Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

How can one do what this verse says? Especially if facing a major crisis or test?

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,
The only way is to keep God's grace & mercy in view.

Be joyful in hope in view of God’s grace, in view of God’s mercies.
Be patient in affliction in view of God’s grace, in view of God’s mercies.
Be faithful in prayer in view of God’s grace, in view of God’s mercies.

If you look at tribulation, there is no cause for rejoicing, but rather for frustration and discouragement. But in view of God's grace & mercy, in view of the fact that He is with each of us always, in view of the fact that He gives us strength, peace and joy thru the Lord Jesus Christ, in view of the fact that we can come to Him thru prayer, in prayer we can come to our loving Father...

So...

Hope is real. It is one of the most important gifts you can receive.

{In view of God's grace & mercy} Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Psalm 25:3 No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame,...

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Karen for starting this prayer group and I am so glad that I have found you guys!
Cindy

Wow,
I am a little bit speechless right now. I came to work this morning feeling so lost and scared and then I got your email. I cried. You just don't know how this has touched me. My mothers church prays for Jack Jack, but to have someone that we have never met, has never laid eyes on me or my little angel to be sending such warm thoughts and prayers reaches down deep inside me. I thank you from my soul for me and Jack Jack. I will print this email and show it to my family and my church family to prove that God's love really is far reaching. You just made my day.
Again, Thank you.
Susie

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Psalm 17:6 Thank You Lord that we can come together before You in prayer, thank You that You hear our prayers and answer us.

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June 28, 2005
Abiding & Fruit

John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I will abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

I'm still thinking about fruit. Whenever I read John 15 it makes me want to produce fruit - after all no one wants to be cut off! A similar thing happens when I read the list of 'fruits of the Holy Spirit'.
    * Love
    * Joy
    * Peace
    * Patience
    * Kindness
    * Goodness
    * Faithfulness
    * Gentleness
    * Self-control

When I think about these fruits I realise that I want to try to be more loving, more joyful, more peaceful ...

How could this type of thinking be a problem?

These fruits are not meant to be goals for us to pursue. Why? Because we cannot produce fruit. This is not the branches responsibilty. Branches are only meant to bear the fruit. The fruit of the Spirit was never intended to be a demonstration of our dedication and resolve, of our work. Rather it is a sign of 'abiding', abiding in the true vine. It is a sign of the Holy Spirit's work. It's also a sign of where one's focus is. Isn't it interesting that to produce fruit, this focus has to be on Christ, the true vine rather than on the fruit?

Apart from me you can do nothing...

Thank You Lord for the fruit of the Spirit. Help us each to remember to keep our focus on Christ and 'abiding', being connected to Him. Thank You that as each of us does this Your fruit will be born.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

If you can't see the picture above click below:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/karen_trustlord/detail?.dir=/37a0&.dnm=bfc9.jpg&.src=ph&.tok=phFG.NDBxrtdf6jM
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June 27, 2005
Praise:Hello everyone.I just wanted to thank you all for your Prayers for me,my mom and her husband.They made it safely home this afternoon with no problems.She said it was the best trip they had in years.I'll keep you all in my prayers,and please do the same for me.
Thanks again, God Bless You All
Love Valerie

Praise the LORD. {Hallelu Yah} Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever. Thank You Lord for answered prayer. Thank You also for the privilege of coming together before Your throne. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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June 27, 2005
Is it Ripe Yet?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Fruit of the Spirit, like real fruit takes time to grow. These fruits grow as we grow. Like real fruit these fruits need time to ripen. Sometimes it's hard to tell how ripe a fruit is until you take a 'bite' and test it!

Here is a cute example.

To prepare this little devotion I was searching for a good picture of fruit. So I went to google and entered my search. Then I waited... and waited... and waited ... as the page of results was loading.

I decided to go check a few things while the page continued to load.

I returned to find the page ...
... still loading.

I checked a few more things.

I returned to find the page ...
"Oh Come on!"
... still loading.

