Thursday, May 31, 2018

Psalm 66 - "Hills and Valleys"


The Barnett and Adams families were the first ones to come to my thoughts and prayers when I awoke at 2am. My heart breaks for these two families. No parent should have to bury their child or have to see them go through taking chemo for leukemia. It is days like what they are going through where it is natural to ask God 'why?' I am sure there are doubts going through their minds about themselves as parents. Is there something they could have done differently? Is there something they should have not done? Why would God cause such suffering on their child? These are just a few of the questions that have probably gone through their minds. Even though I was only a child myself when my sister was murdered I remember questioning God if I had done something wrong that brought such grief upon my family. It is a natural thing as a human being to have such thoughts. It is through these times we must draw dearer to God and allow Him to be our strength. We must allow Him to be the soothing balm on our open wounds. His empowerment can be ours when we allow it. His peace can be ours when we accept it. 

The Lord had me read Psalm 66 this morning. David wrote this Psalm of praise to God for what He did in David's life. I thought I must have heard wrong and asked God if this is what He wanted me to read. He assured me it was. I asked Him how a Psalm of praise was applicable to these who are hurting so greatly. He told me to focus on verses eight through twelve and then on verses sixteen through twenty. The first section speaks of how God  gets us through tough days on this earth so we can have eternal life. The latter section speaks of what happens when we cry out to the Lord. He does not leave us but instead is "loyal in his love" (MSG). This is after He has seen us through tough days such as is described in verses ten through twelve in the New King James Version...

10 For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Yes! He is with us through the tough days of life. He is with us through days of thinking we can't do it. He is with us when we get out of bed in the morning and have to convince ourselves to just put one foot in front of the other. Plain and simple. He is with us. There will come a day when the pain will lessen through our grief. There will be a day when the hurt will no longer go as deep as we watch our child suffer. There will be a day when we will realize the Lord heard and continues to hear our cries.

Dear Jesus,
I will admit I did not understand how a Psalm of praise was applicable to the Barnett and Adams families but I see now that this is a Psalm of encouragement for all to 'keep on, keepin' on' with You even through tough days. Thank You Jesus for the words of encouragement from this Psalm. Lord, once again I pray You are their soothing balm. I pray for Your strength and empowerment to be what people going through tough days experience. Lord, I especially pray the enemy out of situations where he thinks he has a foothold. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me today in a different, new way. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. May people see/hear You instead of me. I pray for wisdom with my school work today and thank You for what You accomplished through me yesterday with it. Father, continue to pave the way for the direction You desire of me. Thank You for being My Fulfillment. Amen.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Psalm 18 - "Battles"


The first thought when I woke this morning was to pray for the Barnett Family. Yesterday was calling hours and today is the funeral. As I prayed, the Lord told me to read Psalm 18 when I got up. As I read it, I was encouraged by the words. David rejoiced in being delivered from the 'junk' of life. He rejoiced in knowing His Heavenly Father heard his cry for help and was in His presence (vs. 6). He rejoiced in the protection God gave him from his enemies (vs. 14). Verses sixteen through nineteen show how David rejoiced in the Lord rescuing him.

In days of sorrow after the loss of a loved one, there is little to rejoice about in our human spirit. But in the spiritual realm there is reason to rejoice in knowing our Heavenly Father is with us. When we love Him, He is our strength (vs. 1) to get through tough days. Verse two tells us He is our rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, "horn of our salvation," and our stronghold. David gives us the example in verse three of how to have such comfort. It is through prayer. We must not just ask Him for help through tough days but we must stay in His presence and allow Him to give us such help. We cannot allow the enemy any foothold to take us away from Him. Sin separates us from God. The enemy knows that and will do anything in his power to pull us into sin. Verses twenty through twenty-eight of Psalm 18 shows how God is gracious to those who love Him. Matthew Henry writes, "Let those that walk in darkness, and labour under discouragements, take courage; God himself will be a Light to them." Verse thirty-two begins speaking of the gifts God gives those who fight the battles in life with Him as their strength. The rest of the chapter is great encouragement to keep fighting with Him as our Greatest Weapon. He is all we need. His love will be the soothing balm needed in times of great sorrow in the death of a loved one. It is what will enable us to get through times of attack by the enemy. I love the words of verses thirty-seven through thirty-nine...

37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
    I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
    they fell beneath my feet.
39 You armed me with strength for battle;
    you humbled my adversaries before me.


