Hebrews 13:8 - "My God Is Still The Same"

The Lord woke me during the night a couple times to pray for pastors. Today is the last day of October which is known for two things. Halloween is one which causes great controversy within a church. The other is it is the last day of the month set aside for 'Pastor Appreciation.' This also can cause great controversy. Today will be a 'tough' day for many pastors. There are some pastors who have not been shown appreciation this month nor any time throughout the year. There are some people who feel like a pastor is just 'doing their job' so why should they be shown appreciation. On the other hand there are people who realize being a pastor is not the easiest profession and there is much sacrifice involved. Some will say 'they chose the profession so they need to just do it' while others realize God is the One who did the choosing. No matter what the circumstances there will be some people leave church today unhappy. I don't need special recognition but it is nice to be appreciated. Even if a pastor does not get recognized this month it does not mean their people do not love them. It also does not mean God is not with them. During the night and again this morning the Lord had a song Santus Real sings called "My God Is Still The Same" going through my mind.

When did He break His promise
When did His kindness fail
Never has
Never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power
When did His mercy change
Never has
Never will
My God is still the same

Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did he ever stop proving
Our God is in control
Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did he ever stop proving
Our God is in control

Yes! No matter what happens in life "My God Is Still The Same"! Woo hoo! Praise His Holy Name! He is always here for me to make decisions, love on me when I'm lonely, encourage me when I am struggling, etc. James 1:17 tells us the Father of heavenly lights does not change like the shifting shadows. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). He is our past, present, and future. He desires all to walk in obedience to Him. He desires all to love with His love. He desires all to realize how much He loves them. Plain and simple. He desires all to be who He called them to be.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the day ahead! I missed being with my church family and am thankful to be back together today. Lord, I pray for pastors who are dreading today instead of looking forward to it. I pray they will experience Your supernatural empowerment in a mighty way. I pray for those who are hurting and discouraged to have someone speak life over them. May today be a better day for them. I pray for many on my prayer list to have an experience today where someone speaks life over them. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Tim and Kathy Kilgore; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others.  I praise You for Little Ivy doing well on her journey with leukemia! Woo hoo! You are so good! I continue to pray for healing for: Laurie's back, Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Pastor Bill; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for people to see/hear You instead of me. I also pray for direction with a decision I need to make today. I do not want to do anything out of Your will. Please be very clear to me with this situation. I pray blessings over Rickey's day with rehearsal. May You continue to guide the decisions he makes. Thank You for being My Past, Present, and Future! Amen. 

Psalm 51:10-12 - "Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me"

Yesterday was full of blessings. It was one of those days you look back on and think 'What did I do to deserve this life?' God is so, so good to provide what we need. It was hard to leave my Momma after spending a week in Ohio. God knew I needed people around me. I so thankful for my time with Kayla, Nancy, Paula, Rhonda, Carol, Cait, and Jo Ann. I grateful for the laughter we had together and the sense of Jesus being in our midst. Every thing I do and every place I go He is with me. The words to a song Selah sings called "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me" are so appropriate this morning. 

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me

Renewal in my spirit is a daily occurrence. I know I must go before the Lord and repent daily so He can fill me to overflowing with more of Him. As I live this life I will be blessed in abundance. He knows my yesterdays, my today, and my tomorrows. He knows what lies ahead and the decisions put before me. He gives all free choice. The more I walk in obedience to Him the more I will make decisions for Him. I am so blessed to live where I know He desires me to live. I am so blessed in knowing I am walking in His will. I am so blessed in knowing when I leave this earth I will walk with Him for eternity. Plain and simple. I am so blessed. In my humanness I want to be with my Momma. He knows that and that is why He has provided several opportunities in the last year for me to be with her. I am grateful for the peace He gives me to walk in obedience to His will for me here in South Carolina. If I did not have His peace, life would be very difficult. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You again for the blessings of yesterday with having people around me! Thank You for my time with Kayla, Nancy, Paula, Rhonda, Carol, Cait, and Jo Ann! Thank You for bringing each one of these ladies into my life! Thank You for Chris mowing my yard! What a blessing he is! Thank You for the day ahead with Edwards Memorial Service and Landon's birthday party! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me so all who hear/see me will hear/see You. I pray blessings upon Rickey's day with students. Thank You for bringing him into my life! I pray blessings upon many going through tough days. May they realize Your peace today. My Momma;  my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Tim and Kathy Kilgore; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Pastor Bill; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. I praise You for the negative report from Mike's test! Woo hoo! You are so good! Thank You for being My Renewal! Amen.

