Philippians 4:12 - "Good, Good Father"

Yesterday our Sunday School lesson was on Elijah and the widow. When Elijah asked the widow for something to eat, she told him she was getting sticks to make a fire for a last meal for her and her son. He told her to go home and make it but bring him a loaf of bread first. He told her the Lord would provide. She was obedient and the Lord provided just as he said He would. Even after making the bread there was still flour and oil. Later her son quit breathing and Elijah brought him back to life. The widow replied, "Now I know you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth" (I Kings 17:24). As we were discussing this story I was reminded of how the Lord has provided recently in my life. As I was driving home from the ministry assessment and so tired the gas tank was down to a quarter of a tank and I was an hour from home. When I was talking to Doc, he said to not let it get too low. I cried out to God with something like, "O God can't you just keep the gauge from moving? I am so tired and do not think I have the energy to stop. I really just want to get home before dark." The gauge did not move that entire hour and the farther I drove, I became refreshed in my spirit from watching it. Another instance was just a few days ago where within an hour of a discussion we had about finances the Lord provided an opportunity. I am reminded of the time where I made a phone call to the pastor asking for prayer when Doc lost his job. The pastor's response was "you need to tithe." I thought he was crazy. We were not going to have the money to pay our bills, let alone give to the church. But tithing isn't about giving to the church. It is about giving to God. We started tithing that next Sunday and God provided for all of our needs without any bills being missed. I have prayed before for the Lord to stretch the food in the cupboards/freezer/fridge and He has. We were talking in class yesterday about how it can be hard for people to ask others for help or even to accept help. When I was growing up, there were hundreds of times people brought in meals, groceries, etc. when Mom and/or Dad were sick or hospitalized. We had people who took them to appointments when the other one was not available, cleaned the house, etc. When they were healthy, they did the same for others. It was the way I was raised. Doc, on the other hand, never had such circumstances so it is harder for him to accept help. God provides what we need, when we need it. Sometimes it comes in a miracle such as my gas gauge not moving. Sometimes it comes through people who want to love on you. The 'secret' to living this type of life comes in trusting Him and living in a deep faith atmosphere. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for providing my needs and even sometimes my wants. Thank You for giving me the desire in my heart to crave more of You. I pray today will be one of great insight as I do my schoolwork. I so enjoy studying Paul. I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me up with more of Yourself. Thank You for being my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I pray for safe travels for Tim today. I also praise You for the fun time we had yesterday with Campbell's. Thank You for providing that event through the drawing. Father, I continue to pray for a family in turmoil to find resolve through You. I also pray for a a situation in another relationship and protection over another. Lord, You are so awesome and I praise You for all the ways You work in and through me. Thank You for being My Provider. Amen.

Psalm 89 - "Our Confidence Is In The Lord"

The Lord has me praying for those pastoring churches to be "confident in their spirit." This included lead pastors, youth pastors, administrative pastors, family pastors, children pastors...all pastors. He had me pray for them "to be more forward with their testimony as they spread the Gospel." He took me to Psalm 89 and stopped me at verses fifteen through eighteen. This Psalm is about His covenant with David as He showed mercy on him. These three verses in particular show how one lives when they live with Him. When one totally surrenders their being to God, life is different. They are content with whatever happens because they know they have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry writes:

Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people; whereas unbelief dispirits ourselves and discourages others. Though it steals upon us under a semblance of humility, yet it is the very essence of pride. Christ is the Holy One of Israel; and in him was that peculiar people more blessed than in any other blessing.

Yes! I desire to be known as a 'peculiar' person! But if I am not spreading the Gospel as I am commanded to do I cannot be known as 'peculiar'! If I am not being bold in my spirit sharing Him with all I meet, I am not being 'peculiar' at all. If I am not loving on people with His love, there is no way I am being 'peculiar'! What does it take to be 'peculiar'? It takes being confident in my spirit so I will be forward with my testimony. It also takes sharing the Gospel. I am praying this for myself along with all pastors as we share Him to all we meet.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the privilege of praying for pastors. Saturday night is one of my favorite times of the week. What a joy it is to know You trust me with this task. There was no one specifically last night to pray for, just all pastors. Lord, may we all be confident in our spirits and more forward with our testimony as we love on people with Your love. I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me so You will ooze out of me in a mighty way. Be my words, actions, and attitude so people see/hear You through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Confidence. Amen.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "When We Pray"

I saw this saying yesterday and it made me smile. "Pray so big and so often that when God meets you at Heaven's gate, He says with a smile, 'Kid, you kept me very busy.'" I thought, 'Yes! This is exactly what I desire!' I do pray often. I like what Paul says in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. He tells us to rejoice, pray continually, and be thankful. These three things are so easy to do when walking a road of obedience. I am so blessed to be joyful even in the midst of trials because of His strength. Prayer is my communication with God throughout every day He gives me on this earth. I am forever grateful to Him for being with me on 'good' and 'bad' days. The Lord woke me up with these words going through my mind this morning...

