Philippians 4 - "Confidence"

The Lord woke me up twice during the night to pray for pastors. Both times He had the song He woke me up to yesterday going through my mind. "Confidence" is what He had me praying for all pastors to have. He had me prayed they would be reminded of how He is always with them and will never let them down but they must stay in communication with Him. He had me pray for those who are too busy 'doing church' to remember that is not what He desires. He desires relationship with Him so we can show others the same. These words kept going through my mind as I prayed...

Give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence

I prayed for those...

• who feel like the enemy is ready to eat them up to have faith as Daniel did when he was facing the hungry lions.
• who are dealing with hopeless situations to think about how God was with Moses every step of the way in the wilderness.
• who are being attacked to believe as David that He will defend them to the end; they do not have to succumb to the attacks.

We all have 'giants' in our lives but it seems like those doing the Lord's work face more of them. Some people ask why. The answer is very simple. 'Giants' grow our faith. 'Giants' make us rely on God instead of ourselves. 'Giants' are what brings more of God's love out in us. Last night I read Philippians 4 as I prepared for today. This is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible. God gave me Philippians 4:13 almost twenty-five years ago as I laid in bed not able to function on my own. He continually brings verses from this chapter to my mind. Paul's closing words to the Church of Philippi are encouraging to me. He encourages them to rejoice no matter what is happening in their lives (vs 4). Paul reminds them the Lord will return and we need to be loving on people so they will be ready (vs 5). The way to do this is found in verse six. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Plain and simple. All we have to do is live in God's will. The result will be His peace (vs 7). Verse eight explains that we need to watch what we put in our minds. I like to call this verse the 'junk-in/junk-out' verse. If we watch trashy TV, movies, etc; listen to trashy music; surround ourselves with people who cuss; etc. that is what will eventually come out of us. We need to stand in God's love to have His peace. We need to allow Him to not only be the Lord of Lords of our lives but the King of Kings who we walk in obedience to. Too many times I have seen pastors who have caved to the world to keep people happy with them. People are not who we need to answer to. God is the Only One for that.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You once again for the privilege to pray for pastors. I pray especially for my pastor who is dealing with cold/fever. I ask for healing upon his body. He has had a tough week with the car window breaking, passing a kidney stone, and now dealing with this. Father, be his Encourager. I also pray for myself as I bring the message this morning. May You speak through me. Lord, cleanse and fill me so that is possible. Lord, be with pastors who are facing 'giants' who need to rely more on You. May they seek and feel Your empowerment today. Thank You Jesus for being My Peace! Amen.

Psalm 3 - "Confidence"

The Lord impressed upon me to read Psalm 3 this morning. David wrote this Psalm at a time where he felt beaten down by his enemies. In the first three verses we see how David found safety in his relationship with God. He also found honor in being a child of God. There was joy and deliverance found as he depended upon Him for strength. Communication with God is key for all to find such things. We must be in prayer and keep the lines of communication open with Him. This will enable us to see/hear what He desires of us to receive. There are times where we are overwhelmed with life and the lines of communication become weakened due to circumstances. It is during those times that we must press in closer to Him. He will protect us from our enemies. Later on in the book of Daniel we read about how Daniel was protected in the lion's den. We can read throughout the Bible of such situations where God protected people. We also know of situations today where His protection is on people. Sometimes we do not even know when or what He protects us from. Sometimes we feel as if someone was not protected when they die in an accident. The thing we do not know is perhaps God was protecting them from something on this earth. In verses five and six we see the faith David had in God's protection. He was able to lay down and sleep. Many times when faced with times of turmoil sleep is hard to come by. But when we give our problems to the Lord we do not have to fret but instead can rest in Him. Matthew Henry wrote about these verses:

"Many lie down, and cannot sleep, through pain of body, or anguish of mind, or the continual alarms of fear in the night. But it seems here rather to be meant of the calmness of David's spirit, in the midst of his dangers. The Lord, by his grace and the consolations of his Spirit, made him easy. It is a great mercy, when we are in trouble, to have our minds stayed upon God."

Amen! It may not seem like the easiest thing to do but when we allow God to be in control of our lives we will live in His peace. Yes, there will still be problems. If there weren't, we would have no need for Him. In the beginning of this Psalm we read of the problems with enemies David had. The best part about this Psalm is reading how he rejoiced by the empowerment of God through His grace and love. This is available to all not just a few chosen ones. It is available for anyone who will accept Him in their heart and allow Him to be the Lord of Lords and King of Kings of their life. Those who do this can have "Confidence" as they stand up against the enemies that come against us. I love these words in a song Sanctus Real sings...

Give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence

Yes! He will be our defense just as He was David's when we give Him our heart and soul fully in submission. He will grow our faith like Daniel's so He can protect us. He will give us hope in situations that seem hopeless just as Moses had with the Israelites. He can be our "Confidence" when we allow Him to be. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the words of David in Psalm 3. Thank You for the way You encourage me to have confidence in You. Thank You for being the One who cleanses me every day so You can fill me with more of You. Father, may You be in every word, thought, and deed I have today. May You be greater than me. May You shine through me in a mighty way. May You be my peace in the midst of the storm of today. Father, I pray for many who are going through storms in life to draw closer to You. I pray they will know You are there for them. I pray a special prayer for my Momma today. May You be her Soothing Balm. Thank You Jesus for being My Confidence! Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10b - "Where Are You Christmas?"

