II Timothy 1:7 - "Nobody"

When I sing the song Nobody, I start asking God how I can better fulfill the mission He put me on this earth for. I ask Him to give me a better focus so I can be victorious in this mission. I know it takes boldness to complete so I ask Him for more of that. I know I fall short some days but I also know He still loves me no matter what.

'Cause I'm just a nobody
Trying to tell everybody
All about Somebody who saved my soul
Ever since You rescued me
You gave my heart a song to sing
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus
I'm living for the world to see
Nobody but Jesus

I do try to live my life so people will see Him. I strive to live out His love every day so people will feel it through my words, actions, and attitude. I pray for people to have the desire in their heart to have what I have. But I know I don't speak it near enough. I plant seeds easily with praying with people, saying 'have a blessed day' when I leave a place, etc. But I don't actually share the Gospel near enough. Shame on me! I definitely need to get better at doing so. I don't know why I don't. It's not like I'm afraid as I used to be. I know I am empowered by the Holy Spirit as I walk in II Timothy 1:7. So why do I not? Perhaps I get too busy with tasks. I'm not sure why but I do know I'm asking God to reveal to me more opportunities to not just plant seeds but to be bolder in my witness. I am asking Him to not allow circumstances of life to be distractions to being the person He has called me to be.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the yearning in my heart to be bolder in witnessing for You! Thank You for the way You bring songs to me to open my eyes up to what You desire of me! Thank You for supporting those songs with Scripture to encourage me! Woo hoo! Today is a new day. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout this day! Father, I need Your strength for the day ahead. I'm tired and worn but You are my Strength! I need physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual strength. Praise Your Holy Name for providing exactly what I need. I pray the same for Doc. I pray against the 'icky' feeling he has; against the fatigue that weighs him down; and I pray for the CT scan this evening. Lord, may it show shrinkage in the tumor. May Your wisdom be his wisdom on next steps. Lord, I also pray for June and Shirley with their surgeries today. I pray for them to feel Your strength. I pray for Janice who sees/saw the oncologist this week to feel Your strength. I pray for the Marine graduating today whose mother and sister were killed in an accident as they were coming for the events. May You be close to her in a mighty way as You comfort her. Thank You Father for our time seeing Justin yesterday! I pray for him and all the recruits who are graduating today to seek You! I pray Your strength over my Momma and sister as they await their medical tests on Monday. Lord, so much sickness. So much pain. So much 'junk' in this world. I pray You return soon but I know there are still many who need to know You. Give boldness to all believers so more will come into relationship with You. Thank You for being My Boldness! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Phil 3:14; Ephesians 6:10-20; Romans 12:1-2; Matt 22:36-40 - "Prize Worth Fighting For"

I woke up with Paul's words when he wrote the book of Philippians. It is amazing he wrote these words while in prison...

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Wow! I love his walk with the Lord. He didn't let anything take his focus off of God. Instead he went deeper in his faith and trust. He knew God was always with Him and He knew where he would go when he left this earth. As I live on the road of obedience I can have that same assurance. I do not have to fret over where I will spend eternity. I do not have to question whether I will be in heaven or hell when I leave this earth. I know my Savior loves me and will spend eternity with me. Woo hoo! 

All I have to do is keep my eye on the prize as Paul did in Philippians 3:14!
Keep my focus on Him! Stand on II Timothy 1:7 in His empowerment! 
Put on HIs full armor (Ephesians 6:10-20) every day to keep the enemy away! 
Live out Proverbs 3:5-6 so He continues to be my Focus! 
Make sure I am living as Paul directed in Romans 12:1-2!

Woo hoo! I love how He encourages me! I love how His Word directs me! I love how He blesses me through people! Plain and simple. I love Him with my whole being. That's why I can say the two greatest commandments with deep meaning. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). His love must flow out of us if we desire to live for Him. Before that can happen we must die to self so the Holy Spirit can lead us in making every decision in life. When we do this, His peace is with us no matter what our circumstances. 

