Have you ever felt weak? Lacking the physical, mental or emotional ability to carry through a set purpose? Unable to accomplish what you wanted to do? I know there have been times, where I have felt inadequate to the task at hand–much less the mountains I want to climb! Focusing on weakness, leads to more weakness. Focusing on God’s strengthening power leads to strength.

Life is challenging. Sometimes it is difficult to think past our own generation and it’s struggles, but every generation has faced struggles and challenges. The church at Thessalonica faced challenges and persecutions. The believers faced opposition from both the Romans (Gentiles) and the Jews. The amazing thing about our precious brothers and sisters was their testimony. The book of 1 Thessalonians was written by not only Paul, but Silas and Timothy as well. I love verse 3: As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 6 goes on to say: So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result you have become an example to all the believers in Greece–throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. It is good to remind ourselves that these were “ordinary” believers. Moms, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas who came to saving faith in Jesus during challenging times and were making a difference in their world. I googled the walking distance from Thessalonica to Achaia and it was a four day journey! Their story was getting around!

Please do not let fall under condemnation right now–take a deep breath and look at your life: How far has your God story gone? How would it be if others said the same thing about you? When they think of you–the first thing they would think of is your faithful work, your loving deeds and the enduring hope you have? That would be awesome wouldn’t it? Even those believers were enduring severe suffering, they were able to let their light shine for the Lord because of God’s strengthening power. We have access to the same Holy Spirit that helped them. Our weaknesses can be turned into strength as we simply ask. It is up to Him, how that strength comes.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, we find Paul, Timothy and Silas writing to these dear believers again. So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Remember, it is not about us. This is such an encouraging scripture. We do not have to be stymied by our own weakness, but we can pray for and expect, by faith His strength to replace our weakness. Do not let the weakness you perceive hinder you from accomplishing the promptings the Holy Spirit gives you. It does not matter if your weakness is in relationships, parenting, educational goals, ministry directions, He strength is available.

Father, I thank you for your strengthening power helping your Church today. I thank you that we can accomplish all the good things our faith prompts us to do through the equipping power of the Holy Spirit. Open our eyes and hearts to all of those good things. In Jesus Name, amen

Have you heard the phrase “weighing your words”?  It is an idiom that means to take careful thought before we speak; to carefully consider the results of our words on our hearers.  Proverbs 12:8 Reckless words pierce like a sword, and the more common used scripture: Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21.   What is it about this little “member” as James calls it that can stir up so much trouble–or bring such healing?

Our words are a gift we can choose to use everyday.  They are at our disposal–24/7.   In my imagination I wonder what it would be like if we had a little meter at our mouth.  Something that monitored the “weight’ of our words.  Would the “empty” ones show up as zeros?  Would the too heavy, harsher ones be registered in bold writing?  Would the words spoke in season be printed in gold?  Of course this is fantasy, but when I know my words could be important in the life of others–I value them differently.   Let’s review God’s perspective on words.

Proverbs 12: 6 in the NLT: The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

Proverbs 12:14 Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

Proverbs 12:18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing

Proverbs 12: 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 4: 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life.

Sometimes the cutting remarks I face come from my own soul. I have to make sure I guard my own heart and thoughts; making sure I speak Godly thoughts to myself. When I do, I find it much easier to speak words of life to others. Words are valuable, let’s use them wisely.

I am fortunate to live in a state with many majestic mountains. On a clear day I can drive about 1/2 a mile and see the Olympic Mountain range, the Cascade Mountain range and Mount Rainier! If I drive in a different direction I can see beautiful Mount Baker. Most of these mountains are high enough to have snow all year around and they are part of our water source for our island.

Physical mountains are inspiring, especially when viewed from a distance. There is a different kind of beauty when seen up close. We took a trip one August to Mount Rainier (14,000 feet) and the views were spectacular. The Bible is full of Mountain stories. God seems to like mountains! He asks many of His servants to become mountain climbers. Abraham and Isaac climbed Mt. Moriah at the word of the Lord. Moses met with Him on Mount Sinai, the ark landed on Mt Ararat with Noah and his family: so my question today is are you willing to become a mountain climber?

