Romans 15:13 - "Peace Be Still"

I'm thankful Hurricane Idalia is out in the ocean. I know a lot of people did not fare as well as did and I pray they will have people around them who will be Jesus' hands and feet to them. Last evening as we were finishing up dinner a large limb fell out and hit the Carolina room but it appears to have not caused any damage. It was startling when it happened with the noise and the house shaking. We normally sit out there to eat but due to weather conditions ate inside. Another blessing in the situation was earlier in the day between rains Doug had been sitting in a lawn chair in that exact spot. Wow, God! Thank You for Your protection in so many ways! Physical, emotional, mental, financial, relational, and spiritual storms all happen in life. None are usually very fun to go through but we can learn something through all of them. We can chose to trust God and lean into His strength through them or we can pull away from Him. We are the only one who can make such decisions for ourselves. Yesterday morning God brought Romans 15:13 to my mind and kept it with me throughout the day. It reads in the New International Version: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. This morning I read it in various translations. The Passion Translation reads: Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! I love the word picture this gives us of God being a fountain and our joy overflowing in the manner of being uncontainable. People will see Him in us when we live for Him. The peace we receive no matter what type of storm we find ourselves in will be perfect peace as you trust in him. Not only will we receive His perfect peace but we will receive His empowerment to not just get through the storms of life but to glorify Him through them. Then, and only then, will we radiate the hope of Christ. Woo hoo! Praise His Holy Name! Today is a new day. The hurricane has passed and I'm sure when the sun comes up there will be things to clean up. Some of the cleaning up will be as easy as picking up some fallen limbs while other clean up will be more intense. No matter where we find ourselves today God is with us and desires of be our hope, joy, peace, and empowerment. I pray God's uncontainable joy over not only myself but all. I pray people who are not in relationship with Him to find Him and those in relationship with Him to trust Him more than ever before. I have "Peace Be Still" on my mind this morning...                           

Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea 
Till I'm dancing in the deep
Oh peace be still
You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can't see 
I will trust the voice that speaks

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your word that gives us hope, joy, peace, and empowerment! Thank You for protection over us through Hurricane Idalia! I'm so grateful the limb did not fall out of the tree when Doug was sitting out in the yard yesterday. I pray for all who were not as fortunate as we were and lost property and/or lives. I pray for people to be in their path to be You in the days ahead. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your hope, joy, peace, and empowerment over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Hope, Joy, Peace, and Empowerment! Amen. 

Romans 15:13 - "Grateful"

Three months. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday I was talking to my Momma and other times it seems like it has been forever. I am thankful she isn't here to worry about us being under a hurricane warning. I'm also glad she is no longer in pain with the fibromyalgia or arthritis. My mind realizes she is happy where she is but oh my my heart hurts. I miss our talks and hearing her say, 'Now Sheila Babe you are a McHenry...you will get through it' when I was going through a 'tough' day. I miss going to the mailbox and having a card from her. As we prepare to go to Ohio next week it is going to be hard to not have her home to go to. Sometimes life is hard and other times it is harder. I am thankful for the Lord being my hope and for the way He loves me so much. I do not know how people get through the 'tough' days without Him. I am so thankful for all the days I had with her especially times over the last couple of years. Our times of laughter and doing things made for great times for me to often bring out of my memory bank. She was so disappointed she was unable to be at my ordination service. I am so thankful she was still here on earth to know it was accomplished. Romans 15:13 was given to me on my day of ordination and will always be close to my heart. It reads in the New International Version: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is my God of hope. He fills me with joy and peace. I trust Him completely and I pray for His empowerment. I am so thankful for the promises found in this Scripture. Paul's blessings written many years ago to the Romans is for all. Joy, peace, and hope were great attributes my Momma lived with and ones I strive to have in my life. I am singing Elevation's "Grateful" this morning as I listen to the rain and wait for the storm to pass.

