Philippians 4:13 - "Christmas Feelings"

My heart is heavy with prayers this morning for so many people who are going through 'tough' days this Christmas season. I remember two years ago when I was going through radiation treatments for my breast cancer. It also was the first Christmas for me to be away from family. God was so good at loving on me in different ways that year. He loved on me through words of encouragement from people who knew I was hurting, with hugs from people who knew that is what I needed, with cards of encouragement, with calls and texts, etc. He knew I needed some extra loving and that is what He provided. Days can be tough to get through but when you throw in a holiday tough days can become somewhat unbearable. It takes leaning into Jesus' arms a little more and allowing Him to give peace when peace is hard to find. Christmas is also hard when there is less money to buy for loved ones than in the past. I was talking with one elderly lady who said she has no gifts to give her family. When that is what you are use to doing, it's hard to not. My Momma struggles with this. I've told her she is the best gift to give anyone but that is not the same. My Daddy bought 'his girls' something little just from him. His last few years he would give me the money and I would buy for him. One year he helped me make a gift for them. Giving is a part of Christmas that no one wants to quit. I have found giving gifts from my heart make me happy. Some people may not appreciate them but they are what I have to give. Some of the ones I am praying for today are not able to go out in the crowds shopping. Some may not even be able to make something themselves. But the best gift any of us can give is Jesus. We can all share His love, no matter how we are doing physically. My prayers are with...

• Ellen with an infection
• Mary Ellen who is in rehab
• Billie as she continues her battle with breast cancer
• Another friend who is battling multiple cancers in her body
• Little Richie with leukemia
• Mike as he continues his battle with cancer
• Regina with her new diagnosis
• Roxanne as she battles addiction
• Gary with his diagnosis
• Peggy who is having such pain after having a brain tumor removed
• Marion with dementia who has had a lot of changes in her little world
• Scott as he battles his cancer with chemo
• Many who have lost loved ones over the last year

There are so many going through 'junk' that I wish I could just take away for them. I pray they will draw closer to the Lord through their tough days. I pray He will become greater in their lives. I pray they will depend upon His strength throughout the days ahead. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13 that we can do anything through His strength. I know this to be true. I have lived it out over and over again.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your strength that empowers me to do whatever comes my way. Thank You for this knowledge that encourages me. Thank You for cleansing me today so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. Thank You for encouraging me through tough days. May You be an encouragement to those I prayed for this morning. May You become greater in their lives. May they realize the empowerment of the Holy Spirit today in a different, new way. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4 - "The Night Before Christmas"

