10/31/07
Thank you, Sharon, for being faithful and insightful. ( From 22
grandchildren I took in four of them at various stages of their lives).
About 12 years ago, when raising one of my grandsons, who was troubled and
showed it in rages, I was driving him to school as he missed the bus
(again). He was in one of his fits, and I still had another 50 miles to
drive to get to work. He wouldn't get out of the car at the school. I was
so frustrated, I said "Then I have to go to work, you'll just have to go
with me. As I was getting on a very busy interstate highway, he jumped out
of the car and ran away (thankfully to the school). but I didn't know that
then. I just had to keep going as I was missing way too much work with
these children's problems. I was crying and I could hardly see, but I
started saying, "Praise God" over and over without ceasing (as Paul tells
us to do). As soon as I had said it a few times, the tears stopped, my
eyes could see the road (and the other cars) and I went onto work knowing
that God had my grandson in His hands -- I could do no more than pray (at
least on that day). When I got to work, I called the school and he was
there. Praise God! Of course, to this day, he still has emotional
outbursts and he's 25 (and still with us). but I know God has to do His
work with this young man. All I can do at times, is leave the house. And
Praise God!
This boy's father's name is David (my first born) who
struggles with addictions and has spent too many of his 45 years in jail.
So when you spoke of David today - praising God no matter what was going
on his life, I thought of so many instances in my life when I do the same
thing. I praise him in thanksgiving, in love, in sorrow, just about in
everything. He is so faithful.; Thank you for the opportunity to share.
Barbara
10/31/07
Isn't it peculiar how the world turns things. Christmas and Easter
started out as pagan celebrations, and Halloween started out as a
Christian holiday. But as the world turns and twists things around then we
find ourselves in these situations.
However, we should all be *"leary"
of anyone or anything that "suspends the laws of nature" that is not of
our Lord. There are many false teachers and evil spirits that are so close
to what the Lord has that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. We
should all remember 1 John 4: 1-4, where the scriptures admonish us as to
how to test the spirits.
* Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Bat Man,
Etc. & Et Al.
Joe
It is amazing what people respond to...apparently today's devotional is
one that touched many people's life...I know we've been there - done that
- and it hurts!
10/4/07
Sharon,
Thank you for this devotion. Lately, I’ve
felt compared in my parenting. I know my mother-in-law loves all her
grandchildren and I know that I am sensitive to her words. I appreciate
your understanding words. I also appreciate this passage in job. It almost
makes me smile (because I’ve had God take me to the woodshed before, as
I’ve heard someone say when God reminds us of who He is). I keep in mind
that God did not answer Job’s questions and Job did not find out all the
whys. God responded with this passage.
God bless and keep
you.
Dianne
9/19/07
This was right on time for me! In fact I wish I
would have had time to read it this morning. It might have saved me
from a day of self-pity and anger. Thanks for being a willing vessel
of God.
Linda Jones
9/13/07
Dear Sharon -
Boy did today's devotion strike a cord with me. I can relate to this
one even to this day. I took a drive yesterday after I got the oil changed
in my car since the weather was nicer here, and I was not having a flair
with my CRPS and other medical conditions (which allowed me to get out of
the house on rare occasion) and was thinking about things. This was one of
the thoughts that was crossing my mind. It has been almost 10 years now
since I have been able to go to church, and you know that the pastor nor
anyone from the church I had attended faithfully has called to see where I
am, or how I am doing, through all my surgeries, etc, including the death
of my brother last year. Not one person. That really torks me. Well I will
shut up. This is just something that I have to put in God's hands and ask
Him to help me to deal with - or should I say ask Him to deal with and
allow me to let go. That is probably how I should be looking at it,
right?? Grrrrrrrrr....... lol Well, long story short - thanks for the
devotion, and thanks for listening and caring.
A
9/6/07
I’m still adjusting and realizing that not all I heard growing up was
all truth. A lot was prejudice and a lot was adult assumptions. So much to
sort out to seek the truth.
Blessings,
KT
8/28/07
Dear Sharon,
This devotional today
spoke to my heart. It confirmed all that I have been praying about in the
past two weeks. Thanks so much for continuing on in your
ministry.
