Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come To The Table"

I woke up during the night with the words to "Come To The Table" going through my mind. Before I fell back asleep I prayed for people who have never accepted the Lord into their heart to realize the great need to do so. I prayed for people to be around them to share the Gospel with them.

He said 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

I believe many believers shy away from sharing the Gospel because they think someone else will do it. Do we really want to see our family members, friends, neighbors, etc. go to hell just because we put off what God expects us to do? When we go before Him on the Day of Judgement and are asked why we didn't take opportunities He put before us to share Him with others, what will our response be? What excuse will we give? Do we really want His death on the cross to go in vain just because we are 'too busy,' 'too tired,' 'too scared,' etc? I sure do not but yet I know there are times I miss opportunities He puts before me. Sometimes I get distracted and my focus is not 100% on Him. Afterward when He points it out to me I must repent and ask for another chance. I do not deserve another chance yet He gives it. When I fell away from the Lord, I did not deserve for Him to love me back into His arms yet He did. I did not deserve to have the opportunity to become His faithful servant yet that is exactly what happened. I am so grateful for His love, mercy, and grace. I am grateful the words to this song are so true.

To the thief and to the doubter
To the hero and the coward
To the prisoner and the soldier
To the young and to the older
All who hunger, all who thirst
All the last and all the first
All the paupers and the princes
All who fail you've been forgiven
All who dream and all who suffer
All who loved and lost another
All the chained and all the free
All who follow, all who lead
Anyone who's been let down
All the lost you have been found
All who have been labeled right or wrong
To everyone who hears this song

Yes! We are all welcome to His table. I pray today is the day where people on my unsaved prayer list will come into relationship with Him. I pray there will be people to say YES to Him. I also pray for those who are already in relationship with Him yet are hanging onto 'stuff' to say YES to living a life of holiness. I pray they will get to the end of themselves and realize the junk of this world is not worth it. Being in relationship where you not only hear His voice but walk in obedience is where they will be the most blessed. That way of life is not easy. In fact, many times it is harder but the trials are well worth the closeness with our Heavenly Daddy.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. Thank You for having an open table for all. Father, may You cleanse me so You can fill me today so I can be more what You desire of me. May You be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day. Wherever You lead, may I go and be Your servant. Thank You for open eyes, ears and heart for Your will. May more people realize this way of life is the best way. Thank You Jesus for being My Grace. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "Blessings"

Waking up after only five hours of sleep is not my cup of tea until the Lord says 'PRAY' and then I am OK with the situation. He had me praying for those going through a time of transition...

• My friend Carol as their family who visited this week leaves this morning.
• Pastors and their families who have been released from their church and seeking God's will for their next step.
• A couple who lost their first baby after going through several weeks of doctors, hospitals, etc.
• Two Mommas who just brought their first baby home; another Momma who just brought her second one home; another Momma who just brought her third one home a few weeks ago; another Momma who just brought her fourth one home; and another Momma who just brought her sixth one home.
• A non-custodial Momma who just had her two children moved to another state with her ex-husband.
• Military families as they await new orders. Our Tuesday night group will be affected with the loss of four children and one adult if orders come through to leave our area as anticipated.
• Those who have family in Hospice care with the difficult days of saying goodbye.

After praying I thought about how the only reason I have such opportunity is because of Jesus' obedience to His Heavenly Father as He died and rose again. He is the example I strive to follow every day in walking in obedience. He is the reason I have breath to live. Therefore, He is the reason I need to live a life of holiness. I do not want His death and resurrection to go in vain. Therefore, I need to strive to have an open mind, open ears, and an open heart to where He leads me. Sometimes, like this morning, it is not easy but once I do it, I am so blessed. His strength is our strength, when we accept it. His blessings are ours, when we walk with Him.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this opportunity to pray for so many today. Father, I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with You. I pray You will not only hear my prayers but be very near to these I prayed for. Lord, Your will be done is my prayer for not only my life but the lives of others. Thank You for giving Doc a good night's sleep. Be with him today as he works at the store. I pray for opportunities for Him to be a beacon of light to all who walk in the door. Thank You Jesus for being My Prayer Reminder. Amen.

Psalm 30 - "O Lord"

During the night I was awake multiple times with these lyrics going through my head...

"I will stand my ground where hope can be found...
I will stand my ground where hope can be found...
Oh, O'Lord, O'Lord I know You hear my cry...
Your love is lifting me above all the lies..."