I woke up this morning singing "Where Are You Christmas?" and immediately started praying for some people who feel like they no longer have the joy of the Lord in their heart. Some are believers who are dealing with tough situations. The enemy got a foothold in their life and is playing havoc. Sometimes the enemy gets in by ways we can not even imagine. Sometimes he works through other people to get in and destroy relationships. The hurt becomes so great we think we are not going to be able to continue on with life. The Lord is the Only One who can be the Soothing Balm in such situations. He is the Only One who can heal the hurts. They may still be a part of our life but they will be doable to deal with as we allow Him to enable us with His supernatural empowerment. His strength is the only thing to get us through tough times. His wisdom will be the only thing to enable us to make right decisions. This morning I am praying for...

• Married couples who have grown apart to find common ground.
• Families who are torn apart due to things that have been said or done to find peace and reconciliation.
• Parents with prodigals to not give up on their children but instead pray for them to come back, especially in their relationship with the Lord.
• People with family members dealing with addiction to have the Lord's strength and wisdom on how and when to help them. 
• Parents with children who are out of control to seek the Lord's wisdom on how to punish, reward, etc.
• Single parents to seek the Lord's will for their lives as they raise their children and desire a relationship with another mate.
• Those who have lost loved ones who feel like their heart is breaking no matter if it was this week, a year ago, or twenty years ago.
• Those who are lonely...the widow/widowers; those with their spouse in the military; those away from home; those who feel like they don't have a friend in the world; the orphans; those in hospitals, nursing homes, etc.; mothers with small children who feel cut-off from the world; etc.
• People who have lost family members and friends in tragic accidents this week...car accidents, shootings, weather disasters, etc.
• Those who are struggling with post-holiday depression.

Most of all I am praying everyone of these people will find the joy of the Lord. I pray they will realize we cannot do life on our own but instead need to rely on His strength, wisdom, and empowerment. These cannot be found in the world. They are only available through Him. His joy is available for all who are willing to allow Him control of our lives. It does not necessarily mean problems will be wiped away. We grow in our relationship with Him through dealing with problems. What it means is we can have His joy through the problems. We can have His peace in the midst of the storms of life. This song this morning reminded me of how when He is in our hearts His presence is with us even in the 'bad' days. This part says it all...

I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

Yes! Christ is Christmas. His love is the Soothing Balm to help with the hurts of life. His love will enable us to continue on even when we feel like we can't. His joy is possible through times of turmoil. It sounds so simple yet is so hard to live out at times but the way for this to happen is to surrender our whole being to the Lord. It is not easy to do because the world tells us to think only of ourselves but we must put Christ first. This cannot be done just verbally. We must put Him first in our words, actions, and attitude. When we don't, it gives the enemy an open door.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the joy You give me. Thank You for the strength and wisdom You enable me with throughout tough days. Thank You for the privilege to pray for and with those who are hurting from circumstances. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be seen and heard through me today. Father, bless my prayers for so many hurting people. May they find You as their Joy today. Thank You Jesus for being My Soothing Balm. Amen.

Psalm 49 - "Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)"

I was thinking this morning about when I was going to take down the Christmas tree. It usually happens around New Year's but I'm ready to get the room back to normal so it might happen sooner. When I think about all the work involved, I'm not sure I have the energy to do it. I am thankful it is not as big of an ordeal as when the boys were home and there was a ton of 'junk' to put away. This was the time of year toy boxes were gone through with old toys discarded, closets were cleaned out to make room for new clothes, etc. I have a rule for myself when something new comes in, something old goes out. That means this year five pieces of clothing and two pair of shoes have to be removed. This enables my closet to not become overly full. I watched the people in Indonesia on the news last night who have nothing left and felt guilty for what I have. Most of us in America have too much 'junk' or 'stuff' no matter how hard we try not to. When we moved, we got rid of a lot but yet we still have too much. One thing I wish I wouldn't have got rid of so much of was my winter clothes. The first 'winter' we were here I sure didn't need them but oh my this year I could use them. It is amazing the difference. But if I would have kept all my winter clothing I would just have more 'stuff' and I don't think that is what God desires of us. As far as clothing goes, we can always layer! I believe God desires us to focus on Him. That is the only way we will spend eternal life with Him. We cannot be distracted by 'stuff' of this world. Our lives should be focused on eternal things and not material things. When the boys were growing up, I came to the point in life where I had to choose my battles. I would ask myself one simple question when faced with a situation with them. "Will what they want to do or are doing have a difference in them going to heaven or hell?" If the answer was 'no,' then it was easier for me to allow them to do it. If it was 'yes,' we had a problem. If we were to ask ourselves this question before we did something, before we bought something, etc., it would change the way we live. Psalm 49 shows us how material things can cause unnecessary stress in our lives. It shows how we need to trust God and not 'stuff' (vs 6-7). We will not be taking possessions with us to heaven (vs 17). If we put our trust in 'stuff' instead of in God, He may not take us with Him for eternity. There is nothing wrong with having 'stuff' unless it gets put before God. Then it may become an idol which is not right. The stress of putting 'stuff' before God is something no one has to endure. When one is living with God as King of Kings of their life, that type of stress is eliminated because everything we do is done with His direction. There is joy and peace found in such living. There is the knowledge that eternity with Him is in the future. These particular words are not in Psalm 49 but the concept is...

