Psalm 18 - "Into The Sea"

Yesterday was such an awesome day. The day started off with the person in front of me in the drive through buying my coffee and it just kept getting better and better. Meeting with friends at the church building to make the final list before inspection, a phone call from my Kentucky friends, meeting some new friends, talking on the phone with my Momma and another friend, using a gift card from Rhonda at the meat market, walking at The Sands, getting my stimulus check to put on my hospital bill, finishing a book and resting, finishing out my day with a phone call with a friend...the list goes on and on. I am one blessed lady! Sometimes when people ask how I am doing and say 'good' or 'great' they look at me like I'm crazy. Yes, I miss my honey and no, I would not have chosen this life but it's my life. I cannot bring Doc back nor would I want to in the condition he left this world. We talked many times over his last few months about how he wanted me to go on with life after he left. His desire was for me to continue living in God's will so God could direct my steps. Many times he told me he wanted me to find someone to love and each time I told him that would never happen because he was the only one I could ever love. He told me I was strong and I would be ok. I always responded that I knew I would be with God's strength but I did not want to have to be. God's plan is not always what we desire but it is always what is best for us. My faith is the strongest today than it ever has been because of what I have gone through. God is my Guide in the 'good' days and the 'tough' days. I think back on the song my son Paul shared with me right after Doc left.

My heart is breaking
In a way I never thought it could
My mind is racing
With the question, "are you still good?"

Can you make something
From the wreckage?
Would you take this heart
And make it whole again?

Though the mountains may be moved into the sea
Though the ground beneath might crumble and give way
I can hear my Father singing over me
"It's gonna be OK, it's gonna be OK"

I know it is gonna be OK because God is in control. It does not matter what people think but only what He thinks. What I do every day is blessed by Him because I walk in obedience to His will. I saw a picture last night that touched my heart in abundance.

I cannot bring Doc back but I can honor his wishes by living life. I do not know what is ahead but I know who does and that is all that matters. I know It's gonna be OK, it's gonna be OK as I allow the Lord to continue to be Who I listen to and walk in obedience to. I am so thankful for the days God puts before me. I am thankful for the people who love on me in the process. He is so good! He gave me Psalm 18:16-19 this morning as a reminder He takes care of me. I love the way this Psalm begins in The Passion Translation. Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you, for now you’ve become my power! Yes! I do passionately love Him! He not only gets me through every day but He is glorified through my days. Verse three reads All I need to do is to call to you, singing to you, the praiseworthy God. When I do, I’m safe and sound in you. Praise His Holy Name! As I walked at The Sands yesterday, I was singing praises to Him. There is nothing better than walking at the beach singing. The warm sun was shining down on me but most importantly the Son was shining down on me. Woo hoo! Verse nineteen through twenty-four in The Passion Translation mean the world to me.

His love broke open the way
and he brought me into a beautiful broad place.
He rescued me—because his delight is in me!
20 He rewarded me for doing what’s right and staying pure.
21 I will follow his commands and never stop.
I’ll not sin by ceasing to follow him, no matter what.
22 For I’ve kept my eyes focused on his righteous words
and I’ve obeyed everything that he’s told me to do.
23 I’ve done my best to be blameless and to follow all his ways,
keeping my heart pure.
24 I’ve kept my integrity by surrendering to him.
And so the Lord has rewarded me with his blessing.
This is the treasure I discovered
when I kept my heart clean before his eyes.

His love is why I live every day in His presence. His love is why I ask Him each morning to cleanse me so He can fill me with more of Him. His love is what I treasure in my heart. Plain and simple. His love is why I exist.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings from yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me! May You shine brightly through me throughout the day ahead. May what You desire of me to say flow from me in the service today. I am so excited to preach what You have given me. I pray for all pastors preaching today to have such excitement. I pray for all of us to preach what You desire. Lord, I pray for my friend who has gone through some tough personal stuff this week to have Your peace as she preaches today. I pray for Mark and Lisa as they continue the battle with the cancer in her body. I prayed during the night for all pastors to experience Your love in a new, different way and continue to pray that prayer. Thank You for Pastor Bill's heart doing better! What a blessing You give us through doctors, medication, etc. Thank You for pastors who are on the other side with the COVID virus! I pray for Carl and his family as he is just beginning with it. Lord, protect his heart. Thank You Jesus for being My Treasure! Amen.