I have no natural inclination to climb mountains. One of my most vivid memories of time spent at a Christian summer camp was climbing a lower portion of Mt. Baker on a very hot summers day. All we could see were the seemingly endless switch backs ahead of us. A switchback is a zigzag road or trail that helps you climb a very steep hill. There was no shade and I just wanted to quit. We definitely were not happy campers–that is until we finally made it to our destination. There ahead of us was the most inviting lake–just waiting for us to jump in and cool off. Our leader knew what was ahead. She kept encouraging us to keep going. It tested our limit (or at least mine!). I was a mumbler and grumbler that day for sure. I did not enjoy any part of the journey. I missed any wildlife, or wildflowers we might have seen because of my anger. I was mad at our leader, I was mad at my companion climbers and I was miserable. It definitely was not a proud Martha moment. I had a choice that day, and I definitely picked the wrong attitude, which was my loss. I know I clouded the day for the others too.

Many times as we face our mountains, we just want to speak to it and have it be removed. Be gone in Jesus Name. But what if the Lord is not asking you to speak to that mountain, but to climb it? He has His reasons for both. In reality, neither are easy. Speaking to your mountain requires faith and fortitude until the mountain moves. Climbing the mountain requires faith and fortitude as well.

But the mountain of widowhood, is my mountain to climb. I can’t speak it away. It is my opportunity to journey with Him. Welcoming the views, enjoying His presence and learning His lessons are mine to embrace or reject. I could sit at the feet of this mountain in protest–I don’t want to climb, or I can trust His guidance. The fellowship of walking a path not of your own choosing (illness, divorce, financial struggles, or grief etc.) leads us to opportunities we would never go on our own. But the choice of how we walk the journey is ours. The journey is not always comfortable. It is not always easy. In fact, it usually isn’t. Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death. Neither option is easy–the speaking to nor the climbing, but both, when done in faith yield good fruits.

Father, I pray that you will help us discern how to approach our mountains. That we would appreciate and embrace the opportunity to see you move the mountains you ask us to speak to, or put on our climbing gear and conquer its heights. Either one, we need you and your presence. Thank you Father, for your grace for us. For every mountain climber, I ask you to give them patience, strength and mercy. I thank you for every lesson we will learn from you as we climb our mountain with You, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves unified in the Spirit binding yourselves together iwth peace. For there is one body and one Spirit. Ephesians 4: 1-4

Reading Paul’s beautiful moving words of exhortation makes me want to say–yes, yes these are very good things. However, as I begin to really take them a part, I realize that these are also very challenging words. Even as I typed those words, “a prisoner for serving the Lord”, I realized he earned the right to encourage us to walk this way because of all the things he had gone through. When I was a teenager my parents took us on a trip to Europe. My father took us to the sight of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. It was dark, cold and damp. Not a pleasant place at all. It was here he wrote this letter. So reading his reference to his imprisonment makes it real. The things he suffered for the Lord’s sake really does give him credibility and a platform to challenge us to stand taller in our walk with the Lord, and to “walk worthy of our calling”.

The challenge of walking in unity means we acknowledge the fact that we and the rest of the body of Christ are called by God. As we move closer to our US Elections, it will be increasingly challenging to fight for this unity. But if we can keep Paul’s wise words in mind and in action, the whole body will benefit. Walk humbly and gentle. Humility is not always easy to implement–especially when you feel you are right; adding gentleness is another aspect that often gets left out of our interactions with others. These admonitions are equally helpful when interacting with family and friends as well. Practicing being patient and learning to make allowances for one another’s faults because of your love can be a daily struggle. Oh, how I want others to make allowance for my faults, to give me the grace and understanding that I need; but do I do the same for others? Growing up into the maturity of Christ is understanding people are not perfect, nor will they be until the Lord comes. It is often easy to criticize those we don’t know–because we don’t really love them. I want to address my results driven friends. Do not let your focus on the “results” cause you to excuse these admonitions from the Lord through Paul. In the long run, you will see much more beneficial and fruitful results if you walk in these truths.