Yes! His love is greater than anything we may go through on this earth. There is somebody today who needs to here that 'joy comes in the morning.' When going through tough days, that may seem like are never-ending, we have the Hope of Jesus Christ. David wrote in Psalm 30 about the way God delivered Him. We can be encouraged by David's words. When He called out to God, he was healed in many ways. He finally saw 'the end of his tunnel' in his situation. He received strength from God in a way that could only be from Him. Verse six is key for all to ponder upon. When things are going right in their lives, many think they don't need God. Prayer, communication with God, must be practiced in both the 'good' and the 'bad' times of life. It also must be a two-way street. We must speak but listen. If we don't, we will be unable to hear His voice. If His voice is not heard, we will not be able to walk in obedience to His will. What we think we want in life, may not be what He desires for us. We also may get disheartened with having one thing after another happen but we must remember God has His reasons. Perhaps it is for us to draw closer to Him. Or perhaps it is for someone else to see how we react to opposition. No matter what, He has His reasons. Matthew Henry has some strong words about this passage...

"The Lord, in his favour, has fixed the believer's safety firm as the deep-rooted mountains, but he must expect to meet with temptations and afflictions. When we grow careless, we fall into sin, the Lord hides his face, our comforts droop, and troubles assail us."

We must be willing to walk in obedience to be able to stand-up against opposition. When we do, then we will realize verses eleven and twelve to their fullest...

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Yes! 'Joy will come in the morning' when we cry out to Him! Today I am praying for several who are going through tough days...

• Two awaiting biopsy results
• A family with the sudden loss of their toddler
• My friend Paula with multiple issues requiring therapy; appt. today for pain
• My friend Deb with multiple health issues; strength for her sister Brenda & family
• A dear lady facing radiation
• A man with an alcoholic wife
• Two families in turmoil
• Many families who mourn over loved ones leaving this earth
• Many parents who are praying for their prodigals

So many people who need a touch from the Lord in a mighty way so they can find and/or see His hope and joy.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the joy You give to me! Thank You for giving us Psalm 30 as an example of how You will deliver us through tough situations in life. Father, today is a new day. The birds are singing a great chorus outside. They are rejoicing for the newness of spring. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray my day will be filled with rejoicing, no matter what occurs. I pray the same for Doc as he has a long day today at work. Strengthen him physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually throughout this day. Thank You for the opportunity he had yesterday to explain salvation to one. Lord, may we be beacons of light wherever You put us in this day. Thank You for being My Joy. Amen.

Acts 4; Exodus 9:16 - "When People Pray"

Yesterday proved how important it is to walk in obedience to God. A couple weeks ago I was asked to pray for someone who the doctor was pretty sure had cancer. He was not very optimistic as he scheduled the biopsy. Her daughters were called by the Lord to fast and given scripture from the same prayer book at the same time. Was that a coincidence? No way! Many others were called to pray. The result yesterday was a miracle. God told her and her pastor it was cancer. Was He wrong? No way! He told me to pray 'for her to accept the outcome' which made me think it was cancer. The doctor has never seen anything like it before and argued with the radiologist. His exact words were "it's a miracle!" Wow, God! This shows what happens when people pray and fast. It shows what happens when people will walk in obedience to God. It shows the supernatural power of God coming down into people who will be open to it. In Acts 4 when God showed up it literally was earth shaking. Yesterday with this news there may have been some earth shaking too with everyone's excitement! In Acts they gathered together with the intent purpose of having victory over wicked men. They did not just gather and pray. They prayed expecting the Lord to not only hear their prayers but to answer them. I firmly believe we need to pray expecting Him to hear us. I also firmly believe we need to ask Him for the impossible because He makes things possible. With different ones receiving through prayer this was cancer and then it not being...that is definitely the impossible becoming the possible. We must remember God answers in different ways and not always in our timing. Seventeen months ago there were many praying against cancer in my breast yet it was there. I do not know why it was but I do know who does. God had a reason for it. Perhaps it was to bring one of my doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. into relationship with Him. Or maybe it was to draw me closer to Him. No matter what I know He was and will continue to be glorified through the experience. Every six months when the fear begins to creep in as I go for my mammogram and visit, He is there to give me peace. I feel like I grow a little closer to Him every time. When my Daddy was in His last days and suffering, our prayers were answered by God's mercy coming down upon him and my Momma. People always say when you are going to die, the best way is in your sleep. I think my Daddy had the best way to die. His last hour or so was spent on this earth holding my Momma, talking and encouraging her, and loving on her was a precious gift God gave to both of them. Once again, prayers were answered in God's way and in His time.

We read in Exodus 9 of Moses being told by God to take a message to Pharaoh. Moses didn't want to do it because he knew Pharaoh would not accept it. God encouraged Moses to do it so He would be glorified. He told Moses to go because it was his purpose on this earth. What is my purpose on this earth? Am I fulfilling it in the manner God desires? Am I being the person God designed me to be? Are my prayers being as effective as they could be? Probably not because I do not fast as often as I should. I do a lot of praying but is it enough? This morning I am pondering on what it will take for Doc to be out of pain. Many have been praying for him yet it continues. We have prayed for God's direction on what to do and an appointment has been set for next Tuesday with a neurologist. But what if God would choose to perform a miracle before then? What if people prayed and fasted for his pain to be gone? What if...