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Ever Be"

Yesterday was another day full of blessings. I had an encouraging conversation with a female colleague followed by lunch with a friend. After lunch I tried to make a hospital visit but because I had flown to Ohio this week I was not allowed. I spent my extra time at the water front walking, swinging, and soaking in natural Vitamin D. What a wonderful time I had! I sat and thought about how much God loves me and is blessing me through people and circumstances. I thought about all of the people He has put in my life to make me feel loved and to encourage me in the 'good' days and the 'tough' days. After spending time there, I went to my friends Jeff and Leslie's house for dinner and enjoyed a time of fellowship. God protected me on the way home in the dark with only seeing two deer who did not cause me any problems. A phone conversation with a friend rounded out my day. Woo hoo, God! Once again, Jeremiah 17:7 is on my mind. If I could not trust God, I would not be where I am today. If I did not feel confident He was in control of every aspect of life, I would drive myself crazy. I was telling a friend last night about getting a paper back about the financial assistance for my MS medicine saying more information was needed. I do not know what will happen with that situation but I know who does. God will take care of the situation in His time and in a way He will be glorified. Woo hoo! During the night I was awake close to an hour thinking about the church building. I will be so glad when inspection can happen. This aspect of ministry is not fun for me but once again I know God is with me and will provide what I need physically, mentally, and emotionally to continue the process. Nothing is up to me but up to Him. I am reminded of what Matthew Henry wrote of this verse. Those who trust to their own righteousness and strength, and think they can do without Christ, make flesh their arm, and their souls cannot prosper in graces or comforts. I do not want to do anything on my own. I desire God to be in charge of every aspect of my life. I know if I want to spend eternity with Him, I must live in this manner on earth. He must be the One to make all the decisions I make in life. He must be the One to guide every place I go and every word I speak. Without His blessings, my life would be so different. Without His guidance, I would be making wrong decisions. Without His wisdom, I would be saying the wrong things. Plain and simple. Without Him, I am nothing. Praise His Holy Name! This morning I have Natalie Grant's song Ever Be going through my mind.

Faithful You have been and faithful you will be
You pledge yourself to me and it's why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

You Father the orphan
Your kindness makes us whole
And You shoulder our weakness
And Your strength becomes our own
Now You're making me like you
Clothing me in white
Bringing beauty from ashes
For You will have Your bride

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for all the people You put into my life! Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You! Thank You for providing for me physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and most of all spiritually in the day ahead! May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. Lord, I pray for Mark and Lisa with all they are going through with another return of the cancer in her body. I pray for Your peace over them. I also pray for Your peace for Mike and his family as Hospice has been called for his dear Momma. Lord, thank You for the blessings You continue to give my Momma such as the food and groceries twice this week. I pray for her and those in the path of the storm over these next few days to be safe. Lord, I also pray for my time this morning at the church building to be productive. I pray it will be in Your time to have the inspection this next week. If not, I pray You will empower me to not be disappointed. Thank You Jesus for being My Ever Be! Amen.

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Graves Into Gardens"

I just love how God knows what I need and provides! Yesterday was one of those days where I needed encouraged and He knew it and provided a lot of encouragement. He directed me as I brought the sermon together for Sunday with what He desires to be shared. I love to preach but I really love when He brings all of my research and thoughts together into what He desires. He put people in my path yesterday to encourage me. My neighbor Brad who cleaned out the gutters was one of them. Another one was my Momma who I talked to several times throughout the day. In my on-line Bible study group last night with Lysa Terkeurst I heard something that blessed me in abundance. I've always heard the saying, 'hurting people hurt people' but last night there was one that spoke volumes to me. 'Healing people heal people.' Woo hoo! We do not have to stay in our hurts of life nor do we have to hurt others because of them. When we allow God to heal us, He will use us to be instrumental in healing of others. I love this! I have always said my past experiences such as divorce, MS, breast cancer, etc. can be used to help others. Adding the loss of my husband into my past is also something I can use to share with others going through the pain. Even in the midst of the trials of my life God can use me. I was told yesterday that my 'great faith' shines brightly. It reminded me God does not want me to just have 'great faith' but He desires me to have 'greater faith'! Woo hoo! After the study last night, I had a long phone conversation with a friend from high school. It was so nice to talk with her and reminisce. God knew I needed that. I pray every day for God to cleanse me so He can fill me with more of Him. I pray for opportunities to share His love with people. Yesterday was one of those days where I didn't leave the house yet I know He used me to stand brightly for Him. I am so grateful for this life I live. I am grateful for people He puts in my path and ones who are willing to share His love with me when prompted. Robin shared how she was thinking of me while making supper and then saw we were on Lysa's study together. As she said, it was amazing she saw my name with over four thousand on the study. That was God ordained. He knew I needed someone to talk to and provided. I am thankful for her obedience to following through when He prompted her. There are times of loneliness on this journey. I am thankful for those who listen to Him and make contact. I need to talk and laugh. I need interaction with others. I'm a 'people' person who loves to be with others. Not having Doc or Mordecei with me is probably the hardest time I have gone through in my life. I will not allow the enemy any open door but will instead stand strong in knowing God is with me, He provides exactly what I need, and He loves me. Once again this morning I am reminded of Jeremiah 17:7. I know as long as I allow Him to turn Graves Into Gardens, He will provide exactly what I need and will bless me in abundance. I just need to be His willing servant.