All the world starts changing
When the church starts praying
Strongholds start to break
Oh, when we pray
Prison walls start shaking
At the sound of praising
Nothing stays the same
Oh, when we pray
Oh, when we pray, oh

What would happen if everyone followed Paul's words? What would our world look like? God would be so excited! I know there are people who say prayer doesn't work but I know otherwise. I also know prayer is not to benefit God but it is to benefit people. As we pray and we see results, our faith is strengthened. It is also strengthened as God makes us wait on answers. Another way it is strengthened is when we pray, He answers in a different way than expected but then we see in the end His answer was perfect. This week answers to prayers were realized in many ways. Doc had minimal surgery pain; the doctor told my Momma she is getting stronger; He gave me physical strength through some tough days; there was no cancer found in Nada's lymph nodes. He also answered some prayers in ways I did not ask for nor really desire. The phone call saying there would be no pay while Doc is off from Sherwin Williams was not what we wanted to hear yet I look forward to seeing how God will be glorified through it. 

The deepest prayers I send up are for the spiritual needs of people. I do not want to see anyone go to hell. I pray for people to come to the end of themselves not only for salvation but for sanctification. I pray for rejoicing in heaven and on this earth to occur as people come into relationship with Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the answers to prayers this week. I praise You for the ones I expected and the ones I didn't expect. I praise You for listening to me throughout the day and sometimes the night with petitions and praises. Lord, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can work in and through me in a new, different way today. I pray for people who need your touch so greatly in their lives. I pray for pastors who are tweaking their sermons today. May they listen to You. I pray for people who will be going to church tomorrow to have openness in their spirits to what You desire for them to receive. I pray for people who have no plans to go to church to have someone say something or something happen to change their minds. Lord, go before me today and be my words, actions, and attitude. Ooze out of me in a way people will know You are who I live for. Thank You Jesus for being My Answer to Prayer. Amen.

Psalm 51:10-12 - "Come To The Table"

Once again this morning the words to "Come To The Table" are on my mind...

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

The Lord also has me back in reading Psalm 51. He stopped me at verse ten...

God wants to do this in all, not just some. The desire of His heart is for all to not only come to Him for salvation but to take the next step to entire sanctification. Many people stop at salvation and never realize the joy of living a life totally committed to Him. Some have not been taught while others just refuse. Some are selfish in wanting to hold onto 'stuff' that is 'important' to them. They have not come to the end of themselves. It is those people who think they can handle life on their own. If only they would realize their life, and every aspect of it, is in God's hands. David continued after verse ten with these words:

Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

David prayed for "a willing spirit" which is what it takes to be sanctified wholly unto the Lord. One must be willing to do whatever He asks, go wherever He sends, speak with whatever He gives them...everything the Lord gives them when they are sanctified. It really is not hard to do because just as David prayed, when one prays for a willing spirit, God provides. The desire of my heart is to live in His will. That means walking a road of obedience. I think back on my teen years where I would rebel against what my parents told me to do or not do. Sometimes I struggled with walking down the path they desired. I am grateful that spirit of rebellion was removed from me. This morning I am praying for more people to get to the end of themselves and allow the Lord to have control of their lives.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly that You not only save me but You sanctify me. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I pray for more of You to ooze out of me so people will see/hear You instead of me. Lord, be greater! Thank You for the way Doc's pain has been minimal. Thank You for being with us during these days that are different. Thank You for healing my Momma and giving her strength. Thank You for Marlene's surgery being successful. I pray for Your strength to be her strength as she deals with intense pain. Thank You Jesus for being My Sanctifier. Amen.

Psalm 51 - "My Victory"

I woke up with these words going through my mind...