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for showing us this miracle yesterday! Thank You for the blessings You give to us as we walk in obedience to You. Father, I am praying for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I am praying for strength in my husband as he went to work on little sleep. Fill his physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual tank to overflowing with all of You. May he feel Your empowerment as he goes through his time at work and then as he leads Bible study tonight. Thank You for being Our Answer to Prayers. Amen.

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call On Jesus"

This week...a time we call 'Holy Week'...a time of remembrance. I think about how Christmas is a time we think of Christ's birth. But shouldn't we be thinking of these events every day? Shouldn't we be praising God for bringing Jesus to this earth with the purpose of dying for our sins and then coming back to life every day? God did not just have Jesus death for those on the earth at that time but for all of mankind from then and for years to come. Easter Sunday will be celebrated by many families as a time to gather together, have a big meal, etc. Is that what it is all about? No. It is a time of celebration of our Savior's return to this earth after His death on the cross. Many family gatherings at Christmas are a time of food and gift giving. Is that what it is all about? No. It is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Just as Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Easter is not about the Easter bunny. Those things are fun things to experience with our children and grandchildren. But they should not be the first thing thing our children think about when it comes to these holidays. If we do not teach them the first and most important aspect of life is God/Jesus, we are not teaching them right. My heart breaks for the children not being taught about a life with Christ. I am still astounded by the 90 percent statistic of children not being in church in our county. No wonder God brought us to Beaufort. We have a love for people, especially children. When children come to church, there is a great chance parents will follow. My prayers this morning are for the people in my little world to realize God/Jesus must be first in their lives. I also am praying for some people going through some very dark days...

• a lady whose father was recently put into Hospice care; her brother went in to have a leg amputated and quit breathing before the surgery started; intubated and now in ICU
• a lady who is awaiting biopsy for both her mother and sister; an aunt diagnosed with throat cancer last week; another aunt was found unresponsive and in ICU
• Sue (a pastor's wife) who was in a serious car accident; multiple broken bones including back and neck; has gone through one surgery; financial concerns with her unable to work

These are some very dark days for the ones but I praise the Lord they know Him and are leaning on His strength. I praise Him for being their Hope in this time of darkness. May they draw closer to Him through these days.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving us so greatly that You walked in obedience to the cross. Thank You for being the example we are to follow in how to be obedience to our Heavenly Father. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. The desire of my heart is for You to ooze out of me today so all who see/hear me will see/hear You. Lord, there are some dark days for so many people right now. I pray Your strength over them. I also pray for Your strength for Doc as he went to work today. Thank You for His full night of sleep. Give him Your mental, emotional, physical, and most of all spiritual strength as he works today and then has the teens tonight. Thank You Jesus for being Our Savior. Amen.

Ephesians 6, 1:13-14; II Corinthians 5:21; II Timothy 1:12; Deuteronomy 31:8, 532-33; Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Battles"

A night of little sleep makes for a tough day but it also makes for more opportunities to pray. I normally pray for others but last night as I heard my husband walking around and I had already been awake multiple times I knew I needed to pray for ourselves. This attack is fierce and just won't let go. On one hand, I am thankful to know the enemy does not like the strides we are making in God's Kingdom but on the other hand we are so worn down. I prayed the Ephesians 6 Armor of God over us from the tip of our head to the tip of our toes.

• helmet of salvation...I prayed for His salvation to continue to protect our minds. I asked Him to put a wall of protection around our minds as we continue to fight off the enemy. I am reminded of Ephesians 1:13-14 where we are told we "...were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit..." May the enemy see this and flee. 
• breastplate of righteousness...I prayed for protection over our hearts. II Corinthians 5:21 tells us the righteousness that guards our hearts is His. I prayed we would stay on this walk of obedience without falling.
• shield of faith...I prayed for our faith to grow stronger instead of weakening. II Timothy 1:12 gives me hope to press on. "...for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."
• belt of truth...I prayed for this to keep us on the right path. I prayed we would not listen to the lies of satan but instead stay sold out to God.
• sword of the spirit...I prayed for both of us to stay in His Word so we can use it in our offense to these attacks. May His empowerment come through both His written word and His spoken word to us.
• footwear of the Gospel...God has called us here for a purpose. I prayed we will continue with the task He has put before us.
• prayer...without communication with God I would be lost. I prayed for Him to enable us to keep those lines open at all times.

He could stop these attacks at any time yet He has not yet done so. He has a reason and we do not have to know what that is but we do have to continue walking in obedience to Him. This morning He gave me Deuteronomy 31:8 to hold close to my heart throughout this day.