Proverbs 31:25 - "Sparrows"

 

My heart hurt to leave my Momma. Getting old stinks. I am so proud of her and love her to pieces. I wish I could be there to help her through these days but I know I am where God wants me to be. I also know He is with her and that is all that matters. I am thankful for all we accomplished during my visit, appointments that were taken care of, and the memories made. I am thankful for the tears that fell as we talked and for people who stop in and check on her. I am so thankful for today's technology that helps her stay connected to the world even in times such as COVID. I remember when I was growing up there would be a fight each month when the phone bill came. My Daddy would get so mad about it being so much. Back then every minute was costly. My Momma would limit her calls to usually once a week to her Momma. As I think about that practice I am thankful we can pick up the phone and call each other anytime we want. I also am thankful for the technology that allows me to have my cell phone with me to answer her whenever she calls. When I left she said, "Sheila Babe we never know what tomorrow holds." This is so true and we need to make the most of every day God gives us with our loved ones. My heart hurts for family relationships that are broken. It hurts for those who are not in relationship with the Lord to realize He is in control of every aspect of our life. I am so thankful my Momma knows Him and lives in His strength every day. She is a great example for all of us to follow. I have Jason Gray's song "Sparrows" going through my mind this morning...

If He can hold the world He can hold this moment
Not a field or flower escapes His notice
Oh even the sparrow
Knows He holds tomorrow

Dear Jesus, Thank You for my Momma who loves You dearly! Thank You for the example she gives to all who know her of how to live for You! I pray blessings upon her day with her appointment and all that is ahead for her. I pray for people to contact her so she is not lonely. Lord, give her exactly what she needs to continue to be who You have called her to be. When the loneliness creeps in, I pray for her to feel Your loving arms wrapped around her. I pray for my day that is filled with activities to be a blessing to You. May I not miss any opportunity You put before me to love with Your love. Cleanse me so You can fill me so I can be who You have called me to be. I continue to pray for so many going through 'tough' days.  I pray for: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Tim and Kathy Kilgore; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Pastor Bill; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. Thank You for the memories made with Rickey during my trip to Ohio! I pray blessings over his day today with students. Thank You for being My Tomorrow Holder! Amen.

Psalm 5:3; I Thessalonians 5 - "Great Expectations"

What a blessing to receive a picture of my house at sunrise from my neighbor Tiffany! I love it! I am ready to be home even though it was a wonderful trip. I am thankful for all that was accomplished for my Momma and the memories made with many. I am thankful for the time Rickey and I had to have some meals together. Even though the fall foliage wasn't in full force there were still some beautiful trees to be seen. It was fun knocking off some more of the things on my '60 Things To Do The Year I Turn 60' list. I also am grateful for today's technology that allowed me to minister to my South Carolina family while being seven hundred miles away. It does not matter where I am God still hears my prayers. It does not matter where others are when they ask me to pray because I am always praying. Yesterday's prayer requests included two deaths, a financial need, some health issues, a great emotional need, and some personal things. I am so thankful God hears our prayers no matter where we are, what we are doing, who is around us, etc. I am thankful He knows our prayers before we even speak them. Praying is not for Him but for us. Praying draws us closer to God and takes our faith deeper. It is something I do throughout the day. Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5 to pray without ceasing. I find the verses before and after to be very important in our walk with God. Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. No matter what is ahead in this day I need to remember to be joyful and be thankful. Psalm 5:3 tells us to lay out the pieces of my life on the altar and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart. In the NIV it says to wait expectantly. Expectation has been given to me many times over the last few months from the Lord. I need to expect! I need to be ready for whatever He brings before me. Woo hoo! That is exciting to think about! I don't know where He is taking me but I know my faith will continue to deepen in the process. There may be some really 'tough' days ahead. If so, I say 'bring them on!' It is during the 'tough' days I grow more in my spiritual walk. I was reading in a Biblical note: 

Implied in the concept of preparing the morning sacrifice. The Aramaic text states, “At dawn I shall be ready and shall appear before you.” The Hebrew can also be translated “I’ll be on the watchtower [for the answer to come].” 

