I Smile

(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)

I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.

I was asked the other day why am I always smiling.  Truth be told it hasn't always been this way.  Sometimes life situations have had me so down that I didn't genuinely smile for weeks.  During this time in my life I wasn't aware of what I know now.  I said alot of things that I didn't put into practice.  But the other day as I was driving home and this song came on my XM radio, I realized that the lyrics to this song reflected what I felt in my heart.  At this point in my life, there is one thing I know to be true.  God is able!  I don't know how He is going to do it or when it is going to happen, but I do know that in the end I will be better.  It is no longer a matter of me looking at my situation, sad and sulking, weak and worried.  Now it is "Lord I trust You!" My eyes are focused on God and what I know He can do.  Even now at this very moment in my life there are trials that I am facing.  These aren't recent trials. Truth be told they have been going on for almost two years to varying degrees.  I thank God today that I haven't let that stop me from praising Him.  Instead I praise Him more.  Why?  Because my God is faithful! When I am going through there are things that I have learned to do that help me hold on just a little while longer. 

First, I get deeper into the Word.  For everything you are facing, know that God has prepared a word of encouragement for you in the Bible.  You just have to take the time to go seek it out.  The next thing I do is pray.  I ask God what He is trying to show me through this experience.  I ask Him to search my heart and whatever is not like Him, take it away.  Everyday I wake up with myself and I go to bed with myself.  I am aware of the ugliness that sometimes creeps into my spirit.  I know that there are times that I don't want to forgive or love my enemy.  I get tired of being treated unjustly.  All these things God has shown me a little bit at a time and daily I ask Him to continue to shape me into the woman He wants me to be so that I can be of service to Him.  The last thing that I do is actually done from the beginning to the end of the storm.  I praise God!  I offer up a prayer of thanksgiving.  You see, God could just leave me the way I am.  But He doesn't.  He knows my heart.  He knows that there is one thing that I desire of the Lord and this one thing I seek after.  I want to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 27:4)  These are not just words.  Daily I want to be in His presence and as the song says above, 'it's hard to look up when you look down'.  I have learned to keep my eyes on Jesus.  You just can't stay in that funk when you are looking up to God.  And furthermore, you can't help but SMILE. 

So when you people ask me why I smile, the answer is simple.  Why not smile?  I have God on my side.  I have the best doctor, the best lawyer.  Why spend my time worrying?  I am going to sleep.  I have learned to leave my problems in the hands of the One who can do something about it. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I love You not because of what you've done for me but for who You are!  Circumstances of life would dictate that I walk around with my head down and a frown on my face.  I am so glad that my life is not determined by my circumstances because You have the final say.  And as long as I live I am going to trust You.  Thank you for loving me. I will continue to give your name all the glory, honor and praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Strength For Your Journey

About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance."  Mark 8:1-3

Are you familiar with the story of when Jesus fed the multitude with a few fish and seven loaves of bread? I have heard this story since I was a small child. I read it in the Bible story books momma and daddy had on the bookshelf at home. I've heard the story preached by several ministers. Most times when I hear about this story it's all about Jesus feeding the five thousand. I want to talk today about the miracle before the miracle.


Read again Mark 8:1-10. At this time Jesus had just finished healing a deaf man and because of the wonderful things people had seen him do they told others and so right after this another crowd gathered, being taught by Jesus. He taught so wonderfully that they desired to hear more from him so they stayed with him quite a long time. So many things I can take from this but one thing I will share with you, is that you can learn so much from the Savior, so why not spend time with Him. This is kind of what we do when we study his word, attend church services, pray, work in different ministries, all in obedience and to be closer to God.

The thing that stuck out next to me was that in the midst of the crowds obedience and desire to learn more from him, Jesus saw a need. Read verse 2 again. Even though they had been with Jesus for three days, he saw that they had run out of food. Kinda like when things are going on in your life, you don't sit down, you don't give up. You continue with your routine. You're still praying, reading your Bible, going to Sunday school, singing in the choir, still listening attentively to the Lord, all the while in a wilderness. You see when you leave church on Sunday and finish listening to the sermon, you still have to go home to your wilderness. You just finished your morning quiet time with God and now off to work, your wilderness. The good news is God sees your need. It recognizes that you are running on empty and he wants to fill you up. Now of course like the disciples you may think how am I going to find anything in this wilderness. They were also listening to Jesus with the crowd and seeing all the wonderful things he had done but they still wondered. But see, when Jesus asked them what did they have, they had seven loaves of bread and they found a few fish. So what did Jesus do, he blessed it and it multiplied. Not only were they fed they were filled up and they had some leftover. (Just a footnote, I love leftovers because when I'm tired and don't feel like cooking I can just go to the refrigerator and warm up some leftovers. Right there in the refrigerator I have everything I need and I don't have to put forth any extra effort, and the best thing is when I reheat things like dressing or meatloaf it is so much better the second day because the flavors have had time to marinate and it taste so much better. Much like God's leftovers, the things we have stored up that taste so much sweeter when we pull them out the second time and they are so much more applicable to our lives at that moment.)

