Years ago while I was going through a difficult time in my life I began to journal on the feelings, thoughts, and special words of encouragement that carried me through. Since then, I have been able to share some of those important insights with others, going through similar trials in their lives. Today I am choosing to share these insights with you as you face your own set of trying circumstances. I encourage you to fight the good fight and never give up hope. During times of hardship, discouragement, illness, loss, fear and worry it can be hard to take life one minute at a time, let alone one day at a time!

I recommend that you read The Encourager only one day at a time. This allows you time to really think about each day’s message and reflect on what is being said. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you additional insight and to show you how the message for the day applies to you personally. Believe God for the deeper work. There is a treasure beneath the surface if you will take the time to look for it. Don’t just read the message; apply it. I realize that you may be uplifted by the daily message and eager to move ahead to the next day, but rushing through the days will not bring about transformation in our lives. When we rush ahead without reflecting on what we have read, we don’t allow the Lord to use the message to minister to us. We become hearers only and not doers of the word.

I use a lot of scriptures. Memorizing scripture is an excellent way to change your life by the renewing of your mind. Memorizing scripture causes us to meditate on the Word of God. The Bible says you are to meditate on God’s Word day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Some readers print each day and then place it in a notebook. This is a great idea! Their notebooks provide an excellent place for their notes, insight, thoughts and goals.

In the days ahead, you will find pages from my journals, letters I have written to others, words that the Lord has given me for you and much, much more. I pray for the deeper things of God in your life. I pray the hidden treasure within each day’s message will empower you to take the better way. I pray you will be strengthened and encouraged. Be strong and courageous! ~ Susan

You’ve been on my heart today and in my prayers. As I’ve prayed for you, I’ve been reminded of times in my life when God used trials to test my faith and develop perseverance in me. They were also used to build my trust and challenge my beliefs. If your faith is being tested, I encourage you to read the following pages just as if I were writing to you. Read James 1:2-18 ~ Susan

James 1:2-18 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. NIV

As I was reading the Word this morning, I read a familiar verse that has comforted me many times when I was weak and weary. ~ Susan

Is 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my load is light.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Philippians 4:19 My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 23 The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. NIV

Day 5:

I read John 14:27 and Philippians 4:4-7 today. It was just what I needed. His Name is Jehovah Shalom. He is my peace. ~ Susan

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Phil 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV

There is part of a song that I can’t get of my mind today and there is a scripture that goes with it. The scripture is Proverbs 18:10. The part of the song that I keep singing is, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Most High.”

“I will praise you, O lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing to your name, O Most High.”

I am reminded of a time in scripture when a vast army was coming against King Jehoshaphat. After praying and seeking the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord gave a word to Jahaziel for King Jehoshaphat and the people.

2 Chronicles 20:14-17 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: `Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. NIV

King Jehoshaphat believed the Word of the Lord and appoints men who will go out ahead of the army singing to the Lord and praising Him.

2 Chronicles 20:20-21 Early in the morning, they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."

2 Chronicles 20:22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. NIV

On the days when I didn’t feel like praising or singing, it was then I choose to give my sacrifice of praise.

What is your boll weevil experience? In one of Charles Swindoll’s books he writes of a story he heard written by Vance Havner. Vance Havner tells the unforgettable story of a little town in Alabama where the major livelihood was raising cotton. One year it appeared that there would be a bumper crop but the boll weevil invaded and devastated the crop, destroying the economy of that little town. The farmers, however, were determined not to sit back and move into the poorhouse. One man got the idea of planting peanuts instead. (Boll weevils hate peanuts!) Another farmer decided to plant yet another crop, and others soon followed suit. Before long, bumper crops of peanuts and other produce began to repair the economy of this town. Interestingly, the town later became known as Enterprise, Alabama. And do you know what they did? They erected a monument to the boll weevil!

Havner wrote: All things work together for good to the Christian, even our boll weevil experiences. Sometimes we settle into a humdrum routine as monotonous as growing cotton year after year. Then God sends the boll weevil; he jolts us out of our groove, and we must find new ways to live.

Financial reverses, great bereavement, physical infirmity, loss of position- how many have been driven by trouble to be better husbandmen and to bring forth far finer fruit from our souls! The best thing that ever happened to some of us was the coming of our “boll weevil.” Without that we might still have been a “cotton sharecropper.” Each of us has had our own boll weevil experience. It interrupted our life. It stole our joy. It had the audacity to invade without invitation, and it probably came by surprise. Chances are good it devastated our faith at the time. We were cut down to size. But did it end our days? We didn’t die! God has given His Word to reconstruct our lives, to build monuments where we once wept and bleed, where we hurt and our hearts ached, when we felt displaced and devastated.

The monuments represent the lessons that led to the changes and results in the maturing experiences that were so essential in our lives and so different from when we were just a bunch of cotton sharecroppers. I have learned over the years when it looks like something has come to an end, it is really the beginning of something better. What is your boll weevil experience? Build a monument.

My monument - a letter to God. Below you will find a letter I wrote to the Lord during one of the most difficult times in my life. It was a boll weevil experience. It was a day that I didn’t know what else to do, so I decided to write a letter to the Lord. As soon as I finished writing, I felt a warmth all over my body. Instantly I started writing again, but this time I didn’t feel I was writing to the Lord, instead I felt the Spirit of the Lord was writing to me. I have kept the letter over the years as a reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness. I realize the person I am today came out of that boll weevil experience.

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Today I feel so low. It feels like my life is caving in and there is no where to go. The tears continually cloud my eyes. Yet the understanding can't be found. Lord, lift me from this pit and give me hope in my despair. I try to get out but find myself getting deeper. Sometimes I feel so helpless and sorrow causes my body to ache in pain. I seem to fail all the people I love. Why do I feel so alone? The loneliness overwhelms me. So many surround me but no one is close. Help me Lord. Thank you for your answer.

I AM your deliverer. Trust me. Know I will do the very best for you. Be ready and willing for my will to be done. Cling to the truth. Say many times, " all things are possible with my Lord, my Friend, my Comforter." This truth accepted and firmly believed is the ladder which a soul can climb from the lowest of pits to the highest heights. Forget the past and remember only the good times. Forget your failures and those of others. I did not die on the cross for man to bare the burdens of his sin. Cast all of your cares upon Me.

I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bare them now. Take one day at a time, one step at a time in your journey with Me upward. In your darkest hours, when human help fails keep very close to Me. I understand because I too was acquainted with grief.

There may be times, many times, when I reveal nothing giving no guidance but your path will be clear. Your task is to grow daily in knowledge of me. This quiet time enables you to grow. I may have you sit in silence with Me and I may speak no word that can be written but comfort and peace will surround you and you will be aware of my closeness and presence. Rest while you wait in silence and be assured of My love and understanding.

Read and study the Word. Store My voice in your heart. The truth and light of My Word will guide you and keep you from stumbling. Listen to your heart for it will speak to you of Me. I am beside you every step of the way. My love is everlasting.

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“Lord, I praise you! I am forever grateful for that August day when you met me right where I was and you carried me out of the pit.” I love you, ~ Susan

One of my favorite scriptures:“ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”

Psalms 116 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted." And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars." How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD-- in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

2 Chron 7:13-16 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

Ps 27:7-8 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Ps 27:13-14 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Matt 7:7-11 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Acts 17:24-28 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. `For in him we live and move and have our being.

Day 11:

“Write those things, which I say to you. For I will speak to you in the darkness and my word will become a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. My word is eternal and it stands firm in the heavens. My faithfulness continues through all generations. My promise preserves your life.” Says the Lord.

Day 12:

Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever.

1 Peter 5:7 Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

The Maker of heaven and earth is the one who watches over you. He is our "never sleeping" guardian. Just think about that! ~ Susan

Isaiah 58:11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

John 7:38 If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered everyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

John 4:15 The woman said to Him (Jesus), “ Sir give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming for water.”

Day 14:

Wanted you to know the Lord had you on my mind. I’ll be praying for you. Here are some scriptures for you.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Rom 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Isaiah 43:1-3 But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

“Lord Jesus, flood my friend with great peace; for you are the peace that passes all understanding. I pray your comfort would wrap them and they would feel safe and secure. Lord, as you embrace them with your arms of love, I pray all fear and doubt would be removed. May this place of safety, quiet their heart and mind and give them rest. I hear your words over them, “Be still and know that I am God”. Touch their place of need. Remove all worry as they cast their cares upon you. As they make you their dwelling place, keep them from harm. Command your angels to guard them in all their ways. Because they love you, protect them and rescue them, I pray. In Jesus Name. Amen.”

Day 15:

(Corrie Ten Boom’s family provided hiding places for persecuted Jews during World War II. Corrie spent several months in a concentration camp as a result of her family’s brave actions. After her release from the concentration camp, she spent the rest of her life sharing her faith and experiences with others. She is the author or many best selling books that record the spiritual lessons she learned throughout her experiences.)

Jesus is always victorious. We only have to get into the right relationship with Him and we shall see His power being demonstrated in our hearts and lives and service. And His victorious life will fill us and overflow through us to others. That is revival in its essence. – Roy Hession

Day 16:

In times of difficulty, we need to make the Lord our focus. Ask him to give you a scripture that you can hold on to. Each day seek him with expectation. He will begin to show you things. As I look at different pages from my journal, I’m reminded of days that I would look up as many scriptures on healing as I could find. I read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John often and would give special attention to each time Jesus healed someone. This began to build my faith.

One day I would look up scriptures on strength, and another day I would spend on trust. I would take 3 x 5 cards and write down a few scriptures each day that really ministered to me. I would read these 3 x 5 cards often. I began to memorize and meditate on these scriptures. I always asked the Holy Spirit for direction, and some days I felt I heard from the Lord loud and clear. Other days I felt like I didn't hear from Him at all, but I knew He was near because the Word says, He will never leave you.

I began to believe the words I read. I became stronger emotionally and spiritually at first. Then my body became stronger too. Reading the scriptures kept my mind on Him and not on my circumstances. On days when I had a set back, it was the scriptures on those 3 x 5 cards that kept me going.

“When you have a set back, don’t take a step back, get ready for your come back”

Day 17:

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is gratitude directed towards God for what He is doing and has already done.

Psalm 100:4 "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to Him, bless His name."

Praise

Praise takes you into the presence of God. Praise originates in the heart not mere outward show.

Worship is an attitude of the heart. It is your response when you become conscience of His holy presence. When God is present an “ordinary place” becomes a “holy place.”

Worship is reverent devotion and allegiance pledged to God. The English word “worship” comes from the Old English word worthship; a word which denotes the worthiness of the one receiving the special honor or devotion. Worship means do reverence to, giving great honor, adoration, to glorify, worthy of or merit of a person, deserving honor.

The Greek word for worship is Proskuneo. Pros means towards, and kuneo means to kiss. Thus, Proskuneo means to kiss towards. Worship is when we’re close enough to embrace, love, kiss, and adore; To have contact with.

In the Old Testament, the common Hebrew word for worship is shachah. Shachah means to bow down, to stoop, to prostrate, to do reverence, and to beseech humbly. When you worship God you may cry, bow down, raise your hands, or you may be silenced. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but you are in the presence of God and you know it!

Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Day 18:

Those were the words of my best friend’s husband, who had recently come to the Lord.

She was in the kitchen at the time, doing the dishes. Smiling she replied, “Yes, I know.”

He was fighting the battle of his life at the time. He went home to be with the Lord a few months later.

How do we praise the Lord?

Psalm 134:1-3Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

1 Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Psalms 63:3-5 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Psalm 98:4-6 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn--shout for joy before the LORD, the King

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

Psalms 150:3-6 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

How do we praise the Lord?

Day 19:

I can’t get the praise out of my mind. I will praise Him with my mouth. ~ Susan

Psalm 145:1-3 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 34:1-3 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 145:21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.

Psalm 71:8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

Day 20:

Psalm 69:34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them..

Psalm 66:4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.

Psalm 103:20-21 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

Psalm 148:2-5 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.

This past year while I was in South Carolina on a ministry trip, I had the opportunity to stay with a Christian family. They had built a lovely house in the middle of the woods. It had two large decks that ran along the back of the house. I got up early one morning and decided to take my Bible and sit out on the upper deck. As I was looking out into the woods, I could see streams of light coming through the trees. It was so gorgeous and peaceful. The birds were singing in the background and I sensed the morning activity all around. Then a gentle breeze blew the branches of the trees. The branches looked like arms, high and lifted up. The leaves began to flutter and as the light hit them they seemed to shimmer. It was breathtaking. All I could think, was that even nature was praising the Lord. It was just as if the earth was praising the author of all creativity. I sat in silence with tear filled eyes ~ Susan

He is our Abba Father. He provided the promise of adoption into the family of God by giving His Son, Jesus. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are accepted as children of God. We can call him, Father.

John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 1:10-13..but as many as receive Him (Jesus) , to them He gave the right to become children of God, those who believe in his name.

Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are lead by the Spirit, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,“ Abba Father.”

Gal 4:4-6 God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

The word “hallowed” means to make holy, to sanctify or set apart; to praise; to adore; to make holy; to respect greatly. It means a person or thing is the opposite of “common”.

God reveals his character, nature and promises in His Name. In other religions, man attempts to reach a god. But in Christianity, God attempts to reach man. He draws us to Himself and then reveals Himself to us. He did this with Moses. Read Exodus 3: 5-6, 13-14

This explains his name Jehovah, and signifies that He is self-existent. He has his being in himself, and has no dependence upon any other. He is Eternal. He is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He is unchangeable. He is faithful and true. This name is related to the Hebrew verb “to be”, and so implies the absolute existence of God. “I Am that I Am” is with you. ~ Susan

Day 23:

The Lord is My Banner (Hebrew Yahweh Nissi). Our victory comes from God, and God alone! Read Exodus 17:8-16

My Study Bible notes that a banner is the pole-like standard beneath which armies or communities rallied. When lifted up, it called the people together for battle, for meeting, or instruction.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Erect a banner in your home today. See yourself placing a huge flagpole in the center of your house with a large red banner flying at the top. Picture His Name, (Jehovah Nissi) inscribed on the banner in gold. Testify of God, your defender! Victory is yours because of the cross! ~ Susan

Have you ever gone to a doctor with a serious illness and been given a percentage rate? A physician may indicate that your recovery rate is 50%, 20%, or maybe even less, but I want you to tell you that with God all things are possible! You can have a 0% chance of recovery by human standards, and be set up for a God-size miracle! I want to tell you that God is still in the healing business, and He still makes house calls.

One of the names of God used in Exodus 15:26 is Jehovah Rophe, meaning, I Am the God who heals you. The Hebrew word for “rophe” means to restore, cure, heal, make whole, physician, be healed, be made whole, cause to be healed, repair thoroughly. Do you or does someone you love need Jehovah Rophe today? This doesn’t just mean physical healing. It includes emotional and spiritual healing as well. The Bible says, “by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24). He is the Great Physician and healing is provided to those who believe in Him and His redeeming work on the cross. His promises are for those who receive Him and allow Him to reign in their lives. As a believer, we receive His healing touch by faith.

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord God always. For in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of all kinds.

Lord,
You are faithful and true.
You are able to do what you have promised.
You are the Rock on which I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
You are faithful and just.
I will always put my trust in you.
You are my shelter in time of trouble; A refuge in time of storm.
You are my fortress in time of struggle; A tower in time of war.
You are my healer in time of sickness; A comforter in time of grief.
You are my stronghold in time of weakness; A helper in my time of need.
I will always put my trust in you.

Dear friend,
I am thinking about you today.
Hope you are doing well.
Be encouraged!
I ask the Lord to give you His peace.
May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you.
I ask the Lord to touch your body as only He can do.
From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet may you feel and experience the healing touch of God.
I ask the Lord to touch and renew your mind.
I ask the Lord to undergird you with His mighty arms of love.
I thank him for there is power in the blood of Jesus.
I pray the healing virtue of Jesus Christ to manifest in and through you.
I ask for your healing in the Name of Jesus.
I stand in agreement with you.
Lets make this computer screen be our point of contact.
Touch this screen with me now.
I touch my screen and say, “be healed in Jesus Name.”

I found this poem in a journal and thought of you. I’m sorry I don’t know who wrote it or where I got it.

LIFE:
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain,
Laughter and tears,
Pleasure and pain,
Low tides and high tides,
Mountains and plains,
Triumphs, defeats and loses and gains…
But always in all ways,
God is guiding and leading.
And He alone knows the thing we’re most needing.

