FUTILITY OF WISHING~POWER OF HOPE IN THE LORD

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I Am Thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness.  

Romans 8:24 – For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  

• –
  
  
  WISHES AND HOPES DEFINEDWISH
  A feeling that one would like to have or do something or to see something happen; a desire, longing, or strong inclination for a specific thing.
• An expression of a desire, longing, or strong inclination.
  
  
  
  HOPE The feeling that what is
• w To feel that something desired may happen
• Archaic. To place trust; rely 
• 
  Throughout our lives, we have found ourselves wanting. As children, perhaps we desired a  pet or a particular toy. As we age, the things we seek differ/ Although our minds are more mature and should carry  some sense reality, there are times we take leave of our senses, finding ourselves daydreaming or fantasizing about things completely unreasonable or unlikely, disappointed when we are snapped right back to our actual existence.
• 
  Jonathan has worked with me for YEARS, attempting to show me that there is a difference between “want” and “need”. Regardless of  how much we’ve convinced ourselves that we
•  need something, either tangible, attention, a promotion or a situation to work out a certain way, there is nothing certain outside of the Lord. Whatever He determines to give or remove from our lives is absolutely what will bring Him glory and is best for us.
•   Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. 
•  John 14:14  If ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do it.
• 
  Taken out of contexts, the Bible can be manipulated to say what It NEVER intended. Terrible but true, G od’s Word has been twisted and manipulated to justify behavior. The Almighty God is not a genie, available simply to grant our every whim.   Yes, we are encouraged to go to our Father, yes. He tells us in The Word that He knows best how to give gifts, not meaning that we are entitled, overly-indulged, spoiled brats of the King.
• Consider, when asking the Lord for anything, praying His Will for whatever it is. If He allows it, acknowledge and appreciate His generosity. Sometimes (depending on the motivation of the heart), the answers seem to be a continuing “no”.  Don’t be discouraged, know that our Loving God, Father, Savior, is working out something far better. 
• 
  Consider your hopes.  Are they in the Lord? Maybe they’re in our belongings or other people .Do we have hope in our own strengths and abilities? Is it found in finances or friends?  As Children of the Most High, we know that our Father is the Only One worthy of our hope, all of it. 
• 
  Almighty God
• Thank You for this day
• Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves
• Lord, You are our Hope and our Salvation
• Praise You, Father, that we can trust in You
• You know what we want and what we need
• You know when, how and what is best for each child
• Please give us peace and acceptance and appreciation for what You allow into our lives
• We thank, You above all, for the hope we have in eternal life In Paradise
• Because we trust in Jesus for our salvation
• .In the Name of Jesus
• Amen
• credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
• google, blueletterbible, kjvonline

God Defines Love

1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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1 John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

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So, the Lord tells us in these verses and throughout His Word, what love is and what it is not.  There will always be people trying to define love, but since God IS Love, His definitions are factual, they do not change and it is certainly not a matter of opinion!

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If you’ve known me for a while, you may remember that I chose the 1 Corinthians passage to be read at my Mom’s Going Home service.  

If ANYONE I’ve ever known understood what love is, it was her.  She was kind, compassionate, forgiving, understanding, patient and anything else defined by love.  

I know she was not perfect, as none of us are, but she was a godly woman, who in losing her husband at 50, showed how much she dearly loved him by living into her 80’s, never remarrying. 

She loved the Lord.  The two of us talked about Jesus and His glorious creation, and just about anything and anywhere we went, she found some way to turn the conversation to Christ.  It was truly amazing and inspiring.

Mom loved her family, friends and strangers.  She had six children and several grandchildren she enjoyed. 

At her service, so many people came to me to say that she was their “best friend”.  How can one person be so special to so many people?  She was who she was, a genuine friend and confidant, a prayer warrior and someone anyone could trust with their deepest secrets and darkest pain, knowing the information would never go anywhere else.

She worked a hotline where calls would come in all throughout the night and I would hear her softly console and converse with strangers as though she had known them all their lives.  From the time the phone rang, until sometimes hours later, she never acted sleepy, bored or uninterested. She stayed engaged and focused on their needs. 

