Oh my, I love how God works! I woke up this morning before the alarm went off with the song "God's Not Done" going through my mind. I took my shower and opened up my computer and Cait's phone went off with "God's Not Done" playing. Woo hoo, God! Confirmation is so sweet! Last night Pastor Sam gave a list of seven symptoms of a dying church. He asked pastors to come forward to be anointed if their church had even one of the symptoms. After being anointed I knelt at the altar and cried out to God to empower me to be a better pastor. I prayed for Him to show me my weaknesses as I lead the church. The tears flowed as I asked Him to use me as He so desired. Yesterday I shared in my sermon how there were times this week when I felt like a failure as a pastor. God continues to encourage me to not give up but instead to lean more into His strength. He encourages me to continue to seek more of Him every day. I am one blessed lady with the knowledge that...
God's not done with you It's not over, it's only begun So don't hide, don't run 'Cause God's not done With you, you. He's not done with you, you. He's got a plan, this is part of it
He's gonna finish what He started
He's not done God's not done writing your story No, He's not done
Yes! My story is still being written by the best writer ever! God is the author of my story. He knows all the characters in it. He knows the setting of each and every aspect of my story. The conflict and the resolution is fully known by Him and no one else. As I listened to Pastor Sam last night I felt like he is a big part of my story. He was with us through Doc's cancer and death. He continues to support me through texts, phone calls, etc. He is a main character in my story. He is more than my 'boss' as he is my pastor. As he shared the Hebrew aspect of Jeremiah 29:11-13 I felt like I was listening to Doc preach. Doc lived out God's shalom even through the sixteen months of cancer. I remember Pastor Sam, Candy, and Zippy coming to visit us in Doc's last weeks on earth. After he passed Pastor Sam mentioned how we both had such a peace about us even in the midst of what we were going through. Yes! God's peace is perfect. It can only be realized when one surrenders themselves to the Lord. I am thankful for the time God gave me with Doc as my mentor. I am thankful for all I learned from him not only on how to be a good pastor but how to rely on God through life. The theme for District Assembly is 'Enduring Hope' and that is exactly what I live out every day. No matter what happens God's peace is upon me. No matter how many times the enemy tries to push me down and tell me I am not good enough God is there to lift me up. I am so thankful for Who God is in my life and look forward to the next chapter He has for me in my story. Praise His Holy Name!
Dear Jesus,
Thank You so much for Pastor Sam's words last night! Thank You for the anointing upon me as a pastor! Thank You for Your shalom that continues to be upon me especially in the midst of the times the enemy comes knocking at my door! Thank You for LaNora and her servant heart that has served the South Carolina District for so many years! Thank You for laughter with Carol, Paula, and Cait! You are such a good provider of what I need. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May Your shalom be upon me in a mighty way today. I pray the same for many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Nancy; Betty; Pastor Leslie; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; and a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for healing for Pastor Ted! Thank You for being The Author of My Story! Amen.
Life has been anything but 'normal' this week. There has been more days of resting than anything else. The one 'normal' thing was my typical Saturday night prayers for pastors. I prayed for my NCO friends who had District Assembly/Family Camp this week along with my SC friends who have District Assembly tonight and tomorrow. I prayed for those who were/will be ordained along with all the pastors who posted pictures of being ordained over the years. I prayed for each one of us to remember the call God put on our life. There are days when I question if I am capable of fulfilling His call but then He reminds me He is my source of hope as Paul wrote of in Romans 15. When the enemy comes knocking at my door and tries to tell me I am not good enough, God is here to encourage me. When people's words tear me down, God is there to build me back up. When life is 'hard' and it feels like everything is going wrong, God is there to love me through such times. I am so thankful for my relationship with Him. I am grateful He wraps His arms around me when I feel like I am falling apart. He is here with me at all time and for that I am grateful. Before going to sleep, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for some pastors going through difficult times with their church. I prayed: against the enemy having his way in their situations; for protection over them and their family; and for God to be glorified through everything that happens. I also prayed for pastors on sabbatical to be renewed and refreshed in their spirit. This morning I am reminded of the song "For All My Life"....