“I feel like I’m on a roller coaster of sorts. Lately, I have been having a tough time mentally. I’m so tired of this. It’s been a year now and I’m losing my positive attitude. I was in tears yesterday and then I checked my email to see your note. Just what I needed! The verses you sent are perfect. How do you know? I am a mental mess. I think I need to vent to someone.”

Do you feel like you are on a roller coaster of sorts?
Are you losing your positive attitude?
Are you a mental mess?
Are you disappointed with the way things are going?
Maybe you just need to vent to someone.

We all become disappointed at times. Things happen! Life gives us unexpected things that are out of our control. A divorce, illness, death, promotion not received, not being where we thought we would be at a certain time in our life, failure, betrayal, rejection, someone didn’t do what we expected... and the list goes on and on. In every case there’s a failed expectation or hope. I heard Charles Stanley say, when a disappointment is unresolved it becomes discouragement. Discouragement means to deprive of courage or confidence: disheartened. Discouragement sees failure and feels defeated causing depression and feelings of hopelessness. Discouragement can harbor feelings like anger, hurt and self-pity. If not dealt with, discouragement can breed unforgiveness and bitterness. We should only experience brief “moments” of discouragement, because we have a relationship with the unfailing God of Hope. Disappointment is unavoidable. Discouragement is a choice. When we become discouraged we can’t see our blessings and we will focus on what we don’t have.

Why not vent to God? Go ahead cry, scream, yell, have a pity party. Have your “moment”. Tell God everything; your cares, fears and concerns. He knows everything anyway. Time yourself (remember the key here is “moment”) and when the timer goes off the session is over. Wipe your nose. Dry your eyes. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and then cast all those cares at the feet of Jesus. Begin to count your blessings. Be thankful for what you do have. Focus on His promises. Our hope is in Jesus.

HOPE: Confident expectancy. In the Bible, the word hope stands for both the act of hoping (Rom 4:18; 1 Cor 9:10) and the thing hoped for (Col 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3). Hope does not arise from the individual's desires or wishes but from God, who is Himself the believer's hope: "My hope is in You" (Ps 39:7). Genuine hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future (Rom 8:24-25; Heb 11:1,7).

Hope distinguishes the Christian from the unbeliever, who has no hope (Eph 2:12; 1 Thess 4:13). Indeed, a Christian is one in whom hope resides (1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 3:3). In contrast to Old Testament hope, the Christian hope is superior (Heb 7:19).

Christian hope comes from God (Rom 15:13) and especially His calling (Eph 1:18; 4:4), His grace (2 Thess 2:16), His Word (Rom 15:4) and His gospel (Col 1:23). Hope is directed toward God (Acts 24:15; 1 Peter 1:21) and Christ (1 Thess 1:3; 1 Tim 1:1). Its appropriate objects are eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7), salvation (1 Thess 5:8), righteousness (Gal 5:5), the glory of God (Rom 5:2; Col 1:27), the appearing of Christ (Titus 2:13) and the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:6; 26:6-7).

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

1 Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Matt 6:25-34 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jehovah Shalom (Judges 6:23). God reveals Himself as The Lord our Peace. Are you overwhelmed today?

Gideon had a dramatic encounter with God, which left him feeling completely incapable. Yet, Gideon was selected to be God’s chosen instrument. In the very moment of his confusion and fear, God spoke peace to Gideon's heart. "But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die" (Judges 6:23 NIV). The next verse tells us that Gideon responded by building an altar and calling it, "The Lord is Peace." The rest is, as we say... history. God was able to use Gideon mightily in the days that followed.

You, like Gideon, may feel overwhelmed today because of an impossible mountain that you've been called to climb. You may be dismayed because of an unbearable situation in which you've been placed. You may feel small and weak. You may think, "I can't do it." Your heart may be filled with turmoil. Let me encourage you to be still, and know that He is God. He is Jehovah Shalom – God our Peace. Build a quiet altar in your heart and welcome Jehovah Shalom. When you come to know God as your peace, victory will follow. You'll climb that mountain and overcome those difficulties. Jesus said, "Peace; Be still." He still says it today.

ATTITUDE: We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can control how we will respond to our circumstances. ~ Susan

Listen to these words of Chuck Swindoll, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make of break a company, a church or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We also cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you- we are in charge of our attitudes.”

Walt Emerson said, “ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

John Maxwell said, “ There is a difference between how we feel and how we handle our feelings. Everyone has times when they feel bad. Our attitudes cannot stop our feelings, but they can keep our feelings from stopping us. Unfortunately too many allow their feelings to control them.”

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win but think you can’t, it’s almost certain you won’t. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

Viktor Frankl endured years of mistreated in Nazi concentration camps. His words to his persecutors have inspired many. “The one thing you cannot take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedom is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.” Frankl also said this about suffering; “When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Can you imagine twelve long years of disappointment, discouragement, suffering, financial ruin, frustration and rejection? Have you read the story of the woman subjected to bleeding for twelve years who spent all that she had on doctors, but no one could heal her? Read Luke 8:43-48; Mark 5:25-34.

First, lets look at this woman’s physically condition. None of the gospels describes the precise nature of her problem. What we do know is there was a flow of blood that could not be stopped. Her condition would have left her iron and mineral deficient causing fatigue and exhaustion. Physically, she suffered.

Secondly, her condition made her socially unclean and isolated her from family and friends. No one could’ve taken the chance of defiling themselves by being around her blood flow. If she had been married, even her husband would’ve had to be sexually separate from her. Since everything she touched was considered impure as well, she couldn’t contribute to the family as she normally would have. She was a social outcast. What pain she must have felt? No wonder she had spent all that she had on doctors. Emotionally, she suffered.

Lastly, the flow of blood would have made her religiously or ceremonially unclean. Think of the spiritual rejection, shunning, and isolation. She would’ve been cut off from worshiping at the temple. We were born to be worshipers and she was unable to worship in the temple. Spiritually, she suffered.

This had been this woman’s existence for twelve years. No wonder this woman crawled and pushed her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She had a purpose: If I touch him, I will be healed. She was convinced that this touch would make her whole. Oh, to be healed of the condition that made her an outcast for years. She believed that Jesus had the power in Him, to heal her. It was this hope that drove her to press through the crowded streets.

Imagine that extended reach, that final thrush, to touch the garment of The Healer. Imagine her faith. She wasn’t expecting him to say anything to her or to touch her; she only felt compelled to touch his clothes. When she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body she was freed from her suffering. (Mark 5:27-29)

As he was touched, Jesus felt power going out of Him (Mark 5: 30) He turned to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes? The woman knew what had happened to her came, and fell trembling at the feet of Jesus. She told him the whole truth. Her trembling may have been caused by the anxiety of not knowing what Jesus’ reaction would be. After all, he had be touched by an “unclean” woman. What she didn’t realize was that Jesus, cleansed the unclean.

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Healed you in the Greek is sozo, “to save, heal, preserve, be made whole.” When Jesus told her to be freed from her suffering he was saying, “be well and healthy and continue in health.” Jesus delivered her from her physical affliction, restoring her to health. He delivered her from her social condition, restoring her fellowship with others, and he delivered her from her spiritual condition enabling her to worship God in the temple. The woman was healed because she exercised her faith and believed in the healing power of Jesus.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you experienced the saving grace of God? If you have, you experienced the “sozo” or healing power in Jesus. The Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Salvation means rescue or safety (physically or morally): deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. Saved means to save, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

Today I invite you to approach Jesus. Push your way through the crowds of resistance and doubt. Your purpose: to touch him and be made whole. Don’t let anything stop you. Press in. Come just as you are….whether you are weak, disappointed, discouraged, hurting, frustrated, suffering or depleted of everything. Come believing.

You cannot be discouraged and hopeful at the same time. As soon as you have hope, discouragement leaves. Sometimes it’s a fight to have faith and keep your eyes on Jesus. The fight is not only in the flesh but in the spirit as well. (Read Romans 8:5.) You make a choice to take the higher road. The battle is always on!

We have all heard most of these statements: “You are what you think.”… “Out of the heart the mouth speaks”… “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words are a result of our thoughts. Think of someone you know who is negative. Negative thinking produces negative verbalizations and negative living. Negativity breeds worriers who are constantly thinking about the things that can go wrong in any given situation. Worrying is a waster of time and energy. Satan uses worry to rob people of their joy. Are you speaking words of death over yourself, your situation or others? Are you negative, critical or judgmental? Do you want to change the way you think and talk? Are you willing to change your ways?

It’s time to get a new plan, to change your mindset and your focus. Get a God idea, keeping looking towards the goal, and don’t look back. When you can’t change your circumstances, it’s time to change yourself. Nothing is going to change unless you change something. Action is needed. You have to be willing to let go of the old thinking and behavior to make way for the new.

The Bible says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Believe it! Our thinking and words need to line up with the word of God. We can’t do it alone and we’re not expected to. We have a Helper -The Holy Spirit. He will lead you and guide you. You make the choice to change and He empowers you to make the change.

1. Choose to change. First you have to want to change. No one else can make the decision for you. Repent and ask God to help you. Allow him to transform you into his image.

2. Renew your mind. Renew you mind by the reading your Bible daily. The Word of God will build your faith, renew your mind, transform you and encourage you. The Word of God brings new hope. This is a process that leads to spiritual and moral growth. Do not allow yourself to think negative thoughts! Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things

3. Guard your mouth. Always speak words that bring life. Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Matthew12:33-37 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

When your words are in agreement with the Word of God, think of the power you speak into your situation. WOW!

4. Make needed adjustments. It’s time for a tune up in your thinking and in the words you speak. It takes time to change old habits, so be persistent. Most of us didn’t get this way over night. You will have set backs, but keep pressing on! Little by little he will deliver you. Never give up!

5. Believe God’s promises. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

6. Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people. We need to encourage one another and build each other up. Have people around you who support your decision to change. Psalms 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my redeemer.

...“And they shall call His name Immanuel,”. "Immanuel" is translated "God with us".

Isaiah 45:2-3 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Today I wanted to concentrate on this section of scripture. In order to help you focus your meditate more clearly, I have selected and researched key words in Strong’s Concordance with Expanded Greek Dictionary. Ask the Holy Spirit to expand your understanding and to show you the places in your life that need God’s straightening, breaking and cutting, that you may know Him and receive treasures and riches of secret places. ~Susan

Crooked places: (OT:2042) to loom up; a mountain: hill, mount (-ain). straight: OT:3474 to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous: direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright (-ly).

Break in pieces: (OT 7665) to burst (literally or figuratively): break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken ([-hearted]), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, X quite, tear, view.

Gates: (OT:1817 from OT:1802) something swinging, i.e. the valve of a door: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. [In Ps 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Brass: (OT:5154) cooper, brass, steel.(OT:5172) a snake (from it’s hiss), serpent

Cut: (OT:1438) to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything: cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down.

Treasures: (OT:214) a depository: (OT:686) to store up: (lay up in) store, + (make) treasure (-r). armory, cellar, garner, store (-house), treasure (-house) (-y).

Darkness: (OT:2822 from OT:2821) the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness: dark (-ness), night, obscurity.

Hidden riches: (OT:4301 from OT:2934) a secret storehouse; hence, a secreted valuable (buried); generally money: hidden riches, (hid) treasure (-s). (OT:2934) to hide (by covering over): hide, lay privily, in secret.

Secret places: (OT:4565 from OT:5641) properly, a concealer, i.e. a covert: secret (-ly, place). (OT:5641) to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.

Know: (OT:3045) to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.) [as follow]: acknowledge, acquaintance (-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, [un-] awares, can [-not], certainly, comprehend, consider, X could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be [ig-] norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have [knowledge], (be, make, make to be, makeself) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have [understanding], X will be, wist, wit, wot.

The Lord: (OT:3068) Yehovah (yeh-ho-vaw'); (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: Jehovah, the Lord.

Call: (OT:7121) to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications): bewray [self], that are bidden, call (for, forthself,, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim (-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.

By thy name: (OT:8034) an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character: + base, [in-] fame [-ous], named (-d), renown, report.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Sometimes hindsight can be the best insight in understanding much of what we go through. What we aren’t able to see or understand in a dark moment, many times becomes clear after the experience. We begin to see that the experience we went through had a purpose and we were strengthened through it. It worked out for our good. All we went through was necessary for our spiritual growth.

Why are we tested in school? We are tested to find out if we have understood the things we have been learning. We had to pass one test to move ahead, only to pass another and another. We had to learn to crawl before we could walk. We learned to add and subtract before we could learn to multiply and divide. That is the process of learning and growing. We really don’t know how strong we are until our strength is tested.

We are in the school of life. Our teacher is the Holy Spirit. Our example is the life of Jesus (in Him was life). Our book is the written word of God, the Bible. Our Father, the One who gives life. Who better to teach us about life, than the One who created it? He is the author of all creation. John 1:3 Through him all things were created and nothing was created without him.

When I look back on my life, I realized that my most life changing experiences came out of some pretty bleak hours; those days when I felt abandoned, lonely, out of options, vulnerable, weak, hurting and exhausted. It was on those days when no one seemed to be home to take my desperate call, and if they were they didn’t have the answers I needed. I was at the end of my rope you might say. That’s when I turned to God.

Those were the days when I really learned to pray. I mastered the heartfelt prayer; the prayer that came from the depths of my heart that I didn’t know existed. These prayers of the heart hit the target quickly because I didn’t have the time or energy for anything less.

It gave me a new perspective on things… things that mattered and things that didn’t. Health was important, family was important, God was important. Eternal things became more important than temporal things. Things that once seemed so important weren’t so important after all. Life became simpler and my life began to change. I was thankful for things I had once taken for granted.

God could have spared me from this - but he didn’t. I’m reminded of many in the Bible who weren’t spared from difficult times. Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Shadrack, Meshach, Job, Joseph, Esther, Paul, Peter and the disciples…and the list goes on. In times of difficulty, they all called on the Lord. They drew closer to God.

When we are out of options, we are forced to depend on God and trust in him. We realize we are powerless. Gods grace is all-sufficient, and our weakness is the opportunity for his power to manifest.

2 Corinthians 1: 8-11 … We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

I want to change something I stated earlier. When I said, “God could have spared me, but he didn’t.” I guess that wasn’t completely true. He did spare me, but it wasn’t from the problem I was going through. He spared me from myself. I once was blind, but now I see. To Him be the glory.

You will never be convinced that God is all you need, until God is all you have. ~ Susan

James 1:12-15 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

When we desire to do the things that are contrary to the will of God and choose our way of doing things rather than God’s way, it’s our own evil desires that drags us away from God. One way leads to death and the other way leads to life.

Matt 10:28-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Matt 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Our heavenly Father wants you to know today, that you are important to Him. He loves you and cares what happens to you. Just as He watches the sparrows and knows all about them, He sees you where you are and knows all about you.

You may feel as though you are all alone, and that no one cares about you. God wants you to know today, that he cares.

You may feel as though no one understands what you are going through. God want you to know that he understands what you’re going through.

Listen to what the Bible says about Gods Son in Isaiah 53:3-5 "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.

You see Jesus Christ knows exactly how you feel. He knows grief and sorrow. Jesus gave his life upon Calvary’s cross for you. That’s how much he loves you.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

You are valuable to God. He watches you. He cares for you. He loves you. ~ Susan

As I was praying for you today, the Lord lead me to scriptures on strength. I pray you will be strengthened by the reading of the word. ~ Susan

Psalm 28:7-9 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:32-36 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

This morning I woke up feeling sick and dizzy. I couldn’t get out of bed or walk because the vertigo was so severe. The first two things that ran through my mind once I got control of my senses were, “I need God’s help and I need prayer.” Next thing I knew, my husband had his big hand on my forehead and was praying for my healing. Within the hour, I was better.

Later in the afternoon, I received a phone call from my son. He is a college student and had run into problems trying to get the classes he was required to take this semester. He was in a bit of a mess, caused by an error on his part and now had few options to correct the problem. If not corrected, the mistake would cost him time and money. He called to ask for prayer. We asked the Lord to help him, to give him favor in the situation and to make a way where there didn’t seem to be one. Then we put everything in God’s hands. Minutes later he called back with a praise report. The way had been made and we both knew who made it.