I thank the Lord for allowing me to call Kay Wilson my mother, and that I grew up with such a precious example of a godly, smart, beautiful,loving lady. 

Father God,

Thank You for this glorious, rainy day

Even when it is not so pleasant outside, You are preparing the earth for the next season

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

We ask that You heal those who are not feeling well

Those who are low in spirit

Please remind those who have cause to celebrate for any reason, that You bring blessings into our lives

Please give them a heart of thanksgiving 

Lord, thank You for love

Especially, thank You for the love Jesus had to go to the Cross for us

He gave His Life for us

Please give us delight in giving our life to Him

To use for His glory

In the Name of Jesus

AMEN

creditss God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture

google, blueletterbible

God Does NOT Have A “Maximum Capacity”

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  

Isaiah 53:4
Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
1 Peter 2:24 “Who His own Self bare our sins in His Own Body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed.”

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

We were not created to solve the problems of the world. We were not even created to carry our own burdens, much less those of others.

We were built with a “maximum capacity”, of what we can bear.  Outside, or over that , we sometimes find ourselves surprised when we get physically, mentally and  even spiritually overwhelmed. Why? 

Well, as with anything, our design, which God Himself set in motion, is to handle each situation with His  help and guidance, through the strength He gives. Whether we want to admit full dependence on the Lord or not, we are completely reliant upon Him.

The One Who gives us each breath, also allows us the ability to breathe it. So we do not need to attempt holding on and trying to deal with our burdens by ourselves, much less those of family and friends, because that is not following God’s design. Something may seem “fixed” by our own doing. Either it isn’t repaired, or we didn’t do it on our own.

There are counselors, pastors and those trained to hear people talk out issues, but they are not personally taking on the problems upon themselves, they simply utilize tactics they’ve learned as techniques, possibly help the struggling, more easily adapt and handle situations as they arise. 

Some find comfort in those resources, others do not .Why not avail yourself to the Source of  Truth. Pour over God’s Word and seek guidance from Him. With the Lord, there is no awkwardness, trying to explain your life situation in an hour.  He already knows your family dynamics, your hurts, pains and fears.  He understands your circumstances.  

Unlike human counseling, there is no use attempting to cover up or intentionally mislead your actions, inactions or intent. Go to the Lord, and admit your need for Him. He will certainly answer you, probably not audibly (although He certainly could). 

Nor will the resolution probably come how or when you want it. BUT, the Lord will give wisdom liberally when asked, as the Word says in James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

NO appointment needed, 24/7  access! There is no reason to go elsewhere! Why go to the Subjects for resolve; Instead  go straight to the King Who holds all of the power!

So when others come to you, don’t think that you are being “mean” by not listening, I mean,  you can listen, but  time is better by turning to Christ, not to you who may be filled with “ideas”, but lack the authority to make changes!

Great and Glorious King

Thank You for this and every day You’ve given us

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

We ask that You direct our hearts to seek Your Perfect Wisdom

We appreciate those You have given us who will direct us to You and to seeking out Your Will in every situation.
O God, we know that You are the King above all kings

The Ruler and Supreme Authority

Please lead our hearts to seek Your Will for our lives

And please bring us to obedience

Out of our love for You

Because You first loved us.
In Jesus’ Name

Amen

credits: 
God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture Google, blueletterbible                       

~Crashing Waves, Parting Of An Ocean, Worldwide Flooding~ Joy In Focus On And Obedience To God

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

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Matthew 14:28-30 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 

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Genesis 7:15-16 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.

 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.

Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.  

It would be great to honestly say that I “count it all joy” when issues arise, but far too often that is not the case! I am working toward that, but I have a LONG WAY TO GO!  Sometimes it seems like I am a spiritual toddler, wobbling around,trying to maintain balance and consistency with my Christian talk and daily walk.  