When every days just another struggle 
And every choice is an act of war
Gotta pray gotta press on
To the prize worth fighting for
When it feels like I'll never make it
When my hearts crying out for more
Gotta pray gotta press on 
To the prize worth fighting for

The battle rages on 
But Your promise keeps me strong 
I know I'll will win this race 
With Your unfailing grace

Your love is my reward

Yes! His love is my reward as I keep pressing onto the prize of living for eternity with Him. The promises I find in His Word keep me going. A key to staying focused on Him is my prayer life with Him. The only way I can not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to it is through communicating with Him. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the encouragement from Your Word and this song this morning! Thank You for the opportunities to share Your love with others yesterday! May You cleanse me so You can fill me today to fulfill every opportunity You put before me today! May You be greater than the 'junk' of this world in not only my life but everyone's life. May You have more people come into relationship with You today and more believers come into full relationship with You. Lord, there are so many people with so many needs on my prayer list. I am thankful You already know my prayers even before I speak them. But I do want to especially pray for Doc to not be so fatigued so he can be the man You have called him to be. I pray for Your direction as he prepares his sermon and Your clarity as he continues to get things lined up for the building. May You be greater than the 'chemo brain' he is dealing with. Thank You Jesus for the way You have opened doors for Craig and his family! May You continue to heal him and encourage him. Thank You for the strength You are giving Bonnie and her family through these days of the loss of her brother! May You continue to be their strength. Thank You for the way You are opening doors for Kim and her family! May You continue to guide them through this nasty road they are on. Lord, I continue to ask for Your will with our building rehab. May You reveal to us what we need to do to get this project completed. I also ask for Your peace for my dear Momma as she awaits medical testing. Thank You Jesus for being My Prize Worth Fighting For! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Healer"

Two nights in a row the Lord has woke me up at 4:02 to pray for protection over an individual. I am graateful to have the privilege to pray for people but it is times like this that I just want to call them or go to them to check on them. Of course, I can't do that so I have to trust God in the process. Standing on II Timothy 1:7 comes into play in such situations. I cannot fear because fear will give the enemy an open door. Instead I must stand in God's love and empowerment. I must allow the Holy Spirit to lead me where and how He so desires. Yesterday as I was walking down the hall of an assisted living facility I heard someone yelling 'help'! My first instinct was to go to help but the Holy Spirit stopped me and told me to go get a worker. If I would have went in, they would have wanted me to get them up and that would have not been a good idea. I am so grateful for the way I not only hear His voice but I walk in obedience to it. As we prayed before going to bed we talked about how everything that is going on in life is in God's hands. We cannot fret over things because the enemy will pounce on that fret. We cannot allow circumstances to take our focus off of God. We cannot allow the 'what ifs' to settle in our minds. Instead we need to not only put everything in God's hands but then we need to leave them there. God already knows the results of Doc's CT appointment Friday. He already knows the outcome of the building rehab. He already knows when Doc will be healed. Plain and simple. He already knows. Can we change His mind? In our humanness we may want things to happen sooner than later but when You live in the Spirit you trust Him in knowing He knows what is best and what time it should or shouldn't happen. He brought this song to my heart this morning...

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You, I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe

And I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Yes! He is my Healer! He has healed me physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually many times. I believe He is all I need at all time. I believe He is with me in the storms of life in a way a lot of people can't understand. Yesterday I heard this song on the radio and started thinking about You walk with me through fire. Fire is not always a bad thing. Fire can purify. It can get rid of stuff not needed in life. Boiled water is taken to an extremely high temperature to be purified. When we walk through fire, we are being cleansed and purified. To me 'tough' days can be related to walking through fire. I am being cleansed and purified more for Christ as I draw closer and deeper in my faith. I am being cleansed and purified more for Christ as I allow Him to have all of me for His will. I am being cleansed and purified more for Christ as I focus on Him instead of myself. Plain and simple. I am being cleansed and purified more for Christ through the fire. Praise His Holy Name!