'Cause the God of the mountain
Is the God of the valley
There's not a place
Your mercy and grace
Won't find me again

Oh, there's nothing better than You
There's nothing better than You
Lord, there's nothing
Nothing is better than You
(I know it's true)

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so greatly! Thank You for all the ways You showered me with Your love yesterday! Conversations with my Momma, Paul, Robin, and other friends; my neighbor Brad cleaning out the gutters; leading me to write what You desire to be preached Sunday; the study with Lysa; and so many other blessings You gave me. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be greater than anything that comes my way today. May You love on me in a mighty way when my heart hurts. May You use me in the healing process of others. Father, thank You for: the encouraging appointment for Rick McCartney; Lee having a safe trip back to Ohio; being with my friend Chrissy who had a biopsy yesterday; being with Mike's family as they continue to have his Momma in the hospital; the SC Senate passing the Heartbeat Bill; and being with me today with what is on my schedule. Lord, I also pray for an unspoken request with someone who is near and dear to me. May You continue to give Your direction. Thank You Jesus for being My God of Both The Mountain and The Valley! Amen.

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Less Like Me"

God is so, so good! I was blessed in abundance yesterday by Him when a friend from high school stopped on his way home from Florida and took me to lunch. It was great to talk about our classmates and find out where they are, what they are doing, etc. The best part about lunch was when God showed up in mighty way. I asked the waitress how we could pray for her and she shared they were moving and needing prayers. We prayed and within minutes she came by our table and thanked us for praying. She received a text from her husband that the landlord had called and they were going to be able to move in Monday. She said they did not have a move-in date and were getting antsy. Wow, God! It was so exciting for me to tell her God answers prayers. Sometimes the answers come quickly and other times we have to wait but He always answers our prayers. I pray every day to make a difference in someone's life. Yesterday God blessed me with this situation. I know I was there in that place at the right time for Him to show His glory. Praise His Holy Name! This morning I awoke early with the words to Less Like Me that Zach Williams wrote.

Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can't see past myself
Oh Lord, help me be

A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me

If I were not seeking a Christ-like life, I would not have the blessings such as the one I received yesterday. If I were focused on myself instead of Him, I would not have been able to answer the question, 'How do you know God is speaking to you?' If I were concerned about the little things of life, I would not have opportunity to trust Him. I keep going back to Jeremiah 17:7.

I trust Him with all my heart. He is my Hope and my Confidence. Woo hoo! Praise His Holy Name! I am so in love with Him and grateful for the way He loves me. He knows exactly what I need to be encouraged and provides. I need more of Him and less of me to shine brightly through the day ahead. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for my friend Lee who stopped by and took me to lunch and replaced the battery in my smoke detector! I pray for safe travels for him today as he completes his trip. Thank You for our Bible study group last night! Thank You for the day ahead! I don't know that I will leave the house but I pray You will present me with opportunities to speak life into someone today. I pray You are proud of me and will continue to bless me with opportunities to love on others with Your love. Lord, the only way this can happen is for You to cleanse me so You can fill me with Your Holy Spirit. May the line in this song become reality. A little more like Jesus, a little less like me. Woo hoo! Lord, empower me with Your wisdom as I bring together what You have laid on my heart for Sunday. I pray for a physical touch upon my shoulder. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope and My Confidence! Amen.

Psalm 68:1-7 - "You're Still God"

I am so blessed by my weekly grief group with Joyce Wolf. Last night she shared Psalm 68:1-7. This Psalm was written by David as a song of triumph. Verse five in The Passion Translation says God is a Champion Friend to the widows. I can attest to that. He is with me 24/7, encouraging me every step of the way. The wasteland of widowhood is not one I would wish on anyone but it is one I am on. He goes before me and leads me as I allow Him. He empowers me with His Holy Spirit to make decisions in His will. Woo hoo! All I have to do is keep my focus on Him. I cannot allow others or circumstances to take my focus away from Him. This morning I am reminded of the words to a song by Phillips, Craig, & Dean called You're Still God.

I thought I could trust you
Deep down I know I can
I'm so hurt and angry
At this circumstance
Did I miss something somewhere
Did I not pray enough
But with a faith that is shredded
I'll say that I trust

This is exactly how one feels when losing a loved one. There are so many questions as to the 'whys' or 'what could I have done different' but God is still God.