You see God knows the sacrifices that we make when we continue to trust him. We go to church even though we are running on empty. He sees our need and he blesses it. He takes the little that we have, which might be a sermon we heard a few Sundays ago, a scripture that we read during our morning devotion and he blesses it so that we can have strength for our journey. You see my God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. So don't give up, keep trusting, keep believing. Rest assured that God sees your need and wants to show you compassion. He is there to give you strength for your journey. James Cleveland sang a song I love that said, 'little becomes much when you place it in the Master's hand'.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I am speechless. I haven't said anything to anybody. I have still been going about my daily routine and all the while I am in my very own wilderness. I thank you, Heavenly Father, because you know see me where I am and you want to do something about it. I thank you because I know that during this time I can lean on your everlasting arms and you will continue to provide for me strength for my journey. Thank you. In Jesus' Name Amen.

Heaven

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory. So glad...I'm so glad. So glad...I'm so glad. So glad...I'm so glad everybody will be happy over there!

I must confess there are days when all I can think about is heaven. Sometimes the pressures of this world are so heavy and it seems like the walls are closing in that the mere thought of seeing my Savior's face brings me joy. I would like just to be able to get away from it all and take a vacation but that alternative isn't always possible. So I go to my happy place....a place of joy, peace, singing, praising, shouting! Have you ever had days like this? A day when you just need to escape the worries and cares of this world into a glimpse of heaven.

You know I truly believe the more you try to do right and live for God, the more Satan tries to come up against you. But don't let him distract you. Remember that 'we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms'. Ephesians 6:12 Although our enemies might look like us, it is the believer's job to keep our eye on the prize. We shouldn't get so wrapped up in the person who is causing us so much pain. And believe me when I tell you this is hard. The person could be on your job, in your church, a distant relative or even someone in your own home. We must remember that our enemy is Satan! Anything he can do to try and steal your joy or make you take your eyes off Christ, he will do it. But I say that when your vision is blurry, simply readjust your focus. I don't care what anybody says, you cannot think about God and stay in the same mindset. But for a glimpse of heaven and a face-to-face meeting with my Heavenly Father, my personal Savior, my joy in sorrow and my hope for tomorrow. Because I know He is looking down on me along with a great cloud of witnesses cheering me on, reminding me through the Holy Spirit that I've got the victory, I can go on another day. That's such good news! Not only will I get to see my Savior, but also my loved one who have went on before me. I won't have any worries or cares. I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was all worth it. The day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and my Savior was the very best decision I ever made. What about you?


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


I just want to thank you for saving me. Thank you for allowing me to know you and to know that this world is not my home, I am just passing through. I am on my way to a better place where there will be no tears, no pain, no worries, no stress. It gives me that bit of encouragement to run on and see what the end will be. I know that I am not worthy. I know that I am but a sinner saved by grace and because you loved me I will get to enjoy all the benefits of your Son. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

The Blood

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22

There have been many times in life that I just want to run and hide. I recall a time in my life when I was dissatisfied with where I was in my life.  I had made  a mistake and not only did I make it once, I made this same mistake three times.  I remember secluding myself from others.  I was so weak.  All the physical strength that I had come to rely on disappeared.  It was the first time as an adult that I realized that I couldn't do it on my own.  I needed someone bigger than me to replace my weakness with his strength.  I needed the blood to come in and wash me white as snow.  I needed it to remove that guilty stain.  I needed the blood. 

Many of us sing about the wonder-working power of the blood, however few of us know what it truly means and the power it has.  It is the blood of Jesus that clears our conscious from sin and its influence it has on us.  No longer are we in bondage to sin.  It is the very foundation of redemption.  It is the only acceptable payment for our sins.  There is nothing we can do on our own.  That is why we must tap into it's power.  God has provided everything we need to live a life serving Him.  Our problem arises when we place our priorities above the ultimate goal every believer - to glorify God.  Our lives are supposed to be used to uplift the kingdom of God. It is easy to play the role of the victim when we fall into sin.  I stopped by here to tell you that in order to be victorious through the power of the blood you must be a fighter.  The period of disappointment in my life  was not the time for me to lay down.  Instead it was the time for me to remember that 'we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities'. (Eph. 6:12) I had to remember that 'the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds'.  (II Corinthians 10:4)  So let us not underestimate the power of the blood.  There must be a continual embracing of his blood.  We do not offer our own works, but the power of that blood. When God sees the Blood of His Son, which we offer as our covering, pardon and plea, God does not see our sin at all; He can only see the covering -the Blood. It is the blood that cries out to God, "Our sin is covered. The penalty is paid!"  So don't run and hide when you mess up.  Take your sin to God and ask for forgiveness.  God sees your mistake through loving eyes.  You don't have to feel unworthy to work for Him. Continue on in service and let people around you see God's love in action. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I come to You today, confessing that I have sinned.  I have messed up.  I ask for your forgiveness.  I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.  Cleanse my body, soul and spirit .  Help me to remember that throughout my day, especially when I attempt to look down on others for their mistakes.  Let me always remember that I am just a sinner saved by grace.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Just For Me

Just for meJust for me (just for me), You came down because You loved me.
Just for me (just for me), never knew someone to care so much me,
(I never knew someone could care for me); just for me now I'm praying,
(and I adore You, living just for You)


