II Timothy 1:7; Psalm 91 - "The Way"

God had me awake a couple times during the night praying. There just seems to be so many people going through 'tough' days... 

• Many with the flu and some deaths from it.
• Families with recent deaths: June, Robo's, Steve, Mikey.
• Those dealing with illnesses or accidents: Doc, Mike, Dale, Rita, Mark, Baby Finn, Little Richie, Little Natalie, Kandi, my two pastor friends, Craig, my Momma's neighbor, Mick, Carol, one who the doctors have no answers for, one with back issues, and many others.
• Those going through their first holiday season without their spouse: Jim, Pattie, Renee, Shirley.
• A friend who has been without a job for a few months.
• A friend who is having a breast biopsy today.
• Baby Weston who was born early.
• Mr. Fran who is struggling with weakness.
• My friend whose wife is an alcoholic.
• My pastor friend whose marriage is falling apart.
• Two families in turmoil.
• Another pastor friend who is seeking God's will to get back into the pulpit.

Those who are believers know they can depend upon God. I do not know how people live without Him in their life. The only way I get through my days is to continually communicate with Him. I stand upon II Timothy 1:7 every day. I know for me to live in the way He desires I must be empowered by His Holy Spirit. To be empowered by His Holy Spirit I must not only ask Him into my heart but allow Him to fully cleanse me so I can not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to it. My heart breaks for so many people. I rejoice with those who have walked through a dark valley and are now on the other side. But once again I think of those who aren't in relationship Christ or have fallen away from Him. The tears are falling for lost souls. It's hard to pray for 'whatever it takes' to get them to come to Christ yet when you think of where they are headed that prayer falls off the lips. I know I need to get better at sharing His love. I need to be bolder with asking people how their heart is. God put me where He has me to be a beacon of light for Him. I need to shine brighter than ever before. Sometimes it becomes difficult due to circumstances but I cannot allow my circumstances to take my focus off of Him. I need to be more intentional in living for eternal life with Christ. Psalm 91 reads:

1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!”

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me so much that You wake me in the middle of the night to pray for others! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for using me to be a prayer warrior! Thank You for reminding me of Psalm 91 during my nighttime prayer! Thank You for being with the ones I prayed for during the night. June; Robo's family; Steve; Mikey; Doc; Mike; Dale; Rita; Mark; Baby Finn; Little Richie; Little Natalie; Kandi; my two pastor friends; Craig; Mick; my Momma's neighbor; Carol; one who the doctors have no answers; one with back issues; Jim; Pattie; Renee; Shirley; a friend without work; another friend who is having a breast biopsy today; Baby Weston; Mr Fran; a friend whose wife is an alcoholic; one whose marriage is falling apart; two families in turmoil; a pastor seeking God's will to get back into the pulpit. May each one of them and/or their family read and ponder upon Psalm 91. Father, I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me with more of You. I pray for my focus to be sharper today so I do not miss any opportunity You put before me. I also pray for a better day for Doc today than yesterday with the chemo side effects. Lord, I beg You to heal him sooner than later while he is on this earth. This is the hardest thing I've ever gone through. Take my faith deeper, Lord. Thank You for being My Way, Truth, and Life! Amen.