Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer
Nor His lovingkindness from me.
— Psalm 66:20
Thank You Jesus!
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Tag Archive | prayer
O Lord, Our Hope
O Lord, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord. — Jeremiah 17:13
O Lord, our hope, I pray earnestly for those souls who forsake you. During this holy week may their eyes be opened to see the resurrected King. Help them to caste aside their shame and come to the living water. You Lord are the eternal fountain that flows within us so that we thirst no more.
I pray that our churches will be filled not only with the lost this Easter morning but also with Your Holy Spirit who draws all souls to You. May the call to salvation be heard clearly and the call to repentance obeyed. I hope and pray for thirsty hearts that pant for the living water. Call all to repentance dear Lord.
During this week I pray that we all come humbly to the cross and lay our sin and shame there and rise up renewed and full of rejoicing because You are risen!!!! I pray that we, Your children, come to church with gladness and rejoicing desiring to worship the risen King!
Are you looking forward to celebrating Resurrection Sunday?
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Journeys End
Today ends a one year, six month, and 19 day journey of a lifetime. The Lord taught me so much about trust, dependence, who I am in Him, who He is and how much He takes care of His children. Let me share this adventure and hope you find encouragement, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of God at work in your life.
June 2012: I’m searching the net looking at airline fares. My desire was to go and see my parents. This was a usual ritual of mine every so often with hopes that I would see a fare that was reasonable. Didn’t happen often as I only saw my parents about every three years and most of those times they came to see me. But. . . this particular day I found an unbelievable, outstanding fare and immediately went to the Lord in prayer asking if this was possible and could I purchase these tickets for my husband and me. There was an underlying urgency with this request as my Dad was needing a two vessel bypass and a valve replacement. I wanted to spend some time with him in case this surgery would go bad. I bought the tickets.
I went to my boss at work and told her about my intentions to go see my parents in August. Unfortunately, I neglected to email her this information, even though we talked often of this trip in the office. (Understand I hold no blame on anyone. I believe it was the will of God as you will see soon).
First part of August my boss asked, “when is your trip again?” I reminded her it was set for August 29th. My boss, “I don’t have an email request from you.” I told her I thought I had but would send her one now.
That afternoon things turned interesting. As my boss passed by my desk to enter the office of her boss, I distinctly heard deep inside, “Sharon, you are on your way out of here.” I laughed to myself. After the meeting my boss passed by my desk, went to her office and emailed me a denial for my vacation along with an explanation that if I take the vacation I am signing my own resignation.
When I weigh family against work, family relationships and well being always come first. My Father could possibly be heaven bound soon and I believe God was leading me to go see my parents. I returned an email stating that she could then consider this my notice.
On August 25th I received a call from my mother telling me that my Dad was in ICU in a diabetic coma. God had affirmed that He was with me and I had made the right decision. My husband, daughter and I arrived at my Dad’s bedside on August 29th.
My Dad never did have the surgery. On September sixth my husband and daughter returned home while I stayed to minister to my parents. My Dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and over the next six months he was in ICU three times, nursing homes three times and home twice. In February 2013 my Dad began to regain a quality of life. He returned to his ministries at church and became active again. All praise due to God, the great healer.
I stayed on after that because my Mom was having health issues that they needed assistance with. January 2014, my Dad is beginning to change. He starts sleeping more. A doctor appointment shows that his liver is not functioning well. Mid February an ultrasound shows tumors in his abdomen. He quickly goes from cane to walker to wheelchair to bedbound. A liver biopsy on February 12th shows cancer.
My Dad went home to be with the Lord in his sleep on March 20th at 7am.
What a journey. I have grown more dependent on Jesus Christ, trusted Him in tough trials, basked in His love, rested in His peace, walked with Him, talked with Him and I love Him more than I ever have before. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
I thank my husband and children for allowing me this time with my folks, for their sacrifice. I thank God for the privilege to follow Him into the unknown (finances cut in half, away from husband, not knowing when or if I would return home), the honor and privilege to serve Him by ministering to my parents, and most of all for His ever present walk with me.
My journey complete with my Dad. Overjoyed with the time I had with him. On with the next journey as Mom and I discover His plan for us.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
For Dad: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. — 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Be Blessed Where You Live
All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. — Deuteronomy 28:2-3
Wherever you abide in the Lord, whether the city or country, the blessings of God will come upon you and overtake you. Wow, overtake you! That’s awesome. Oh I almost forgot — that is IF you obey the Lord your God. That has been God’s plan since Eden when He placed Adam and Eve in the garden.
If we believe, we can trust that wherever God places us, He is in control and we are where God has planned for us to be. Abram trusted God and went forth from his homeland to where God sent him. Jesus came that we might have abundant life but what does that entail? Obeying Him, putting that obedience to trust in Jesus, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I call that an abundant, blessed life.
So be obedient by studying the Word of God to know what you are to obey and enforce your obedience with prayer to strengthen your convictions and relationship with Jesus.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. — Genesis 2:15
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; — Genesis 12:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. — John 10:10
Shine Jesus Shine
This morning at worship I was blessed by singing one of my favorite songs. I turned it into a prayer as I often do. The song brought so much truth and Scripture to mind I couldn’t help but be moved to write devotionals pertaining to the song. I hope you will be blessed by this Cliff Richard song.
