Luke 2 - "Mary, Did You Know?"

Sunday I shared how we need to strive to live in God's presence 24/7, 365 days a year. The same can be said for celebrating His birth. It is not just something to do at Christmas but should be celebrated every day of the year. Last night as we walked around looking at Christmas lights I saw smiles on faces. There were couples holding hands and enjoying the evening just as we were doing. There were parents with children doing the same. I wondered how many of them are in relationship with Jesus. The light displays were empty of Nativity scenes which saddened me. He is the Reason for the Season. Even people not in relationship with Him recognize His birth is the reason for the celebration. So many things have changed over the years since His birth. One thing that has not changed is the fact those who are in relationship with Him need to share His love with others. I wonder what Mary pondered upon in Luke 2:19. What did she think about the shepherds visit to see her Baby Boy? Did she wonder about God's plan on His life? I remember when I would hold my boys as babies and wonder what God had ahead for them. I started praying for my babies when I was a little girl. When I daydreamed of having three boys and three girls as a teenager, I prayed for them and their children. Prayer is an important part of my life. God doesn't need to hear our prayers to change His mind. We need to speak prayers to encourage us. I thought this morning about Mary's time with her Aunt Elizabeth before Baby Jesus and John were born. What did Mary ponder then? Did she realize her role in life as being chosen to be Jesus' mother? What was her relationship with God like before she was given this monumental task? How did her relationship change? So many questions come to my mind. This morning I have "Mary, Did You Know" on my mind. Every time I hear this song I think of Ms Carol who sings it at Christmastime in church. 

Did you know that your baby boy

Is Heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding

Is the great 'I Am'

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this time Doug and I had away! Thank You for the beautiful lights and yummy dinner last night! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen. 

Psalm 16:11 - "Here In Your Presence"

Yesterday's Advent meditation was on peace. We find His peace in His presence. Saturday as we sat at the beach I felt God's presence through all five senses. The sand between my toes and the wind blowing across my face. The sound of the waves crashing. The smell of the sea air. Seeing the children play in the sand along the edge of the water. Our packed picnic lunch was enjoyed as we enjoyed the beauty of His creation. Saturday was a day full of activity from start to finish. Farmer's Market, a walk in Port Royal with stopping at a craft market, picking up shells at the Sands, lunch out at Hunting Island with a nice visit with Will and Sandy, and watching Port Royal's Christmas golf cart parade. Makes me tired just thinking about it...lol. I was thinking this morning of all the things that need done before my surgery Friday. The list is dwindling but there is still quite a bit on it. Instead of getting things accomplished Doug and I decided to run away for a pre surgery get away. Driving into the town and seeing all the Christmas lights was a treat. I can't wait to get out walking this morning to see all the little shops. No matter what we are doing God is with us. His presence is where I strive to live. In the midst of chaos in ministry He is there to empower me. When my physical body falls apart and needs things such as this upcoming surgery, He is there to be my strength. All I have to do is trust Him and allow Him to be who He desires to be in my life. I read Psalm 16:11 yesterday in my sermon. It reads, You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Nehemiah 8:10b tells us, The joy of the Lord is my strength. Woo hoo! We can have His peace and His joy as we live in His presence. Praise His Holy Name! I have the song "Here In Your Presence" on my mind this morning...

Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away
Here in Your presence

As I preached about yesterday, I am going to be more intentional in being in His presence not just this week as I continue to be in this 'waiting room' of life but every day. God does not choose to be with us just part of the time but 24/7. We need to make that same choice.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for this little get-away Doug and I have today! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace and joy over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Peace! Amen. 

Psalm 5 - "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

The Lord took me to Psalm 5 this morning. David wrote this Psalm to show the importance of prayer. He not only prayed for himself but for others in this Psalm. David realized God hears our prayers and is ready to hear them at all time. God doesn't need to hear our prayers but rather chooses to hear them. David praises God in the first six verses for hearing our prayers. Matthew Henry wrote, The most encouraging principle of prayer, and the most powerful plea in prayer, is, to look upon him as our King and our God. He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords as we allow Him to be. This Psalm is called the "Song of the Clouded Dawn" in The Passion Translation. It is broken into five sections. Morning Watch; Making It Right; Multitude of Mercy; Multitude of Sins; and Multitude of Blessings. Verse three directs us to start our days talking with the Lord. We need to repent in this conversation so we have a 'cleans slate' to begin our day. God can and will use us to glorify Him as we allow Him. This takes focusing on Him instead of on our problems, other people, etc. It takes making a conscience effort to live as Christ-like as we can. His love, grace, and mercy make it possible to focus on Him. Verse 8b in The Passion Translation is a plea from David that reminds of Proverbs 3:5-6. Smooth out your road in front of me, straight and level, so that I will know where to walk. Smooth roads are not always where we need to be in life. It is the 'bumps in the road' that take our faith deeper and push us to trust Him more. A life filled with His love, mercy, and grace is a life filled with blessings. Before going to bed, during the night, and again this morning I prayed for pastors who will be in the pulpit this morning along with worship pastors who will lead the congregation God has them in. I prayed for focus for not only myself but for all pastors who are leading today. I have the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" on my mind this morning. I'm praying for all pastors to remember He provides everything we need. I pray for all of us to remember no matter what lies ahead today God desires to be glorified.