Jan
8/21/07
This is most interesting Sharon. I have had some question over this and
I think you have answered that for me. Thanks and God Bless you,
KT
9/19/07
This was right on time for me! In fact I wish I
would have had time to read it this morning. It might have saved me
from a day of self-pity and anger. Thanks for being a willing vessel
of God.
Linda Jones
9/13/07
Dear Sharon -
Boy did today's devotion strike a cord with me. I can relate to this
one even to this day. I took a drive yesterday after I got the oil changed
in my car since the weather was nicer here, and I was not having a flair
with my CRPS and other medical conditions (which allowed me to get out of
the house on rare occasion) and was thinking about things. This was one of
the thoughts that was crossing my mind. It has been almost 10 years now
since I have been able to go to church, and you know that the pastor nor
anyone from the church I had attended faithfully has called to see where I
am, or how I am doing, through all my surgeries, etc, including the death
of my brother last year. Not one person. That really torks me. Well I will
shut up. This is just something that I have to put in God's hands and ask
Him to help me to deal with - or should I say ask Him to deal with and
allow me to let go. That is probably how I should be looking at it,
right?? Grrrrrrrrr....... lol Well, long story short - thanks for the
devotion, and thanks for listening and caring.
A
9/6/07
I’m still adjusting and realizing that not all I heard growing up was
all truth. A lot was prejudice and a lot was adult assumptions. So much to
sort out to seek the truth.
Blessings,
KT
8/28/07
Dear Sharon,
This devotional today
spoke to my heart. It confirmed all that I have been praying about in the
past two weeks. Thanks so much for continuing on in your
ministry.
Jan
8/21/07
This is most interesting Sharon. I have had some question over this and
I think you have answered that for me. Thanks and God Bless you,
KT
6/5/07
Dear Sharon,
I love your devotionals. I forward them to
a friend in Africa. They like them. I am impressed with your outlook on
life. Go ahead and write the manual on ministry. Write lots of things. You
are good at it.
God Bless you!
A
Friend,
Rick
5/29/07
Thank you,
Just a few months ago I lost my 30 year old fiancée to
cancer, and each day has been a struggle.
I simply typed in a ‘thought’
that popped into my mind – ‘hope for the hurting’ – into google and found
your site.
God is constantly reminding me to ‘praise Him anyway’, and
in that is my joy. Praising Him brings the things I can be thankful for
into focus, and instead of being blinded by the rain- I can see the
rainbow.
Bless you,
Caryn
3/25/07
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you. I am a young
woman, 19 years old, and have suffered from depression since I was 11. I
was having a particularly bad day today and while taking a break from
studying I looked up "hope for the hurting" on google and came up with
your site. It is encouraging, in a way, to read stories of others who have
been there and gotten through. Some days life just seems too dark, the
pain too much or like I just cannot cope any longer.
It is at these
times that God has always put someone or something across my path. I’ll
admit that many times I have thought of suicide, but never managed to
attempt it. I’ve realized that what I want is an escape from the pain, not
death. That would just cause further pain to those I love. I can’t do that
to them. And so I continue on.
Some days are good and others I wonder
how it is I make it through. I wonder, but yet I know: God’s grace. It is
his grace that pulls me through and allows me to get out of bed each
morning and go through my days as a university student. I’ve gone through
about half of my schooling while dealing with this depression and managed
to succeed, thanks be to God.
Still I pray that one day I shall be
free from it for good and then school shall be so much easier!
All this
to say, thank you for reminding me once again that there is hope out
there.
Sincerely,
S
3/01/07
Sharon,
You have encouraged me once
again......Thank you. My brother, Keith, has a severe alcohol addiction
and valium, along with other anti-depressants. He lives in San Diego alone
and will drink vodka until he goes into a blackout. Three weeks ago he
drank for 11 days without food and we thought we were losing him. God has
been so merciful and given him so many chances to start over. Several
years ago He gave me this same scripture for Keith and I claimed it for
such a long time. As of yesterday Keith was in a BAD way, but today he is
turning back around. It is so hard on my mom that is a young 76 years old.
It is really taking a toll on her.
I am blessed and will continue to
believe that God will heal Keith, once and for all.....on earth! I pray
that His will is done!!
Thank you and God bless you, You are such a
blessing to me and so many others.