Dear Jesus,

I'm sorry for falling apart yesterday. I'm sorry I allowed by humanness to take over. Lord, please forgive me. Please cleanse me this morning so You can fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Go before me today wherever You send me and have Your love flow generously from me. I pray for Your words, actions, attitude, and thoughts to be mine. I pray for Doc to have a 'good' day where he feels more like himself. Thank You for this week off from chemo for him. Thank You for him being able to do what You have called him to do these last couple of days. Thank You for connecting us with one we haven't heard from in years. It was such a blessing to hear he has not only accepted You in his heart but is now in ministry because of "the love and compassion given to everyone" that he saw in Doc and I. Thank You for going before us today with whatever You have us do and whoever You put before us! Lord, may our focus stay on You! Father, I pray for this one You woke me up for the last two nights to pray for. I pray protection over him. I ask Your strength over: Kim and her children; Jim; June; Shirley; Mike; Mick; Mandy's Daddy; Mike; Nancy; Bonnie and her family with the loss of her brother; and so many others who are going through 'tough' days. I pray each of them will focus on You. Lord, be greater than their needs. Thank You Jesus for being My Healer! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6:10-20; Matthew 4 - "I Have This Hope"

I woke up at 5:30 with these words going through my mind...

I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go

Yes! I do have Hope! His name is Jesus Christ. He is always with me no matter what I am going through. The song goes on...

I don't want to live in fear
I want to trust that You are near
Trust Your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy

Trust is the key to having Hope. Trusting Him in the midst of the trials of life is key to having His peace. Sometimes the enemy tries to destroy His peace in us but we have to stand strong in trusting God so the enemy's tactics don't succeed. We need to put on our full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) so the arrows of the enemy will not get to us. Instead God's breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shield of the Spirit, helmet of salvation, and shoes of peace will protect us. This is all accomplished through living in His presence, staying in communication with Him, and walking the road of obedience to His will. But what happens when we feel worn and torn down? What happens when the enemy's arrows keep coming faster than ever? What happens when we feel like we can't take another arrow? What happens is we must dig deeper in our faith and take our trust to a new level. This is a must or the enemy will win. I've been determined to not allow the enemy to win in my life throughout the diagnosis of MS many years ago; breast cancer diagnosis three years ago; the church building rehab; and most recently the diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer for Doc. The enemy has hit hard in all of these situations but right now the attacks are coming harder and faster. Just when we think things are set he hits again. We have to follow Christ's example of when the enemy tested Him in the wilderness in Matthew 4. After three times of satan testing Him, Jesus replied: Away with you, satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (vs 10-11 NKJV) We are His servants. We have Hope in the knowledge that He is with us on this earth. We also have Hope of spending eternity with Him in heaven as we live a life of obedience to Him on this earth. We know He is greater than any arrows the enemy sends our way. We just have to stand upon II Timothy 1:7 in His empowerment to not allow them to take us down. We cannot allow the enemy to tell us we are too weak. We must allow our Hope in Christ to shine brightly from us. On days like yesterday we cannot allow the enemy to win but instead need to pray more than ever as Ephesians 6 tells us to do to fight off the enemy. I'm sure the enemy did not like me praying with the worker in Wal-Mart last night who told me of her physical pain before I even asked how she was doing. But we are also told in Ephesians 6 that we are to speak boldly. Even though there were customers that came up behind me to have their receipts checked I prayed and they waited without a problem. Praying with the man outside of the church building Saturday was bold in that it was the first time I had ever met him. There is also a boldness in a woman praying for a man she doesn't know because of not knowing how they feel about woman. God called me to this place to be bold for Him, not to allow the enemy to stop me from doing His will. He also called me here to not fear but instead trust Him in getting the church building rehabbed so we can minister in that neighborhood. Right now, I can't see how that can be accomplished with this latest 'arrow' but I know it can through Christ. I look forward to seeing how He will be glorified through the process.

Dear Jesus,

Going to bed last night I felt tired and worn. Getting up this morning I feel tired and worn. The arrows from the enemy are coming faster and harder. Father, once again I put on Your armor and ask for Your protection. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Strengthen my faith and take me deeper in trusting You. I pray the same for Doc. Thank You for the way he was able to accomplish some ministry things yesterday! Thank You for me getting an appointment made for his CT scan! Thank You for being with us every minute of the day! Father, go before us today and be our Strength. May You shine brightly through our words, actions, attitude, and thoughts! Open doors that need opened and close those that need closed. Give Your wisdom for decisions that need made. We need a financial miracle with the rehab of the church building. May You perform that sooner than later! Thank You Jesus for being Our Hope! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:1-2 - "When I Look Into Your Holiness"

These words are going through my mind this morning...