The next time I woke up I thought about the 'dark times' we have been through that Doc talked about in his sermon. There have been many over the last twenty-eight years of our marriage but it seems many have occurred in the last few. I then started praying for people who are going through 'dark times' right now...may they know His love and peace...

• Jeremy's family with the hearing today for the man who caused the accident Jeremy was killed in.
• A family with a mother and daughter both awaiting biopsies.
• An thirty-seven year old alcoholic and his family who has both great physical and spiritual needs. 
• Charlie who woke up Saturday to find his dear wife Laura had passed during the night.
• A family in turmoil who need God to intervene so restoration can occur.
• A woman who needs protection...physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• A woman who needs to seek the Lord for His direction in her marriage.

There are so many hurting people in this world. Some are due to decisions they have made while others are hurting from decisions others have made. Some know the Lord while others do not. I prayed during the night for those who need to ask Him into their heart to have someone speak Life to them. I also prayed for more believers to get to the end of themselves and allow God full control. I prayed for believers who are going through attacks from the enemy to stay strong in their faith and trust God to get them through. I thought of what Doc said at the end of the sermon yesterday, "It all comes down to have a faith that trusts." Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean on on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." 

After praying during the night He reminded me of the greatest commandment He gave to all of us. We are to love Him, our neighbor, and ourselves. I did not quite know why He gave me these but as I pondered upon it I realized we must continue to love Him with all we are. As we do, His love will shine through to all we meet. He then gave me Deuteronomy 5:32-33 to hold close to...

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being My Strength in times of attack by the enemy. Thank You for loving us so greatly that You never leave us. Father, cleanse me today of anything not of You so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray rest for Doc today. I pray for a filling in his physical, mental, emotional and most of all spiritual tank. I pray the same for those going through 'dark times' right now. Lord, may Your love ooze out of all believers today that will make a difference in people's lives. May Your love be what brings people to their knees for salvation today. May Your love be what opens people's eyes to walking a life of obedience. May Your love be the soothing balm on the hurts of many lives today. Thank You Jesus for being My Armor of Protection. Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Your Love Defends Me"

Another Saturday night of praying for pastors. I wish God would wake me without me being in pain to do it. Whatever it takes, I am His obedient servant. Last night He had me pray for pastors to be bold with their sermons so people would not only hear what was said but come to the end of themselves in the process. He also had me pray for pastors who do not have altar calls at the end of the sermon to realize the importance of them. He then had me pray for pastors on the road being the love of Jesus to people all over this country instead of in their own church. He had me pray specifically for Dan Bohi and his team; Chad and Brooke Seabright; and Micheal Adams. He had me pray for Corey Jones and Rob McCorkle who have churches yet do so much traveling. I am sure I know of others but these were the ones He brought to my mind. He had me pray for not only them and their efforts but their families who sacrifice so much for the spread of the Gospel. He had me pray for their physical, mental, emotional, financial and most of all their spiritual beings to be strengthened.  I fell asleep and woke up an hour later to pray for my husband for physical strength. He told me he works so hard yet he needs to rely more on His strength and not his own. He needs to allow Him to work in His time in the current situation. As He had me praying, I also prayed for my husband to be open to these words of God. Once again I fell asleep and three hours later He woke me to pray for a pastor caught up in pornography. He had me pray for people who love Him to love on this pastor to break the chain of this addiction. He also had me pray for his family who need support from others. He then had me pray for a man who has been called to be a pastor yet allowed fear to stop him. The enemy got a foothold and his family is now torn apart. He had me pray for reconciliation between this man and Himself so there can be reconciliation with him and his wife. Another Saturday night of praying for pastors. I love the way He uses me. I do not always like the things revealed but I am grateful He trusts me to pray for people.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace that enables me to be Your praying servant. Thank You for the way You provide strength in mighty ways. Thank You for the little girl who asked me what the Easter story was yesterday at the egg hunt. Thank You for Rhonda's servant heart that gives so much. Thank You for cleansing me again today so You can fill me. The desire of my heart is to be Your love in a human form. I pray Your words, actions, and attitude will ooze out of me today in a different, new way. Lord, I know You have heard the prayers of many for an unspoken situation I have. I pray You will bless those prayers and provide protection. I pray for Charlie and his family today as they wake up without Laura. May You be their soothing balm. Lord, I have no idea what is ahead in this day but I do know You have control and I am thankful for that. Thank You for being The One To Defend Me. Amen.

