Scripture:  I Peter 1:3-5 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

People are hoping for many different things.  Some say they are hoping that they will win the lottery, and they think they will be set for life.  As believers in Jesus Christ we know that is a false hope.  In the word of God, we see Peter in the passage of scripture giving comfort and a living hope to the Jewish Christians who were under persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ.  Peter described a living hope – i.e., resting in the full assurance and confidence in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Peter offered words of joy and hope in times of trouble in the Christian life.  It’s about what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We have a living hope – of eternal life with Christ now and forevermore. We can be optimistic of our hope because it comes from God not from man or the world.  We have assurance of promises from God, which are secured through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ!  (Hebrews 6:19 -This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.)  Our hope is a secured immovable anchor in our soul.  It will not slip or break down under the storms of life.  It will hold/keep you because it is a sure thing – steadfast hope that is anchored in Jesus Christ – and Christ alone.  We have an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away – reserved in Heaven for us (those who are kept by the power of God through faith/salvation to be revealed in these last times.  Hope grows in us as we learn all that God has in mind for us.  He gives us the promise of a glorious future with Christ Jesus.  (Romans 15:4 -  For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.)  We should look forward to Christ’ wonderful return with eager expectation and hope.  (Titus 2:13 -  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.)  Because of the living hope I have in Jesus Christ, now I can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:6 - For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.)  Remember, hope is:  H (holding), O (on), to a  P (powerful), E (expectation)!!! One of my favorite hymns says: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but holy lean on Jesus’ name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand.”  o/

Prayer:  Great/Heavenly Father:  I thank you for the living hope that we have in Christ Jesus.  Whatever I have to go through in this life, I know that I have hope because of You!  Help me to share the good news of this living hope wherever I go!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 (by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture: 
I Thessalonians 5:17 - Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
I Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Prayer is a two-way communication with God.  We talk to God through Jesus Christ, and He talks/speaks to us through His word and/or He puts thoughts on our heart/mind if we listen.  It is a privilege to pray!  Christ had to be crucified for our sins for us to have access to God.  (I Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.)  This scripture explains what Jesus did, and it models what we should do for others.  To intercede is when our prayers intersect or align with God’s plan.  Also it is when two sides are brought together.  It is when we stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30-31) for perhaps someone who might be far away from God.  It is an honor to be able to worship/adore the Lord, ask forgiveness for our sins, pray/intercede for others and ourselves.

The word of God says to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17), pray morning, noon and night (Psalms 55:17), pray everywhere (I Timothy 2:8), and pray for one another and ourselves (James 5:16).  I have selected a specific room in my home to pray, and the best time for me to pray is early in the morning -- before I begin my day of activities/projects.  It is imperative that we regularly pray to keep close communication/fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Since prayer is a two-way communication with God through Jesus Christ, I have to remember to pray and say please speak Lord, I am listening (as it says in I Samuel 3:9).  I am not listening for an audible voice, but I listen for the Lord to bring back to my remembrance scriptures from His word (the Bible), and/or I am listening for Him to put thoughts on my heart/mind.  Sometimes we are so busy talking to Him that we don’t allow Him to put His thoughts on our heart.  If we are close to the Lord, we will know His voice when thoughts come to our hearts/mind.  If a thoughts come on my mind that is not in alignment with the Word of God, I will know that  thought is not from the Lord.  Many of us have made bad decisions based on thoughts we claimed were from the Lord.
Several quotes from a book I have been reading entitled “Prayer – A Holy Occupation”, which have been very helpful and eye opening for me are;

•        How has your mind been altered by prayer?  What thoughts have come to your mind           during prayer that might never have occurred to you  if  you hadn’t taken time to                   pray?”
•        What are your motives for prayer – to get God to do things your way or to get you to             do things His way?
•        What was the last time you thought about the price Christ paid for you to have access           to God?  How might this thought change your attitude toward prayer?

Now and always, it is time to pray!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father; I am grateful that I have access to pray to you through Jesus Christ.  Help me to always take time to pray and to listen to hear You speak through the word of God and/or thoughts that You put on my heart/mind.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Acts 8:5-8 - Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

Christ crucified was prophesized in Isaiah 53, and the prophesy was fulfilled in Matthew 27:31-56, Mark 15:20-41, Luke 23:26-46, and John 19:16-30.  I Corinthians 15:3-4 says - For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.)

When Philip arrived in Samaria, he preached Christ to the people (as it says in Acts 8:5).  The only message that the early Church had was the virgin birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. “Christ and Him crucified” was the message.  (I Corinthians 2:2 - For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.)

Paul explained/expounded on/preached the whole council of God to the Church, and he taught the Corinthians the word of God.  (Acts 20:27 - For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.)    The focus of his preaching and teaching to unbelievers was Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for sin on the cross.  When Philip preached the simple message of Christ being crucified, a multitude responded to his preaching! Miracles were performed, and there was a great “joy” in that city (Acts 8:6-8)!!!
 
Philip preached about Christ being crucified to the Ethiopian Eunuch, and he believed on Christ for  salvation! (Acts 8:27-35 - And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,28 was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.)

Some churches today spend so much time teaching about social/cultural issues, and they neglect to emphasize that Christ was crucified for our sin.  As we witness to those we encounter, remember it is not about how eloquent we speak or how much we say. We don’t save anyone. We are to plant seeds. We have to depend on the Holy Spirit to give us what to say or how to respond to people.  Keep it clear, concise, and to the point.  Share above all about how Christ was crucified for our sin.  Share scriptures about the gospel of Jesus Christ – His virgin birth, life, death, burial and resurrection.  There are numerous scriptures that we should memorize, which we can share as we witness (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 5:12, 10:9-10, John 3:16).
 
Since Christ died for us, we should die to ourselves by faith. Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I Peter 2:24-25 says - 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. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Prayer:  Thank You Lord Jesus for dying on the cross for my sin!!!  Help me to die to my flesh and live by faith unto righteousness.  Also, by Your power, please give me what to say as I witness to the lost. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Philippians 4:9 - The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Have you ever heard someone say “Don’t do what I do.  Do what I say” ?  That’s a bad example for anyone to follow.  Sometimes we as Christians do not set the right example by our lifestyles – what we habitually do.  We don’t realize that people look at how we react to things more so than what we say we’re about or what we want people to perceive about our lifestyle.  More importantly we can never cover up how we really are to the Lord, because He knows everything about us (even more than we know about ourselves.).  God is omniscient.