When I look into Your holiness
When I gaze into Your loveliness
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You

When I've found the joy of reaching Your heart
When my will becomes enthroned in Your love
When all things that surround become shadows
In the light of You

I worship You, I worship You
The reason I live is to worship You

Yes! This is the life I desire to live. One of worship to Him, 24/7! Yesterday my sermon was about how worship is not just about singing as most think. It's about every aspect of our life. Or at least that's how it should be. The main Scripture I used was Isaiah 6:1-8 where Isaiah told of the vision God gave him. There were three aspects of worship brought out by Isaiah. Seeing...sanctifying...serving. We must see Him before we can worship Him. Isaiah saw God and it changed his life. He saw how big God really was in his vision. Many people go to church see people, the preacher, what's going on, etc. but we need to go to church to see God. True worshipers will see God whether they are in the church building or in the comforts of their own home. Isaiah also saw the importance of being sanctified to truly worship God. Too many people go to church and call what they do worship. But if we really saw the Lord in worship, we would see our need to be cleansed. True worship must involve a heart cleansing and a heart change. (vs 6-7) If we really believe that God is holy, then we will see our unholiness when we worship. We will realize we need a cleansing of our soul when we worship God. D. L. Moody said: “I’ve had more trouble with D. L. Moody than any other man I’ve ever known.” We can all relate to that statement. We are the one to get in the way of what God desires a lot of the time. We allow self to take control when we need to allow God complete control. He desires us to die to self so He can reign in us. He wants to deal with our sin and in the life of a believer He shows us most clearly when we are already in His presence. Worship for Isaiah had to do with getting a glimpse, getting a cleansing, and getting a mandate. God reveals Himself to us in worship. Then He shows us our sins and shortcomings, and He leads us to confession and repentance. Then, when we're clean, He leads us to obey Him. Obedience must flow from worship. In fact, if there is no obedience after worship, then it likely wasn’t worship at all. When we have a passion to know God better, that will translate into doing what pleases Him. We are sanctified not to be sloths, but to be servants. Getting sent comes from getting scrubbed. True worship will culminate in the statement: “Here I am. Send me. What do you want me to do?” If God hasn’t given directions for what to do next, perhaps what you felt wasn’t God. Perhaps you are hearing man instead of God. To hear God's voice one must be in right relationship with Him. The way to worship Him in the manner He so desires is to die to self so our focus is on Him and not what we desire. We need to remember worship is concentrating on how good He is, not just what He has done for us. Yet we go to church as if it were about us. Shame on us! We need to admit we don’t worship God as we should. When we go to church, we may enjoy the singing, music, preaching, and the company. But it should never be about us or pleasing us or making us happy. Worship is stepping out of selfishness. Worship is placing Him first in our lives, in the good and bad times. Worship is making Him #1 in our finances, in our pleasure and leisure times, in our intimate times, in our jobs, in our families, in our quiet times, in our out-and-around times. He is worth our 100%. Anything less is an insult to the holy and all-powerful God, filled with love and compassion, grace and mercy, not treating us as our sins deserve. Worship is not just about singing. It is about: living a life for Christ 24/7; giving freely of our time and resources; and saying 'yes' when it doesn't make sense. Romans 12:1-2 is the way I desire to live.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

As we live a Spirit-filled life, sin can still come into our life. But because of the absence of inner conflict, we can be victorious in not allowing sin to have power over us. It is through this victory that we will see His perfect will in our life. It is also through this victory that I can stand upon II Timothy 1:7 every day knowing He empowers me by the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience to Him. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessing of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for the opportunity to preach yesterday! Thank You for giving Doc strength to be able to go to church! Thank You for the way You are going to give Him a better day in his physical body today which will encourage him greatly! Thank You for the rest of yesterday afternoon and again last night! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts throughout this day so I will stay focused on You. Father, the week ahead is going to be 'tough' for many. I pray for: Doc as we wait on an appointment for his CT; Janice who will be seeing the oncologist for her first time since her breast cancer diagnosis; Jess and her family with her Momma's funeral; June and Shirley who will have surgeries; Melanie with interviews; Nancy with her fractured rib; Mr. Fran for strength and protection; Mr. Ed as he adjusts to his new position; Mike as he gains strength from his heart procedure; Mick, Lisa, and Mike as they continue their battle; Jim from his fall; and so many others. Lord, bless each one with Your love in abundance. May each of them see You this week in a mighty way. I pray for more people to come into relationship with You to the point they not only believe in You but they desire to walk in obedience to You. Thank You Jesus for being My Sanctifier! Amen.