Morning is a time where we wake up refreshed. It is the beginning of a new day. When we turn everything over to God, we have a new beginning in our relationship with Him. We do not have to worry about the past but instead can look forward to the future. I try to stay focused on my future with spending eternity with Him. I can have joy on this earth as long as I keep my focus on Him but better still is the knowledge of having joy for eternity.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminders of Psalm 49 this morning on how to have genuine joy in You. Thank You for the nine hours of sleep last night. Thank You for Doc passing the kidney stone during the night. Thank You for all the ways You love on us. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be focused on You throughout this day. Fill me to overflowing so people will see/hear You through me. I pray for so many people who are dealing with physical issues. I pray for Ellen as she finally goes home; Cassie in her last weeks of pregnancy; my Momma who had a tough day yesterday; Little Malachi; those going through cancer treatments such as Billie, Little Richie, Little Natalie; those with colds and flu; and those facing medical testing. May Your healing touch come down upon them and their families. Thank You Jesus for being My Genuine Joy. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 - "Frosty the Snowman"

Today is my 'baby's' birthday! Woo hoo! Thirty-four years old! Wow! I wish I could sit down with him over a cup of coffee and reminisce about things that have happened over the last thirty-four years. His Grandma McHenry spoiled him from the time he could ask for coffee with letting him have 'just a little bit.' He use to be told it would stunt his growth but obviously that didn't happen with him ending up at six foot five! If we were at his house, our conversation would be interrupted multiple times (which I would enjoy) with his five children playing. I will never forget the day he walked out from his first, Miss Evelyn, being born. The look on his face was priceless. My 'baby' was Daddy to his first baby. It did not seem possible. As I've watched his children growing up, I have seen their love for reading just as their Daddy had at their age. He loved going to the library for Story Hour as a little guy. Maybe it was in books that he found his imagination. He would do or say something and tell us his 'puter' told him to. When we asked where it was, he would point to his forehead. His imagination also was working as he built 'New York City' with his legos at around age three or four. He had never been to a large city at that point in life yet he knew New York City had skyscrapers. Maybe I would tell him the story of what he did to scare us at eighteen months old. One minute he was out playing in the backyard with Paul and the next he was gone. We searched for forty-five minutes in and outside. We saw a tractor back in the field and was just getting ready to go see if he had walked out to it when we heard a giggle. The little burger had slithered in between the mattress and couch on the pull-out couch in the basement and stayed hidden that entire time. I told him if I wasn't so glad to see him I would spank him. I felt the same way when he was in sixth grade and wanted to go to the movies on the last day of school but his Dad and I told him no. When he didn't come home on the bus as he was suppose to, wasn't at the Boys and Girls Club, and wasn't at the school we were scared to death but soon realized he had disobeyed us. When he was growing up, I prayed for him to have children who wouldn't sleep or eat as he did as a young child. But I also prayed for him to have a godly wife. My prayers were answered with Emily but his children don't have any problem eating and I don't think with sleeping either. I guess God knew Emily needed to have good children since there are five of them! I love to see the principles they are instilling in their children. Miss Evelyn at age eight having a prayer ministry in the church blessed my heart. Her raising money for her violin lessons by making scripture pictures also blessed me. At probably her age, he was picking up cigarette butts at the campground for a penny a piece to make some money. He also went with Grandma to help set-up at the Free Store and would proudly walk in with a box of groceries for his work. At that point in time, money was tight and he knew we could use them. His compassionate heart showed through in so many ways growing up. Now with being the head of Family Promise I see him continuing to show compassion. What a blessing to know he is walking in the footsteps of those before him. He was raised in a home with a non-profit organization. He knew the phone could ring at any time and it was someone in need with the Kidney Foundation having our phone number. He also lived in a parsonage for a couple years so he knew the phone ringing in the middle of the night usually meant someone in need. I was so proud as I watched him be ordained and then installed into two different churches. Our move to South Carolina was delayed by a week and we were bummed. But when we went to see Ben's family one more time God blessed us with hearing him preach. Then my trip up for Linda and Junior's anniversary party that summer he preached again. Wow, God! I love to hear him preach. I know God has gifted him in this area. Our time of reminiscing would be fun. There may be some tears shed as I have done as I have thought about these things. I miss my family so much and it is so hard to be so far away from them but I continue to rely on God for His strength. Many times I feel like my heart is breaking because I cannot be there but just as Ben relies on Jeremiah 29:11-12, so will I. This verse saw us through him being healed in the womb from having an open spine and then as a teenager being healed from rheumatoid arthritis. It saw us through him 'knowing' he was going to be a meteorologist to God calling him into ministry. God had bigger plans for him and he is walking in obedience to Him. Praise His Holy Name! This morning as I think about how much Ben loves snow (he even prayed for it one Mother's Day!) I thought it was appropriate to sing "Frosty the Snowman"! Oh how he loved building snowmen as a child and enjoys building them with his own children now!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my 'baby' who is celebrating his birthday today. Thank You for the way You continue to work in and through him. He makes me so proud. I pray for his day to be a day of celebration and the year ahead to be one full of You. Bless him, Emily, Miss Evelyn, Mr Beckett, Miss Annabel, Miss Clementine, and Mr Weston in abundance. May You continue to be the Leader of their home. Father, I pray blessings upon our home too. May You cleanse us so You can fill us to overflowing with more of You. May You be greater than anything in our lives. Thank You Jesus for being Our Leader. Amen.