We must remember nothing is greater than our Heavenly Father. He is greater than anything that comes our way. Nothing surprises Him. As we live in His presence, nothing will really surprise us. Nothing will take us off guard because He prepares us for what is ahead. We may not realize it at the time but eventually it will come to light. The ending of Psalm 18 has words of great encouragement in that He is our victory! We can receive that victory by following the words of Matthew Henry:

"We should love the Lord, our Strength, and our Salvation; we should call on him in every trouble, and praise him for every deliverance; we should aim to walk with him in all righteousness and true holiness, keeping from sin. If we belong to him, he conquers and reigns for us, and we shall conquer and reign through him, and partake of the mercy of our anointed King, which is promised to all his seed for evermore."

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the words David wrote in Psalm 18. Thank You for once again having me pray for the Barnett Family and Julia's friends. Thank You for Your love that comforts in such times of sorrow. Father, I pray for Your strength to be their strength today and in the days ahead. I pray for Your love to be greater than the hurts of their hearts. Lord, I also pray for ones who do not know Your love to find it during these dark days. I pray for those who have strayed from it to return to You. Lord, I also pray for You to be greater then Paula's pain today. I pray for You to be greater than all of the 'junk' Nada is going through with her diagnosis. Lord, I also pray for a cleansing in my spirit today so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for You to ooze out of me in a way there will be no doubt You live in me. Lord, be greater...be greater. Thank You Jesus for being My Greatest Weapon! Amen.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Psalm 29 - "I Will Be"

This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 29. I read it in various versions and was blessed in abundance by my reading. David wrote this Psalm as a reminder of how we are to live. We need to repent of our sins, have faith in our Heavenly Father, and love with His love. We are to live a life of holiness which is only possible after we repent and take the step of living a life of obedience. As we live a life of holiness such a life worships Him daily. Matthew Henry writes of this Psalm:

When we come before him as the Redeemer of sinners, in repentance faith, and love, he will accept our defective services, pardon the sin that cleaves to them, and approve of that measure of holiness which the Holy Spirit enables us to exercise. We have here the nature of religious worship; it is giving to the Lord the glory due to his name. We must be holy in all our religious services, devoted to God, and to his will and glory. There is a beauty in holiness, and that puts beauty upon all acts of worship. 

Amen! I love the word picture David gives in this Psalm and I also love the picture Henry gives when he says "There is a beauty in holiness, and that puts beauty upon all acts of worship." Woo hoo! As we worship Him, we bless Him. I strive to be a '24/7' worshipper. That means I strive to bless Him 24/7. He has done and continues to be everything I need and desire. Therefore, He deserves my worship. 

Psalm 29 speaks of the power He has over nature. God also shows His power through me. Henry continues to write, "But the effects of the Divine word upon the souls of men, under the power of the Holy Spirit, are far greater than those of thunder storms in the nature world." Wow! "...the effects of the Divine word..." That makes me want to be in His word more. It makes me want to go deeper into my study of His word. The more I am a sponge to His word, the more empowerment I will receive. Woo hoo! His voice is nothing I need fear but rather is something that is soothing to my soul. His voice empowers me to be the daughter He desires me to be. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminders of Psalm 29. You knew I needed the encouragement founded in these words and I praise You for that. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can have more of You in me today. I pray You will be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I pray for empowerment over the enemy today. Lord, be greater than anything that comes my way. Go before me and pave the way for me to be Your servant in a new way. You know the things before me, some I know about while others I do not. Thank You for pointing me in the right direction as I deal with these things. Lord, I continue to pray for the Barnett family and Julia's friends as they have calling hours today. I pray for You to be so real to all of them, Your strength to be their strength, Your wisdom to be with the parents of friends who are being asked tough questions, and Your peace to be in this situation. May this situation bring people closer in relationship with You. May those involved stand on Psalm 29:11..."The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." Thank You Jesus for being My Empowerment. Amen.

Monday, May 28, 2018

II Timothy 1:6-7 - "Your Love Defends Me"

I woke up early this morning to these words to a song Matt Maher sings called "Your Love Defends Me"...

