II Timothy 1:7; Matthew 22:36-40 - "Love the Lord Your God"

These days we are experiencing are days we've never experienced before. They are days of hopelessness. But those who are in relationship with God have Him as their Hope. When we feel our hope falling away, we need to get into His Word and on our knees more than ever before. We need to share with a Christian brother or sister what is going on in our life so they can not only speak life to us but be praying for us. The whole 'social distancing' does not mean we should isolate ourselves from others. There may be a time when isolation is what is needed in the physical sense but that does not mean we should isolate ourselves in a social sense. We still need to have contact with others. We need to be communicating through email, phone, social media, etc. God cannot work in and through us if we cut ourselves off from others. The enemy will pounce upon people who do so. He will put thoughts in people's head that no one cares about them. Communication is a two-way street. We need to make an effort in communicating just as others do. We cannot cut ourselves off from others. Instead we need to be intentional on making contact with one another. This is crucial now more than ever. I am reminded this morning of the Greatest Commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40. This morning I chose to read it from The Passion Translation.

36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

37 Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ 38 This is the great and supreme commandment. 39 And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’ 40 Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.”

Yes! I love the word passion! I am passionate about loving God. I am passionate about sharing His love with others. I am passionate about believers taking the next step after salvation. Plain and simple. I am passionate. There is a problem with verse thirty-nine. There are many people who do not love themselves. They see only their flaws and because of that they put themselves down. When we put ourselves down, we are putting God down because He was the One to create us. When we love ourselves, we are not being conceded. Instead we are loving God. As we live a life of loving God and loving others we will live the life God desires of us. As we live a life passionately loving God, we will be living the life He has called us to live. We do not have to fear what others will think about us. We do not have to fear saying the wrong words or doing the wrong thing. We do not have to fear failing. Plain and simple. We do not have to fear. Instead we can be empowered by His love to live in the way He so desires of us (II Timothy 1:7). These days of social distancing have been days of filling my spiritual tank up through being in His Word, praying, singing, etc. more than what I normally do. I desire to be so in tune with Him. I want to make sure I am doing what He has in store for me to do, saying what He desires, and being His servant in the manner He so desires. I desire to speak/write life over people. I am thankful when He brings specific Scripture for me to share with others. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunities You put before me to love others even in a time we are not doing our 'normal' way of life! Father, I miss the people I am usually with throughout the week. I miss in-person interaction. I know there are many people who would rather be alone but You did not create me in that manner. You created me as a 'people person' and for that I am thankful. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of Your Holy Spirit. I know as You do I will have Your eyes to see opportunities put before me to love with Your love. Father, I also pray for Your healing touch to be upon Doc as he continues with the after effects of the chemo this week. May You give him physical, emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual strength today in a new, different way. The tears were falling when I brought in yesterday's mail. Thank You for the generous donation for the church building fund we received yesterday! May You bless their hearts in abundance. Thank You for all who gave through Doc's Facebook birthday fundraiser and through checks sent through the mail! Lord, You are so great! You provide through people in mighty ways! What an encouragement to both us and our little congregation not only through money received but for servants like Bob who has been painting this week. Lord, I pray You will be an Encourager not only to Doc but others who are dealing with physical issues; those who have lost their jobs; those who are struggling financially with loss of hours; those who are struggling with having their kids home 24/7 and getting school work done; those now working from home and struggling; all who need to get better sharing Your love; and for those effected by the coronavirus in their bodies and/or loved ones. May You be greater than the things upon all of us. Thank You Jesus for being My Passion! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Waymaker"

One of the perks to this time with social distancing and places being closed is being at home with no pressure of a schedule. Yesterday I spent two hours in the afternoon with Chad Bohi leading worship and over an hour with Noel Kidd and his family worshipping. Praise God for the internet and Facebook Live! My tank was filled up in a mighty way. After having Doc's oncologist appointment and #30 chemo in the morning this was greatly needed. The test came back that the tumor is not specific which means there is nothing to do differently. Chemo will continue on as it has been for as long as he can handle it is what they are saying. I'm still believing God is going to give us a miracle while he is on this earth. I'm saying chemo will continue on until God's time of healing. I'm grateful he has this next week off before another treatment. I'm grateful he woke up this morning feeling better than yesterday. I'm grateful for God's protection over us while we were in the doctor's office and infusion lab. Plain and simple. I am grateful. One of the song last night stuck with me. Part of Waymaker goes like this...

