Deuteronomy 31:8 - "I Am Not Alone"

Last night before going to sleep I prayed for pastors. God had me pray for four individually along with pastors who are feeling alone in life. He had me pray for Greg Mason who has been leading the South Carolina district as interim DS during the time between Dr. Eddie leaving and the election of a new DS. He has worked very hard in this capacity while continuing to lead the NC district. I prayed for continued strength for him as he leads us through this District Assembly time. He also had me pray for the person who will be elected as the new DS. That person will go into the pulpit this morning as a pastor but after this week will be a new DS. I prayed for wisdom for the voting process. I also voted for the church this person will be leaving to accept this new call upon their pastor. A third pastor He had me pray for was Kyle Poole who left his South Carolina church to become the DS in Georgia. He had me pray for the transition Kyle and his family are going through from being a pastor of one church to a pastor of pastors of many churches. A fourth pastor He had me pray for is Brian Howard who was hospitalized this past week. I prayed for a healing in his physical body. I also prayed for his church family to show His love to Brian and his family through these tough days. Finally, He had me pray for pastors who are lonely in life. Many pastors don't have friends, yet alone a best friend. They take on so many burdens of others yet have no one to talk to themselves. Some have a spouse but they are not always in a relationship where they can share with their spouse. Sometimes a pastor's spouse feels like the ministry has taken over their relationship with their pastor/spouse. Therefore, communication is compromised. Sometimes a spouse of a pastor is jealous of the time spent with others and that jealousy shows through in conversations. It is hard for pastors to have close friends yet pastors are just human beings who need relationships too. God had me pray for those who are lacking in this area. Before going to sleep I told God I was so tired but if He needed me to pray during the night to please wake me. 2:00AM was the time He did so. Once again, I prayed for these same ones. He added to my prayers those going into the pulpit this morning. He said there are some who need to allow the Holy Spirit to be their Guide who normally keep a tight reign on the timing of the service. He said these ones need to realize they do not need to be in control of the service. Specifically, He said there were some with multiple services that would have an outpouring of the Holy Spirit if, and when, they allowed the clock to be forgotten. He also had me pray once again for pastors who are lonely. He had me pray they would allow Him to guide them into healthy relationships. He also had me pray for married pastors to allow Him to be a part of their marriage. "Quit pushing Me away" was the way He had me pray for them. 

This morning as I reflect back on the way He had me pray I am once again humbled to have the opportunity to pray. He continues to amaze me in this area. Even though I am not a lead pastor of a church I am a pastor. I have been around enough pastors to know their struggles. I also know the joy of being a pastor. Last night as He led me to pray over the pregnant Momma whose baby is breach I was amazed at how I felt His warmth as I touched her hard belly and prayed. What an awesome experience! He is always with us, to guide us. He is there in the valleys and there on the mountaintops. We are never alone when we have Him as the Center of our life. He brings to mind the words of a song Kari Jobe sings...

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

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the opportunities You put before me yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me so greatly. Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for pastors. Lord, I pray You will bless my prayers in abundance. I also pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me. May You be my words, attitude, and actions throughout this day. May You be the One to be in control of every aspect of my life. Father, be with all pastors today in a different, new way. May they all sense Your strength in them. May their calling be confirmed today. May they walk the path You so desire them to be on. Thank You Jesus for being My Heavenly Father. Amen.

Psalm 121; II Timothy 1:7 - "Fear Is a Liar"

Yesterday I found myself thinking of the song the Lord gave me in the morning. "Praise You In This Storm" became very real as I drove in torrential rain. As I was going over the bridge into Hilton Head I could not see two feet ahead of me. That bridge is very tall and is over the water. The thought went through my head of what would happen if I were in a wreck and went over the side. I also thought that I had to call Doc for him to pray over me. But I realized if I could not call him but had to concentrate on the bumper-to-bumper traffic. I could feel the tears start and I cried out to the Lord to help me. Just at that moment the DJ on HIS Radio came on and said that someone needed to hear Psalm 121 right at that moment. As she read it, I felt God's peace come down over me and I relaxed. She prayed for 'that person' to know God heard their cry. Then "Fear Is a Liar" was played. WOW, God! Nothing should amaze me about Him but in times like this I am so amazed. I went on and did my visit but was still trying to comprehend what He had just done so I didn't share it. On the way home I was stopped in traffic for a multi-car crash. As I waited once again in bumper-to-bumper traffic I was blessed in abundance as I thought about how He showed Himself to me instantly when I cried out to Him. I wonder if I would have asked Him to stop the rain if He would have done that too. LOL. I do know He encouraged me throughout the drive home too. He reminded me to not fear the storm I was driving through when the DJ read II Timothy 1:7. God empowered me to do what I had to do to get home safely. I just had to stay focused on Him. Singing praise and worship songs enabled me to do just that.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your protection over me as I drove in the heavy rain yesterday. Thank You for providing Psalm 121 to be read in answer to my cry to You. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me today with more of You. I do not want to live without You being in charge of my steps and my words. I cannot begin to imagine life without You in the center of it. Lord, I pray the rain stays away so the Outreach can happen this evening. I pray for people to be changed through our efforts. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector. Amen.