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II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6:10-20; Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1-2 - "I Am Not Alone"

Not much sleep happened last night but there sure was a lot of praying happening. God had me praying for pastors a lot, especially my pastor. This cancer is so hard on him. It is not easy watching him be so weak and sick. I continue to pray for God to heal him while on this earth, sooner than later. I know God has a plan and His time is the perfect time but the waiting is hard. I also prayed for a pastor friend going through chemo to have His strength along with her husband. My prayers were for everyone but especially pastors to remember the words to a song Kari Jobe sings called I Am No Alone.

When I walk through deep waters
I know that You will be with me
When I'm standing in the fire
I will not be overcome
Through the valley of the shadow
I will not fear

I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me

There are so many people going through 'tough' days. I believe these days are part of spiritual warfare. We cannot allow the enemy to steal the joy Jesus gives us. We cannot allow our circumstances to pull us away from the Lord but instead need to use them to press deeper in our faith. We cannot allow the enemy to fool us with lies that Jesus doesn't love us or isn't with us. Plain and simple. We cannot allow the enemy to win. We must put on the full armor of God every morning (Ephesians 6:10-20). We must not fear but instead stand in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit every day (II Timothy 1:7). We must trust God no matter what happens (Proverbs 3:5-6). The only way for this to happen is for us to die to self as Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20 and live a Romans 12:1-2 kind of life.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

God's peace will be our peace when we live a Spirit-filled life. His strength will be ours to get through days that seem impossible. His love will flow from us only when we live such a life. The song continues...

In the midst of deep sorrow
I see Your light is breaking through
The dark of night will not overtake me
I am pressing into You
Lord, You fight my every battle
And I will not fear

Yes! He will fight our battles. We do not have to fear: the break-up of a marriage; the death of a loved one; personal or church financial worries; cancer treatments; etc. All we have to do is love the Lord and allow Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit so we see life through His eyes. As we do, He will be there to give His wisdom. He will love with unconditional love that only He can give. We are never alone. He is always with us.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the privilege to pray throughout the night for many people, especially pastors! Father, I pray for my pastor to be encouraged today. I pray You will touch Doc with a physical healing. I pray he will feel Your strength today in a mighty way. I also pray You will bless me with Your strength. Cleanse me so You can fill me with Your Holy Spirit. May You speak through me as I preach today in a mighty way. May You flow out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray the same for all pastors today. I ask You touch ones who are feeling alone. Put people before them who will make a difference in their lives. Father, especially be with: Brad; Kim; Craig; and Carl during these 'tough' days. Father, I pray for Steve who is returning to the pulpit today to feel Your presence in his life. I also pray for Jess and her family with their loss. I ask that You put people in their path to love on them with Your love. Thank You Jesus for being My Lord! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6 - "Your Name"/"What A Beautiful Name-There Is Power"

God woke me up to this song this morning...

Your name is a strong and mighty tower
Your name is a shelter like no other
Your name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your name

Jesus, in Your name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
And glorify Your name

Yesterday was another roller coaster type of day in many ways. God knew I needed the reminder that all I have to do to get through such days is praise His name, call out to Him, and allow Him to empower me with His strength. I do not have to fear anything. Instead all I need to do is live out II Timothy 1:7. As I do, He will be glorified. He used my conversation with a lady to explain sanctification. He used my presence with another one who is dealing with chemo effects. He used me to love on some yesterday who have few to love on them. Throughout all of this I still was feeling a little 'down' with what Doc is going through and with new challenges with the church building completion. This song reminded me this morning of another song that is one that is on my mind a lot.