You are here, turning lives around
I worship You, I worship You
You are here, mending every heart
I worship You, yeah, I worship You, Lord

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

Yes! I am so ready for turning lives around to happen in so many situations. The pancreatic cancer in Doc's body and others who are dealing with various types of cancer; those with other diseases; the coronavirus virus; relationships that are in turmoil; people with financial issues...the list goes on and on. But God uses such things in our lives to bring us closer to Him. He brings 'bad' things to make 'good' things happen. Sounds like my sermon last Sunday. LOL. He will take us and change our hearts when we are open to Him. Some say it is not them that needs to change but someone else when having issues in a relationship. We all can change. We are not perfect. Sometimes it takes us swallowing our pride and saying 'I'm sorry' even when we didn't start the whole mess. I am so grateful for this song that reminds me...

• When we allow God to be our Waymaker, He will open doors that need opened and shut those that need shut. 
• When we allow Him to be our Miracle Worker, we will see things accomplished in and through us that are unimaginable. 
• When we allow Him to be our Promise Keeper, we will never be disappointed in Him because He will answer our prayers. They may not be answered in the manner we want but they will always be answered in what is best for us. 
• When we allow Him to be our Light in the Darkness, we will not fear the unknown. Instead we will stand upon II Timothy 1:7 in His empowerment and love every moment of every day. We will have His peace in the midst of turmoil.

This is the life I choose to live every day. I ask for His forgiveness and cleansing each morning so He can fill me with His Holy Spirit. I live in His presence so I not only hear His voice but I walk in obedience to it. Oh how I wish more people would experience this type of life. All it takes is dying to self. There are many who refuse to do so because they want to have control of every little aspect of life. If only they would realize there is so much freedom in living a life sold-out to God. No decision has to made without His wisdom when you live such a life. Woo hoo! I love the life I live with Him in total control!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the joys of yesterday with worship with Chad in the afternoon and then Noel and his family in the evening! Thank You for Tiffany and the kids coming over and helping me with yard work! Thank You for protecting us in the oncologist office and infusion center! Thank You for being with Doc as he was sick after chemo! May You continue to be his strength. Lord, we don't understand why this test came back with the news that there is nothing different to do but You have everything under control and for that we are grateful. We trust You Father as we continue on this unknown journey. When doctors say all that can be done is to continue on the same chemo for as long as he can handle it, we are disappointed yet hopeful. We continue to believe You have a miracle in store for him while on this earth. Lord, we will continue to be faithful as we wait. I pray today for: Tom who had shoulder surgery yesterday; the young father/husband having eye surgery today; the woman recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer; my friend having a colonoscopy

tomorrow; Jan who had knee replacement; those who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and their families; and so many others on my list with physical, mental, emotional, financial, and especially spiritual issues. May You be greater than what people are facing. May You become the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of their lives. Thank You Jesus for being My Waymaker! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Psalm 92; Galatians 5:22-23 - "Listen to Our Hearts"

Every time I was awake during the night God told me to read Psalm 92. The second time He told me I thought I should get up to read it but fell back asleep. The same thing happened the third time but this morning when I read it I realized He wanted to remind me of some things found in this Psalm. One commentator wrote that it is believed Adam wrote this Psalm on the very first Sabbath. Most believe David wrote it. No matter who wrote it, the Psalm is on of praise to our Heavenly Father. The New King James Version reads:

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your loving kindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

5 O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep.
6 A senseless man does not know,
Nor does a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring up like grass,
And when all the workers of iniquity flourish,
It is that they may be destroyed forever.