Some days are long, some work is tough Whatever I lack You make it up Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light You gave me life, You give me love Whenever I’m dry You fill my cup Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light
I won’t lean on My own Understanding I will let go Follow Empty handed You said Your yoke is easy You said Your burden’s light So I’ll let You Lead me For all my life
Yes! God does not set us up to fail but instead puts situations before us to grow our faith. I am so thankful for the knowledge that He is with me at all time. His strength and peace are mine as I allow Him to work in and through me. Praise His Holy Name! I have nothing to fear but instead can stand in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at all time.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for all of the ways You love on me through people, Scripture, music, etc.! Thank You for the peace You give as I allow You to be Who You desire to be in my life! As I prayed last night before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning for pastors You revealed some situations to me that needed special prayer. May You be so close to those You brought before me. May they feel Your loving arms wrapped around them in these difficult days. May we all take tough situations and allow You to be glorified through them. I pray that for many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; and a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for healing for Pastor Ted! Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. Father, I need an extra dose of Your supernatural strength to not just get through today and tomorrow but to glorify You through them. Thank You for Mike and Kenny who helped me yesterday! What a blessing my church family is to me! Thank You for being My Life! Amen.
The Lord took me to Psalm 19 this morning and immediately I thought of the beautiful sunsets He gives us. This Psalm is one that reminds me of God's creativity. He created everything in a way that glorifies Himself. We are His creation that needs to glorify Him through not only our words but also our actions. This can be done by praising Him in the 'good' and the 'tough' days of life. The enemy does not like praises to our Heavenly Father. In fact, he will fight us more when we praise God. Spiritual warfare is real and hits us in a variety of ways. The thing we must remember is that God is greater than the enemy. When we allow God to be Who He desires in our life, we will be empowered to stand up to the enemy and be victorious. There is a statement in this week's sermon I knew but needed reminded. In the Christian life there are no victories that are not God’s. Woo hoo! Yes! Every victory we have in life is a result of His doing. I need to get better at thanking Him for each and every victory He gives me. Whether it be a small one or a big one. He is the responsible for each and every one. When we walk in obedience to Him, we will realize what He desires for us in a different way. His voice will not only be heard but we will have the desire to follow Him. I am so thankful for the relationship I have with Him. My heart breaks to see people struggle because they refuse to allow Him in their life. It also breaks for people 'riding the fence' with one foot with Him and the other living in the world. There is no better life to live than one with Him. Psalm 19 reminds me to keep His ways. His laws are perfect...statutes are trustworthy...precepts are right...commands are radiant...the fear of the Lord is pure...His decrees are firm. David asks God to empower him to not willfully sin. The more we seek God's will for our life the more we will receive His empowerment. The last verse of this Psalm is one I frequently send up to God. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. I am reminded of a song Rebecca St. James sings called "Everything I Do"...
Everything I do let it be in Your name Let it be for Your glory let it be for You Everything I say let it be in Your name Let it be to Your glory let it be for Your sake
'Cause I want to please You in everything I do I want the world to see You, when they look at me I want the world to hear You in every word I speak So let my words be Your words and my actions too
Yes! The desire of my heart is for everything I do, say, or think to be from Him. Living such a life becomes easier the more I do it. I remember years ago when I was living with one foot with Him and one with the world. It was not easy nor was it fun. I am so thankful for the day I finally surrendered everything to Him and allow Him to be my King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for another day of rest as my body heals! Thank You for the card from Mary and Ross and for the texts/calls from many! Thank You for loving on my so greatly! Lord, I pray Psalm 19 over my life. May I remember to always put You first. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. I pray 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; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; and a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for healing for Pastor Ted! Thank You for being My Lord of Lords! Amen.