Oh, Your love bled for me
Oh, Your blood in crimson streams
Oh, Your death is hell's defeat
A cross meant to kill is my victory

I asked God where to go for my Bible reading and He took me to Psalm 51. How appropriate with the song He gave me! David is crying out in prayer for God's love, mercy and grace in this Psalm. He pleads with Him to forgive him of the sins he committed against the Father. He realizes God knows all and sees all. Therefore, God knows what he has done. He not only prays for God to forgive him but he also prays for God to empower him to lead others down the path of righteousness. This Psalm is one we all need to cry out to God with. We need His love, mercy, and grace to cleanse us of our sins. There is a part in The Message of this chapter that reads:

God, make a fresh start in me,
    shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don’t throw me out with the trash,
    or fail to breathe holiness in me.

Yes! What a wonderful picture these words give. David is asking God to give him a new start, "a Genesis..." He also is asking Him to "breathe holiness..." in him. Wow! No one has to stay in the pits of hell. Everyone has the opportunity to be renewed in their spirit. All it takes is crying out to God. The lyrics to "The Victory" continue...

Behold the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin, who takes away our sin
The holy Lamb of God
Makes us alive again
Makes us alive again

He is ready to make all "alive again" at any time. He is ready and desires all to be ready to accept His salvation. He also is ready for all to accept His sanctification. A person who turns everything back to Him is one who is sold-out to Him. Their life is one of sacrifice. His will and ways are what they live out. When they do, they will worship Him in a new way. In The Message verses sixteen and seventeen read:

Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
    a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
    when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
    don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.

He desires our authentic worship. It can only happen when we are walking in obedience to His will.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Thank You for the way You give strength and peace in difficult days. Thank You for being so very real. I praise You for working through the doctor yesterday with Doc's surgery. I praise You for working through the medicine that is healing my Momma. I praise You for the ten hours of sleep last night. There are so many things to praise You for but most of all I praise You for Your sanctifying power that enables me to walk the road of obedience. Lord, continue to cleanse me so You can fill me. I pray for the continuation of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in my life. Woo hoo! You are so awesome in the way You encourage me! Thank You seems inadequate words for the way I feel. Thank You Jesus for being My Cleanser and Filler! Amen.

Proverbs 31:25 - "Freedom Hymn"

I know I should not be amazed at how our Heavenly Father works but sometimes He blows me away. I took Doc in for his surgery this morning and one of the first things that had to be taken care of was the financial aspect. Our part of the bill for the surgery center itself was over nine hundred dollars. We were told we could make payments but in finding out that amount and 1/3 or 1/2 had to be paid today and the remainder paid within six months it was a bit of a shock. When I sat down and was perusing Facebook, one of the first things to come up was Proverbs 31:25! Yes! I have His strength and I will not fear the future! God already knows everything about the next few months. I am so thankful for that knowledge. I just need to continue to walk in obedience to Him and allow Him to work in and through me. As I do, the enemy will continue to be knocked down! He tried to get into my emotions this morning with the 'what ifs' he started putting in my mind but I stopped him. There is no room for him in my life. My God is greater than him! Today I am praying for many who are going through difficult days to have His strength...

• My Momma recovering from pneumonia
• My friend Nada recovering from breast cancer surgery and awaiting the next step
• My friend Marie with a broken ankle
• The family who lost their teen boy this week
• Some families with broken relationships
• Families of prodigals

I pray each person will find freedom through Christ to not fear the days ahead but instead to embrace them in His strength. He woke me up this morning with "Freedom Hymn" going through my mind. "Who the Son sets free...Is free indeed..." Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so greatly that You give such reminders as Proverbs 31:25. You are so awesome in providing exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. I am so excited to see how You are going to be glorified through these surgeries. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Thank You for this first surgery going well. I pray for there to be minimal pain for him. Thank You Jesus for being My Freedom. Amen.

Psalm 34:8 - "I Am Not Alone"

I am so grateful for the way the Lord provides exactly what I need. Yesterday was another emotional day as I thought about it being my Daddy's birthday. As the tears fell, I thought about his last few days on this earth. He was going to sit on the porch and hand cookies out for his birthday. I had a big banner made so people would stop. Different people volunteered to make the cookies needed. We prayed for it to be warm weather so he could sit outside. I don't think any of us thought he was close enough to leaving this earth as he was. God had other plans for his birthday. Instead the cookies were served at his calling hours. Yesterday as I thought about the cookies I thought I need to make cookies and give them away. I pulled out a Psalm 34:8 lesson and took it and cookie dough with me to 'activity time' with Jimmy and Eli. They loved it and so did I. They fill up my emotional tank when it is empty. The Lord filled it too yesterday with the way I felt His loving arms around me. He encouraged me as I heard some strength returning in my Momma's voice. He encouraged me with the towel from Joan that had the postcard colored by Shirley with it. 