The words of this song remind me as we get ready to celebrate Easter, that 'greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down His life for a friend'...John 15:13.  Have you ever been so overwhelmed with the circumstances of life that you just want to scream. It's not even that any thing out of the ordinary is going on, just day-to-day life. You look at your calendar and you realize everything that is ahead of you. You may have some tests at the doctor. You haven't been feeling well and so you are trying to find out what is going on. It is time for your annual performance evaluation and they are in the process of cutting jobs. You have been doing your best work but there has been a high level of office politics going on and you refuse to play the game. You may be taking care of a sick relative. You may be having problems at home and are contemplating a major decision. Your unemployment just ran out and you are wondering how you are going to pay next months bills. I can name a million other things but I think I have made my point. What lies ahead can make you want to pull your hair out sometimes.


But can you imagine the days leading up to cavalry? Jesus knew what was about to happen. He knew the pain that he was about to endure. And what did he do....he went to the garden to pray. What did he say while he was praying? He asked if God could remove the cup from him. I don't blame him. After all, he was human. He wasn't going to be exempt from the pain at cavalry. He was going to feel pain everytime they struck the nail with the hammer. Not only was he about to suffer physically but emotionally also. He was going to be betrayed. The very people who followed and listened to him daily would turn their backs on him. What pain in his heart this would cause. All of this would be too much for anyone to bear. Of course this doesn't make your issue seem smaller because only you really know your pain.

Why did I bother to tell you all this? By now you know that I am a big advocate for prayer. I believe in its power. I believe it adds light to the darkest circumstances. It has the power to change things. So if you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life then you should pray about it. I know that prayer doesn't seem like much when you are looking for an immediate solution of just a little relief, but your prayers set God in motion. It gives him the go ahead to know that he is free to work. And when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out it is okay to ask God to 'remove this cup'. But if you ask this part of the prayer you must end it with the rest of the prayer, 'but not my will but your will be done'. You see, everything we go through serves a purpose and unfortunately we don't see what it is all the time. God may be trying to tell us that we need to pray more. He may be building up other characteristics in us so that when we look in the mirror we see more of him. As children of God we are not in control. The car is in neutral and God is at the wheel. He is making us into what he would have us to be. And what does it hurt to pray? You never know when he may give you some temporary relief. But even if he doesn't, it is still better to go through pain with the Lord than without him. He will give you the strength to 'go on though it' but you have got to 'let God do it'!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I'm tired. It feels like the walls are closing in. If it ain't one thing then it's another. Right now I have a problem that is just to hard for me to handle and it is starting to take a toil on my life. It would be great if you could just take this away from me but I know that may not be possible. Please give me what I need to make it through this situation and in the end I will give you all the glory. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

God Is Still On The Throne

Therefore I will not fear, though the earth gives way. Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam; though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God; the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

Psalms 46:2-5

One fact remains the same:  God is still on the throne.  I had to remind myself of this fact today.  With all that is going on in the world and in my life, there are times that I feel like I am going to lose my mind.  Just when I had a little bit of breathing room, Satan comes in and attacks my mind.  Driving down the street in my car I couldn't do anything but cry out to God.  My words were not eloquent.  As a matter of fact, through the tears, all I could cry out was "God, help me!" I wasn't feeling sorry for myself. I was simply overwhelmed.  But through it all one thing I have learned is that I will trust in the Lord.  Come what may from day to day, He is the source of my strength and the strength of my life.  I will not be afraid no matter what happens in my life.  I know that God is in control.

It is so easy to get caught up in the turmoil of this world.  Wars and rumors of wars.  Sons killing fathers.  Mothers killing daughters.  Earthquakes. Tornadoes.  Hurricanes, Tsunamis.  Businesses going under.  Marriages being attacked on every hand.  Children being pressured to drink and take drugs.  If everything is going right in your life, just wait awhile.  Kind of like the weather in Oklahoma.  Wait five minutes and it will change.  Sounds bad doesn't it.  Don't worry my sister.  Be encouraged my brother.  As Christians we have hope.  Our hope does not lie in our own abilities but in the power of the Most High God.  And the last I checked He is still on the throne.  The Psalmist expresses such a wonderful metaphor in the verses above.  Life couldn't have been worse.  But in the midst of it all he paints a picture of a state of calmness and peace.  I love the way Barnes Commentary put it...The "idea" here is simply that Jerusalem would be calm and serene amidst all the external agitations in the world - calm as a gently-flowing stream. The streams - the canals - the water-courses of such a river flowing around each dwelling and along each garden, would diffuse happiness and beauty everywhere.

It doesn't matter what is going on around you.  Is your husband not acting right?  Does your wife seem distant?  Are your kids misbehaving?  Did you just receive news of a bad report from the doctor?  Rumors about layoffs in your company?  Etc. Etc. Etc.  Whatever it is turn it over to God and leave it there.  I don't understand why we as Christians continue to carry around burdens we were not meant to carry.  Anytime I am burdened down, worried about things I have no control over; I am always reminded of a hymn.  The lyrics go something like this:

Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless pains we bear.
All because we do not carry, EVERYTHING to God in prayer.