Woo hoo! I am so grateful for the Word we have to learn from, be encouraged by, and share with others. Again this morning God has "Great Expectations" going through my mind.

So wake the hope that slumbers in my soul
Stir the fire inside and make it glow
I'm trustin' in a love that has no end
The Savior of this world has called me friend
And I, I've been invited with the Son
Oh I, I've been invited to come and

We've been invited with the Son
And we've been invited to come and

Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond our wildest imagination
Lord, we come with great expectations

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the last seven days in Ohio! Thank You for the safe travels and protection You will give me today! Thank You for the picture Tiffany blessed me with this morning! Thank You for Rickey driving me to the airport and for the time we had to make more memories! Thank You for giving my Momma good doctor appointments! I pray You will be with her today with her appointment. It was so hard to leave but I know You are with her. I also know You have me right where You want me to be. I am so thankful for this knowledge! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I not miss any opportunity to love with Your love today. Lord, I pray for so many going through 'tough' days. I pray those who know You will go deeper in their faith and those not in relationship with You will find You. I pray comfort for those who have lost loved ones. I pray strength in physical, mental, emotional, financial, and most of all spiritual bodies. I pray for: my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; Tim and Kathy Kilgore; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Pastor Bill; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. Thank You for Beth and Bob having safe travels back to California! I pray special prayers for one who was scammed yesterday. Lord, be greater than the hurts of life. Thank You for being My Expectation! Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11-14; Colossians 3:12-13 - "Great Expectations"

God is so good to bless me in abundance! I pray I bless Him too. Yesterday was a full day with Momma having two appointments. While she got her perm I enjoyed a Troyer's cinnamon roll and shopped at a neat thrift store. Afterwards we picked her up some apples and then I took her home for lunch and a nap before the second appointment. The heart doctor gave her a good report which was another blessing in the day. Since the sun was out for a bit we drove around and I took some pictures of the trees that have changed. It is amazing how many are still green but of course part of the reason for that is there has not been a frost yet. God blessed me with getting another thing marked off my 'to do list' with the freezer. I believe I only have three more things to do on the list which is a blessing to both me and my Momma. I have so enjoyed this time here with her. The day ended with me making supper for Momma and Rickey and then watching Gunsmoke. It was a full but very blessed day! God is so good to provide what I need sometimes when I don't even realize I need it. The time of captivity Jeremiah speaks of in chapter twenty-nine is a time God was with them even though they endured some 'tough' times. God has been with me through some 'tough' times and will always be with me. He used and continues to use my past to form my future. Many things I have lived through were not pleasant yet He loved me through them. Did I choose to be a widow? Absolutely not. Did I want Doc to leave this earth? Absolutely not. But this is where I am in life and I will continue to seek His will so I can fulfill His purpose. Matthew Henry wrote of Jeremiah's writing:

It will be the bringing to pass of God's good word to them. This shall form God's purposes. We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for them. When the Lord pours out an especial spirit of prayer, it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in mercy. Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer. He never said, Seek ye me in vain. 

Wow! I love the part the expectations of their faith! What do I expect of God? Where has my faith taken me? Nothing God does should surprise us because He is God. The way He uses my obedience to His will is amazing. I know I miss opportunities for Him but I also know the more I strive to be Christ-like the less opportunities I will miss. I keep thinking about this week's sermon challenge and pray He will give me His supernatural empowerment to fulfill it every day. He chose me to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. He chose me to forgive as He forgives me. This knowledge that Paul gave in Colossians 3 is one that means so much to be as a believer. If I want to please my Heavenly Father, I need to get better at living as He does. I need to remember no matter what is happening in my little world I need to have "Great Expectations"...