. Clearly, we (or at least I)  haven’t personally witnessed a sea-parting; Nonetheless, perhaps  God has worked something out in our lives that is at the very least, equally amazing. Now the verses in Matthew and Exodus hit home, in that I know God holds walls of water back from us throughout our lives, as He takes us from where we are to the place His Will intends. Other times, He reaches out in the midst of situations or circumstances raging against us, but we take our focus from Jesus, and start to sink in our own consequences. We call out for our Savior, and He is there to rescue us. There is no voice too weak or noise too loud, that our Lord cannot hear our cries.  Fear and anxiety can never overpower the Peace of the Holy Spirit, the authority of our Father or the unfailing love of Jesus Christ our King.

Turning back to Genesis, the Lord selected Noah, who worked for years, being mocked by society for simply being obedient to the Lord.  He didn’t give up and didn’t give in to pressure. Just “go along to get along”. 

When it came time, the LORD shut the doors.  It was God’s plan.  Noah answered his calling and no matter what, he could do nothing to help anyone outside of the ark.  It must have been difficult to know that relatives, friends (if he had any left who had not abandoned him, finding Noah foolish) and all others, were perishing and he could do absolutely nothing to spare them.  There were animals on that ship that had more air to breathe than the men, women and children left behind. I am sure the Lord allowed peace for Noah about what had to happen. Reward for his obedience was his and the lives of his family being rescued. 

 Sometimes I wonder what those people were thinking as water covered the earth and they faced certain death.  Did they regret not listening to Noah, or were they no different than many are today, spending their last moments, resenting him for abandoning them, hearts filled with bitterness as they slowly perished?

So (hopefully) tying this all together, maybe we can consider that Christ is in the midst of our circumstances; therefore where there is Jesus, our hearts have cause for joy.  

Whether Life’s walls are pushed back or closing in around us, our God is ever-present. The Creator is capable of controlling His Creation. 

Obedience to God shows that we acknowledge Him for Who He Is and recognize His Ultimate Authority. Obey the Lord and let man say or do what he will. Do not back down or get intimidated by the world when you are abiding in God’s Will. 

Keep on and keep up, persevere!  Jesus showed His love in His death, let us show Him our love by the way we live.

Heavenly Father

Thank You for this and every day

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Lord, we bring You songs of joy

Songs that we determine our hearts to sing

When times are wonderful, when there’s nothing going on 

And even when we face pain, rejection or anything

That might cause this earthly person to step back or walk away from You

The One True God

You are the Alpha and Omega

The Beginning AND the End

You knew the mistakes we would make 

Yet You gave life to us anyway 

And we know that You do nothing without meaning and purpose

Please let us listen closely to  You for what You would have us do

With this life You have given us

Thank You for the opportunities to serve You

Please show us, if we can’t see or recognize when and where You want us to go

What You would have us to do

We may not know, this side of Glory, what impact we make on others in Your Name

We only ask that You move us out of the way, and shut our mouths, bearing our own opinions and pre-judgements 

So Your Truth will speak from our lips

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture

kjvonline , google, blueletterbible

Who Made It On To Your Prayer List Today?

Revelation 3:17-18 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Matthew 18:2-3 And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”  

James 5:1-6 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.  Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. 

 James 5:13-18 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Matthew 5:44-45   But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;That ye may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

How often are we at church, to reach for a pen and paper or enter into our smartphones, prayer requests spoken out loud by a fellow member of the congregation? Do we get calls during the day, or even worse, in the middle of the night, asking for prayer about a serious situation, regarding a friend or family member ?We tend to be so sincere in praying for those we love, or for those THEY love, but what is the chance we are going to pray for the parties of the wreck we just passed? How about healing for  the passenger in an ambulance flying down the highway? What about  mothers of (unborn) babies, sitting alone in a cold waiting room, just wanting to get an abortion “over with” so they can “move on”, who prays for them?
Do we pray for the salvation of public leaders who have shown by their fruit that their decisions are not based on God’s Will, but special interests pressure to push through certain agendas?
I fully admit that I was so disgusted by the new administration outcome and how everything was such a mess,  I wished and hoped things would change at the last second, so, the prayers I did lift up were self-serving, having NOTHING to do with what God intended to do with America. It was all about what rights, freedoms and liberties we are apt to lose. My citizenship is not of this world, though, so whatever comes, we were designed to endure. not enjoy.