I was thankful for what God had done in this situation, but I was even more thankful for what he had done in my son. College life can be stressful and challenging, yet there is the peace that surpasses all understanding for those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior… no matter what situation they find themselves in. He is our peace in times of trouble. I felt so blessed to see that in difficult times like these, my son sought the help of the Lord. He knew where his help came from. He knew where to find answers to his problems and he knew the power of prayer. I am also sure of this: No matter how this situation would have turned out, he would have put his trust in the Lord, because he knows that all things work to the good to those who love God.

I’m not saying God will deliver us from all of our mistakes and wrong choices. Sometimes we must suffer the consequences of our mistakes. What about the times when a way isn’t made and we must, as the saying goes, “pay the piper?” Those are the times when we must trust God, knowing that he will help us through and he will use the circumstances to strengthen us and to teach us.

Rom 8:29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Ps 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Today you may have problems of your own. Big or small, it really doesn’t matter. Maybe you’re in a mess because of mistakes and poor choices you’ve made. Again, let me say; it really doesn’t matter.

What does matter is this: Do you know where your help comes from? Do you know the power of prayer? Do you trust God to work a good thing out of your mess?”

If you’ve made a mistake or poor choice, ask God to forgive you. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Call on your Helper today. There is always a way that will work for your good with God.

I read this scripture today in the book of John. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Even when darkness surrounds you, you can walk in the light of life. ~ Susan

Psalm 112:4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Psalm 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Psalm 139:12 Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.

I want you to know I care about you and pray for you daily. If you have a specific prayer need, send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@susanbottgerministries.com. A prayer team will pray over your request. There is power in prayer! ~ Susan

Matthew 18:19-20 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

James 5:13-16 "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Psalm 116:1,2 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

We would love to hear your praise reports, too. Let us know when your prayers have been answered. If we are going to pray together, let us rejoice together as well! Send your praise reports to: praisereport@susanbottgerministries.com. There is power in prayer, agreement, and praise. ~ Susan

Peace:
John 14:27 Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you. Let not your hear be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Patience:
James 5:7.8 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield it valuable crop and how patient he is for spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lording is near.

Humble yourself:
1 Peter 6:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all you cares on him because he cares for you.

Restoration:
1 Peter 5: 10 And the God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered for a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Have you ever watched the animal stations on television? If so, then you may have seen how an animal, such as the lion, select their prey. They focus on weak, sick, or young victims. Many times their victim is alone or straggling behind the herd and unaware of the lurking danger. Once the chase begins the predator tries to isolate its prey. Sometimes lions will work in teams, taking turns in the chase. Their objective is to tire the animal or wear them out. You may have also noticed that when hunted animals stick close to their herd and don’t allow themselves to be isolated, attempts to kill them are generally unsuccessful. Elephants, for example, will gather close together surrounding their young to protect them while running from danger. Sometimes the larger and stronger elephants will encircle the herd and take a stand to charge a lion as he approaches. Peter describes our enemy, Satan, as a lion.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We need to be alert and watch out for Satan tactics, especially when we are weak, tired, sick and alone. Satan doesn’t fight fair. He comes to steal, kill and destroy when we are vulnerable and focused on ourselves. During times of weakness, we need to draw near to God and surround ourselves with the support of strong Christian brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not your circumstances! Lift up the shield of faith, which is an important part of your armor (Ephesians 6:16) to extinguish all the fiery arrows of our enemy. Resist the enemy and he will flee from you!

James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

The Bible tells us, “the thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy.” I bring you good news today!!

John 15:13 Greater love has no one man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus said in John 15:14-16, You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I choose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Blessings to you, friend of Christ. Jesus calls those who follow him “friend”. He makes known to his friends the things He has heard from the Father. He makes known the way to eternal life. He chose us and appointed us long before we knew him. He chose to love us and die for us, so that we could have a relationship with him. Now the choice is ours. Will we accept Him or reject him? Will we follow him and obey his commands or will we follow another way? Those who choose him will go and bear fruit and their fruit shall remain from generation to generation until the end. Their labor will not be in vain. They will ask for things according to his will and he will give them what they ask for. They will obey him because they love him. ~ Susan

James 5:16 The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working). From Amplified Bible.

What are you praying for today? Perhaps it’s for healing, for a loved one or a wayward child. Perhaps you’re praying for deliverance, strength, guidance, or a special miracle. James 5:16 says that God listens to the prayer of a righteous man. Your heartfelt prayer gets God’s attention and makes TREMENDOUS POWER available. Your prayer is DYNAMIC in its working! WOW!

Think of the huge power plants that supply power to our houses. The energy that flows from that plant right up to our light switch is ready to light our room as soon as we turn on the switch. By flipping the switch, we have light. Your prayers are the switch that turns on the power of God. Prayer releases the power to turn a dark place into a light one. Where do you want to turn on a light today? ~ Susan

God promises never to leave you nor forsake you. He is omnipresent. But there will be times when he hides his face from you. There will be times when it seems like God is nowhere to be found because you just can’t feel his presence. These times of “hidden-ness” will prove to be times of testing and growth. They will cause us to draw even closer to him, seeking him all the more. Remember, God is always present even when you are unaware of him.

This past fall my husband and I were blessed by a couple offering their beautiful beach house to us. The Lord had been speaking to me at the time about seasons in our life when God is hidden from us and we are unaware of his presence, as compared to times when we are very much aware of his manifested presence.

One day while I was enjoying a beautiful day at the beach, the Lord gave me a perfect analogy.

When I arrived at the beach it was low tide. I was able to walk out on the rocks and experience the tide pools filled with starfish, urchins and sea life. The sea lions were sunbathing on the rocks and the birds were actively pecking at the surface. There was much to see and do. After a long walk down the beach and back I came to my original spot only to find the wonderful treasures that I had enjoyed earlier were now covered by water, hidden from my sight. I knew everything was still there, just hidden beneath the surface. Instantly I saw how our times with God are like the low tide and high tide. When we experience the manifested times of God’s presence, it is like the low tide. We see, feel, and experience the activity of God all around us. He comes to us and we feel his presence. We are lost in him. He is our distraction. Then the high tide comes in. And God’s presence, like the tide pool, seems to disappear back into the sea. We can no longer see or feel him. Things become silent.

As I sat there looking out over the ocean, I heard the still small voice of God say to me, “Just because you can’t see me doesn’t mean I’m not there.”

If you are experiencing a season in your life, when you feel God is missing and he can’t be found, you may be in a time of “hidden-ness.” Seek him even more! He’s there. You just don’t see him. Trust the fact that he is omnipresent and it won’t be long before you will experience his manifested presence once again. ~ Susan

A friend sent this to me today and I was blessed.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the inspiring message.
It is called, The Interview with God . (click here)
~Susan

Dear Lord,
I want my life to be pleasing to you. Give me the capacity to love unconditionally. Empower me to hear and obey without hesitation and trust you completely. Psalm 37:4 says that if I delight myself in you, you will give me the desires of my heart. Lord, make the desires of my heart, the desires of your heart. Help me to complete the task before me and commit my way to you. Enable me to wait patiently and expectantly for you. Teach me to be still and rest in you.
Amen.

In 5 months, my husband and I will be grandparents for the first time. As I pray for our grandchild, I am reminded of the wonderful work God has already begun in the first 4 months of life. I often wonder what God might be doing on a particular day. Could he be planting a dream, designing a fingerprint or forming an ear? Just imagine, every day of this child’s life has been ordained by God before the baby’s first breath is ever taken. What plan and purpose could God have for this child, born for a time such as this!

As you read the following verses, let them remind you that God had a plan and purpose in mind when he created you. You are not an accident! You are here because God wanted you here! God made you for a reason- you need to ask him what his plan is for your life. Are you doing what God has destined you to do? Are you living the plan and purpose of God for your life? You were made by God and for God. Ask him to make his plan known to you. ~ Susan

Psalm 139:13-16 for you created my inmost being, you knit me together in the mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 49:1 Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and time to die…

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.

Acts 5:38-39 ..For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD says--he who made you, who formed you in the womb, And who will help you.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

John 16:12-15 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

“Most people are paralyzed by fear. Overcome it and you take charge of your life and your world.”
– Mark Victor Hansen

James 1: 2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The believer is not exempt from difficulties. James uses the phrase, “whenever you go through trials”, not “if you go through trials.” That means that trials are an expectable part of Christian life. When he says, “Consider it pure joy..” it doesn’t mean that we must pretend to be happy when we face painful situations. This kind of joy comes from knowing trials cause growth and maturity making us complete, lacking nothing. We rejoice in the certain results, not in the misery of the trial. Trials become times of learning and opportunities to grow. Our faith is tested, helping us to develop perseverance.

Perseverance: the action or condition or an instance of persevering : STEADFASTNESS

Persist - 1 : to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning 2 obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position 3 : to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (as a question or an opinion) 4 : to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time synonym see CONTINUE

Steadfastness - 1 a : firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE b : not subject to change <the steadfast doctrine of original sin -- Ellen Glasgow> 2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL synonym see FAITHFUL

Our true character is often revealed when we are under pressure and our faith is tested. Will we persevere in spite of the difficulty? Will we stand firm in our belief? Will we be immovable, unchanged in character, and faithful? It’s easy to practice our faith when life is great and wonderful things are happening, but will we still remain faithful when the trials, temptations, and difficulties of life come our way? Will we draw closer to God or will we be double-minded and unstable? Only under pressure can the believer test the true depth of his faith in God. The testing of our faith produces patience and endurance. God wants us to be mature, complete, and whole, lacking nothing.

During trials, thank God for promising to be with you always. Ask for endurance and the wisdom to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. I pray that you will come through each trial victorious, wiser and more like Jesus. ~Susan

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Proverbs 2:3-11 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:11-12 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 8:11-12 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

Proverbs 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

2 Peter 3:15-16 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

I encourage you to be yourself with God. He cherishes and honors honesty, humility and a contrite spirit. Confess to him sin, worry, doubt, and fear. He already knows all things, even your innermost feelings and thoughts. Sometimes we try to suppress the thoughts that we are ashamed to admit.

Are you angry or disappointed with God? Do you feel you have failed God? Have you ever felt like your prayers have gone unanswered? Are you afraid to give complete control of your life to the one who holds your life in his hands? Do you have trouble believing God loves you and wants the best for you? Have you allowed worry, fear, doubt and excuses to keep you from the promises of God?

We some how think by not speaking our true thoughts, they will just go away or even worst that we have somehow kept them hidden from God. Don’t be deceived! Remember it’s the truth that will set us free. Your willingness to intimately share all your concerns with God shows your desire to seek him for all things; including comfort, forgiveness, wisdom and guidance. To have an intimate relationship with God we must be open and honest.

I have a word from the Lord for someone today. I know you have been seeking the Lord in the morning. You have deliberately given Him the first fruit of your day and prayed. He has heard your request and your answer is on its way. Your way will be made clear. Wait patiently and wait in expectation. ~ Susan

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalm 40:5 Many, O Lord my God are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell them, they would be to many to declare.

Hunger and thirst for God because only He can satisfy. Earnestly seek His presence today. ~ Susan

Psalm 63:1-8 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Almost every verse mentions God’s Word. Glean from the verses and meditate on the beauty of God’s Word. His Word is true and eternal.

Reading the Bible daily will help us to live according to the will of God. ~ Susan

God is all we have. God is all we need. Part 1
We won’t always understand the why behind our trials.

God alone knows the purpose behind our suffering, and yet many times he never explains it to us. God doesn’t always give us the details or answer our, “Why?” We should not demand that God explain everything to us. There are times you must move in faith, trusting and believing God. We must rest in the fact that, HE IS GOD!

Look at God’s servant Job. Job was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:8) He lost his children, flocks, herds, wealth and health: yet he never knew the reason for the suffering in his life. In spite of this, Job never gave up on God, even in the midst of his pain and suffering. Job showed the kind of trust that we should all desire. When everything is stripped away we realize two things; God is all we have and God is all we need. Most of us who have suffered pain, tragedy, illness and loss have learned this valuable lesson. ~Susan

God is all we have. God is all we need. Part 2
Sometimes trouble and suffering is no fault of our own, as in the case of Job.

Trouble and suffering are not merely punishment for sin; for God’s people they may serve as a trial. Sometimes the greatest trial in our suffering is not the pain caused by the trial, but not knowing why God allowed the suffering.

Job 2:3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright., a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

In addition to the losses Job suffered, his own wife tried to tempt him to curse God and die. Yet Job did not sin. Even Job’s friends wrongly accused him. They believed that he brought this suffering on himself and were convinced he needed to repent for his sin. They too, were wrong! They judged Job by presuming to know why Job was suffering and God rebuked them for their arrogant pride. We can learn valuable lessons from the testimony of Job: Don’t judge others and presume their suffering is cause by sin in their life! Pray for those who abuse you.

God does not allow us to suffer for no reason. Even though the reason may be hidden in the mystery of his divine purpose, we must trust in him as the God who does only what is right.

Throughout his whole ordeal, God was all Job had and God was all he needed. ~ Susan

Jesus Christ suffered. While in Gethsemane, with his soul overwhelmed with sorrow, we hear Jesus’ prayer, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

Gethsemane means “oil press,” a place for squeezing the oil from olives. When we are under intense pressure what is on the inside of us will come out and often we are surprised at what we see. The motives of our heart are tried and exposed when pressed. During pressurized times we are tempted to fulfill the will of God another way and thereby save ourselves.

A second time, we hear Jesus’ prayer, “ My Father if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Matthew 26:42). The NIV Study Bible notes that; A cup was a symbol of deep sorrow and suffering. Here it refers to his Father’s face being turned away from him when he who had no sin was made sin.

He prayed a third time, saying the same thing. Only God could save him. And only Jesus, the Lamb of God, could save the world. There was no other way. He resolves the matter by submitting to the will of the Father. His love for the Father conquered the love of self! No one could take His life because He had already given it to the Father. Jesus gave his life up long before that day at Golgotha. He gave up his life every time he chose the Father’s will over his own. When we truly lay down our lives out of love for our Father than we, like Jesus, will choose His will over our own.

Our Gethsemane is where our willing spirit and the weak flesh do battle. It is the place where our motives are exposed. It is the place of resolve. When we make the choice to follow the will of God, no matter where it takes us, He will give us the strength to walk. Jesus’ life had an eternal purpose and God strengthen him to fulfill his purpose. Jesus said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54)

Jesus was stripped of everything. He stood alone. In his darkest hour, God the Father was all he had and God the Father was all he needed. Jesus endured the suffering and pain of the cross for our redemption and salvation. Jesus’ suffering had a purpose and the plan of God contained the power to save the world. Gods plan gave us a hope and a future. But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name. (John 12:26-27)

We will experience pain and suffering in this world. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Trust him in the midst of your trouble.

If you haven’t seen the movie, The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson, I would highly recommend it. The film is about the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth’s life. Due to the R rating for violent content, I would not suggest it for young viewers under the age of 17.

When we face difficulties or trials, we need to stop and determine the source or the root. It can usually be traced to one of four sources- God, Satan, sin in our life or the sin of others. Sometimes God allows trials or tests in our lives to reveal things about ourselves that have been hidden to us. He may want to develop our character, to draw us closer to him, or He may want to reveal something about himself to us. If the source is Satan, then the bible says to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) If your problems are the consequences of sin in your life, then you need to repent and make a change. Sometimes our pain is cause by the bad choices we have made and other times it may result from the bad choices others have made. Their sin affects us in some way. When that happens we need to learn to forgive and pray for those who have hurt us. Jesus prayed for those who persecuted him. We learn from the first chapter of Job that nothing happens to us without God’s permission. Everything that happens to us can be turned to the good for those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) ~ Susan

Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Lead us not into temptation.
This is how Nelson’s Bible Dictionary defines temptation:
An enticement or invitation to sin, with the implied promise of greater good to be derived from following the way of disobedience.
Tempt: To try to get (someone) to do wrong, especially by a promise of reward.
To be inviting or attractive to; lure; to provoke or to risk provoking; to entice to sin

James 1:12-16 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Watch and Pray
Jesus said to Peter, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mathew 26:40 -41). After Jesus prayed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Him from heaven and strengthened Him. (Luke 22:43)

Prayer helps us resolve matters in our heart and strengthens our spirit. The strength we receive will enable us to resist temptation and submit to the will of God. Even when tempted, Jesus obeyed the will of God.

Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 4:17)
We must use the Word of God, our sword, against Satan when he tries to tempt us to sin.

II Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Jesus uses this sword against Satan when tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11) and after the angels came and ministered to him. We must be familiar with the Word of God (the Bible) and know how to use it. It is our greatest weapon to fight the enemy.

Eph 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

If you are being tempted, watch and pray. Tell someone and have them pray with you because there is power in agreement and unity. Put on the whole armor of God. Use your sword against the enemy and when you have done everything. STAND! I leave you the following scriptures, some ammunition for the fight. Never give up! “The battle is yours”, says the Lord. Be encouraged. ~ Susan

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Hebrews 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Hebrews 4:14-5:1 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1) With every temptation comes an opportunity to choose the better way and to do the right thing.

In the past month of studying, seeking scripture and writing about the trials, suffering and the difficult times we’ve all faced in our lives, I’ve had to reflect on my own life and the difficult times I’ve faced. As I have looked at those times, I’ve become keenly aware of this fact: The greatest growth in ME has come from tough experiences.

Take some time today to look back and meditate on your own life and the difficult times you have faced. See if like me, these times proved to be times of growth. What did you learn about yourself and the Lord? Did the trial cause you to grow up? Did you survive? Were you stronger than you thought? Did you overcome the odds? Did you find that God was all you had? Did you find that God was all you needed? When I did this, I realized how much I’ve learned about myself and about God! Most importantly, I learned that each incident brought me closer to God and he was trustworthy.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Psalm 121:5-8
Jehovah himself is caring for you!
He is your defender.
He protects you day and night.
He keeps you from evil, and preserves your life.
He keeps his eye upon you, as you come and go,
And always guards you.

Proverbs 18:10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe.

My Redeemer, SAVIOR, Deliverer, the Christ, Healer, Living God, KING of Kings,
Lord of Lords, Yahweh, Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End, Jehovah,
First and Last, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Lover of My Soul, Abba Father,
Love, Yeshua, Provider, Refuge, Mighty God, JESUS, Bread of Life, The Way,
The Truth, The Life, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, Husbandman,
Banner, Son of God, Son of Man, The Resurrection and Life, Living Water, I AM,
FRIEND, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Comforter, Shelter, True God, EL Shaddai,
Eternal, Wonderful Counselor, Fortress, Chief Cornerstone, Almighty, Everlasting Father,
Bright & Morning Star, HOLY ONE, High Priest, My Rock, My Strength, LIFE,
Righteousness, Adonai, The Living WORD, I am the Door, Anointed One, Beloved,
Faithful and True, Most High, Advocate, Sanctifier, Author & Finisher of our Faith,
Lord, JESUS CHRIST, Horn of Salvation, Messiah.

Doing God’s will sometimes means waiting patiently. While we wait we can still serve others and God.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "wait":
1 : to stay in place in expectation of
2 : to delay serving (a meal)
3 : to serve as waiter for <wait tables>

Intransitive Senses
1 a : to remain stationary in readiness or expectation b : to pause for another to catch up
2 a : to look forward expectantly b : to hold back expectantly
3 : to serve at meals -- usually used in such phrases as wait on tables or wait on table
4 a : to be ready and available b : to remain temporarily neglected or unrealized

- wait on also wait upon
1 a : to attend as a servant b : to supply the wants of : Serve 2 : to wait for

Think about a waiter in a restaurant. What is the role of a waiter? A waiter is a server. We’ve all heard these familiar words, “Hi, my name is _____, and I will be your server.” Serving you and meeting your needs is their highest priority. They make themselves available and are ready to serve you. They bring you what you want, according to your exact specifications. Remember the old fast food jingle, “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us. All we ask is that you let us- serve it your way!”

The waiter is there to serve it your way. They want to please you making your dining experience a pleasant one, so you will leave a good tip and return again in the future. A good waiter is also very attentive and observant. They watch their tables closely. When one course is finished they are ready to remove your plate and bring the second course. They refill your beverage before it is empty and follow up to make sure everything is satisfactory. They are always on the lookout. When they see a need they seize the moment. In some restaurants your waiter will even take your payment up to the cashier for your convenience.

We have all experienced good and bad waiters. Can you remember a bad dining experience? The difference between a good or bad waiter will depend on the service you receive. Good service should be rewarded with a good tip. Our tip is the waiter’s reward for serve well done.

How do you serve the Lord? Are you a good waiter? Do you make yourself available? Are you attentive? Is He your focus? Are you aware of the needs of others? When you see a need do you seize the moment? Will you receive a good reward for your service?

Next time you wait on the Lord. Remember the role of the waiter. Oh to hear our Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” ~ Susan

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.

Matthew 10:42 “And anyone who gives one of these little ones only a cup of water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

A Tip On Tipping

I think this might be a good time to add a little tip of my own. Be a good tipper. Being cheap is never a good witness. If you are with friends and fellowship long after your meal is finished, tip generously. If you plan on leaving a track or witnessing to your server in anyway, leave a tip worthy of an Ambassador of Jesus Christ. Choose to be a blessing!

I received the following email today from Devotional@godchaser.net and it seemed so timely after yesterdays message. This is what Tommy Tenney had to say about waiting. ~ Susan

We love miracles and dramatic testimonies of God’s faithfulness, but we don’t like the process He uses to dial down our resources until we get to the place of where only He can do it. We especially dislike the wait. And we don’t relish the relinquishment of control. God’s Word still says, “Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength,” regardless of the way we feel. If you don’t have enough strength, perhaps you haven’t been a good waiter.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5–6 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. NIV

Peter warns us to humble ourselves or be humbled by God’s resistance against us.

What does humility have to do with waiting? It all depends on what you think waiting is. If you believe that the biblical term waiting only means to wait around until something happens, then humility doesn’t seem to be related to waiting at all. If you understand that waiting on the Lord also means to serve and minister to the Lord, then humility is almost indivisible from the act of waiting.

You can’t even approach God unless you are clothed in humility. In addition to that, it is difficult to attract God when you approach Him in your own strength, ability, and resources. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” Divine appointments and holy encounters tend to occur at intersections of human weakness and Divine strength, and junctions of human emptiness and Divine fullness.

The rugged territory between having enough and not having enough features the same geography as the place between the already promised and the not yet received. If it were up to us, we would choose the easier path and live on one side or the other. It isn’t up to us. God put us in the middle on purpose. He carefully plants us in places of destiny where our pain, our faith, and our passion collide with His abundance, faithfulness, and compassion. Everything you’ve longed for is already promised and paid for in full, but perhaps it hasn’t been delivered yet. Heaven’s blood-certified check is in the mail.

Like it or not, it appears God puts us in the middle on purpose. Our destiny will only bloom in the pressure of adversity, difficulty, and desperation that moves us from the realm of our strength to the universe of His unending, immeasurable, and unmatched strength. Everything you’ve ever longed for is already promised . . . and His name is Jesus, the Son of God. Worship until He comes in a divine collision of crying need and abundant supply.

Prayer: Lord, I feel as if I’m in the middle again. I don’t do what I want to do, and I do the very things I don’t want to do. All I know is that I want You, I want to be like You, I want to live, serve, and love others as You did—but I am weak and in need of Your mercy. My heart is broken over the countless ways I displease and fail You each day—please forgive me and lift me higher. Let me sit with You in Your strength and see with Your eyes, in Jesus’ name.

The Lord led me to this scripture today during my devotional time.
Psalm 41 is a prayer for God’s mercy when you’re feeling sick and abandoned.
Are you sick and weak? Have those close to you deserted you? Have you been betrayed by a friend? God is always merciful and at your side. ~Susan

Psalm 41:1-13 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get up from the place where he lies." Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. NIV

I experienced a treasured moment with a precious friend of mine today. She had call me for prayer because she had been going through a difficult few months and it left her weary, depleted and depressed. During the course of our conversation we shared experiences, cried, laughed, and encouraged one another. We confessed our fears, weaknesses, and concerns. And when all was said and done, we prayed together. By the time our conversation ended, we were blessed and encouraged.

Our friendship grew stronger and deeper today because we trusted each other with some very personal things. We were honest about our feelings and we spoke from the heart. In other words, we humbled ourselves and became vulnerable. Humm…another observation; Is it ‘pride’ that keeps us from asking for prayer and keeps us from deeper friendships?

As the day went on, I realized just how important strong loving relationships with our Christian sisters and brothers really are. We need each other. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The enemy’s strategy is old and familiar. He wants to isolate us from others, especially when we are struggling. He does not want us to call another for help and prayer. Haven’t we all had thoughts like these, “I shouldn’t call and bother her,” or “She has her own problems, I shouldn’t bother her with mine.” “I need to get through this on my own.” Sound familiar? Who do you think is behind these thoughts? The devil uses the same tactics on all of us. He kicks you when you’re down. He doesn’t play fair. If you are carrying a heavy burden that feels like a load of bricks just weighing you down, guess who’s waiting to add that final brick to the load? He wants you to remain confused, isolated and alone. He preys on the weak. The enemy knows there is power in unity and prayer. He is constantly trying to keep us from coming together and praying. That’s where our strength is. United we stand, divided we fall. One can put to flight one thousand and two ten thousand. Jesus sent them out two by two. Need I say more?

The Bible says, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:5) God wants us to love each other and be there for one another. When my sister suffers, I suffer and when she is honored, I rejoice with her. Life consists of good times and the bad times, highs and lows; both are to be shared. I am thankful for good relationships like this one because I know that when the times are reversed and I am the one suffering I have a friend, who will stick closer than a brother, that I can call and she will be there to help me through.

Our life is meant to be experienced with others. If you need help and strength today, call a faithful friend and ask for prayer. ~ Susan

Marinade: Part 1
In one of the group meetings that I hold monthly, the Lord brought the word marinade to our attention. I believe the Lord would have me include you in the exercise He has given us. Meditate on the word marinade today and throughout the month. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight. It’s quite powerful when you think about it. What does it mean to marinate in Him and marinate in His Word? Don’t look up any definitions today and see what is revealed to you just by pondering the word.~ Susan

Marinade: Part 2
Lets look up some definitions today. Again take your time and really reflect on the word "marinade" and its meaning.

mar•i•nade (Webster's Dictionary)
Pronunciation: "mar-&-'nAd
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from mariner to pickle, marinate, probably from Italian marinare : a savory usually acidic sauce in which meat, fish, or a vegetable is soaked to enrich its flavor or to tenderize it, to add flavor, to make tender.

mar•i•nade ( American Heritage Dictionary)
n. A liquid mixture, usually of vinegar or wine and oil with various spices and herbs, in which meat, fowl, fish, or vegetables are soaked before cooking. To soak (food) in such a mixture; marinate.

marinade (Cambridge Dictionary)
n. a mixture, usually containing oil, wine or vinegar, and herbs and spices, which you pour over fish or meat before it is cooked, in order to add flavor to it or make it tender: Pour the marinade over the beef and leave it for 24 hours.

marinade (Encarta World English Dictionary)
flavorings for food before cooking: a liquid or paste made with ingredients such as vinegar, wine, oil, spices, and herbs, in which food is soaked or allowed to stand to give extra flavor and tenderness before cooking

marinade (Infoplease Dictionary)
n. mixture, typically of oil, wine and vinegar with herbs and spices, in which meat, fish, etc. is steeped before cooking; food so steeped.
related words: steep, cure

marinade, marinate (Vocabulary Helper)
soak in marinade; steep, infuse (let sit in a liquid to extract a flavor or to cleanse; "steep the blossoms in oil"; "steep the fruit in alcohol'' )

Marinade in God today. Soak Him in. Sit in Him. Stand in Him. Steep in Him. Cure in Him. Marinade in the Word of God. Soak in the Word. Sit in the Word. Stand in the Word. Steep in the Word. Cure in the Word. When we marinade something it takes on a different flavor, the flavor of the marinade. I pray we taste like Him. ~Susan

Marinade: Part 3
I received an email from one of the women in our group who had been pondering the word "marinade". She commented, “I must be consumed by God as part of the marinade process.” Being consumed is part of the marinating process. She went on to say, “Have you ever heard someone refer to eating as consuming? Well, that is what the Lord desires to do with us. We must marinade so that we taste good enough to eat. To be consumed by him. I've always heard that word and thought, well yes, the Lord must overtake me. But it's not only that he desires to partake, eat, and consume us. This is why we must be prepared properly. We must taste right so he does not spew us out of his mouth.

“You see he always taste good to us, once we accept him. He is like honey to our lips. The awesome thing is all we have to do is duplicate his recipe and taste like him. In essence, we follow his example, his commands, and most of all live a life of worship!”

David had the key. Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, bless his Holy name.”

John 4:23, 24 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. (Message Bible)

Marinade: Part 4
One of the women sent me this today. She was thinking about the ingredients used in marinades.

Look at the ingredients used in marinades. Oil, wine, vinegar, and spices.
oil- His anointing
wine- His blood
vinegar- His cleansing
spices - His gifts

Have you ever gone into a store to purchase a specific item but then ended up not buying it because you didn’t think it was worth the price? We’ve all done it. We work hard for our money and we want to get the best deal. When we want an item we must first determine whether or not the value of the purchase is worth the price being asked. If it is, we will generally buy it. If not, back on the shelf it goes.

Anything of worth will cost you something. We all know that custom work, originals, antiques, one-of-a-kind items, or a signed and numbered piece will all carry a higher price tag. Why? They are more valuable, of course. Precious stones will cost more than synthetic stones. The greater the value, the higher the price will be. You’ve heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.” If you pay less it is usually because it’s worth less.

Have you ever been to an auction, bid on ebay, or bartered for an item? Individuals will bid on an item as long as they feel the item is worth the price. Once the price passes its value in the mind of the bidder, they stop bidding. It is very interesting to watch. The highest bidder is the one who values the item the most.

There’s a television show here on the west coast where people can bring in their antiques, art, furniture, glassware, jewelry or family heirlooms to see what they’re currently worth in today’s market. Sometimes the least likely piece will be valued at thousands of dollars. Value is also determined by the condition of an item. Pieces in excellent and mint condition have a greater value than those that are damaged, cracked, or chipped.

Another aspect of an item’s worth is its sentimental value. This year in Los Angeles thousands of families lost their homes to fires. Many shared their grief over the loss of family photos and keepsakes that could never be replaced. These treasured items were priceless to the beholder. Do you own anything that is of little monetary value, but is priceless to you because of its sentimental value?

This week we were served communion at church and I began to think of the price Jesus paid for you and me. What did He see in us? He saw something of value in you and me. It was something so valuable that he was willing to pay the highest price. Did His trained eye see beyond the spot and wrinkle? Did he want us because we were an original masterpiece signed and numbered by the creator? He saw us in our imperfect condition and still felt that we were worth the price. He counted the cost.

SOLD! (Hear the sound of the gavel hitting the table)
Sold, to the one willing to pay the highest price.

PAID IN FULL! (Hear the sound of the nail hammered to the cross)
Paid in full, to the one willing to give His life.

Jesus paid the highest price. He gave his life for you and me. We have worth. We are valued. ~ Susan

I pray the Lord Jesus would give you His peace today; the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Take His hand and lean on Him. He will be your strength when you are not strong. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Trust Him with all your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. He will make your way straight. He will make your path clear. He is with you every step of the way. He loves you always.

Philippians 4:6,7 Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your heart quiet and at rest as you trust In Christ Jesus.

Matthew 21:22 All things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

I want to join my faith with yours, and agree with you in prayer, expecting God to meet your needs. Send your written pray request to prayerrequest@susanbottgerministries.com so we can pray and agree with you for a miracle. You’re not alone. ~ Susan

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend will help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Do you isolate yourself and try to go it alone? Some people isolate themselves because the think they cannot trust others. Some try to go it alone because of pride.

Two are better than one. A joint investment often has a better return of capital and thus a better chance of success. If one partner succeeds, the other may share in the fruits of his labor. If he falls, he has his partner to help him up. (Spirit Filled Bible) ~ Susan

Those who trust in the Lord will have strength in times of crisis and will always bear fruit. Read Jeremiah 17:5-8 (click here). Two kinds of people are contrasted here: those who trust in man or flesh for their strength and those who trust in the Lord. Scripture says, “cursed is the one who depends on flesh for his strength.” When we turn away from God and look to other sources we become spiritually dry and barren. Nothing should take the place of God in our lives. Blessed is the man whose confidence is in the Lord! Where does our strength come from? Our strength comes from the Lord. ~ Susan

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted but the waters, which spreads its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.