Those words justed popped out. I guess my patience and maybe self control are still..
... a bit 'green'.

Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Thank You Lord for the fruit of the Spirit, that it is ours to possess if we live by the Spirit and keep in step. Help us each keep in step - not rush ahead or lag behind - but keep in step with Your perfect rhythm. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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June 24, 2005
Like a Dove

Psalm 55:6-8 Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest- I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.

Where is your place of refuge? Your place of safety, shelter and rest? The arms of the Bridegroom?

Sometimes I am so out of breath when I get there - shaky - panting - dove like. But He holds me tenderly and speaks gently — assuring me of His love and His protection. And I rest safely, at peace.

Ready to fly away?

Song of Solomon 2:14 My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

Hosea 11:11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD.

Phil 4:7 May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, guard each of our hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.

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June 23, 2005
The Weight of Glory

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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.

Have you ever heard it said that someone is bearing the weight of the world? This is a negative image. Who would want to bear the weight of the world? Paul turns this around and makes it positive - we'll be weighed down by glory.

This does not belittle our present suffering or pain. However, comparing this life's trouble to the glory being prepared for us is like comparing the light of a candle to the bright radiance of ten thousand suns. So enormous is the future promised us in Christ that everything pales beside it.

1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Thank You Lord for the promise of Your glory. Help each of us look forward to sharing in this glory. May the promise of sharing your glory keep us each faithful today.

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June 22, 2005
Pitiful Purple Petunias
Lori Fiechter

Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

For Mother’s Day, I brought in a dozen purple petunias for our class of fourth grade girls. I cut apart the ugly black plastic flats; the girls would cover the plastic with pretty tissue paper and ribbon. I didn’t wait until the last minute to buy them; I was afraid that flowers would be picked over by Mother’s Day. So I bought the petunias two weeks early. I hate petunias. I wanted to get pansies again, but they were picked over and anemic looking. When I bought the petunias, they at least looked healthy. Until that wind storm.

I had the petunias outside on the north side of our house, next to our concrete steps. I thought they’d be protected from the wind and from too much sun. I faithfully watered them every day. I should’ve brought them inside when I saw the wind picking up. I thought they were safe. Maybe the blooms would have fallen off anyway in two weeks. Maybe some of them would’ve had torn petals without the wind’s help. Maybe I should have gone out and bought all new flowers. Maybe I should have let my co-teacher do the flower buying.

As it was, I took the sorry-looking blooms to our class. I put them in a cardboard box and taped up the sides to protect them from the current wind. As if they could look any worse. My husband glanced inside the box and asked, "Are they still alive?" It is a good thing I have such a class of sweet girls. When I explained what happened, several of them even requested, "the ones without any flowers." Bless their hearts. They did ask, though, "Will they bloom again?" Oh, yes, they may look pinched and bare, but if you plant them carefully and water them faithfully, they’ll bloom again.

Have you ever felt as though you will never bloom again? The winds have buffeted you so harshly, so relentlessly, that it is all you can do to stay rooted. The bloom is gone, the stems are bent, the leaves wind-burnt. You can’t think about blooming, you just have to think about holding on, just holding on. You don’t even dare to hope for better days.

Trust the gardener. He is much better than I was to my plants. He won’t let you perish; He has promised you that in His word. He won’t let you drown in your problems; He won’t let the fires of adversity consume you. He will be with you, no matter what. (Isaiah 43:1,2) He is your refuge and strong tower, your hiding place from the wind and tempest, your rock and your shade. (Psalm46; Isaiah 32:1,2) He will not let you fall. (Jude 24)

You will bloom again.

Thank You Lord that You are our refuge, our rock, our shelter from the wind. When we feel like the 'bloom' is gone, help each of us continue to place our trust solidly in You. Thank You that as we each do this, You Lord, the master gardener will help us each bloom again.

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June 2005
SMILE

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine...

SMILE!
Smile, it's a simple thing to do.
Someone smiled at me and I started smiling too.

Smiling, I continued on, and someone saw my grin,
when they smiled I realized I'd passed it on to them.