The Philippians were told to practice what they had heard, seen, learned and received from Paul.  Paul was a “living example” of the conduct, attitude, lifestyle, he expected from the Philippians.  After reading/studying Philippians chapters one through three, some of the actions, conduct, attitudes, lifestyles expected to see in the Philippians were:

•        Loving more - (Philippians 1:9 - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more               and more in knowledge and all discernment) (Philippians  2:2 - Fulfill my joy by being              like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.)
•        Having greater discernment - (Philippians 1:9, 1:10a )
•        Being sincere and without offense (Philippians 1:9, 10b)
•        Being filled with the fruit of righteousness - (Philippians 1:11 - Being filled with the fruits           of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.)
•        Having conduct worthy of the gospel - (Philippians 1:27 - Only let your conduct be                 worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I                 may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving                       together for the faith of the gospel)
•        Standing fast in one spirit - (Philippians 1:27 )
•        Striving together for the gospel - (Philippians 1:27)
•        Being likeminded, of one accord - (Philippians 1:27, 2:2) (Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing             be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem           others better than himself.)
•        Esteeming others better than yourself - (Philippians 2:3)
•        Working out your own salvation in fear and trembling -(Philippians 2:12 - Therefore,               my   beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much            more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;)
•        Dong all things without complaining and disputing - (Philippians 2:14 - Do all things               without complaining and disputing.)
•        Holding fast the Word of Life - (Philippians 2:16 - Holding fast the word of life, so that I           may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.)
•        Beware of false teachers - (Philippians 3:2 -  Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers,           beware of the mutilation!)

Do you aspire to be or are you a “living example” like Paul referred to?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father – Thank You for being the perfect example in which we can follow by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.  Forgive me for falling short so many times.  (I John 1:9) Help me to grow in the things of the Lord.  I aspire to be a “living example” at all times.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Hebrews 11:1-6 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

As we read the 11th chapter of Hebrews (where we learn about the heroes of faith/great cloud of witnesses), we see an illustration of faithful men and women who were inspired by their faith in God to help them overcome their trials/tribulations.  They encourage us today to be anchored in our faith in God and His Word.  God is faithful to what He has promised to His people (Hebrews 10:23).  God called His people (born again believers) to walk by faith.  God will bless us and reward us for our faithfulness to Him.  A well-known acronym for faith is: F (forsaking), A (all), I (I), T (trust), H (Him).  When we exercise our faith, trust and confidence in God and His Word, we will be inspired/encouraged to move forward, because God has designed us to live by faith and not by sight. (Hebrews 2:4)  We increase our faith when we read the Word and apply it to our lives.  (Romans 10:17)  As our faith is increased, we will endure in the midst of storms in our lives.  Faith also in God will help us to rise above our circumstances so that we can walk in victory!  God tests our faith to stretch our faith so that we will come out of our comfort zone, and so that He can develop godly character in us.  Additionally, God tests our faith so that we will grow in faith and/or depend on God to do the impossible things that are beyond our human capability/mind.  God tested Abraham’s faith, and God turned the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.  God called Abraham to offer up his only son as a sacrifice, and because Abraham had faith in God,  he no longer was fearful about his circumstance.  He was obedient to God, surrendered his all to God, and he was willing to sacrifice his only son on the altar.  When Abraham stretched out his hand to slay his son, the Angel of the Lord called to him from Heaven and said -- Abraham do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him.  Now I know you fear Me.  Then he lifted his eyes and saw a ram caught in the thicket by his horns.  This was a type of Christ.  Abraham passed the test – believing and trusting God for who He is.  God is sovereign (meaning that God is in control of all things, and He rules over all things).  He is the ultimate source of all power and authority over everything in Heaven and Earth.  Because of Abraham’s obedience and faith, he was blessed by God.  (Genesis 22:3-18) Just like Abraham did, we as Christians must walk by faith and obedience to God in trusting everything into God’s hands and surrendering to God our possessions, jobs, families, and health.  (Hebrews 11:6) Are you truly walking by faith?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  When I can’t see how everything is going to turn out, help me to exercise mustard seed faith in You – by trusting You for who You are.  You are a big and awesome God that is able to handle all of my problems and fears.  For that I say thank you Jesus for what you are going to do!!!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

The world we live in demonstrates a false picture of love.  All that we see through Hollywood and the entertainment world is not a true illustration of love. Some people are looking for love in all of the wrong places.  In this passage of scripture we see God demonstrating the real meaning of love to His people Israel.  God reached out to His people with kindness motivated by an everlasting love to draw them back to Him in a love relationship/fellowship.  Love is an action word.  Love is a choice which is not based on how you feel.  The question is – Where can you find true love?  God is the source of true love.  His nature is to love.   (I John 4:7-8 -  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.)  God also demonstrated His unconditional/agape’ love to all of the world when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins.  (John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.)  When we rebel/turn away from God’s love as sinners, He still loves us.  His true love never changes for us.  He looked beyond our faults and saw our spiritual needs – which was salvation.  (Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.)
 
God loves all people, but He hates our sins.  (Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.) (Proverbs 6:16-17 - These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17  a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.)  Yes, a loving God will judge sin and punish those who reject His Son Jesus Christ.  They will be cast into the lake of fire.  (Revelation 20:13-15 - The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.)

We as born-again believers must remember that our self worth is based on the fact that God loves us and calls us His children.  That is our true identity.  (I John 3:1 - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.)  There is no love that can be compared to God’s love – a love that lives in us to help us love God with all of our heart, soul, strength, mind, and to love thy neighbors as thyself.  (Luke 10:27 and Deuteronomy 6:5)  We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in the image of God – our family members and fellow believers and also those who are in the world – even our enemies.    (I John 4:20-21 and Matthew 5:44)  Jesus said – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if you have love one to another.  (John 16:35)  On a scale one to ten, how much love do you have for God and others?
Remember, nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:37-39 -  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.)  Aren’t you glad that God’s love is everlasting?