The words to the song "Drops In The Ocean" were with me every time I was awake during the night. I love the word picture this song gives. The ocean is vast and God's love is even more so. His love is with us through the ups and downs of life. He loves us no matter what we do or say. His love stays with us even when we do not do as He desires. He never quits loving us. That is great knowledge to have in life. It is comforting to know we can't mess up more than His love. The song goes...
If you wanna know How far my love can go Just how deep, just how wide If you wanna see How much you mean to me Look at my hands, look at my side If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven It's more than the drops in the ocean
Paul's last words in Ephesians 3 are a prayer for the Ephesians. It reads in the NIV:
For this reason I kneel before the Father,from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Praise His Holy Name for being rooted and established in love. I am so grateful for Who God is in my life. I am grateful for not only His love but His grace. These verses bring peace into my life when many times there is chaos. They bring joy in the difficult times of life. They empower me to focus on Him no matter what is happening. I do not have to understand everything about God but the more I seek Him the more He will reveal to me. I continue to seek what Jeremiah 33:3 means for my life. I am grateful for the way God speaks to me as I walk in obedience to His will. Matthew Henry writes of Ephesians 3:
How desirable to have a fixed sense of the love of God in Christ to our souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fulness, may be said to be filled with the fulness of God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his happiness?
Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love You pour out over me every day! Thank You for the way You love me through people, Scripture, music, and circumstances! Thank You for another day of life that is ahead! I pray for continued healing in my body so I can function normally once again. I pray for a cleansing in my soul so I can be who You have called me to be. I pray for Your peace in my spirit. I pray peace for many going through difficult days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; and a lady whose breast cancer has returned. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry and for Pastor Ted having successful surgery! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen.
We talked last night in Bible study about how God showers us with His love, mercy, and grace. When I walked away from Him, He never gave up on me. Every time I was awake during the night a song Jason Crabb sings called "Just As I Am" was on my mind. This part speaks volumes...
Just as I am In the good and the bad You still understand And You never stopped loving me Just as I am With the heart of the Father And grace like no other You never stopped loving me Just as I am
His love never leaves us. Even when we turn away from Him He continues to be there for us. His protection never goes away. There are many parents I pray for with prodigals. My heart hurts for them and I pray they will know God is watching over their children. I pray these days with some of them not even knowing where their children are will be days of trusting God. Paul's words in Philippians 4 encourage us to rejoice and not be anxious. In our humanness it is hard to do this when dealing with such things in life as prodigals. But it is not impossible when we turn everything over to God and allow Him to work in the situation. The peace Paul speaks of in Philippians 4:7 can only be found through the Lord. God's love, mercy, and grace are available for all. When we accept them, His peace will be ours. When we praise Him even in the midst of trying days, we will focus on Him instead of our troubles. This will empower us to be who He has called us to be. Praise His Holy Name!
Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for all the ways You protect us and take care of us! My heart is heavy this morning as I pray for those with prodigals. May they receive Your peace with their situation as they trust You. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so I can be who You have called me to be. I pray for continued healing in my physical body as I rest today. Lord, be with Patty and Pastor Ted as he has surgery this morning. Guide the surgeon's hands and mind. 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; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; and a lady whose breast cancer has returned. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen.
I woke up this morning with a song Katy Nichole sings called "In Jesus" Name" going through my mind. My prayer list continues to grow with people with physical issues such as diseases, accidents, and many awaiting test results. It recently has grown so much with those needing emotional healing. There are so many dealing with anxiety and fear. My heart breaks for all no matter if their needs are physical, mental, emotional, or financial. Most of all it breaks for those with spiritual needs. We all need prayer to draw closer to God. Everyone needs to allow God to be Who He desires to be in their life. We can never have enough of Him. Every day is a challenge to not allow the world to take over our life. The enemy works over time to tear us away from God. He works through people and circumstances. This song is my prayer for myself and for many others...