I thought about the worth of that one smile.
It's cost is small but does alot - just one pleasant smile.

In fact a smile has no worth until given away.
So don't keep it to yourself, why not smile today.

___________

A smile is a curve that can set things straight. If someone is to tired to give you a smile, leave one of yours. For, nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none to give.

___________

Lord help us always to rejoice and be glad in You.

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June 20, 2005
Wrong Question?

Psalm 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

During times or circumsatnces that shake us or put us off balance I often hear the question "Where is God?". Maybe it's the loss of a loved one, or a job, or good health. The loss makes us feel far from God. We might even feel that God is no longer watching over us.

During these times it's good to remember to turn this question around -- the question is not "Where is God?" but "Where isn't God?".

It's all in how things are veiwed. Look at this statement.

GOD IS NOWHERE.

Simply by changing your veiw and adding an appropriate space it can become.

GOD IS NOW HERE.

By changing perspective you'll be surprised to find that God was there with you all along.

Thank You Lord that You are always with each of us. Help us each always turn our perspectives towards You and Your promises.

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June 17, 2005
Answers At Your Door
by Ken Stright

Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"

Rhoda goes to answer the door. She is being disturbed from a prayer meeting called for Peter who is in prison. She asks who is at the door and Peter says it is himself. She's so flustered she goes back to the group to tell them Peter claims to be on the other side of the door but forgets to let Peter in. Is the answer to your prayer knocking at your door and you refuse to let it in?

We are invited to take it to the Lord in prayer, whatever the concern may be, but maybe we don't follow through. Maybe the next step is to live as though the answer were at our door, just knocking to get in. Maybe we should see ourselves as instruments in the answering of the prayers we bring before God.

Go ahead. Open the door. Peter may be waiting for you.

Thank You Lord for the privilege of prayer. Thank You that You are just a prayer away and that you promise to hear and answer. Help each of us listen for Your answers in stillnes and help us to look confidently for the answers You give as we continue to pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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June 2005
God's Smile
Psalm 147:11    the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.

Isn't it amazing to think that God actually smiles and takes pleasure in us when we trust him?

Together they form
the most beautiful sight
We see all of the colors
Of God's heavenly light.

There've been many storms,
Rainbows, I've seen a few;
But then I learned something
That I never knew...

The most beautiful rainbow
That I ever did see
Was the one that made me realize
"That's God smiling at me!"

Numbers 6:25-26     May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May He turn His face toward you and give you peace.

Rainbow Promise

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June 16, 2005
What does God seek?

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

What or who does the Lord seek? The story of King Asa gives us a clue. The Lord seeks the one whose heart is fully committed to Him. God is looking for those whose hearts are loyal to Him. He wants to show Himself to be strong on their behalf.

God grants those who truly want Him not only the freedom to choose Him, but maybe more importantly, the strength to be loyal to Him. So why not set your whole heart on Him? Love Him. Desire to be loyal to Him with all your heart, soul and mind. God is looking to show Himself strong for those who do. Why not let it be you?

Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

Lord help each of us set our whole heart, soul and mind on You. Thank You that as we do this we will be blessed, and we will find You.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
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June 14, 2005
I still am in need of prayer for our 4-unit sale our last borrower will not call us back. We have to assume he backed out. We had acall for a showing for this Tuesday with someone else.
Thanks Jackie

For Jackie
Thank You Lord that You are our Sovereign LORD. Sovereign LORD, please be near to Jackie and this whole situation, provide her refuge, and clear guidance -- show her the way in which to go. Continually remind Jackie that You are in control. Thank You Lord that You are a God that provides.
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June 14, 2005
Well, Junior is happier today and his fever has been gone for two days now but his respiratory status seems worse. I am at a loss for what is up with him. He is on a liter of oxygen while awake but is needing to be turned up when he sleeps. He will be at 98% one minute and then 88% or lower the next. I am still running breathing txs nearly constantly and suctioning every minute or two(.no more than five minutes at the most between suctioning) I am praying things get better over night and this is just the croup running its course. If not we will see his doctor again in the morning. Please keep us in your prayers, we are both exhausted.
Love,heidi & Junior {submitted by Cindy}

For Junior & Heidi & family
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings...