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

Yes! He is "the strength of my soul" every day. He gives me breath that allows me to know He is "my joy...my song...the well, the One I'm drawing from...my refuge...my whole life long..." There is no better place to be than to live in the center of God's will. In my reading for school last night I read one article that said there is no way a preacher can go into the pulpit and be the most effective preaching God's Word if they are not in the center of God's will. It made me think of ones I have heard who have no passion in their messages. It is rather sad to think God calls people yet the enemy pulls them away from their call. It is not only with preachers but with many believers. When people first come into relationship with the Lord, they have a fire in their soul. As time goes on, life happens and the fire becomes less and less. Yesterday's sermon was about how we need to keep fanning the flame so we will stay on fire for the Lord. II Timothy 1:6-7 reads:


These words of Paul to Timothy were given because Paul could see Timothy's 'flame' was not as bright as it once was. These words are applicable to all believers. God desires all to be on fire for Him. The desire of His heart should be the desire of our heart. He is with us through the battles we go through to not only supply what we need but to be glorified through them. I think we sometimes forget "The war is already won..." There is nothing greater than God. There is no pain in our physical or emotional body greater than God. He is more powerful than the 'junk' that comes our way. Most importantly to remember is that we are empowered by His Holy Spirit with "power, love, and self-discipline." Woo hoo! Just letting these words sink in blesses my heart in abundance. There is no need to worry about tomorrow because He already knows the future. There is no need to fret over little things when the Big Thing is the most important. Oh my, I am getting so blessed this morning by these thoughts. Oh how I wish more people would experience this way of life. I pray for more people to realize He is their "portion" in a way nothing nor anyone else can be. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with the sermon in the morning and then the afternoon as I read for my Preaching class. I pray for Ms Paula who is going through tough times of pain. I also pray for the Barnett family with the sudden death of their young daughter. Lord, may you be the comfort this family needs in these tough days. I also pray for my four-legged buddy who isn't feeling well. Lord, I know some would say 'he's just a dog' but Father You have given Him to me as a great comfort through many times of illness and trials. Father, most of all I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be who You desire me to be. May You empower me today with Your words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. May people see/hear You instead of me. May You be greater than anything that comes my way. Thank You Jesus for being My Portion. Amen.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Ephesians 6:10-18 - "Resurrection Power"


Mordecei had me up three times during the night. I feel so bad for him having problems but it did give me extra time to pray. Of course with it being Saturday night God had me praying for pastors. The Lord took me back to the song He gave me yesterday called "Resurrection Power" and had me pray for all pastors to realize the empowerment they have from Him. He had me pray for more pastors to receive the Holy Spirit so they would have His full empowerment. He stressed with me to pray for...
  • my husband who had his second carpal tunnel surgery this week and is experiencing a lot of pain. 
  • my friend Mike who had surgery this week that effects his vocal cords.
  • Pastors Corey and Rob who are traveling and spreading the Gospel on the other side of the world.
  • more pastors to walk the path of obedience. 
  • some who are trying to 'do church in their own ways' instead of giving Him the driver seat. 
  • spouses of pastors who are being beat down emotionally. He had me pray against the enemy who is working through full schedules, health issues, and people.
  • pastors who are living in the earthly world and making earthly decisions instead of Kingdom decisions.
  • a pastor that will resign unexpectedly to his congregation today.
  • a pastor who needs a healing in their physical body; another one who needs a healing in his emotional body.
  • two men who have stepped away from pastoring and need restoration in their spirits.
I am grateful for the privilege to pray for pastors but I will admit the things the Lord reveals to me cause heaviness in my spirit. I am a pastor working on educational requirements for ordination. Some see me as a pastor while others do not. All that matters is how the Lord sees me. His desire for my life is my desire. His direction is the path I choose. As I pray for pastors, I think of the times He has brought my name or face before others to pray for me. I don't know that it has been because I am a pastor or not but I do know I am grateful. The life of a pastor can be pretty tough emotionally, physically, mentally, and especially spiritually. The enemy is right there at all times fighting against forward progress. I am so grateful for the full armor of God that I put on daily as I do His work.
  • Belt of truth
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Feet fitted with readiness
  • Shield of faith
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit
  • Prayer
I am so grateful for Ephesians 6 where Paul tells us how to stand up against the enemy. I desire to be a soldier who is ready to fight this battle with all the defensive and offensive weapons I have at my disposal. Verse eighteen is key in the battle...prayer.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for a night of prayer for my fellow pastors. Thank You for the way You will give me strength throughout this day with little sleep. Thank You for each individual You brought to my prayers and for the groups of pastors You had me pray for. I pray for boldness in words that flow from pastors today. I pray for healing in spirits where it is needed. Lord, I pray for a cleansing in my soul so You can fill me to overflowing with Yourself. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Armor. Amen.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Philippians 2:5-9 - "Resurrection Power"


I woke up this morning with the words to "Resurrection Power" going through my mind. The Lord knew I needed to this reminder...