As Paul goes on the Ephesians 4 we discover his passion for unity even more. I want to encourage us all to ask the Lord to help you to learn to walk humbly with your God, in new measures. To learn to appreciate those different than yourselves, is a growing sign of maturity. We, as believers, are on display. It is a privilege and an honor to represent Jesus Christ, isn’t it?

Here in the west we have been acutely aware of air quality conditions.  As wildfires have broke out in California, Oregon and in my own state of Washington our air has been polluted.  At one point Seattle had the worst air quality in the whole world!  It has been encouraging to see our air quality index moving toward healthier air, but we are still unhealthy for people in sensitive groups.  Seeing the number improve is good for our moral and our bodies.

But what about our spiritual air?  Is your spiritual air polluted?  Is it cloudy with the haze of unbelief, distrust or disappointments?  Have you  been “fellowshipping” with doubters, those with critical spirits, or those walking in hostility?  Maybe you have found those in your own soul!  Galatians 5:19 declares: When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties and other sins like these. Wow, those are enough to pollute anyone’s air!  If we were to add bitterness and frustration to the mix, it would be hard to look up and see where, when and how God is working.

We need clean, clear air to breathe, both physically and spiritually.  I pray that the winds of the Holy Spirit would begin to blow hard and strong in and through each of our lives.  We need to breathe in the freshness of His Spirit.   In the natural, polluted air can cause temporary head aches, respiratory issues and an increase in anger and frustration.  Long term effects can be heart disease, lung cancer and can actually cause damage to people’s nerves, brain, kidneys, and other organs.  Way more damage than I knew.  But no matter how horrible physical air pollution, the long term effects of spiritual pollution are even worse.

Spiritual pollution leads to blindness.  It causes us to lose sight of the goodness of God, the hope we have in Him and even mistrust His leaders, our calling and our relationship with Him.  These can be deadly to our souls.  Viewing life distorted by spiritual pollution does not lead to life and godliness that He has provided for us.  Minimally we live beneath His best for us, gasping for air, living in a oxygen deprived state of exhaustion and irrational thinking.

So how do we blow out this polluted atmosphere?  We have been given several tools, not only to clear our air, but also keep it clear!  First, we must recognize that we need some clear air.  The blessing of the Holy Spirit is that He is constantly helping remind us that we need His Presence; however, if we ignore His nudgings, He is a gentleman and will not force Himself upon us.  But He is faithful to come again and again.   God’s Word is our first line of defense.  Taking time to pray before you read the Bible is so helpful.  “Father, lead and guide me in your truth” sets our hearts to be teachable and receptive to His Word. 

Another way to bring His wind is through praise and worship.  Entering into His presence brings His peace and clarity.

Communion is also so helpful.  To me, it is like God’s reset button.  It reminds me of why I need a Savior and that I have one.  Allow yourself to really meditate and receive His forgiveness and love. You can take communion any where, alone or with others. Simply grab a piece of bread, some juice and remember what He did for you.

Community–worshiping together with mature believers is so important.  When one is down, another is up.  Helping each other walk with His purpose is another key to helping keep our spiritual air cleaner.  Taking time to pray for each other strengthens both the person prayed for and the person praying.

Sometimes we can know more about our condition than we know about what God knows about our condition.  What God says about our condition is the report we need to believe.  Darryl Rodman, pg130 Heart Treasure

Oh how true this is.  Not only do we need to know what He knows about our condition, we need to know what He SAYS about our condition.  When those truths become bigger than our own natural thought then we have moved from hopeful faith, to true faith.  Where we walk even though we can’t see.  Where we expect even though we can’t see how or where things will come from… and we trust He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Let’s get some clean air of oxygen flowing in our lungs, both naturally and supernaturally and watch what God wants to do in your life.