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
Lord please keep Junior under the shadow of Your wings, have mercy on this family. Please lift up Junior, let him rise with the healing in Your wings.

You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.
Lord continue to help each of them turn to You, hope in You and find renewal of strength in You.
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June 15, 2005
At least for the Zuleger family. Rodney's niece, the one with the son two weeks older than Kody, lost her 6th son on Sunday. She had fetal movement on Saturday but none on Sunday. She went into the ER and they could find no heartbeat, she delivered him after being give drugs to force labor. John Paul was a little over 4 pounds. She was 30 weeks along with him. Please keep her, her husband, and John five other brothers in your prayers.
(submitted by Cindy)

For the Zuleger family
Thank You Lord that You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. Thank You Lord that You, even You, are the one that comforts. Please comfort each in a very real way. Hold them close.

For all
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Thank You Lord for Your guidance and care. Let each feel Your mighty hand upholding them today and always. Please help each to not be afraid. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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June 13, 2005
His Care

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.

___________

Thank You Lord for Your love and care. Help us each always come to You with everything in prayer. Thank You that as we each do this, You will guard our hearts and minds in the Lord Jesus Christ and we will know the peace of Christ that passes all understanding.

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Psalm 73:23 Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand.
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June 8, 2005
Praise:We have a new baby, 9 pounds and 11 ounces and 22 inches long. He is huge. His name is Maximus James Franklin. I said his name shoud be Maximus Giagantous. HA HA . Kyle and I were with her through the labor, but she had to have a C-Section. So I went with her to the operating room. I was so glad that she let me be with her she worked really hard. He is a beautiful baby and Kate and Max are doing great.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Grandma Linda V.

For Max, family & Grandma Linda V.
I will praise you, O LORD , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
Thank You Lord for the wonder of Max! Thank You that all came thru this birth well. Let this child come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and fill these homes with joy!
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June 9, 2005
Praise: I will be singing on sunday and I am being added to the worship team!!!

A coincidence?! We are singing 'You Shine', the song that I sang in the chapel of the Episcopal church - the summer we left. This was a time of turmoil for me & the words of this song have special meaning. I wrote about this in a previous post.

https://www.angelfire.com/jazz/karen_trust/PrayerLog/Jan2005.html#Is_He_Calling_2

How amazing is it that we would sing this sunday - the first time I'm singing on the new worship team?!!!!!!!!

..... There's more - I reread the above post, we are also singing the song whose chorus is 'waiting in expectantcy'.
I'm in awe
Karen

Psalm 57:7,9-10 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Praise the Lord!
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June 8, 2005
Love Me More?
Thoughts from the song What If by Jadon Lavik

Who is Greatest?
33...Jesus asked, "What were you arguing about on the road?"
34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35...Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,
37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Aren't we all a little like this? I know I am, it's nice to think you are best. It's also human nature to think you can do something to make the Lord Jesus Christ love you more.

Would He love me more if...

• if I climbed that mountain
• if I swam to that shore
• if every battle was victorious
• if I were everybody’s first choice
• if I went farther than before
• if I stood high above the rest

If He didn't love us apart from what we do - consider the following.

Would He love me less if...

• if I ignored the hand that fed me
• if I forgot to confess
• if I stumbled down that mountain
• if I were everyone’s last choice
• if I mixed in with the rest
• if I failed what I passed before

Praise the Lord - I am loved apart from what I do!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Now that's
G     God's
R     Riches
A     At
C     Christ's
E     Expense!!!!