That I'm dressed in Your royalty
Your Holy Spirit lives in me
And I see my past has been redeemed
The new has come

Now I have resurrection power
Living on the inside
Jesus, You have given us freedom
I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness
Living in the light of Your goodness
You have given us freedom

Yes! I am no longer in chains to the enemy. I have God's empowerment to knock him down. The fight with him is real but I am "dressed" in God's royalty with His Spirit inside me. The life I live gives me freedom to not only walk with God but to have His power within me. I keep praying for more of Him so that power will grow and not diminish. Some days are so, so hard in this battle. I always thought the daily battle with MS was hard but it is a piece of cake compared to the battle with the enemy. I get tired but then the Lord encourages me. I get ready to give up and then He reminds me I am not in this battle alone. There are times I get angry and the Lord shows me it is ok to have righteous anger. Sometimes I even get fearful but it is in those times He draws me closer to Him. "Resurrection Power" is something I can not live without. I am grateful for the way He empowers me because I know I could never do this life on my own strength. Today I am praying for those who do not know Him to have someone say or do something to open the doors into a relationship with Him. I also am praying for those who know Him yet are not in full relationship with Him to have the door of intimacy with Him opened. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of Your empowerment in me. Thank You for dying on the cross and raising again so I could live. Thank You for cleansing me today so You can fill me up with You. Lord, You know the hurts of my heart and I pray it is in Your will to be the soothing balm over them. You also know the desires of my heart and I pray it will be in Your will to see they become life. Lord, use me in a mighty way today as Your humble servant. Be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day in a new way. I pray relief for Doc with the pain he is experiencing. I also pray for peace for him during these tough days. Lord, may You continue to guide us on the path You so desire. Thank You for being My "Resurrection Power"! Amen.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Witness"

Last night I decided to try sleeping back in our bed. I was fearful of hurting Doc's hand but he assured me it would be OK. After Mordecei woke me at 2:30AM I could not go back to sleep. I kept thinking I was going to hurt Doc. He ended up waking up and then couldn't go back to sleep either. I thought about going back into the other bedroom but the Lord told me to stay and talk with Him. These words to the song "Witness" were going through my mind as we conversed....

Your love is like a fountain
It'll never run dry, it'll never run dry
Your love is moving mountains
Every day of my life, every day of my life
Can I get a witness?

I prayed and asked the Lord to enable me to be a better witness for Him. I prayed for Him to be in my words, actions, and attitude so people would see/hear Him. I repented of times I did not show His love to others. The tears came as I thought about how many times I have let Him down. My heart breaks in thinking about times I broke His heart. As I prayed the word 'if' came into my mind and I knew that it wasn't 'if' I had failed at being a witness but 'when' I have failed. I do not like that thought. I do not like the idea that I fail the Lord but as a human I know it happens. But I also know the more Christ-like I become, the less things like that will happen. The more I seek a life of holiness, the less I will be a failure in His eyes. People in the world may see me as a failure because of our church, battles, finances, etc. but God has always, and will always, provide what is needed. I think of Paul's words in Philippians...


I like the words "pray about everything" because that is how I live life. Nothing happens without praying about it first. I am grateful for my relationship with the Lord. I do not know how people get through life without Him. It was pretty strange how during the night my pain started up again. It had pretty much stopped in my arms. As I prayed, I asked God to be greater than the enemy. I asked Him to show me if it was from Him. I became at peace in knowing it is a spiritual attack. I prayed for His strength to surround me through it. I asked Him to empower me so His glory will be realized by me and seen by others through these days. I prayed for Him to enable me to be a mighty 'witness' for Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the lack of sleep last night that brought clarity to me. Thank You for the way You have been with me these last couple of days as I deal with dr/hospital bills and as I took the final exam for the Paul class. Lord, You are greater than anything that comes my way. I desire to be Your 'witness' in a mighty way today. First, I ask for a cleansing in my spirit. I especially am grateful You cleansed me during the night when I prayed for the times I have failed You. Fill me to overflowing with more of You...be greater than me...show through in my actions, attitude, and words throughout this day in a mighty way. I pray today for the lady who received the call yesterday her mother passed. Praise Your Holy Name You provided her neighbor to be there in her office at the moment the call came. I also praise Your Name for the way You were with me throughout yesterday with the tasks I had to accomplish. You are so awesome, Lord! Thank You for being My Glory. Amen.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Nehemiah 8; Philippians 4:4-7 - "Joy"

When you read Nehemiah 8, you see what happened when the Israelites were attentive to the reading of God's word. They not only were blessed by it but they desired more. They were reminded through the reading of how they needed to live. Every time I open up His Word I learn something new or am reminded of something I forgot. His Word is alive. Praise His Holy Name! The Israelites found joy from this time of hearing His Word (Nehemiah 8b). They understood the Word in a deeper way (vs. 12) and were obedient to it (vs. 13-17). Once again, they found joy in it. Years later as Paul walked in obedience he found joy in the Lord. Even in the midst of being imprisoned he encouraged the Church of Philippi to have the joy of the Lord. 