I’ve been discovering lately that although, I enjoy many “new” things, others come with a bit of apprehension.  I  wonder if the Israelites felt the same joy and anticipation entering into the Promised Land?  For forty years they had lived in the wilderness as nomads.  Following a pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night they experienced a type of security in the sameness of their life.  But then things began to change.  Joshua replaced Moses as their leader,.  God began to give them new instructions and the manna they were used to stopped appearing.  It was time to receive God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey.  But  first they had to cross the Jordan River.

Joshua gave them three days notice in which to prepare for the crossing.   These instructions included the need to purify themselves and how to follow the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The purification process caused them to put away anything “unclean” from their presence and set apart themselves for the Lord. It was a time of renewing the reality of why they had left Egypt and the actual  purpose of being God’s people.   These were all things they could do.  Even though they were headed to the new land,  none of the steps in themselves were difficult.  But change was coming.

I have often wondered how the priests felt when Joshua ordered them to “take a few steps into the river and stop there”.  What courage it must have taken for Joshua to declare that the water would stop upstream and become a wall so they could pass through on dry land.  Remember the Jordan river was overflowing its banks because it was harvest time, so it wasn’t a lazy or shallow river at this time.  But the priests did as Joshua commanded, the river did what Joshua said and the people passed over on dry ground!   It must have been amazing to experience this miracle.  Joshua and Caleb both had the memory of how God had opened the Red Sea for Moses, but I can imagine Joshua having to still his mind from going to “but that was Moses and he has his rod”, I but I am only me! (Well, those might have been my thoughts!)

God, through Joshua, led His people into new levels of  trusting  and faith through change.    The Israelite’s had gotten comfortable with the manna routine, but now they had to forage for their food.  They had to adjust to a new leader and his ways.  The  pillars of fire and cloud stopped directing their movements–which caused even more changes.  These were all good changes.  They were changes that brought them closer to inheriting this land God had promised them.

He is still leading us to new levels of faith and trusting Him, and many times it is through the tool of change.  Some change, if it is OUR choice, seems easier than choices outside of our control.  Covid 19 has brought much unwanted change to many people.  Lost jobs or businesses, death of loved ones or simply having to add masks and hand sanitizer to our shopping list means change.   For many depending on where you live: wildfires tornadoes, or hurricanes have forced change as well.  God knew crossing the Jordan would necessitate change for His people.  He understands all the things that bring change in and through us.  We must learn to lean on Him even more.  I believe good things are coming as we navigate these changes.  If you are in a season of forced change, please know the grace of God is with you.  You are not alone and He has a plan to bring you through this season with even more fruit.  If you know people who have been forced to change, please pray for them. Support them.  Love them.  Help them.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.  Isaiah 26: 3

When I was a child waiting for Christmas was exciting and frustrating.  I wanted it to come now, but also learned the joy of anticipation.  Waiting for vacations, birth of a new baby or birthdays is a bit easier now, for I know that all I have to do is let the days go by and enjoy the wait! I think this type of waiting as the the “eager waiter”.  But there are others.

Then we have the frustrated waiter. This type of “waiter” is the pacer, the “I wonder what is taking so long type of waiter”.  I once literally spent thirty minutes in a drive thru lane.  I timed it!  I felt bad for the staff.  Not sure what was the problem, but I chose to be patient.  Not everyone was that understanding.  Fortunately I was not on a schedule.  Then we have the distracted waiter–one who fills up his mind and body with busyness to help him avoid the big issue at hand.  Sometimes these folks can get very productive during these waiting times.  This type of waiting is usually  more short term.

Another type of waiting is waiting for the “unknown” to happen.  Did I get the job?  Did I get the promotion I tested for months ago?  Have I been accepted to the college program I applied for?  What are the biopsy results?

During this waiting time, I have employed the steps Philippians 4:6-7 instructs.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.    It helps me capture the worse case scenario thoughts.  How about this season of Covid?  Are you waiting for the “all clear” for when life can resume–fully open and free?