I think about some people who are going through some tough days and are not in relationship with the Lord. They have heard of Him yet they have never accepted Him into their life. I don't know how they get through days such as I experienced yesterday or the day before. I think of that saying I saw on a church sign...

No God = No Peace

Know God = Know Peace

I am grateful for the strength and peace He gives me everyday. I am praying for those who do not know Him to seek Him and for those who know Him yet are still holding onto 'stuff' to let go and walk in obedience to His will. That life is the best life.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the way You have encouraged me over these last few days. Thank You for putting Tim in Orrville when my Momma needed someone; Kim at the hospital; the package from Joan; and my cookie baking time with Jimmy and Eli. Father, You encourage me so much in so many different ways. I praise Your Holy Name! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Lord, I am praying for those going through tough days without Your strength. May they have someone say or do something today to know You personally. I also am praying for those who need to give You complete control over their life. I pray for strength for Doc as he is tired and working along with teaching the teens tonight. Father, may You use him to make a difference in someone's life today. Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest Encourager. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13 - "Tell Your Heart To Beat Again"

Yesterday was a very emotional day but the Lord gave me peace throughout. There was no doubt He was in the midst of all that happened. He provided people in Ohio to be there when I couldn't in a difficult situation. I am so grateful for friends who after one text or call go into action. That is what we need to all do when the Lord presents such circumstances before us. If we truly want to be the 'hands and feet of Jesus,' then we need to be ready at all times to do what is put before us. This is where I desire to live. Doing His will and loving on people with His love. 

When I woke in the wee hours of this morning, I had the song "Tell Your Heart To Beat Again" going through my mind. I read the lyrics over and over. I read the story behind the song a couple times. It seems like this song is controversial in having Biblical meaning. There are different thoughts about it but one thing I drew from the writing is that Jesus does not want us to live in our past but instead wants us to be healed from it. I have often said that our past is just that. We can't change it. As I thought about it, I marvel in how the Lord uses people despite their past. If He held my past against me, I wouldn't have the opportunities to share His love as I do. If He doesn't hold it against me, then I shouldn't either. We all need to do as He does and forget the past. We also cannot be effective in sharing His love when we have issues between us and another. Such things separate us from God. As I pray for many who are going through difficult times in their relationships it breaks my heart. Not only are they miserable in the way they are living but they also are not in right relationship with our Heavenly Father. A sad part about their situations is they don't even see the big picture. They may blame the other person or claim they have no fault in the situation but when one is at odds with another they also are at odds with God. I continue to pray for eyes to be opened and hearts to be healed in many relationships. Maybe that is why this song was in my mind this morning. People need to get to the end of themselves and allow God to not only heal their hearts but most importantly heal their relationships. I think of the way the Lord tells us to pray in Matthew 6. It tells us to forgive others. If we do not forgive one another, we cannot expect God to forgive us. I have often heard people say they cannot forgive someone who has not asked for forgiveness. It is a hard thing to do but not impossible. If people would just stop and realize when they do not forgive someone Jesus cannot forgive them, maybe they would look at their situation differently. Many who are at odds with someone else refuse to take any blame in conflict. It takes two people to make a conflict. Therefore, everyone needs to accept blame. In the sense of this song, an emotional heart cannot beat again when conflict continues. There will be consequences to conflict. Other aspects of life will be affected. Other relationships will suffer but most importantly there will be something between them and God.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the way You provided so many things yesterday. Thank You for many who prayed for the situation with my Momma. Thank You for my friend Kim who was there with her. Thank You for giving her peace last night after I prayed with her. Lord, continue to be with her during these tough days. I also ask for you to continue to be with Doc during his tough days. Father, there are so many people who are struggling with different aspects of life. I pray for those in conflict with another. I pray for resolve in their situations so there no longer is a separation between You and them. I pray for Your wisdom as I continue with school this week. Most of all 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 these days. Thank You Jesus for being My Fulfiller. Amen.