Paul had joy in the midst of turmoil. He had peace in a very non-peaceful situation. The only way for that to happen is to have a personal relationship with Christ. When one is living in His presence and walking a road of obedience to His will, that peace is even greater. During the night I prayed for some I know who are going through turmoil. Some of it is caused by their own actions while others are dealing with 'junk' the enemy has put in their life. I prayed for those who are not in relationship with Him to find Him. I prayed for those who know Him but have yet to take the step toward living a sanctified life to take that step. I prayed for those who are living a life of obedience to His will to stay strong in their faith. Sometimes the challenges we face are from God to take us deeper. Sometimes they are from the enemy who is trying to tear us out of relationship with our Heavenly Father. No matter what, we have the choice of pulling closer to God or allowing the enemy to win. I am choosing to draw closer to God. I refuse to allow the enemy any foothold in my life. These are strong words I am standing on. The enemy is fighting hard to get us but we are standing in the Lord's strength with His joy as our mantra. Praying today for different ones to fight the enemy and stand in the Lord's strength and joy...
  • families who are being torn apart by the enemy
  • friends who are dealing with disease, treatments, pain, etc. in themselves or loved ones
  • those who are struggling financially
  • those who are floundering with their job/career decisions
  • those in ministry who are discouraged
  • those who are dealing with issues in their marriage
  • women with infertility; pregnancy issues; miscarriages
  • children who are feeling neglected by their parents/parents who are feeling neglected by their children
  • parents who are overwhelmed with their family's schedule
  • graduates who are facing a great time of adjustment
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your joy that gets me through times of turmoil. Thank You for Your strength that is always with me. Thank You for the peace You give in the midst of the trials of life. May more people realize Your empowerment. May my words, actions, and attitude be Yours today so people will see/hear You through me. But first Lord I know You need to cleanse me of anything not of You. Thank You for the cleansing of my spirit so I can live this day in a new way. Lord, I continue to ask for Doc's healing. I pray for a lessening in his pain today. I also pray for Your touch upon Him as he brings his sermon together for Sunday. Give him a clear mind so He can hear You for the message You desire of him to give. Lord, use me today in a mighty way as I meet with different ladies. I also pray for favor with the appointment I had yesterday at the doctor office and the one ahead today at the hospital. Your will, Father, is my prayer. Thank You Jesus for being My Joy, Peace and Strength. Amen.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Romans 6:15-18; Matthew 25:21 - "Freedom Hymn"


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

This is the sound of chains breaking
This is the beat of a heart changing
This is a song of a soul forgiven
This is my freedom hymn

I prayed during the night for so many people who need to have freedom. It is available from the Lord for all. His desire is for people to live in Him instead of in the sin of the world. I remember the days of thinking I was free as I did my own thing. I remember thinking I was on the top of the world doing what I wanted to do. I am so grateful when the Lord woke me up to the realization life was not all about the junk of the world but was about living for Him. I was grateful for the way He took me back into His arms after being out of relationship with Him for a period of time. There were no stipulations put on our relationship by Him other than for me to love with His love. The more I did that, the more I realized I wanted to go deeper in my walk with Him. The desire of my heart was to walk a path of obedience with Him, doing what He desired of me, loving people with His love even when it did not make sense, doing things He asked that may be out of my comfort zone, etc. Actually, I have learned over the last few years there is no longer a 'comfort zone' because it does not matter what He asks of me I am His willing servant. Throughout the night and again this morning I find myself praying for more people to get to that point in life where no matter what the Lord asks, they will do. I also prayed specifically for ones who need a touch from the Lord. Some need a physical touch, some an emotional touch but most of all a spiritual touch for all involved...