Matthew 1:21 - "Happy Birthday Jesus"

Christmas morning...sure can be different as you go through life. No longer is the morning started off early with the excitement of children opening presents. The mess of wrapping paper, boxes, bows, etc. is not as large as it has been in the past. Reading of the Christmas story at bedtime on Christmas Eve is done on a different day but the True Reason for the season is not forgotten. No matter how things change, He does not. The story of His birth is always treasured. If it would not have been for Jesus coming to this earth, we would not be here today. His death and resurrection were the purpose of His birth. Last night I saw pictures on Facebook of families making birthday cakes for Jesus. I hope they also celebrated His birth this morning among the gift opening and chaos that happens. Oh how I pray for more children to know Him in an intimate way. I strive to get His story into every little heart I can. But that is not all I need to do. I must disciple them to they will understand how to have Him in their lives 24/7. If I do not follow through, they very well could fall away. I do not want to see anyone do that. I know of many who have been negative about today. "It's not the day He was born. We are telling lies to our children about His birth story. Culture turned His story into Him being born in a stable." My question to them is shouldn't we celebrate His birthday every day of the year? What makes the difference when we celebrate as long as we celebrate? I totally agree with the thought the world has taken commercialism to the extreme with the holiday. I have no arguments there. But to put negative into a positive situation is something I do not agree with. Maybe I am thinking wrong but I do not think we should be worrying about those who are celebrating His birth but instead be focused on those who are not in relationship with Him. That is where my focus is and will stay. He came to this earth to die for all of us. I do not want his birth, death, or resurrection to go in vain!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for coming to this earth to die for me. Thank You for loving me so much that You guide me throughout my days. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your love. May Your words, actions, and attitude be heard/seen through me today. May You be greater. Father, I pray for those who are without You to find You. I pray for those who have found You to go deeper in their relationship with You. May You be the peace all mankind finds today. May You be the strength needed for those going through today with a family member who has passed on; those in the military separated from family; those who are in 'broken' families with the children with the other parent; those who are in their last days on this earth; those with strife among their family; families with prodigals; those with addiction that is killing them...oh Lord, there are so many different people who come to my mind that need Your peace. Thank You Jesus for being My True Reason! Amen.

Luke 1:29; 2:19 - "A Baby Changes Everything"

Today is the day many will celebrate Christmas Eve. There will be some who celebrate because it's on the calendar. There will be others who celebrate because it is the night before they honor their Savior's birth. It is sad to think of all the people who celebrate this time of year without the True Meaning being a part of their life. While most people know He is why we celebrate unless they are in a personal relationship with Him, their celebrating is just of a worldly way. They give gifts and gather together because of family tradition. A believer gives gifts and gathers together because of family tradition. We give gifts because the wisemen give gifts. We gather together as a family because when Jesus was born people gathered to see Him. "A Baby Changes Everything" has been on my mind these last few days. This song walks us through Scripture from the time the angel told Mary of Jesus' upcoming birth until He was born. The last part is so very true for those who will accept Him into their heart...

My whole life is turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything 

Yes! Lives are changed when they accept the Lord into their heart. Lives are changed even more so when He becomes more than their Savior and is allowed full reign of the entire person. When one gives their checkbook, calendar, every aspect of themselves back to Him, there is freedom that can't be found any other place. So many times people seek happiness but in fact the Lord desires us to seek holiness. That does not mean He does not want us to be happy. It means He wants us to be content with whatever comes our way. He desires us to have peace in all circumstances. Did Mary have peace when she was told she was going to birth Jesus? Did Joseph have peace when he was told Mary was pregnant? Maybe not initially but the Holy Spirit provided peace to them. He will do the same for us today when we allow Him. He will be the One to explain things that don't make sense when we trust Him. He will be there to give comfort when the hurts become too great. He will be the One to love on us when it seems like no one else does. The reason for His birth was for Him to die and be resurrected for all our sins. We cannot celebrate His birth in the right mindset if we do not also celebrate His death and resurrection. We cannot allow these to be celebrated in our hearts for the wrong reason. Instead, we need to proclaim why He came as a baby to live, die, and live again for all mankind. We must be willing to share His love if we want to live with Him forever. If we don't, His birth was for naught. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of Your love through this song. Thank You for giving peace when it just does not make sense. Thank You for never leaving me but instead always being with me. Thank You for coming to this earth to die for my sins. Thank You for living in and through me every day. Father, cleanse me today so You can fill me. May You be greater than anything that comes my way. May You be seen and heard through my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day in a new, different way. Father, You know the desires of my heart and I pray You will fulfill those that are of Your will. I pray You will heal the hurts by being the balm that soothes my soul. Father, I pray You will bless Adam today as he celebrates His birthday. Bless him and Rachel as they celebrate their first Christmas with Aiya. "A Baby Changes Everything" has sure happened in their lives with her birth. Bless them as they continue to adjust to being a family of three. Bless Paul and Ben and their families as they celebrate Your birth not only in this season but every day. I pray for more families to come to the point in their lives to celebrate the True Reason for the Season, You. May You be greater than the ways of the world in the lives of families. May the material things not be what is most important but instead You. Thank You Jesus for being My True Reason to Celebrate! Amen.

I Peter 5:2,3 - "Silent Night"

The last Sunday before Christmas will find people who do not normally attend church to be there. Some churches will have children's programs or adult cantatas. Some will have special candlelit services. The Lord woke me several times during the night to pray for pastors who will have visitors to these services. He had me pray for them to follow-up with the visitors. It was strange but He had me pray for visitors who come occasionally to be contacted this next week and in the weeks to come. He told me sometimes we, as pastors, do not follow-up with people who we are familiar with. As I prayed for these type of situations, He had me pray for wisdom with pastors on making follow-up calls. He told me to pray for the Christmas holiday season to not cause pastors to fail at this aspect of their ministry. It is much easier for contacts to be made when in a smaller church but there has to be a way in place for them to also happen in the larger church. I have heard stories of people who have attended a larger church for a couple years only to be welcomed by a greeter as a first-time guest. Recently I was told of a lady who had a death in her family and when she called the pastor he apologized and told her he could not place her. She had been attending his large church for over a year. That is sad. People need to feel wanted. They need to feel like they are cared about. Today and tomorrow there will be many who will make the decision to go to church when it is not their normal. I prayed for them to feel Jesus' love and to feel accepted wherever they go. I also prayed....

