen.

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Mended"

The words to "Mended" were going through my mind at 3AM and again this morning. I've been to the place described where I felt like I was not good enough for God. I felt like I had gone too far away from Him to ever return. People made me feel ugly and dirty by their words and their attitudes. Some of them called themselves Christians yet they did not have Christ's love flowing from them. Instead there were hurtful words. Some shunned me because I was so 'bad' yet their attitude was just as 'bad.' Shame on them. With going through the experience I did I am able to relate to those who feel like they are not good enough for God. My life experience is one that I would never repeat yet it is one that can be used to further His Kingdom. 

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home

When you see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I'm not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

Yes! Jesus died for all not just those who think they are good enough for Him. He died so all  can live. It is up to believers to share His love to others to have the same hope they have. Is it easy? Not usually but it is a blessing to have someone come into relationship with Him after you have shared Him. The song continues, "You see the scars from when you fell..But I see the stories they will tell..." Yes! That is what we all are to do. Tell the story of how Christ brought us into relationship with Him. I have heard some who grew up in a Christian home, married a Christian man, and went into a life of ministry say they don't have anything bad to tell. Those people are few and far between but they are in our world. To them I say there has got to be a time where the Lord gave you His strength to get through a tough time of life. Share that with people. If nothing else, share a time you brought someone to the Lord that was going through the same thing the one you are talking to is going through. We all need to pray for God's guidance and words when presented an opportunity to share His love with others. Sometimes He will give us opportunities with someone we are comfortable with but many times it is with someone we are uncomfortable with. I have often wondered why that is but still do not have the answer. I just know when He gives me an opportunity I need to accept it and follow His lead. Shame on me when I don't. Yesterday He told me to go pray with a woman who was very crabby and bitter. I didn't want to go. I asked if I could just pray for her but He said no. So I went. I prayed for her to accept my offer to pray with her and for His words as I prayed. I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of the situation. I do not know if I will ever see this woman again or not but I do know I was obedient to Him and blessed in the process. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the opportunities of yesterday with this lady and then last night with the children and teens. I praise You for the opportunities ahead in this day. May You cleanse me so You can fill me so I do not miss anything You have ahead for me. I pray for more of You to show through in my words, actions, and attitude. I pray for people to see/hear You instead of me today. Lord, I also pray for protection over my broken tooth. It is going to be a long time until I can get into the dentist next week. I pray You will be my strength through these days. I also pray for Doc today as he works and then has Bible study tonight. May You give him Your strength and wisdom. Thank You for being My Mender. Amen.

James 4:7; John 16:33; Hebrews 10:30; I John 2:9 - "Create In Me"

The Lord woke me up during the night to pray for those who are bitter in their spirits. I encountered one yesterday who is dealing with bitterness. Her words spat out bitterness in a mighty way. It saddened me as I listened to her. She professes to be a Christian yet the enemy has a foothold in her spirit. As she spoke I prayed for her to find God's peace in her situation. I do not blame her for being upset with the way she was wronged but in basking on her situation she has opened the door for the enemy to play havoc in her life. I was amazed at how many people that I know are dealing with bitterness. The Lord brought up one after another to pray for. It also saddens me to see some people live in bitterness for years and not realize what they are doing to their lives. They are miserable and they make others miserable. I cannot even begin to imagine how God feels in such circumstances. I prayed for...

• a single Mom who is raising her daughter to see how to hold onto a grudge over the father who does not have anything to do with his daughter...I prayed for her to realize she is putting her baggage upon her daughter...I also prayed for her daughter to be able to comprehend a relationship with her Heavenly Father despite not having one with her earthly father
• a woman who was hurt by the church years ago yet continues to hold onto bitterness from the situation...I prayed she would realize how her attitude is not only affecting herself but her family and friends - John 16:33 reads, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take heart; I have overcome the world." (ESV)
• a woman who was hurt by truthful words about herself by family members...I prayed she would realize how her attitude has put a wedge in her family
• a woman who dealt with sexual abuse in multiple family members lives...I prayed for her to realize God is the Ultimate Judge and he will make the offender answer for his actions - Hebrews 10:30 reads, For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." (ESV)
• a woman who cannot conceive...I prayed she would not take her bitterness out on others but instead allow God to heal her heart
• a woman who lost her husband due to adultery...I prayed she would find the Lord's peace after many years
• a single woman who continually seeks relationships with men who are not walking with God only to be hurt...I prayed she would realize her worth in the Lord

