Truth

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
ps. 145:18

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
jn. 8:31-32

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
jn. 14:6

sometimes life can be so complex. from gifts to guests, from church services to traffic, from sickness to insecurities - the list just goes on and on. and yet, we who believe in Christ have been set free from all this. we are instructed to not worry because it doesn't do any good. we are comforted by Him who created us and calls us by name. He promises to mend the brokenhearted. He is the Healer of hearts. and we have His words in a book, which simply needs to be read so we can gain understanding. our security comes from knowing Christ.

the Truth became flesh and lived on this earth. He is the meaning of Christmas, even tho ol' st. nick has nudged his way into this remarkable holiday. and when our hearts are troubled, our minds are overwhelmed, our tempers flare, we can always return to listen to our Father. He is near to all who call on Him in truth, and knowing the truth will set you free.

hey Friend,
it's been pretty crazy lately, tho You know that. and i've not put much effort into our relationship cuz i've been so distracted with everything else. my mind is full, my emotions are every direction, and i need You. before Your presence i attempt to quiet my soul so that we can converse. it's been too long, Dad. i praise You for giving me peace. thank You, Jesus, for living on this earth, so that i can have a way to the know You intimately. You are my hope, my truth, and the only way i want to go. i bow before Your greatness and adore You. thanks for pulling me aside this hectic day and for re-focusing my worship. i don't want to go on without You any more. let my heart be reverent in Your presence.

thanks for denise's mom and her visit with us. thanks for sending your healing upon her. thanks for the laughter, the jokes and all the fun we've had. Jesus, i pray that You would create a way for her to accept Your grace. open her heart so she will receive You. let her worship You with her life. may Your blood cleanse her from the snares of this world. may You be glorified for this change in her heart.

i lift up denise's grandpa to You also. he is sick and in the hospital, Father. may Your gentle healing come upon him. may You strengthen him so he can be home for Christmas. Father, i also pray for a way for him to see You and know You. too many years he has turned his back from You. Jesus, please send forth Your blood to cover all the sins of his life. grace Him with a deep understanding of Yourself. let him know that in You all his desires will be fulfilled. give him a deep conviction to fall into Your arms of grace. let this transformation affect others in his family. let this all be for Your glory.

i lift up denise to You. she's been thru a lot these last few days. Father, please wrap Your loving arms around her, to comfort her. God, You know her, and You know her needs. may Your loving kindness melt away any hurt feelings. may denise be used as a witness for her family to see You. equip her to be a living sacrifice always, even in the midst of their unbelief. may Your grace equip denise to be a bright light for the youth at st. paul. thanks for using her gifts to minister to the youth and members of st. paul. You have an amazing way of transforming lives thru the use of Your faithful children. thanks for denise and for her wonderful friendship. thanks for shining thru her to minister to me more times than i could ever count. i love denise and i know You love her even more. thanks for taking care of her.

Holy One, You've prepared a way for my parents to come visit in 5 days. i lift them up to You. they've had so much going on in their lives lately. may this visit be a resting place for their weary souls. may You embrace them, pour out Your love on them, and just woo them back into Your gentle arms. let them know Your comfort. may Your traveling mercies rest upon them. may our time together be filled with grace and mercy. may You prepare my heart to receive my parents, cuz sometimes we don't get along so well. Father, i commit my life and love to You. may You transform my heart, so that i can be patient, kind, humble, and incredibly loving to them. i want to shine Your love, but on my own strength i cannot. i'm trusting on You to help me, God.

thanks for the great Christmas party last night. thanks for the visitors and for the hospitality of the May's. You are awesome Father! it's so cool to see the youth get excited about gathering together. You are the connection between them all. it's incredible to see the bonds which are forming in their friendships. thanks for being with us. You make the party incredible.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

---

*cheryl *earl *densie