Beth
2/28/07
Good morning, Sharon...9am here, and 1 am where you live!
Thank you for today's devotional...I have struggled with the depression issue in my life, particularly over the last 10 years, and do not know where it really comes from. I do claim that it is not of the Lord, though, and I repeatedly claim healing over it.
Several months ago, I shared how I was feeling in my home fellowship group when I was really struggling, but felt lead to share and receive prayer. A dear woman slipped me a note with her name and phone number on it which said, "Call me 24/7!" She did not normally attend our home fellowship, but I know that God had her there for a reason of course. I did call her, and she really ministered to me about the depression, which she had also experienced, particularly after the birth of her 1st child. She actually ministered healing, for after talking with her for almost 2 hours on the phone, I began to miraculously feel better, which I have not experienced before in regards to the depression trouble.
Thank you for following your call to do the Lord's work by keeping your daily devotional going - I am sure you bless a lot of people, for I know I have been blessed through you !
Love in Him,
Laura
2/27/07
Dearest Sharon...my heart and prayers are with you
and your family... and for the other family....my heart cries out!!! Ohh
Lord,,how we need the Heart of the Father and for each of us to be the
true expression of Him in each and every situation...how we need wisdom
and understanding,grace and mercy..open the eyes of our hearts Lord!!much
love and prayers sister Sharon...love sister
Patty (aka) tut
2/15/07
Powerful! Thank you for this reminder. It can be so easy to set
ourselves up as righteous and forget we are sinners saved by His grace and
but for that grace we can end up in the pit tomorrow.
Joyce
2/14/07
This is beautiful and something I
really needed to read today. Thank you and God bless you,
KT
2/7/07
Dearest Sharon..I truly love you and your
heart...only one whom is going through such things could possibly
understand the depth of your daily transparency...I thank God for you and
the strength and wisdom you share only through God ...you are such a
breath of fresh air...Blessings...blessings...blessings!!!love and
prayers...
Patty(aka ) Tut
2/1/07
Hi Sharon. Just me again. I had to write & tell you that your devotional today really hit home. Like you, back in '01 when I had my first heart attack. I was on my deathbed. The drs. had said there was no way for me to pull thru what was happening to me. My body went thru so much that there was no way for me to survive. Anything that could've happened to me did right then. I was kept in a coma for 9 days b'c they didn't want me to be awake & suffer thru what I was going thru & that I was much better off being in the coma. That way, when the Lord called, all I had to do was go. Painless.I have never understood why I was left here. Why did I have to go thru that & survive what nobody lives thru? I was already laying there with machines keeping me alive. One was doing my breathing for me. IV's were going in every conceivable place there was to put one, even one in the carotid artery in my neck. I have even asked my parents why they didn't just let me go. I have gone thru so much grief & pain since. I was ready to go. But they said it wasn't them keeping me here. They said I refused to die. I fought a battle with death & won. My drs. told me that it was a much higher power than them that kept me here. That nobody goes thru what I did & lives.
My parents, both in their 70's now, said that in all their years on this earth that they have never seen any one individual go thru what I have over the past few years & still be walking. They still break down any time that that time in my life is mentioned. They can't talk about. Now, six years later, I still have questions. The main one? Why? I'll go for now.
Eddie
1/26/07
Just me again, Sharon. Just wanted to tell you that this morning's
devotional i think was meant for me! We could all use a lesson in
patience.
EJ
1/26/07
Ok, I get the message Lord. What a week of speaking to my
circumstances.
Thank you for your obedience to speak the truth in love
my sister.
Joyce
1/22/07
Oh my Sharon, This was such a timely devotional. There was a situation
at church/ school Monday that spoke to this very issue. Needless to say, I
will go back today with a different attitude. Bless you for sharing.
Joyce
1/22/07
I woke up thinking about the children I ministered to with compassion in the nursing home. They had drowned and had brain damage and could not hear, could not see, and their bodies had no bounce like children should have. Then I read about the case in California for a child's growth to be stunted so she could be managed with her disabiliites. Activists are against it because she has no say.
You know Sharon, whether this is from you or the God or just chance, my heart is awakened and changed because of all of this, and God's messages to me through all of this.