I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name I pray that a breakthrough would happen today I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name In Jesus name
Yes! A breakthrough is what is needed when life is overwhelming. We can only find a breakthrough when we seek more of Jesus in our life. God took me to Ephesians 3 this morning to ponder upon. I relate to the beginning of this chapter as Paul speaks of the trials he has gone through in life. My life has been full of times when I could not have survived without the Lord. I am so thankful for His love, mercy, and grace He gives me every day. The last section of Ephesians is a prayer of blessings over the Ephesians. He prays blessings for God's strength to be theirs. Matthew Henry writes:
He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells.
God's love is greater than anything we go through in life. It is greater than the hurts of life as we allow Him to sooth us through such times. The key is we must allow Him to be Who He desires in our life. We must die to self so He can live fully in us. That does not mean the hurts will necessarily go away. It means God will be our strength to get us through such times. My heart especially breaks to see believers hurting so deeply when they refuse to allow God to be their King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray I can touch more people with the knowledge of this concept. Many times I have been asked how I can endure all I have been through. I have a one word answer and that is 'Jesus!'
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace You shower upon me every day! Thank You for the continued healing in my body! Thank You for the privilege to pray with and for many! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for more of Your wisdom as I seek Your will for my life. 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; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; and a lady whose breast cancer has returned. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.
Yesterday I was in the car twice and both times the song "Things That I'm Afraid Of" came on the radio. I looked up the lyrics and thought about how many people have great fears in life. Fears of not being good enough, their loved one dying, failure as a spouse or as a parent, failure of failing God, etc. We do not have to fear anything but instead need to stand in God's strength. I have been told that is easier said than done. That is true at times but the more we lean into God the more we have His peace. This song begins with these words...
When I am shaking And my heart's pounding You always take me And make me lay down in Peaceful fields where I can clear my head
I find His peace out in nature so often when I am struggling. I go to the water front and walk before going to an appointment such as for my annual mammogram. When I feel overwhelmed with life, I will go sit on the beach at Hunting Island. When I get to the end of a trying day, I drive over to my favorite place to see the sunset. God speaks to me through nature. Paul wrote to Timothy in II Timothy 1 about how God empowers us to be strong through our faith. He is with us no matter what is happening in life. There is no better place than in His presence. We must remember the only way to feel His presence is to allow Him to be Who He desires to be in our life. Once again, that is something that can be hard to accomplish because we have to die to self. The ways of the world pull us into the world instead of allowing us to be in His presence. The thing we must remember is God is bigger than the world. He is bigger than the enemy. In this song the writer tells us...
I walked through the valley of shadows And it scared me half to death But You're with me everywhere I go So I don't give up yet My fear would surely kill me If I didn't know the truth The things that I'm afraid of are afraid of You
This is definitely something we need to remember when the enemy comes knocking. Fear comes from the enemy not from God. I have never experienced true anxiety so I may not understand it in its fullness but I do know God understands everything. He is always with us and wants to stretch our faith through difficult times in life. He desires for us to lean into Him so we can not only hear His voice but walk in obedience to Him.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for rest yesterday and for the day ahead! Thank You for continuing to heal my body from the fall! Thank You for Carol Goodwin who brought over homemade chicken and noodles! Thank You for everyone who checked on my yesterday! You are such an awesome God in the way You encourage me through songs, Scripture, and people. This song "Things That I'm Afraid Of" reminds me You are always with me and for that I am grateful. Paul's words in II Timothy 1:7 encourage me greatly to stand in Your strength. Woo hoo! I pray for many going through difficult days to be in a relationship with You where they too can stand in Your strength. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Beth; Nancy; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; Marion; some young ladies with anxiety; Chrissy; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Rhonda; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; Amber; families in turmoil; Cyndi; Doug and Gay; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Sharon's daughter Ashley; Chrissy's cousins; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; my friend with mesothelioma; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Alex's niece; a young girl in our community; and a lady whose breast cancer has returned. I pray for: the Long Family, Vickie's son Jim, and Russ. Thank You for continued strength for Baby Henry! Lord, may You be so near to those with prodigals. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. Thank You for being My Strength! Amen.