I just wanted to take this time and remind you once again of my beginning statements and the benefits of reading “The Encourager” just one day at a time. This is so important to reap the maximum benefits. The Encourager is meant for soaking. Deep calls to deep and descending to the depths takes time. While skimming the surface is quicker and appears to be rewarding at first, it will not allow for the deeper work of God to take place. I realize that you may be uplifted by the daily message and eager to move ahead to the next day, but rushing through the days will not bring about transformation in our lives. When we rush ahead without reflecting on what we have learned, we don’t allow the Lord to use the message to bring about change in our life. We become hearers only and not doers of the word.

Reading “The Encourager” one day at a time will allow you time to really think about each message and reflect on what is being said. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you additional insight and to show you how the message for the day applies to you personally. Believe God for the deeper work. There is a treasure beneath the surface if you will take the time to look for it. Don’t just read the message; apply it.

Some readers print each day and then place it in a notebook. This is a great idea! Their notebooks provide an excellent place for their notes, insight, thoughts and goals.

I pray for the deeper things of God in your life. I pray the hidden treasure within each day’s message will empower you to take the better way. God bless you. ~ Susan

The enemy has some of you in a big spin and wants to keep you there. I get this picture of a man trying to spin a plate on the top of a pole. He has many poles and plates, the object being to keep a plate spinning on top of the pole without it falling and breaking while adding more poles and plates. This act keeps the man running because there always seems to be a plate just ready to fall. He runs franticly working each pole to keep its plate from crashing to the floor.

Do you find yourself always late, scattered and on the go? Do you regularly bite off more than you can chew? Are you frustrated because you commit to many things but don’t have the time to really put 100% into anything? Does it seem like you’re always apologizing to others? I hope you’ll press the pause button long enough to hear what the Lord is saying.

The Lord began to show me this after writing yesterdays message. Remember I was sharing how The Encourager is designed so you will reflect on the message. I urged you not to rush ahead but to meditate on each day’s message to really receive the full benefit of the message.

I have a question for you. How do you read the Bible? Do you allow its truth to impact your life and change you. Do you chew it slowly, pondering the message and savoring every bite? Do you pray before and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply what you read? Or are your reading habits more like going through a drive-thru and then trying to eat, drive and talk on your cell phone all at the same time. Oh, I forgot to mention while listening to a sermon in the tape deck?

I have another question for you. How do you talk with God? Do you ever pause long enough to hear what God is saying or do you just get part of it. Most of us who have teenage children have experienced this. We’re still talking to them and they’re already out the door. If you aren’t hearing from God, could it be that you are just too busy to stop and hear what he was to say?

The Amplified version says, “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!”

Our activity when birthed out of the flesh actually prevents God from showing Himself strong in our lives. This doesn't mean we are to be passive or lazy. It means we are to do whatever God leads us to do, without running ahead of Him in the energy of the flesh. We need to be careful to submit our ideas and plans to God, then slow down, and wait. Make sure there is a sense of peace to go along with the plans and ideas. Ask the Lord for His will in your life, then be still and know that He is God.

Learn to trust the Lord without having to know what He is going to do, when He is going to do it, and how He is going to do it. Just let Him do it. If you will turn your heart toward God in loving trust, He will do what needs to be done. God gives His highest and best to those whose trust is in Him.

Be still and let Him show Himself strong in your life. He will never fail you or disappoint you.

Call, qara (kah-rah); strongs #7121: to call out to someone; cry out, to address someone; to shout, or speak out, to proclaim. Qara often describes calling out loudly in an attempt to get someone's attention, or for calling upon the Lord or upon His name.

Jer 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

This is God's promise to us. If we will call to Him, he will not only answer us but he will show you great and mighty things that had previously been hidden to you. God wants to give you access to unknown things.

This is a poem written by a dear friend of mine.
I know it will bless you. ~ Susan

He said that I would never be alone,
And I believed Him.

He said that I could be secure in His love,
And I knew my heart had found a place to rest.

He said that He would walk beside me and show me the other way,
And I believed Him.

He said that when I was too weary to go on He would carry me between his shoulders,
And He has.

He said He would watch over me, protect me and guide me,
And I believed Him.

He said He knew what was on my lips to speak before I ever spoke a word,
And I know it to be true.

He said He loved me unconditionally and nothing that I could ever do would change that,
And I cried and I believed Him.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Did you know that when you laugh your immune system is stimulated? When I was sick I found that laughing made me feel better. Laughing is good for the soul. Rent some funny movies and surrounded yourself with your lighthearted friends. Laughter helps to lighten the load. When we are surround by heavy circumstances it helps to add a little joy to our life.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

A grateful heart is another way to switch our focus from our circumstance to our blessings. Every one of us should have a thankful heart and our gratefulness will yield joy.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Read the word daily. Reading the Bible builds our faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If you are too weak to read your Bible you should consider purchasing the Bible on CD. This is an excellent way to get a good word in you.

Surround yourself with positive friends who will encourage you and speak life into your circumstances. You need to be around those who are up lifting. Ask your Christian friends to pray for you.

Guard your mouth. Be careful what you speak over yourself. There is power in the tongue. Speak life!

Here is some great insight from Mark Victor Hansen. Have you heard that old saying, you are what you think? Well maybe its time for some of us to make some adjustments in the way we think. ~ Susan

Cavett Robert, the founder of what is today the National Speakers Association, once said, “Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is for you and you alone to decide.”

It is up to you to decide whether everything in your life is a problem, or whether everything is an opportunity. Some people say that it’s the same old story - you either see the glass as half empty or half full.

But what if we expand that, and think “outside the glass” so to speak? What if we say the glass is “half successfully attempted” or “half opportunity waiting to overflow?” Why should we stop at the top of the glass - I don’t see a reason to do that, do you?

“Everything would be just great if I didn’t have to deal with all of these problems.” Have you ever heard that, or said that before? Sure, we all have at one time or another. But I’m going to let you in on something - you can judge if a person is successful or not by the size of their problems:

No problems - they’re probably not taking any chances. Big problems - they’re taking big chances and are trying to make a difference in their lives and/or the lives around them.

In general, people believe that having difficulties is a bad thing. That is a huge misconception - a complete untruth. Anyone can be happy, joyful and optimistic as long as everything is going fine and dandy. But if you want to see who someone really is, what their true mindset is, watch them when life DOESN’T go according to plan, when life throws them a few issues and situations they’ve got to find their way through.

Everyone has problems in their life, everyone. And for some amazing reason, every problem is usually presented with a solution in it. All you have to do is look a little closer, dig a little deeper, view the problem from a different angle, and there it is - the solution is more than likely right under your nose.

Let me give you an example of a real “problem” that offered an unlikely solution:

Father Angelo Scolozzi, one of the key figures in the organization and building of Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity of the Third Order had a big problem. He needed a motivated individual with very specific qualifications to help set up a program in Italy for recovering drug addicts.

At the same time, Dr. Lou Tartaglia was working on a book of success stories in America and decided he needed to interview the most successful NUN he knew - Sister Mother Teresa.

His initial conversation with the tiny woman, Mother Teresa, was very pleasant as she teased him about the true meaning of success. And, as they talked, Father Angelo arrived to meet with Mother. As Dr. Tartaglia casually listened, Father Angelo explained to Mother that he was having a difficult time finding a psychotherapist who specialized in addiction, and who also spoke fluent Italian.

Dr. Tartaglia then realized why he was REALLY there - he was a solution to their problem. He WAS that psychotherapist, specializing in addiction and speaking fluent Italian. They went on to work together for more than a decade, easing the suffering of many all over the world.

You see, problems are going to come and go. Your life is not going to be perfect every day. Even if you have the most positive mindset, problems are going to present themselves. That’s a fact. You can’t change it.

What I want you to understand is that PROBLEMS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. They are just situations that are presented to you. You have two choices when presented with problems: You can see them as destructive, spirit-breaking potholes in the road of life; or you can see them as constructive, mind-expanding opportunities to problem solve and move forward to success. It’s that simple.

Remember: Encountering difficulties is part of life. Count yourself lucky as you’ve been “chosen” to seek out and learn a valuable lesson! The only people who don’t have problems are dead people.

“Claim and believe hard tasks are easy and they will become easier and be accomplished more quickly.”

In closing this week, I’d like to offer an exercise to complete in the week ahead:

I want you to look at your life. What do you consider to be problems? What are the problems that you worry about on a daily basis? Take out a journal or notebook and a pen. Sit down and close your eyes. Write them all down. Remember, we’re talking about the present, not the future - that will come soon enough.

Is money an issue? Your physical appearance? Your health? Fear of failure? What is it that you worry about?

Now, look at the problems you have written down. These are the things that you have allowed to have power over you. They have pulled the wool over your eyes and led you to believe that this is where you have to stop thinking - these problems are the end. Instead, start thinking, “These problems are just the beginning to new discovery!”

When you were given math homework in school, the teacher didn’t say, “Okay, kids. Take these problems home and worry about them, and tomorrow I’ll give you more problems to worry about.” The teacher said, “Here are the problems. They have answers. Solve them.”

That’s what I want you to do. I want you to take your list and write one problem at the top of a sheet of paper. (Do this for all of them.) Then under each problem write another header: “Solutions”. Now, here is where the fun starts - yes, it’s going to be fun. I want you to “think outside the glass” and come up with new, creative, crazy solutions to each problem. I don’t care how impossible you believe your solutions are, write them down. Crazy solutions are genius in disguise.

Write 20 solutions for each problem. Afterwards, break each solution down into action steps. Once you’ve done that, I want you to decide which solution you are capable of doing right now, at this very minute. Then do it. Do each action step until you have completed that solution. If your problem is still there, try another solution. Keep going until you have discovered the one that works.

Remember Thomas Edison. Once he was asked what he had to say about the fact that he had failed thousands of times while trying to create the light bulb. Edison said he had never failed, he simply “had to run through enough learning experiences to find a way that worked.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 lists three things we are taught in order to become Christ like; "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

1) Put off your old self - This means you must choose to leave behind everything connected to your old way of life, in order to move ahead with God. It’s letting go of who you were (before coming to Christ) and letting go of the things you did (your old sinful nature) so you could become a new creature in Christ Jesus. In other words, we must leave the past behind.

2) To be made new in the attitude of your mind - We must change the way we think.

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Greek word for transformed is metamorphosis. The word is used to describe the change a caterpillar goes through in becoming a butterfly. This describes the wonderful transformation that will take place in our own lives when we allow the Holy Spirit to change our thoughts and will to be in line with Gods will for our lives. We are continually changing to be like Christ. One of the ways we can renew our mind is by reading the Bible.

3) To put on the new self – We are to put on Jesus. We were created to be like God.

God wants to develop your character and change your behavior to bring about true righteousness and holiness. This is a new way of life. For many this will be as drastic as that old caterpillar changing into the beautiful. You will look different, sound different and act different. There comes a time during this life long process that we will look back amazed at how far we have come because we can’t even relate to that person we once were. Only the Holy Spirit can produce Christ like character in us.

Becoming like God in true righteousness and holiness is a life long process. Developing Christ like character is neither instant nor automatic; it is gradual and life long. ~ Susan

This week I have selected a scripture for each day. I pray as you meditate on the Word; your mind would be renewed. ~ Susan

Isaiah 55: 1-3 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.

Psalm 42:1, 2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual (or reasonable) act of worship.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 31: 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Ephesians 3:16, 17 I pray that out of his riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Luke 10:41, 42 You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:27-31 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

If you are able, take communion today. Prepare a piece of bread or broken cracker and a small cup of grape juice or wine. These elements represent Jesus’ broken body and His blood shed for you and me. Take a moment to examine your heart and with gratitude remember the promises that are ours because our Lord and Savior died for us. ~ Susan

Life with God ultimately leads us to surrender wholly to him. The Bible says Caleb followed God wholly. Some translations use the word wholeheartedly. (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:8) Caleb followed God with his whole heart. Surrender means trust. It means letting God have his way in your life, your family, your career and your circumstances. It is choosing to relinquish all control to Him. The more we know God, the more willing we are to follow him wherever he leads. Out of our love for Jesus, we will surrender. To surrender is to give up into the power of another. We are all familiar with two signs of surrender and submission used in the military and police force; one sign is arms raised straight up in the air and the other is raising a white flag. Both are signs of surrender and submission to the power of another. Have you surrendered wholly to Jesus? ~ Susan

Here is Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition of "surrender".
1 a : to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand; b : to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another
2 a : to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner; b : to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence) intransitive senses : to give oneself up into the power of another : YIELD synonym see RELINQUISH

All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust him
In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus I surrender
Make me Savior wholly thine
May thy Holy Spirit fill me
May I know Thy power divine

God is working in you. He is transforming your character, so that you will desire an upright and godly life, pleasing to Him.

Phil 2:13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. American Standard Version (ASV)

God is the one who empowers you to change. This doesn’t mean that God is doing this for you and there will be no work or effort on your part. Indeed you will have to work at changing, but God will supply the working power to enable you to change. God is actively working in our behalf for the sake of his own good pleasure. He is giving us the power to obey Him.

Our conduct begins to change when our mind is transformed by the Spirit of God. The Bible says, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Therefore brethren, be not conformed to the world whose god is Satan, but be transformed into the character of God, knowing what is pleasing and acceptable to Him. It’s the Holy Spirit who creates in us a desire to please God that prompts us to godly living. ~ Susan

2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. America Standard Version (ASV)

Beholding as in a mirror can mean “reflecting” as well as “looking into”. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are continually transformed into His image (likeness) by the Spirit of God. We then reflect what we behold. As our knowledge of God increases, transformation occurs. Transformation means “to take on a different form or appearance”. It can refer to an outward, as well as, an inward change. We will be different inside and out. From glory to glory. ~ Susan

Phil 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: ASV

Paul can speak with confidence because God is faithful. God’s promises are not barren. We can expect fruit in our lives because God has a purpose for us and He will accomplish His purpose.

Isaiah 55:11 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.

The promises of God shall come to full fruition in due time. Our life purpose will not return to Him void. ~ Susan

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. New Living Version (NLV)

We, too, should pray that God will make us worthy of the life to which he called us. We need to live life in keeping with our destiny. I pray that God’s glory might manifest in and through you. When we become vessels that manifest the glory of our Lord Jesus, we ourselves become glorified by our association with Him. I pray the name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified in you; in other words, the cause, authority, character, reputation, excellence, interest, deeds, everything represented by the name of Jesus would be in you.

This should be our highest aim: that our God and Lord, Jesus Christ would be glorified in everything we do and desire. ~ Susan

If there is one thing I have learned over the last twenty-four years in the Lord it is that everything flows out of our personal relationship with the Lord. Our walk with God is more important than our ministry for God. As a minister, the work of the ministry is always pulling at me. I can keep myself very busy pastoring, preaching, teaching, counseling, writing, going on hospital visits, home visits, mission trips, discipling and mentoring others. I love serving the Lord and I make myself available for the works of the ministry. However, in addition to being a minister I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter and a granddaughter as well. Each role is important and has its own set of responsibilities.

Our lives are busy and there are only 24 hours in a day and sometimes good things take the place of our private time with God. I have to keep watch over the time spent in study, preparation and prayer otherwise these things could so fill my days that I’d have nothing left for God. We all need balance and boundaries because there is always a need somewhere. The responsibilities and demands of life drive us to work and away from devotion. I’m not saying the work of the ministry isn’t important. It is! We are called to pray and love others, to go and make disciples of all nations, to teach, to witness, to preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick and to do much more. We have a job to do, but if our relationship with God isn’t our highest priority then much of our work will be in vain. If we miss Him, we miss our highest purpose.

Recently, the Lord has been giving me words to ponder. Words like waiter, marinade, crave, soak and saturate. I’ve been meditating on these words. I want to wait on Him. I desire to marinade and soak in His presence. I hunger for and crave more of Him in my life.

I want to experience personal revival. I want revival in my home, my church and community. I want my life to be a life of passion and fire. I want a fire in me that can be caught by others. This revival, this fire, comes from within. It comes out of a time spent with Him. If we do not make God our highest priority we can be in the pulpit, serving in our churches, or on the mission field and loose our first love. We could find ourselves doing the work of the ministry without the anointing, doing things in our own strength and power with no evidence of the Holy Ghost power. We could wake up one day and realize God had retreated from our midst because our works took the place that rightly belonged to Him. We become dry and barren. Have you lost your first love? If so, return to Him. Make Him your first priority.