I dare you today to give it to God.  Let Him work it out.  I am a witness that He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding.  No sooner than I cried out to the Lord, I felt His loving arms and heard His tender voice telling me to "Calm down my child.  I got this." 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

That you for Your Presence and thank you for the privilege of prayer.  I thought things were going all right in my life and then comes something else.  One right after the other.  Today Lord, I am giving it all to You. I'm not going to worry about it.  Your will be done.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

I Love The Lord

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.  Deuteronomy 10:12

Some things ought to call you to action. One of those things should be the sacrificial love of God.  This is a love that cannot be compared to anything you have ever felt.  Think of someone who has given you unconditional love, that person who you believe will do anything for you and how that person makes you feel.  The love of God is so much better than that.  As I reflect this Palm Sunday and think about everything my Saviour went through because He loved me, I feel like I need to do something. We are commanded to do a lot of things in the Bible.  But this verse speaks specifically about 'what the Lord requires of us'. 

You can tell me you love me all day long but if your actions do not match your words, I probably don't believe you.  God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were yet sinners He dies for me.  (Romans 5:8)  There is no greater love.  Each and every day I experience the love of my family. Sometimes this love is conditional.  It is based on what I have done or haven't done.  I am so glad that God doesn't treat me that way.  His love is unconditional.  And the only thing He requires of me is that I live in a way that pleases Him and love Him and serve Him with all my heart and soul.  Frankly, I don't think that is too much to ask.  I don't know your story but I do know mine. I look back over my life and see God's hand guiding and directing me.  Moving obstacles out of my way, opening doors, forgiving me, growing me up spiritually... These are just a few of the things He's done for me.  It shouldn't be that difficult for me to serve Him.  To become a vessel to get His message out to everyone I come in contact with.  It's not a matter of me having my hands out the time wondering What's In It For Me'?  As a Christian I should spend more time asking God what can I do for You?  How can I make a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with?  What is in the way of me serving God completely?  As you identify these things, pray and ask God to move those things out of the way.  Ask Him to help you to prioritize.  God should be first in your life.  When He is first everything else falls into place.  I am witness.  God wants our first fruits.  I can tell you how much better my day goes when I wake up praising Him.  Thanking Him for those things that I so easily take for granted.  When I dedicate my day to Him.  When I make an active decision to dwell in His presence.  I still have to face daily trials but my response is different.  More than anything I want others to see the Jesus in me. 

As you begin a new week, take a moment to reflect on  the goodness of God.  What has He done in your life that deserves praise? How can you serve Him more in your daily life?  What changes do you need to make in your life?  Give these things over to God.  One of the best prayers I ever prayed was when I asked God to help me reprioritize my life so that I can give Him more time.  Oh what a difference this change has made in my life.  You see, I don't just love the Lord for what He has done for me.  If I loved Him just for what He has done, then I would stop serving Him when I thought I deserved a blessing and didn't get one. Instead I love Him for who He is.  It is the nature of God that keeps me praising Him. The fact that He is Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Nissi, El Shaddai, El-Olam.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  His love never fails. Need I go on?  God is worthy!  He is the best example of love in action.  This action should make you want to do something.  You should want to serve Him. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you Lord.  I thank you for You are worthy.  You are faithful.  You are God.  I love You.  Even though I don't always understand what is going on in my life, I know without a doubt that You are guiding my footsteps along the way.  I only need to be obedient to You.  Help me to get my priorities in line with Your will for my life.  Let me not become complacent when it comes to serving You.  In Jesus' Name I pray Amen. 

Heaven Sent

What do you think of when you hear the words 'heaven sent'? My guess would be that you think of something positive...your spouse, your children, a job, an unexpected check in the mail. You could easily describe any of these things with the words 'heaven sent'. Today I want to talk to you about a different kind of heaven sent. This kind is not often thought of in a positive light but more often in a negative light. The 'heaven sent' that I am talking about is the storms of life.


One of the best examples I can think of to explain this is the story of Job. Do you recall the conversation that God had with Satan? Satan had been going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that was going on. The Lord asked him if he had noticed His servant Job? Take a moment and read Job 1:6-12. In the story you see that God removed his hand from Job so that Satan could test him. This certainly doesn't sound like something you would want the Lord to do. Yet the Lord removed His barriers of protection and allowed it.

 remember the first time I read this story. I sat there wondering why would God allow such a thing. I heard the story as a child and then again as I got older. I didn't quite understand God's sovereignty or the purpose of storms. But now I have lived a little and been through some things and have a better understanding of what took place. Therefore the simples answer to the question would be that just as Satan was watching Job so was God. Go back and read verse 5. The verse ends by saying, 'this was Job's regular practice'. You see God knew that Job had made a regular practice of being prayed up. This verse spoke of his prayers for his children, but I would almost bet that was not the only thing his prayers included. The point I am trying to get across is that he had spent regular time with God. God knew he could handle it. Now Job didn't have any idea this was coming. His life was going pretty well. Boy was he in for a shocker!