  • a family in turmoil with needing wisdom with their elderly mother
  • another family in turmoil over 'junk' that creeped in and caused division
  • my Momma who needs to regain her strength from pneumonia
  • a dear friend who is struggling with the death of a loved one who she was estranged from
  • a military family whose husband/father has been away for a month of training
  • a Momma who is dealing with the after effects of her daughter's wedding
  • a lady with dementia and her family
  • my friend Paula who is in extreme pain
  • an elderly friend who is so ready to leave this earth
  • my friends Nada and Nancy who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer
There are so many hurting people. Some are in relationship with the Lord and some are not. Some know Him yet refuse to walk in obedience to Him. I remember those days of thinking I would be 'ok' with doing what I wanted. I remember thinking if something happens that I die He will still accept me into heaven because I asked Him into my heart as a child. God is the Only One to judge. He is the Only One to accept or deny us into heaven when we leave this earth. I sure do not want to be turned away at the Pearly Gates. The desire of my heart is to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). I am praying for more people to find freedom in Christ that is not available through any other way other than Him.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for Doc's surgeries being over. I pray for less pain for him today. I also pray for wisdom for him with decisions to be made. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing. May You ooze out of all my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. May You be who people see/hear through me today. Father, I ask for a continuation of Your wisdom and recollection as I continue to prepare for my final exam. I pray against the enemy trying to convince me I will do bad. I pray for You to be greater than him not only in this exam situation but in some other situations we are dealing with. Thank You Jesus for being My Freedom. Amen.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Psalm 119:105 - "Dream Small"

When the clock went off this morning to go for Doc's surgery, these words were going through my head...

Dream small
Don't bother like you've gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Dream small

As I sat and waited during surgery I thought of the truth in this song. We never know how we can impact another person's life with a smile, a hug, a nice word, etc. We also never know what others live with as they battle disease, have relationship issues, busy schedules, etc. As I looked around the waiting room there were some who looked like they scared to death of what was ahead. One Momma cried when her little guy was pulled from her and taken back for surgery. I would have loved to talk to each one of them and ask if I could pray for them but that was not possible. Instead I sat and looked around the room and asked God to bless each one in their unique situation. I prayed for doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. who were working today to have wisdom and a gentle touch. I especially prayed for the parents and grandparents who watched their little ones be taken back for surgery. Most of all I prayed for God to continue to use me however He desires. I prayed for Him to knock some 'giants' down out of our life in His time. I asked Him if His time could come sooner than later and He chuckled at me. Sometimes impatience causes distractions to what God desires for us. There are times we try to manipulate situations to conform to what we want when the best thing is what God wants for us. As we wait, we need to stay in His Word and live in His presence.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Doc's surgery being over. I pray against the pain he is experiencing with this one. I pray for the process to go well as You continue to heal his hands. Lord, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me with Your Spirit. Lord, I also pray for revelation as to what 'tiny rock' will make our 'giants' fall. Open our eyes, minds, and hearts. I pray for wisdom and recollection as I continue to review for my exam. I praise Your Holy Name for all the ways You continue to direct our path. Thank You Jesus for being My Director. Amen.


Monday, May 21, 2018

Matthew 6:10 - "Holy Ground"


I had an experience last week that left me breathless. We stopped at St. Peter's for an errand and the minute my feet touched the ground I was touched by an awesome feeling of peace. As I walked from one building to another I was amazed at the peacefulness I felt. I saw God's beauty in His creation of flowers, the trees budding, and heard the birds singing. The ladies in the office were smiling and had a gentle spirit. I felt like I was whisked away to another place other than this world. It is so hard to explain the way I felt. I thought of the song about standing on holy ground and it came onto my lips. When I got back into the car and shared with Doc my feelings he said they must be doing God's work. That is what I desire for our church. I remember hearing someone once say that people need to feel the Spirit not only when they come into a church but as they drive by or as they pull into the parking lot. I don't know that I ever have experienced what I did the other day but it left a desire in my heart to have that be in our church. When God spoke to Moses about standing on holy ground in Exodus 3:6 it wasn't that the ground itself was any different. It was the presence of the Lord that made it holy ground. The peace I live in is because His presence is with me. His Spirit lives in and through me every day. If all the people of a church body lived in His presence, then they would carry His Spirit with them. That would be when His Spirit would be felt as people gathered together. Oh my! What an experience that would be. His love would flow so greatly in such a group. His peace would be felt so wonderfully by all. It would be like heaven on earth. There would be no arguing, discord, people wanting to have their own way, etc. Instead there would be unity and selflessness. God would be the Center of all words, actions, and thoughts. "On earth as it is in heaven" would have a whole new meaning. That is the desire of my heart.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the experience of last week when I felt Your presence so greatly at St. Peter's. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Thank You for being who You are in my life. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for our neighbors who love on one another in mighty ways. Thank You for putting us here to be a beacon of light for You. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I pray for Kenny's surgery today to be successful. I also pray for Paula's pain to be less as she is getting closer to coming home from their trip. Thank You for my exegetical paper going well. I pray for wisdom and recollection as I have a final exam this week. Lord, I pray for more people to experience Your peace today. I pray for those who are not in relationship with You to find You. I also pray for those who are saved to take the next step into living in Your presence in a new way with being sanctified wholly. Thank You Jesus for being My Peace. Amen.