As I was praying there were two things that came to my mind. First, all of these ones with bitterness in their heart are all women. I don't know if that is because I am a woman and I pick up on their emotions more or if it is because it is the emotions of women that make them more apt to be bitter. I also thought of so many people in my little world who could be bitter but have chosen to seek God to heal their hurts. Jeremy's Family who could be bitter over the man who took his life; parents who have lost their children; one who was sexually molested multiple times as a child; one fighting cancer with the joy of the Lord flowing from her; and one dealing with a rare disease that is taking away her body functions. These are all believers in Christ. They have the Hope of Him. But the ones He had me praying for also are believers. What is the difference? Why are some bitter while others are not? I believe the answer lies in living completely sold out to Him. There is no place for darkness where there is Light. I John 2:9 reads, "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness" (ESV). I am sure the people I prayed for during the night would say they do not have hatred in them but their actions and words state otherwise. Oh how I pray for each one of these individuals to have their eyes opened up to healing in their spirits so the Lord can fill them with more of Himself.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunity to pray for my sisters during the night. I pray they will feel a stirring in their heart to let go of the bitterness. May You empower them to knock the enemy out of their life. I pray they will exercise the free will You give them to accept Your empowerment. Father, I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I know You told me to go and pray with one of these ladies today and I ask that You pave the way for her to accept my prayers. I pray for boldness in my words but that they will be given and accepted with Your love. Father, I also pray for another dear friend You woke me up to pray for. I do not know what is going on in her life but I do know she depends upon You for her strength. Bless her physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually. Bless our time tonight with the children and teens. Bless Doc's day at work today...encourage his spirit. Thank You Jesus for being My Light. Amen.

Matthew 24:1-14; 25:21 - "All My Hope"

All my hope is in Jesus
Thank God that yesterday's gone
All my sins are forgiven
I've been washed by the blood

These words were going through my mind every time I was awake during the night. Maybe they were because I am anxiously awaiting going to Crowder's concert Friday night. But I think they were because of what I read and then wrote about for school last night. Our study this week is centered around the Day of Judgment. One of the questions I wrote about asked how I felt when I think about the coming day. As a Christ follower I have hope in Him so I am excited as I await His return. But I also need to have an urgency in my spirit for others to come to know Him before He returns. Jesus Himself told the disciples no one will know when He will return but He did give them signs as to when it would occur. In Matthew 24 He spoke of people proclaiming to be Him, nations against one another, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, floods, and famine to be seen in the beginning of the "birth pains." We have already seen all of these. Unfortunately, we also are seeing people turning away from Him and betraying other believers. He continues talking about Christians being persecuted and false prophets being in our midst. It is hard to read of people's love turning cold but once again that is being seen. Verse fourteen is one that is a hard one to understand. Some would say it has already happened through the internet but I do not believe so. I believe there are many places around the world with people who do not have access to the internet. Some of these places have had missionaries go to share the Gospel but I do not think everyone has heard it yet. No matter whether they have or not I believe there are people in my little world who still need to hear the Gospel. I also believe I am not doing enough to share it. I need to get better. I need to be bolder. The Holy Spirit empowers me and I need to accept His empowerment when it comes to sharing the Gospel in a more determined way. On the Day of Judgment I desire to hear the words of Matthew 25:21...

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday. I was so proud of the teens who took the Valentine Day cards to the residents of the nursing homes. The smiles on the participants and the ones receiving the cards were priceless! I enjoyed that time so much! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me. Be my words, actions and attitude today in a bold way. I pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be upon me so people will find You in the midst of their troubles. Please forgive me for not being bolder in sharing You. Lord, I also pray for Doc to have opportunity today to share You with his co-workers and customers. Thank You Jesus for being Our Hope. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18 - "King of My Heart"

Saturday nights...I love how the Lord focuses me on praying for pastors. Last night He didn't give me specific pastors. He told me to pray for 'boldness' for all. Some have a bold message with a weak delivery. Some have a weak message with a bold delivery. I prayed for pastors to not only have a message through words but to have a message through actions. There are some pastors so stressed over life they are missing opportunities the Lord puts before them. There are also pastors who are caught up in numbers and missing people's needs. I prayed for all pastors to be walking in obedience to His will. It seems like that should not even be a prayer that would have to be prayed yet unfortunately it is. It saddens me to think about how the enemy is working in the lives of those in the church. He is not only working in people in the pews but he is working in pastors. I am tired of fighting the enemy yet I know the closer we get to the Lord, the more the enemy will fight us. He does not need to fight against those he already has so he works overtime on those walking in the Lord. We can never give up and allow him to win. We can never quit praying for those who are doing the enemy's work. There are even people within the walls of a church who are doing his work. Some of them knowingly, some do not even realize how he is using them. These days especially people walking in obedience must put on the Lord's full armor daily to stand up against the enemy. 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6

Yes! Verse eighteen is key. We must "pray in the Spirit" at all times. We also must "be alert" to our surroundings. We also must pray for one another. I know there are people praying for us and our ministry. I am grateful for those prayers. I also know I am praying for pastors, spouses and their families as we all continue pressing toward the goal of eternity with Jesus for all who will accept it.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for another opportunity to pray for pastors, their spouses, and their families. Thank You for loving us so greatly as we pursue a walk of obedience for You. Father, I pray You will enable us to fight against the enemy when we feel beaten down. Strengthen us. Cleanse us so You can fill us with more of You. Empower us to be You even when people blatantly are against us. I pray for Your love to flow from our words, actions and attitude throughout this day in a different, new way. May You be the "King of My Heart" today and every day. May You be the boldness in my words. I pray the same for all pastors, their spouses, and their children. I am so grateful for the encouragement You give me. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength! Amen.