Charlotte
1/18/07
I think you meant home instead of hope, but in a way, it made me really think about it more. I took a course once with a 90 dollar book. On the first page was "The Untied States of America." No one had noticed it in the professor's class before, and he had used that book for years!
When I do read your devotionals, it really brightens my day, and sometimes it really makes me think.
Peace,
Charlotte
1/17/07
Sharon, thank you sooo much. I have been reading your devos now for several years. They always touch the part of my heart in need at the time ... a word in due season. I'm so glad I have a computer again so I can read your devos every day. I missed them.
May the Lord bless and anoint you and your ministry more,
Michelle
1/17/07
Good morning Sharon,
This message was spoken to me two years ago this past Christmas. We were at our work Christmas party and each person was given two drink tickets. At this time in my life I thought there was no harm in having a glass of wine. Well, one of my Christian Brothers made a comment to me something like "Oh, no you’re not" and laughed. It kind of stuck in the back of my mind for some time, but I still didn’t see the harm in it. Then on WDJC one day the topic came up for discussion. One person called in and told how their father was an alcoholic and the abuse they suffered. WELL this hit home because I grew up in the same environment. It finally hit me that although I didn’t see anything wrong, if others did; it destroyed my witness. I still believe that the key to anything is moderation but no longer have that glass of wine.
Thank you for this ministry and all you do. Have a great day and God Bless You.
Live a Life of Love"
Debra Billingsley CPS
1/10/07
Hi Sharon.
I wish you many blessings in the year ahead.
Thank you so much for
doing this devotional - I really get a lot out of it. May the light of our
Lord continue to shine upon you, and protect your heart and mind. God is
so good to us!
We live part of the year in Southern CA, and part of it in Northern CA. At our Southern Ca church - Desert Streams Church of the Open Bible, we do an annual 28 days of prayer and fasting of some sort, culminating it with 72 hours of round-the-clock prayer at the church. I really have come to enjoy this special time with our Lord - we started on Sunday. Adding this to my other devotional activities - a read-through The Bible devotional, and Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional guide, I will be spending about an hour and a half in devotional time each day. My desire is to grow closer to God, and be a better witness to those I come in contact with each day.
Please pray that I would meet my devotional commitments, and spiritual growth goals, and that I would be shielded by the armor to Christ against any attacks of Satan.
Love in Christ,
Laura
1/3/07
Hey Sharon,
I still read your emails everyday...
My youngest, Johnny now 21...is
leaving today for Kuwait...in route to Bagdad...he's in the ARMY...please
pray for his safety, and all the military men and women over there...as I
know you already do!
My family is one again.......all is well...Johnny
got married last month...can't wait until he gets back from across the
waters
thanks for all your prayers
Maggie
11/7/06
Sharon, I love this, just love it! This is something I am sincerely
trying to achieve, total consumption in the Lord. He has done so very much
for me all ready. He is totally awesome. Beginning with when my mother
wanted an abortion and my father said no. There have been many instances
since then dealing with many health issues, one near death experience due
to two huge clots. At this point, I still deal with 19 chronic diseases
and 2 that one doctor says I still have the other says there is no
indication of the diseases in my system. I praise God for having removed
Systemic Lupus and Sjogrens from my system.
In Christ,
KT
10/21/06
Thank you for the encouragement I receive from your
devotionals. It means a lot to get a fresh word or interpretation.
Be Blessed,
Sylvia
10/20/06
Oh my Lord, This one was so needed today. Yesterday was horrific for
me. A situation with a co-worker, I thought I knew and trusted. Thank you
for this timely reminder. I know I MUST stop putting my faith and trust in
humans.
Joyce
10/12/06
Dear Sis Sharon -
I cannot begin to tell you how deeply this devotional touched me. Don't know which moved me more ... the scripture or your posting. Both hit home to me though as it "fits" right where I have been struggling this past year or so. You see, this is an area I have been dealing with my dtr in, and I 'asking God where I went wrong' but not being willing to receive the answer. I have been blaming everyone and everything else, but not looking at myself. Many a day and night I have spent weeping, (crying my heart out is more like it) and praying for God to keep his hand on my dtr and bring her back to the fold and grant me wisdom and give me a second chance to guide her. This is just what I needed today to reassure me that I was heading in the right direction I guess is what I am trying to say. Thanks sis. Oh how I wish I could reach right through this ole computer and give you a hug right now.
