Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 1:7 - "All In"

Last night I was so encouraged as I watched "Selfie Daddy" to know there are still 'good' movies. Not only was there no foul language in it but it was based upon truth. The movie showed how we can get so caught up in the world that we can lose what is most important. God. The movie showed how it is never too late to get right with God. It also showed a typical family with normal things that happen in a family and their response. Before going to sleep I prayed for families. I prayed for ones who believed in God and for ones who do not. I prayed for parents to realize the consequences of their decisions to allow their children to do or not do things. I prayed for families to get their focus on God by doing activities such as reading the Bible together, praying, going to church, etc. I am so grateful for the way my grand babies are being raised to know who God is and to live in relationship with Him. I am grateful for every opportunity God gives me to love on children but especially for the opportunities to love on those who do not experience God's love on a regular basis. I also am grateful for being raised by godly parents. I remember going to my grandparents house and having prayer before going to bed. It saddens me to think of children who are not prayed with by their parents. Many things in this world sadden me but the thing that saddens me the most is the spiritual needs of people. We believers need to get better at sharing God's love. We need to not be afraid when He puts opportunities before us. A song with this movie is one Matthew West sings called "All In" goes...

I'm going all in
Headfirst into the deep end
I hear You calling
And this time the fear won't win
I'm going, I'm going all in

I do not want fear to ever stop me from sharing His love. I will continue to stand upon II Timothy 1:7. God did not give me a spirit that makes me afraid but He gives me a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Yes! 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this movie last night that reminds me of the importance to stay in Your Word! Thank You for loving me so greatly and never giving up on me! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be seen/heard through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. May people desire to have You in their life because of what they see/hear in me. I pray for families to realize the importance of having You as their focus. I pray against the tactics of the enemy having a foothold in lives. Lord, there are so many going through difficult days. I pray Your peace over many. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry! Thank You for being The One To Empower Me! Amen.  

Psalm 6:9; I Samuel 17:47 - "Battle Belongs"

Usually God wakes me with a Scripture to read that is whole chapter. This morning He gave me Psalm 6:9. One short verse that is full of truth. I thought this verse is so appropriate with our prayer emphasis right now. David begins the Psalm in lament then his words change to ones of confidence that the Lord hears him. I need to get better at having more confidence in my prayers. I know God hears all my prayers. I also know He answers all of them in His time and in His will. The more I strive to live in His will the more my prayers will be realized in His will. The desire of my heart is to please Him. I know this will be accomplished when I live in obedience to His will. David prayed and then waited on his sorrow to change to joy. I am praying for so many people to see their difficult days become joyful. I learned long ago I cannot make anyone change. Only God can do that. But I can pray for them to realize God in a deeper way. I can pray for them to allow God to be first in their life. I also can pray for them to allow Him to reveal Himself to them. Doing so is hard at first but the more we practice it the easier it becomes. He desires to be real in our lives. All we have to do is allow Him. Psalm 6 reads about David pleas for God to save him from his enemies. That does not necessarily mean people. We can be our greatest enemies by the way we see ourselves or how hard we are on ourselves. Our enemies can include evilness that comes into our life. It can be an illness that takes our focus off of Him. Many, many things can be an enemy in life but we must remember God is greater than any enemy before us. We also must remember God allows enemies in our life to stretch our faith. I am reminded this morning of a song called "Battle Belongs" that Phil Wickham sings.

So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

No battle in life is ours. They all belong to the Lord. We do not have to fight any battle on our own but instead need to allow Him to have what is rightly His. Sometimes it is hard to surrender a battle to Him but when we realize it really is not ours to begin with the act becomes much easier.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You again for my time with my friends Marlene and Sharon! Thank You for our friendship that has encouraged me for so many years! Thank You for Psalm 6:9 that reminds me You hear ever prayer I utter or even think! Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of me in a mighty way. I pray Your peace over many going through battles. I pray they will realize I Samuel 17:47 today. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry! Lord, there are so many people who thrive on having drama in their lives. I pray for them to realize that is not of You. Thank You for being My Battle Taker! Amen.  

Proverbs 15:13 - "Jesus Is Coming Back"

I woke up during the night and again this morning with the words to "Jesus Is Coming Back" going through my mind. 