Matthew 6:6, 7:7; Colossians 3:23; Philippians 4:13; I Thessalonians 5:17 - "Jesus Loves Me"

When the Lord woke me up at 3AM to pray for a specific pastor, my first thought was "is it Saturday night?" It seems like every Saturday night He has me pray for pastors. I'm not sure why but this particular pastor is one He has me pray for frequently. I am not in his little world so I do not know what is happening with him but I do know God desires me to pray for him so I do. Last night was not anything specific other than for him to remember God loves him greatly. That seems kind of silly to pray for a believer but yet as I think about praying for a pastor I understand the discouragement that comes with ministering. There are times where you feel like you just can't do anything right. It is then we must remember the words of Paul in Colossians 3:23. There are times we feel like we can't go on physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and sometimes even spiritually. That is when we must remember the words of Paul in Philippians 4:13. There are times where it seems like no matter how hard we try to accomplish things; no matter how patient we are; no matter how we strive to walk in obedience...there are still closed doors. We need to remember the things He wants accomplished will be done in His time. Most of all we need to remember Jesus' words in the book of Matthew...

When we lead a Matthew 6:6 life, we will also have a Matthew 7:7 life. Prayer is key to walking in obedience to Him. It is key in knowing what He desires of us. Prayer is the ultimate communication needed in everyone's life. Without it, there is no communication with our Heavenly Father. It cannot be just when you need something but it needs to be continual. Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually." He also tells us to rejoice and to give thanks to the Lord. That is all a part of pray. We cannot just ask, ask, ask but instead need to give him our thanks and listen for His response to our petitions. There is no better place than to be in communion with my Heavenly Daddy. He encourages me, He shows His love to me, He gives me direction...He communicates with me. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the privilege to pray for this pastor last night. Oh how I pray He feels Your love in abundance throughout this day. I pray for those who are struggling to feel Your love in a different, new way. I pray for blessings upon Your people who strive to walk in obedience to You. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. May You be my words, actions and attitude throughout this day. I pray for an abundance of physical strength for Doc today. I pray for You to be so very real to him throughout this day. I also pray for the three ladies awaiting biopsy results to have Your peace, no matter what the outcome. Thank You Jesus for being My Communicator. Amen.

Psalm 37:4 - "Reckless Love"

As I was praying this morning and talking to God about many things I would love to see happen I was reminded of Psalm 37:4. The thing I must remember is things that are in His will, will happen in His time. I will continue praying for...

• a cure for such things as MS, diabetes, cancer, immune suppressant disease, etc.
• a renewal of strength in my husband's physical, mental and emotional bodies
• building permits to be granted so the rehab can get on its way with the church
• fatigue to go away so I can function 'normal'
• restoration in relationships
• protection over babies in the womb
• my boys, their ladies and the grand babies to know how much I love them even though we are separated by miles
• two awaiting biopsy results
• people who need to say "YES" and allow God full reign of their lives
• continued financial strength as we walk in His will...praise His Holy Name He always provides...grateful for the answer to prayers with the house taxes
• continued strength for my cousins today with their Momma's memorial service tonight
• those who are lonely to feel loved with Jesus' love
• those with marital issues to look to God for His direction and love
• answers for the one with a doctor appointment today
• a pain-free day for one with back issues; a cough-free day for my sister and her husband
• open eyes for ones who need to accept Him into their heart 

I am so grateful God never gave up on me, even when I strayed. I love the words to "Reckless Love." He left the ninety-nine to pull me back into the flock. He loves me so greatly and I know He has call upon my life. I am so grateful.

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it
Still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminder You gave me that my prayers must be aligned with Your will and they will be answered in Your time. Thank You for the opportunities You provided yesterday for people to see/hear You through me. I don't know if I will leave the house today but if I do I pray opportunities will be fulfilled. Cleanse me so You can fill me. Be my words, actions, and attitude. I pray for Doc today to have Your strength. I pray for him in the days ahead as his schedule has changed and will be more physically challenging. I pray for Your wisdom as I finish out my school week. I also ask for time for Doc and I to spend together without physical issues such as fatigue and aches/pains. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Answer My Prayers. Amen.

Isaiah 58:6-8 - "Press On"

Thursdays have a different meaning to different people. Some look at Thursday as having only one more day before the weekend. Little Eli dreads Thursday because of having 'b-o-r-i-n-g music class'! In our church it is a day of corporate prayer and fasting. I'm not sure how many participate but it is suggested as a means to draw closer to God as we pray for His will in our church. Some can't fast food so they fast internet, social media, TV, etc. Or they will fast one meal. No matter what they do, both them and God are blessed in their efforts. My eyes were opened Sunday when Doc preached on Isaiah 58:6-8. I have heard of the Daniel fast and have participated in an Esther fast. I just did not realize there are so many other types of fasts and all nine are found in these two verses of Isaiah. Matthew 6:16-18 tells us when we fast we shouldn't boast about it but allow only God to know what you are doing. "...and your Father; who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Woo hoo! He loves to draw closer to us and fasting is a tool to accomplish such closeness.