There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain

Yes! His Name is so powerful! His Name is what makes me feel His empowerment go through me! His Name is more powerful than anything the enemy throws before me! His Name is all I need to say to glorify Him! He already knows my heart, my prayers, my hurts, etc. He knows all so I don't have to even voice anything but His Name. He also knows as I pray for others, my focus is off of self. As I pray for others who are going through 'tough' days, it enables me to get through what we are going through. Prayer empowers me to focus on God. He keeps me close to God. I am so ready for Christ's return but there are still so many loved ones and friends who are not in relationship with Him. It breaks my heart. If they would only realize what a life for Him on this earth would mean for them, maybe they would live for Him instead of themselves. It really breaks my heart to see people who call themselves believers yet don't live it. It also breaks my heart to see people who walked away from their beliefs. They no longer live with Him but have chosen to live the 'good life' with no restrictions. The only 'good life' is one centered around Christ. There are times I feel like a failure for not getting people's eyes opened to Him but I was not put on this earth to save everyone. I was put here to love with His love and allow Him to use me in whatever manner He desires. The enemy is running rampant in this world. He is trying to destroy families in many ways. His arrows are fast and furious. That is why it is important for all believers to wear the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) every day. If we don't, satan's arrows may get us. We must: put on the breastplate of righteousness; carry the shield of faith; wear the shoes of peace, belt of truth, and the helmet of salvation. We also must remember to be in prayer so we stay in communication with God. As we do, we will be more empowered to stand upon the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus, in Your name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
And glorify Your name

This is my prayer every morning. I desire for Him to cleanse me so He can fill me with more of Himself. When He does, I am empowered to live as He so desires.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the ways You encourage me! Thank You for the reminder that all I have to do is say Your name and I will be empowered through the 'tough' days! Thank You for the ways You used me yesterday to share Your love! Thank You for cleansing me this morning so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! Thank You for going before me today and being my words, attitude, actions, and thoughts! Thank You for giving Doc what he needs to not just get through this day but to glorify You through it! Lord, I continue to pray for healing in his body while on this earth, sooner than later. I pray Your will for our lives. Thank You for blessing us yesterday through one's generosity! It amazes me how You take care of bills before they even are received. Thank You for being with my friend's family who are mourning her loss! Thank You for successful surgeries for my Momma and Nikki! Thank You for being the strength my friend needs whose husband left! Thank You for going before Jim and his group as they minister to my friends at Canterfield today! Thank You for the work that will be completed on the church building today! I pray for continued wisdom on finances for the project as things keep changing. Thank You for empowering people to live for You so the enemy does not win! I pray for all who are not in relationship with You to have someone before them that will show them Your love. Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6:10-20; Proverbs 3:5-6; Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1-2 - "Confidence"

Last night during our prayer time Doc and I talked about so many people who are going through 'tough' days. Right before we prayed I received a message of yet another death to cancer. My heart breaks for the family who watched their loved one suffer. The roller coaster ride with C is not fun. Yesterday was not a 'horrible' day for Doc yet it was one where he was in bed most of the day due to chemo side effects. It was a 'tough' day for me. I was thankful the calendar was clear so I did not have to leave him. Being able to make breakfast for him along with a pot of soup and dinner was a blessing for me. God knew I needed it. The days I have to be gone are so hard but yet I know God continues to be my strength. I was thinking this morning about Simone and Trenton as they watch little Weston go to surgery. I'm sure they've been on a roller coaster ride since his birth. David is just starting his roller coaster ride with newly being diagnosed with throat cancer. A friend continues with her roller coaster ride as her husband of many years has moved out. The one thing all of these dear friends have in common with us is the Lord. He is our Hope. He is our Strength. He is our Heavenly Daddy who takes us up on His lap and soothes our hurts. He is our Rock. Plain and simple. He is our Everything. The Lord reminded me of what we all need to do through the words to a song He woke me with this morning.

So 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! The 'giants' before us are NOT anything God can't handle. They are NOT anything that surprises God. All we have to do to face them with confidence is know He lives in and through us. He is the One who can empower us to not fear them but to be able to...

I'm gonna sing and shout and shake the walls
I won't stop until I see them fall
Gonna stand up, step out when you call...Jesus