Almighty God

Thank You for this wonderful day

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Please help us in our prayer life

We ask that you make it rich in meaning

We ask for compassion 

Please just give us a sincerity of heart

Thank You, Jesus, for paying the cost for us to

 Approach the Throne of Mighty God, our Creator

We are in Your  presence wherever we go, whatever we do

Lord, we must cling to You  You

O KING,  hear our  prayers 
Answering them in Your Perfect Will

In Jesus Name

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripturegoogle, blueletterbible

Blessed Rest

Psalms 4:8 – I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 23:2 – He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

Proverbs 3:24 – When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

There are many nights I don’t sleep well, others not much rest at all.  Sometimes there is an intolerance to caffeine to blame (if I have caffeinated tea after  2 p.m., forget it, I’m going to be up until the wee hours of the morning). Other reasons I don’t sleep is if I have situations, either my own or someone else’s, on my mind, it’s going to keep me awake. Thar catch phrase “Don’t lose sleep over it”, not so much reality for me!

I have attempted hot (decaf) tea,  soothing music, warm baths and just simply going to bed. Usually none of those tactics work for me. Mostly I get up and watch tv or peruse Facebook or Pinterest (ironically, often  times looking for natural sleep “remedies”).  I’ve even started a devotional at

12 A.M. or later. Sometimes  I  can tell that was what I was suppose to have done, but time to time, I wake up the next morning and proofread what I thought  I had scoured over carefully before sending, only to find errors throughout the work that made sense only a few hours earlier!

Lisa 1964- 1991  A few years ago, a sweet young lady I attended youth group with went to visit her fiancé in Tennessee.

According to her friends and family, she decided rather than leave and make the trip back to Huntsville on the 28th, she would rest up and head out the morning of the 29th.

Witnesses to her fatal car accident reported that she apparently fell asleep at the wheel.  What a sad way for a beautiful life to end.

There was one time, one daughter’s youth group was going on a trip, so we stayed at Mom’s  house to get an early start and it was closer to where I was taking her.

The night before we left, I made sure Britt got to bed at a reasonable hour because I explained the challenges of trying to sleep on a bus. Anyone ever involved with band, choir or athletics realizes the drama associated with excited teenagers yapping and irritated chaperones.

As usual, I did not take my own advice.  forfeiting any rest.  By the time I looked at the clock, I thought it would be better off for me not to sleep than to be groggy.  Brilliance overload! See where sleep deprivation impacts otherwise reasonable judgment (just nod and go with me. I didn’t say mine)!

My daughter got dressed and off we went.  I drove up my mom’s street, approaching the highway.  It was not more than 5 minutes before a fawn ran out in front of my car and my reflexes did not allow me to even slow down before smacking it in the rear. Neither of us was hurt, nor the car.  I’m quite certain it killed the deer as it ran off bleeding into the woods.  We were both wide-eyed and alert at that point. My girl was traumatized, it  a Bambi moment.

You’d think I would have learned my lesson then, not so much.  Right then and there, I could have injured or killed both of us.(A little side note, when I got back and told Mom, she was her usual helpful self, saying, “That poor momma deer probably waited and waited for her baby who never came back!” Mom was such a stinker! She loved messing with me!  That is why I am a mess! I would not have had her any other way!)

Several years passed and my son and I were living in South Carolina. my husband was working and living elsewhere at the time.

Often we took Amtrak visit friends and family in Florida and Alabama. Many times I took my son to catch a train the see my daughter, requiring travel to Columbia in the middle of the night to board. (yes, to ride the train that crashed recently).

