Psalm 102:25-27/Hebrews 1:10-12 - "Yes He Does"

The lightning and thunder woke me a little before eleven last night. It was pretty amazing. I decided I was going to get dressed in case anything happened and then went back to sleep. The Lord woke me at 3AM with the song "Yes He Does" on my mind. There are so many people in my little world who need to not only hear this song but believe it.

Yes, He does
Still heal the broken
Run to the hurting
Pour out His love
Yes, He does
Restore the hope of
All those who wait for
A miracle
Yes, He does
Yes, He does

Greater things are still to come
Cause His love isn't through
So let your heart believe again
That He's not done with you

Our study in Hebrews last night reiterated God is with us yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He does not change but continues to love us no matter what we do or do not do. There is so much 'junk' in this world that tries to pull our focus off of God. We cannot allow that to happen. Instead we need to be stronger in our faith. The more we allow Him to be Who He desires to be in our life the more we will be who He desires of us to be. Matthew Henry wrote: Sin has made a great change in the world for the worse, and Christ will make a great change in it for the better. Let the thoughts of this make us watchful, diligent, and desirous of that better world. As we focus on God we will have eternity with Him as our goal. As we focus on Him we will realize His empowerment over the 'junk' of the world more. As we focus on Him we will have His joy, hope, and peace to a greater extent. Plain and simple. We need to focus more of Him. I desire to be as Henry said and be watchful, diligent, and desirous of that better world. I know the more I strive to be Christ-like the better I will be. Some days are hard with dealing with the 'junk' of the world but I know He is here for me. His love is always around me and within me. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this song that encourages me to stay focused on You no matter what is happening in my little world! Thank You for the strength and empowerment You give me when I get tired in my emotional being! Thank You for lunch with my friend Marilyn yesterday, last night's Bible study, keeping me safe from the storms, and for another day of life ahead! 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. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, Baby Henry and his family, the Long Family, June, Coley's Momma, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment and for Kim as she recuperates from knee surgery. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. Thank You for my friend Linda sharing the youtube videos of songs they did with him. Even though the tears fell as I watched them I felt Your peace in my heart. Thank You for being My Focus! Amen.

Isaiah 41:10 - "Hard Love"

Last night and again this morning God has the song "Hard Love" that Need To Breathe sings on my mind. I read the background of the song and found these words by the keyboardist:

"It's a fight song for the long journey between trials and redemption. It's about appreciating the wisdom and maturity that comes from hardship. Sometimes our ideas for what we think we need and what God knows we really need don't line up. We've been through situations we didn't think we'd make it out of, and this song is an encouraging message about what's ahead for us."

Life is full of challenges. We all have a choice on how we handle each and every one of them. We can lean into God's strength or we can allow the enemy an open door into our life. We can stand on the promises of God's Word or we can listen to people's opinions. It is a choice we all have to make every single day. When we make the choice to allow God to be our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we make the choice to stand firm in our faith. Throughout the years of dealing with MS I have found myself wanting to give up when the disease felt like it would not calm down. When I was going through breast cancer with surgery and treatments, there were times I wanted to give up. Caring for Doc through sixteen months of pancreatic cancer was challenging to say the least. There were many times I wished I could take his place so he would not have to suffer. So many challenges yet God was always with me. He continues to be with me. I had a conversation with a friend the other night where I told her there are times I do not know how long I can continue doing what I am doing. There are days when I crawl into bed I am exhausted. The exhaustion is not always a physical one but is a mental and emotional one. God keeps me going and doing what He desires. It has become so much clearer to me over the last couple of years that I cannot change people nor is it my place to do so. God put me here on this earth to plant seeds. Sometimes He allows me to see those seeds come to life and other times He doesn't. I must continue to be in relationship with Him where I not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to it. I must remember the words to this song...

Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love

Dear Jesus, Thank You for rest yesterday and for protection from the storms last night! Thank You for loving me so greatly! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May people see/hear You through me today in a mighty way. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. May we all remember You are always here for us. I pray for continued strength for Kim as she recuperates from surgery and Little Henry with his health issues. I pray for: my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, June, Coley's Momma, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. We all miss him so much but I know he is with You and for that I am thankful. Thank You for being My King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen.

Psalm 145 - "Goodness of God"

God is so good. Sometimes I think we do not realize that to the extent we really should. He protects us from things such as 'bad' drivers on the road. He gives us insight into what He desires us to do or say. He loves on us when others may feel we are unlovable. He puts up with our indecisiveness when He knows what we need to do and what we will actually end up doing. He encourages us when we are feeling down, overwhelmed, fearful, etc. As I said, He is so good. I am so thankful for my relationship with Him but I can never be content with where it is. I need to go deeper with Him so I can experience more of Him. The more I allow Him to be Who He desires in my life the more I will be who He desires in life. I am reminded this morning of the song "Goodness of God" and thankful for the knowledge of how good He is.

Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Yes! He is faithful every moment of my day. He knows exactly what I need and provides. Praise His Holy Name. David wrote in Psalm 145 about His goodness and how we need to praise Him for it. Verse thirteen reads in the VOICE: Your kingdom will never end; Your rule will endure forever. [You are faithful to Your promise, and Your acts are marked with grace.] Woo hoo! God's goodness is forever for all who follow Him. His love is for all who will accept Him. I need to get better at sharing His love so more people will desire to live for Him. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the young man who helped me with my phone! Thank You for our board meeting last night and the way You bless our church! Thank You in advance for stopping this headache into going into a full blown migraine and for the way You will protect us through the storms that are headed toward us today! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. May You make a difference in people's lives through me. I pray for Kim as she recuperates from surgery and Baby Henry as he continues his health battles. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Russ and his family, the Long Family, June, Coley's Momma, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. Yesterday was full of times I wished I could pick up the phone and call him for words of encouragement. He helped me more than he could ever have imagined. Thank You for being Goodness! Amen.

Philippians 4 - "Out of My Hands"

God filled my day with blessings to the max yesterday! Woo hoo! He is so good to provide exactly what I need. Children's Sunday School class was so good! Doing what I love to do with preaching was so good! Spending the afternoon participating in the Human Library Project was so good! It was a full and exhausting day but it was a good one! I stood and took in the beauty of His creation as I waited for dinner and tears came. I am one blessed lady. Even in the times when I feel lonely I know I am never alone. He is always with me. In yesterday's sermon I spoke about the importance of standing on His promises. Yesterday in my presentations I shared how God gave me Philippians 4:13 at the time of the MS diagnosis. I thought it was just for physical strength but He soon revealed to me it is for physical, mental, emotional, financial, and most of all spiritual strength. Praise His Holy Name! This verse does not mean He will give me everything I desire but instead means He will give me His strength to give me what He desires for my life. The more I walk in obedience to His will the more the desires of my heart will line up with the desires of His heart. Woo hoo! Life can and is full of challenges but that does not mean He doesn't love us. Paul shows us throughout the letter to the Church of Philippi an example of how to live a life for Christ. I love the part where he writes about being content no matter what life brought before him in Philippians 4:10-12. His contentment is not based on what he is going through but on Jesus. We need to follow Paul's example in our own life. When we do, we will experience God's joy and peace. That is where I choose to live. I am so thankful for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that enables me to live in His joy and peace in the midst of all life has brought me. I am reminded this morning of the song "Out Of My Hands" that Jeremy Camp sings. He wrote of this song:

"This song 'Out Of My Hands' came from a time where I really battled with trust and I was holding onto things too much," Camp said. "This song came out saying 'God, I'm sorry for trying to hold things in my own hands because I'm not in control, you're in control.' And when I finally let that go, the peace came."

Living in His strength and allowing Him to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over my life is the secret to living in His joy and peace. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for such a wonderfully blessed day yesterday from start to finish! Thank You for all of the ways You used me to share You with others! 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. Thank You for the rest last night and for the rest You are going to provide today! I pray for the board meeting tonight to be exactly as You desire. Lord, may Your joy and peace come down upon many going through difficult times. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, June, Coley's Momma, and Christina and her family. Go before the surgeon's today and give them Your wisdom for Kim's surgery. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. Sunday's are so hard without his encouraging words but You always get me through. Thank You for all the ways You love on us in such times. Thank You for being My King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen.

John 3:16 - "Sunday Sermons"

Before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning God had me praying for pastors. Specifically He had me praying for pastors who have no idea what they are preaching this morning. I cannot begin to imagine being in that situation. I pray I never have to experience such a time yet I know my faith would be stretched through the process. God had me praying for pastors to be in relationship with Him so they not only hear Him but have the desire to walk in obedience to His will. He woke me with Anne Wilson's song "Sunday Sermons" going through my head. I love the way He speaks to me.

Every one of those Sunday sermons
Every time that choir would sing
I could hear my Savior calling, telling me how much He loves me
No matter what the world throws at me
I know His word is true
It all started with a heart stirring, spirit moving Sunday Sermon
Devil gonna try and take me out of that church
But you can't take the church out of me