Dear Father:  I thank you for loving me with an unconditional love.  Help me to keep a short account of sin in my life – that I may reflect the true love of Your Son Jesus Christ.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Acts 11:23 - When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Have you ever been discouraged, but after reading the Word of God, your situation didn’t change, but your burdens were lifted?  Have you ever been discouraged, and someone encouraged you, and you felt so much better?  Sometimes, though,  we have to encourage ourselves in the Lord as it says in I Samuel 30:6.  To encourage others is so important.  We all need encouragement from time to time.  Several years ago, the Genesis leaders wives met at Sis. Paula’s home.  Our time of fellowship was so enjoyable/memorable! We each were given a piece of paper that had flowers at the top of it so that we could write a note/letter of encouragement to each person who was in attendance.  Nine of us were there that day.  The letters were compiled, and each person received all of the letters which were written to her.  This was unexpected yet extremely encouraging.  I will never forget it.  I took a picture of the nine letters and put them in my note section of my phone under the heading “encouraging notes”.  From time to time, I reread the letters.  That was/is a “joy bomb” for me for sure!!     * \o// *

The Holy Spirit is our “Great Encourager”.  Anyone who wants to be an encourager of others  must be filled with the “Encourager” (the Holy Spirit ) as Barnabas was.  Barnabas was filled with the presence of God, who guided him to encourage and be of support to others.  Barnabas was given the nickname of “Son of Encouragement/Exhortation” (Acts 4:36).  Luke introduced Barnabas as a role model from among those who donated property proceeds.  Barnabas was a member of the priestly tribe of the Levites and a native of the island of Cyprus.  He became an associate of Paul.  
 
When we encourage others, we know that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through us.  The same Holy Spirit that indwelled Barnabas has been given to us as Christians when we invited Jesus Christ into our lives.  As we are now confessing our sins and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we are continually being filled.  There is one indwelling (I Corinthians 12:13) and many fillings (Ephesians 5:18).

The Lord has given us a command to be encouraged  in our difficult circumstances.  Some of the occasions when Jesus encouraged those in the Bible are:
•        To a paralytic, lying in his bed, Jesus said, “Take courage, My son, your sins are          forgiven” (Matthew 9:2);
•        To a woman with the hemorrhage who touched the hem of Jesus garment, He said               “Daughter, take courage,  your faith has saved you (Matthew 9:22);
•        To the disciples who thought that Jesus walking on water was a ghost, He said, “Take           courage, it is I, do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50);
•        To the disciples on the night He was betrayed, Jesus said, “These things I have                      spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you may have t                      tribulations, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Jesus is truly the Lord who encourages those who are discouraged or are without hope!!  Saints, no matter what you are going through, BE ENCOURAGED!!  Think on these scriptures:
•        Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be               with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
•        Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be             afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
•        Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who               hope in the Lord.
•        Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,                       because he trusts in You.
•        Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall                mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and           not faint.
•        John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2           I n My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go           to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again           and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
•        I Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,                       always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in t              the Lord.
•        Romans 8:34 - Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is                 also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
•        Romans 15:13 –  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,           that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
•        Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good                 work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
•        Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the                       manner  of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the                Day approaching.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for forgiving me of my sin, and promising to always be with me.  You have encouraged me so many times, and I am grateful.  You give me hope, peace and joy!!!  Please put on my heart those who You want me to encourage – for Your glory!.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Matthew 8:26 – Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?  Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

The hymn “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me was written especially for sailors -- using words that they were familiar with --  chart, compass, and the need for a competent pilot to guide them over the tempestuous seas.  Edward Hopper was born in New York on February 17, 1818.  His father was a merchant, and his mother was a descendant of the Huguenots, the persecuted French Protestants.  In 1870, he began the most fruitful phase of his ministry when he became pastor of a church in New York harbor known as the “Church of Sea and Land”.  There he ministered most effectively for the remaining years of his life to the many sailors who made their way to and from their ships.  It was while ministering at his sailor’s mission that Edward Hopper wrote this hymn especially for the spiritual needs of these sea-faring men.  He wrote it anonymously, as he did all of his works.  For some time no one ever knew that the pastor of the sailors was also the author of the sailors’  favorite hymn.  Jesus Savior Pilot Me has been included in nearly every evangelical hymnal published unto the present time.  Through the years it has been a hymn that is especially meaningful to young people sincerely concerned about knowing God’s will for their lives.  At the age of seventy-two, Edward Hopper’s prayer expressed in the third stanza of his hymn had its complete fulfillment when he died in 1888.  He was found sitting in his study chair, pencil in hand, writing a new poem on the subject of heaven.  (This hymn history is from the Then Sings My Soul Hymn Stories)

The words to the hymn are as follows:
Jesus Savior, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee –Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the oceanwile;
Boisterious waves obey Thy will, when Thou say’st to them,”Be still”.
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar
Twixt me and the peaceful rest – then, while leaning on Thy breast
May I hear Thee say to me, “Fear not – I will pilot thee”.

What jumps out to me from that hymn is:  Firstly, we must learn to place our confidence consistently in the pilot of our lives -- Jesus Christ as He guides us through tempestuous seas.  After all, Jesus Christ has authority over nature (Matthew 8:26).  We can trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).  He will help us overcome our fears/doubts. (Isaiah 43:1-2 - But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.)  (Psalms 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?) (Psalms 56:3-4 - Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.4  In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.What can flesh do to me?) (Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”)
Secondly, there will be storms and waves that at times may seem overwhelming, but we must have assurance that the Lord is still in control.  He is sovereign.  (Psalms 135:6  )  (Isaiah 46:10 -  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ )  (Ephesians 1:11 - In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.)  (James 4:15 - Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” )  (Revelation 4:11 - You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” )

Finally, the Lord Jesus Christ will safely lead us to our heavenly home.  (John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.)

Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for piloting us, guiding us, protecting us, teaching us throughout this Christian journey/life.  Help us to follow Your lead and not give up when the storms of life are overwhelming us.
 
(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture: Luke 18:1 - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.