Rarely did I rest up before going to the train depot because I did not want to be rushed or miss the train altogether.  It was over an hour, one way. One time, after taking my youngest, I finally reached home, having driven through thunderstorms before dawn. Yes, me!  Needless to say, there was a LONG conversation with Jesus in the car that night and many answers to prayer for provision and safety!

Okay, so this time for some odd reason, unbeknownst to me to this day, I backed into the driveway.  Thinking I had put the car in park, it was in neutral, I actually opened my door and put my leg out when I started rolling! I jerked myself back in and tried to put it in park as I plunged  into my neighbor’s bushes across the street.  I wasn’t hurt, just exhausted and confused!

I had made a huge gap in their nicely trimmed hedges at 3:30 in the morning. Instead of going to bed then, I waited up until I saw them getting ready for work, and went to tell them what I had done.  Thankfully they were more amused and glad I had not hurt myself.  Our kids were classmates and friends so we knew each other. Their reaction was a relief! Although the husband was laid back, his wife was a bit uptight, so I know it was a blessing from God that she did not get upset about the gash in her bushes and the tire rut I did not notice before, in the front yard!

Genesis 1:1-2  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them And on the seventh day God ended His Work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.

Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep.

Now, did Jesus know it was going to storm, ABSOLUTELY; but He did not allow circumstances prevent Him from seeking rest!  FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE!  First of all, the One able to do something about the storm, opted to rest His earthly body.  So why then, should we lose sleep over things we have no control to change?

You want to talk about having something whirling around in your brain, causing you unrest? Jesus knew what His destiny was. He knew when, where and how He would leave this earth, how could there be any more reason for restless nights?

There are times when we should rest, when we need sleep . Other times the Lord may awaken us or cause a restlessness in our spirit for a purpose.

We may be called to pray for someone or something relating to our own lives, that of someone we know or even something or someone we’ve never met or know, this side of Eternity.

Near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He took close friends with Him to pray as He Alone went to communicate with His Father. If ever there is such a stirring within us, that we should be called to serve or pray, even when we our flesh is tired and weary, fire up the coffee pot, pull out the Word, praying for strength and endurance to intercede as long as it takes.

  Matthew 26:40 And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?

Mark 14: 32-41 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this Cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt.

And He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.And again He went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

And when He returned, He found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer Him.

And He cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners

Almighty Lord and Father

Maker of Heaven and Earth

Creator Who breathed His Own breath into man

Please forgive our trespasses

The sins we commit against You

Others and ourselves

Thank You for each day we’ve been given

Your new mercies await us with every sunrise

Rest is offered to the Children of God each night, knowing Your grace full well

You sing lovingly over Your sons and daughters

As Your Scripture tells us in Zephaniah

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is MIGHTY; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His Love, He will joy over thee with singing.

Please give wisdom as to when we should rest or being deployed to Your Throne

We claim victory over distractions during our precious time with You

We seek discernment

Because we can not trust what we feel or think

Please give us wisdom to lean on the instruction You offer

You are NOT the creator of chaos, but the Author of Truth

We ask that You guide our spirit to understand if we should be stirred or still

Please put our minds at ease so we can be at peace

Or prompt us to suit up in the full Armor of God

To stand with You, against the enemy

Please part us from that which causes harm

Physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all, spiritually

Whatever draws us away from You

People or things that distract us or keep or mind and heart disturbed

Flush those influences out of our lives so we can know and enjoy true contentment, peace

And joy only You can offer

Please bless us with rest You intended

And we ask for the willingness to let things go

To leave people and situations in Your capable hands

And not attempt to reclaim them

Not obsess or worry about it

Knowing that You can and will work all things together for our good and Your glory

You’ve given us power, not control, through Your Son

Please let us understand the difference

And acknowledge that You Are the Final Authority

The Righteous Judge

High and Powerful Lord

King and Ruler over all

Your Will be done, Father

Through the Precious Name of Jesus

From the peace passing all understanding

In the Name of Beautiful Name of  Jesus

Amen

song suggestions:

Wonderful Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-vRIanNr88

It Is Well With My Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmvnE6erj6I

Silent Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T4WB2zfmps

credits: Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture

Bible, memory of Lisa McDonald, my oldest and youngest child, husband, mom

google, youtube

Election Day 2020 ONE NATION UNDER GOD

Daniel 2:21-22 And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the Light dwelleth with Him. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Samuel 24 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. 