Mary Kay Ash, founder and president of Mary Kay Cosmetics always told her beauty consultants to put God first, family second and career (ministry) third. This was her motto for success. I heard this in the late 1970’s and have applied it to my life ever since. These words of wisdom have helped me through the years to keep things in perspective.

Who or what is at the top of your list of priorities? What takes the number one spot?

God’s character demands loyalty. We demonstrate our loyalty by worshipping the one and only true God.

Look at your calendar and your checkbook. Where you spend your time and money reveals the one you worship. Let’s reevaluate and make sure our priorities are in Gods order. ~ Susan

If you want to have more than a superficial relationship with someone you must let them see the real you. A superficial or shallow relationship is lacking depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, and character. God wants us to have a relationship with Him that has substance and significance. He wants our relationship to be lasting and solid. God reveals Himself to us through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “he who has seen Me has seen the Father.”(John 14: 9) and “If you had known Me; you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” (Jn14: 7) We can experience God by reading the Word and following the life of Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus is the Truth and the very life of God. He is the way to knowing the Father. ~ Susan

John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word (title for Jesus Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood and His name is called The Word of God.

The great hallmark of mighty men and women of God throughout the years has been their close walk with God. It is imperative to our growth, that we fellowship with God daily. One way to do this is by reading the Bible. The message God intends to communicate to humanity is within its pages. Each sentence contributes to our understanding of God and to deepening our relationship with Him. The writers and prophets of the Bible were convinced their message was not their own invention but the very word of God. God used them to convey His message.

Lawrence O. Richards writes in his book, The Bible Readers Companion, “The Bible is not speculation, but revelation. It is not simply inspiring, but inspired. As such the Bible is an authoritative word from God, and has been recognized as authoritative by believers from the beginning.”

Hebrew and Greek words translated “revelation” mean “to uncover, expose, disclose, or make known.” According to Scripture, God has made known information that mankind needs to know, and has also made Himself known to us in that information, and in the person of Jesus Christ. Key Verse: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him—but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit” (1Corinthians 2:9–10).

This word renders a Greek term meaning “God-breathed.” God conveyed his very words through the writers of Scripture in order to reveal His message to humankind.Thus the words of the Bible, not the writers, are said to be inspired.

Key Verse: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life

Consistency is the key. Daily feed on the Word. Just as we need to eat food to stay strong and healthy, we also need our spiritual food to stay strong and healthy. The Bible will reveal the ways and will of God for the life of the believer. It will expose areas in need of change and weaknesses we are to overcome. Within its pages are instructions to living a godly and holy life.

When you are reading the Bible and there is a portion of scripture that speaks to your heart, stop reading. It may be something you recognize in yourself that needs to die, an old sinful habit that needs to be broken, healing that needs to manifest, something that stirs your faith. Meditate on that passage. Ask the Holy Spirit how you can apply what you have read to your life. In His book, The Lost Art of Discipline Making, Leroy Eims gives four simple steps that will help the believer apply the word to their daily life. When a passage speaks to him, he goes through a self analysis using these four steps.

You struggle with anger or cussing and then come to Colossians 3:8 “but now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language out of your mouth.” You hate the sin you see in your life and you want to change this old behavior.

You lie or exaggerate the truth. You feel convicted when reading Colossians 3:9 “do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

You are discouraged because of an illness. You are sick and tired of being sick and tired. You are in need of healing. Your faith is stirred when you read about Jesus healing the sick.

These experiences show the Holy Spirit is at work in you. You have grown enough in God to realize you don’t have to live this way anymore. The Holy Spirit convicts us and stirs us in order to bring about change in our lives. Our old behavior stinks and our new life in Christ is repelled by the smell. We want to change.

2.) Pray that the Lord would bring this scripture to mind every time you are tempted to return to your old habits or behaviors.

Zech 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father all send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

4.) Be accountable to another and ask them to pray for you and help you stay on track.

If they see you failing, give them permission to remind you of your commitment and encourage you.

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The effective prayer of the righteous man avails much.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death.

Will you have setbacks? Probably, I certainly have. But if you remain consistent and don’t give up, you will overcome! God is faithful. Remember to thank the Lord for He is good and His mercies endure forever! ~Susan

“God makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God, deliver me from dread asbestos of ‘other things.’ Saturate me with oil of Thy Spirit that I may be a flame. Make me thy fuel, Flame of God.”

Hunger and thirst are physical sensations which, in their acute stages, may become real pain. It has been the experience of countless seekers after God that when their desires became a pain they were suddenly and wonderfully filled. The problem is not to persuade God to fill us, but to want God sufficiently to permit Him to do so. The average Christian is so cold and so contented with his wretched condition that there is no vacuum of desire into which the blessed Spirit can rush in satisfying fullness.

Occasionally there will appear on the religious scene a man whose unsatisfied spiritual longing become so big and important in his life that they crowd out every other interest. Such a man refuses to be content with the safe and conventional prayers of the frost-bound brethren who “lead in prayer” week after week and year after year in the local assemblies. His yearnings carry him away and often make something of a nuisance out of him. His puzzled fellow Christians shake their heads and look knowingly at each other, but like the blind man who cried after his sight and was rebuked by the disciples, he “cries the more a great deal.” And if he has not yet met the conditions or there is something hindering the answer to his prayer, he may pray on in the late hours. Not the hour of night but the state of his heart decides the time of his visitation.

The story is told of a young man who, in his search for God, came to study at the feet of an old wise man. One day the teacher took his pupil to a lake and led him out into shoulder-deep water. Placing his hand on the student’s head, he suddenly pushed him under water and held him there until the young man, in desperation, fought his way to the surface. In utter shock and confusion, the student stared at the old man as if to ask, “what in the world are you doing?” The teacher, in response, looked at his pupil and said, “when you want God as much as you wanted air, you shall find him.”

Everyone feels afraid at one time or another but to fulfill our purpose in life we must push past our fears and do what needs to be done. Have you seen the TV show Fear Factor? Individuals are expected to perform unusual stunts in the fastest time to win the game. The stunts are based on the average person’s fears such as the fear of heights, water, small enclosed places, speed, snakes, spiders, dark places, eating weird and gross things. etc. An interesting observation is that once they push through their fears they are energized by their accomplishments. They did it and survived!! You see time and time again that the thing they feared was not that bad after all. It just goes to show how our imagination can make a mountain out of a mole hill. Our imagination is a very powerful tool which can work for us or against us. Many are so paralyzed by their fears they have to quit. They just can’t push past the horrible images they have created in their mind. Those who push through feel great accomplishment because they chose to face their fear. They overcame their fear. You have the power to allow fear to be in control of you or you can choose to control it.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing, which you think you cannot do.” This quote states the problem and the solution. We must stop running away from things that frighten us, face our fears head on and then do the thing we fear the most.

Are you suffering from fatigue, discouragement or weariness? Get ready for a b-r-e-a-k-t-h-r-o-u-g-h! I see God’s battering ram knocking down the door of your enemy. (A battering ram is used by the police to break in doors.) The Lord is coming through! I know the Lord had me write this just for you. The Lord says there will be breakthroughs in these areas to those who are suffering. He has heard your cry. As you read the scriptures BELIEVE them. “Victory is mine!” says the Lord.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 59:9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I called to you for help; and you healed me. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue, be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Isaiah 26: 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Psalm 28:7-9 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 103:1-5 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 39:1-4 I waited….He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in God. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Note: If you look to horoscopes, mediums, or psychics, you need to stop! You need to repent and ask Gods forgiveness. Your answers are in the Living God only. These sources are not from the Spirit of God and lead only to destruction.

Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD , open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not my word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”

They overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. This is my testimony. As I was praying for you this morning I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to the scriptures you have just read. I began to realize God has positioned many of you to receive a miracle. God revealed his plan to bring a breakthrough in these areas. Many of these scriptures were words of life to me when I suffered from the same symptoms you have been suffering. I can tell you that I know God as My Healer because I was healed from that chronic condition years ago. I pray you too will know God as your Healer today. Rejoice your deliver is neigh. Receive your healing. Take it as the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of his garment and immediately received her healing.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for my brothers and sisters who are suffering today. I bind weariness, discouragement, fatigue and all forms of physical weakness and say loose your hold and come down in Jesus Name. God’s battering ram is against you and will knock down your door and access. Father, I ask for a garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness because there is power in worship-filled praise to cast off oppressive works of darkness. Renew their strength so they will mount up with wings of eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Strengthen them body, soul and spirit. I pray you would give them a second wind to carry them. Empower them to complete the race strong! Accomplish your plan and purpose in them. The Bible says, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Fill your people with your strength from on high. I pray a new energy and wholeness will fill their bodies even now as we pray. The Bible says where two or more gather together you are in the midst, so we stand in agreement for the healing of your people. May they be as strong as the cedars of Lebanon, the strongest of trees. Thank you Lord for setting your people free. I pray they will sing a new song of praise to their God, who heals. Amen

Our words are a result of what is in our heart. There is a powerful connection between the two. God looks at our heart. What do your words say about your heart’s contents?

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

3 John 2 Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health that your body may keep well just as your soul prospers. ~ Susan

Prosper (Greek euodoo) literally means “to help on the road” or “succeed in reaching”. This includes emotional, spiritual, physical and material prosperity.

Prosper- to be successful or fortunate. Thrive, flourish rich, wealth (Webster’s dictionary)

A few weeks ago while coming home from the gym the Lord spoke to me in his still small voice, “In your weakness I am strong. In your strength I will empower you.” Yesterday as I was reading the Amplified Bible he reminded me of that word in these two scriptures.

2 Corinthians 12:10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities, and distress; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong [able, powerful in divine strength].

Philippians 4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Are you in a battle for your life? Are you afraid and discouraged? Do you feel under attack? If your answer was yes to one or more of my questions, I would like you to read two scriptures. The first is Joshua 1:9 “I will be strong and courageous, I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” I want you to know you are not alone. God is with you. The second scripture is Ephesians 6:10-18. It will help you in your fight against the enemy. The enemy isn’t the only one with a strategic battle plan. God has a battle plan as well and He has provided us with his armor for the battle. Take each verse of this scripture to heart. Line by line, precept by precept; use the word of God as the powerful weapon that it is.

Ephesisans 6:10-18 ¹⁰In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. ¹¹Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹²For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. ¹³Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].¹⁴Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, ¹⁵And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.¹⁶Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.¹⁸Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people). Amplified Bible

2. Put on your armor! Don’t leave home without it. Teach your children to do the same. Each morning say with them I put on the armor of God. I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I put on the belt of truth. I put on the shoes of peace. I put on the helmet of salvation. I lift up the shield of faith. I take up the sword which is the Word of God. Then pray over your children.

3. Read the Bible. We need to know the word of God. The Word of God was Jesus’ weapon against Satan when he was tempted in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1-13) Remember the Word of God is your sword. You need to keep it sharp.

4. Pray the scriptures. Pray in the spirit. Oppose the enemy in prayer and spiritual warfare.

The Bible says Be alert! Be sober! Be vigilant! Because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. (1Peter 5:8-9) Resist him, steadfast in the faith… Know the tactics of the enemy. Soldiers in the army learn their enemies tactics and adjust accordingly. The enemy will always try to expose and exploit our weakness. He lies and he doesn’t fight fair. Fear not! The enemy only walks around like a roaring lion. Our God is a Lion- The Lion of Judah! If God be for us, who can be against us.

6. Stand! When you’ve done all you can do stand. Do not be afraid not dismayed for the battle is not yours, but mine says the Lord.

I want to encourager you today. I believe God will not only bring you through this trial, I believe you will be much stronger because you have trusted him and his promises. As we go through trials of life, we learn to walk by faith and keep our eyes on Jesus, the “Author and Finisher of our faith”. God is faithful. He never ceases to care for us. The enemy always tries to bring fear, doubt and uncertainty. He will afflict us where we are most vulnerable, but God brings peace, faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love and love abounds because He is Love. Know he loves you today and rest in his love. Give him control of your life. In Him is life and anyone who receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior has this life in them. Depend on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to encourage, sustain and lift you daily. Remember hold on with “bulldog” faith and don’t let go. I just wanted you to know we are praying for you today and we love you. ~ Susan

Mark 12: 30-31 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” NIV

Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. Amplified Bible

Do you love him like the scripture suggests? What does it mean to love God with your whole heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength? Take some time to think about this scripture. Do a word study and ponder what Jesus is saying. Ask God to give you the ability to love him like this. ~ Susan

Ezekiel 11:19 - 20 And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God]. That they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. And they shall be my people and I will be their God. Amplified Bible

This is a gospel promise, and is made good to all those whom God designs for the heavenly Canaan; for God prepares all for heaven whom he has prepared heaven for. It is promised, [1.] That God will give them one heart, a heart entire for the true God and not divided as it had been among many gods, a heart firmly fixed and resolved for God and not wavering, steady and uniform, and not inconstant with itself. One heart is a sincere and upright heart, its intentions of a piece with its professions. [2.] That he will put a new spirit within them, a temper of mind agreeable to the new circumstances into which God in his providence would bring them. All that are sanctified have a new spirit, quite different from what it was; they act from new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new ends. A new name, or a new face, will not serve without a new spirit. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. [3.] That he will take away the stony heart out of their flesh, out of their corrupt nature. Their hearts shall no longer be, as they have been, dead and dry, and hard and heavy, as a stone, no longer incapable of bearing good fruit, so that the good seed is lost upon it, as it was on the stony ground. [4.] That he will give them a heart of flesh, not dead or proud flesh, but living flesh; he will make their hearts sensible of spiritual pains and spiritual pleasures, will make them tender, and apt to receive impressions. This is God’s work, it is his gift, his gift by promise; and a wonderful and happy change it is that is wrought by it, from death to life. This is promised to those whom God would bring back to their own land; for then such a change of the condition is for the better indeed when it is accompanied with such a change of the heart; and such a change must be wrought in all those that shall be brought to the better country, that is, the heavenly. (2.) Their practices shall be consonant to those principles: I will give them a new spirit, not that they may be able to discourse well of religion and to dispute for it, but that they may walk in my statues in their whole conversation and keep my ordinances in all acts of religious worship, v. 20. These two must go together; and those to whom God has given a new heart and a new spirit will make conscience of both; and then they shall be my people and I will be their God. The ancient covenant, which seemed to be broken and forgotten, shall be renewed. By their idolatry, it should seem, they had cast God off; by their captivity, it should seem, God had cast them off. But when they were cured of their idolatry, and delivered out of their captivity, God and his Israel own one another again. God, by his good work in them, will make them his people; and then, by the tokens of his good-will towards them, he will show that he is their God.

Father give us the heart that will enable us to follow you wholeheartedly. ~ Susan

I am so thankful to have an opportunity to share both my testimony and my God with you. God uses unique ways to bring people together. Amazing! The Lord is and has been such an encouragement to me. He has given me precious Christian friends who stood with me during my darkest hours and through them I could feel his great love for me. Their letters, phone calls and visits always came when I needed them most because he knew my greatest needs. He meets us right where we are, just as we are. I am in awe of him and his ways. We serve an awesome God. His mercy, grace and love are never ending. I can’t imagine my life with out Jesus. ~ Susan

"Faith is blind- except upward. It is blind to impossibilities and deaf to doubt. It listens only to God and sees only his power and acts accordingly"
S. D. Gordon

When we worry about tomorrow we carry tomorrows burden with today’s strength; carrying two days in one. We are moving into tomorrow ahead of time. There is just one day in the calendar of action; today. We are not given a clear blueprint of our whole life. We are given moments; one by one.

I was at a worship service last night and got caught up in some of the words of one of the songs we sang. When I awoke this morning the words from the song were immediately on my mind. I found myself singing the words throughout the day. I’d like to share them with you.

I pray that words will transform your thinking today. He knows, He sees, He hears and He cares. ~ Susan

Exodus 33:12 Moses said to the Lord, See, You say to me, Bring up this people, but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You said, I know you by name and you have also found favor in My sight.

Isaiah 45:3 And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.

Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts. And the time is coming when I will gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.