The morning finds me at heavens door
A place I've been so many times before
Familiar thoughts and phrases that I know so well
But dare I go where I don't understand
And do I dare remember where I am
I stand before the great eternal throne
The one that God Himself is seated on
And I, I've been invited as a son
Oh I, I've been invited to come and

Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord, I come with great expectations

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Momma getting her perm and having a good doctor's appointment! Thank You for the beauty of Your creation with the fall foliage! Thank You for this time in Ohio with my Momma, family and friends, and Rickey! Thank You for the opportunity to do life with them! Thank You for being with me on this journey of life that can be challenging at times yet so rewarding! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be seen/heard instead of me int he day ahead. Father, I pray for so many going through 'tough' times to realize You are greater than anything that comes our way and most importantly may they realize their faith will be taken deeper as we allow You to work in and through us. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Pastor Bill; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. I pray for Debbie with loss of her mother and Erin on the anniversary date of the loss of her little guy. Thank You for being My Greatest Blessing! Amen.

Colossians 3:23-24 - "Wake Up Sleeper"

Last night I shared with a friend how exciting it has been reading Colossians 3 these last few weeks. I told her I felt like I needed to settle into it for a bit. Once again this morning I read it in different versions and once again the Lord stopped me at verses twenty three and twenty four. It reads in The Message:

Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. 

I love the word picture this gives. When you think of an inheritance in the earthly sense, you think of money and material things. The best inheritance we could ever receive is eternal life with Him. As I look at this picture that was taken six years ago I am amazed at how God has transformed me. It was during the time of this picture I was struggling with MS and using my rollator. It had been many months of not walking on my own and I was beginning to think that was the way life was going to be. I never gave up praying for His will. I did not know the specifics but I knew whatever He had in store for me would be what I would adapt to. Life has been challenging over the last six years with many 'mountains' to climb. But as I told my friend last night I praise God for each 'mountain' because my faith is at a greater depth than ever before. I praise Him for being with me every step of the way with or without the rollator. I praise Him for being my strength to continue up the mountains and down in the very deep valleys of life. I praise Him for being greater than anything the enemy puts before me. Plain and simple. I praise Him. I was awake multiple times during the night and every time these words to "Wake Up Sleeper" were going through my head. Oh how I pray for more people to come into relationship with Him and for those in relationship to go deeper. As my friend said last night, 'It is not good to be comfortable.' When we become comfortable, it is easy to be complacent. When we step out of our comfort zones, we will find the biggest blessings from God. 

Wake up sleeper
Open your eyes
Oh sinner, arise
Leave your past at the door
Wake up sleeper
Come to the light
Christ is alive
Death don't live here anymore

Rise up and come out of that grave
Rise up in that amazing grace
Oh sleeper, won't you come awake
Come awake

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for my time talking with Marlene! Thank You for lunch and thrift store shopping with Rickey! I have so much fun laughing with him. Thank You for being with my Momma as she has two appointments today! Thank You for giving her exactly what she needs physically, mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually! Thank You for all that has been accomplished with this trip and the memories made! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. May people see You shining brightly through me. I pray for many in my little world who are not in relationship to find You. I pray for those in relationship to go deeper. May we all strive to be Christ-like to fulfill the desires of Your heart. I pray for those going through 'tough' times to receive Your peace and strength. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Kandi; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. I praise You for the water finally being fixed for Momma's washer! I pray for strength in my voice. Thank You for being My Master! Amen.

Colossians 3 - "Raise A Hallelujah"

Last night before falling asleep I thought about how different my day was from my 'normal' Sunday. Usually after church I go to lunch with some of my church family and then the rest of the day is spent alone. Yesterday was spent with me preaching on-line, a lite lunch with my Momma, a drive to meet Ben and his family for pizza, a late dinner and watching TV with Rickey and my Momma. No alone time which was very nice! God is so good to provide exactly what I need. Hearing "Grandma Sheila" is music to my ears! Soaking up time with three of Rickey's grand babies Friday night and then five of mine yesterday was perfect! I love to hear their chatter, watch them interact with one another, spoil them. Every time I see grand babies there are little gifts for them. Nothing that costs much but something they will enjoy. Yesterday along with their little gifts they wrote their favorite Bible verse on a Christmas ornament. One for my tree and one for their's. I so wish I could do life with them more often. It is so hard to be seven hundred miles away from the ones in Ohio and Pennsylvania and a thousand miles from my Texas one. But I know I am where God desires me to be for this time. I know I have a purpose in South Carolina and I intend to be intentional in fulfilling that purpose. The weekly sermon challenge yesterday includes Colossians 3:12-13. It is truly a challenge to live by these verses if you live in the flesh. Verses twelve through fourteen read in The Passion Translation...