Have you ever been praying with a heavy heart and it seemed like God was taking too long to answer your prayer – and then you got discouraged and felt like giving up on your prayer request?  The right way to respond in that situation is to turn your doubt and feelings into faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and never give up on God no matter how bad the circumstance may get.  We are always to be persistent in prayer.  Do not give up on God. (Psalm 34:6) We are called to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17 ).  Also (Ephesians 3:20) Now unto Him (Jesus) who is able to do great things for us and through us by His mighty power.  Jesus introduced this parable to His disciples and for us that we should always pray and not to lose heart or to give up on God --just as the widow in the parable was persistent in her request to the unjust judges.
 
Jesus taught us some biblical principles that we need to learn and apply from the parable about God, the unjust judge, and the widow who was persistent in her request.  (1 ) The widow demonstrated determination and faith, and she looked beyond her circumstance and was persistent in asking for her request.  As Christians, we have the privilege to ask God our Father (Matthew 7:7-11) for things.  We are to ask, seek, knock, and we shall receive.  (2 ) If the unjust judge who didn’t fear God nor care for humanity answered the widow’s request, how much more would a just/faithful God do for His children (the elect)? (Philippians 4:19)  God loves/cares for us, and He comforts us.  He is the creator of all things that are in Heaven and Earth, and He has power and authority over all things – including any unjust judge – who will be judged by God one day.  (3 ) Persistent prayer to God also will transform our prayer life.  It will help us to see things from God’s point of view and understand who He is.  We should pray according to His perfect will – not for our own selfish desires. (I John 5:14 - Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.)  The question is – If Jesus was to return today, would He find you being persistent in prayer and being faithful in doing His will?

Prayer:  Dear Father – Thank You for hearing our prayers and answering our prayers according to Your perfect will/timing.  You always know what is best for us. Our expectation should always be in You and You alone; and because of that, we give You all the honor, glory, and praise!!  In Jesus name. Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Paul expressed how eager he was to go to Rome and preach the gospel --  the good news – the power of Jesus Christ’ death, burial and resurrection – the power that transformed his life.

Before Saul’s life was changed, he journeyed near Damascus to persecute Christians (Acts 9:2-20)  A light was shining around him from Heaven as he fell to the ground and was blinded, and Saul asked the question -- Who are you Lord?  Then the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.  Saul said -- What do you want me to do?  We should daily ask the Lord the same question – What do you want me to do Lord?  (Verse 6)  Saul surrendered his life and will to the Lord Jesus Christ!  (Verse 15) Saul was Jesus Christ’ chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.  He eventually suffered for His name sake.  God used Ananias (verse 17) to lay hand on Saul so that he would receive his sight and to be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.  As we look at the word power in the Greek, dunamis, which we get the word dynamite or dynamic, it has to do with dynamic energy producing results.  It doesn’t matter what the opposition is.  It doesn’t matter how powerful the adversary is.  The Holy Spirit gives us His power as born-again believers. (Acts 1:8)  Paul and Silas was not ashamed of the gospel as they were persecuted and thrown in jail, but at midnight they began praying and singing to God.  The power of God came down and there was a great earthquake.  Immediately the prison door was opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.  And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.  But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.  Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  (Acts 16:25-34)

When Paul was later in prison, he was not ashamed to pray, and he opened his mouth boldly to speak the gospel as an ambassador in chains. (Ephesians 6:19-20)  He had confidence/boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Paul passed on his faith to Timothy and the new generation of church leaders.  In II Timothy 1:7-8 and 12 he said to Timothy – Do not fear or be ashamed of my suffering and the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because I am not ashamed (verse 12).  I have suffered these things also, but remember Timothy --  I know in whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day. When we are tempted to be ashamed of sharing the gospel, remember to have faith/confidence – depending on Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that lives in you.  Can you say – I am not ashamed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who I come in contact with?  No matter what I am facing, I will pass it on to my family, friends and the whole world and/or the next generation.
 
Prayer:  Father thank you for sending Your Son who bled on the cross for our sins, and He was not ashamed to lay down His life.  Help us not to be ashamed to witness of the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Help us to share the gospel with a sense of urgency as the end is drawing near.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  I Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalms 119:10 - With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Isaiah 55:6-11 - Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.8  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.10  “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
The urge or desire to seek after or explore things is automatic --  from our mind or intellect.  Infants explore/seek after things using their senses.  As we were growing up, we sought after a sense of peace, a better life, answers to life’s questions, riches/fame, popularity, approval of others, or even relief from guilt/shame.  Before our salvation, I sought after worldly things, which could never satisfy/fulfill the void that was in my life.  Worldly things/pleasures never permanently satisfy us.

What is so incredible about salvation is that even though we couldn’t be saved through our works because our works are as filthy rags, and our hearts are deceitful above all things, and we could never deserve to be forgiven of our sin, God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sin so that we could have a personal relationship with Him!  He sought after us!! o/  (Isaiah 64:6a – But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.  Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.  John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.  Titus 3:5 – Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.)
Now that we have invited Jesus Christ into our lives, He wants us to seek Him daily – in all of our ways, and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Some of the hundreds of scriptures regarding seeking and/or the results of seeking the Lord are:

I Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalms 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 119:2 - Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
Psalms 119:10-11 - With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,that I might not sin against You.
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Jeremiah 29:13 - And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Mark 12:30 - And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.
Romans 12:1-2 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Colossians 3:23 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Are you a seeker of God’s heart?  If not, what is hindering you?
The chorus of Seekers of Your Heart is:
Lord we want to know You
Live our lives to show You
All the love we owe You
We're seekers of Your heart

Prayer: Dear Father:  I pray that nothing will hinder us from being seekers of Your heart.  We want to live a life that is pleasing to You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  II Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I Thessalonians 5:17 – pray without ceasing,
Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips,
giving thanks to His name.

Emotions are a part of the consciousness that involves feelings or sensibility.  They are a state of agitation or disturbance, and a complex usually strong response like love or fear.  Such a response involves physiological changes as a preparation for action.  Our emotions are definitely unreliable, undependable, like a roller coaster, always changing, and misleading.  Therefore, we can’t trust our emotions or compromise in decisions because of our emotions.  Some of our emotions are:  love, hate, fear, guilt, anxiety, anger, jealousy, doubt, grief, worrying, loneliness, frustration, bitterness, stressfulness, depression, intimidation, discouragement and misunderstanding.