1 Chronicles 28:9And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father [have personal knowledge of Him, be acquainted with, and understand Him; appreciate, heed, and cherish Him] and serve Him with a blameless heart and a willing mind. For the Lord searches all hearts and minds and understands all the wanderings of the thoughts. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him as your first and vital necessity] you will find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever!

2 Kings 20:5 …Thus says the Lord, the God of David your [forefather]: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you.

Zechariah 13: 9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, The Lord is my God.

Psalm 91:15He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

Most of you have heard of Joel Osteen. He is the pastor of the largest and fastest growing church in the U.S. You can visit their ministry website at www.joelosteen.com. I love what they recite at the beginning of their services. I think reciting this before we read the Word of God would be a good habit for each of us. And if you believe what you are saying, you will never, never be the same. ~ Susan

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Acts 3:1-10 is the testimony of a 40 year old man who was crippled since birth and is healed by the power of God. The man was carried and placed at the temple gate, day after day, and he would beg for alms from the people as they past him on their way to worship at the temple. One day the man asked Peter and John for money as they came to the gate. Peter looked right at him and said, “Look at us!” So the man looked and gave his attention to Peter expecting him to give him something. Little did he know that what Peter had for him was going to change his whole life. The man wanted money, but God had something much greater in store. The man was expecting his daily need to be met, but Peter saw the greater need - the restoration of his legs. In an instant this man’s life changed forever. God knows what we need and it isn’t always what we think we need. Have you heard the saying give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a life-time. God wants to teach you to fish. He wants to change your whole life, not just your today.

Give me your attention! Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. ~ Susan

What do you need today? I want to pray for you. The Bible says the prayer of faith will save the sick. It is God who will raise you up. We are to confess our trespasses and pray for one another that we may be healed. Well, I’m one and you’re another.

James 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Matthew 18:19-20 says if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name I am there in the midst of them. When He is in the midst we now have three.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

The prayer of agreement multiplies our efforts and produces synergy. Synergy is the working together of two things to produce an affect greater than the sum of their individual effects. There is a multiplication factor that takes place when we pray together. Scripture says one can put to flight one thousand and two ten thousand. WOW! Together we can make a difference. Prayer can change our circumstances.

Isaiah 56:7 ….For my house shall be a called a house of prayer for all nations.

Psalm 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

I want to take a few days to share a little about prayer. God has a specific or direct will for our lives. Our highest purpose is to determine his will for us and then do it! As we begin to know God’s will for us and are obedient to follow it, we begin to know God.

After receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and being baptized with the Holy Spirit, the next biggest thing that changed my life forever was prayer. Prayer is communication with God. Prayer is relationship and fellowship with God. Prayer requires discipline, obedience and time. Just like any other relationship you develop, you must spend time with God to get to know him better. Prayer gives new dimension to praise. Prayer shouldn’t be a ritual or drudgery but a DYNAMIC encounter with God.

1. Prayer is communion with God. Plain and simple - prayer is talking with God. It is a two way conversation. We talk and we listen. We can share everything with God; our thoughts, hopes, fears, doubts, our joy etc. Nothing is too small or insignificant. If it matters to you, it matters to God. The bible says to cast all our cares upon him.

2. Prayer reveals the will of God. It is important to know the will of God so we can walk in agreement with him. When we know the will of God, we will pray prayers that get answered. Our prayers will hit their target.

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

3. Prayer primes the pump. Anything of value to the Kingdom of God is usually initiated by prayer or dependent on prayer.

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

4. Prayer is a weapon. Prayer is one of our greatest weapons, especially when mixed with the Word. The sword (which is the Word of God) is a part of our armor. It is powerful to pray the scriptures. What hath God said? Know what God says and speak it forth.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Matthew 6:6-8 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 22:40,46 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

7. Prayer links God’s mercy with mans need. The intercessor bridges the gap between God and man. The intercessors comes “before God” on “behalf of another.” Prayer makes a wall and stands in the gap.

Ezekiel 22:30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

2 Chronicles 7: 12-16 Then the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

We are living in times when we must pray. Unplug your phone and plug into God. ~ Susan

Matthew 6:12 “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Read the parable of the of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:1-35). Make the decision to walk in love and forgiveness daily. - Susan

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the
other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started
drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "Today my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone. Why?"

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone.

Romans 6:23 For the wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-10 that if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1 John 5:12-13 Whoever has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

My Redeemer lives! It is a good thing to remind yourself daily that you serve a God who loved you enough to die for you. Thank you Lord for what you did for me. I am forever grateful. ~ Susan

2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them!But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion.[And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen [so be it]. Amplified

I’m here to remind you of this, when no one acts in your defense; God will be your advocate. When all forsake you; He will never forsake you. He will stand with you and strengthen you. Hallelujah! He is well able to deliver you from the jaws of death and send his angles to close the mouth of the lions. He will draw you from every evil. He will preserve you. Read Daniel 6 today. “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

Matthew 7:7 Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call upon Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.

James 5:15 and the prayers of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

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.

Mark 16:16-18 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these sign will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Do you have the faith to believe the scriptures you just read? Faith unlocks the doors that keep us from a God encounter. Faith looses the miracle. The Bible tells of a father who brings his sick son to Jesus for healing and he says to Jesus, “If you can do anything have compassion on us and help us.” The question isn’t whether Jesus has the power to heal, the question is do we have the faith to believe. When Jesus responds by saying, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father cries out and said with tears, “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”

When our desires are in accord with God’s will, anything is possible. Believing was the requirement for this prayer to be answered. Unbelief can keep us from a miracle. If you are having difficulty believing God for the impossible, ask the Lord to help your unbelief. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God. My cry, “Father, increase our faith and help our unbelief.” - Susan

One of our readers sent this to me and because this is “The Encourager,” I thought I would add it here.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah (on her show) for Dr.Angelou's 74th birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day... like her breasts... they seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first, she said. The audience laughed so hard they cried. Dr. Angelou also said: "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life". I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance! I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”

Here are the words to the song "Send Out A Prayer" by Anointed (click here to hear the song). If you were unable to hear the song, click here to download a free version of Real Player. A friend sent me this tape years ago. If you would like to hear the song, click here. I want you to know you are not alone today. You are on His heart. You are not forgotten. I’m sending out a prayer for you today. ~ Susan

Gotta say there's nothing wrong
My heart can feel right through your camouflage
Try to tell me you'll be strong I've been there too
I know this road is hard

When the ache feels stronger than the strength you feel inside
It's there when you're weakest His Grace will abide

Just let me send out a prayer a cry for help to heaven from me
Just let me send out a prayer bring hope into despair for you
Let me send out a prayer for you

We 're here to help each other,
Weather these storms together in the name of love
That's what friends are all about here to help each other out
When the push comes to shove
I'll pray you do anything you may face
Don't worry bout a thing cause I'll plead your case

Just let me send out a prayer a cry for help to heaven from me
Just let me send out a prayer bring hope into despair for you
No need to worry cause I'm in your corner
No matter how the road may turn

I'll pray you through anything you may face
Don't worry about a thing cause I'll plead your case
Send out a prayer a cry for help to heaven from me
a prayer a prayer
Just let me send out a prayer a cry for help to heaven from me
Just let me send out a prayer for you

Lamentations 3:22-23 The unfailing love of the Lord never ends. By His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.

Our God is the God of new beginnings. Today is a new day full of opportunities and promises. God has something good in store for you today. Make a decision to stay focused on Him. “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord., “thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Susan

Happy Thanksgiving. Remember everyday in the Lord is a day to give thanks. - Susan

Psalm 35:18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

Psalm 42:4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

Psalm 69:30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 69 In context: Psalm 69:29-31)

Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 75 In context: Psalm 75:1-2)

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 95 In context: Psalm 95:1-3)

Thanksgiving, Hebrew todah, Strong’s #8426: thanks, thanksgiving, adoration, praise. This word is derived from the verb yadah, “to give thanks, to praise.” The root of yadah is yad, “hand.” Thus, to thank or praise God is “to lift or extend ones hands” in thanks to Him. Today is translated “sacrifice of praise.”

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 100 In context: Psalm 100:3-5)

Praise, Hebrew tehillah; Strong’s 8416: a celebration, a lauding of someone praiseworthy; the praise or exaltation of God; praises, psalm, songs of admiration. The Hebrew title of the Book of Psalms is tehillim, literally the Book of Praises.

Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD , call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 105 In context: Psalm 105:1-2)

Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 106 In context: Psalm 106:1-2)

Psalm 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 106 In context: Psalm 106:46-48)

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 107 In context: Psalm 107:1-2)

Psalm 107:8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 107 In context: Psalm 107:7-9)

1 Chronicles 23:30 to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening;

Praise, halal; Strong’s #1984: to praise, to thank; rejoice, boast about someone. Halal is the root from which “hallelujah” is formed. The praise is a command: hallelu-Jah (all of you must praise Jah).

Is the Lord the first thing on your mind when you awake and your last thought before you go to sleep? Is your praise the first words out of your mouth? I pray He will become your beginning (Alpha) and your end (Omega). - Susan

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 118 In context: Psalm 118:1-2)

Psalm 118:19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD .
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 118 In context: Psalm 118:18-20)

Psalm 118:21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 118 In context: Psalm 118:20-22)

Psalm 118:28-29 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 118 In context: Psalm 118:28-30)

Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good. His love endures forever.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 136 In context: Psalm 136:1-2)

Endures: the literal meaning is “because forever is His mercy.” Mercy: also translated “loving kindness, “unfailing love” or “steadfast covenant love.” Forever: means eternity; the ages; everlasting; infinity. An unending expanse of space and time.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
(Whole Chapter: 2 Corinthians 2 In context: 2 Corinthians 2:13-15)

2 Corinthians 4:15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
(Whole Chapter: 2 Corinthians 4 In context: 2 Corinthians 4:14-16)

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
(Whole Chapter: 2 Corinthians 9 In context: 2 Corinthians 9:11-13)

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Whole Chapter: Ephesians 5 In context: Ephesians 5:19-21)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Whole Chapter: Philippians 4 In context: Philippians 4:5-7)

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(Whole Chapter: Colossians 3 In context: Colossians 3:16-18)

Luke 22:18-20 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

It says in the Bible every good and perfect gift comes from above. We thank you Father for loving us so much that you gave your only begotten Son, Jesus. Thank you Jesus, for loving us so much that you were willing to die that we might live. We thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, so we can live a life pleasing to you. The words “thank you” seem so inadequate and small in comparison to what I am feeling, so listen to my heart Lord and hear what I am trying to say. Amen.

Jesus not only gives life; He sustains it. Jesus is the true life sustaining power, nothing compares to Him.

I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. - John 8: 12

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9

I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25

I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. - John 10:11

A shepherd tends, leads, guides, cherishes, feeds and protects the sheep. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Our good shepherd, willingly laid down his life for you and me.

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

What would cause him to leave his eternal state and put on flesh? He took the form of a bondservant and became a man.

Jesus said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” (John 18:37)

Do you sense something is shifting? Can you feel it in the air? There is a rumble going on in the Spirit. Many who know Him sense a shift. There is a move of God about to hit the body of Christ that will impact the world. Be prepared so you will be ready when He calls. God is doing a fast work in this hour. Things that use to be accomplished in a year will be accomplished in a month. A month will be as a week, a week as a day, and a day as a minute. God is doing a fast work. God is multiplying. An increase is taking place. We are to be about the Father’s business. We are to bear witness to the Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life.” And “everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” God is taking us out of our comfort zones. He is pushing us out of the boat and calling us to walk on the waters of our faith. Do not be afraid. Faith doesn’t deny difficulties, it just looks past the difficulties and declares the power of God. He is close to those who know him and choose to obey the call. Your suddenly is about to happen. Many of you are in the NOW of the prophecies that have been spoken over you. Do not shrink back, you are well able to take the land of promise. Be bold and courageous. - Susan

As I have been praying & fasting over the last few weeks, I have felt in my spirit that the Lord is calling many to fast and pray in this hour. As I was praying today, the Lord reminded me of King Jehoshaphat (Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) When he was warned of a vast army that was coming against him, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all the people of Judah. During an assembly, the word of the Lord came to Jahaziel, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” King Jehoshaphat and the people bowed down in worshipped before the Lord. Then King Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing praises to the Lord as they went out at the head of the army and as they began saying, “Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever,” the Lord sent ambushes against the enemy and they were defeated.

Is the enemy coming against you or your family? Does it feel like the enemy is pushing you back? Have you been feeling like you are constantly on the defense, defending what’s yours? Do you need direction from the Lord? Are you in a life or death situation? Maybe it is time to proclaim a fast. Fasting gives clarity of mind and spirit allowing us to hear from God clearly. Fasting allows us to focus on God. I believe for many of us fasting is just what we need to do to put us back on the offensive. ~ Susan

Recently I was seeking the Lord about a wave of attacks that had come against our family. The more I prayed and sought the Lord the more I felt like fasting would become the artillery we needed in this hour. We need the BIG guns.

1. Large-caliber weapons, such as cannon, howitzers, and missile launchers, that are operated by crews.

4. Weapons, such as catapults, arbalests, and other early devices, used for discharging missiles.

Artillery: LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus
1. Large but transportable armament.
2. An army unit that uses big guns.
3. A means of persuading or arguing.

(Queen Esther - Esther 4; Daniel - Daniel 9:3, 10:2,3; Jesus - Luke 5:35; Acts 13:1-3; Peter & Cornelius - Acts 10; Paul -Acts 9:9)

I know many of us are fasting already as the Lord leads and we are realizing that fasting is going to be crucial in the days ahead. The Church of Power needs to be empowered. We must have ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. We need direction, wisdom and discernment.

Do you feel unsettled in your spirit? Do you feel like you are lacking something you need in order to move ahead but you don’t know what it is you are lacking? Do you need direction from God? Is the enemy coming against you like a flood? Are you starting a ministry or being sent out? Do you need clarity of mind and spirit? Have you been asking for boldness and courage? All of these are excellent reasons to fast. ~ Susan

For many of us, we need to know the purpose and benefit of something before we are motivated to start or complete it. Fasting is “voluntary and deliberate abstinence from food for the purpose of concentrated prayer.”

Jesus is our example: Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. After Jesus fasted, Luke recorded, "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit." Fasting will empower us.

Fasting is a powerful weapon. I am convinced that the enemy wants to keep us blind and ignorant to the power fasting releases. I believe that if we truly understood the benefits of fasting, we would be quicker in picking up this weapon of destruction against our enemy. We need to change our thinking about fasting.

Fasting is a means by which our prayers are more focused. We choose to give one thing up, in order to gain something better. Fasting has the ability to change our circumstances. Remember King Jehoshaphat? Fasting and prayer causes God to hear and move on our behalf. We need to understand the power fasting releases. No wonder the enemy doesn't want us to fast. Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me. Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I have live. Joel 2:12-13a Now therefore says the Lord turn to me with all your heart, with fasting with weeping and with mourning. So rend your heart and not your garments; return to the Lord your God.

A common mistake that believers make while fasting is giving up a meal but neglecting to use the time seeking and worshipping the Lord. Fasting should be time set apart from worldly cares to be spent with God. Our spiritual need takes precedence over our physical hunger. One of the reasons we fast is to know the will of God. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit gave clear direction to the believers while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting. Peter and Cornelius were both fasting and seeking the Lord when they had visions and received specific instructions from the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 10:3-23 (click here) Fasting combined with prayer brings clarity of mind and spirit.

Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

James 1:5 If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Joel 1:14 Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the elders and the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God and cry out tot he Lord.

Note: If you are not able to fast for long periods, consider fasting for a day with water only or water and vegetables. You may want to consult a physician before fasting.

Today as I was praying, I had a vision. I saw a baseball field and baseball player in the batters box. The batter was digging in his feet for balance. Next he was taking his practice swings getting ready for the pitch. He focused on the pitcher and ball. The ball was pitched and I heard the crack as the bat made contact with the ball, knocking it out of the ballpark.

I believe a fast is going to do this in the spirit. A fast will help us get our balance and focus. The fast will make us ready for the pitch. Once balanced, focused and ready, we make our move. We decide which pitch we will take. I believe the fast will help us read the pitch and release the power of God in our situations. We will be able, by the spirit, to read the pitch of the enemy and knock the ball out of the ballpark.

God is moving and his timing is important. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” I believe one of the strategies of the enemy is to cause us to run ahead of God’s perfect timing.