Psalm 89 - "Praise You In This Storm"

The Lord took me to Psalm 89 this morning. He stopped me at verse fifteen and had me read the next few verses in different versions. The Message spoke to me the most. The words "passwords of praise" hit me. We have so many passwords in today's society. It seems like every time I turn around I have to put in a password to get into an account. These verses tell us that when we know the "passwords of praise" we will be blessed. The more I praise God, the better life is. Even in the midst of a storm when I praise Him I am more at peace. There is always something to praise Him for. The storm could be worse yet as we praise Him, He lessens the effects of it. When we choose the road of praise instead of lament, He enables us to embrace the storm instead of allowing the storm to tear us to pieces. As we praise Him, people will see our peace and desire the same. They will want to have what we have in life. They will want to be able to stand in the midst of the storm without being rocked out of the boat. As they seek what we have, they will be blessed as we are blessed. When they accept Him into their heart, they will be forever changed. It will then be them sharing His love with all they meet. People will see His peace in them and desire the same. Sometimes though our focus gets messed up and His peace does not show through as powerful as it can. All it takes is getting back on track with Him to fill His peace once again. We must ask Him daily to cleanse us so He can fill us. When we allow Him to be greater than ourselves, we will know His peace in a different, new way. His blessings will mightily come down upon us as we live a life of surrender to Him. This morning I am praying for many who are experiencing 'storms' in their life...

• those going through cancer treatments
• those with health issues
• those with turmoil in their family
• parents with prodigals
• those who are alone and feel like no one cares
• those going through financial issues
• one going through mental issues

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Thank You for caring so much for me. Thank You for putting praise on my lips even in the midst of the storms of life. Thank You for being who You are in my live. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me. Be greater than me today in my words, actions, and attitude. May Your peace shine through me in a mighty way. Lord, once again I pray for many who are in the midst of a 'storm' in their life. May they find Your peace. I pray for Sharon and her family as they go through this day as they grieve Bill's last day on this earth. Thank You Jesus for being My Storm Calmer. Amen.

Matthew 10:7-8 - "Healer"

Last night in Bible study I was reminded of Matthew 10 where Jesus sent out the twelve. Verses seven and eight are verses with great meaning to me. In verse seven Jesus told them to proclaim the Gospel wherever they went. In verse eight, He empowers them to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons." The ending of verse eight reminds them to "freely give" what they have received themselves. We, as believers, have been called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has called us to share His love with all we meet. The more we fulfill these things, the more He will empower us to do more. I have received healing in my body many times. Sometimes the healing has come through doctors and medication but the greatest healing has come through the miraculous empowerment given to His servants on this earth. I will always cherish the time of going to the altar at prayer time with both feet on fire with MS tingling only to have Michelle come, touch my feet and it be gone. No one but God knew what was happening in my feet. It blessed me that He answered my prayers but it also blessed me that she was obedient to His voice. The time where He used two ladies at the Wooster Church in the middle of a pastor and spouse retreat to heal me will also be a special memory. Feeling the Holy Spirit move up my body from my feet was something I will never forget. Another time after nine months of using a walker to get around it was such a blessing to hear Brother Dan's voice calling me over to him and being able to walk with no assistance. That was twenty-nine months ago. I've been walking on my own every since. It is a miracle in itself that during the time of my breast cancer diagnosis the MS did not show it's ugliness. God has not only blessed me through these times but He has empowered me to pass on to others what I have received. 