8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.
9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish;
All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox;
I have been anointed with fresh oil.
11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies;
My ears hear my desire on the wicked
Who rise up against me.

12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
15 To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Woo hoo! Yes! I will praise Him in the morning for every opportunity He puts before me throughout the day. I will praise Him at night for giving me another day to live as His servant. I will praise Him with my words and by my actions. Plain and simple. I will praise Him. Woo hoo! As I live such a life, He will bless me with His wisdom, guidance, peace, and love. This morning I am reminded as I live a life surrendered to Him I will have the fruit of His Spirit. Love, peace, patience, joy, self-control, goodness, righteousness, kindness, and faithfulness. I like how The Passion Translation gives these in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

patience that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart, and

strength of spirit.

Woo hoo! Yes! The only way to have these fruit evident in my life is to live a life that is dead to self so the Spirit reigns in me. This type of life sees God's anointing in mighty ways. Psalm 92:10 reads In The Passion Translation:

Your anointing has made me strong and mighty.
You’ve empowered my life for triumph

Yes! It is His anointing that empowers me every day. The Holy Spirit empowers me to live life of power and love instead of fear (II Timothy 1:7). Fear has no room in my life when I stay focused on God. Instead His love will pour out of me in a mighty way. The word 'flourish' is used in Psalm 92 to describe how a believer can live. The meaning of this word is: "grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment." We will be spiritual healthy when we live in His presence. It is there we will not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to it. A life lived in His presence is a life that is full of His fruit. Woo hoo! The desire of my heart is to flourish for Him with much fruit pouring out of me. Oh my! God sure prepared me throughout the night to be anticipating what He had for me this morning. I love living in His presence with His fruit flowing from me. All I need to do is repent so His Holy Spirit can fill me up with more of Him. Woo hoo! Oh how I love times like this. I'm so excited I feel like I could burst. I will praise Him today in a more intentional way. I will praise Him for the 'good' and the 'bad' that happens throughout this day. I will praise Him for strengthening me today. Plain and simple. I will praise Him.

Dear Jesus,
You are so, so good! The way You prepare my heart for what You have for me is awesome! Thank You so much for all the ways You show Your love to me! Thank You for cleansing me so Your Holy Spirit can fill me to overflowing with more of You! Thank You for going before me today and protecting me! Lord, I pray for Your love to encompass Doc in a new, different way today as he goes for chemo. I pray Your protection over both of us from the virus as we go to the doctor and then to the infusion center. May You be greater than anything that comes our way. Father, I also pray for Your will to unfold in our lives today in a new, different way. I pray for Your strength in our physical, mental, emotional, financial, and most of all our spiritual beings. Once again, may You be greater than anything that comes our way. Lord, may Your wisdom be ours with decisions that must be made today. Thank You for continuing to be with us every step of the journey we are on. May You continue to provide exactly what we need. I also pray for Pastor Tim's family in these days of mourning. May You be so very close to them and comfort them. Thank You Jesus for being My Rock! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 6:10-20 - "Warrior"

I woke up during the night thinking about Ephesians 6:10-20 and the song Warrior was going through my mind.

Staring down the face of fear
Gotta keep breathing
When the negative is all you hear
Gotta keep believing

'Cause in the dark there is a light
Your truth it keeps on burning bright
Brave enough to fight the fight
And shout the battle cry

This is where we are living today with the present situation with the coronavirus. Staring down the face of fear. We do not have to fear the unknown but instead can lean into our faith in the Lord. Negative is all around us but we do not have to get caught up in it. We need to speak words of life. We need to be in prayer more than ever before. We need to put on the full armor of God every morning before our feet hit the floor. The enemy is lurking and trying to destroy but God is greater and will give life. 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Putting on His armor is the only way we can stand firm in our faith and not allow the enemy an open door into our life. I desire to be a warrior. He has brought me through so much in my life and I know He will bring me through this. If He doesn't, I will still have victory in death. These words are ones I am standing on today and proclaiming...