You're still God
When I can't see it
You're still God
When it's hard believing
You're still moving
It doesn't matter
If I know what you're doing or not
You're still God

This is something I had to not only believe but live out especially in those first few weeks after Doc left this earth. God is in control even when it feels like everything is falling apart. He loves us so much and wants to carry us through the 'tough' days. He desires to be our Champion Friend through the wasteland we go through on this earth. As we allow Him to be so, we have the hope of eternity with Him. I read this statement this morning in an email. Our Heavenly Father does not present challenges to us in life because we are weak, they are given to us because we can become stronger as we overcome. Woo hoo, God! I was reminded in group last night that it's ok to cry. It is also ok to laugh. I do not need to feel guilty when I do either. When I was in Ohio, I had many opportunities to laugh and it was nice. Doc would not want me to suppress my laughter. He would want me to embrace it. We laughed a lot together and I know he would want me to enjoy life even though he is no longer here. Last night one of the ladies said something she is doing is creating new traditions. This reminded me of our tradition to go to the waterfront and swing. That tradition is one I continue. I was told by a nurse at the hospital it is important for me to continue to do things that we did together. It definitely is healing to my soul. It allows me to reflect on the past and look to the future.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for the obedience of Joyce who leads the grief group! Thank You for my friend Kim who put us together! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. Lord, go before my friend Rick McCartney as he finds out today if the skin graft has worked. May You be his peace. I pray the same for my sisters Linda and Sally as they are going through challenging times. I also pray for our Bible study tonight to be enlightening to all. Thank You Jesus for being My Champion Friend! Amen.

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Every Step of the Way"

God is so good! Nothing He does should amaze us because of His greatness but in our humanness it still does. My trip to Ohio was not planned until the last minute but it was full of blessings. Time with family and friends, being with my Momma on her 90th birthday, and having God orchestrate the trip in a mighty way was awesome. Tears flowed after a friend handed me money before coming home. I thought it was an 'odd' amount until my Momma and I tallied up the expenses of my trip. What a surprise to find the tally equaled the amount of cash that was handed to me. Wow, God! He just continues to provide for me. I am one blessed lady with provision of not only financially but mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. He continues to provide me wisdom with decisions so that I make them in His will. He provides me with strength in situations I feel weak. On this trip He provided me with conformation in my spirit of a couple things. I cannot say it enough of just how good He is and how much He blesses me. Jeremiah 17 begins with the discussion of the sins of Judah in the area of idolatry. I do not ever want anything to become an idol to me. I do not ever want anything to come before God in my life. Matthew Henry writes: How should we depend on his mercy and grace, begging of God to search and prove us; not to suffer us to be deceived by our own hearts, but to create in us a clean and holy nature by his Spirit! Yes! This why I pray every morning for God to cleanse me. I desire to live in the Holy Spirit so I can walk in obedience to His will. I desire to not disappoint God but rather to make Him proud of me. 

Every step of the way
You've been You'll be
Working everything for the best of me
So I'll trust in who You are
Every step of the way
You've been You'll be
Fighting and writing Your love in my story
You've held my heart
Every step of the way

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings You pour down upon me! Thank You for my friend who listened to You and blessed me with the financial blessing! Thank You for Rickey who picked me up and dropped me off at the airport in Ohio and for Joanne and Amy to take me and pick me up at Savannah! Lord, You provide for every detail of my life. I am one blessed lady! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way! I'm tired and will be resting today so I may not see anyone but hopefully You will put an opportunity before me to speak life into someone today. Lord, be with Joe as he recuperates from the ruptured appendix and Maddie as she awaits her biopsy tomorrow. I also pray for Darrell MacLearn's father with gout and going through radiation treatments. Lord, be very real to all of these ones and their families. Thank You for being My Every Step of the Way! Amen.

Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 1:1-3 - "It Is Well"

Yesterday was such a blessed day. Participating in Sunday School, having the privilege to preach, rest time before Ben and the grand babies came, a visit with a friend, and time with my Momma. What a full day! The icing on the cake was singing with Ben and the kids. What a blessing they are! I love how the kids are home schooled but especially the fact they are being taught hymns. 