Whatever comes, I won’t complain
For all my hope is in Your name
And now Your joy awaits my praise

Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving me my Momma who not only loved me but especially loved You! Thank You for the promises of Your Word that fill me with hope, joy and peace! Thank You for Doug being here to ride out this hurricane with me! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your hope, peace, and joy over all going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Hope, Joy and Peace! Amen. 

Psalm 96 - "Holy Forever"

The Lord took me to Psalm 96 this morning to ponder upon. Verse eleven reminded me of this picture I took last week at sunrise. Let the skies sing for joy! Yes! That is exactly what the skies were doing in this sunrise. I love the beauty of God's nature and the way He speaks to me through it. Last night I took a short walk in the neighborhood and was blessed with the beautiful blue skies. I thought about how there is a storm on its way and prayed for those who have already dealt with the wrath of Hurricane Idalia. I prayed for those in its path to be protected. I also prayed for those who deal with the aftermath of this storm to be in relationship with the Lord and/or have those around them who live in the Lord's strength. Verse nine of Psalm 96 in The Passion Translation reads, Come worship the Lord God wearing the splendor of holiness. Let everyone wait in wonder as they tremble in awe before him. ...wearing the splendor of holiness... That is what I desire to wear. Living in His presence and walking in obedience to His will is where I want to be. Am I successful? Not all the time because i am human. But I know the more I strive to live in this manner the more successful I will be. I also know He is there for me when I fail. This picture also reminds me of verse six in this passage in The Passion Translation. Breathtaking brilliance and awe-inspiring majesty radiate from his shining presence. His stunning beauty overwhelms all who come before him. What an awesome word picture this Scripture gives! Woo hoo! I have experienced the 'Holy Spirit goosebumps' so many times in my life. Knowing God is working, hearing His voice, etc. are all so exciting. Chris Tomlin sings a song called "Holy Forever" that reminds me...

Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all
And the angels cry, Holy
All creation cries, Holy
You are lifted high, Holy
Holy forever

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being my Holy Forever! Thank You for blessing me in abundance in so many ways! Thank You for the conversation Doug and I had while we sat by the water when we were walking! Thank You for encouraging me to make time to make cards yesterday! It has been too long since I have done it and I've missed using my creativity in that manner. Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for those in the path of Hurricane Idalia to have people who rely on Your strength to encourage them. I pray the same for many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Holy Forever! Amen. 

Psalm 79 - "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

It was interesting God took me to Psalm 79 this morning to ponder upon. This Psalm is entitled Prayer In A Time of Natural Disaster in The Passion Translation. Cuba has already been hit by the storm Idalia and Florida is bracing for it to hit as a category three. By the time it gets to us it is predicted to be a category one. Over the last few weeks we have been praying for the people of Hawaii who have lost so much including lives due to wildfires. We also have been praying for those in California who had the first ever tropical storm watch from Hurricane Hilary's effects. Drought is throughout our nation. All of these are natural events. Some would ask, 'Why would God cause such things?' or 'Why would God allow such things?' I have no answer other than God is in control. He desires all people to walk in relationship with Him. When times are difficult, people turn to Him. Perhaps He uses such natural disasters to get people to realize He needs to be in control of their life. Perhaps He uses them to make His power be known. Perhaps He uses them to bring us to our knees. Sometimes He explains Himself to us but He does not have to. Sometimes He protects us in ways we are not even aware of until after the fact. Last evening we went out to Hunting Island for a couple hours to relax. We sat and watched the huge waves coming in. There were even people with surf boards out on the waves. As I listened to the crashing of the waves I thought about how life can seem so overwhelming as the waves were being. I am thankful to have the hope of Jesus in my life. When life becomes overwhelming, He wraps His arms around me and loves me through the 'tough' times. That is what makes my faith stronger and gives me more reason to trust Him. Verse nine of Psalm 79 speaks volumes to me. It reads in The Passion Translation: Our hero, come and rescue us! O God of the breakthrough, for the glory of your name, come and help us! Forgive and restore us; heal us and cover us in your love. Every time we repent of our sins with the right heart God is there to wrap His arms around us. He is there to heal the hurts of our heart and love on us in ways no one else has the capability of doing. Matthew Henry writes:

Deliverances from trouble are mercies indeed, when grounded upon the pardon of sin; we should therefore be more earnest in prayer for the removal of our sins than for the removal of afflictions. They had no hopes but from God's mercies, his tender mercies. They plead no merit, they pretend to none, but, Help us for the glory of thy name; pardon us for thy name's sake. The Christian forgets not that he is often bound in the chain of his sins. The world to him is a prison; sentence of death is passed upon him, and he knows not how soon it may be executed. How fervently should he at all times pray, O let the sighing of a prisoner come before thee, according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die! How glorious will the day be, when, triumphant over sin and sorrow, the church beholds the adversary disarmed for ever! while that church shall, from age to age, sing the praises of her great Shepherd and Bishop, her King and her God.

Yes! Woo hoo! This prayer in Psalm 79 that is entitled Prayer In A Time of Natural Disaster is a prayer for today with the natural disasters sin has on lives. It is a prayer we all need to pray as we seek cleansing from God for our sins. The result of such prayers will be what we read in verse thirteen with grateful people ready to love God. I am reminded this morning of the words to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" and feeling very blessed...

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with Sunday School, service, and lunch with my church family! Thank You for Doug and I having a relaxful time at the beach and then seeing the beautiful sunset! Thank You for another day of life that is ahead! Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days but I especially pray for those struggling spiritually. I pray all of us will get to the end of ourselves so You can be who You desire to be in our life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Hero! Amen. 

Psalm 138; John 6:35-40

I prayed for pastors before going to bed, each time I was up during the night, and again this morning. My prayers included not just pastors who will be preaching this morning but also those teaching classes, leading worship, etc. I prayed for my friend Tom who ministers to the older part of their congregation and had two recent deaths. I prayed for my friend Mike who retired from full-time ministry a couple weeks ago. I prayed for a pastor who is very discouraged in their ministry and another one who is physically struggling to do ministry. The Lord directed me to Psalm 138 to ponder upon. I read it in a couple different translations and settled in with The Passion Translation. These words of King David bless me in abundance as a believer but especially as a pastor. These verses speak of God's love for all. Verse seven speaks of the Lord empowering us through anything we go through on this earth. When we keep our faith on this earth and trust Him, we will spend eternity with Him. Woo hoo! Doug and I started watching The Chosen yesterday. As I watched the teaching and seeing the hunger in some I was reminded there are people today hungry for what God has to give. In the one episode Jesus was asked what His favorite food was and his reply was 'bread.' He is the Bread of Life as He said in John 6:35. His words spoken in verses thirty-five through forty hold great meaning. They read in The Passion Translation:

Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life.  Come every day to me and you will never be hungry. Believe in me and you will never be thirsty. Yet I’ve told you that even though you’ve seen me, you still don’t believe in me. But everyone my Father has given to me, they will come. And all who come to me, I will embrace and will never turn them away. And I have come out of heaven not for my own desires, but for the satisfaction of my Father who sent me. My Father who sent me has determined that I will not lose even one of those he has given to me, and I will raise them up in the last day. For the longing of my Father is that everyone who embraces the Son and believes in him will experience eternal life and I will raise them up in the last day!”

All believers but especially pastors need to remember God is with us at all time. He is here to empower us with His wisdom, strength, and peace when we are struggling. Praise His Holy Name! Matthew Henry wrote of the following about Psalm 138. I know there are times in ministry when I need the reminder God is working in and through me even when I may not see it. Fruit will happen from the seeds planted. Sometimes we see the harvest and sometimes we do not but we can be assured it will happen. We cannot give up.

Though the Lord is high, yet he has respect to every lowly, humbled sinner; but the proud and unbelieving will be banished far from his blissful presence. Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us, even when we walk in the midst of troubles. And God will save his own people that they may be revived by the Holy Spirit, the Giver of life and holiness. If we give to God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort. This confidence will not do away, but quicken prayer. Whatever good there is in us, it is God works in us both to will and to do. The Lord will perfect the salvation of every true believer, and he will never forsake those whom he has created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the privilege to pray for pastors! I pray for all of us to remember the words of Psalm 138 that remind us You are working in and through us. I pray especially for Tom who had two funerals, Mike as he adjusts to retirement, a pastor struggling in ministry, and another one struggling physically. May all be encouraged by You. Thank You for The Chosen Doug and I are watching! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your empowerment over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Bread of Life! Amen. 