I am thankful for God's love that sacrificed His One and Only Son for all of us to live. I am thankful for the knowledge His love is with me 24/7 and I need to share it. I am thankful He loves me even when I don't deserve it. Plain and simple. I am thankful. Woo hoo! This song reminds what people hear and/or experience in church can and will make a difference in their life. That difference can be a positive one or it can turn them away from the Lord. I pray I never say/do something to turn someone away from God. I know the enemy can do some powerful things by twisting words, making people think things not there, etc. God is more powerful. Some days I feel like I need to wear my shirt that tells the devil not today because he seems so real. It is on those days I remind myself my God is more real than the enemy ever could hope to be. Woo hoo!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with the MS walk, finding men at the church working when I got there, and my time with the Carrington's! You do so well in blessing me. Cleanse me so You can fill me. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. I pray for Your presence in all church services today and for pastors to truly listen to You. Lord, go before me with the Human Library Project this afternoon. I pray Your blessings on my presentation. I also pray Your peace over my day. I do not want to just get through it but desire to glorify You through it. I pray Your peace over many going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, June, Coley's Momma, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. Once again yesterday You changed the radio station at a time I needed it. Oh how I miss him. Thank You for the memories! Thank You for being My Loving God! Amen.

II Timothy 4:17-18 - "God Is Good"

 

I heard the song “God Is Good” on the way home last night and it stuck with me. He was good in giving me a fun evening with Mr. Jimmy and Mr. Eli. He was good in giving me rest last night. He was good in giving me the strength for the day ahead. “God Is Good” is a statement I always mean. Francesca Battistelli wrote about this song:

 

A few years ago a good friend of ours went through a devasting loss and I really wanted to write a song that would honor what he went through, really speak to that idea of how tragedy affects our lives. At one point or another it does affect us. I think if the last year and a half has taught us anything it’s that we’re not immune to difficult times. It’s been a hard season. This song has brought me a lot of comfort because through it all there’s one constant and that is that God is good.” 

 

“God Is Good” in the ‘good’ days and the ‘tough’ days. No matter what is going on in life we can look around and see someone going through something worse. This song speaks volumes to me.

 

Joy comes
Tears fall
I'm learning there is beauty in it all
It's not hard to find it
You just have to look
Oh, God is good

 

“God Is Good” when the enemy comes knocking at my door. I’m tired of fighting him but I know I cannot give up. I am tired of dealing with people and situations that are un-Christlike but I know it is part of life. Words can cut like a knife or they can build someone up. I am praying for some people who have hurt people with their words. I pray they will listen to God instead of the enemy. I am thankful for the words of II Timothy 4:17-18 and am standing on these words throughout the day.

 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Cleanse me so You can fill me so I do not miss any opportunity You put before me. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to realize You are good no matter what. May they lean into Your strength. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; Clay's friend; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, June, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. May the memories we have be blessings. Thank You Jesus for being My Good! Amen.

 

Hebrews 11 - "Faith"

It takes faith to do anything in life. Some people put their faith in God while others put it in themselves, others, their circumstances, etc. Hebrews 11 is known as the 'faith chapter' with stories of great people from the Bible who showed faith. People like Moses, Abraham, and Noah just to name a few. All of the people mentioned in this chapter put their faith in God. When I leave this earth, I desire to be known as someone with great faith. I also want people to see me living out my faith now so they will desire to do the same. There have been many in my life who lived out great faith for me to model. Two of them were my Daddy and Doc. My Daddy went through sixty plus surgeries in his lifetime, beat cancer multiple times, got hit by a train, survived a gun shot...so many things yet his faith stayed strong. Watching Doc endure kidney stones multiple times and battle pancreatic cancer for sixteen months showed his great faith. Neither of these men gave up believing in the Lord no matter what their circumstances. They lived out their faith every day of their life on this earth. I know it is because of the way they lived on this earth they will live for eternity with the Lord. Woo hoo! I am reminded of Jordan Feliz song "Faith"....

It's light for the shadows, for all your tomorrows
It's knowing He's there through the sun and the rain
It's when you believe it, before you can see it
And you can walk on 'cause he's making the way

Just gotta have some faith, faith
You've gotta have some faith, faith

Verse one of Hebrews 11 in The Passion Translation reads: Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. The men mentioned in Hebrews 11 had the foundation of faith in their lives. My Daddy and Doc had the foundation of faith in their lives. I desire to have the foundation of faith in my life. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the safe trip home! I don't think I have ever prayed as much in the air as yesterday with all of the turbulence. Thank You for my time with Momma and all we accomplished! Thank You for rest last night and for all that is ahead today! Cleanse me so You can fill me so I do not miss any opportunity You put before me. I pray for many going through 'tough' days to lean into their faith in You. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; 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; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; 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; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York; Clay's friend; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who has upcoming radiation treatments. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, June, and Christina and her family. I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. I pray for Larry Amstutz to have open doors as he seeks new employment. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself with 'tough' days without my Rickey with us. Yesterday was full of memories at the airports but especially at Akron-Canton where he picked me up the first time we met in person. The song on the radio he sang to me brought on the memories. Thank You Jesus for those memories and for the time You blessed me with him! Thank You for being My Faith Builder! Amen.