It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Hearing them sing these words made my heart just about burst. If you were to ask them what God means to them, you would receive different answers but all of them would be able to clearly explain their relationship with Him. That makes this Grandma so proud. The writer of this song had great loss in his family when he penned this song. The grandchildren had great loss this past August/September with their great grandfather dying and then in a short time Papa Doc dying. They have been through so much yet they know God is in control. I am so grateful for the way they are being raised. I am grateful for the knowledge they not only are being taught how to live for God but they are seeing Ben and Emily live it out as examples for them. Matthew Henry wrote of Jeremiah 17:7:

Those who make God their Hope, shall flourish like a tree always green, whose leaf does not wither. They shall be fixed in peace and satisfaction of mind; they shall not be anxious in a year of drought. Those who make God their Hope, have enough in him to make up the want of all creature-comforts. They shall not cease from yielding fruit in holiness and good works.

Ben and Emily are bearing fruit through the seeds they are planting in their children. We all need to plant seeds in people's lives. We need to be ready to do so every time the Lord presents an opportunity to us. When we live in this manner, we will be blessed. Jeremiah took his words of Jeremiah 17:7 from Psalm 1. It reads in the New International Version:

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

When we live in the way the Lord desires, we will be able to say It Is Well With My Soul. That is my life goal. I pray it will be the life goal of others too.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the day yesterday You blessed me with. Sunday School, preaching what You laid on my heart to share, rest time, time with Ben and the kids, a visit with a friend, and my time with Momma. What a full, blessed day! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me so I can be Christ-like in the day ahead. I pray for safe travels home filled with opportunities to share Your love. Lord, may You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. Thank You for the way Ben and Emily are raising the grand babies! Thank You for the fun we had yesterday! Oh how I loved spending time with them. I loved singing with them and watching them eat dinner. Precious memories. Thank You for my time with my Momma over these last few days! I pray You will continue to bless her. I also pray blessings over Chrissy's step-father who is having surgery today. May You touch him not only in his physical body but especially in his spiritual body. Thank You Jesus for being My Life Goal! Amen.

Joshua 1:9; Exodus 14:14 - "Fighting For You"

I love Saturday nights where God has me praying for pastors! Before falling asleep He had me pray for all in the pulpit today to preach what He directed. When I was awake, He had me praying for all pastors to live as He desires. It is a big responsibility to be a pastor. People's souls are at stake. Pastors are not responsible for saving people. God is the Only One who can do that. What we are responsible for is walking in obedience to His will. But pastors are not the only ones who have this responsibility. All believers are responsible for walking in obedience to His will. Pastors are responsible for getting this message across. Many people, including pastors, are ready to give up when 'tough' days come. They feel like they are not strong enough to keep going when one thing hits after another. The enemy convinces them they cannot do it. But God is always there fighting for us. During the night and again this morning the words to Fighting For You are going through my mind.

When the going gets tough
And my strengths not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind's at war
And oh...

You will never stop fighting for me
When I can't fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me in the darkest night
When my faith is weak You're still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me

Woo hoo! The knowledge that He is always fighting for me is enough to keep me going in the 'good' days and the 'tough' days. This knowledge is enough to make me realize He loves me so much and does not want to see me go to hell for eternity. The battles that come before us are not ours but His. When the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead the people after Moses' death, He directed him to stay strong in Him. The way we all can stay strong in the Lord is by staying close to Him. We need to be in His Word, praying, seeking His will, etc. 24/7. The only way to hear His voice is to live in His presence. We do not have to fear anything that comes our way but instead can live in His peace. All we need to do is follow the words given to Moses in Exodus 14:14. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the privilege to pray for pastors last night! Thank You for the knowledge that You are fighting for us! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a new, different way today. As I preach this morning, may You use me in the way You so desire. I pray Your blessings over all sermons preached today. May all pastors be in relationship with You so they will preach what You desire. Father, I pray for Pastor James as he is now officially the pastor of Willard Naz. May greater days be ahead for them. I pray for: Pastor Mark who is moving back to Ohio; Pastor Gribben who recently retired; many pastors who have gone through or now have the COVID virus; many pastors who are struggling with church finances due to the COVID virus; and especially for the pastors You are trying to speak to yet they either cannot hear Your voice or are choosing to ignore You. I also pray for You to be greater than anything that comes my way today that will try to take my focus off of You. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Fight For Me! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Exodus 14:14; Jeremiah 17:7 - "There Was Jesus"