Psalm 59:16-17 - "Jesus Does"

I woke up this morning with the song "Jesus Does" on my mind. We need to praise Him for everything we have, we do, we experience, etc. I am reminded of King David's words in Psalm 59:16-17. I am one blessed lady and will be more intentional in praising Him throughout the day ahead.

I praise Him for waking me this morning.

I praise Him for waking me this morning beside my husband.

I praise Him for waking me this morning beside my husband who loves me well.

I praise Him for waking me this morning beside my husband who loves me well and serves the Lord alongside me.

Woo hoo! I have much to praise Him for every day! Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with a friend who lost his job yet he is at peace. I am so blessed to have people in my life who live in His presence so when 'tough' times come along they have His strength to lean into. I had another conversation yesterday with a friend about his family members who are not in relationship with the Lord. We talked about how their life is different in so many ways but especially when it comes to dealing with life situations. If only they would get to the end of themselves and allow God to be who He desires in life, their life would be so different. These words to this song would take on meaning to them that would change their life...

Who sings the song of sweet forgiveness
Who stole the keys to hell and the grave
Who has the power to save
Jesus does
So we sing
Praise to the Father
Who gave us the Son
Praise to the Spirit
Who's living in us

 

Yes! I love these words that reiterate how we need to praise God for what "Jesus Does" in our life. The more we strive to live for Him the more peace we will receive while on this earth. The more we allow Him to be who He desires to be the more we will anticipate living with Him for eternity. Woo hoo! We have much to praise Him for on this earth. His love, grace, and mercy are showered down upon us every day. Woo hoo! We need to stay focused on Him instead of allowing the difficulties of life steal our joy. When I burned my fingers yesterday, my first thought was 'what a week it has been.' I have been fatigued and tired much of the week without any reason. Doug reminded me my body was healing from the dermatologist appointment. Yesterday I gave it one more reason to heal when I caught the glue gun that was falling off the counter. Urgh! I am thankful God woke me with this song that reminds me to praise Him. We The Kingdom wrote of this song: With a sound as sweet as honey, this song instantly transports us to a pleasant pasture where we can rest and rejoice in Jesus’ embrace. Amen! 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Doug taking care of me yesterday when I burned my fingers! Thank You for my conversation with a friend who lost their job and is at peace! Thank You for my time with my sweet friend Leslie yesterday! Thank You for all the ways You shower me with Your love, mercy, and grace! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Jesus! Amen. 

James 1 - "What if I Stumble, That If I Fall"

Last night as we walked across the bridge God brought the song "What If I Stumble, What If I Fall" to my lips. I thought, 'not funny, God!' I have had too many physical falls in my life. This song isn't about the physical aspect of life but rather about the spiritual walk. I had too many of them too. Thankfully God always loved me back when I stumbled or fell away from Him. DC Talk wrote this song when they felt an enormous responsibility to all the teens looking up to them as artists. They thought about how important is was to be a good example to all who listened to them. It is not just artists who have this responsibility. All believers do. People are watching all the time to make sure believers are not just talking the talk but walking the walk. In the first chapter of the book of James we read many verses about how we need to do just that. James reinforces the concept of people watching and listening to us to see if our actions match our words. God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. We need to listen more than we speak. When we are speaking, we cannot hear what God has in store for us.  Verse twenty-two reads in the New International Version, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. The Bible gives clear direction on how we are to live. We need to believe in Jesus and we need to walk in His love showering others with it. I love the word picture in the ending of this verse in The Passion Translation. It reads, So always let his Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life! Woo hoo! I also love verse seventeen in this first chapter of James. God wants to shower us with gifts every day and He does when we allow Him. He desires to forgive us when we repent of known and unknown sins. His love is greater than anything and for that we need to be grateful. We will stumble or fall in our spiritual walk. Thankfully, He is there to love us through such times. 