• ...the True Reason of the season to be proclaimed in every church by every pastor. 
• ...pastors would be sensitive to those who are hurting from the loss of a loved one; a break-down in their marriage or family situation; those seeking a personal relationship with the Lord; etc. 
• ...pastors would be open to every opportunity the Lord puts before them. 
• ...those pastors who are upset over the way people are celebrating Christ's birth on the 'wrong day' or in the 'wrong way' to have their eyes opened to whatever God wants of them. 
• ...physical, mental, and emotional strength over all pastors with added responsibilities this Christmas season.
• ...pastors to draw nearer to God as they proclaim the birth of Christ for all mankind.
• ...pastors to realize their families need them to spend time with them too.
• ...protection over a pastor's wife and children who I had a dream about being in a car accident.
• ...pastors in new churches and not doing things 'the way they have always been done' to be sensitive to the traditions of the church yet at the same time bring in their own ways with the love of Christ.
• ...retired pastors who are feeling a loss with not having their normal church life this Christmas season.
• ...pastors with physical ailments to lean on the Lord for wisdom and strength throughout this season but especially every day of the year.
• ...pastors with spouses with physical ailments to not be so busy with church work that they fail to care for their spouse.

I think there was more time of praying than sleeping last night but that's OK. I am grateful He wakes me every Saturday night to pray for pastors. I know there are people who pray for us and that encourages my heart. I was grateful to read something Rodney wrote yesterday about how getting together with family to celebrate Christmas does not have to be on December 25. It can be whenever everyone is available. I pray we can make our 'normal' trip in February to celebrate Christmas in Ohio but I know whenever the Lord has it planned it will be great to experience. I know I am one of many who are away from family. I am grateful He gave me tears to cleanse my hurts yesterday and the strength to continue on the path He puts before me. There is a reason we are here and I pray we fulfill that reason. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You once again for the privilege to pray for pastors and their families. Our time together throughout the night was pretty extensive but I know there was a lot You desired me to pray for. You brought to my heart "Silent Night" this morning and I had to chuckle because it sure wasn't a "Silent Night" with all the praying. I pray for physical strength throughout this day with such little sleep. I pray for a renewal in my spirit as You cleanse me and fill me. Lord, may You be greater than me in every aspect. May You be my words, my actions, and my attitude throughout this day in a way that people will see/hear You and not me. Go before me and open doors for Your love to flow richly from me. Thank You Jesus for being My Director. Amen.

Matthew 1:23 - "My Grown-up Christmas List"

The last Saturday before Christmas...only three more days before the 'big' day. There are many who it won't be such a 'big' day for due to financial issues, having to work, not being with family, etc. Some will have their 'big' day another time, some it will be just another day with nothing to celebrate. Everyone has something to celebrate at Christmas when they are in relationship with the Lord. No matter if there is no food on the table and you go to a free dinner, if you know the Lord, there is cause for celebration. Many years we went to Mansfield and loved on people with Jesus' love on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. We made some great memories during those times. People need to know Jesus loves them. They need to know the Hope He provides even in bleak situations. I will never forget the year a pre-teen boy found a suit in the clothing and asked if he could try it on. When he did, it fit like it was made for him. He proudly showed his grandma his 'new' suit and said, "Look what I got for Christmas!" Needless to say the tears flowed from a lot of us. He had not received presents that year due to Grandma's situation with raising him and his siblings and there not being enough money. Even at his young age he knew God provided what he needed. I think of this young man often and pray he grew up to continue relying on God. It is these kind of memories that keep me going during the holidays. I get discouraged on days like today when I know family are gathering at my Momma's house and I can't be there. I also get discouraged when I hear believers being judgmental about what others believe about the  particulars about Christmas. Arguing about the date, the place, etc. of Jesus' birth does not show Jesus' love to others. If they would spend their energy on sharing His love, their life and the lives of others would be changed. Yes, the holiday has taken on too much of a commercialized appeal for many. Yes, schedules have become too full of activities during this time of year. But focusing on the negatives of the season instead of the True Reason for the season is not doing anyone any good. This morning I think of these words from "My Grown-up Christmas List"...

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

My grown-up Christmas list would definitely include love never ending. God's love. It needs felt by all. It needs shared by all who have it within them. If we do not allow Him to work in and through us, we can't share Him. My heart breaks this morning as I reflect back on some conversations I heard, things I read, etc. this week from those who claim to have Him living in them. Unfortunately, I did not see it flow out of some. What does that say to the world? It is giving them the wrong message. The words of Matthew 1:23 do not tell us Immanuel was being born just for some. His name means "God with us" which means He was born for all.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. Thank You for cleansing me and filling me with more of You. Thank You for protecting me from the negatives that can creep in with discouragements in this world. Father, I pray for a cleansing in people so they will not be tearing people apart but instead have Your love flowing from them. I pray for wisdom for people with what they say and the attitude they say things in. Father, be with my family today as they gather and celebrate You. I pray for those who will be gathered tomorrow in church services to have You as their focus. I pray for those who are contemplating going to church to take that step. Lord, may You be greater than the pains people are feeling with this season. Thank You Jesus for being My True Reason to Celebrate. Amen.