I will keep the hope alive
I will find the strength inside
I will keep the hope alive
I am a warrior, I will survive
I will keep the hope alive
I will find the strength inside
I will keep the hope alive
Warrior
You'll never stop me I'm a warrior
When I fall down I get stronger

I was thinking about the different things I have been a warrior through. Every day is a battle with M.S. Many people if asked would say I don't have a disease because I look fine. But they don't see the tingling, weakness, etc. I experience. Sometimes the cognitive issues rear their ugly head but for the most part unless I am using a cane/walker/wheelchair I look pretty normal. LOL..me normal!?!?! I am blessed to have Jesus as my Hope and Strength. I am blessed in knowing I am not alone no matter what happens. I am blessed by knowing that if I die from this earth I will continue living for eternity in heaven. Plain and simple. I am blessed. We are all blessed in the knowledge He loves us greatly. That is the message we need to get better at sharing. Yesterday when I saw the lady bent over the cart in the parking lot at Was-Mart my first reaction was she needed help. My second reaction was what if she is sick with the virus and I get exposed to it. The Holy Spirit led me to her and thankfully she was bent over the cart texting. When I asked if she were ok, she said she was but was having a hard day with her grown children mad because she was there working. They were concerned she would be exposed to the virus. We talked and I told her I would pray for her. I didn't pray with her and starting getting upset with myself afterward but felt led not to. Her response to me saying I would pray was a big ole smile and 'bless you'! Sometimes I don't understand why He has me do or not do things but I sure am thankful He makes Himself very clear to me. I love the way Hannah Kerr puts it. "Faith is my shield, Your love is the armor. I'm a warrior." Yes! I am protected through living out my faith. I am capable of being a warrior through all situations through His love as I stand on II Timothy 1:7. Once again I say I am blessed.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all the ways You bless me! Thank You for always being with me! Thank You for protecting me from the enemy! Thank You for the peace You give in times such as this! Thank You for being with Doc yesterday as he was so sick! Father, I beg You to give him a better day today. May You be his Healer today in a mighty way. May You be his Strength in the day ahead. Lord, we live by faith that You are with us at all time. We trust You Father with the day ahead. We believe You will protect us and provide for us. We are so grateful You are in control even in a world that seems out of control. Yesterday when the nurse said to continue on as normal with blood work and chemo I made the remark that it would be the only thing normal in our lives. But then I had to repent for that remark because You continue to be our Normal. Father, cleanse me of anything not of You so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a more intentional way today than ever before. Go before me and empower me to speak words of life. I pray You will be very close to Pastor Tim's family during this time of loss. Thank You Jesus for being My Normal! Amen.

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

Yesterday did not go the way I originally planned but it sure was a blessing. When it rained at the time of set-up, I was blessed with a group of people who took it in stride and didn't get grouchy. We are so blessed by the people God surrounds us with. They are awesome with helping with whatever needs done without thinking twice. From the completion of the ceilings being painted on Saturday to the celebration of Doc's birthday yesterday we were blessed. Oh how I pray for each of them to be blessed in return. I am praying Psalm 91 over all as we start a new day, a new week. My prayer is for people to be living in a manner they will be empowered to live out faith over fear in these trying days. As I said from the pulpit yesterday, now is the perfect time for all believers to be loving with God's love because people are going to get to the end of themselves. Some will get to the point where they won't be able to provide for their families. Some will be distraught they can't 'fix' their present situation. God is the Only Answer. When we have Him in our life, we have the Answer that is needed. Psalm 91 reads in The Message:

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!”