What if I stumble
What if I fall?
What if I lose my step
And I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue
When my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble
And what if I fall?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the song "What If I Stumble, What If I Fall" that reminds us of the importance of focusing on You! Thank You for James 1 that gives clear direction on living as a believer! May my walk with You never become as James writes in The Passion Translation in verse twenty-two as being shallow and empty. Thank You for Doug and I having the opportunity to walk last night to see the sunset! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through difficult days to see Your love in a powerful way. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Poet! Amen. 

I Thessalonians 3; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 13:34-35 - "Jesus Does"

How can anyone sleep ten hours? That is a question only God can answer. I used to say 'Now that's a question I am going to ask God when I get to heaven...' but realized things on earth are not going to matter when we get to heaven. All that will matter is being in the physical presence of God. Worshipping Him. Listening to Him. No one knows what heaven will be like but I am assured it will be wonderful. Sometimes we say things like, 'This is heaven on earth' because we enjoy something so much. Nothing will compare to being in heaven. Sometimes I am jealous of those who are already there and not having to deal with the 'junk' here on earth. I know when my time comes I will have the privilege to join them. I also know as long as I am on this earth I need to live in God's presence and walk in His will. I read I Thessalonians 3 in different translations this morning and feel very blessed. Verses eleven through thirteen were ones I pondered upon. Verse eleven reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-6 that tells us trusting God keeps us on the right path in life. Verse twelve reminds us to love one another as we are told in John 13:34-35. Verse thirteen is the 'icing on the cake' for me. Then your hearts will be strengthened in holiness so that you may be flawless and pure before the face of our God and Father at the appearing of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen! Yes! This prayer Paul wrote to the Thessalonians after Timothy's trip to see them is one all believers want to receive. We desire to have strengthened hearts. We desire to be blameless before the Lord. We desire to see the Lord face to face. Woo hoo! Yes! I desire all of these things and am grateful for the hope in my life of the Lord. I like what Matthew Henry wrote of these verses: 

Holiness is required of all who would go to heaven; and we must act so that we do not contradict the profession we make of holiness. The Lord Jesus will certainly come in his glory; his saints will come with him. Then the excellence as well as the necessity of holiness will appear; and without this no hearts shall be established at that day, nor shall any avoid condemnation.

I have the song "Jesus Does" on my mind this morning. I love the knowledge of what Jesus does in my life...

Oh what a Friend
Oh what a Savior
He's always been good
He's always been faithful

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Doug and I celebrating four months of marriage with lunch out, browsing at our favorite antique store, ice cream at Kilwan's while swinging at the waterfront, and resting in the afternoon before church! Thank You for the reminders of I Thessalonians 3 and the song "Jesus Does"! I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Goal! Amen. 

I Peter 4:7-11 - "My Light"

God woke me to pray for a family I know but have little contact with. He gave me no details but told me to pray for them and I did. After praying He directed me to let them know I am praying for them. Sometimes I wonder why He does such things. He already knows the needs. This family is a God-living family and I know they pray. Why does God have me praying for them? I think it can be to see if I will walk in obedience to His will. I also think it can be because they are overwhelmed with whatever they are going through and need encouraged. I am thankful I do not have to know the 'whys' for such prayers nor do I have to know specifics for them. God knowing all is good enough for me. I am thankful He knows what we need even before we know. Yesterday as we were leaving the dermatologist office Doug shared how he through up one of Doc's 'flair prayers' while sitting in one examination room and me in another. He asked God to have both of our appointments go well. I am so thankful for a praying husband. I also am thankful for how he brings Doc into our lives. His prayers were answered. Maybe not in the way we desired because our plan to go to the beach later in the day was replaced with an afternoon of rest. He had a couple things 'zapped' and I had a place removed from my face. Thankfully all were 'normal' with no further concerns. God's strength was with us during the appointments and as we rested. God's peace was with us as we basked in the knowledge He knows all and is in control. God's joy was in my heart when I woke up from my nap in the arms of my loving husband. God's wisdom is with me as I make calls today to schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon for my leg. God's love is overwhelming in the way He showers us with blessing after blessing. I listened to a sermon on a podcast yesterday that reminded me God's love, grace, and mercy is available to all who will allow Him to be their Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The pastor shared a quote from Tim Keller that resonated with me. 