• Disciple's Fast - designed for people who desire to be loosed from the chains of injustice (vs 6)
• Ezra Fast - when one humbles themselves before God and heavy burdens are released (vs 6)
• Samuel Fast - brings liberty to the oppressed (vs 6)
• Elijah Fast - breaks every yoke in your life; Elijah was strengthened to be able to hear God's voice in I Kings 19:8 (vs 6)
• The Widow's Fast - designed as a means of meeting the humanitarian needs of others (vs 7)
• Saint Paul's Fast - designed to gain insight in the process of making important decisions (vs 8)
• Daniel Fast - improves health and/or gains healing (vs 8)
• John the Baptist Fast - designed to enhance your testimony and influence for Jesus (vs 8)
• Esther Fast - designed to protect us from the evil one; always three days (vs 8)

When we take our focus off of 'things' or food, we can focus better on God. There are many things in this world to distract us. We have to be aware at all times of them so they do not pull us away from what God desires. He gives us free choice and we must exercise it in the right manner to stay close in relationship with Him. I remember the days prior to coming to South Carolina with Saint Paul's Fast being involved. We did not want to do anything out of God's will and the best way of knowing His will is through prayer and fasting.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Thursdays. Thank You for the way You blessed our times of prayer and fasting. Thank You for the way You were so real to me yesterday. Thank You for always being here for me. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit today so I can have Your words, actions and attitude in my spirit. May You show through me in a different, new way. I praise Your Holy Name for who You are in my life. Bless my efforts today to be more like You. Thank You Jesus for being My Focus. Amen.

Matthew 21:9 - "Hosanna"

Last night as I was teaching the children about Palm Sunday I wondered if there were some who would have a problem with grasping the meaning of 'Hosanna.' I do not know what they live with or if they can truly praise the Lord. I thought about how some may live in homes of turmoil. Could their little minds grasp the fact that when we praise Him it helps us through tough times? Could they begin to understand when we praise Him it knocks the enemy down? If they have an earthly Father who is abusive, could they have a relationship with their Heavenly Father who loves them so greatly? All of these things went through my mind. The more I thought about them, the more I became determined to teach them about Jesus. He loves us more than anyone else ever could. He loves us unconditionally. His love is a different kind of love than we can receive from someone else. People do not deserve our praise the way He does. People will hurt us but He never will. People will let us down but He never will. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for these children You have put into my life. Thank You for the opportunities to love on them with Your love. I pray they can comprehend Your love and see how You love them no matter what is happening in their little world. May I have opportunity to be You to them in a way that will make You real to them. Father, cleanse me so my actions, words, and attitude are Yours. Fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for physical, mental, and emotional strength for Doc today in the workplace. May He feel Your empowerment. Thank You Jesus for being My Hosanna! Amen.

Psalm 19:14 - "Words"

I started a new journey last night with a group of five other ladies. It is the "Unglued" study by Lysa Terkeurst. It is a study about realizing what comes out of your mouth when you are offended, hurt, etc. Everyone becomes 'unglued' from time to time. People know how to push our buttons. Sometimes it is the people we are closest too that do it. Many times they are the ones we become 'unglued' on. Many times the reason we become 'unglued' is due to lack of communication within our relationships. Lysa challenges all to find imperfect progress as we seek to understand our emotions better and how to Biblically handle them. I am looking forward to this study. I also was blessed in the way God used laughter last night with my friends to soothe this hurting soul. I am tired of not feeling 'right' and last night encouraged my heart. I praise His Holy Name for providing a great day of encouragement yesterday. My time with Amy in the morning, my time with Carol in the afternoon, and then our group last night were all a blessing.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Nancy leading our "Unglued" study. I pray all of us will benefit from it as we seek more of You. I also thank You for the time with friends yesterday. I thank You for the way You love me so greatly. May You cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing so You can use me to be a beacon of light in my little world. May You continue to be my words, actions, and attitude in a mighty way. I thank You for the biopsy of one yesterday and the biopsy of her daughter today. I pray a continual strength in this family as they go through these tough times. Today is a full day with school and getting ready for tonight's children and teen activities. I pray not only for physical strength but emotional and mental strength. I pray You will keep my focus on You so I do not miss any opportunity You put before me. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

James 5:16 - "Reckless Love"

Yesterday was a day of receiving one prayer request after another. There are so many people hurting. Some are from decisions they have made themselves, others are from decisions made by others, and others are just because of life issues. I am praying for the Lord's will in all these circumstances but especially praying for some of the circumstances where people are not in relationship with Him...