Yesterday was such a blessing with finishing a school project and a gift project; spending time with my honey; seeing my two little guys; and Bible study with friends last night. Such a blessing to know You are living what God desires of you. As I took some pictures with the sunshine over the beautiful trees, I was doubly blessed. Seeing God's creation burst in color makes me happy. It reminds me of days of past in Ohio. The trees aren't as colorful but at least there is some color to them. That is something I miss living in the south. As I think about His creation I am blessed in what I now have in my little world that I've never had before. Like living so close to the ocean, living on an island where we have to cross a bridge no matter where we go, warmer climate (well normally...LOL), flowers blooming year round, etc. This is a different world than I've lived in before. Normally we do not have snow or ice even though last year there was some. Yes, there are hurricanes but not normally tornadoes. It is just a different world in so many ways, not just the creation aspect. People are different. You walk down the street and people speak to one another. A lot of times there is even a conversation between people who do not know one another. Another thing that is different here is even though there is a church on every corner many do not go to church. In Ohio if people didn't go to church, they at least would be connected to one in one way or another. That doesn't seem to be the same case here. Another thing that is different is even if people didn't go to church, they would send their children. Many do not even do that. When we were in Willard and someone would find out we were from the Nazarene Church, we would hear 'oh, that's my church' even when we had never seen them there. Their grandmother had gone there, they were raised in that church or their great uncle's first wife's daughter had gone there. LOL. They had a connection. Down here we hear from a lot of people they didn't know there was a Nazarene Church here or they have never even heard of the Nazarene Church. We have an open field here and continue to seek God's direction on what to do, how to do it, and when. We need open doors but we must not push through doors that are not being opened by the Lord. The enemy has had a hay day in this community and church for too long. We must make sure to stay connected to God so we do not do anything on our own. Everything that is done but be in His will and with His strength. If not, we will continue the process of spinning our wheels. We will become another statistic of another pastor who tries to make forward progress and then leaves after a few years due to being discouraged. It seems like little progress has been made when you look at the fact we are still meeting in the funeral home and not in our own building. People are discouraged and some have given up and left. But we must remember God is in control. Perhaps He wants to see just how strong our faith is. He has personally seen us through some tough things since coming to South Carolina. Breast cancer, Doc's various health issues and second jobs, deaths of loved ones in Ohio, etc. God has taken our faith deeper through these things. He has strengthened my faith in a whole new way. I am so grateful for the way He has blessed us through the tough days. He has opened doors that seemed locked forever. He has gone before us and been our wisdom in many areas. He has given us people to love on in ways explainable to man. He has directed us in ways people have questioned. Most of all He has been with us through everything that has and has not happened. For that, I am grateful. I think of a promise He gives us in His Word in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us. I also am grateful for Paul's words in Philippians 4 that tell us to rejoice and be gentle (vs. 4-5). We do not have to be anxious (vs 6) when we live in His presence. All we have to do is stay in communication with Him (vs 6) and He will give us peace that is unexplainable to man. The way to stay in such communication is to not allow anything that is not of Him into our life (vs. 8-9) and live a life of contentment (vs. 12). As we live in such a manner, we will live in His strength (vs. 13). I strive to live such a life every day.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me so greatly that You keep the promise of Hebrews 13:5. Thank You for the reminders of Philippians 4 that tell me how to hold onto that promise. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of Your love throughout this day. May You be seen/heard instead of me today. May You be greater than any aspect of my humanness today. Lord, I not only pray this for myself but I pray others will have the same prayer on their heart. May people seek You instead of the ways of the world today. May lives be changed by believers today in a new, different way. Thank You Jesus for being My Life. Amen.

Psalm 24 - "King of Glory/Christmas Offering"

The Lord took me to Psalm 24 this morning. This Psalm is full of richness for those who live a life for God. David tells us in verses three and four people who are "clean-handed, pure-hearted" (MSG) will spend eternity with the Lord. Matthew Henry describes this as, "We make nothing of religion, if we do not make heart-work of it. We can only be cleansed from our sins, and renewed unto holiness, by the blood of Christ and the washing of the Holy Ghost." I love the sound of 'heart-work' which is what I strive to do every day. This is doing what God desires of me. It is saying things I might never think of saying myself. It is doing things that don't make sense. God created all to be His followers. It takes a little longer for some to come into relationship with Him but we must never give up on people. We also must remember it is not up to us to save them. God uses us to plant seeds. He uses others to cultivate those seeds. He is the Only One to bring the seeds to harvest. Just as we get impatient when we plants flower or plant seeds we can impatient with people. But we must remember they will only grow in His time. They will only be pliable in His time. They will only accept Him into their heart in His time. We must ask God to open doors that need opened and close those that need closed in not only our lives but the lives of our loved ones. Matthew Henry states it this way. "Lord, open the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may be numbered with thy saints in glory."

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the way You open and close doors for me. Thank You for the blessing of living a life of doing heart-work. Father, may You cleanse me today so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow from my words, actions, and attitude today in a new way. I pray for many who need to walk in a relationship with You. I also pray for those who walk with You but on their own terms. May they realize the need for dying to self. Thank You Jesus for being My King of Glory! Amen.

Philippians 2:10-11 - "Christmas Offering"

I was working on music last night and this song touched my heart. When I woke this morning, it continues to be with me. Paul Balouche sings a Christmas version of it that I dearly love.

Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three wisemen seeking truth, they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the Child from Heaven falling on their knees
They bow before the humble Prince of peace

We bring an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus, may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to You

Wow! I wish more people would realize the only reason there is a Christmas to celebrate is because Jesus was born to die for all. Christmas has become so commercialized. There are too many things that get in the way of the True Reason. Calendars are crammed full. Even when they are crammed with 'good' things they are a distraction from Him. The amount of money spent on 'stuff' is ridiculous. We need to get back to giving gifts from the heart. 'Stuff' can't go with us when we leave this earth but the memories we make will be with our loved ones forever. It can become very easy to worship 'stuff' instead of Jesus. Material things can become our god in place of the True God. Just think what life for our children would be like if they put as much time into Jesus as they do video games, sports, etc. Our world would definitely be a different place. Just think what life would be like for us if instead of spending money on 'stuff,' gas to go here and there, entertainment, eating out, etc. we gave our money and time to the Lord. Our world would definitely be a different place. Jesus' birth is going for naught in so many lives. The purpose of His birth was His death. We would not be alive today if He had not been born to die. Oh how I wish more people would come to this realization. How our world would be a better place if people would just offer up themselves to Him. If more people lived a life sold-out to Him, His love would flow so greatly. If more would die to self and allow Him to live in and through them, we would not be dealing with the tragic deaths we see every day from overdoses, drunk drivers, abuse, etc. I can't even begin to comprehend such a world but I know it would be a more peaceful place filled with His joy.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for coming to this earth to die for all of us. Thank You for Your love that flows so freely to all who will accept it. Thank You for cleansing me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your love. May people see and hear You through my words, actions, and attitude today. Lord, go before me and open doors that need opened. I pray for doors that need shut to be shut. I pray for You to be greater than the hurts of this world but most of all I pray the things people are going through will take them to their knees in worship to You. Thank You Jesus for being My True Reason. Amen.

Psalm 91:1 - "Somewhere In Your Silent Night"

What a blessing to see and listen to our two worlds come together at our Open House. I love to see our neighbors getting to know our church family. It also warms my heart to see new neighbors getting to know people. Many thanked us for 'doing this' each Christmas. I love having people into our home and especially when they enjoy themselves so much. I was bummed when I realized last night that I had not taken any pictures. Even though I have no pictures I have a 'camera roll' going through my mind and for that I am grateful. As I prepared for yesterday's event I had a 'camera roll' of Open Houses in the past. One of our first ones in Willard where we packed the basement and Dottie thought the trail bologna was deer and about had a heart attack that she ate it was a hilarious memory. Several of my Daddy and Momma coming up to help prepare are special memories. Different friends who helped throughout the years bless me as I remember. Needing to move from the house to the church because we grew was another blessing in my memory tank. So many memories and so many dear people who have touched our lives. The other day one of the kids said I have a lot of pictures on my phone. I was thinking today about how full my 'camera roll' in life is. It is full of blessings from so many different people. God is so good. This morning He took me to Psalm 91 and stopped me at the very first verse. He knew I needed to be reminded of these words. I live in His secret place where I know He is in control of every aspect of my life. I hear His voice and I follow it with an obedient heart. He protects me from harm and carries me through tough times. He gives me a great 'camera roll' to reflect back on throughout tough times. He is my Protector from the enemy who tries every day to tear me apart. He loves me so greatly and shows me His love through blessing me with memories when I feel lonely or sad. He uses people to lift me up when I am down. These last few days have been emotionally tough with missing my family. I was grateful for yesterday that helped with others loving on me.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day. You already have blessed me with waking up after eleven hours of sleep with Doc having my vitamin water on my night stand and walking into the living room with the Christmas tree lit. I praise Your Holy Name for the people who were in our home yesterday. Thank You for the opportunities You provided to love on them with Your love. Father, I pray for those who are feeling down this season. I pray You will put someone in their life to open their eyes to Your love being there for them. Lord, I also pray for believers to be open to sharing Your love with others. Holidays can be tough but when someone goes out of their way to show Your love it can make a world of difference to those hurting. I pray You will cleanse me so You can fill me today so I can be a beacon of light for You. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

Every time I woke up during the night I prayed for pastors and their spouse who live away from family. I had these words going through my mind...