How much more could He love each of us? Consider this:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank You Lord for Your great love and grace. Thank You that these are eternal thru the Lord Jesus Christ and that NOTHING can separate us from Your love. Next time we are tempted to think we can influence Your love by our acts, help us each to remember Your G-R-A-C-E and how immeasurable Your love really is! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

___________

How Can I Know Christ Personally?
https://www.angelfire.com/jazz/karen_trust/PrayerLog/KnowChrist.html
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June 7, 2005
Signs

I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

Ever notice those church signs as you drive by? Here are a few favorites of mine:

• If you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd.
• No God - No Peace? Know God - Know Peace.
• People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are.
• Worry ends where faith begins.
• God doesn't have a plan 'B'.
• My way is the highway!

What does the sign you're wearing say? CRANKY, TOO BUSY, STEER CLEAR...

Signs like these aren't very attractive and won't attract many visitors. Have you ever thought much about how your relationships are affected when the message sent out is less than welcoming and seriously lacking in joy? Why not work on your personal message board every day, -- it's a challenge, especially on those less-than-great days. Try to post a message out front that says: YOU ARE WELCOME ANYTIME. I don't always succeed, but I'm sure it's an effort that pleases God. I'd never thought much about how my relationships with my family, friends and acquaintances are affected when the message I send out is less than welcoming and seriously lacking in joy. So I'm working on my personal message board every day now, and it's a challenge, especially on those less-than-great days. But at least I'm trying to post a message out front that says: YOU ARE WELCOME ANYTIME. I don't always succeed, but I'm sure it's an effort that pleases God. If you'd like to know for sure why not look for a SIGN from God. I'm sure you'll find one.

Just the other day I drove by a church with this message: IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A SIGN FROM GOD, THIS IS IT!

Lord thank You for Your signs of love that are all around us. Show each how to reflect that love in the signs shown others, and may You be seen in each heart.
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June 7, 2005
Urgent Prayer request for DUB - he has suffered a stroke that affected his right side. He covets any and all prayers. Please also pray for his wife Eve, who is also not well and depends on Dub......(he's very concerned about her).
Thank you all............

For Dub & Eve
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Thank You Lord that each of us is so important to You that You have numbered our hairs. Let this truth sink into each heart, let each get a glimpse of how much they are loved. Let Your enduring love bring healing where your healing is needed. Please restore Dub & Eve to that perfect health which is Yours alone to give. Thank You that You are a Lord who provides.

Thank You Lord that through prayer and thanksgiving, the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Protect each heart, Lord. Help them not to worry or be afraid. Lord please give each strength to equal their days and the comfort of Your everlasting arms, draw them close. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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June 7, 2005
My daughter Kate is due today. Kate's water broke today, the contractions have not started but she is feeling heavy. So the baby is on the way. We are staying at home as long as she can stand it. The hospital here is very conservative and they like to intervene to try to speed things up but it ends up just making things more uncomfortable for the mom to be. We are looking forward to meeting our new addition. Please pray for us. She wants me to be with her during labor.
Thanks for praying,
Linda

For Kate, baby & Linda
I will praise you, O LORD , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Thank You Lord for the wonder of this birth. Let this child come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord please let Your mighty hand rest upon the whole birthing process, smooth out the details and place the right people in the right place at the right time. Give all involved Your wisdom.
Thank You Lord that You have given them, their heart's desire. And You have not withheld the request of their lips. Let this child fill their homes with joy. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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June 2005

The Open Door

Revelation 3:7-8 These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Isaiah 22:22 I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

Doors. They open or shut or are somewhere in between.

Notice the door placed before you in these verses is wide open and no one can shut it. An open door allows you to get a glimpse of what lies beyond the door. An open door is more inviting than a closed or half shut door. An open door highlights the path that could be taken thru it. It is your choice whether to enter and go thru.

In any and every situation God creates an open door thru the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you seek Him out and choose to go thru?

BEFORE YOU IS AN OPEN DOOR
Lois Roosa

I've set before you an open door
No human hands can close.
It's not the one you're looking for
Or one you would have chose
But if you'll wait and pray awhile
I'll let you see My hand
And you will fully recognize
It is the door I planned.
___________

Thank You Lord for the 'door' of the Lord Jesus Christ. Help each of us seek Him with our whole heart and follow the path you've laid out. In Jesus' name.
___________

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. 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.