Romans 8:5-6 - "Come To The Table"

Last night before going to sleep I prayed for pastors who would be in the pulpit this morning. I prayed for them to be aware of the Holy Spirit's leading as they preached. I also prayed for people who have not been in church to go even if they go to a different church than they use to attend. One time when the Lord woke me He had me pray for all pastors including children pastors, youth pastors, evangelists, and worship leaders to be aware of the Holy Spirit's leading. As I prepared to go back to sleep I thought there must be some big things going to happen today in services. The next time He woke me He had me pray for someone who will be called into ministry in a service today. He told me to pray specifically for them to embrace the call and not turn from it. The next time He woke me to pray it was for pastors going through difficult days. One has a wife with dementia; another lost his daughter and wife in a car accident this week; a pastor team couple who are seeking His will in their ministry; a pastor preparing for retirement and another who recently retired; a pastor who has left the pulpit due to addiction; a pastor who needs to be aware of how they have strayed from seeking God's will and instead are doing their own thing. It was a full night of praying with little sleep. When I awoke this morning, I prayed for His strength to empower me for the day ahead. I prayed the same for Doc who had a tough night physically. I also prayed for people who are contemplating going to church to do so. Everyone needs to be in a relationship where they can not only hear God's voice but walk in obedience to it. All need to be aware of the promptings of the Holy Spirit and follow those promptings. This morning the Lord has "Come To The Table" going through my mind. These words are an encouragement for all to come into relationship with Him. 

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

His table is open to everyone. Once a person partakes of Him they will receive freedom not available from anywhere else. I am praying for those who have partook yet have walked away to come back to Him; those who have never partook to find Him; and those who are a part of Him to share His love with all they meet.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for another Saturday night of prayer. Thank You for loving on me and encouraging me so greatly. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace that enables me to be Your servant. Thank You for the day ahead and Your supernatural strength that will empower me throughout the day to not only function but to not miss any opportunity You put before me. Lord, cleanse me and fill me so I can have Your words, actions, and attitude. Once again, I pray for pastors to be tuned into the leading of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for being My Table. Amen.

Philippians 3 - "Dream Small"

April 20 is normally a very emotion day for me. This year it was the twenty-fourth anniversary date of my MS diagnosis and the fifth year anniversary of my Daddy taking his last breath here on earth. There are usually a lot of tears that fall on that date. This year was different with being at my Ministry Assessment. Instead of focusing on the past, I was looking to the future. The words of encouragement from different speakers, my co-hort leaders, and fellow pastors were so appreciated. As I thought about where God is leading me, I was excited. He has not shown me the big picture but He has given me insight into what I am to do in the near future. There are times I get jealous of Dan Bohi and his team with the miracles they see regularly. There are also times when I hear of spiritual things that are happening in people's ministry and I think 'Why is that not happening to me?' One thing I was reminded of over the last couple days is that God has me exactly where He wants me. I just need to continue to be obedient as I listen to His voice. He is doing great things through me. People see His love through my words, actions, and attitude. I just have to 'keep keepin' on'! I think of the words of Paul in Philippians 3 about how we need to continue pressing on toward the eternal gift of heaven. He begins chapter three encouraging us to "...rejoice in the Lord!" He continues this chapter about how we are not to live as those in the world but we are to live for Christ as he did. We are to remember the past is just that. The past. We cannot go back and redo it. Instead we need to keep our eyes on eternal life with our Heavenly Father. The only way to spend eternity with Him is to be in relationship with Him while on this earth. In verse thirteen Paul writes that he has not attained everything the Lord has for him but he knows that it is important to remember we are to be "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." As I listened to many people over the last two days, this thought was embedded in my mind. My future is in His hands. How I respond to Him will determine how my life will be. My obedience or disobedience will show through on how I am used as His humble servant. I look forward to the days ahead to see what He has in store for me. April 20 has taken on a new meaning for me. Yes, I am saddened my Daddy is no longer with us on this earth but I also am rejoicing that he is out of his suffering. Yes, MS is not something to easily deal with daily but God has been my strength over the last twenty-four years and will continue to be. April 20, 2018 was a date of confirmation in my spirit that I am doing as He desires and will continue to do so. Paul wrote in verses 15-16 of Philippians 3...

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. (MSG)

Yes! I do not desire 'blurred vision' but instead desire to be 'on the right track' with God. It is interesting how in verses 17-19 in The Message Paul tells us to "Keep track of those you see running the same course, headed for this same goal. It reminded me of those I attended the Ministry Assessment with. They are seeking the same thing I am seeking and that is God's will for their life. There are many people, as Paul writes about in verses 17-19, who are not seeking God's will. It is sad to think about these ones but it also is encouraging to me to continue loving on them with His love. The ending of this chapter also encourages me with the promise of living with Him in Glory...