Before our salvation, the order in which we were led was:  body (fleshly desires), soul (mind, will and emotions), and spirit (We were dead in sin).  Now that we are forgiven of our sin (we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ), we have to learn to respond differently by yielding/surrendering to the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit has quickened our spirit, and we should be allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives.  The soul (mind, will, and emotions) and our body (fleshly desires) should not be leading us anymore.  After my salvation I then realized that even though I wanted my emotions to be under the control of the Holy Spirit, there was and is a struggle/spiritual warfare going on (Romans 7:15-25).  We are new creations in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17)!! I have to keep reminding myself that what I starve will die, and what I feed will grow!  We are accountable for our actions and/or response to our emotions. Romans 14:12  says “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.”  We can’t make excuses for our sins, because we have a personal relationship with the Lord, and He has given us what we need to be victorious!!! If we don’t identify, see the seriousness of, and confess our uncontrollable emotions (I John 1:9) and be willing to forsake them, they will more than likely become increasingly more uncontrollable/harmful to ourselves and others.
 
Reading/meditating on the Word of God (the Bible), prayer, confessing of sins, and praising the Lord are so crucial in having victory over our uncontrollable emotions.  Prayer is two-way communication with God through Jesus Christ.  We talk to Him, and He talks to us through His Word (the Bible).  Psalms 63:1 says “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”  Psalms 55:17 says “Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:  and He shall hear my voice.”  We should have an attitude of prayer.  I Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without ceasing.”  The Lord delights to hear us pray back to Him His Word, especially when we want His Word to be an expression of our lives. Reading the Bible and prayer go together, and they are critical.  Just as food is needed for the body to grow physically, we need spiritual food (the Word of God) to help us grow spiritually.  If we don’t feed on God’s Word, we will be affected negatively.  II Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  Inspiration of God means God-breathed.  Reproof means conviction and/or rebuke for errors/heresies. Correction means, something that is substituted for what is wrong/inaccurate.  Instruction in righteous means training or building a person up for righteousness. We shouldn’t wait for a feeling to praise the Lord, but we should praise/worship Him out of the volition of our will and because we want to be obedient to God’s Word.  Hebrews 13:15 says “ Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. “

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for forgiving me of my sin!  Thank You for giving me what I need to be victorious over uncontrollable emotions.  I praise You and honor You – for You are worthy of praise!!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Matthew 9:35-38 - Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Jesus looked at the crowd of people that followed Him.  He referred to them as a field ripe for harvest.  Jesus saw the crowd as an opportunity to meet their physical and spiritual needs. (Matthew 6:32)  Jesus didn’t reject the crowd, but He accepted them with all of their heartaches, pain and disappointments.  Jesus came to give them and us hope, encouragement, and above all salvation.  After all, Jesus is the bread of life.  (John 6:35 - And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger…..)  Yes – Jesus is the spiritual bread to fill the hungry heart now! (Matthew 4:4) I am so grateful that Jesus is the living water that will satisfy the thirsty soul now!  (John 4:10, 13-15 - Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. … 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”)  Are you hungry for Jesus – the spiritual bread of life?  Are you thirsty for Jesus – the living water that satisfies the thirsty soul? Jesus moved with a heart full of compassion for the people! (Matthew 14:14)  Points from Jesus’ life to help us take action to have a heart full of compassion for people are:

(1 )  Let mercy, kindness, love, flow out of your heart.  (Psalm 86:15)
(2 )  Jesus reached out to the people.  He valued their lives.  He had feelings for them, and He was touched by them.  (Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.) 
(3 )  He demonstrated His love as a good Shepherd by laying down His life for the sheep.  (John 10:11-12, 18 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them….18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”)  God wants to use you to meet a person’s physical and spiritual needs. Can you think of someone in your family, on your job, in your church, or in your community, that God wants you to show compassion toward?   It is an honor to serve the Lord – with a heart full of compassion!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  We are humbly asking you to help us to have a heart like Your Son Jesus Christ – full of compassion for others.  Please send more laborers (us) into the field to be used to spread the good news of salvation to people of this world before it is too late.  Time is running out.  The handwriting is on the wall.  In Jesus  name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  James 1:22-25 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

God used various metaphors to describe His Word.  In the book of James, He used a mirror to illustrate His point.  How often do you see your reflection of the real you in a mirror?  Why do we look in a mirror?  We look in a mirror most often to check our appearance and to see if there is something that is wrong with how we look.  If something is wrong, we want to fix it.  If we don’t fix what we see, we are like the man in James 1:23-24 who saw the problem but walked away.  The Word is like a mirror that shows us what is wrong in our sinful heart, ways, or behavior toward God.  The Word exposes us for who we really are.  From the Word of God we can see our sin as God sees it.  When we walk away without realizing we have a problem or without fixing our problems, we are deceiving ourselves.  (James 1:24)  James presented two kinds of images of a person. (1) A hearer/doer of the Word will be blessed by God. (James 1:25)  (2 ) The other image is a person that hears the word but doesn’t apply it to his life.  He walks away in disobedience to God’s Word.  He deceives himself, and he won’t be blessed by God according to James 1:23-24.  James emphasizes that a true believer wants to hear/do/obey God’s Word.  The true heart of a believer wants to also internalize God’s Word in his daily walk/decisions.  The challenge is – How do I hear the Word and walk in victory?  God has equipped us with His Word.  (Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.) The Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Also, the Word convicts us of our sins.  It’s critical that we be honest with God as the Word shows us our sins.  Then we can repent of our sinful habits.  We won’t feel hopeless, fearful, angry, guilty, condemned/depressed.  If someone is a hearer but not a doer, he will fall into the enemy’s trap.  When we internalize God’s Word in our heart/life by obeying it, we are able to walk in power because of the Word and the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.)  We have to remember that God has equipped us with a divine nature.  (II Peter 1:3-4 -  As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)  Also, we have Christ living in us. (Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.)  Now you will have to choose which image you want to be reflected on your life – (1) to be a hearer/doer of the Word or (2)  to hear and not obey the Word and deceive yourself and not receive God’s blessings.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  You see us for who we are – our sins and shortcomings, but you also see what we can become through a personal relationship with Your Son Jesus Christ when we obey Your instructions from the Word.  Please help us to always abide in Your Word – even when it convicts/cuts us – that we may walk in victory.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Psalms 139:13-17 - For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