I know I am.  I think I have been a patient waiter for most of this season.  However, there is another BIG event scripture tells us to look for, anticipate and long for.  That is the second coming of the Lord.  As a child I would look up at an amazing cloud display and wonder, is this the day?  Of course many days and years have passed and we are still waiting.  But as the days and difficulties are growing, so is my longing for His return.  It is our hope as believers, that no matter what our current situation is, Jesus is coming again.  I Corinthians 4:17 reminds us:  for our light and momentary affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  We have eternity to look forward to and we must not let Satan rob us of that amazing truth.  Life here on earth is fleeting.  So while we are waiting let’s do the work of the ministry that He has called us.  Let us be busy about our Father’s business and occupy till He comes.  Let’s be grateful sons and daughters who spread the light of His love and truth.  Maranatha.  Come Lord Jesus Come.  Let’s be active waiters!

Father, I thank you for your promised hope of your coming again. I thank you that in that promise you also come into our everyday situations and bring your help and hope.  I pray for my friends who need this hope re-kindled in their difficult times.  I trust your timing, my Lord. 

Yesterday was my 71st birthday. Just a date on a calendar to many. I don’t “feel” any different than I did the day before, but the fact is I have fully entered my 7th decade! My children and friends made it feel special and significant. Thanks to FB I received wishes from so many friends and as we all know, it adds value to our lives! I appreciate those who took the time to simply say “Happy Birthday” and even more to those who customized it a bit!

My children loved me well. Simply asking what I wanted to do–be with them and play games. It was made even more special with unexpected phone calls–some I didn’t get to answer because I was too busy “partying”. My heart is full today with God’s grace and His love. I think back on our birth–yes, ours because I am a triplet! Only God’s mercy, grace and plan could see that we three around three pounder babies, born in a small cabin without medical help would live to fulfill the plan He has for us. I know my mother, who labored virtually alone was a praying mom. I know God answered her prayers that we would live. There were no ultrasounds nor for her, any prenatal care, just an understanding that after five other children, she was with child. Apparently when she told my father, she thought she was pregnant, he said, no you are just getting fat. Not too supportive, eh? But instead of one, there were three.

But we lived, and grew into the women we are today. Each of us love Jesus, as I know she prayed. Each of us have walked through seasons of blessings and seasons of struggles. God has been faithful through it all. Maybe it is our mother’s prayers that have kept me moving on when I have wanted to quit. She struggled with mental illness, but still loved Jesus. My husband Darryl preached her memorial service from her worn Bible. Her life was difficult. She spent much time in mental hospitals and on medications. Many would look at her life and think it sad. I don’t think anyone would want to grow up and say, “I want to be like Bertha Swift”. But she left a legacy of eight children who love the Lord. She prayed and some how even though she wasn’t in our life actively as a mother (we three were adopted) I know she prayed from afar and God heard that prayer and answered. He is still answering those prayers.

I know several moms who wonder about their children and their legacy. Their children struggle with mental concerns as well. I want to encourage you to keep praying. Keep trusting and don’t give up. If you are a mom or dad who has lost contact with your children, please keep praying for them. That may be the only gift you can give them on their birthdays, your prayers. But keep giving those gifts. Remember Jacob lost contact with his son Joseph, thinking he was dead, but God brought them back together again. (I also wonder if his brothers prayed for him, during this time as well?) It took us over 25 years to physically meet our mother. In His time, He arranged it. I know she must have wondered about us.

All of us, reach out to those around you who may be mother less or father less. Their moms or dads may be praying you into the lives of their children. You may be someone’s answer to prayer, even if they have passed. Follow the Holy Spirit’s urging to love others. It is always worth it. Thank you Bertha Swift. Your prayers are still being answered.

Today is a great day to remember that you are not alone. It is a day to remind yourself that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). I don’t mean, oh yeah, I know. I mean that you Sometimes, even when we “know” this truth, we need to deliberately bring it to the forefront of our mind and remember WHO it is that is in you and with you. It is also a day of remembering He is Lord.