You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

God chose us to be compassionate, kind, humber, gentle, and patient and to forgive as He forgives us. That is a mighty tall order for us but it is not too tall for us to accomplish when we allow God to live in and through us. I love verse seventeen that reminds us to praise God. As I was driving back to Momma's in the rain and fog after meeting Ben I praised Him for getting us home before dark. Before falling asleep I praised Him for Momma getting out for a second day in a row. As I read Colossians 3 this morning I praise Him for many years ago when we first began ministry in Willard and he brought me verse twenty-three of this chapter. Everything we do needs done for Him not man. Paul finishes out this chapter with these encouraging words. For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One! A disciple will be repaid for what he has learned and followed, for God pays no attention to the titles or prestige of men. My reward is waiting for me in heaven. Until the time comes for God to call me home I will love with His love the best I can. When the 'tough' days happen, I will "Raise A Hallelujah" to Him for not only getting me through such times but Him being glorified through me during them.

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me

I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the wonderful day yesterday to do life in a different way than my 'normal'! Thank You for time with Ben, Emily, and the kids! Thank You for Momma being able to get out again! Thank You for last evening with sharing a meal and watching TV with my Momma and Rickey! Thank You for this precious time to make memories! Thank You for Colossians three that is rich in how we are to live and the reward for such living! Lord, cleanse me and fill me with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way today. Father, I pray for those going through 'tough' times to realize Your peace as Colossians 3:15 speaks of. Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful. May peace flow down upon: My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab and needs strength in his daily walk; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Rickey's singing partner Tim; Ed; and Frank. I pray against the pain Debbie is experiencing in her legs. Thank You for being My Anointed One! Amen.

Psalm 23 - "Thank You Lord"

I prayed for a long time before going to bed for pastors who are going through 'tough' days. It can be challenging to be a pastor but thank the Lord He is always here for us. I thought about one night this week when I received a call from a distraught lady. I pray the words God gave me comforted her. Sometimes people think a pastor can solve all their problems but God is the Only One who can do that. Sometimes people think a pastor has all the answers but we don't. We have the 'right' answers when God reveals them to us but if we are not in relationship with Him where we hear Him that is not possible. I woke this morning thinking about Psalm 23. This Psalm gives me comfort in so many situations. It comforts me when the enemy tries to put fear upon me. It gives me God's wisdom when I feel like I am lacking. I love reading it in different versions. This morning I settled into the Passion Translation. 

I absolutely love the comfort of verse two. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. His love is where I find who I am supposed to be. It is His love that encourages me through 'tough' days and blesses me in abundance. His love is described in verse three. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. The best part about His love is it is for all. He does not just lavish it on some but all of us when we allow Him. My heart breaks for so many who are not allowing Him to love on them. If they would only realize how different life could be for them. In the Passion Translation this Psalm begins by calling Him my best friend and my shepherd. That is exactly who He is to me. Praise His Holy Name! I am reminded this morning of the song "Thank You Lord" and feeling blessed for who God is in my life and for the way He loves me so greatly. I am so thankful for the ways He blesses me everyday.

Thank You Lord for the hard times
For lighting the way in the dark times
For pulling me in, forgiving again
The times that I took it too far, I

Gotta thank You for keeping me humble
For picking me up when I stumble
And although I change, You stay the same
And I don't say thank You enough

For my mama, for my friends
For Your love that never ends
For the songs that make us dance
On this ol' dirt floor
For my babies, for my girl
For the way they changed my world (changed my world)
Waking up today
Yeah, I just gotta say
Thank You Lord

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings from yesterday of time with my Momma, Kim taking us out for lunch, and seeing a movie with Rickey! Thank You for all the ways You love on me! Thank You for the privilege to pray for pastors before going to bed, during the night when I woke, and again this morning! I pray again for those going through 'tough' days to give everything to You. I pray the same for others going through 'tough' days to lean into You.