I Samuel 16:7 -  But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippians 2:13 -  For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

II Corinthians12:9-10 -  And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God has personally made us according to His love, wisdom and sovereignty.  He will finish His good work of conforming us to the character of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) We have to accept by faith the way that the Lord has created us especially concerning our unchangeable features.  He will work all things together for  good.  (Romans 8:28-30 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.)
Some of the unchangeable features/traits we have to accept are:
•        Physical features – hair, face, size, health, complexion, and handicaps;
•        Mental capacity – mental limitations, talents and skills;
•        Aging and our death – thinning hair, poor hearing, wrinkles, poor health as we get older, and the way we die;
•        Birth order – responsibilities we have because of our birth order;
•        Parents – their economic level, their health problems, their successes and failures, and their spiritual condition;
•        Brothers and sisters – characteristics and attitude of each of our brothers and sisters
           (Institute For Basic Youth Conflict)

I struggled with so many different things when I was growing up.  After inviting Jesus Christ into my life, and reading the Bible on a daily basis,  I began to realize that my attitude about myself influenced my attitude toward God, my family, friends, and various situations.  Self acceptance for me is causing me to have freedom from comparison with others.  It is important to accept God’s sovereign purpose in the way He has fashioned us.
If you ever struggle with not accepting your traits/features or family members, confess it to the Lord (I John 1:9).  Then thank the Lord for the way He has created/designed you!  Ask the Lord to strengthen you and/or help you accept/deal with His sovereign will for you.  His grace is sufficient for you!  (II Corinthians 12:9-10 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.)  God is able!!  (Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Forgive me for not accepting how You have designed me.  Thank you for the unchangeable features/traits/family members, and situations in my life. They are marks of character for me.  You are sovereign, and I have been humbled by You.  I have joy because of You.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  II Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

To be used by God, a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) must take place.  Once we are saved, it is so important to keep a short account of our sins (for fellowship purposes). I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.   God can use an ordinary, small or broken vessel, but He doesn’t use a dirty vessel.  II Timothy 2:21 (NLT) says “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  As we are reading/studying the Word of God daily, we have to ask the Lord to give us a sense of urgency about applying the Word to our lives.  We have to do something about our convictions.  God’s word is life changing if we purpose in our hearts to apply it.
 
God uses people who are grateful!  Paul said “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord “ (Romans 12:11 NIV).  I have to continually remind myself that it is a privilege/honor to serve the Lord.  Just think – He actually chose us before the foundation of the world to have a personal relationship with Him; and He wants to actually use us for His glory!!! We are here for God’s purpose – to please Him – to be a part of His family, created to be like Christ, and molded/shaped for His service/mission!!  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain neither, labored in vain.”

God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our trials.  Don’t give up when it gets difficult, tough, or challenging.  Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
I am still amazed how the Lord continues to use Robert and I even as we are getting older. Several times within the last two months, Robert preached at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church (where we invited Jesus Christ into our lives in 1978) and I sang.  What a privilege and *joy bomb* that has been for us!! Being there reminded me of a song that Sis. Delores Smoot (who has gone on to Heaven) and I sang together entitled “To Be Used of God is My Desire”.  The words, which are very dear to my heart, are as follows:

Verse one:
I’ve a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied.
It’s a longing that has never yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know the One who loves them so;
Like a flame it’s burning deep inside.
Verse two:
When I think about the shortness of my earthly years.
I remember all the wasted days, the wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word to those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.
Refrain:
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray.
To be used of God to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire.
To be used of God is my desire.
We all have desires and goals, but is your ultimate desire to be used of God?  What a privilege!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for saving me, and for still using me for Your glory!  I count it a privilege!  Help me to be so in tune with You that I will be sensitive/obedient to however you lead me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joy and happiness are so different.  Happiness is from happenings.  For example, you are happy when you purchase a car or house, when you get a promotion or when someone gives you a gift.  Joy is from the Holy Spirit as we sense His presence.  When good things happen to you, you will be happy, but you can be full of joy in the midst of good or bad circumstances or trials.  That’s so amazing to me!  The joy that Jesus had was from Him totally surrendering and sacrificing to His Father. He did what He was sent here to do.  The fruit of the Spirit is joy….!!  (Galatians 5:22)  Hebrews 12:2  says “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.  Jesus also has joy when we as Christians are bearing much fruit and/or abiding in Him – which brings Him glory.

From the book entitled “Fight Back With Joy” by Margaret Feinberg, she states that joy emanates out of the abiding sense of God’s fierce love for us, realizing that God is here, and when we continually believe that God is for us!!  She also states that joy involves a spectrum of emotions/actions and responses that include:  gladness, cheer, happiness, merriment, delighting, dancing, shouting, exulting, rejoicing, laughing…   I looked up all of the scriptures in the Bible that talked about joy to see how the word joy was used.  I thought there would be maybe 30  or 40 scriptures, but to my surprise there are 149 scriptures that have the word joy in them.
 
The Lord really wants us to be full of joy, and He wants His joy to remain in us.  Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice”.  I Thessalonians 5:16 says “Rejoice evermore”.  We experienced joy at our conversion.  (Acts 8:39)  We can have joy when reading God’s word.  (Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord of hosts.)  We can also have joy when we pray.  (John 16:24 – Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and he shall receive, that your joy may be full.)  We can actually have joy in the midst of trials.  (James 1:2-3 – My brethren count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.) We can also have joy even while suffering. (Acts 5:41 – And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.)  Do you experience joy when serving the Lord?  (II Corinthians 1:2-4)

Is there anything hindering you from being full of joy?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for giving me joy!  Help me to always be full of joy no matter what I go through.  I’m trusting in You.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 13:12-15 - So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