But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him. (MSG)

I will admit there are many days where I want His return to happen because of the 'junk' I deal with. Those are selfish thoughts because there are still many who are not in relationship with Him yet. I need to get better at sharing Him with all I meet. I should not keep Him to myself but instead share Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace that enables me to walk in obedience to You. Thank You for the encouragement I received at the Ministry Assessment. Thank You for all of the people who shared their story, what You laid on their heart, etc. Thank You for safety on the roads and the strength to accomplish the task You set before me. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me. Enable me to love with Your love all I meet. Be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I pray for direction as I seek 'organizational seriousness' in my life. I pray for empowerment in my spirit. Lord, most of all I pray for Your will to be lived out through me. Thank You Jesus for being My Goal. Amen.

I Peter 1:3-9 - "Even If"

The Lord woke me this morning thinking of ones who are going through some tough days. He had me pray for the ones who are not in relationship with Him to have someone who will be obedient to His voice and love on them with His love. He also had me pray for those in relationship with Him to go deeper and not give up. He is the Hope we all can have in this fallen world. Sin is the reason we have to deal with 'junk.' Praise God for the hope in eternal life when we live in relationship with Him.

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

These words from "Even If" are ones believers can hold onto. A believer knows God can do anything but it has to be in His will. He will test us to enable us to draw deeper in relationship with Him. He will challenge us to see if we are willing to continue on without giving up. His desire is to see His strength be glorified through all we say and do. The song continues...

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

My God is in the mountain moving business. He has moved huge mountains in our lives many times. His strength is what gets me through every day. It gets me through the days when His will is to not move the mountains. Today I am praying for many who are facing some mountains that seem too high to climb... 

• my friend Nada who was diagnosed with breast cancer
• my friend Carletta who had another foot surgery and another injection in her knee
• friends going through family issues
• parents of prodigals
• friends who are following God's will yet ministry opportunities have not arisen
• some going through tough financial times

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your supernatural strength that will not only get me through this day but also will enable me to stay focused on You. I pray for safety in traveling over the next couple of days. I pray for clarity in my thinking not only as I travel but also as I take in so much information. Lord, most of all I am praying for those who have no hope to find You. I pray You will move mountains that need moved yet leave the ones that will enable people to draw closer to You. Father, cleanse me so You can use me to Your fullest desires. Thank You for being My Mountain Mover and My Hope. Amen.

John 14:27 - "Fear Is A Liar"

The Lord woke me again with "Fear Is A Liar" in my mind. He had me pray for ones in difficult situations. He told me they need to get to the point of trusting Him even more than they already do. These words are ones we all need to say/sing from time to time...

Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel

There are many who know who He is yet they are not in relationship with Him. They may not understand how it feels to have His "fire fall" on them. They may not know what it means to trust Him so much no matter what is happening that they receive His peace. I remember seeing this saying on a church sign:

No God = No peace

Know God = Know peace

There is so much truth in this saying. When we are in relationship with God, we will realize His strength in a different way than someone who is not in relationship with Him. He empowers His people to stand up in difficult times. He gives His strength when there does not seem to be any left. This morning I am praying for...

• a woman who has been in ICU but fighting her way back
• a single father who is dealing with his son having visits with his mother
• my husband as he awaits surgery
• a young wife/mother who has been going through multiple health issues with multiple doctors yet no diagnosis has yet to be found
• a young widow who continues life without her dear husband
• a woman recuperating from another foot surgery
• a wife whose husband decided he is a woman
• an older woman recently diagnosed with cancer
• a family who continue to fight against their your son's leukemia
• a man who is in a place where the continuation of his job is questionable
• a young mother who is seeking people to fill her needs instead of God
• a woman in pain who has a doctor appointment today
• a woman going for her cancer check-up