Sunday, May 20, 2018

Acts 2:42-48 - "Overwhelmed"




I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You

I woke up to these words going through my head this morning and began thinking about how overwhelming God is to me. He does so much for me. His love, grace, and mercy are so overwhelming. The way He watches over and protects me is amazing. The way He works in and through me is beyond comprehension. I know the only reason I can see these things is because I live a life of obedience to Him. What He desires is what I desire. This morning as I thought about these things my heart aches for those who do not live such a life. It hurts knowing people in my little world who refuse to allow Him control of their life. No one truly has control of their life but people like to think they do. This morning I am praying for...
  • pastors to preach boldly the Word so people will come into relationship with their Heavenly Father
  • truth to be spoken from pulpits today so people's eyes will be open
  • prodigals to return
  • families to reconcile
  • relationships to be restored
  • children and teens to be taught the Gospel
These prayers go deep into my soul. I desire people to be healed not only physically but emotionally, mentally, and most of all spiritually. I desire for more people to be overwhelmed by the love of Christ.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Thank You for the way You overwhelm me. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Bless pastors with boldness today as they preach. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to be involved in services today. May people's eyes be opened on this Pentecost Sunday so the Holy Spirit can move throughout congregations. May Your fire fall down upon Your people. May 'dead' people become alive in You. May people become "overwhelmed" by You. Thank You Jesus for being My Fire. Amen.


Saturday, May 19, 2018

Psalm 58 - "Surrounded (Fight My Battles)"

Last night as I was praying before going to bed the Lord impressed upon me to read Psalm 58. I asked him to help me remember it to read in the morning if it was OK to wait as I was so sleepy. I told Him if I needed to read it right then to not allow me to go to sleep. I immediately fell asleep and was blessed this morning to remember what I was to read. As I read this Psalm, I thought of all the deaths our world saw yesterday with another school shooting and the plane crash in Cuba. The shooting was indeed senseless. I am sure there is great debate going on right now over what the lawmakers need to do with gun control. I also imagine there is some discussion on who is to blame for the plane crash. Just a few weeks ago a military plane crashed not far from us with several killed. There was discussion then about the safety of the plane and whose 'fault' the crash was. I have to wonder how these situations could have been changed. Could we be on our knees in prayer more? Could these situations have been avoided? What, if anything, could have been done to not have these situations happen? This morning there are parents waking up for the first time without their children on this earth. There are also children waking up for their first time without their parents on this earth. How much of their hurt is caused by the enemy? In Psalm 58 David prayed against the enemies of God and His church. Over the last couple of years we have experienced many challenges in our ministry. Some we know have been God stopping us from our plans to make sure things were accomplished in His time. Others have truly been attacks by the enemy to destroy the Beaufort Church of the Nazarene and us personally. It is interesting to see what Matthew Henry says about Psalm 58:

David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church. He foretells their ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger? The victories of the Just One, in his own person and that of his servants, over the enemies of man's salvation, produce a joy which springs not from revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the elect, the punishment of the ungodly, and the fulfilment of the promises. Whoever duly considers these things, will diligently seek the reward of righteousness, and adore the Providence which orders all thing aright in heaven and in earth.

I am not sure I like the tone of Psalm 58 but I agree with Henry in that we must pray against the enemy. We also need to pray for people who are caught up in his ways. We must pray for God's timing in our situations and allow Him to work in and through us. I need to continue to pray for those who are doing the work of the evil one to have their eyes opened to God's ways. I don't want to see anyone rot in hell. I need to remember God is the Ultimate Judge. He is the Only One that should be judging others. I do not have to like the sin they do for the evil one but I do have to love people with His love. I also need to remember the last words of this Psalm...


Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the words of Psalm 58 that remind me to pray for my enemies and they will answer to You. Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for peace in the midst of trials. Thank You for providing tires yesterday at a decent price. Thank You for giving answers to questions in prayer. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me so people will hear/see You instead of me today in my words, actions, and attitude. I pray for strength as I deal with shortened sleep time. I pray for the parents waking up today who had their children shot and killed in the school shooting yesterday to have Your strength in the days ahead. I pray for the children waking up today whose parents were killed on the plane crash to have people around them who will love on them with Your love. I pray for the school administration and the District Church of the Nazarene as they go through these tough days. Lord, I also pray against the enemy having his way in our ministry. These 'sucker punches' seem to keep coming yet we continue to stand in Your strength. Thank You Jesus for being Our Judge. Amen.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Romans 6:15-18 - "Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)"


I woke up during the night and again this morning with words to "Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)" going through my mind. I immediately started praying for people who need to die to self and allow God to reign in their heart. I prayed for them to have someone say or do something to change their heart. It is not an easy step to take when life is going 'well' but life can be so much better when one realizes they truly are not in total control of their lives. Only God can be in total control. He gives us free choice and we have to choose Him over worldly things. That may mean we lose 'friends' or it may mean we 'suffer' but in the end it means spending eternity with the Lord instead of in the pit of hell. 