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June 2005

Praise Him with the Sound of Trumpets

Psalm 150:3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet...

Numbers 10:9-10 When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies. Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.

I love the sound of a trumpet. Look how this sound is associated with praising the Lord - BOTH in times of battle and rejoicing. The above picture captures this - the Amaryllis, when it blooms looks like clusters of trumpets -- you can just hear the praise to the Lord.

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

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Lord help us always to praise You!

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June 6, 2005
Let the Son Shine In

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

I heard this in a sermon yesterday.

I love the idea of 'the communion of the Holy Spirit'. The idea that not only you - but others can be in communion with the Holy Spirit. You can see a picture of the cross - vertical - your relationship with the Lord Jesus and horizontal - your relationship with others who know Jesus. Because of the cross all those who know Jesus as Lord can be in communion with the Holy Spirit and with each other. This is what drives the prayer for the ephesians.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

If Christ is dwelling in your heart thru faith - He should show thru to others. Even though it surpasses our understanding it can be shared - what a blessing!

Neat child's perspective: https://www.angelfire.com/jazz/karen_trust/PrayerLog/Sep2004.html#ShowingThrough

Lord, thank You for the cross! Let the Son shine in and thru each of our hearts. Show each of us how to have communion with the Holy Spirit among fellow believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How Can I Know Christ Personally?

https://www.angelfire.com/jazz/karen_trust/PrayerLog/KnowChrist.html
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June 3, 2005
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is GOOD. His love endures forever!!! Thank you Lord for answered prayer. I glorify You Jesus for being so good to me. Thanks for all your prayers. I finally heard from the Immigration yesterday, and the thing I feared most didn't happen. Jesus took it all away! I have an interview date now, please continue to pray for a victory. Thanks.
Joanie
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June 4, 2005
Praise: Our deadline date has been changed back to June 28th. I found out that I have rights as a long term tennant and a senior citizen and more. I had a few words with the new owners husband to be and I think he found out that I have rights also. My husband called him on June 1st and this man was quite humble and agreed to our original date. Which isn't a lot of time, but it may be all that we need. Please let us pray that it is all that we need. I feel the power of God helping us and God will give us the time we need. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers!
Jesus, I trust in thee..........
Jeanette
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June 5, 2005
What a friend we have in Jesus. I love that prayer that is a song. Thanks for reminding me that intercessory prayer is very strong. I need to be remembered in the process of 'retiring' my vehicle with the State program than gets polluters off the road. I will get the proper forms from DMV and receive $1,000 for my car, which will of course go for purchase of a newer vehicle. Please remove all blockages from successful consummation of this process, here in the month of June. Thank you, Jesus!-Lynn

For Lynn, Jeanette, Joanie
Praise the LORD. {Hallelu Yah} Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever.
Thank You Lord for answered prayer!!

Thank You Lord, that as we look to You, the gracious hand of our Lord Jesus Christ is upon us. Please continue to guide each person we have lifted up to You. Help each clearly see Your guiding hand and act in Your will. Thank You that as each does this, You will provide.

Thank You Lord that Your unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in You. Surround each as they trust in You, let each feel Your love in a very real way. Let each rejoice in the LORD and be glad. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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June 3, 2005
Because You Prayed...

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, this is the word the LORD has spoken against him:...

This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.

Hezekiah was a good king of Judah, contemporary with Isaiah the prophet. King Hezekiah was shaken and challenged by two very bad times. He took these two terrible trials to God in prayer, and received help from God because he prayed. This story is recorded three times in the Bible...

So next time you are discouraged in prayer remember these words from the accounts of Hezekiah:

This clearly implies that God would not have acted if Hezekiah had not prayed. Click on the above links to read the accounts in an online bible.