Woo hoo! When we have Him as the center of our lives, we will have the desire to share Him with others. Then, and only then, will they experience the safety and security of His loving arms wrapped around them. Don't we want this type of lives for ourselves and for others? Don't we want to have others experience His peace in times like what we are experiencing? Don't we want others to have eternal life with Him? My answer is 'yes' to all of these questions but I know I need to get better at it. If I don't, I'm not living as Christ desires. Even on days I don't leave my house I still can love with His love. Just as I said yesterday, when we can't have face-to-face visits with people we still can share God's love with them by calling on the phone. Cards, emails, text, etc. are nice but an old fashion phone call is even better. It is more personal and can make a greater impact. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word that encourages me greatly! Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead in this day! Thank You for the people who You have put us with! Thank You for Your safety and security! Thank You for being who You are in my life! Father, I am praying for more believers to live out their faith over the fear that is trying to be put upon us. I pray for more believers to share Your love with all who come into their path. I also pray for protection from this virus over everyone. I know people will get it but I pray those who do will have mild effects from it without death. I pray protection over Doc and others who have a weakened immune system. Thank You for him being able to go for church yesterday! Lord, be with him today as he goes for blood work. I also pray for Your wisdom as I make calls about the denial from the insurance for his test. Father, cleanse me so You can fill me with more of Your Holy Spirit so my focus stays on Your will. May You be my words, thoughts, and actions today as I stand upon II Timothy 1:7 in a more intentional way. Thank You for Emily who home schools and Lizzy who is a teacher and can teach Miss Bella during her time out of school! I pray for all of our family to make decisions based upon You all the time but especially during this time with the virus. Thank You Jesus for being My Answer! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7; II Chronicles 7:14 - "The Stand"

I was so tired when I went to bed so I prayed for pastors with the hope I would wake throughout the night to pray more. God woke me once at 3:30 so I prayed again for them. My prayers were focused on the current crisis. I prayed for pastors who made the decision to close down activities at their church and for ones who made the decision to not close down. These decisions are ones that our tough to make and must be made with the Lord's guidance. I also prayed for pastors who are in small churches and struggle financially to have people realize their tithe and offerings are still needed even when they do not go to church. I prayed for pastors in large churches who have high overhead to have people realize the same. I prayed pastors would get the message across to people the importance of loving with Jesus' love. This is more critical to do now than ever before. People will not be able to depend upon themselves as usual. They will have unmet needs only the Lord can provide. People will get to the end of themselves very quickly in this situation. It is the perfect time for we, as believers, to love with His love. God also brought to me this verse for the church...

Yes! We are His people and we need a healing in our land. I don't mean just a physical healing but most importantly we need a spiritual healing. God will bring it as we allow Him to use us as His faithful servant. He will bring it when we allow Him to use us as His hands and feet. There is no better time than now to die to self so He can fill us with His Holy Spirit. Then, we will live in His empowerment. Then, we will not react in fear from the enemy to these days but we will react in His love. Paul's words in II Timothy 1:7 need lived out in everyone's life daily but especially in these days. These words were part of the message Paul gave to Timothy in his ministry. One commentary wrote of this verse:

Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy's background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter.

Yes! We, as pastors, need to have courage in these days and we need to use it to share the Gospel and encourage our people to do the same. Paul went through times of being in prison yet he never quit sharing the Gospel. He went through times of persecution yet He never quit sharing the Gospel. He went through times of people standing up against him yet He never quit sharing the Gospel. Plain and simple. Paul never quit sharing the Gospel. He also used opportunities God put before him to love with God's love. We need to do the same and lead our people to do live in this manner. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for another Saturday night of praying for pastors! Thank You for Your Word that reminds us of what we need to do in these tough days! Father, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. May You be my words, actions, attitude and thoughts today in a more intentional way. Thank You for the privilege to bring Your Word this morning! I don't like that I get to preach because Doc is not able but I am privileged to have the opportunity to do so. May You be his strength today in a new, different way. May You heal him Lord sooner than later while on this earth. I know it is going to take a miracle and I also know You are still in the miracle making business. Father, I pray for all pastors for Your strength as they make decisions for their people based upon Your wisdom. I pray for protection over all especially those in the front lines taking care of people. Father, thank You for the people who came out to paint yesterday. Praise Your Holy Name the ceilings are all painted and we are ready to do the walls. I praise You for the way You are going to hold off the rain so we can have service and lunch outside. I praise You for the way You are going to give Doc strength to attend. Father, thank You for being My Miracle Maker! Amen.