The way to do this is by standing upon His empowerment of II Timothy 1:7 with the armor of Ephesians 6 and by living out Proverbs 3:5-6. But we can't do that until we surrendered every aspect of our life to Him. We must realize the type of life of Galatians 2:20 and live as Paul directs in Romans 12:1-2. Then, and only then, we will be able to live a life of obedience, walking in His perfect will.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being with me last night with the start of a migraine! Thank You for giving me some rest! Thank You for being with Doc yesterday with the way he was feeling! Thank You for clearing the calendar so I could be home! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of Your Holy Spirit. May I have Your thoughts, words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. May You empower me over the physical ailments of my body so I do not miss any opportunity to share Your love. Father, I pray for so many people who are on a roller coaster ride with health issues themselves or loved ones. I pray for the family who watched their loved one take her last breathe last night to feel Your peace. I pray for so many who are dealing with disease, addiction, marriage issues, and financial issues but most of all I pray for those who are dealing with spiritual issues. Lord, I especially pray for Little Weston and my Momma who are having surgery today and my dear friend Karen whose husband was placed with Hospice yesterday. May You be their strength. Thank You Jesus for being My Giant Slayer! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6:10-20 - "Rescue"

Last night on the way home from Prayer Time Lauren Daigle's song Rescue came on the radio. Throughout the night when I was awake the lyrics were on my mind. I am so grateful I have Hope in my life. I don't know how people get through 'tough' days without Him. My prayers during the night were for Doc as he goes through another week of the after effects of chemo and others who are going through medical tests, procedures, etc. I prayed for ones on Hospice and ones with recent deaths in their family. After going through my list God had me settle in on praying for a time for those who do not know Him, those who do not experience Him as their Hope. My heart breaks for people who don't think they have a need to be in relationship with God. Some turn to drugs/alcohol. Some turn to food. Some turn to sex. Some have money and feel like that is all they need in life. Money buys 'stuff' and takes care of bills. All of these things may make them feel good and keep them happy for a short time but they do not even hold a candle to how God makes us feel. The words to this song tell us what He does for us. He rescues us...is with us...shelters us...protects us...hears us and responds to us. Woo hoo!

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I love the hope this song gives to me in the season we are in right now. I love the knowledge that I am not defenseless! I put on my Ephesians 6 armor and stand upon II Timothy 1:7 every day so I am ready for whatever comes my way. As I listen to this song, I get the picture of me climbing up onto my Heavenly Daddy's lap and allowing Him to soothe me. It's ok to cry because He created my tears to cleanse my hurts. It's ok to speak frustration because He already knows it. It's ok to tell Him I'm sorry for the opportunities I miss as I am distracted by the C in Doc's body because He forgives me. It's ok that I feel like I can't handle anymore of the 'tough' days because He hears my distress and gives me peace. Plain and simple. It's ok! For this knowledge, I am grateful. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You brought this song to me last night, throughout the night, and again this morning! Thank You for being my Hope in the 'tough' times of life! Thank You for going before me today and leading me in Your will. Father, in order to do that I need a cleansing in my spirit so I can be filled with more of Your Holy Spirit. I pray I do not miss any opportunity You put before me today to share Your love. My prayers during the night were for Doc as he goes through another week of the after effects of chemo; Crystal's Mom who had knee surgery yesterday; Mike who had a heart procedure yesterday; Mr. Fran; my Momma as she has eye surgery tomorrow; Nikki who has surgery today; Craig in rehab; Mike and his family with the loss of his brother-in-law; Joy and her family with the recent diagnosis with her brother; David and Gwen with his recent diagnosis; my friend Joanne with changes in her healthcare; Doug with back issues; Angie, Corey, and Austin who need to know the Lord loves him and need healed; and so many others with needs. My list is so long but thankfully not too long for God! Thank You Jesus for being The One to Hear My SOS! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Step By Step"

Many years ago I was privileged to experience my babies ask the Lord into their hearts. It was so exciting to find out yesterday that our granddaughter Miss Annabel asked the Lord into her heart. Woo hoo! I am so blessed with the way my grand babies are being raised to know the Lord.

The Lord woke me up with Step By Step and the tears came to my eyes. I know I have not always lived in this manner. I also know God is a God that accepts us back when we turn from Him. I am so grateful for His grace and second chances. I am grateful for the way He loves me even when I don't deserve it. My grand babies are a result of His unconditional love. The words to this song are ones I take to heart. I pray for my children and grandchildren to do the same. I pray for more people to find this type of life. That prayer is not just for non-believers but for believers who have stayed content at salvation and not taken the second step to living a life sold-out to God.