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Thank You Lord that You do answer us when we call. Help each of us persist in prayer.
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June 1, 2005
Sierra is going for a consultation we are going to have surgery soon. Sierra has special needs & her mom is nervous about her going under.
Thanks {submitted by Cindy}
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June 1, 2005
Please keep my house hunting in your prayers. The deadline for moving out is approaching fast.
Thanks Jeanette
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June 1, 2005
Just would like my prayer family to say a little pray for me, for tomm. to keep me in Prayer I'm having a stress test done tomm. at Copper. Praise God everything is going to be fine, i just have a little worry in me about tomm. they re putting dye contrast to look at my red blood that goes to my heart. So please keep me in Prayers Thank you.... Praise God I'm Healed in HIS Blood Thank you Lord....Amen
In His Precious Name
Gina
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June 1, 2005
I am always asking, and forever need prayer. Thank you for sharing my burdens and standing with me in prayer.

I started training for my new job as a Member Care Counselor in the CAA (AAA) call center. There is a lot to learn. What the company used to train in 8 weeks has been reduces to three weeks. There is a lot of things to retain and every time we go through a module we are tested on it. We have new trainers (we are their first team to train) they too are learning. I need help. I freeze up when we have a test. I find there are times I cannot concentrate and retain what is being said. I need prayer for peace and concentration and that I do retain what I am too. I feel a little pressured (as do others) and as I have not been in school for many, many years, being tested and marked makes me really, really nervous. We have to have a 75% average on each test. So please pray that I will be successful as well. I really pray that I succeed each day.
Thanks for your prayers. Blessings and grace to each of you,
Linda Dixon
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June 1, 2005
Ken B requests that we pray for his brother, Jim. He has severe hardening of the arteries in his legs to the point that they are considering amputation. Also, their sister Susan is his caregiver and she needs prayer for all those things that caregivers need daily!
Thank you. Karen D.
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June 2, 2005
I would like to request prayers for a friend's dad that just had a stroke tonight. The second prayer I would like to request is for a friend who is trying to get full custody of his daughter. Thank you so much for all your prayers. God bless you all.
Nubia
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June 2, 2005
Please continue praying for my daughter Sheila. She got through her surgery okay {to insert tube to relieve headaches} but was still in a lot of pain last night when we came home. Please pray that this drain tube works and that it might relieve the pain in her head for she has no quality of life right now.
Thanks Jim
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June 2, 2005< Please continue to pray for Scott as he trys to recover from a serious depression. The drs. still have not figured out his medication - BP & antidepressant. At this point we think Scot no longer needs an antidepressant. We need the Lord's wisom, guidance & protection.
Thanks Karen

For Sierra, Jeanette, Gina, Linda Dixon, Jim/Susan & family, Nubia's friend's dad, Nubia's friend's custody case, Sheila & family, Scott & family

Psalm 121, Psalm 138:8     Thank You Lord that You are our strength and help, that You watch over our lives. We ask for Your great mercy and compassion, pour it out on each situatuion we are lifting up. Let Your love and glory shine thru each life. Thank You that You are our great physician, our Shepherd, please bring Your healing, Your peace, Your wisdom & guidance to each. Please fulfill Your purpose for each life. Thank You Lord that Your love endures forever! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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June 1, 2005
To It & Thru It

"If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it."

I love this idea! It's not a 'quote' from the bible but it is an idea seen thru out. One example - the parting of the red sea, where Moses, sent by God, was leading the Israelites out of an impossible situation. There appeared to be no way out, but God did provide. Here are some related scriptures. Be encouraged!

Exodus 13:14     ... With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Exodus 13:21-22     By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Isaiah 41:10     Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

James 1:2-4     My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Isaiah 43:2     When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Deuteronomy 31:8     And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

Exodus 15:13     You in Your mercy have led forth The people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength To Your holy habitation.

Psalm 18:1-2     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.

Philippians 4:13     I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thank You Lord that You are our strength, and that You will always be there to guide us and see us thru! Help each of us remember and cling to these promises when we face trials.

P.S.
This was written for Jeanette who is going thru the trial of moving. The deadline to move is fast approaching and she has not yet found a new place to live. Thank you all for your prayers!