And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee.

Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.

And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. 

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. 

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. 

The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.  Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house. And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

Almighty and Gracious God

Thank You for another glorious day

Please draw our attention to You, that our actions, attitudes and words glorify our Father,

Not attack, mock or criticize others

Lord, we ask for wisdom when we go to vote

Thank You for the freedom we have to elect officials

You knew from before the foundation of this world You created, who win the election.  You have the perfect plan for us, Lord

Please forgive us for being a country who kills her children and ignores You

A country whose people are consumed with themselves

Who indulge the created, yet dismiss the Creator

Let us fall on our faces as a nation and repent

We know there is no place or right to ask for You to bless America,

As so many have abandoned Christ and walked away, substituting Your Will with their own

And where has that gotten us, Lord

That  which should bring us to repentance, instead is corrupted by indignation

There is a sense of entitlement When actually what we deserve is eternal damnation

But You came for us, Jesus,You came and died, rising again, that we can live forever with You.

So whatever happens with the Presidential race and the other political seats

Let Your people take heart and knowThat it is for our good and Your Glory

Please the peace we have that passes all human understanding, be evident in us

And serve as a testimony to our faith in You Who has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us

Every breath, brings us one step closer to You! 

Praise the Name of Jesus

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripiture

Access To The King

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  

Matthew 6:6 – But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.  

Our Loving Jesus went to the Cross for us to forgive our sins and give access to the Father.

 What It Takes To Get A Meeting With President Trump https://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/donald-trump-meeting-232902 How Do You Get A Meeting With Trump https://www.romper.com/p/how-do-you-get-a-meeting-with-donald-trump-its-apparently-easier-than-you-think-25723
Step By Step How To Meet The Queen of England https://www.stepbystep.com/how-to-meet-the-queen-of-england-111353/

Esther 8:4“Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,”

So, as you can see, there is a magnificent effort to meet with the President or simply get a moment of the Queen’s time. Even Ester had to wait until her husband, the King, extended his sceptre to receive her into his presence.

  It amazes me that there is so much security, which I know is necessary in these crazy times, with people who, unfortunately want to hurt others, it is so complicated to access humans, yet through our Saviour, God the Father can be reached 365 days, 24/7, anywhere in the world we are. 

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come ,Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Almighty God

Thank You for this and every day

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Thank You for prayer

For being able to come to You any time anywhere

Thank You, Jesus, for the Sacrifice You made it possible to communicate by prayer

Giving us access always to our King of kings and Lord of lords

In the Name of Jesus we pray

AMEN

credits God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture google, kingjamesbibleonline

When No One Else Does, The Lord Understands

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”

Matthew 11:28

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Philippians 4:6

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Romans 8:26

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Father God

Thank You for this wonderful day

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Lord, we know that You understand each of these situations

Through each circumstance, Your Will  be done

Teach what needs to be taught, and let us turn to you as to what we are to learn

You have already worked out every detail in our lives

To bring glory to Yourself and for our good

You are the Merciful King

We praise You for how You have answered our most desperate prayers

Even those we are yet to realize

In the Name of Jesus

AMEN

Begin at the Beginning~2021

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  

Lord

Thank  You for a new year

Please let us put away things of the past, moving forward to adopt

Psalm 118;24 Rejoicing each morning Going to bed each night, having forgiven those who have wronged us

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Father, each new day brings opportunities to share Your Love with others

Please reveal when, where and what to speak

Give us the courage to testify Who You Are 

And have an answer to our faith in Almighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Savior, please speak through us as we witness to Your glory and power

Lead us where You want us to go

Reveal opportunities we should take

Remove us from people, things or situations that are unhealthy for our walk with You

Father, please let us become less of ourselves and more a reflection of Christ
In Jesus’ Name

Amen