I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to
Walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days

Yes! As we walk with and for Him He will guide us to do as He desires. As we walk the road of obedience we will be blessed with His love in abundance. This enables us to love with His love more intentional than ever. Today as Doc has his doctor appointment and chemo God is with him even though I cannot be. God is with Him using the chemo to shrink the tumor so they can do surgery to remove it. God is with Him giving him strength in his mental capacities to not just listen to what the oncologist says but to comprehend and retain it. God is with Him giving him physical strength to drive home after chemo. God is with Him giving him emotional strength after being down from being so sick yesterday. Plain and simple. God is with Him. I am grateful for this knowledge. I also am grateful for the peace God gives in such situations. I am grateful for the way God empowers me to stand upon II Timothy 1:7 so I do not have to fear the day ahead.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunities to love with Your love yesterday! I pray a cleansing in my spirit so I can do the same today. May You cleanse me so You can fill me with more of Your Holy Spirit. May You open my eyes to opportunities You put before me to love with Your love. Lord, I am thankful for the knowledge You will be with Doc today. I pray he is physically better so he can continue on with the chemo that is scheduled. I also pray for him to feel Your presence today. I pray the same for: Crystal's Mom with her surgery; Mike with his heart procedure; my Momma who is celebrating her 89th birthday; Karen with the loss of her dear Momma; David with the diagnosis of throat cancer; Rita with pneumonia; and many others who are going through 'tough' days. May You be greater than what is happening in their lives. Thank You Jesus for Miss Annabel saying 'yes' to You and for Ben and Emily for the way they are raising their babies! Thank You for Your saving grace and second chances! Thank You for being My Step By Step! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; I Thess 5:16-18 - "Let It Rain"

The Lord woke me to the words to a song Crowder and Mandisa sing. I think He did it to remind me that He is the God of the sunshine just as much as He is the God of the rain.

Is there anybody's mountain
Too tall to climb?
Is there anybody's faith feel
Like you're running dry?

Let me tell you, He's able, He's done it for me
He's done it for me
He can make every mountain, He'll throw that mountain into the sea

So let it rain, let it pour
Lord, I need You more and more (Lord, I need You more and more)
Let it rain, rain down on me
Every day, whatever You want
Not my will but Yours, Lord (Not my will)
Let it rain, rain down on me

Yes! God is bigger than the mountain of cancer! He is bigger than the finishing of a church building! He is bigger than aches and pains in our bodies! He is bigger than strained relationships! He is bigger than a hurting heart! Plain and simple. He is bigger! Woo hoo! I was reminded of these pictures I saw the other day...

God is not going to stop being with us through the 'tough' days. He is not going to stop lavishing us with His love. He has given us some almost 'normal' hours throughout the last few days. I am so grateful for the memories we have made. I also am grateful that He continues to encourage me to pray for Doc's healing while on this earth, sooner than later. As he goes for a scan sometime within the next week it will be easy to fear the results. But if I do I would not be living the way God desires. So instead I will stand upon II Timothy 1:7 with my Ephesians 6 armor on against the enemy. I will walk in Philippians 4:13 and live out Proverbs 3:5-6. I will heed to Paul's advice in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 because I know that is what God desires of me. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder that You are the God of the sunshine as well as the rain! Thank You for loving us so greatly! Father, cleanse me so I can be filled with more of Your Holy Spirit. I pray Doc has the same prayer on his heart. Lord, use us for Your glory. Take the 'tough' days of rain and turn them into days of sunshine. Go with Doc tomorrow and bless him with no side effects to the chemo. Father, I pray for those who are going through 'tough' days to realize Your love for them in a mighty way. I pray for: Rita; my pastor friend taking chemo; Jim; Shirley; Lisa; Mike; Mr. Fran; Mike; a man they found a mass; Angie; Corey; Sonja; and so many others. I pray for so many people who need to know You and for those of us who need to be more bold in sharing Your love with them. I ask that You be with me today and empower me to be You to all I come in contact with. I pray for opportunities to be more intentional to love with Your love. Thank You for our dear friends Will and Sandy who blessed us last night with a great evening of fellowship and laughter! We are so blessed to have them in our life! Thank You for the many friends who encourage us with cards, financial blessings, texts, etc. I know You have put each one of them in our lives for a purpose. I pray people feel blessed by us in the way we love on them with Your love and encourage them. Thank You Father for being My Father of Sunshine and Rain! Amen.