I have a question for you. Why do we as believers continue to be so shocked by the storms of life? When will we finally accept them as being a part of our Christian journey? Maybe some of you do see them as a part of your Christian journey, yet you continue to moan and groan and whine every time a new storm comes in your life. When God has a hand on your life, he knows every thing about you. He knows how strong you are...most of the time stronger than you think. I know they don't feel good. As a matter of fact, that's an understatement. They down right hurt. But they always serve a purpose. That purpose is to make you better. Earlier I listed a few things that you might think of as 'heaven sent'. I am sure you probably have your own lists of things. Today I want to challenge you to add a new item to your list - storms. You see, storms are heaven sent because when God removes His barriers of protection, just give Him some time, because He will surely restore the joy of your salvation to prepare you for your heavenly reward. I love what Chuck Swindoll says, "Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it." I wonder what would happen if our reaction to the storms of life changed to 'Praise'. Instead of complaining to God about what is going on, we lifted our voices in praise, thanking Him for His heavenly gift.



Most Gracious Heavenyly Father,

I most definitely have not had the best response when storms have entered my life, especially when I am trying to do what is right. It's not easy to go through difficult times. Help me to recognize your hand on my life during the storm. I want to change my perspective from complaining to praising. This will be a complete attitude shift for me but I know that I can do it with your help. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

Revived and Renewed

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 (God's Word Translation)

I had an interesting discussion with a classmate of mind on faith.  As I was listening to her describe what 'having faith' means to her, it became obvious to me that faith for her was telling God her request and waiting for Him to make it happen.  There was no regard for 'the will of God'.  It was all about 'the want of my classmate'.  Of course I did not totally agree with her.  I asked her one simply question.  "What happens when you tell God what you want and He doesn't do it?  Or better yet, He does something totally opposite of what you asked?  I went on to talk about what happens when He takes His time?  Do you then lose hope?  Turn your back on God?

There is a very specific hope that a Christian should possess.  This hope is an 'expecting' hope.  No matter what the situation you believe that God is going to work it out.  Go ahead and make your request.  Just no that ultimately you want God's will to be done.  There may be some detours in your life.  There may be some dry places along your path.  Those things don't matter.  Because you have placed your security, not in man but in God, you can rest peacefully knowing that the situation will work out for your good.  The past two weeks have been rough for me.  I have been overwhelmed with life.  I know that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)  I know that these are light and momentary afflictions. (II Cor. 4:16-18)  The biggest disappointment I had was that some of my obligations have been keeping me from writing, which is where I get my joy from.  Writing for me is my sanctuary.  I have still been able to give my time to God but there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I need to get done.  Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in the air and give up.  But I can't.  So at this point what do I do? 

I look to the hills from whence cometh my help.  Where does my help come from?  Not the White House.  It comes from the Lord!  I will hope in the Lord.  It is not an option.  It is my only alternative.  It is the advantage I have over those who do not believe.  (Side Note:  You do know that you have an advantage.  It may appear that they are prospering.  That their lives are void of the problems you face on a regular basis.  Let me tell you that they are not.)  It still amazes me how the word can bring life to my dead circumstances. How hope in the Lord  brings about change.  I am revived!  Renewed!  My spirit which was down is now revived.  Once again I am strengthened to run on a little while longer to see what the end will be.  Instead of me looking at my bucket as half-empty, I now see it as half-full.  I could not have done this on my own.  But when I think about the goodness of Jesus....and all He has done for me...I can't help but trust Him.  Life can take its toll on you.  I am a giver.  I love to encourage others.  The sad part about this is that I cannot always depend on others to encourage me.  But I always receive encouragement from the Word.  When I spend time talking with my Heavenly Father, He gives me what I need to make it.  My attitude may have been bad.  I may have been feeling sorry for myself.  No more.  There is nobody but God who can bring about an attitude adjustment. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word and the privilege of prayer.  When life takes a turn and my spirit takes a nose dive, I am grateful that I have you as the source of my strength.  Things just don't always work out as I plan.  I may have to spend a little bit more time in a situation than I would like.  But Lord I thank you for the valleys and the mountaintops.  I thank you for those experiences that have grown me up.  I trust you Lord. Have your way in my life.  I submit to your will.  And I will forever give you all the glory, honor, and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

God Has Smiled On Me

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12: 9

The new buzz word of the day is FAVOR!  Preachers are preaching about it, singers are singing about it, and Christians are talking about it.  I'm not trying to throw a damper on this new found craze but this past Sunday I was reminded of a simple song that I used to sing in our Junior Choir at True Vine.  It was a simple song that said, "God has smiled on me.  He has set me free.  God has smiled on me.  He's been good to me". The song goes on to talk about God's Amazing Grace.  Grace that I did nothing to earn and that I don't deserve. Yet each and every morning I am afforded grace - God's unmerited favor.  His favor that has kept me and never left me.  It was through the eyes of the Lord that I came to know and understand that every thing I am and ever hope to be is only because God has smiled on me.  In those areas where I am weak, He stood up in me and matched my weaknesses with His strength.  I stopped feeling bad about those things I have no control over.  So when those circumstances come around now, I still have hope.  Hope that is not in my abilities but on the Most High God. 