Healing happens not only in our physical bodies but also in our emotional, mental, financial, and most importantly spiritual bodies. He gives me words for people who need to know His love for them. His love flows out of me to heal others. The emotional healing I received after going through a divorce came from Him through those who shared His love with me. My history enables me to love on others who are going through such things. My history of being healed physically is only part of my story. Ben has received two physical healings in his life. Once in the womb when he was going to be born with an open spine and again as a teenager after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Doc's healing from a ruptured disc the week of his trip to Israel is another part of my story. God will continue to add to my story as I live my life for Him. All it takes is me living out His love in the manner He so desires of me. If I allow the enemy a foothold, my eyes will be blinded to what God wants of me. I must stay cleansed and filled by Him to keep open to His will.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the study last night that reminded me that I am called by You. Not only am I called by You but I am equipped and empowered by You. Father, cleanse me and fill me so I can be more effective for You. May Your love pour out of me through every word and action today. May You empower me to stay focused on the desires of Your heart. May You be greater than me. Father, I pray for those in my little world who need a physical, emotional, mental or financial healing. Most of all I pray for those who need a spiritual healing. Thank You Jesus for being My Healer. Amen.

Psalm 121 - "Shoulders"

When I was awake during the night the Lord had me praying for those who are struggling in relationships. He had me pray for people to realize no one is perfect. Therefore, we must learn to look past the flaws of people and love on them with His love. 

• Marriage is not always a bed of roses. Sometimes husbands and wives say and/or do things out of hurt. When we take the wedding vows to love one another "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...," we are saying no matter what happens in life we will stay together while on this earth. Marriage takes work on both parts. It is hard when one spouse works at it and the other does not but with God all things are possible.

• Families are also ones I prayed for during the night. People are different even when raised in the same home by the same parents. There are especially differences once siblings marry because they bring another person's way of doing things into the mix. God desires us to love everyone, including those we don't see eye-to-eye with. He desires us to love with His love. I used to tell my boys when they were growing up, "you don't have to like them, but you do have to love them with God's love." That means loving unconditionally. It means loving when you may not want to love. It means being nice instead of hateful, vengeful, etc.

• Friendships were also in my prayers. When one person talks about another with a third person, there is nothing but disaster ready to happen. Communication needs to be between the two people involved in a relationship. Too many times words get changed when talking with someone about another. Unnecessary hurt is the outcome. Sometimes that hurt takes a long time to go away. Sometimes it never goes away.

• Parents of prodigals were also in my prayers. There is so much hurt and pain in their lives. They know they raised their children different than how they are living. They know God loves them and will protect them but there are days where He seems so far away. People ridicule them as parents. Their friends and families put judgment upon them that is unnecessary. These parents can be overwhelmed with the feeling of not only being a failure but also of being alone in life.

Many prayers were said for different ones who fall into these categories. My heart breaks for them. I prayed people would turn to the Lord for not only comfort but most of all wisdom on how to handle the situations they are facing. Some of the situations I prayed for are fresh while others have been going on for years. I prayed for there to be resolution before things became even worse. I prayed for people to realize God is the Only One who can restore relationships. He is the Only One who can open eyes and hearts to the truth. He is the Only One who can heal the deep hurts caused by another person's words and actions.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Thank You for loving me so greatly that You chose me to be Your faithful servant. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. Put opportunities in my path today for me to show others Your love in a mighty way. I pray once again for many who are struggling in relationships to be healed not only in their emotional bodies but most especially their spiritual bodies. Some who are going through tough times in relationships have pulled away from You. Some are blaming You. I pray their lives will be changed today. Thank You Jesus for being My Only One. Amen.

Matthew 22:36-40 - "Live Like You're Loved"

These words to a song Hawk Nelson sings are going through my head this morning...

So go ahead and live like you're loved
It's ok to act like you've been set free
His love has made you more than enough
So go ahead and be who he made you to be

Too many times people will accept the Lord in their heart and be content in that relationship. But that is not where He desires us to live. He wants all of us. He wants us to live out His love to the fullest. The only way to accomplish that is to be surrendered to Him in every aspect of life. He wants us to realize we cannot live in just our strength but instead need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. He wants us to live out His love in the way He does...unconditionally. We, as humans, cannot live out such love on our own. It is only through His empowerment this type of love can flow in and through us. The freedom that comes through living in His love is indescribable. It is beyond comprehension. But it is the most glorious way to live. The greatest commandment He gave tells us to love Him with our whole being. The second greatest commandment tells us to love others in a manner that is not natural in today's world. Some people will follow these commandments until something doesn't go their way. Then the commandments go by the wayside. Others put on a false pretense of following them but God knows the heart. Still others blatantly refuse to follow them because they do not believe in God. Those people sadden my heart. If one does not love God, they cannot comprehend how He can give them freedom in this world. He gives freedom to go through trials without falling into the traps of the enemy. He gives freedom to make right decisions in the midst of trials. He gives freedom to us to show how His love gives us strength no matter what is happening in our life. Plain and simple. He gives us freedom. 