II Timothy 1:7 - "Church"

I woke up this morning with these words from the song Church...

Oh, take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

This song is about a person who was living a life for Christ but fell away. They desire to turn back to Him. There was a time in my life where I could have been the one to write this song. I allowed the enemy to have his way in my life for a period of time. I lived not only in the world but as the world. I made many mistakes that I wish I could turn back time and change. But that is not possible. What is possible is the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. His arms were open and ready to take me back. The 'church' not so much by some but with His love by many. Those who accepted me back did it with restoration in mind through His love. Unfortunately, there are still memories of some who did not have the same actions. I don't want to ever act like people cannot have a restored relationship with Christ. We are not to be judgmental but instead are called to love with His love. That is an unconditional love that does not question but instead supports one another. The church body should feel like home and be full of people I can depend on. But what we all must remember is that the church is made up of human beings. That means there will be times where we may not be treated as God would treat us. There will be things said that may not be the best choice of words but it doesn't mean we aren't loved. We all need to live in God's will so we will be focused on Him instead of self. As we live such a life, times of us saying or doing something not Christ-like will become fewer and far between. We must remember to speak words of life to one another. I had a situation yesterday of overhearing a conversation about me. I wasn't eavesdropping. The people knew I was right there and could hear them talking. I think that's what hurt the most. I was made fun of being a pastor. Usually, I hear words to build me up not tear me down. I kept quiet and prayed. Part of me wanted to confront them but the Holy Spirit told me my actions speak louder than any words that could come from my mouth. I prayed not only for them but also for myself as I felt hurt. I prayed for God to reveal Himself to them through me. This morning as I think about the situation I am thinking I need to start asking others besides waitresses how I can pray for them. God empowers me by His Holy Spirit to love with His love (II Timothy 1:7). I pray He will empower me to live with His eyes and ears so I can be His hands and feet in a more intentional way. I feel like I missed an opportunity yesterday to witness for Him but I also believe the Holy Spirit stopped me from saying anything because of the hurt I was feeling. My words may not have gloried Him in the way they should. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love on the people at the Assisted Living facility! Thank You for keeping my mouth shut when I was hurt by words! Thank You for empowering Doc to get through the pain he had yesterday! Oh Father, may today be a better day for him. He has felt so bad since the chemo on Wednesday. Thank You for continuing to give him the strength to get through these days! Father, I pray for a cleansing in my soul so You can fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray You will empower me to live with Your eyes and ears so I can be Your hands and feet. I pray for more of You and less of me to show through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. Father, please bring people today to paint at the building. I pray You will be in our midst so much work can be accomplished. I also pray for those who would love to be there but physically can't. May You encourage them to continue to pray and give financially so the project can be completed. I pray for our time of celebration for Doc tomorrow to have Your protection from germs. I pray for decisions that are being made by governmental officials, school leaders, pastors, etc. to keep us safe. I also pray for Christians to use this time to share Your love with others in new, different ways than ever before. I pray for us to see this in a positive manner instead of how some are seeing it only as a negative. Thank You Father for the good news I received about an answer to a prayer I have been praying for many months; Little Richie having his last chemo; and Mick's encouraging doctor appointment! Thank You for being with Denice and her family with the loss of her mother and father! Thank You Jesus for being My Desire! Amen.