My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Wanda; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Ed; and Frank. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I lean into You more and continue to seek Your will in my life. I pray I will bless You in the day ahead as You bless me. Thank You for the time this afternoon with Ben's family! I can't wait to see them! I pray blessings over Anna today as she celebrates her birthday. Thank You for being My Best Friend! Amen.

Psalm 17 - "Promises"

I woke up this morning thinking about a friend who is struggling with life. I so wish I were able to sit and talk with her, pray with her, and give her a big ole hug. But due to being miles apart that cannot happen. I will continue to pray and talk with her. We never know when our words will encourage someone. It is so imperative to speak life into people. God took me to Psalm 17 this morning. As I read it, I remembered this picture I took of a turtle. I think it is so cool how God created the turtle with a shell for a purpose. The shell is there to protect them when they feel threatened. Sometimes we feel threatened in life by circumstances out of our control. All we have to do is lean into God and allow Him to protect us. Psalm 17:7-12 in the New King James Version is entitled "Hide Me!" It reads:

Magnify the marvels of your mercy to all who seek you.
    You are the loving Savior of all who turn aside
    to hide themselves in you.
8 Protect me from harm;
    keep an eye on me as you would a child
    who is reflected in the twinkling of your eye.
    Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace,
    under your outstretched wings.
9 Protect me there from all my foes.
    For there are many who surround my soul
    to completely destroy me.
10 They are pitiless, heartless—hard as nails,
    swollen with pride and filled with arrogance!
11 See how they close in on me,
    waiting for the chance to throw me to the ground.
12 They’re like lions eager to tear me apart,
    like young and fearless lions lurking in secret,
    so ferocious and cruel—ready to rip me to shreds.

Yes! God protects us in ways we sometimes don't even realize. I can't imagine how many car accidents I have been protected from. Some I knew about and others not. Just as He gave the turtle a hard shell to be protected by He gives us Himself for protection. Our relationship with Him is where our protection comes from. He sees what we need and He provides. He knows what the enemy tries to do in my life and makes me stronger to stand up against it. He knows when I hurt and feel like I am falling apart and encourages me greatly. He knows when life is 'tough' and He gives me strength. Plain and simple. He knows. Woo hoo! I think of these words to the song "Promises"...

Though the storms may come and the winds may blow
I'll remain steadfast
And let my heart learn, when You speak a word
It will come to pass

Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
Great is Your faithfulness to me

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for all of the work accomplished at my Momma's and for the time being with her! Thank You for the wonderful time of celebration for Rickey's birthday with his children and grand babies! Thank You for him being in my life! Thank You for whatever lies ahead today! I pray my Momma can get out today but most importantly I pray against the pain she is experiencing. Lord, give her exactly what she needs to not just get through the day ahead but to glorify You through it. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through me and people see/hear You instead of me. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to realize Your encouragement. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Simone; Savon; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Ed; and Frank. I continue to pray for a friend who I lost contact with to remember You are there for her. I pray for many bi-vocational pastors who are crafting their sermon today to hear You in what You want preached. Thank You for being My Faithfulness! Amen.

Psalm 118:24 - "What Ifs"

Every day we wake up is a day to rejoice. No matter what we are going through in life there is always something to rejoice about. Today is a special day because it is Rickey's birthday. Not only is it his birthday but it is his first birthday for us to celebrate together. When God brought him into my life, I was unsure of a lot of things in life. But I am so thankful I took the opportunity to get to know him. I love this picture taken one time he was in South Carolina. I think he enjoys the waterfront park as much as I do. God is so, so good at providing just what I need. He is so, so good at knowing what I need even when I don't. He gives me 'tough' days to strengthen my faith and 'good' days to bless me in abundance. He puts people before me to love on me and take care of me. My tribe is one special group of people. They are scattered throughout the world and are faithful to listening to God when He gives them direction on what I need. Sometimes it is a phone call. Sometimes it is a hug. Sometimes it is a meal out. Sometimes it is a prayer. So, so many ways I am blessed by them. If I were to start listing people, I know I would miss someone as there are so many. I try to thank people but I know as a human I miss doing so sometimes. I thank God every day and sometimes multiple times a day for all He does for me. I don't want to miss any opportunity He gives me nor do I want to miss making Him proud of me. We never know when our last day will be on this earth. We need to love with His love in ways people will be blown away. We need to show people not only do we love them but God loves them. I am reminded of Mathew West's song "What If" this morning...