Some of these people have been in their battle a long time while others are new to their struggles. Some of them are in relationship with God while others know Him but are not committed to Him. This morning as I prayed, I prayed for a deeper walk with Him so His peace could fall down upon them in a mighty way. The enemy is putting fear into people to pull them away from God. His desire is for people to depend upon their own strength or other people instead of God. The enemy tells lies to get what He wants. The Lord loves on people to get what He wants. The enemy wants people to be happy on their own or in the ways of the world. God doesn't necessarily want us happy but He does want us holy. God wants us to be content in Him. His desire is for us to be joyful as we bask in His peace. I am so thankful for the peace I had as I sat in the oncologist office yesterday and the joy I received with a good check-up.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this song once again this morning. Father, I wouldn't call it fear but I am dreading the trip to Ministry Assessment. I am praying for Your protection and strength as I make the drive. I also ask for Your favor in putting people around me while I am there that will encourage me. I pray for those who will be going for their first time to feel accepted and loved. I remember the apprehension I had last year with knowing few people. Lord, today is a day of study and preparation for tomorrow. I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for people to see/hear You instead of me today. I pray the same for my husband as he works. Lord, may more people come into relationship with You to the point of trusting You with their entire being. Thank You Jesus for being My Fear Taker. Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Fear Is A Liar"

The one time I was awake during the night the Lord had me pray for one who is going through some tough days post surgery. She is spending her days with her foot up and most of them alone. He told me to pray for her to realize He is with her even when no one else is. He also had me pray for people to visit her during these dark days. I wish I were near her so I could stop in. Many times people do not realize just how lonely a person can get when they are homebound. I am thankful for technology that gives a sort of connection with people when we can't get out but there is nothing like having a person stop in to chat, see if you need anything, and perhaps give you a hug. I remember days in the past where I felt like no one cared because they didn't come when I would be post surgery or have an MS exacerbation. It was during those days the fear seemed to set in. Fear of being alone, fear of financial ruin, fear of never being 'normal' again, etc. It was also those times where I felt the Lord the most as I cried out for Him to help me in my time of need. I finally realized people didn't know what to say or do so it was easier for them to stay away. Out of sight, out of mind. It is like when people miss church. They need to know they are missed yet people are so busy with their own lives no contact is made. A card is nice but a call or a visit are nicer. Personal contact is becoming a thing of the past in today's world but we cannot allow that to happen. We need one another. We need to feel loved. I pray today will be the day for people to realize someone in their little world needs them to contact them. It does not take a lot of time out of one's day to make a phone call. It may take time to stop in for a visit but if you found out you were the only one to do so it would be a blessing.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for laying Carletta on my heart. I pray there will be people in her area who will visit her today. At the very least I pray for people to call her. Father, I pray for healing in her foot. I thank You for the healing that has already happened through the surgeon's hands. I also thank You for the healing You have given her mentally and emotionally but I pray for more. Father, show her Your love through people and their actions. I also pray for me today as I make a visit with one who is not in relationship with You. Cleanse me so You can fill me so You will be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I am physically drained and the day ahead is draining in itself. I am depending upon Your supernatural strength. I do not want to just get through this day but I desire to be a blessing to others while You bless me. Thank You for friends who blessed our ministry over the last couple of days. May You continue to lead us to be beacons of light in this dark place. Thank You for being My Fear Destroyer. Amen.

Proverbs 17:6 - "O Lord"

Proverbs 17:6 is a special verse to me as a Grandma/Memaw. I started praying for my children when I was a little girl. After I had my babies I started praying for their spouses and children. The Lord has truly blessed me as a mother and grandmother but it is hard to be a long-distance Grandma/Memaw now that we live in South Carolina. I am grateful for Facetime and phone calls but I sure could use some hugs from my grand babies. I loved hearing Miss Evelyn sing at the Talent Festival Saturday through the use of technology. Praise God for technology! I remember when I was her age I saw my grandparents two or three times a year. Grandma Helmick always made special food for me and spent time with me showing me her latest quilts. I don't remember Grandma McHenry very well but I remember her orneriness. It is no wonder my Daddy was ornery! It broke my heart to not be physically able to be at my Grandma Helmick's funeral. I think of Merriel's grandchildren that are going through her calling hours today and funeral tomorrow. When a grandparent dies, there is a void in one's heart. Thankfully we have hope when we know they were believers. I pray for people whose grandparents are not believers to come into relationship with Him before they take their last breath. I also pray for grandchildren who are perhaps prodigals that are being prayed for by strong believing grandparents. Today I am praying for our grand babies to know we love them even though we are miles apart. I also pray their love for the Lord will grow deeper every day.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my 'babies' who have given me grand babies. Thank You for their lives of great faith in You. I praise You for the way You are working in and through their lives. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You so You can work in and through my life in a different, new way. May You be Marlene's protection as she travels today and Doc's strength as he works. May You be my Momma's healer so she can have her eye surgery. Lord, I am so amazed at all the ways You lavish me with Your love. I pray for the week ahead with appointments, the start of another class, ministry, and my ministry assessment. May You enable me to stay focused on what You desire, when You desire it. Thank You Jesus for being My Lord. Amen.