Anxiety is real. It is something people struggle with from time to time. Unfortunately, some people seem to struggle with it every day. This saddens my heart. God's peace is available to all. I struggle with what stops people from receiving His peace. I have continued through the 'tough' days over the last few months to lean into II Timothy 1:7. The Holy Spirit empowers me to not fear the days ahead but instead to allow Him to direct me through them. I also lean into Proverbs 3:5-6 in trusting God to direct me where He so desires me to be. I was thinking this morning these are two of the four verses from the January sermon series. The other two are Exodus 14:14 and Jeremiah 17:7. When we live out II Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Exodus 14:14 we will experience Jeremiah 17:7. I have a couple dear friends who try to do this but continue with experiencing great anxiety. My heart breaks for them and I continue to pray for breakthroughs in their life. I pray for their trust in God to go deeper and for them to gain insight into how they can experience His peace. There is no better place to live than in His peace. As I look back on my life, I am amazed at the things that have happened and yet here I am living in His peace. I should not be amazed at what God does because He is a miracle worker. I should not be amazed at how He continues to provide exactly what I need because that is who He is. My Heavenly Father. I am no different than anyone else. He does not love me more than the next person. Some people have told me He must love me more than them because I am always being blessed. That is not true. He blesses everyone as we allow Him. His blessings are there for all of us when we will accept them. He does not bless one person more than another because of a different level of love. He blesses us all as we will allow. I know if I did not stand on the empowerment of II Timothy 1:7 and allow Him to be in control of my life my days would be different. Once again, the song There Was Jesus is on my mind this morning.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing, in the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I've been or where I'm going
Even when I didn't know it
Or couldn't see it

There was Jesus
On the mountains
In the valleys
There was Jesus
In the shadows
Of the alleys

There was Jesus
In the fire, in the flood
There was Jesus
Always is and always was, oh

No, I never walk alone
Never walk alone
You're always there

Jesus is always there for us. He is there in the 'good' days and the 'tough' days. He wants to love on us and desires us to love on Him. He wants to be our strength as we lean into Him. He is always ready to direct us as we allow Him. What an awesome God He is! Praise His Holy Name for loving on us so greatly!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for loving us so greatly! Thank You for providing for me to be here with my Momma to celebrate her 90th birthday! Thank You for all the cards and flowers she received! Thank You for another day of life! May You direct my steps to where You desire them to go. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me today. May You be greater than anything that comes my way. Lord, You know the prayers of my heart for this day and I pray You will be so very real as I continue to seek Your will. I pray for Your words, attitude, thoughts, and actions to be mine. I pray for my two friends who are struggling with anxiety to find Your peace. May they realize the end of themselves so they can experience You in a greater way. Thank You Jesus for being My Peace! Amen.

Psalm 36; Mark 11:25; Psalm 4:1-5 - "Point To You"

Last night's study with Lysa Terkeurst on forgiveness was so, so good. These next six weeks will definitely not be easy but are ones that are so needed in my life. One of the things she said that is something I need to put before each day is:

Forgiveness is not made possible by our determination. Forgiveness is made possible by our cooperation with what God has already done with us.

We have to be open to allow God to heal us through forgiveness. We also have to be willing to focus on God instead of our hurts. The more we focus on ourselves, the more we will continue to experience the hurts of life. We cannot forgive on our own but God must be in the process for it to happen. One of the Scriptures Lysa spoke of was Psalm 36. This Scripture gives us a better understanding of who God is and a better understanding of who we are. Forgiveness is complicated and messy. God is the Only One who can take us through the road of forgiveness. He is the Only One who can take us through being scared, angry, etc. as we process through the hurts of life. He is the Only One who can tear down the wall to heal us. He gives clear direction in Mark 11:25 about forgiveness. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. If we do not forgive someone, how can we expect God to forgive us? I do not believe we can. How can we forgive someone who does not ask for forgiveness? Many years ago, I had a horrific situation in my life where someone did wrong against me. After counseling, praying, and many nights of distraught I realized I had to forgive them. If I didn't, I would go to hell with them. Last night the question was asked if the need to forgive someone was an obstacle or an opportunity in my life and how the need for forgiveness was affecting my life. I am struggling right now with forgiving someone who continues to hurt someone I love. How is that affecting my life? It brings anger to the surface every time I am around them. Psalm 4:4 reads in the ESV:  Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Matthew Henry wrote of Psalm 4:1-5:

Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.

Henry repeated Open not the mouth to excuse sin for a reason. We cannot make excuses when we sin. Instead we must own up to them and ask for forgiveness. God forgives us when we do. We need to follow His example and forgive others even when they do not ask for it. The situation I lived through for years and was finally able to forgive the person even though they did not ask for forgiveness was not easy but I trusted God with it. The result was many years after I gave forgiveness they actually asked for forgiveness. I was no longer doing life with them on a regular basis and was surprised when they did. But it was like the icing on the cake on my road of hurt. This morning the Lord brought Point To You to my mind. These words could not be truer for someone needing to forgive another.