Romans 15:13 - "Somewhere In Your Silent Night"

Last night in activity time with the boys I was asked the question, "How old is Jesus?" Wow! What a question! I through up a 'flair prayer' asking God to help me and proceeded to tell them how we don't know how old anyone will be in heaven. We might be the age we were when we left this earth or we might all be the same age. No one knows. Little Eli said, "Well Jesus was on this earth thousands of years ago so maybe He is thousands years old!" I love our 'activity time'! I know they are thinking and learning by the questions they ask. This morning as I reflected on this time last night I started thinking about seeds that are planted in our Tuesday night group and with the boys with 'activity time.' Oh how I pray the seeds will be cultivated and grow in a way the Lord will be happy. I pray I will take every opportunity He gives me to nourish 'my kids' spiritually. I think about how we saw kids from kindergarten through graduation at Willard. Some we had many years to sow seeds while others just a few. But God gave us thousands of opportunities to sow seeds. I am sorry for any opportunity I did not take advantage of and grateful for all I embraced. This morning I think about all the Christmas programs I directed in Willard. I pray the kids will think about them during this Christmas season. I pray those away from the Lord will be drawn to Him. I also pray for their parents to not give up praying for them to return. A song Casting Crowns sings comes to my mind this morning.

Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night
Love will find you

"Love will find you..." Yes! God's desire is for all to not live in 'silent nights' but instead to live in Him. There is a part of this song that says we are the reason Jesus was born. His birth was a part of God's plan for all mankind. His birth was not just another baby being born. It was Jesus being born for all. The purpose of His birth was for His death and resurrection. Woo hoo! When our children our born, He has a purpose for them too. He also has a purpose for us as parents. He gives us opportunities every day to love on them with His love; share Him with them in a way they will want to do the same; plant seeds in them that will be cultivated throughout their life and grow; etc. Sometimes our children go by the wayside in their spiritual walk but we can never quit praying for them. We have to pray the seeds we planted will eventually be harvested in them. This morning I am praying for three groups of people. The first group are parents of young children who have the opportunity to plant and cultivate seeds. The second group are parents of prodigals who have gone away from their relationship with God. The third group are parents whose children have grown. I pray all three of these groups will pray for their children. I also pray they will be open to every opportunity God gives them to plant seeds whether it be in their own children, their grandchildren, their neighborhood children, etc. I pray they will never quit praying for them. I pray the parents of prodigals will not feel guilty about their child. Instead I pray they will pray for the right attitude and words for any opportunity the Lord gives them with their prodigal. I also pray for parents with grown children to pray for them as they themselves have children to plant seeds in. Parenting does not stop when our children our grown. In fact, there may be more of a responsibility as a parent then. The words to this song may fit in a lot of parents lives with adult children. "Somewhere in your silent night...Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried..." I miss the days of my boys hugging me as they went out the door. I miss not hearing from them much and seeing them only once a year. But even though I miss them I know I am where God desires me to be and He has them where He desires them to be. That does not always make it easy but it makes it bearable. God sees my tears and brokenness and loves me through them. That takes me to praying for a fourth  group of parents. Those who no longer have their children with them on this earth. The grief is overwhelming for them at times but those who are in relationship with the Lord have His strength and I pray they will be embraced by it, especially during this Christmas season.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me through the heartache and tears of missing my boys. Thank You for embracing me in Your strength through the tough days. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. I am physically so, so tired. I need a supernatural empowerment of You today. I pray You will guide my feet to where You so desire. I also pray for rest in the craziness of these days. I thank You for the nine and a half hours of sleep last night. Father, enable me to not allow any opportunity to pass by me today. Once again, I pray for parents to be empowered by You throughout all of their circumstances. Thank You Jesus for being My Empowerment. Amen.

Acts 2:46-47; II Timothy 1:7 - "Give Christmas Away"

I woke up this morning singing "Give Christmas Away" and immediately started thinking of people who have shared God's love with us this season, ones we have shared His love with, and ones we still will share His love with. The greatest part about pondering upon these situations is that they don't happen just in this season but we strive to make them happen 365 days a year. Having people into our home, sending cards, making phone calls, etc. are all ways we "Give Christmas Away" throughout the year. Last night being invited over to Elizabeth and Ron's for a yummy dinner and great time of fellowship was something we love to do when asked. Being together with others is a way to share God's love in a personal way. I think of the first church in Acts where we are told they did life together. In chapter two it reads:

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Verse forty-seven does not mean a specific church had increase. It means God's family increased. What would our little world look like if we lived in such a manner? I believe it would look a lot different. If believers would "Give Christmas Away" 24/7, life would take on a whole new look not only for us but for those who receive it. The song goes:


Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gift you receive
When you give this Christmas away
Give this Christmas away
You have the power
Just give it away

This sounds so easy and for some it is. For others, not so much. Some people's shyness gets in the way of them sharing God's love. I think of II Timothy 1:7 that tells us God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but instead He gave us a spirit of power, love and self-control (Sheila version). Some versions say 'timid' in them. He desires us to share Him with others. If we are scared to or timid, He will empower us to do whatever He directs us to do. He will empower us to walk on the path He directs us. During the night God woke me to pray for three people. One I will have no problem telling I am praying for them. All three are believers but I am not sure where two are in their relationship with Him. Should I be scared of their reaction? Should I not tell them I am praying for them in case they get angry? Should I think God wasn't the one to tell me to pray for them? Absolutely not to all three of these questions. I am not responsible for how they react. I am only responsible for my obedience to the Lord. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder of the song "Give Christmas Away" not just for this season but for every day of the year. Thank You for the hope You give to not just me but for those You lay on my heart. Father, I pray for Ellen's procedure today. I pray You will give the doctors wisdom and her peace. I also pray for the two young men You had me praying for this morning to receive my prayers in Your love. Lord, I am so amazed at all You do in and through me. Thank You seems so inadequate. I pray for my friend who has the torn meniscus to feel Your loving arms wrapped around her. I pray for friends and family who are missing loved ones; those in the military who are separated from family; families who need reconciliation in relationships; prodigals who need to return to families; those with health issues; and most of all those who are not in relationship with You. Lord, cleanse me so You can empower me to "Give Christmas Away" today in a new, different way. Thank You Jesus for being My Christmas! Amen.