Ephesians 4:32 - "Forgiveness"

Before I went to bed last night the Lord had me pray for those who were contemplating going to church this morning to make the decision to do so. He also had me pray for worship leaders to allow the Holy Spirit free reign and those in the pulpit to be bold in preaching the Gospel. During the night when I was up He had me pray for congregations who need to have a time of forgiveness. He had me pray for people in those congregations, including pastors and leaders, who had hurt people by their words and actions to confess and ask for forgiveness. He had me pray for the people in congregations partaking of communion to not do so without asking for a cleansing in their spirit along with making things right with others in the congregation. A lady who is suffering from mental issues was one He had me pray for specifically to have peace as she was hurting so bad as she goes in and out of comprehension. He also had me pray for a family in turmoil who need to reconcile not only with one another but most importantly with Him. There are some who are lying to themselves that need to get back on track with Him. Forgiveness is not something that comes easily. Nor is it easy to ask for from another. But it is something that blesses us in abundance when we realize the need for it and follow through on it. Matthew West's song "Forgiveness" tells of the blessings when we forgive another...

It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It's always angers own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It's the whisper in your ear saying 'Set It Free'

Yes! "Set It Free'...when we forgive another, there is freedom in our soul. Even when someone does not ask for forgiveness we still can forgive. We do not have to wallow in the junk of people's words or actions but instead can have freedom in Christ. God had me prayed for some pastors who need to forgive some parishioners before they go into the pulpit this morning. The Holy Spirit cannot work in the way desired when there is 'junk' in between us and Him. That 'junk' will cause division between not only the people but also between them and God. He also had me pray a second time for pastors who need to ask for forgiveness themselves for their words, actions, and attitude. There are some who need to ask for forgiveness for not only what they have done but also what God asked them to do and they didn't. 

I love my Saturday nights of prayer for pastors and congregations. This one was a little different but little surprises me when it comes to what the Lord asks of me anymore. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for another Saturday night of prayer. I will continue to pray for these requests You laid on my heart. May my prayers be blessed in abundance. Cleanse me so You can fill me so I can be more effective in sharing Your love. Thank You for the contacts made last night at the Outreach. I pray the words spoken to people there will make a difference in their lives. I pray for open doors with the family I spoke with as I contact them to get together. Lord, may Your strength be Doc's strength today as he preaches. May the Holy Spirit have full reign throughout the service and may You be blessed. Thank You Jesus for being Our Freedom. Amen.

Psalm 35 - "Lord, I Need You"

The Lord gave me Psalm 35 to read this morning with the song "Lord, I Need You" on my lips. Wow, God! You are so awesome! 

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

The enemy is real but my God is greater than anything the enemy sends my way. I love the part of this song that goes, "Yes where You are Lord I am free; Holiness is Christ in me!" When we live a life of holiness, we have Christ living in us and through us. We can depend upon His strength to get through the 'junk' that comes before us. Our "defense" is our "righteousness!" 

David wrote Psalm 35 at a time where he felt threatened by his enemies. He prayed for God to protect him from them and to give him strength to stand up against them. Matthew Henry writes, "David prayed to God to manifest himself in his trial. Let me have inward comfort under all outward troubles, to support my soul." This is how one can be 'ok' during times of trials. Actually, it is the only way they can truly be at peace in the midst of the storm. Depending upon the Lord's strength is the only way to live. It is then, and only then, one can proclaim Psalm 35:28...

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being my strength in times of turmoil. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You bless me with days like yesterday. The beauty of Your creation is overwhelming at times. Sitting by the water and listening to the waves crash, having the warmth of the sunshine on my face, feeling my toes in the sand...oh my! Lord, I praise Your Holy Name for rest and relaxation. I praise You for the way You provide exactly what I need. I praise You for being the One to protect me from my enemies. Most of all I praise You for leading me down the path of obedience. Lord, I pray for the activities of this day. I pray for the Outreach this afternoon to be full of You oozing out of all who participate. Thank You for this privilege to share You with others. I pray for services tomorrow to be filled with You. I pray for pastors to be on their knees today being filled with more of You so You will flow from their lips tomorrow. I pray for lay people to be on their knees so they will be prepared for what You have in store for them. Thank You Jesus for being My Righteousness. Amen.