As we read through the Bible, we realize that Jesus Christ was a true servant -- the greatest servant of all, who submitted to His Father’s will, who humbled Himself unto death – the death of the cross.  God in the flesh took the role of a slave to wash the dirt off His disciples’ feet, and He loved them all until the very end.  He even loved His enemy, Judas, who betrayed Him.  Jesus is our role model for serving (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus laid down His life as the ultimate sacrifice to pay for my sinful attitude, my selfishness, my pride, which causes me to fall flat on my face to confess my sins (I John 1:9).  Peter failed Jesus, but in his failure he turned to Jesus to be forgiven and cleansed.  Then Jesus turned Peter’s failure into success – when Peter preached one of the greatest sermons by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14-36).  What is important to remember in serving the Lord?  We should always make sure that we are serving with the right attitude and motive.  We must depend on Christ’ love – living in us to empower us to serve in difficult times (rather the task is big or small – in our home, church, job, or on a mission field).  We must serve the Lord with a one-another mindset – looking out for the needs of others.  Also, we should want to hear the Lord say well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ -- that I may serve You and others with a faithful heart.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have  peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Eight years ago, Marsha and I experienced the passing of our son, Shaun.  It was very difficult going through that ordeal.  We had to forgive the person who murdered our son as Christ has forgiven us.  (Ephesians 4:32) In all of our struggles, suffering, pain, trials and tribulations, we know that our Lord Jesus Christ was right there with us and for us, and we had to totally depend on Him as our faith was being tested.  When we were weak, we found our strength to stand because of the Word of God in Romans the fifth chapter.  Also, when we had sleepless nights, our faith had to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.  In all of our tears and grieving, God gave us enabling grace and peace to ease our troubled minds.  When negative thoughts tried to come into our minds, we had to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to see us through.  Hope from the Lord will never disappoint us.  The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  Trials in our lives build godly character as we learn to persevere, rest, depend, rely, and wait on the Lord. Within ourselves we can never overcome adversity.   It’s all about allowing the Lord to transform our lives to be more like Him.  (John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I thank you that in all of my trials You are working them out for my good and for Your divine purpose and glory. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Psalms 42:1-2a - As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.
Psalms 63:1 - O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Matthew 6:19-21 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We serve a risen Savior who loves us so much!  We weren’t searching for the Lord, but He drew us to Himself by the power of the Holy Spirit!  We have a personal relationship with the Lord that will last forever!  We are sealed unto the day of redemption, holden up til the last day, and no one can make us fall!  We have all we need to be victorious in Him (if we choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit).  Because of that I want to share about treasuring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our devotional time with Him.  It’s a daily meeting time with the Lord that I’m talking about.  A time of singing, praising, worshipping, reading the Word of God, and confessing our sins. He is speaking to us through His Word (the Bible).  We are to draw near to the Lord.  It is a special time, which should be longed for, committed to – despite our busy schedule, distractions or interruptions or how we feel.  It’s a time that if we are consistent in meeting with the Lord, our lives will be transformed because we will begin to see things with a new perspective.  We will treasure the Lord more and more as we read about Him and His character:  After all, Jesus is God!  (I Timothy 3:16, John 1:1, 14)
 
As we learn about the meanings of His names, we will treasure Him even more:  El Roi means – the God who sees me (Genesis 16:3-14).  It is very comforting to know that God sees and knows everything we are going through.  Jehovah Rophe means – the Lord who heals us (Exodus 15:22-26).  The Lord heals us in different ways:  spiritually (by forgiving us of our sin), emotionally, mentally – (when we are discouraged or hurting inside), and many times He heals us physically. He is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who provides (Genesis 22:13-14).  Elohim means – God, mighty creator (Genesis 1:1).  In our devotional time, we can pray God’s names back to Him!  I thank You for being El Elyon – God most high! I thank You for being Elohim – creator and possessor of Heaven and Earth!  I thank you for being ElShaddai – Almighty God!  You are Jehovah Rophe – my healer!  Thank you for being Jehovah Shalom – the Lord of peace!

As I am having my devotional time with the Lord, it is always a time of self-examination (Matthew 6:19-21). Psalms 42:1-2a says “As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. Do you have a heart bent more toward heavenly or earthly treasures?  Are you more thirsty for the Lord or other things?
 
Hindrances to treasuring the Lord and our time with Him are:  anger, bitterness, disappointment, discouragement, depression, not accepting God’s sovereignty in our circumstances.  Is there any situation or trial that you are currently facing that you are allowing to hinder you from loving/treasuring the Lord or going forward in your walk with the Lord?

Let us continue to and more and more treasure our Savior and devotional time with Him.  We must make it a priority to lay up treasures in Heaven (which are lasting) versus earthly wealth and/or treasures on the earth (which are temporal) (Matthew 6:19-21).

For the Lord is our treasure:
T (trustworthy, triumphant)
R (righteous, rich in mercy/grace)
E (eternal)
A (advocate, awesome and able to keep us from falling)
S (sovereign, superior to all)
U (unchanging)
R (redeemer)
E (extraordinary)

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for who You are!  Help me to always treasure my time with You.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  II Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

To be used by God, a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) must take place.  Once we are saved, it is so important to keep a short account of our sins (for fellowship purposes). I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.   God can use an ordinary, small or broken vessel, but He doesn’t use a dirty vessel.  II Timothy 2:21 (NLT) says “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  As we are reading/studying the Word of God daily, we have to ask the Lord to give us a sense of urgency about applying the Word to our lives.  We have to do something about our convictions.  God’s word is life changing if we purpose in our hearts to apply it.
 
God uses people who are grateful!  Paul said “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord “ (Romans 12:11 NIV).  I have to continually remind myself that it is a privilege/honor to serve the Lord.  Just think – He actually chose us before the foundation of the world to have a personal relationship with Him; and He wants to actually use us for His glory!!! We are here for God’s purpose – to please Him – to be a part of His family, created to be like Christ, and molded/shaped for His service/mission!!  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain neither, labored in vain.”