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness!” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness!”
Morning By Morning New Mercies I See;
All I Have Needed Thy Hand Hath Provided
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Lord, Unto Me!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the full day of blessings yesterday that Doug and I shared! Thank You for friends like Anna, Sandy, and Mary who are praying for me! Thank You for being with not only myself but all pastors to be focused on You! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your provision for many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Provider! Amen. 

II Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:6-7, 13; Proverbs 3:5-6 - "The More I Seek You"

The unknown is just that. Unknown. We go through every day of life with many unknowns. The best part about life is that God knows all. There are no unknowns for Him. He allows things to happen in our life for us to learn from so we can go deeper in our faith. He puts people and circumstances before us to stretch our trust in Him. Sometimes 'unknowns' can be scary yet they do not have to be when we allow Him to empower us. II Timothy 1:7 reads, God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but He gives us a spirit of power, love and self-control. As we allow God to work in and through us we will receive His strength as Paul writes of in Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. We will receive His wisdom as Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks of. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. We will receive His peace when we adhere to Paul's words in Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The 'secret' to living is found in His presence. The more we seek Him the more we will find Him. I am reminded of the song Kari Jobe sings, "The More I Seek You"...

The more I seek you
The more I find you
The more I find you
The more I love you

Yes! Praise His Holy Name for loving us so much even when we fall short of His desires for us. I praise Him for accepting me back with open arms when I fell away. I praise Him for giving me His wisdom, strength, and empowerment for the unknowns of life. Doug shared this morning how God woke him at 2AM to pray over me. What a blessing he is in my life! I am so thankful I do not have to face next Friday without him. I know God is always with me but as a widow it would have been hard to go into a major surgery without a husband. I remember going through my fall, surgery, and recuperation in 2020. I am thankful for all who took care of me and showered me with His love. Hearing that I was not allowed to go home since I lived alone was hard. That was even harder to hear with being newly widowed. God got me through those days just as He will get me through the weeks ahead. No matter what happens Friday He is here for me. I have peace with knowing there are no unknowns in this situation for Him. I'm still struggling with the idea of recuperating for six weeks but I pray He will not just get me through it but will glorified in the process.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Doug praying over me during the night as I slept! Thank You for the way You encourage me through Scripture and songs! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your peace over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Empowerment! Amen. 

Romans 8 - "Confidence"

Pastor Roland shared this quote from John Wesley in our zoom gathering last night. “Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing!”  Sometimes we feel like we cannot continue to put one foot in front of the other to carry on. There are circumstances that can be so overwhelming we feel crushed. There are so many responsibilities upon the shoulders of a pastor. No matter how hard we try we feel like a failure. Pastor Roland shared in our discussion when he becomes weary in ministry he does a check on his spiritual life and gets refocused on God. I thought about how when we get our focus off of God and onto the difficulties of life we become discouraged. The same can be said about ministry. Paul speaks in Romans 8 about living in the Spirit to overcome sufferings on this earth. The last few verses of this chapter are of great encouragement to me. In verse thirty-seven we are told we are conquerors. Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection are the reason each one of us are here today. He is not just the Reason for the Season but for every day of the year. Verses thirty-eight and thirty-nine read in The Passion Translation:

So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!

Life's difficulties are just that. Difficulties. They are no surprise to God. He can and will use them to strengthen our faith and stretch our trust in Him. He will use people and circumstances to open our eyes to what He desires of us as we allow Him. The 'secret' to being successful for Him is to stay focused on Him. When I look back at the times I failed Him, I realize it was because of not having my focus on Him. Shame on me. Praise His Holy Name for His love that accepts me back into His arms when I repent. I love the words God's passionate love from these verses. That is exactly what I experience every day of my life. I am so blessed to be a conqueror for Him. I am reminded this morning of the song "Confidence" as I think about the 'giants' in my life...

So give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Pastor Rusty leading our book study! Thank You for the walk Doug and I took yesterday morning as we were apart a lot of the day! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your confidence over many facing giants in life. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Conqueror! Amen. 

John 12:27-28 - "Where Are You Christmas?"

Over the last few weeks the song "Where Are You Christmas?" has been going through my mind. This Christmas will be different without my Momma here on earth with us. It also will be different in a happy way with having Doug in my life. Yesterday as I sat in a roomful of widows I saw so much hurt. I saw some tears and I saw some smiles. I know a bit of what they are going through as I had three Christmas' as a widow. You hear some say, 'I will never marry again' and then others like myself that knew marriage was what God had planned for me. Distractions will help with the hurt yet they also will hinder the healing process. They will take away our focus on the true Reason for the Season. The words to this song are ones no one wants to experience yet it is through difficulties in life our faith is taken deeper and our trust in God grows stronger.