When I look back over my life and see where God has brought me from, I can't help but praise Him.  This may sound a bit like a cliche to you, but you don't know my story.  And if you take a little bit of time right now and think about the goodness of the Lord and what He has done for you on this day, you should be shouting by now.  What about this past month?  This past year?  I dare you to make a list of the blessings that God has bestowed on your life this year.  Too often we get so wrapped up in our daily routines that we forget to thank God. Just like me, you have a story to tell.  And if it had not been for God on your side, where would you be?  When God smiles on you, He brings the sunshine to a cloudy day.  He opens those doors that have been closed in your face.  Feeling unloved and alone, He wraps His tender-loving arms around you and holds you tight.  Depressed, He brings you joy.  And let me remind you again that He does all these things just because He loves you.  You didn't earn it but the moment you  accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, He began to work on Your behalf.  Guiding your footsteps every day.  Sometimes this was not an easy process but the results were always amazing.  So whatever you call it whether you go new school and call it favor, or take it back to the James Cleveland days and start humming "God has smiled on me", just know that your blessings come from the Lord. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I just wanted to stop by and say 'thank you'.  I thank you just for smiling down on little ole' me.  I thank you for your grace and your mercy.  If it had not been for You on my side, where would I be.  Lord, help me not to take advantage of your blessings and to always be grateful.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

I Thirst

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

Summertime is fast approaching and once again I have decided that it is time for me to do some work in the gym.  I need to tone up my arms and abs, not necessarily trying to lose weight but I just need to tone up  a little bit.  In the same way I recognize my need to tone up physically, I also recognize my need to draw closer to the Lord, and tone up spiritually.  I cannot survive simply on the Word that is stored in my heart.  It will sustain me during trying times.  But the Word of God is like a buried treasure.  There are many things to be discovered.  Verses that may have meant one thing to me at one point in my life now take on a different meaning.  I have learned over time that the Word of God is addictive.  The more you read it, the more you want to know more about it.

We all go through dry periods in our life.  The streams of water expressed by the Psalmist in this verse are those that are found while in the valley. When we are faced with a period of drought in our lives our only consolation is to look upward to our Heavenly Father for refreshing, rejuvenation.  He is our hope.  We cannot afford to rely on our own strength.  If we do, we fail.  God desires to fill our every longing.  Too often we look to things that can only give us temporary satisfaction.  Life can be draining and spiritual dehydration can occur all too easily.  We become more focused on the problem than on God, who can solve all our problems.  He is, after all, a Burden Bearer and a Heavy load Sharer.  Physical thirst can be excruciating and dangerous.  I have had to watch my daughter, hooked up to an IV to pump fluids into her body because she was dehydrated.  How I longed to be able to do something for her to take away the pain.  Thank God that we don't have to get to the point of dehydration.  We serve a God who is accessible.  He is available. He is Almighty.  We only need to cry out to him and desire Him with our whole heart.  Imagine being submerged under water with no way to come up for air.  The desire that you have at that very moment for air is the desire you should have to know God.  He wants to fill you up until you overflow. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  I realize that there is no one and nothing that can truly meet my needs.  I pray today for consistency.  Let this not be a temporary desire but one that grows every day.  Help me to prioritize my life so that I have more than enough time to spend with You.  I want to stay in Your presence.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

My Help

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in due season.  Psalm 1:3

Over and over this very familiar verse kept playing in my mind. It was the first chapter of Psalms. What does it mean to be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters that bringeth forth his fruit in his season'?  I really like the way it is translated in the New Living Translation which reads, 'They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail'.


I took a moment and thought about what that meant. The chapter began by talking about watching the company we keep and how detrimental the wrong company can be to our lives. I call this conflicting company. You know those people we continue to associate with even though you know they aren't representing what you believe in. They are also not supportive in the positive changes you are trying to make in your life. This verse does not imply that we are to question those we come in contact with and immediately shy away from those who we determine are ungodly. What I believe the verse implies is that we should be the ones who influence them to the ways of God. They shouldn't influence you or make you doubt what you believe. The psalmist then goes on to talk about our continuing education. He talked about delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. What does it mean to delight in something? It simply means that it gives you great pleasure. And most times when something gives you great pleasure you spend time with if often. As a Christian, you must know that your learning doesn't stop once you are saved. It is an ongoing process until God carries you on home. Day and night we should be meditating on the Word. When you wake up in the morning, when you are driving along in your car, when you exercising at the gym, before you go to bed at night. It is a continual process. How else will you know the ways of the Lord?

In most educational systems there is often some form of reward or recognition for completing the program. You go to school for twelve years and you receive your high school diploma. You attend college and you receive a B.S. or B.A. degree. Since I have already told you that this process is a continual process I want to end by talking about your reward. It's more significant than just a piece of paper to hang on your wall. This reward system is a constant source of nourishment. You become tapped into the source. You get the privilege of receiving a never-ending supply. Your roots have grown deep into the ground and they are receiving a constant supply of water. That's the best news I've heard in a long time. You don't have to call customer service like at OG&E and wait on hold for fifteen minutes only to be told we have to send a technician out. You have twenty-four access to the One who created the system. This tells me on days when I am walking around and nearly on empty (like I have been the past week or so) all I have to do is tap into my source and I will have what I need. I can stop worrying because I know that I am rooted and grounded. I am going to come out alright because my tree will bear fruit without fail. Hallelujah!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