Hold on to me, hold on to me
Don't let me lose my way
Hold on to me


I see too many people who 'know' Him yet they refuse to allow Him to have control over their life. They refuse the benefits of walking obedience. I remember when I was in their shoes. I went to church, read my Bible, prayed...all of the things one should do when in relationship with the Lord. The thing that was missing was the biggest step of all of dying to self and saying 'YES' to walking a life of obedience. One needs to go beyond salvation and allow Him to have total control of every breathe we take, every action we make, every word we say, every thought that goes through our mind...everything. Until one gets to this point in life these words will be a part of their life...

Winter has come back again
Feels like the season won't end
My faith is dying tonight
And I won't try to pretend


'Winter' can be a time of death to many plants. It can be a time of misery if one lives in a cold climate. But it also can be a time of renewal as snow falls and makes everything look clean and fresh. But just as the snow melts and things get muddy and ugly so is a person's life who is not cleansed by the Holy Spirit. Today I am praying for those who need a renewal in their spirit, for those who need salvation and especially those who need to take the step of living a sanctified life for the Lord. One no longer needs to sin. All it takes is taking the step to allowing the Holy Spirit to live in their life. Paul tells us in Romans 6 that once we become slaves to righteousness we no longer have to be slaves to sin. That is the life I have chosen and am grateful for. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday as we spent time together laughing and enjoying one another. Thank You for the blessings ahead in this day. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing so all who hear/see me will hear/see You. I pray for the events of this day with my doctor appointment and another appointment. I also pray for the tweaking that I will do on my paper before submitting it. May You continue to give me Your wisdom. I pray for my friend who is talking with the doctor today about the next step with her breast cancer. May You continue to give her Your peace throughout these days. I also pray for Paula to have Your strength as she continues to struggle with pain on their trip. Lord, be greater than the pain for her so she can enjoy today. Thank You Jesus for being My Greater. Amen.



Thursday, May 17, 2018

Psalm 119:1-8 - "Dream Small"



I woke up this morning with the lyrics to "Dream Small" going through my head. After I prayed for a retired pastor at 3:44AM for health issues the Lord had this same song in my mind. These words are ones we all need to think about...

Dream small
Don't bother like you've gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Dream small

We need to make sure we do not miss anything the Lord has in store for us by doing things on our own agenda. The song continues...

It's visiting the widow down the street
Or dancing on a Friday with your friend with special needs
These simple moments change the world
Of course, there's nothing wrong with bigger dreams
Just don't miss the minutes on your way, your bigger things, no
'Cause these simple moments change the world

God knows the desires of our heart. He knows our dreams, our thoughts, our desires. Most importantly He knows what is best for us. He gives us free choice with the desire for us to choose Him and His ways. There is nothing that could happen to us that would be better than His will. We may never know when we will say or do something to make a difference in someone's life. Those are best things we can do. We may never know when a word or an action of God's love will be just what is needed to get them to realize His love and start a walk of obedience to His will. The greatest part about life with Him is that we do not have to know such things. All we need to do is walk in obedience to Him. As we walk in obedience He will bless us in abundance. When I visit my neighbor Grammy, I am blessed in so many ways by the smile on her face. As I love on a child who has no Jesus in their life other than me, I am blessed with the seeds I am planting. As I take a meal to someone who doesn't know Him, I am blessed in knowing I am sharing His love with them. As I wait on God's timing in a tough situation, I am blessed with His peace. We may never know how we are blessing those we lavish with His love. But as I said, we don't have to know. All we need to do is be obedient.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of this song. Thank You for the ways You used me yesterday to be a beacon of light for You. Thank You for giving me opportunities to love on people with Your love. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Enable me to be focused on You so I don't miss any opportunity You put before me today. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Lord, I pray again for the man You woke me up to pray for during the night. I pray for his wife with whatever he is going through. Give her strength and peace. I also pray for my friends who are dealing with health issues but most of all I pray for their spiritual needs. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Am Obedient To. Amen.