I had a vision of an extremely steep hill and the enemy was at the top of the hill handing out roller blades with no stoppers for brakes. He was yelling,

The enemy hopes to have us moving so fast that we will wipe out, loose control, make mistakes or become worn out. Most of all, he wants us to become so tired and exhausted that there will be no time left for God. When we are rushed and exhausted, our work quality suffers and we are in danger of getting hurt. The enemy wants to hinder us by keeping us in the fast lane.

Pray that you will move at God’s speed limit. Move only when He says to move. If you are feeling uneasy about a decision, pressured, or pushed, that is often a sign that it is not God leading you. Wait before making a final decision. Let his peace be your gauge. Wait for His timing.

Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

I just came back from a short getaway to the desert. We went to see the desert wildflowers. Death valley was blooming. Rather than a valley of desolation we found the valley full of life and beauty. Because of the record breaking rainfall we experienced the past few months, the desert was exploding with wildflowers. It is spectacular! The LA Times quoted a park naturalist who said, “It’s our best bloom in history.” The article explains how a wildflower seed may lie dormant in the desert sand for years, until a heavy rain comes and washes away a protective coating which activates the seed. The seed germinates, grows and blooms, completing its life cycle. I found one woman’s comment very interesting. She said, “The thing I marvel at is how long these seeds had to wait for a perfect rain so that they could burst into all these flaming colors.”

Genesis 21:2 Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at a set time of which God has spoken to him.” God has set times. He knows what must be birthed and when. Many in the body of Christ have had spiritual seeds planted within them by God. They too have been waiting for the perfect rain. These spiritual seeds may be a call, promise or dream that God has spoken but has not yet been fulfilled. Maybe you feel like Sarah (Genesis 18:12). Does it feel like your promise has passed you by? Do you feel like you are too old or worn out? Have you given up or lost hope? Just like the wildflower’s seed, many God seeds have been lying dormant for years and now is the set time for them to germinate. The seed that has been dormant has been activated by God. The heavy rain has put Gods plan is in motion.

I believe we are seeing in the natural what God is also doing in the supernatural. I pray what God has begun in you He will complete. May the God seed within you germinate, grow and bloom, completing its life cycle.

Isaiah 35:1-2 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

Jude 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.

Why should we pray in the spirit? We should pray in the spirit to build ourselves up spiritually. (Jude 20)

Have you ever tried to pray but couldn’t because you didn’t know how or what to pray for? Or have you wanted to pray but you didn’t have the words to express your feelings? There have been times that I wanted to share my feelings with God but my natural ability failed to articulate my deepest thoughts and feelings. It is in moments like these that praying in our spiritual language can break through barriers that have held us back. The Holy Spirit can take us to places in prayer that we were not able to go otherwise. When we speak in our prayer language, we speak to God. I Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. God understands the mysteries the spirit speaks of. Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. So it is the Holy Spirit that helps us pray when human language fails us. Since only God understands the words of the spirit, our prayers are unhindered by our flesh and the enemy. Our spirit communicates directly with God, spirit to Spirit. Praying in the spirit is an important gift to the believer. Jesus says, And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues… Obviously this is beneficial to those who believe or it would not have been given. Over the years, I have grown to appreciate and value this extraordinary gift from God.

Faith verses Fear: In your eyes, are your problems bigger than your God? Twelve spies were sent into the Promised Land. Two saw it through eyes of faith. Ten saw it through eyes of fear. Joshua and Caleb focused on the size of their God and his promise. The other ten spies focused on the size of the giants in the land. No matter how big your giants appear to be, God is still bigger.

Young David also took a stand against a giant named Goliath. The Israelite army saw Goliath and were paralyzed by his size, words and insults. They were shaking in their boots, you might say. But young David saw this giant as nothing compared to his God. Fear was not a factor for David, Joshua or Caleb. Why? Because they knew their God.

Do you feel like a grasshopper in comparison to the giant you are facing? Are you more focused on the size of your problem than the size of your God? Has your faith been pulled out from under you? Well, it’s time to dust off your clothes and pull yourself up. It’s time to build your faith. It’s time to get your eyes back on Jesus.

Here are a few thing you can do to build your faith. Start thanking the Lord for all he has done. Testify of his goodness. Read the Bible to build your faith and remind yourself of just how big your God is. Read chapters and verses like Revelations 5 (click here)

Isaiah 40:12-18 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. To whom, then, will you compare God?

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 147:4-8 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds;

He is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. He is the light of the world. Allow the light of God to overshadow your problem. Everything is as a grasshopper in comparison to Him. Now pick up your sword and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. You are well able! You are a giant slayer! - Susan

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one…If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Friend I just want you to know someone is praying for you today. God bless - Susan

Are you so focused on the future you can’t enjoy the moment? This is a tactic of the enemy. The enemy wants to rob you of the present. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Maybe it’s time to slow down and look at what is really important. Are you enjoying the journey? Many of us have been in the fast lane for quite some time. Years ago, I was told by a doctor to make out my will due to some medical problems I was having. God has since healed me of those problems, but I learned a valuable lesson going through that trial. I learned what was most important to me and what was not as important as I had previously thought. You begin to realize that you are mortal and just because you are young doesn’t mean you will be here tomorrow. You begin to change your priorities. If you knew you only had a few weeks or months left, would you live your life differently? What would you change? What would you keep the same? Think about it. Live today to the fullest. - Susan

We are a part of a new church plant and we have been meeting in a movie theater while we are looking for church property. There were a few weeks during worship that I found myself not singing and worshiping as I normally did, but I would just stand and watch. Because I am worshipper, by the second week I noticed this change and thought I was just distracted, so I decided to shut my eyes to help me focus on God during worship. Still, I had a hard time singing the songs. I began to seek the Lord about this the week that followed and felt he showed me what was really happening. As I have been talking with friends around the country, I am finding this is happening in churches everywhere. This is what I discern to be happening.

I believe there is a deception in the spiritual realm for the church to take on some of the characteristics of a theater. The purpose of this deception is to cause the people to become spectators rather than participants. This “spirit of theater” (as I’ll call it), wants to be watched and it wants your attention. It wants to be the “Headliner,” you might say. This spirit wants us to shrink back from our role as a worshipper. Depending on your role in the church, it will try to get you to perform or be a spectator. It wants the spectator to have a “theater mentality”. The theater mentality says, feed me, fill me, please me, entertain me, while I sit and watch - I demand it! It wants the performer to feel the pressure to outdo his or her last performance and become a crowd pleaser.

Our Pastor has been talking about being real. Think about the entertainment industry for a minute. It is counterfeit and fake. It’s an escape, a fantasy. Have you ever been to Universal Studios in California or Florida? Remember all the facades? Things aren’t what they seem. Be on guard! God is exposing the strategies of the enemy.

We have the authority and right to bind this spiritual stronghold. Our churches are not theaters. They are the House of God and we are the Church. We are worshippers, not performers or spectators! God is calling us to participate. He gives us a call to worship. He is the reason we come. Give him your full attention. Keep your eyes on Him. Come to worship the Lord your God, in spirit and in truth. Ask God to inhabit His house. It’s the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage! We’ve got to have the anointing. He is the real thing. If we introduce people to the Living God, they will never be the same and lives will change. He gives us abundant life. Jesus is the main attraction and He will draw the crowds. Pray for a move of God in our churches that will cause the people to cry out for more of Him. Encore! Father! Encore! - Susan

John 10:10 says the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. Satan wants to steal our worship. I feel so strong about this. Pray the enemy’s plan to rob our worship or to get us to compromise our worship is thwarted. Stand your ground. Pray that we will not give in to Satan's compromise. This has been a tactic of his since days of old. Look at one example of this in Exodus 10:24-26 And Pharaoh called Moses and said, Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind. But Moses said you must allow us to have a sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord. Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the Lord our God, until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the Lord.". By keeping the flocks and herds Pharaoh would rob the Israelites of their worship and Moses wouldn’t allow it. He stood his ground and would not compromise! Neither should we. - Susan

The Lord continues to show me additional scripture that reveal Satan’s old plan- to keep us from worshiping & serving God. Pray that your worship will not be stolen. Beware! The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy.

Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

Our worship is what Satan wants. A thief doesn’t come to steal things that have no value. He comes to steal things that are valuable. Do you know the value of your worship? Is it costly?

I pray that I will worship the Lord my God and serve him only. I present my body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. - Susan

John 6:38 Jesus said, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Matt. 6:10 Our Father in heaven….Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matt.7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Let’s pray.
Father I pray that I may know your will for my life and walk in it. Reveal your specific plans and purpose to me. I pray I will have ears to hear what you are saying. Direct my steps by your word, for your word is a lamp unto my path and a light unto my feet. Hide your words in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Do you know him? Jesus said in Matthew 7:23 And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me you who practice lawlessness (flagrant defiance of the known will of God ). When the five foolish virgins cry out, “Lord, Lord, open to us! Jesus answered them, assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.

Know- Greek Ginosko; strongs #1097- to perceive, realize, to come to know, recognize, gain knowledge, understand completely, relationship between person knowing and object known. What is known is of value or importance to the one who knows. Ginosko is the knowledge that has an inception, a progress, and an attainment. It is the recognition of truth by personal experience.

Pray you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free! Ask God to remove the scales from your eyes and like Paul, you would experience the risen Lord and choose to serve Him. Believe you will be radically changed in His Presence. - Susan

Are your prayers dry and boring? Do you want to improve your prayer life so that it’s deeper and richer? If you have been trying to follow prayer formulas, lists, or outlines I encourage you to set them aside for a season and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit instead. He will teach us and guide us. Begin to move with the Spirit of God and pray from your heart, not your head. Have a heart to heart with God.

The Lord said, “My house will be called a house of prayer.” God is calling us to prayer. You might be saying, “I don’t know how to pray like this.” That’s OK, because as long as you’re willing to learn the Holy Spirit will teach you.

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. NIV

1 John 2:27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. Amplified Bible

He may put someone on your heart or He may show you an area of your life that is not pleasing to God. He will lead you and guide you, if you will yield to Him. Ask Him who or what you should pray for. Then pray by the unction of the Holy Spirit. You may feel a sweet gentle move of the Spirit or you may feel a warfare prayer coming forth. Sometimes I am loud, and other times I am quiet. He may direct you to pray in tongues or to worship. Allow the Holy Spirit to flow. He will direct you. The Holy Spirit is moving, alive and powerful; not stagnant, dry or powerless. Our prayers should be as rivers of living water, fresh and alive, flowing from our innermost being.

John 7:38-39 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. 39But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive.

Psalm 42:1-2 As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God. 2 My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? Amplified Bible

Psalm 42:7 [Roaring] deep calls to [roaring] deep at the thunder of Your waterspouts; all Your breakers and Your rolling waves have gone over me. Amplified Bible

When we are hungry for God, our innermost parts cry out for Him. God is causing the body of Christ to hunger and thirst for more of Him. The deep in us is crying out for the deep in Him. Nothing is going to satisfy this hunger but God himself. This is an hour to seek God as never before. Ask, and it will be given to you; Seek, and you shall find; Knock, and it will be opened to you. He will be found by you. Don’t stop asking! Don’t stop seeking! Don’t stop knocking!

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. NIV

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. KJV

John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever-- 17The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.

John 16:13-15 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. 15Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

The Holy Spirit is given to help us and guide us always. He will reveal the will of the Father to us. He will tell us of things to come. This is why we need to let the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us when we pray. The Holy Spirit will report to us the latest news from heaven. He will declare, disclose and transmit to you, God’s desires. It gives the term hot off the press a whole new meaning. - Susan

Friendship with God. There is a song that has been on my mind all day today called “Friend of God” written by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor.

The Lyrics:
Who am I that You are mindful of me
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me
How You love me it's amazing

(Chorus)
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

God Almighty, Lord of Glory
You have called me friend

(Repeat Chorus)
He calls me friend
He calls me friend...

In James 2:23 we read: And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called the friend of God." We enter into a friendship with God through belief. To be a friend of God we must believe Him. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” By living a life of obedience in love, we demonstrate to others that we are friends with God.

John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.

In James 2:23 we read: And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called the friend of God." We enter into a friendship with God through belief. To be a friend of God we must believe Him. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” By living a life of obedience in love, we demonstrate to others that we are friends with God.

Do you call Jesus, friend? Have you accepted His friendship? He is more than our Savior. He is our Lord and friend. Do you share everything with Him? Do you share your deepest thoughts, feelings and desires? Do you spend time with Him? The other day I decided to go for a walk at the beach. I wanted to have some time with the Lord-to talk and walk with Him. As soon as I got in the car, I said, “Lord I’ll drive, if you’ll ride with me.” I had a date with the Lord. Have you ever asked the Lord to do something with you that you really enjoy, just like you would ask your other friends? Why not ask the Lord to go along with you the next time you garden, go biking, dance, sing, or walk? Have you ever told him how beautiful the day is or discussed the color of the sky? Have you told him how gorgeous a starry night is or said, “Encore!” after witnessing an amazing sunset! I want to experience life with the Creator of Life and He wants to spend time with me. He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you, as well. I want to be a friend of God. How about you? - Susan

Lord, I pray you would place a small rudder in me that I may turn wherever you desire.

James 3:4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

As I sat down at the computer tonight, this song arose in me. I was in awe of the God I serve.

And I cry, “holy, holy, holy God, how awesome is your name. Holy, holy, holy God, how majestic is your reign. And I am changed, in the presence of a holy God. And I am changed, in the presence of a holy God.”

We are changed in His presence. Come to Him and allow the presence of a holy God change you. - Susan

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day and night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” When the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 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.” Rev. 5:8-11

Worship, proskenu (pros-koo-neh-oh); Strong’s #4352: from pros, “toward” and kuneo, “to kiss.” To prostrate oneself, bow down, do obeisance, show reverence, do homage, worship, adore.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

God so love the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus came that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Abundantly, perissos ( per-is-soss); Strong’s #4053; superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above, more than enough, profuse, extraordinary, above the ordinary, more than sufficient.

Are you living in the overflow, the surplus, the more than enough? You can, because in Him is the abundant life. As you give yourself to the Lord, He gives himself to you. In Him is the real possibility of health and total well being. Jesus said that he came to give life - not mere existence, but life in its fullness. God is in the recovery and restoring business. He returns the years the locust have eaten. He can take something old and make it new. Your first step toward the abundant life is to believe this is God’s desire for you. The second step is to line up with God’s desire. He died, so we might live. - Susan

As I was praying for you over the past few days, I got the feeling some of you were overwhelmed. Here is the definition of overwhelm.

I want to encourage you with another word. The word I give you today is overcome.

You are more than an over comer in Christ Jesus. Jesus said, in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. You may feel the pressure of life. You may feel like you are drowning in your circumstances. I throw you a life saver from the Word of God today. The Word of God enables us to rise above our circumstances. Isaiah 43:2 Fear not for I am with you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you walk through he fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God. I keep you in my prayers. - Susan

"How can I make my prayers effective? I Timothy 2:1-2 NLT says, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. Paul urges Timothy to lift up requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving. A request is a need, a deep desire for something we don't have. Something only God can supply. A prayer is a word of praise and adoration. A more accurate translation of this word from the original Greek might be to "worship in earnest." Intercession is praying on behalf of others. Our prayers should regularly reflect this kind of selfless lifestyle. Thanksgiving involves remembering those past prayers that have already been answered, acknowledging that we not only trust God's supremacy and involvement in our life but also how his hand has moved and guided us in the past. When we pray effectively, we do more than communicate with God; we commune with him; we become one in mind and spirit and purpose. Today, let the focus of your prayer time be to connect with God in a very real and personal way, not as a slave would petition his master, but as a son would enjoy the company of a loving and gracious father."

Is fear gripping you? Jesus said that we are not to fear; we are not to be anxious; we are not to fret; we are not to worry. The Bible teaches us that this type of fear is sin. Peace I leave you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Look up these scriptures today and let the reading of the word of God renew your mind, remove your fears and build your faith. - Susan

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.”

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I read John 14:27 and Philippians 4:4-7 today. It was just what I needed. His Name is Jehovah Shalom. He is my peace. ~ Susan

Thanksgiving

Praise

How do we praise the Lord?

How do we praise the Lord?

Hallowed Be Thy Name

The word “hallowed” means to make holy, to sanctify or set apart; to praise; to adore; to make holy; to respect greatly. It means a person or thing is the opposite of “common”.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.