My tank feels like it's on empty here lately. I feel as though sometimes I am a spectator in my own life, simply going through the motions. I know I can always do a little more in the studying your Word department. Today I just want to thank you for being available whenever I need you. And today I need you now. Thank you for being the one constant in my life when everything else around me seems to fail. I love you Lord! In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

He's Done Enough

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

I have the most interesting conversations with my daddy today.  I must admit that I am a lot like my dad.  One thing that we share is our love of God.  There is not a time that we speak to each other that we are not sharing something about our private time with the Lord.  We were talking about the Sunday School lesson from this week entitled "Remembering Jesus".  He made the comment that in order to remember Jesus you must know something about him. I totally agree.  How do you get to know about Jesus?  You spend time with Him.  I went on to talk about how when we get to know who Jesus is we realize that He is so much more that an 'escape clause' or a 'quick fix' to our everyday problems.  I had to admit while talking to Him that there are times I forget that there are times that I look to Him only as a problem-solver instead of realizing that He is so much more. 

There is a song we sing at my church that says, "God is great and greatly to be praised.  If He doesn't do anything else, He's already done more than enough".  After talking to my dad and reflecting on our conversation these words came to mind.  You see, when I am remembering Jesus the first thought that comes to mind is the sacrifice He made on Calvary.  That the greatest thing He has ever done for me was to save me.  He doesn't have to do anything else for me.  All of the blessings He has bestowed on my life are simply icing on the cake.  It also made me realize how much I undervalue my salvation.  I have had some great moments in my life.  Marrying my husband. Giving birth to my children.  But none of these things can compare to the day, twenty-five years ago, when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.  Now I can stand on every promise written in His Word.  I can 'Count it all joy whenever I face trials of any kind, because the testing of my faith produces perseverance'. (James 1:2-3)  I know that 'Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me'. Psalm 23:4  And there are so many others. 

If you haven't stopped to thank God today because you feel that He hasn't done anything special for you, now is a good time to say "Thank You".  He saved you! He looked beyond your fault to see your need.  That is why you should glorify God in everything you do.  In the way you walk, talk, and LIVE!  God didn't have to do what He did, but I am so glad He did. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of salvation.  Thank You for sending your darling Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins.  I know that I was unworthy but You did it anyway.  That is why I give myself away so You can use me.  My life is no longer my own.  I belong to You.  Help me put the needs of others above my own so that You can be glorified.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Change

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13

There I go letting myself get upset all over again and for nothing.  When am I going to ever understand that I cannot change people.  As much as I would like to be able to change people, I just can't.  Sitting on my couch frustrated, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  The words were as plain as if He were sitting right next to me on the couch.  "You cannot change anyone."  Yes, you may be hurt, frustrated, angry and on the verge of giving up but you are just spinning your wheels trying to do something that only God can do. 

We've all done it. Sat there and talked (argued) until we were just plain tired  of talking trying to get someone to see your point of view.  Why can't they see that they need to make a change?  Can't they see that they are hurting me?  I'm not telling them anything that is going to hurt them.  In the end they will be a better person.  But that is not for me to decide.  God is the only one that can bring about lasting change.  Let me say that again.  God is the only one that can bring about lasting change.  You may be able to get someone to change for you temporarily but in the end unless God changes them from the inside out, you may be revisiting the same issue again.  Philippians 2:13 tells us that God works in us to lead us to do His will.  We still must choose to follow His leading.  So what do you do in the meantime when you really want someone to change?  PRAY.  Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.  How often as a parent do we see our child slipping down the wrong path?  We can talk to them until we are blue in the face but until He recognizes his need for change and allows the Lord to change his heart, he/she will continue to do the same thing.  That spouse, that friend, that brother, that sister, or even that parent.  They may know what is right but until they choose to listen to God, heed the urgings of the Holy Spirit, allow the Word to 'pierce even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow' (Hebrews 4:12), there will be no real change.  If you want to change or you wish someone around you would change, give it to God.  Tell Him what is in your heart and then submit to His will.  God's timing is perfect.  He is always working.  But prepare yourself, the change may not come when you expect it.  While you are praying for Him to work on someone else, He may just be working on you.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I need Your help Lord.  It is very hard to see someone making a mistake and wanting to push them toward change.  It's hard for someone to continue to hurt you simply because they won't change and yet stand beside them during the process.  Help me to place them in Your hands I realize that only You can bring about true change. Please forgive me for my sins of anger and acting out on that anger because of my frustration. Help me to be more like You.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

He Restores My Soul

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.  He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. HE RESTORES MY SOUL! Psalm 23:1-2

Life can be hectic sometimes.  So many obligations that you barely have enough time for yourself.  Eventually you find yourself completely drained with nothing left to give.  It is times like these that I am thankful that I have a Shepherd.  Psalm 23 is a scripture that most of us learned as a child.  We may have had to repeat it before a meal or before bedtime but didn't really know the meaning of the words we spoke.  It wasn't until recently that I came to really know and appreciate a God who can supply all my needs.  I can rest and lie down in green pastures with calm contentment.  With the waves of life beating up against the rocks, I can still find still waters.  A place of peace and serenity.  Trouble all around but with God as your Shepherd you can find a calm, peaceful place in your mind where you can find rest.  With God your external circumstances don't have to change for your outlook to change.  You don't have to move from where you are in order to for things to change.  When you are 'beside the still waters' you can let the Lord work those things out for you. 