I need a miracle
Some healing for my heart
I need a revelation
A brand new start
I want simplicity
Where I can rest
But I need a miracle to put my past to death

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this study from Lysa Terkerust on forgiveness! Thank You for the healing that is going to happen over the next six weeks with this study! Thank You for the ones who celebrated my Momma yesterday and the ones who will celebrate her today! Thank You for all who sent cards to her! Thank You for her life and for her hitting this ninety-year milestone! Woo hoo, God! Lord, I pray I am doing as well as she is when I turn ninety. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May you ooze out of my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude today in a mighty way. Thank You Jesus for being My Only One! Amen.

Psalm 77 - "Into The Sea"

The Lord took me to Psalm 77 this morning. This Scripture has many great reminders. Matthew Henry wrote of this Psalm, Days of trouble must be days of prayer. When we are going through 'tough' days, we will find great comfort in living in God's presence where we can not only talk to Him but more importantly listen to Him. He will direct us through the 'good' days and the 'tough' days as we allow Him. Another reminder in this Psalm is as we remember what God has done for us in the past we will be encouraged to continue on into the future. Last night in Bible study Carol made the statement, "God does miracles every day." This is so true but a lot of times we do not acknowledge them. It is a miracle we woke up this morning. He takes care of us, encourages us, directs us, etc. He provides exactly what we need when we need it. I think back to the sermon Sunday with the parting of the Red Sea. Moses did not know God's plan but he trusted Him to take care of them. That is exactly what we need to do. We need to trust God no matter what is happening in life. When things do not make sense, we must trust Him. When life becomes overwhelming, we must trust Him. When people are against us, we must trust Him. Plain and simple. We must trust Him. Woo hoo! Trusting Him is the best place to dwell. It is where there is peace in the midst of the storms of life. I am reminded this morning of a song Paul pointed out to me right after Doc died. The words are simple yet powerful.

From beginning to the end
You're so close
You have never let me down
And you won't
In the valley, in the shadow, I know
You're so close
You're so close

Though the mountains may be moved into the sea
Though the ground beneath might crumble and give way
I can hear my Father singing over me
"It's gonna be OK, it's gonna be OK"
It's gonna be OK, it's gonna be OK

I'm gonna be OK, I'm gonna be OK

The day Paul brought this song to me was one of the 'tough' days of my journey. I was feeling overwhelmed with all the business stuff after a death, the unknowns with the church building, and feeling very lonely. This song calmed my spirit in a mighty way. It gave me hope and encouraged me to keep on pushing through. Instead of questioning whether I could 'do life' in my new situation I went deeper in my faith knowing God is with me. Matthew Henry wrote of this Scripture:

God's own people, in a cloudy and dark day, may be tempted to make wrong conclusions about their spiritual state, and that of God's kingdom in the world. But we must not give way to such fears. Let faith answer them from the Scripture. The troubled fountain will work itself clear again; and the recollection of former times of joyful experience often raises a hope, tending to relief. Doubts and fears proceed from the want and weakness of faith. Despondency and distrust under affliction, are too often the infirmities of believers, and, as such, are to be thought upon by us with sorrow and shame. When, unbelief is working in us, we must thus suppress its risings.

Faith over fear. I do not have to fear the 'hows' or the 'whys' but instead can stand in the knowledge God is in control. I am reminded of my words in Sunday's sermon. God does not want us to have just great faith. He desires us to have greater faith. We all have a choice to make when the 'tough' days come. We can choose to give the enemy an open door and wallow around in pity and unbelief or we can stand in a greater faith knowing God is in control. I choose to stand in a greater faith.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminders of Psalm 77 and the song Into The Sea! Thank You for the day Mom and I had yesterday! Thank You for calming my spirit when life gets messy! Thank You for being in control even when life seems to be out of control! Thank You for friends like Pam who picked up groceries for my Momma! Thank You for another day of life ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today in a mighty way. Lord, I am living in expectation. I am expecting You to do great things through me. I pray people will come into relationship with You and those already in relationship with You go deeper in their faith through me. Lord, use me to be Your servant in the manner You so desire. Thank You for being My Faith Builder! Amen.