• family with the death of my aunt so soon after the sudden death of her son
• father/husband traveling for work this week
• a family with relationship issues
• a lady having a biopsy today; her daughter having a biopsy tomorrow - strength for the family members
• newlyweds as they adjust to their new marriage
• a husband and children as they deal with the wife/mother's alcoholism
• a lady with multiple health issues who is facing multiple surgeries
• a young wife/mother who lost her husband yesterday due to a heart attack
• a couple in turmoil and separated; another couple talking of divorce
• a couple who have drifted apart after many years of marriage
• a couple dealing with a high risk pregnancy and nearing the end of the first trimester
• a man with prostate cancer
• a man dealing with difficult situations in the workplace
• a wife/mother feeling inadequate

Father, I pray these people will draw into a relationship with You that will make a difference in their life. I pray they will seek You in a different, new way. May You be so real to them. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Lord, there are so many who need to let go of self so they can walk in obedience to You. May I be a beacon of light in my little world so people will see You through me. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Everything. Amen.

Colossians 3:23-24 - "Carry Me"

During the night the Lord had me pray for pastors to listen to Him during their sermon. He told me to pray they would allow Him "to take them off their script so My words would be spoken." He then had me pray for women who are pastors. There are many who are hurting and their hurt is getting in the way of the ministry He has for them. He told me to pray for them to not take things people say personally because their words are an open door for the enemy. I do not understand why some women have such a hard time with pastoring. Maybe I am just naive. Or maybe because I am not a lead pastor I do not get ridiculed the way many say they have. I don't know what it is but I do know I have been in many conversations with pastors who are ladies that are upsetting. God told me He was hurt over the words spoken in such conversations. He also reminded me of the words of Paul in Colossians 3:23-24. I remember when we first went to Willard and I was trying to do everything anyone wanted. He gave me this Scripture to ponder upon and told me He is the only One I am to please. If doing that, others are pleased that is fine but people should not be in control of my life. He is the Only One for that position. He had me pray for pastors who need reminded that He is the One who called them.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the privilege to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are vocationally called into ministry. Thank You that I have not struggled as some of my sisters have in ministry. Thank You for loving me so much that You encourage me with words such as in Colossians 3:23-24. Father, I desire to serve You and only You. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May you ooze out of me today in a different, new way. Father, I ask for physical strength as once again I had little sleep. I ask for a physical healing in my arm from this pain that is so intense. Most of all I ask that neither of these situations will take my focus off of You. Thank You Jesus for being My Carrier. Amen.

James 1:2-4 "Old Church Choir"

Last night after laying awake for a long time I asked the Lord if there was someone I was to pray for. He had me pray for two pastors for 'wisdom' and then had me share it with them. I remember a few years ago I would have fretted over telling someone what the Lord had me pray for them. I am so thankful those days are over. I am grateful for the way He has me walking in obedience to His will. After I prayed for them He had me pray for a young man whose wife left him. He was raised in the church but has been away from God for several years. God used this trying time in his life to speak to Him. I prayed he would take the questions he has and turn them into a relationship with God. I prayed for there to be loving believers to go beside him and love on him with Jesus' love. He then had me pray for many who are pregnant or just given birth.

• the young mother in her last days of pregnancy
• the mother who just found out she is having a girl
• the mother with a high risk pregnancy who is nearing the end of the first trimester
• the mother who had her third about six weeks ago
• Emily with Baby Weston
• the woman who continues to try to have a baby but it has not been God's time
• the couple awaiting the birth of their third one and another couple awaiting the birth of their 'surprise' next month

So many people were brought to my mind to pray for. After I prayed and felt like I was done praying I still could not go to sleep. I prayed for the Lord to give me sleep but it still did not happen. I once again asked Him to take care of my medication issue. I don't understand why there seems to be adversity in almost every area of our life. Yesterday when Doc was in pain he commented how it seemed like there was always an issue in his physical body. I don't understand but I do know the attacks are real. I thought of James 1:2-4 and prayed for God to continue to strengthen us and to enable us to keep our joy. I then thought of the words of my classmate yesterday...

"We need people to help us keep the enemy at bay. I heard a sermon the other day and the pastor said that when Satan gets you one on one he has got you. He starts whispering things in your ear that cause self-doubt, anger, jealousy, etc. When we have Jesus and our community of faith we are able to fight off Satan's whispers."

I am grateful for people who pray for us and encourage us. There are times I get to the point of not knowing how to pray but that's OK. God doesn't need our words. He just needs our love.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for so many last night. I pray my prayers will be blessed. I also pray for physical strength today as I am functioning on less than five hours of sleep. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. I pray there will be no distractions today that will make me miss what You desire of me. Keep my focus intently on You so I will see what You desire of me. I pray for open doors with my words, actions and attitude today. Thank You Jesus for being My Joy. Amen.

Revelation 5:5-9 - "Lion and The Lamb"

I woke up this morning with a song Big Daddy Weave sings going through my mind....