A
10/6/06
Dear Sis Sharon -
Even on this devotion, as you speak of a situation
where pain and hurt could be the forefront of your conversation, you still
portray God's love, and that speaks volumes to me. Thanks for showing me
how I should be seeing things in my own life and handling things in a
better fashion.
My prayers continue with you always, and I covet yours
as well.
Blessings,
Ada
10/4/06
Thank you for this timely devotional Sharon. Just what I needed after struggling with someone being rude at work yesterday. I have sought to forgive her, but that old enemy keeps trying to remind me of her rudeness. Bless you.
Joyce
9/12/06
Oh Precious Sharon...are you sure we are not related? I had laid my head on my computer keys about 5 this morning and cried and cried ... due to similiar issues in my life...then awhile later as I read your 'so on time' email this morning...and whoa! God sure know how to use you to get me out of my pity party and back to the frontlines! There are souls out there!! much love and prayers to you!!
Paty{aka Tut)
7/11/06
Thank you Sharon for writing this devotional. I just discovered it tonight and was reminded of the simple peace found in contentment.
Life has been difficult these past few months...and I've questioned God on several occasions. But I know I can trust Him.
Your words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your faithfulness to our Father.
I am sincerely grateful.
Suzanne
7/11/06
Dearest Sharon...You are truly a big sister sent to
minister...Less of me and more of Him!!
Jesus..we are desperate for
you!! Come Holy Spirirt!!
Thank You Precious Sharon....I love and appreciate the way the Lord worls through your heartcry... to stay focused on what we are here for!! Blessings, blessings, blessings...love,
Patty
(aka Tut)
7/10/06
Sharon
Just recently, I was with a believer who was totally shocked when she
heard a pastor in her town struggled with pornography. She kept repeating
“how could a pastor do that?” This woman is a godly woman, and I’m sure
for her that temptation never enters the radar screen. However, as mature
as she in her faith, her salvation and forgiveness in Christ is just as
much a gift as that given to the pastor. “For all have sinned and fall
short…” that includes everyone. My husband replied that Satan tempts us
where we are vulnerable.
I read your devotional and was appreciative
for all you covered. How easy it is to take our eyes off Jesus and focus
on others. When we play the comparison game we either come out superior
and self-righteous or lost in despair. I am challenged not to be critical
of her. Satan seeks to destroy us any way he can. The good news is that
through Christ crucified we are declared righteous ( and none of us
can boast that it is on our own merit ).
Yes, that woman is a mature
believer with many pure attitudes and a lovely Christian upbringing. My
sentiments are to be grateful and rejoice from many things spared and to
realize not everyone was given that advantage. And as for me, to ask God
to keep me from adopting the same attitude in a more subtle form of
self-righteousness. It is in faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone.
Neither her name nor mine is in that equation, nor would I want it to be,
for nothing would be accomplished.
Thanks for continuing to point to
Christ as our example. We are told to look nowhere else.
God bless you
and keep you.
Dianne
7/5/06
Dear Sharon,
Independence Day found our little town of 5,000 in
shock as a man took the life of his four children ( a daughter 12 a son 10
and twin daughters 5) then turned the gun on himself. Yes he had a choice,
his freedom to choose and take the lives of his children and himself was
what he chose. How sad.
Your devotional on Independence Day was so
encouraging to me. I thank God for the freedom we have to serve God to
enjoy family and friends. Things are not always easy but taking lives is
not the answer. We are praying for the wife of this family, only God can
minister to her.Thank you for reminding us once again where our freedom
comes from.
Mildred I. Burns
Gustine, Calif.
6/27/06
DEAR, I AM VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED BY TODAYS DEVOTION, PLEASE CAN I BE
RECEIVING IT DAILY THROUGH MY MAIL BOX
(That's not the big whoop - the
next email is - it came from our "salvation" page from the same precious
woman.)
I AM A BANKER WITH ... AFRICA ... . I AM A FEMALE AND WILL LIKE
TO KNOW THIS JESUS WHO DIED FOR ME MORE
ODOM
To God Be the Glory!