He is the God who created the universe, and He holds your world as well.

He is the God who listens to the bird song, and your heart cry as well.

He is the God who sees your struggles, and says I am your strength.

He is the God who from the beginning of time has a plan for the world, and that includes your life as well.

He is the God who spoke and the world was formed, He’s given you a voice to join His Words to bring change to your world.

He is the God who is always present, even when you feel alone.

He is God, even in the shadows of death or fear, you are not alone.

He is the God of all Hope, even when you feel hopeless.

He is the healer of broken hearts and broken dreams, He is your restorer.

He sent Jesus His Son to save His people from their sin, that includes you!

He is the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, let Him reign today in your life.

He is a Faithful God, and He is faithful to you.

Friends, 2 Chronicles 14 tells a story of Asa, king of Judah faced an army of Ethiopians. Asa had 300,000 thousand warriors–Zerah, the Ethiopian had 1,000,000, (yes 1 million) men fighting against Judah. Asa cried out to the Lord, O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God, do not let mere men prevail against you! So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and the army of Judah and the enemy fled. Asa could have simply surrendered, but he remembered the Lord His God and they were victorious. Later on in chapter 15 Azariah, a prophet, spoke to Asa and said, Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. Vs 5 goes on to say: During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. Nation fought against nation and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin…

I think the troubles we are facing stem from God allowing us as nations to do our own sin thing. It is time to remember whose we are and allow Him to be Lord of our life, He will show us the way through with victory and strength. It is a time to remember Him and His ways. It is time to not only remember He is Lord, but allow Him to be yours.

I think most people in this day and age would agree–these are stressful times. Maybe more stressful on our soul, body and spirits. This week I’ve encountered sad news, bad news and distressing encounters. How about you? I’ve also had some good news, happy news and answers to prayer! The Lord showed me that the negative news seems to cling much longer than the positive.

The first thing we have to do is accept the fact these kind of things do touch our soul. None of us are impervious to the effects of difficulties. As much as the “perfect” me can carry and deal with hard things–I had to admit I can’t, but He can. So what does that mean? It takes time and deliberate steps to process the negative news and give it over to the Lord. I Peter 5: 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. The King James version uses the word cast. Either way there must be a transfer of sorts–from us to Him. Anxiety and cares in the Greek is mermna. From meiro-“to divide” and noos, “the mind”. Our anxieties and cares come into our lives and divide our thoughts and distract us from His thoughts and His ways. Merimna means to be anxious beforehand about daily life. We have a savior who is looking after those things. It is not our portion. When things come fast and furious at us, it is hard to take the time to do the transfer. But we must do so. An often missing step is to pray about the situation, but not do the transfer. I have had to slow down and prayerfully, give Him each and every care. As I really focus on Him–His ways and His words, my faith and trust grows so I can truly make the transfer. Then it is up to Him how He chooses to answer these prayers.

Psalm 139:23 Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Understand, He already knows every area of our thought life. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm. It is so encouraging and up lifting. God knows those areas of our heart that trouble us. Do not fear praying this prayer. It is often the first step to greater freedom in our walk with Him. He searches with grace and mercy, but also with truth, and that truth always bring freedom. Freedom from guilt, shame and the resulting anxiety from carrying such emotions saddles us with. When we take time to pray these “transfer” prayers, the Holy Spirit often points out areas where we need to grow in trust, or allow His finished work on the cross to be applied. Revelation 12:11 tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

This week as I received the sad news, bad news and even disturbing news I made a conscious effort to focus on the positive news. At our Life Group I listened with intent at the God stories the ladies shared. I asked them to pray for some of my “stuff” and their caring prayers touched my heart. We need the two or three believing in agreement often times to help us know we are not alone.

As I took the time to transfer my cares to Him, joy came. Peace came. Hope came. It took time, but I was with Him and that was good!! I encourage you to do the same–make it a habit!