And not only that, He restores your soul.  During those times when you are mentally drained, He refreshes your spirit.  He gives you hope to run on a little while longer.  How does He do this? Just take a walk through the Word of God. It does wonders to restore the Christian's soul.  Verse after verse reminded us of His goodness.  His faithfulness.  How He gives us a generous portion of His grace and mercy.  He tell us to cast our cares on Him for He cares about us.  Give Him all of Your burdens because He can handle them and actually do something about them.  Then think about the people that He has placed in your life that encourage you daily.  When times are rough you know that you can go to this person and ask them to pray for you and you have no doubt in your mind that they will.  There are also those times when you don't ask and you may be having a bad day and all of a sudden you feel better.  That may be because someone whispered a prayer for you unaware.  They didn't know what you were going through but you popped into their mind and they felt a sudden urge to pray. So they did and your soul was restored. 

Life will knock you down sometimes but with God's help you can get back up again.  Refreshed and renewed.  Let God be your Shepherd.  Let Him be the first person you go to to meet your needs.  Ask Him.  He has everything that you need. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my Shepherd.  Thank you for guiding me to greener pasture and still waters.  Thank You for access to Your Word that restores my soul.  Thank You for those You have placed in my life to encourage me and lift me up in prayer.  Even in the presence of my enemies you provide for me and I thank You.  Thank you for being faithful.  I will forever give your name the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

There's A War Going On

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood.. Ephesians 6:12

I don't know how many times I have been in situations where I am fighting constantly with those around me.  Satan sneaks in and attacks my marriage.  I am going back and forth with my children about behaviour issues.  I am dealing with .  I let things get me all stressed out and worked up.  Worrying myself to death over nothing.  Instead of of realizing that there are things beyond my control.  That although my husband has upset me that ultimately it is Satan who is trying to cause dissension in my marriage.  Simply because marriage was instituted by God, the devil is going to do all He can to attack my marriage.  I wonder what would happen if we looked one another straight in the eye and stood together against the devil.  Instead of arguing we prayed about what was bothering us and agreed to discuss it in a civil matter. 

How many times have you woke up in the morning in a great mood.  You've done your devotional and spent time with the Lord.  You have prayed and given Him control of your day and here comes Satan.  Now unless you have put on the whole armor of God, you are defenseless against these attacks.  Go ahead and try to fight them with your own strength.  You'll get knocked down every time.  I'm not telling you what I heard but what I know.  Need an example?  There you are walking around your house smiling and singing.  You get in your car and someone cuts you off.  Your attitude does a complete shift. You are no longer smiling and then everyone else is on the receiving end of your bad attitude. And what about in the church? Believe it or not, the devil can attack you sitting right there in the choir stand using whatever distraction he can. He may use the person sitting right next to you. You know that person that is grumbling about everything that is being said all service long.  Right when the preacher says something you need to hear, you don't even here it.  And on top of that what about the times you have let the devil use you.  You see, spiritual warfare is not always  about what  happens to you. When we get up in the morning and we don't put on the whole armor of God we are ill-equipped to fight against the attacks of Satan. It takes a second for him to creep into your mind. Putting on the armor of God is having your feet shod with the preparation of peace.  This means that every place you go instead of stirring up trouble you are helping to bring about unity.  It means you're ready for battle.  You have read and studied the Word.  You have hid it in your heart.  You have the sword of the Spirit, once again tying back into the Word of God.  Next comes the shield of faith.  You have the courage to stand in the face of fear.  When everyone around you is doing wrong...  Those times when you are considered the outsider for going against the grain... You have your breastplate of righteousness and your helmet of salvation. With your breastplate on, your heart is protected and you realize also that you can do what is right.   God's commandments are righteousness. In contrast, lawlessness is sin, and sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God's laws of love. Your helmet guards your mind.  Stop putting all that garbage in your mind. Remember you  have been 'called out' Without the helmet of salvation, we will be unprotected from the "cares of this world" that bombard our thoughts and feelings. Imagine not knowing what the future ultimately holds. The worries and problems produced by living in this world would overwhelm us!

If you notice all of these parts are critical. Not a day goes by that your armor is not necessary.  Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy.  He is after you.  Anything that He can do to keep you from representing God, he is going to try.  You must stay prayed up and in the Word as you are on the battlefield.  God has already won the war when He took the keys of death, hell and the grave after being crucified on that old, rugged cross.  We simply must walk in victory and realize that we have help to succeed.  The first step in being victorious is to recognize your enemy.  Although it may appear that your enemy looks just like you, Satan is working behind the scenes.  Fight him with spiritual weapons and you will win every time!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I'm so guilty of spinning my wheels and fighting this spiritual battle with my own human strength.  Today I am putting on my armor from my helmet of salvation to my feet being ready to spread peace.  Help me not to get so wrapped up in what my enemy looks like and be more focused on this spiritual battle that I face everyday.  I realize that you already have the victory over Satan and I am going to start to walk in victory.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.