5/12/06
You know how rebellious we can be sometimes
5/12/06
Hi Sharon,
Your messages are always a delight to the heart. I pray for you and your family always. I liked the one you sent for Wednesday. I send them all out. I love you like a sister and may God bless you.
angela
5/5/06
Dearest Precious Sharon...as I read and follow your journey...it soo strengthens me..and gives me hope...you would not believe how close our lives have related...I am so grateful God sent you into my life...much love and prayers.
Patty (aka Tut)
5/5/06
Sharon,
This is a good one! Satan has tried to defeat me in so many ways in the pas year but as hard as he tried, he just couldn't do it! I have gained freedom from so many strongholds and learned so much about the Grace of our Father. I stand in faith believing God's Grace and love will set me free. Satan has also been attacking through car trouble and through another person in my life. Every morning, that I e-mail words of encouragement and a prayer to a friend in Atlanta, something happens to me, like getting stranded on the road in the truck that I am using while my car is in the shop. I just keep standing in faith that I am moving in the right direction or Satan would not be bothering with me at all! So, knowing this, I give God praise for His love and keep going anyway!
In Christ,
Caron
5/2/06
Hi sharon,
How are you feeling today? That was a nice message. We are all God's children no matter what race we are.
I got a powerful blessing from God. My rent was due, and sent an angel to pay it. That was a definite surprised blessing. I love Him and I'm very thankful to Him. God will be there for us when we need Him. We should praise Him when up or down in life. We should love Him always, not for what He can do for us.
Love your friend always,
Angela
4/21/06
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the message, it really touched my soul. I needed to hear those encouraging words. Everything you send me seems to come directly from God. You are an inspiration to communicate with. I believe God sent you to be an angel with a MESSAGE FOR ME. I PRAY THAT GOD BLESSES YOU FOR MANY MOONS.
ANGELA
3/31/06
Thank you Sharon for this beautiful reminder of God's unconditional love. Thank you for continuing to change lives while touching our hearts. I appreciate your ministry so much.
In Christ's love,
Beth
3/18/06
Concerning your comment at the bottom of the page about you being there for us anytime we need you. Isn't it ironic how God chooses the ones having the most turmoil to help others? You have had enough in your life to fill up a whole prayer request website. May God richly bless you in your quest to get your family all pulled back together. You are in all our prayers as well. I guess you already knew that.
Blessings,
Jerry Koett
3/17/06
This one really spoke to me! I am "Guilty"as "being so Baptist " , that
I sometimes want to limit the Holy Spirit. Thanks for the
reminder.
Wanda
3/17/06
Preach it, Sister, preach it.
Many times we manage to "quench" the Holy Spirit when it manifests itself in a church service because we are too afraid of what others will think or say or do. And the whole problem there is that we should be focusing on praising and lifting up God. We shouldn't care if our singing is loud or if we start to sway to the music or if someone lifts their hands or another starts to pray loudly. God desires and deserves all the praise and the glory we can muster to give Him. It's a shame that we often worry about how we will appear or how we will feel when we start to become energized for God.
Take care, Sister Sharon, and keep up the good fight!
Laurie
3/3/06
Sharon,
God bless your anointed soul! Your lesson today was like a
scythe coming down on me and splitting my heart. It fit me like a lamb
skin glove. I get s-o-o-o frustrated with the inappropriate thoughts that
enter my mind that have no business there. I so want to please God and it
is such a hard job with how the world is today. I feeel better now after
saying that. You are the blessing you have been since I met you and
youalways will be. I love you like a sister.
All blessings,
Jerry
--
I don't know what the future holds; but I do know Who holds the
future.
--
Jerry is a faithful Board Member and
friend.
2/27/06
Dearest Sharon,
Never let anyone for any reason convince you to give
up the ministry because you are a woman – or because of the behavior of
your children – or because of your past – or any other thing satan will
put in front of you to try to convince you that you are not in God’s will
with this ministry. Your ministry is MUCH NEEDED in today’s world. There
are just too many people, both Christians and non-believers who are
hurting today because of their children’s actions. How very well
you reach out to those hurting hearts! God is using you: your situation with your
children and your family to allow you to put out the very Scripture needed
to keep others in the same situation going. It helps so much when you can
find someone who understands FIRSTHAND the pain you suffer as a
Christian parent of lost children. When people become believers later in
life and they have a history of raising their children the worldly way
instead of by the Word of God, they suffer because of the mistakes they
made as parents. However, God is there to forgive and to bring comfort
through your ministry. I am not just speaking of people who never attended
church. There are a lot of "pew warmers" in church week after week who do
not live by God’s Word Monday thru Saturday. They too will suffer from
their children’s actions if they later start serving God with all of their
hearts and see things the way they should have been done instead of the
way they happened.