Dear Jesus, 
Thank You for the freedom You give through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the way You work in and through me to have such freedom. Father, I pray for Your empowerment today as You cleanse and fill me. I pray the same for Doc. I pray You will encourage him throughout this day. I also pray for open doors where You desire us to go. I pray for wisdom on which doors to go through for my friend Kim. I also pray for wisdom for Paula's doctors today. Lord, be so very real to all who are living a live sold-out to Your love. Thank You Jesus for being My Freedom. Amen.

Psalm 65 - "The More I Seek You"

This morning the Lord took me to Psalm 65. As I was reading the Psalm in different translations I thought about the news we received yesterday about there being no brain tumors in a young mother we had been praying for. What was seen by the first doctors were no longer seen by the second doctors and tests. Wow, God! That is the power of prayer. Matthew Henry wrote of this Psalm, "He reveals himself upon a mercy-seat, ready to hear and answer the prayers of all who come unto him by faith in Jesus Christ." We, as a body of believers, took Tiffany before the Lord over the last few weeks, asking in faith, for her to be healed and He did just that. Praise His Holy Name! Yesterday we also took Paula before Him, asking in faith for her health to be restored. When we visited last night, there was a remarkable improvement in her. Even though she still has a long road ahead to be restored to good health she was better. The persistence of never giving up praying works. It isn't that God needs us to pray. It is that we need to pray. Prayer encourages us. It deepens our faith. It takes us to another level in our relationship. Matthew Henry continues...

Observe what it is to come into communion with God in order to blessedness. It is to converse with him as one we love and value; it is to apply ourselves closely to religion as to the business of our dwelling-place. Observe how we come into communion with God; only by God's free choice. There is abundance of goodness in God's house, and what is satisfying to the soul; there is enough for all, enough for each: it is always ready; and all without money and without price. By faith and prayer we may keep up communion with God, and bring in comfort from him, wherever we are. But it is only through that blessed One, who approaches the Father as our Advocate and Surety, that sinners may expect or can find this happiness.

The way to have communion with God is to be in relationship with Him. As we draw nearer to Him, our faith will grow. The more we seek Him, the more we will find Him. The more we pray, the closer we will feel Him and experience His blessings. As we were leaving last night I told Paula we would continue to pray for her. She smiled and said, "You are always praying." I was blessed as I thought about that statement. She is right. I stay in communion with God. Some people think prayer has to be said out loud. Sometimes they think you have to be in a church to pray. Neither of those are true. God is ready to listen to us 24/7. He is ready to encourage us by answering our prayers at any time. Sometimes His answers are not what we desire or not in our time but they are always perfect for us because He knows our past, present, and future. He already knows what we are praying about yet He still listens to us. He is a loving Father who desires us to be in right relationship with Him. His desire is for all to repent and ask Him into their heart. A relationship with Him does not stop at salvation but needs to continue on to dying to self and allowing Him to be Lord of Lords over our life. He desires for us to be set apart from the world so we no longer have to live in its ways. Such a life can only be accomplished through surrender. 

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. I desire to "sit at Your feet, drink from the cup of Your hand" today. I desire more of You and less of me. Lord, I praise Your Holy Name for the news about no tumors in Tiffany. I also praise You for improvement in Paula. I pray You will go before those today who will be a beacon of light for You. Make the path open to sharing Your love with others for all that proclaim You as their Lord of Lords. I pray for strength for Doc as he works. I pray You will be so very real to Him. I also continue to pray for open doors with all that is going on with our church. Give wisdom and direction. Lord, I pray for wisdom for what doors for my dear friend to walk through as she interviews for a new job tomorrow. I also pray for open doors for restoration in families who are in turmoil. Open doors for parents with prodigals to see the path You desire them to take and for a couple whose marriage is in crisis. Thank You Jesus for being The One I Seek. Amen.