So keep your head up
Jesus is coming back
Jesus is coming back
No, don't you give up
Jesus is coming back
Jesus is coming back
And when the world gets complicated
We're gonna keep on celebrating
'Cause we know (Yeah, we know)
Jesus is coming back

Last night before falling asleep, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors who would be preaching today to preach what God desires of them. I prayed for boldness to flow from them in a loving way. I asked God to give each one of us what we needed to be the people He has called us to be. Time on earth is short. We do not know when our last breath will be taken. Those who live with Him know where eternity will be lived out. Those who do not do not have such hope. I am so thankful for the way He lives in and through me. I am thankful for all the ways He loves on me and allows me to love on others. He is so good to provide exactly what I need. These last few days have been full of laughter. I didn't realize how much I missed laughing until I experienced it again. These days have brought many memories of laughter with Doc and then with my Rickey. Life needs laughter. I need laughter. I am reminded of wise words found in Proverbs 15:13. A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit (NLT). Many times people have told me they see Jesus in my smile. That warms my heart. I desire for people to see/hear Him in and through me. I desire for Him to ooze out of me in a way people will desire to know Him and/or go deeper in relationship with Him. Even when days are 'tough' He has given me joy in my heart. On days I do not think I can put one foot in front of another He is here loving on me. Yesterday as I walked on the beach and prayed I asked Him to empower me to be better at what He desires of me. I prayed for Him to be more influential through me so more people can experience Him. He is such a good Daddy in all the ways He loves on me. I know He is there for me in times of making decisions and helps me to make right ones. I also know He desires for me to succeed in life and as long as I follow Him I will do so.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for these days of laughter with Sharon and Marlene! Thank You for Chrissy joining us at the beach yesterday and Darrell coming over when we had a bonfire last night! Thank You for the beauty of Your creation that continues to wow me! Your are such a Great Artist! Lord, once again I pray for all pastors who will be preaching today to have boldness in their speech with Your love oozing out of them. I pray You will guide each service to be exactly what You desire. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of me in a mighty way. May people see You through me. Lord, I pray for many going through 'tough' days to receive Your peace. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry's strength! I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for being My Great Artist! Amen.  

Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 16:33 - "Mirror"

Yesterday was another awesome day with Marlene and Sharon. God blesses me in abundance with them. Talking and enjoying my little world is so rewarding when they come for a visit. Last night's sunset was breathtaking. As I looked at the pictures I took once again this morning I stopped at this one and pondered upon it. This picture reminds me of my life with God. No matter what path my life takes He is there for me. He took me back to Jeremiah 29:11-13 again this morning to encourage me. I read it in different versions and loved how it reads in The Tree of Life. "For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope. “Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart. Shalom means peace. I shared in Wednesday night Bible study about the only way to have His rest on this earth is to live in His peace. When life is crazy, His peace is mine. When I feel like I cannot put one foot in front of the other, His strength is mine. When the hurt is deep from circumstances, His joy is mine. Praise His Holy Name! The way this is possible is to live in His shalom. I am reminded of Jesus' words to His disciples in John 16:33. It reads in The Tree of Life Version: "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” The Bible gives me such hope in Him. It shows me how to live on this earth so I can spend eternity with Him. The more I seek Him and His will for my life the more I will realize what He desires of me. This picture reminds me of the path I am on. It is one of beauty and at times can be breathtaking. As I walked toward the sunset last night I thought about its beauty. God is so beautiful in all He does for and in me. His beauty shines bright in me when life darkens as I allow Him. I am reminded this morning of the words of a song Rebecca St James sings called "Mirror." I desire to mirror His beauty. I know the only way I can be successful in doing so is by living out His love.

Take me – make me
Beautiful to You
Create me so – I mirror You
Take me – make me
And image of You
Lord I want to mirror You

Dear Jesus, Thank You for another blessed day with Marlene and Sharon! Thank You for our time at Hunting Island, all of the laughter You provided, the beauty of the sunset, and most of all for bringing us together years ago as sisters! I pray blessings upon the day ahead. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. Father, there are many going through difficult days. I pray Your shalom over them. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry's strength! I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for being My Shalom! Amen.  

Psalm 126:4; Jeremiah 29:11 - "For The Good"

Wow, God! You sure did fill my emotional tank up yesterday! What a full day with seeing the gators, turtles, and birds at the Rookery; visiting Fort Fremont and the beach; thrift store shopping; sitting by the water and talking; dinner at Dockside; pedicures; ice cream at Kilwin's; and ending the day with more chatting. It has been a long time since I laughed as much as I did yesterday. It was therapeutic to talk about Doc and my Rickey. It was encouraging to talk about the future. It was fun to be with friends. The reason for all of these is God. He is so good to love me with His love. He is so good in knowing what I need and providing. I totally relaxed as I sat in the massage chair and the lady was massaging my feet. Once we were done it was hard to function because my body felt so relaxed. I cannot remember the last time I experienced such a feeling. It was wonderful. God is wonderful. He woke me this morning with a song Riley Clemons sings called "For The Good" and once again I was blessed. It begins with talking about how God turns our burdens into something beautiful. He heals the hurts of life. He directs us and is with us every step of the way. There is a part that goes, "Though I'm walking through the valley I'll believe what You say." Yes! We can never stop believing God is with us. He desires us prosper as Jeremiah 29:11 promises us. He desires us to lean into His strength so we can receive His peace when days are difficult. He desires us to live for Him. I desire to fulfill the desires of His heart. Therefore, I trust and believe.