Lord the Light or Your Love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” — John 8:12
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, — Colossians 1:13
[Walk by the Spirit ] It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1
Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. — John 14:6
God’s Word says it so well. I will close here with — Jesus is the light of the world who rescued us from the domain of darkness, set us free to stand firm on His life because He is the way and truth. God bless you as you allow Him to shine on you.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Pray For Them
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. — Romans 1:8
Praise God for those who take the gospel to all the world. I think specifically of missionaries. They are letting the Word of God perform it’s work in them.
All who receive the Word of God and believe the gospel message (Jesus left His throne on high to humbly come to earth for the purpose of reconciling man’s relationship with God, by paying the debt for our sin on the cross. God raised Jesus from the grave so we can live abundant, productive lives that continues on to eternity) are transformed as the Word of God performs it’s perfect work in them. Since the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth, you are constantly bearing fruit and increasing.
What can we do for our missionaries and one another — since all believers are technically missionaries to their portion of the world? We can give thanks to God for them and mention them in our prayers.
How can we pray for them? “Ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:9-10).
God is at work in the world today through believers so let’s pray continually for all believers. Together Jesus will accomplish His work in and through us to His glory. Let us join God in His work to bring the lost to salvation by uniting together and praying for one another so the power of His Word will travel to all parts of this earth.
If You Diligently Obey
Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. Deuteronomy 28:1
Did you ever notice how closely our obedience is connected to our blessings? We aren’t obedient to receive blessings — we can’t work our way to blessings or heaven — but through our obedience God blesses us. Just like our kids — we desire to bless them but if they are disobedient it would be detrimental to bless them. We require and expect our children to be obedient. God expects the same from His children (us).
This verse says, “God will set you high above all the nations”. I couldn’t help but be reminiscent thinking about great nations of the past who prospered when they were walking in the obedience of God. One such nation was the United States known to be established on Biblical principles. It was a nation that posted the Ten Commandments in it’s court houses, that had prayer in schools to the One and only God. It was a nation that was set above all the nations of the earth. God blessed this nation.
Just as Israel was blessed and prospered throughout history they were also disciplined for disobedience. It saddens my heart that this country draws further and further away from God. Fortunately God loves us enough to discipline us but unfortunately we are not responding. Our nation needs to turn back to obedience to God. As His people we must unite through the Holy Spirit and bathe our country in prayer and be an example as we are obedient to the Lord God Almighty.
Hear the cry, O Lord, of your remnant. Amen.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, — Deuteronomy 28: 13
Second Chances
That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, — Psalm 78:6-7
When I look back over my child rearing years I see many regrets and failures. If I could change or have do overs I would say the name”Jesus” more often. I would tell the plan of salvation until they understood. I would point out the attributes of a living God. My lips would testify more often of His greatness, goodness, provision, compassion, mercy and grace. My children would hear the Word of God more often than Sunday mornings. They would see me praying more often and family prayer would be more than just before eating or sleeping. They would know that Jesus was a very real part of the family Who would go with them out into the world when they started their own journey.
If only . . .
God is a God of second chances. Maybe becoming a grandmother is my second chance. I just found out I am to be a grandmother for the first time. I am so excited about this new creation being formed and woven in it’s mother’s womb. I give thanks to my Lord for my grandchild who is fearfully and wonderfully made. This baby’s frame is not hidden from Him and all it’s days are already ordained and written in His book.
God has given me a second chance to make a monumental difference in a child’s life. Thank you Almighty God. To you I will look for strength and seek Your face continually.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. — Psalm 139:13-16
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. — Psalm 105:4
May Be Well With Us
But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23
Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 42:6
God commands us to obey His voice. How do we hear His voice? Through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and God’s people. When we study His Word, alongside prayer, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the godly counsel and accountability of His people — He is our God and we are His people. When we listen and obey we walk in His way and when we walk in His way it is well with our soul.
Listening is a choice. When we listen intently to the Lord, it is well with us, whether our lives are pleasant or unpleasant. Obedience to the Lord our God brings well being in all circumstances. Our focus must be intent upon Him and seeking His ways. Whether pleasant or unpleasant we have peace of mind that things are going God’s way and we can trust that He is in control. It is well with my soul.
Walking with Jesus I am made righteous in the sight of God and I will be fruitful in my endeavors, works, resulting in eating the fruit of my actions. It is well with me.
God desires us to have a heart that fears Him and keeps all His commandments always — that it may be well with us. Do you desire to live a life of well being? God desires that for us all. Have a heart that fears Him and keep His commandments.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions. — Isaiah 3:10
Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! — Deuteronomy 5:29
The Best Friend Ever
You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. — John 15:14-15
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. — Psalm 55:22
Jesus has called me friend. Wow!!! As my friend, He reveals all things that He has heard from the Father. What wisdom and insight is at my disposal simply because I am His friend. He is loving and caring and wants me to know all about Him and how to live an abundant life. He is a friend who wants the best for me and will do what is best for me. Can anyone find a friend who wants your best all the time? With a friend like that I desire to know Him more. I seek to know Him deeper.
He listens and carries my burdens while giving me counsel to help in those burdens. He will not allow me to be shaken – His righteous one – another WoW! He considers me righteous because He is righteous and as my friend transposes His righteousness to me. Because of this I do what He commands, making me His friend.
Jesus is the best friend you could ever have. Seek Him through the Bible and by prayer (just talking to Him). Practice obeying His commands and you will never be shaken.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Continually Seeking Him 