Where are you, Christmas?
Why can't I find you?
Why have you gone away?
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me?
Why can't I hear music play?
My world is changing
I'm re-arranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too?

God doesn't change, we do. God doesn't leave us, we wander away. We do not have to go through anything alone. We always have Him to talk to. As we are intentional to focus on Him we will realize His love to a greater extent. We will experience His love as He wipes away the tears that fall. We will experience His love as we allow Him to use our hurts for His glory. Last night in Bible study we talked about the importance of our prayers when facing difficulties. We are tempted to pray, 'Father, save me from this hour' yet we need to pray 'Father, glorify Your name' (John 12:27-28). Jesus' words are ones we need to follow. We need to see the example He put before us on how to live as God desires of us. These verses read in The Passion Translation, “Even though I am torn within, and my soul is in turmoil, I will not ask the Father to rescue me from this hour of trial. For I have come to fulfill my purpose —to offer myself to God. So, Father, bring glory to your name!” God has a purpose for each one of us. As we fulfill that purpose we will realize His love more than ever before. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Vonna who leads the widows group and for the opportunity to pray over the group yesterday! Thank You for Your Word that reminds me You are always with me! Thank You for bringing Doug into my life at the perfect time! Lord, I pray I will be more intentional in living out Your purpose for me so You will be glorified through me. Cleanse me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your strength over many going through difficulties. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Purpose! Amen. 

Psalm 34:18-20 - "This Is Christmas"

Every time I turn around there is a reminder of my dear Momma. She loved Christmas and always strived to make it as good as possible for everyone around her. My love for baking Christmas cookies comes from watching her as I grew up. She put in many hours making cut-out cookies and then decorating them. I remember one year when I was in grade school of her making each one of the children a santa claus cookie. In the many years I made fifty dozen cookies to share she helped in my kitchen. Another tradition she instilled in me was sending Christmas cards. As I was finishing up making cards Doug asked me if I always did them. I shared with him how last year Momma didn't have the money to do cards and I knew it was breaking her heart. I bought the cards and stamps so she could send them out instead of doing my own. Her emotions when I told her was priceless. Another tradition she passed down was having people around her table for Christmas dinner. It didn't matter if it were a crowd or just a couple as long as there were people. I am thankful for her friend Wanda who spent many times around her table. When I moved to South Carolina, holiday meals were different but I always try to include people around my table especially if they have no family around. Christmas music was always playing in the house when I was growing up and continues to be played today. Our Christmas tree is decorated with meaningful ornaments and topped with an angel made out of one of my Grandma's hankies. Icicles or tinsel are the last thing to be put on just as my Momma did on her trees. Presents under the tree became fewer as Momma aged but they were important to her. In my Daddy's last years I would pick up little gifts for 'the girls' of the family for him to give just from him. My parents taught me so much in life with sharing being on the top of the list. The most important thing they taught me was a saying I frequently say this time of year. It is not about the presents under the tree but about His presence in our life. They taught me the true meaning of Christmas is not just for one day a year or one season but it needs to be three hundred and sixty five days a year. I love when people share stories of how God has been so close to them in difficult times. I also love when people share how my parents blessed them over the years. They were so good at blessing others through the Lord. We did not always have much materially but we sure were blessed by God in so many ways. When I received this picture from Cheryl of Momma's Christmas cactus blooming, I was so blessed. Momma would call me the first day a bloom started so excited that it would be in bloom for Christmas. (One thing I did not inherit from her was keeping plants alive...lol.) As I reflect this morning on all the things I learned from her and my Daddy i am reminded of David's words of Psalm 34:18 that encourage me to remember the Lord is always with me. He has taken my tears, dried them, and given me the strength to continue on through many difficult days. I am also blessed by verses nineteen and twenty in The Passion Translation. Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face. God will be your bodyguard to protect you when trouble is near. Not one bone will be broken. I was reminded yesterday in a conversation about how God knows the outcome of December 15. No matter what lies ahead He already has things taken care of. Praise His Holy Name! I have the song "This Is Christmas?" on my mind this morning as I reflect on Christmas' in the past and feeling very blessed in knowing the real Reason for The Season!

What is Christmas?
If there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas without Christ?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the opportunities You gave me yesterday to love with Your love! Thank You for the ones ahead today! Thank You for an impromptu conversation in Dollar Tree with a lady going through some difficult times! May she seek Your strength. Thank You for Doug taking Jack to Charleston and for his good report! Cleanse me so You can fill me so people will see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Psalm 34:18 over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Beth; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Mike's sister; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; a young girl in our community; Audrey; Mr Mullet; Marybeth's friend; David; Dave and Carol with his treatments; Dan; and Ray. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; Debbie and her family; Mr. John; Darrell; Mallory and Baby Zion; Sandra; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Reason For The Season! Amen.