For the good, for the good
You work all things together
For the good, for the good
Your promise stands forever
You alone are my greatest hope
I trust You on the broken road
You work all things together like only You could
For the good

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the fun times of yesterday with Marlene and Sharon! Thank You for laughter! Lord, may we make more memories today that will glorify You. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You instead of me. May I shine brightly for You. Lord, I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry's strength! I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for being My Everything! Amen.  

Hebrews 12:1-3 - "Waymaker"

 

The Lord woke me during the night with Hebrews 12:1 on my mind. When I woke I started reading the chapter and pondered upon the first three verses. The first verse encourages us to continue living for the Lord even in times we may feel like giving up. Others who have gone before us kept the faith and finished life on earth for Him so they could spend eternity with Him. Verse two in the VOICE begins: Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. We talked in Bible study last night about how important it is to be in His Word, praying, etc. to stay focused on Him. Jesus' brutal death is an example we should follow in that He did not give up but instead was joyful in knowing He was walking in obedience to His Father. No matter what happens in life we need to stay focused on the prize of eternity with Him. He desires us to live as holy people who love with His love. He desires to see us succeed in living for Him. He desires for us to have the desire in our heart to please Him. I desire to fulfill the desires of His heart. I pray every morning for a cleansing in my spirit so I can walk in His will throughout the day ahead. There is no better place to be but living in His presence. I am reminded this morning of the song "Waymaker" that tells me He is everything in my life as I allow Him.

Waymaker, miracle worker
Promise keeper, light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are

It blesses me in abundance to know He is always here for me. No matter what I am going through He is here to not just see me through but for me to glorify Him in the process. He is here to love on me when I feel like I am falling apart. I am so grateful for His presence in my life.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for loving on my so greatly. Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of me today in a mighty way. Father, I pray for more people to realize Your greatness in their life. I pray for many going through difficult days to receive Your peace. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry's strength! I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for being My Waymaker! Amen.  

Matthew 28:19-20; 22:37, 39 - "The Commission"

 

The Lord woke me with a song Cain sings called "The Commission" with the reminder of His words in Matthew 28:19-20. It reminded me of something He brought to me Saturday when He gave me a future sermon. If we truly desire to fulfill the Great Commission, we must fulfill the Greatest Commandments. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37, 39). God's love is key in our life. Without His love we are nothing. There is no way we can accomplish what He desires of us without His love. Yesterday as I sat on the porch with Marion and her friends I wondered about their lives. Was Jesus a part of their lives? Do they know Him? Are they in relationship with Him? Before leaving Marion I pray with her. She is so appreciative of the prayers. We have talked about God many times. Even in her forgetfulness she still knows Who He is and what He means to her. I am thankful for that. I also am thankful God has placed me in her life to love on her with His love. There are so many people in my little world who need to not just hear about His love but need to be loved on with His love. Words can be useless if they are not put into action. They can be meaningless if they are just words. I need to get better at putting my words into action. I need to get better at loving people with His love. I need to get better at allowing God to use me as He so desires. Plain and simple. I need to get better. The song goes...

My spirit is with you
Wherever you go
You have a purpose
And I have a plan

When I was doing my study for tonight, I came upon something I wrote six plus years ago. "I am called to be what He desires of me! I am special! I am valuable to Him!" I referenced Psalm 137:14a along side it. God has a plan for my life and there is definitely a purpose in it. He loves me so much and desires me to share that love with others. I do not know specifics but I know He has it all planned out and for that I am grateful. 

Dear Jesus, 

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for my time with Marion! She is so appreciative of me visiting her and that blesses me in abundance. Thank You for my visit with Clay and Jo Ann and the yummy dinner she made! Thank You for safety on the roads with the crazy traffic! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be seen/heard by me. Thank You for Susie taking Momma to the doctor today! I pray for him to have Your wisdom. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; Ben; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; Beth and her family; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Ms Savon's friend; Owen and his family; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Betty's husband; my friend with mesothelioma; Judy Link; Little Ivy; my friend with upcoming radiation; and Dorothy's grandson. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, Russ, and Kathy and her family. Thank You for continued improvement with Pastor Sam and for Baby Henry having another successful surgery! I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Thank You for being My Commissioner! Amen.