Romans 15:13 - "Joy to the World"

Yesterday morning I woke up singing "Joy To The World" and was impressed upon to ponder on the phrase, "Let earth receive His King." Little did I know that one of our Tuesday night group would listen to the Christmas story and then Doc's devotional on salvation to accept the Lord for the first time into their heart. There were five or six others who prayed the prayer as a commitment to the Lord. Woo hoo! And this is why we do Tuesday night activities in our home. We are sharing God's love, planting seeds, and loving on all ages with His love. Last night there were nineteen children/teens along with seven adults who were loved on. Oh how I pray for our efforts to be multiplied. I pray for everyone who walks into our home to feel His love, joy, and peace. I pray for everyone who leaves our home to take His love, joy, and peace with them. Last night the True Reason for the season was not only proclaimed but it was realized. Woo hoo! As I looked around the room as Doc was reading the Christmas story it reminded me of when the boys were growing up. I wonder if they read it to their family during this season. I wonder if they remember when Doc read it to us when they were younger. We may never know what seeds we are planting. We need to pray for God to grow and harvest every seed we plant. Last night was the last night to have Kyleigh, Behr, and Marley with us due their upcoming move. My heart breaks. Maybe someday I will get use to living in a military community but boy is it hard to see a part of your life be taken away. I pray this family will remember the seeds we have planted with them. I pray the year Daddy is away will go by quickly for them. My prayers are with Mommy as she delivers their fifth child without him. I pray Kyleigh and Behr will adjust to their new home, school, etc. Most of all I pray there will be someone in their life to give them Jesus' love. The hardest part of having someone move away is knowing they will no longer be receiving His love from us. Kyleigh was first to come to our group. She was very quiet and shy. After a few months Behr joined us. He didn't speak a word to anyone for the few several months but was faithful in coming every Tuesday. Finally, he started talking but his speech was unclear so he was hard to understand. We have watched both of them bloom into precious little flowers. Their younger sister, Marley, has only been with us for three weeks. At age three, one might think a child couldn't possibly understand but they do. Sophia has been with us since her second birthday and she understands a lot. We are planting seeds. Some of them we will get to cultivate and some we won't. Some of them we will see harvest and others not. Oh, how I love our Tuesday night group. As I look back on pictures from when we started almost two years ago, I am in awe of what the Lord has done and pray for our efforts to continue to be blessed. Last night was the perfect example of how He is blessing us.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace that enables us to open our home on Tuesdays. Thank You for the way You go before us and direct us. Father, may You be the shining light in this group. May You be greater than us. Father, to do that You need to cleanse me so You can fill me. May every step I take today be in You. May every word I speak be from You. May my attitude throughout this day be of You. Lord, I pray for this one who accepted You into their heart last night to feel Your strength today as they face the enemy head-on. I pray for the ones who prayed the prayer for another time to feel closer to You today than ever before. Father, thank You again for blessing us so greatly. Thank You for being My Love, Joy and Peace. Amen.

Psalm 98; Revelation 19:11-16 - "Joy To The World"

Last night was exactly what I needed. These last few weeks have been crazy with all going on. This week is a bit stressful as I finish my Church Finance and Administration class with two projects due and a final exam along with the regular work. Tonight is our Christmas party with the children and teens which is always fun but tiring. The Lord knew I needed a relaxful, fun time and He provided. We made a centerpiece at JOY ministries along with laughing, talking, exchanging gifts, the Advent candle, prayer, and singing "Joy To The World" which finished off the evening in the most perfect way. On the way home I thought about how the evening gave me such a peaceful feeling. It filled my tank to continue on with the rest of my week. I felt so blessed. This morning as I sit here looking at our Christmas tree lit up I again feel blessed. I know there are many who are going through some tough times in life. Some with issues in their bodies that demand treatment, surgery, medications, etc. Some with issues in their financial bodies that are making this time of year even harder than normal. Some with issues in their emotional bodies as they dread this time of year without someone who is no longer on this earth or they think of Christmas' of the past where their situation was different. There are families I am praying for that are torn apart by the enemy. There are families with prodigals who I continue to pray for restoration. Most of all I am praying for people who are not in relationship with the Lord to find Him. I am praying for restoration in people's relationships who have fallen away from Him. In the song "Joy to the World" there is the phrase "let every heart, prepare Him room" that goes right along with my prayers. 'Every' is not just some but everyone. The Lord is waiting for more to come into relationship with Him before He returns to this earth. He wants everyone to have that privilege. We, as believers, have such a heavy responsibility to tell people about Him. We should have the same desire as He does to have others know Him as we do. The only way that will happen is for people to share His love with others. We must make sure we are right with Him before we can successfully share Him. Psalm 98 shows us how He is our Savior (vs 1-3). We need to proclaim our salvation joyfully not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Verses four through six show us we need to joyfully rejoice because He is our King. The only way He can be the King of Kings of our life is to be walking in obedience to His will. We can't just say it but we must live it. Every morning we need to ask Him to cleanse us so He can fill us. Finally, in verses seven through nine we see that we need to rejoice in Him returning for us. He will come back to judge and when we are living righteous lives we will spend eternity with Him. Then we will receive the ultimate joy of our conquering warrior King that we read about in Revelation 19:11-16.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

