Learning to Let

Recently, we just went through 6 wonderful weeks of revival. It was like nothing I had ever seen for many years. God's presence was evidenced through his revealed word and also through the responses of hungry and thirsty hearts.
During the last 3 days of the revival, the Evangelist began to minister the phrase, "Let God Love You..." He repeated this over and over and the more he would say it, the more I believed that the Lord truly desired to be allowed to love us like we have never known.
So many are struggling in this life. Times are hard for many and the family seems to be under attack now more than at any time I have known. There is such uncertainty and fear; such anger and mistrust. Perilous times for many in the body of Christ.
I continued to LET the words penetrate my mind and heart. "Let God...Let him love all of the pain out, let him love all the sorrow, all of the worry, all of the past, all of the fear, all of the bitterness, etc...Let God love you!"
We are such independent people. We live as if we have no need while we try to mask the questions that lurk deep inside us. No matter how we want to hide the pain, the truth is we cannot fix it. We can't fix our families, our friends, situations on the job, having no job, even situations in the church and no matter how hard we try...we cannot fix ourselves. There is only one who can and that is Jesus. We must learn to let.
It may seem difficult at first. It may be that just by hearing this that you recoil and try to deny that you need help. You may not know how to let...but I guarantee that if you simply ask the Lord for help, he will. And in the letting you will learn and in the learning you will let him love you more and more.
For me? I have chosen to LET...and He has begun to reveal his love more and more.
So, LET go....and LET God!

The Holy Spirit-My Helper

It has been of the greatest comfort to discover what a wonderful gift the Father has given us in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told his disciples that he must leave them out of necessity. That he would send "another comforter" ...the Holy Spirit and that he would not just be with them as Jesus had been but he would abide inside of them. Wow! Do you realize that as a Christian you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you? That everyday he lives within you to give you power to live over all the ability of the enemy of your soul? He is there to be lead and guide and comfort. To be your Helper!

I am so glad that we can be filled continually with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I begin each morning submitting my mind, soul and body asking him to help me in everything I may face. Then as I live out each moment of my day He is there helping me be more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loved me. What comfort!

Even as Christians we can forget that we are never alone! Especially in the dark times of life. We need to be reminded that Jesus promised he would send another "Comforter". He did not say he would send someone for you to fear...but who would provide you with comfort.

There is a wonderful old hymn called "Abide With Me"...and at one part of the song it says,

"When other helpers...fail...or comforts flee, In life in death O' Lord, Abide with me."

We have many helpers in life and there are certain comforts, however... they all fail... BUT when these helpers fail and all other comforts flee from us...the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit of God will be within us. He is the Holy Spirit...our Helper!

Where's the Line to See Jesus -- Official Music Video - Music Videos - ...

SISTERS

Well I love my sisters! I have been blessed by 2 of the most wonderful women that God could have ever given to be sisters. Both of them are older and instruct me in all their wisdom.
My sister Sherry is a "hoot". She is soooo funny and she loves BLING! Ever since I got old enough to realize it she has been clothed in the glitz and glam and she is what I call my Starlet Sister. Not that she wants to try to provoke attention.....she just is "bright and bubbly" (for the most part...lol). She grew up singing; traveled in a band and even made a couple records back in the day. She has had so many adventures. She called me today to tell me that she has been voted in as the "Queen" of the Red Hat Society in her area." (I was not surprised.) Oh, and did I mention that she is taking piano lessens, she crochets, does needlepoint, sings in the choir and in church...etc., etc., We have many wonderful memories and are still making new ones together. I love her deeply.
My sister Linda is "serene. I love her peaceful, gentle nature. She is completely in every sense a lady. She has a very giving heart. She doesn't have the flare for fashion that my oldest sister has, but has an elegance all her own. Linda works hard and is deeply caring. We have spent many hours in conversation over the years and have shared burdens like only sisters can. (If you have one...you know what I mean.)
Both are my sisters are unique and wonderful. We have spent some wonderful times together since we have become older. I love them both with the deepest love I have to offer. I know that if I ever needed either one of them...they would do everything they could to be there for me. I am thankful that God allowed me the privilege of being their sister.

A friend died today, a friend was given the news she has cancer, a friend is sick, an old friend stopped by to share his grief about the death of his granddaughter, a family of friends are wondering how they will make it without their parents, ...and yet another friend is facing the deepest pain in his life. I am so glad that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us. WE too...must find ways to bring comfort. It won't cost you much. Just let go...and let God use you...to bring some a bit of healing. There are many here that are hurting. Jesus said in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

The Long Journey

All I can say is that it has been a long journey. I have been walking through a literal "valley of the shadow of death" now for the past year and beyond. I won't bore you with all the details, but it has been a very long and difficult journey.
There has been shadows of death and literal death. There has been storms in this valley that I have faced that are unlike any other. There have been deaths of relationships, and death of friends and death of the way of life as we have known it. Did I mention that I hate death!?!
There have been miracles on the way, too! Extended life to my husband after dying before quadruple bypass surgery....Praise God!
You, too may be facing a journey or you may have been walking that journey now for a very long time. We can't always see how or where that journey will end. WE do have a promise that there will be no harm that comes to us....but a future and hope. God promised that he will be with us always..."even to the end of the world."
Great is HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!

What's In Your Cup?

I gave the sermon at church today for Women's Day. It was not one of your cushy, soft, laid back and enjoy kind of messages that we women love. It was very direct and personal...unlike anything the Lord has had me share.

The presence of God was there and after the message ended, there were two ladies who came forward for prayer. They both shared that they believed the message was from God to them. They both had felt like giving up on the Lord because of really difficult things in their families and personal lives.

One part of my sermon was from Mark 14:39 where Christ said, "Father, all things are possible with you...if it is possible ...let this cup pass from me"... I spoke on how our Lord had asked his father to let the cup of suffering pass from him if at all possible...and yet he surrendered 100% to the will of his father..."nevertheless, not my will but yours be done"...

I asked three questions.
1. Who has your cup?
2. What's in your cup?
3. What will you do with your cup?

We are all cups. We all are to be vessels fit for our Master's use.
First, We must make sure that our cup (personal lives) are in the hand of the Lord. We must also make sure that we have the right things in our cup. That the inside is as clean as the outside and that our cups are full of salvation and the Spirit of God. Lastly, we must make sure that our cup is submitted to God in all things, and that we keep it submitted to him.

Salvation is free, but the life shared in the sufferings of Christ is a costly one. The benefits are out of this world.!
What is in your cup?