The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.

We all are sinners but we do not have to blatantly sin over and over again. Our Heavenly Daddy is there to forgive us of our sins and even forgets them. His love for us is so great and He desires to pour it down over us 24/7 so we can love others with His love. The desire of His heart is to live in us in such a way people will question our lives. They will wonder how we can have peace in the midst of the storms of life. They will question how we can make wise decisions. They will get to the point where they will ask how they can have what we have when we live our life in such a way God's love is evident in all we do. We need to live our life with the knowledge of I Peter 4:7-11. No one knows when our time on earth will be over. We do not know when Jesus will return. We need to be ready at all time. A large part of our readiness comes in loving others with His love as we live in His presence doing His will. I am reminded this morning of a song called "My Light" and feeling blessed for the knowledge when my faith falters He is "My Light"...when life becomes overwhelming He is "My Light"...I need to share this knowledge with others more intentionally than ever before. We never know when we will take our last breath on this earth.

You're the way when my feet can't find it
You're the truth when my head is lyin'
You're the life when my heart is dyin'
You will be my light, yeah, yeah, yeah
You're the way when my feet can't find it
You're the truth when my head is lyin'
You're the life when my heart is dyin'
You will be my, my, my, my light, oh, yeah (My, my, my light)
My light

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Doug and I celebrating four months of marriage today! What a blessing You have given me with him. Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your joy over many overwhelmed. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam!  Thank You for a young lady making the decision to not join a cult! Thank You for being My Light! Amen. 

Psalm 93 - "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

The Lord took me to Psalm 93 this morning. I read it in different translations and stopped at verse four in the Voice. It describes the Lord as being...More powerful than the thunder of mighty rivers, more powerful than the mighty waves in the ocean is the Eternal on high! As I read it, I thought about a couple weeks ago when I was playing with Ben's family in the ocean. The waves were so strong at times it was hard to stand up. The one time as I was pulling my chair up out of the water a wave knocked me over. I don't know how the kids stayed up in them. Sometimes life feels like that. We feel like it is so overwhelming. We feel like we just get hit with one thing after another. Such times can make our faith falter and they can also take our faith deeper. When I was working on Sunday's sermon yesterday, I came upon something in my reading that I already knew but it sure doesn't hurt to hear again. We must allow God to work through the trials of life to take our faith deeper. We must trust Him more when He allows such times to happen. As we do, we will receive the Lord's love, mercy, and grace in amazing ways. My mind is going back to our study in Isaiah where we read of time after time God trying to get the people to open their hearts to Him. Time after time they refused and did life in their own way. I like what Matthew Henry wrote about Psalm 93. 

The Lord might have displayed only his justice, holiness, and awful power, in his dealings with fallen men; but he has been pleased to display the riches of his mercy, and the power of his renewing grace. In this great work, the Father has given all power to his Son, the Lord from heaven, who has made atonement for our sins. He not only can pardon, but deliver and protect all who trust in him. His word is past, and all the saints may rely upon it. 

God loves us so much that He never gives up on us. He pours His love, mercy, and grace down upon us over and over again. The desire of His heart is for all to live in eternity with Him. The only way for any of us to live in eternity with Him in heaven is to live in His presence while on this earth. When we feel like He isn't with us, it is not because He moved away but we did. We have to stop and be still before Him so we can once again hear from Him. I am reminded this morning of the words to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"...

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for all Doug and I accomplished yesterday! Thank You for Psalm 93 that reminds me You are my strength when the waves of life are overwhelming. Cleanse me so You can fill me. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your strength over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; a young lady getting caught up in a cult; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.