We all have a choice whether we will receive the ultimate joy or not. Oh how I pray for more people to not only accept Him into their hearts but to allow Him to be their King of Kings who they are surrendered to.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You seems so inadequate to say for last night. You knew what I needed and You made sure it was provided. Thank You for Nancy opening her home and working so hard to make the evening perfect. Lord, bless her in abundance. Today I am praying for more people to accept You in their hearts and to allow You to be their King of Kings. Father, I pray this morning You will cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. I pray You will be in every aspect of my day. May You be my words, actions, and attitude in a mighty way. Thank You for the way You enabled me to complete both of my school projects. I pray for a continuation of Your strength as I finish out this week of class with the regular work and the final exam. I also pray for tonight's activities with the children and teens to be exactly what You desire. Open their hearts up to what You have in store for them. Thank You Jesus for being My King of Kings. Amen.

Romans 15:13 - "There's No Place Like Home"

I woke up during the night and again this morning with the words to a Christmas song that has been with me the last few weeks. I have shed many tears throughout these weeks every time I hear it.

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays, you can't beat home, sweet home

There are so many sayings about 'home' like 'home is where your heart is' or 'all hearts come home for Christmas.' In fact, I have a picture with that last one that I use to love putting up when we lived closer to family but now I just want to get rid of it. It is so hard to be away from family but especially hard at Christmas. You would think with this being the third Christmas I would be use to it. I guess when you have fifty-four Christmas' with them it is just not that easy. I know I am one of many away from family and I also know I need to not be so emotional about it. But that is easier said than done. This morning I will choose to think of others who are not at 'home' with loved ones so I am praying for...

• those with loved ones in the military who are deployed, in boot camp, or in another part of the world...Debbie, Chris & Lori, Heather and I'm sure many others I can't think of right now
• those who have had loved ones leave this earth over the last year...Peggy, the Neiderhiser family, Raymond, Tami, Mary, Debbie, and so many more
• those with family members with Alzheimer's who are still here physically but no longer may be mentally with them or at least not all the time...Nada, Karen, Bonnie, and many others

I am thankful for my Heavenly Father's arms I feel around me when I am emotional. I also am thankful for words of friends and even strangers that encourage me when I fall to pieces like in the jewelry store last week. God is so good at giving us exactly what we need, when we need it. The jeweler's words of encouragement will always be remembered. I need to remember to be ready to encourage others with my words, especially during this holiday season. There are many hurting people in this world who need to feel the Heavenly Father's arms around them. They need to have His peace that is unknown to this world. They need to have hope which only comes from a relationship with Christ. They need to have joy in their hearts that only He can provide. 'Stuff' comes in many different forms under the Christmas tree but His presence is the best present of all.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminder of the pictures from three years ago from Christmas with Ben and his family waking up in our home for Christmas. Oh the joy of that time! I am so grateful for the memories You gave me this morning through these pictures. Father, my heart aches to be with my family. I know You already know that and I also know You have us where we are suppose to be. But I still long to see them. Lord, I need a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me with more of You to get through this day. I need to be encouraged throughout this day in whatever manner You desire. I don't want to be sad but instead want to be joyful. May it be so. Thank You for being My Heavenly Father! Amen.

Matthew 1:23 - "Emmanuel"

The Lord had me praying for pastors last night. He specifically had me pray for those with children still at home, those with disease or with a spouse with a disease, and those who are retired. These three groups of pastors have special challenges. Getting children ready for church can be very difficult. It can be hard on a pastor's spouse who in many cases is basically a single parent when getting ready for church. There also are the pressures on a pastor's family to seem 'perfect' with their family living in a 'fish bowl' where people are always watching them. Many times pastor's kids rebel against such a life. The second group He had me pray for is those with disease or with spouses with disease. Dealing with a chronic illness or a terminal disease is hard enough but when you put that into a pastor's life for themselves or spouse it is extra hard. Many times they do not have a pastor to turn to for counsel. The time constraints of an illness or disease can be taxing on an already overloaded schedule. Another issue pastor's have is 'practicing what they preach' with themselves and spouse. It is much easier to encourage someone else than yourselves. I have seen many pastors who don't want to admit to their congregation they need help with such things as childcare, meals, etc. yet when others need assistance they are ready to give. The third group of pastors the Lord had me pray for is retired pastors. Many times retired pastors are the ones who feel they have no purpose in life. They have no congregation to love on them. There is no longer birthday, Christmas, pastor appreciation, etc. gifts. The calendar is no longer full but rather empty. Retirement can be an enjoyable time when you have the means to travel, see family, etc. But there are many retired pastors who are not in such a financial situation. Many failed to plan ahead for retirement or if they did plan ahead they were not able to financially do what was needed. All three of these groups need to remember they are not alone in life. The Lord is with them. He desires to be their strength. Jesus came to this earth for all of us. When we allow Him to work in and through us, we will find His peace. I think of the simple hymn "Emmanuel" and am blessed in knowing He is with us no matter what. All we have to do is open our hearts up to Him and allow Him in.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
His name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
His name is called Emmanuel.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being with us at all time. Thank You for being our strength when we do not think we can carry on. Thank You for giving me relief from the pain last night so I could finally go to sleep. Thank You for rest during the night yet also giving me time to pray for pastors. Lord, today can be a tough day for many but I pray You will bless each one of Your servant's in a mighty way. Be the balm to the hurts and the strength when ours runs out. Most of all I pray for all pastors and their families to have You in their presence as You are always with us. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Emmanuel. Amen.