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams...

I know I cannot be the only one struggling with this. My first Christmas away I was going through the breast cancer treatments and had that on my mind so I didn't struggle too bad with being so far away. Last Christmas was tough and so is this one. I know we are where we are suppose to be and I am grateful for God's call on our lives. But it is still hard to not be with loved ones over the holidays. I am grateful for those who love on us during this holiday season but I still wish I could see my family. Oh how I pray God will give me strength to not only get through these days but to enjoy them. I don't just pray this for myself but for others serving the Lord around the world. I am grateful we can get 'home' within a day's drive. I know there are many who aren't that fortunate. I also am thankful for the way God has blessed me with our trip each February to Ohio and pray it can happen this coming year. Once again, I know there are many who go a lot longer than that to see family. I also pray for those who have no family left on this earth to be comforted by others loving on them. I pray for those in the military and their families who are separated for the holidays. I am holding onto Philippians 4:13 for His strength. I pray He will continue to strengthen my physical body but I also pray especially for my mental, emotional, financial, and especially my spiritual bodies over these next few weeks.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for giving me the opportunity to pray for pastors and their spouses during the night. Thank You for being with me during tough days. Father, I also thank You for technology that enables me to be a part of my family's lives. Soothe my hurts and pains. I am grateful for all of the times You lay on my family's heart to call or text me. I also am grateful for my family. I know there are many who are lonely because their family are no longer on this earth. I pray You will comfort them. I also pray for all who are away from family during this holiday season, those who are confused due to dementia, those who have lost loved ones, those fighting diseases in their body, retired pastors who no longer have a church family to love on them, and most of all those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Father, may You be real to all of these ones. Thank You Jesus for being My Strength. Amen.

Luke 1:29; Luke 2:19 - "Grown-up Christmas Wish"

I woke this morning singing...

No more lives torn apart,
Then wars would never start
and time would heal the heart

And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

Yes! That would be a world that was full of Jesus! It would be a world where there would no longer be strife and bickering. It would be a perfect world. It would be a world that will never happen on this earth but it will happen in heaven. My heart grieves over people who are choosing this world over heaven. The things of this world are temporary. They may give pleasure for the moment but not for long. 'Stuff' may make a person happy but that happiness won't last. Jesus will last. He will be there now and forever. His love will enable us to get through rough times here on this earth. It also will enable us to live in His love forever. Forever is a long time. It comes beyond our comprehension but we must remember the only way to live forever is to live for Him now. Our children need taught this now. They need to know the true meaning of Christmas. It is fine for them to have the fun of Santa Claus but they also must know about a life with Jesus. Gift giving is fun and a big part of Christmas but the greatest gift ever given was Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate or I should say He is the reason we SHOULD celebrate. I see a world of children being raised without Jesus. It still blows me away that ninety-five percent of children in our county are unchurched. Lord, help us! I think of how God spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus through the Angel Gabriel. She wondered about how things would come to be as he told her. But God worked everything out just as she was told. I think of January 2016 which I was putting away Christmas decorations. I asked God if I would be putting them back up in that house next Christmas. He replied, "you will be putting them up in South Carolina." I kept that to myself for a few weeks, unsure of how everything would work out. I still wonder how everything is going to work out but I am no longer fretful about the outcome because I trust Him each day.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving us so greatly! Thank You for giving us this area to share Your love! Thank You for giving direction and strength on where to go, what to do, and especially how to love on people. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me. Use me today in a new, different way. May You shine through me brightly. May people see/hear You instead of me. Thank You Jesus for being My Christmas! Amen.

 m