See, I refuse to be a shoulda woulda coulda been
I can't go back in time, I don't have a DeLorean
What I'm trying to say is I don't wanna say these words again
What if, what if

But last I checked this heart
Inside my chest is still beating
Well, I guess it's not too late, no no

What if today's the only day I got?
I don't wanna waste it if it's my last shot
No regrets in the end
I wanna know I got no what ifs
I'm running till the road runs out
I'm lighting it up right here right now
No regrets in the end
I wanna know I got no what ifs

Yes! I want to live as He desires with no what ifs! Woo hoo! Today as we celebrate Rickey's birthday I pray he will realize God's love in a deeper way. I am so thankful he is in relationship with the Lord. It is wonderful to have conversations about the Lord, Scripture, etc. It is so nice to know he has the same end goal. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the safe flight yesterday! Thank You for me having the opportunity to be here with my Momma, Rickey, family, and friends! Thank You for Sally picking me up at the airport and for Rickey taking me for a drive to see the pretty leaves after dinner! Thank You for Courtney who we prayed with over dinner last night! It warmed my heart she remembered us praying for her when I was here in August! I am one blessed lady! Woo hoo! You made the day ahead for a reason. I do not know specifics of what is ahead but I know You do and that is all that matters. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May I shine bright for You today through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray peace over many going through tough days. May they wake with the thought of Psalm 118:24 on their mind. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Colleen with her high BP; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Savon; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Ed; and Frank. Lord, I pray for relief from the aches and pains in my body. I love visiting but oh my the weather causes me issues. I pray for a friend who I have lost contact with to remember You are there for her. Thank You for being My No Regrets! Amen.

I Corinthians 10:23-24 - "This Is My Desire"

 

Paul's words from I Corinthians 10 came up in Bible study last night. Just because something is OK to do it does not mean we should do it. The subject of drinking alcohol was discussed. The Bible does not say it is 'wrong' to drink alcohol but it does say it is wrong to get drunk. The same thing goes with eating. It does not say it is wrong to eat but it is wrong to overeat. We believers need to think before we do anything. If we do things that make non-believers question our relationship with Christ, we are not doing as God desires. In the Voice translation there is a note that reads: 

Paul’s instruction on this matter is clear: believers should give up their rights and freedoms for the sake of others. This is the essence of sacrifice. This is what Jesus did. This is what Paul does. Otherwise, community becomes impossible. But no state or church authority should force compliance; it must arise from a heart of love and a disposition that puts the needs of others first.

I strive to live as God desires. I do not want to get before Him on the Day of Judgement and be questioned about things I did that made others fall out of relationship with Him or not even have the desire to be in relationship with Him because of what I did. I also strive to preach what He gives me and if it is subjects people do not want to hear it is on Him not me. Sometimes He 'steps on our toes' with teachings and preaching. We all need it. We need to be reminded of what He desires for our lives. We should not live the way others desire us to live but only the way He does. I desire to honor Him with every aspect of my life. 

This is my desire you to honor you
Lord, with all my heart I worship you
All I have within me I give You praise
All that I adore is in you

Lord I give you my heart
I give you my soul
I live for you alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord have Your way in me

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being with me today and blessing me with safe travels! Thank You for the time ahead to be with my Momma, family, friends. and Rickey! Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the reminder that I need to live for You not for others! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Lord, I pray peace over many going through some tough times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Colleen with her high BP; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Joni; Melanie; Cait; Mike; Joan; Terri Hall; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Carrie; Serena's husband; Norma Hall; Donna; Chrissy and her cousin; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a friend who needs protection in a hostile workplace; ones dealing with verbal attacks from 'friends' and loved ones; a teen in a volatile home situation; many with COVID; and so many others. I continue to pray for healing for: Little Ivy with leukemia; Little Jensen who needs a heart transplant; Ashley; Pastor Kevin; Sharon's niece Amy; Gay and Doug; Ed; and Frank. Thank You for being My Desire! Amen.