It is always easy to look back and determine where
we went wrong and what we should have done differently. Not so easy to
forgive ourselves those mistakes when they involve our children and the
direction their lives are taking now based on the things we did when they
were young. I can’t imagine any man out there would understand a mother’s
heart the way another woman can. You are needed! Your ministry is needed!
Never give up.
You are so up-front and honest about your own mistakes
that it shows others that we are not saved to become perfect. We are saved
that we may learn and grow as Christians and mentor "younger" Christians
and they try to serve God. We can become more like Him daily, however, we
will never reach His perfection. So many of us fail in so many different
areas and then we want to cover it up and act like it didn’t happen
because we are afraid others will think we aren’t truly saved. I haven’t
yet found anywhere in God’s Word that tells me I will become perfect and
able to always do the right thing, think the right thing, or say the right
thing.
Well, gotta get busy: month-end close-out today. Just had to
tell you to "Stop doubting yourself and your reason for this ministry."
You are truly touching lives that need an uplifting touch. People who need
to know that just because they believe in Jesus doesn’t mean everything is
suddenly going to become perfect in their lives.
God Bless You!
Kathy
2/21/06
Preach on, Sister Sharon. Too many, and I have been one at times, go to
church just to be seen or just because they think it is the right and
correct thing to do, or they go because they think others will think badly
of them if they do not go. And once in a while we need a kick in the pants
to remind us that church is for us to worship God. No other reason. It is
so we can give back an inkling of the time He so wonderfully bestows on
us. It is a time of reflection, to respect His mighty strength and
holiness, and for us to put ourselves aside.
Keep telling it the way
it is. We need to be reminded, and OFTEN, that Jesus is the reason for our
living and HE is the reason that we can have a relationship with the
Father. And we need to be humbled by His selfless act of sacrifice, we
need to be grateful that He bothered to love us so very much, because He
had the choice, and He could have said no. But He didn't. Thank you,
Jesus, that You didn't turn Your back on us!!!
Take care sister Sharon, and remember that I keep you in my prayers.
Laurie
2/20/06
Wow! So true. We left a church we had attended for
21 yrs and not ONE Pastor or Elder called to see if we were sick, dead or
nothing. It hurt so bad. We forgave them and moved on. Things were getting
bad there for us, so we looked to Jesus for direction and left.
By the way, we voiced our concerns for months and they
went on deaf ears.
The church of today needs a
wake-up call. It needs to care for it's wounded. Amen!
Joyce
1/31/06
Hello,
I pray this finds you having a very blessed week. I
wanted to send you an update. I graduated last night,on the Dean's List
from Judson Christian College, with my BA in Human Services. God is
soooooooooo good and to Him goes all the glory! I could not have made it
through the last 5 years of school with out Him! I hope this news can be
used to help others realize that through our Lord dreams and goals are
possible!
May God bless you abundantly,
Aleeta
http://www.woestowows.org/hope/addictions/aleeta.html
Amen! Wow, did I
need to hear this message this very day.Thank you for being obedient to
share God's Word with us needy people.(This needy person)
Joyce
1/8/06
Sharon, God has worked through your ministry
through the past year in my life. God knows what we have need of before we
even ask. I had been bound by an abusive marriage for 4 years and God has
now devivered me from it. Your e-mails were the only mainstay I had for a
long time in the dessert. I now have a good job and I'm starting over with
God as #1 in my life. I have always desired to help other people and I
know God will make it possible. I have a long way to go but I know God is
my source. I'm so thankful God allowed your ministry to continue.
Love and Blessings to you and your family!!
(name omitted for privacy)
1/2/06
Sharon- blessings
to you in the name of Jesus. This has so blessed me today and I was
wondering if it would be alright to pass along to a group that I belong
too. I will do nothing until I get some sort of reply from you.
Thank you and
God bless you my sister.
LOve and prayers,
Cindy