God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our trials.  Don’t give up when it gets difficult, tough, or challenging.  Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
I am still amazed how the Lord continues to use Robert and I even as we are getting older. Several times within the last two months, Robert preached at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church (where we invited Jesus Christ into our lives in 1978) and I sang.  What a privilege and *joy bomb* that has been for us!! Being there reminded me of a song that Sis. Delores Smoot (who has gone on to Heaven) and I sang together entitled “To Be Used of God is My Desire”.  The words, which are very dear to my heart, are as follows:

Verse one:
I’ve a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied.
It’s a longing that has never yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know the One who loves them so;
Like a flame it’s burning deep inside.
Verse two:
When I think about the shortness of my earthly years.
I remember all the wasted days, the wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word to those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.
Refrain:
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray.
To be used of God to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire.
To be used of God is my desire.
We all have desires and goals, but is your ultimate desire to be used of God?  What a privilege!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for saving me, and for still using me for Your glory!  I count it a privilege!  Help me to be so in tune with You that I will be sensitive/obedient to however you lead me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus called us as born-again believers to follow His example in reaching out to lost souls/people.  Some Christians like the comfort zone of the four walls of their church.  While lost souls are dying all around us and going to hell without Jesus Christ in their lives, we need to  follow Jesus’ example.  He went out where the people were. In Luke 19 the people complained against Jesus for being a guest of a man who was a sinner.  Notice, Jesus did not let that stop or distract Him from reaching out to Zacchaeus.  The question we need to ask ourselves is --  Are we letting people or things or Satan distract us from reaching out to lost souls?  Zacchaeus was materially rich yet spiritually poor.  He knew about Jesus but did not know Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior.  A lot of people in the world and some in the church think they know Jesus, but they are still lost in their sins.  Why?  They reject Jesus and the teaching of His Word. Some of the Pharisees were religious but lost in their sins.  Zacchaeus was desperate to see who Jesus was, and he received Jesus joyfully!  Zacchaeus experienced joy in the presence of Jesus, and he also experienced an inward conviction of the wrong things he was doing in his life. Zacchaeus had a desire to make the necessary change in his life by giving back a portion of what he had stolen from the people. This is a true picture of repentance.  Also, what was missing in Zacchaeus’ life was fulfilled by Jesus Christ.  You can’t be found until you realize that you are lost.  Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you are lost.  Then Jesus said to Zacchaeus, salvation has come to this house.  Jesus also said to him, the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.  Jesus’ mission was accomplished!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, please help me to have a burning passion to reach out to lost souls like You did.  I want to always be about Your business.  (Luke 2:49)  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  I Corinthians 1:18 -  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The message of the cross is more than just the speaking of impressive words or wearing a nice piece of jewelry around your neck.  The real message/power of the cross is that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross -- where all of our sins were nailed to that cross.  (Colossians 2:13-14).  Our past, present and future sins were placed upon Him so we can be dead to sin, self and alive to God and His righteousness through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6:11-13).  Now the question is—What does the cross mean to you?  I don’t know about you, but the cross means everything to me.  Why?  The power of the cross has saved me and delivered me from the power of sin, death, hell, the devil, and has changed my life! Now I can live a holy life, be set apart to serve Christ, love Him, and love others.  My life can be a witness for Christ.  God has equipped us to do this by the power of the message of the cross -- Jesus Christ’ death, burial, and resurrection power, which is living in us.  (Galatians 2:20)  Paul said to Jews the message of the cross it is a stumbling block and unto the Greek it is foolishness.  To those who are saved, it is the power of God.  (I Corinthians 1:18)  So now as born-again believers, we can proclaim the good news (the message of the power of the cross) to a dying world who needs a living Savior --  the Lord Jesus Christ.  Now we are to go and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone!! (Mark 16:15)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for dying on the cross for my sin.  Please help me to yield to the power of the cross that my life will make a difference in my home, community, church, job, and wherever I may go.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scriptures: 
Psalms 18:6 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There are things that steal our intimacy with God.  People fall into deception of Satan’s LIES.  John 8:44 says “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”  Since the devil attempted to lie/deceive Jesus, we should be on guard for when he lies to us too.  When we drift in our walk with the Lord, we will become more acquainted with the enemy’s lies about us than God’s truth about us.  Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Our FEARS/INSECURITIES rob us of intimacy with God..  I John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torments.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Many people drag/carry around heavy loads of PAST HURTS.  The enemy wants us to be so weighed down with burdens that we can’t move forward. Psalms 18:6 – “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

 LOSSES in our lives can be painful and even paralyzing.  The loss of a loved one, a job, or betrayal of a friend, are hard to deal with. We can become angry, bitter or feel hopeless, numb, or extremely discouraged – to the point that we lose focus on our fellowship with God and we drift away from serving God faithfully, consistently – intimately/closely.
In times of losses for me -- when I have gotten sidetracked in my intimacy with the Lord,  I have  had to cry out to Him and pray for forgiveness of sins (I John 1:9), comfort, deliverance, and strength.  I have to always remind myself that the Lord wants to help me see life’s circumstances according to His perspective. God is sovereign!  He wants me to take the low road, be humble and totally surrendered in how I react to whatever I am facing.  He wants me to trust Him no matter what.
 
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for the personal relationship and fellowship that I have with You.  Help me not to get distracted or to lose the closeness/intimacy that I should always have with You.  I need You Lord.
(by Marsha Williams)

Scriptures: 
Psalms 18:6 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are things that steal our intimacy with God.  People fall into deception of Satan’s LIES.  John 8:44 says “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”  Since the devil attempted to lie/deceive Jesus, we should be on guard for when he lies to us too.  When we drift in our walk with the Lord, we will become more acquainted with the enemy’s lies about us than God’s truth about us.  Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Our FEARS/INSECURITIES rob us of intimacy with God..  I John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torments.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Many people drag/carry around heavy loads of PAST HURTS.  The enemy wants us to be so weighed down with burdens that we can’t move forward. Psalms 18:6 – “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

 LOSSES in our lives can be painful and even paralyzing.  The loss of a loved one, a job, or betrayal of a friend, are hard to deal with. We can become angry, bitter or feel hopeless, numb, or extremely discouraged – to the point that we lose focus on our fellowship with God and we drift away from serving God faithfully, consistently – intimately/closely.
In times of losses for me -- when I have gotten sidetracked in my intimacy with the Lord,  I have  had to cry out to Him and pray for forgiveness of sins (I John 1:9), comfort, deliverance, and strength.  I have to always remind myself that the Lord wants to help me see life’s circumstances according to His perspective. God is sovereign!  He wants me to take the low road, be humble and totally surrendered in how I react to whatever I am facing.  He wants me to trust Him no matter what.
 
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for the personal relationship and fellowship that I have with You.  Help me not to get distracted or to lose the closeness/intimacy that I should always have with You.  I need You Lord.

(by Marsha Williams)