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

Wow! God is so awesome in the way He is everything for us. He is a 'Lion' in the way He protects us yet as Jesus He is a 'Lamb' in the way He died for us. I can't even imagine what life on this earth would look like with everyone bowing before Him. I said yesterday something along the lines that I was so ready for His return. The person I was talking to said, "Oh no...not yet!" I desire for His return so much yet there are still many not ready for it. When the person said this, I thought about how I need to get better sharing Him with people. I need to be ready for opportunities He puts before me and then run with them. I need to be praying more for souls to be saved. I do not want Jesus' death to go for naught. I desire to honor Him through my obedience. He was the sacrificial Lamb who took away my sins. He also is the Lion who conquers the enemies who go against me every day. Oh how I wish more people would be in relationship with Him so they could see Him as their Lion and Lamb. I pray more people would realize just what it means to live a life of obedience to Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for this song this morning that reminds me of the aspect of You being my Lion in the way You protect me from my enemies and the way You are my Lamb in that You sacrificed Yourself for me. Thank You for the opportunities to be Your hands and feet yesterday. Thank You for the opportunities ahead in this day. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me. Love on me with Your love in such a way that it oozes out of me. Be my words, actions, and attitude today wherever You lead me. Father, give me boldness in my words so people will have no doubt You are the One in control of my life. Thank You Jesus for being My Lion and My Lamb. Amen.

Psalm 46:10 - "Still"

I love when the Lord gives me an encouraging dream. Last night I dreamt I was in a church service filled with people. The majority of them were worshiping the Lord with singing, dancing, etc. They appeared to be expressing their love for the Lord without even realizing there were others around them. The room was full of different races and ages of people. It was an encouragement because it was a room I've never been in with people I did not recognize. I could have been discouraged because I was unable to stand due to a MS exacerbation but instead I was content to be a part of such a service. I thought of how the Lord has used previous exacerbations to open my eyes to things and take me deeper. I wondered if that was the purpose of this exacerbation. I also thought about how a friend told me God told her to 'sit' in a particular situation she is dealing with. Sometimes we must be stilled in order to receive what He has for us. I think of Psalm 46:10 which tells us when we are still, He will be exalted. We cannot manipulate our circumstances to have things the way we desire or in the timing we think should happen. Instead we need to allow God to work in and through us through them. We cannot hurry things along. If we do, it will give the enemy an open door. We cannot get upset with God but instead need to allow Him to open doors that need opened and to close ones that need closed. He is the Almighty who knows what is best for us. We just need to 'be still' and enjoy the days He has for us.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the encouragement of this dream. Father, it is so hard to be in the place we are but I know we are where You have called us to be. Dreams such as this one from last night, a phone call from a friend this morning, Tuesday night children and teen activities, time with 'my boys' throughout the week...all of these things encourage my heart in a big way. Thank You! Lord, I continue to pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I know that is the only way You will be able to use me as You desire. I pray for physical and emotional strength for Doc today at work. I pray You will be so very real to him in days like today. I pray for friends who are going through tough days. May they realize the concept of being still and allowing You to work in and through them. I also praise You for the good report from Megan's surgery yesterday. Father, once again I pray for Your words, actions, and attitude to be mine today. Thank You Jesus for being My Stillness. Amen.

Hebrews 12:4-11 - "Cry In My Heart"

This morning the Lord took me back to Hebrews 12. I love the encouragement this chapter gives. As I read it, I stopped at verses four through eleven. It brought to my mind a conversation I had a few days ago with a lady who questioned God's love. She said something along the lines that she could not understand how God could truly love us when He allowed things to happen to cause us pain. I explained He loves us so much that He allows pain to occur so we will grow in our relationship with Him. It is just like when our earthly parents allow us to make decisions knowing they are not the best but also knowing we will learn from them. Or when they discipline us knowing it will cause pain yet knowing there is a lesson for us to learn through the process. If God nor our earthly parents didn't love us, they wouldn't discipline us. We must embrace discipline and learn from it. I love the last part of this section of Scripture. It reads, "...for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God." That is where I desire to find myself. Mature in my relationship with Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of this Scripture this morning to stay in training with You. Earlier in it Paul wrote about You and how we are to "Study how he did it." You walked in obedience to Your Heavenly Father as an example for all to follow. I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of Your Holy Spirit. I desire to be living out Your will. I also know that means You discipling me. I will embrace Your discipline so I can grow from it. Father, I pray the words I spoke to this one about Your discipline sunk in. Thank You for giving me Your words in this situation. Lord, may more people embrace Your discipline so they can grow in relationship with You. Father, would You give me Your words this morning as I go to visit this one who is ill? Would You ooze out of me in a mighty way? Would You keep my focus on You so I can be a beacon of light throughout this day? Father, I pray You will prepare his heart to be open to You. Thank You Jesus for being My Discipliner. Amen.