Psalm 102:27-28 - "Good, Good Father"

Last night was so much fun surprising my Momma with a visit for her 90th birthday. I knew she would cry when she opened the door and she did. It was priceless! Life has been hard for her from time to time but she continues to allow God to be her strength. I guess I get it naturally! He is my Strength! He was my mental, emotional, physical, financial, and most of all my spiritual strength yesterday in some mighty ways. I will never forget the way He worked to make this trip happen financially. When I checked tickets, the cheapest was $50 more than my normal. I decided I would pray about it before making my decision. Within the hour when I went to the mailbox there was a check for $50 from some friends. Woo hoo, God! When I talked to them, she told me God was very specific for them to send $50. To think God told them to send just that amount and for it to come the same day I was praying is so cool to think about! God is so, so good! He provided for me in a physical sense with the many people who assisted me with a wheelchair at the airport. He provided for me in an emotional sense by ones who dropped me off and picked me up at the airport. He provided for me in a mental sense by keeping me alert throughout the day. He provided for me in a spiritual sense by continuing to encourage me throughout the day. He is so, so good. When one of the flight attendants asked about my arm, I told her about my fall. She was from England and her Daddy is still there. He fell the day before and broke the same bone as myself. His care was totally different with their socialized medicine. He went to the hospital at 7am and did not have an X-ray until evening. He then was sent home with no cast, immobilizer, or medication with a list of three doctors to contact. One who would determine if he would have surgery. One who cast it if needed. One who would give prescription for pain medicine. She was so upset with him being in such pain. I am afraid that is where our country is headed. I believe the days of healthcare as we know it are over. We have complained about what we have but I believe what we have been complaining about is nothing compared to what the flight attendant described. I am so thankful for God who will always take care of us when we allow Him. I am thankful for God who loves and encourages me through 'tough' situations. He is such a good, good Father.

You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Yes! He loves me so much. Oh how I wish more people would allow Him to love on them. That is my daily prayer. We all need to realize His love on this earth so we can realize His love in heaven. A life filled with His presence 24/7 is a life worth living. The things of this world cannot satisfy like Him. I continue to live in the promise of Psalm 102:27-28 and am grateful for the knowledge of His love for me.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for safe travels yesterday! Thank You for all the ways You blessed me mentally, emotionally, financially, physically and most of all spiritually yesterday! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Take my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude and use them to glorify You throughout the day ahead. I pray for the flight attendant's Daddy who broke his arm to feel Your loving arms wrapped around him. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength! Amen.

Exodus 14:14 - "There Was Jesus"

I was so angry last night when I found out of a friend who was financially taken advantage of by a company. I do not understand how people can do such things but especially to those who are older and all alone in this world. I did a lot of praying not only for my friend to have wisdom but also for the souls of the people who did this to her. I prayed for the police to have compassion and wisdom as they work through the process and for her to find peace in the midst of this storm. I was angry but I knew I needed to handle my anger in the right way. Jesus showed righteous anger with the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21). They were blatantly doing wrong. Anger is not always a 'bad' thing. When we are standing up against sin, it is ok to be angry as long as we do not sin ourselves in the process. This situation reminded me of when someone stole my identity and took out a loan in my name. The company called me and demanded payment. I explained to them I didn't take out the loan and they said they had proof I had. We thought it was a scam with someone trying to get money and brought the police in on it. Not only had someone taken out a loan in my name but someone also filed taxes with my information. How in the world they did that is beyond me. How they received a refund under my information is also beyond me. We live in a sick world. Throughout the time of my situation I tried not to fret and just allow God to handle everything. This morning I am reminded of one of our verses in the January sermon series.

These words of Moses were the ones he gave the Israelites when they feared for their lives. They had gone through turmoil in the desert and were now faced with Pharoah's army coming down on them. Before them was the Red Sea and they felt trapped. They did not know God was going to part the water and they cried out for help. We do not know when God will perform a miracle in our lives. Sometimes we cry out for help and other times we try to handle things on our own. All we have to do is be still and allow Him to work in and through us. He will 'part the Red Seas' before us when we allow Him. He will provide 'food in the wilderness' when we allow Him. All we have to do is trust Him and know He is there for us. I love the song Zach Williams sings with Dolly Parton called There Was Jesus. 

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing, in the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I've been or where I'm going
Even when I didn't know it
Or couldn't see it
There was Jesus

Jesus is always here for us. He desires to take care of us and love on us. Sometimes we think we don't want to bother Him or can handle things ourselves but we should never think that. We need to live in His presence 24/7 so He can guide us with every decision we make. When we  make decisions on our own, we will mess us and cause ourselves unnecessary heartache. I know I have gone through unnecessary heartache myself because I tried to take care of things myself instead of allowing Him to do so. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always being here with me! Thank You for opening my eyes to life with You! Thank You for cleansing me today so I can be filled with more of You! May You shine brightly through my words, actions, thoughts, and attitude in a new, different way today. May You be in control of every decision that I make. Lord, keep my focus on You no matter what is ahead in this day. I pray for You to stay close to me throughout this day. Protect me from anything not of You. I pray for my friend who is going through this financial mess with being scammed. May she find Your peace in her spirit today. I pray for the decisions she makes to be led by You. Thank You Jesus for being My 24/7! Amen.