A Wonderful Time with the Lord in Prayer

Today I got up early, got all dressed up, and I headed to First Baptist Atlanta. I don't know what I was expecting, but there was a guest speaker who gave a fine sermon...but I left on my (long) drive back home thinking, "Lord, no one can help me but You." I knew I had to go home and hit my knees in prayer. I had grown so weary this week of the battle to just keep pressing on in faith, to be the girl He saved me to be. Even visiting churches can be lonely when I am in a new town, not really knowing for sure where I am meant to join. But, my relationship with Jesus is much deeper than that. He knows me better than anyone at any church ever will. Sermons encourage me, but only Jesus can change my life and keep on keeping me near.

"Church" is not the answer for a longing heart--Jesus is. I have had so much to take to Him this week from within. I felt tired. I returned home, got down on my knees, and I opened up the Bible. Tears fell as I read Psalm 3. I thought about how jealous Satan is for every single thing that God gives me that is a threat to Satan. So many spirits can be sent my way, yet I HAVE THE VICTORY. If the battle were up to me, I would never win. But, Jesus fights my battles for me, and once again He keeps me close.

I praised Him as I read Hebrews 12:1-2, realizing that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of my faith. He is the Lord of my battles. He has a timing for everything, including tests. No spirit comes my way without the Lord's knowledge, and every demonic spirit is subject to Him.

I was blessed as I read in Mark about how the demons know Him (Mark 1:34)...I smile as I write about how Jesus knows the heart. (Mark 2:8). I grow weary in the battle, and He encourages me in verses like Galatians 4:29: people "of the flesh" will persecute people "of the Spirit" of God, and this is part of God's plan for my life. Persecution such as shame and mockery for the cross of Christ, which is my cross, is part of the plan.

But, oh how glorious it is to see Jesus rebuking Satan and giving me the victory time and time again. Neither height, nor depth, nor principality, nor things present, nor things to come can separate me from such love in Christ Jesus my Lord.

So, here in my one-room loft, I turned on my accompaniment CD to a song I will sing next week at First Baptist Morristown and began to sing:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord...

As I sang 'Battle Hymn Of The Republic' to God, I could feel His pleasure. His Holy Spirit filled up the room and my heart to overflowing. I felt so happy and could want for nothing.

Thankful for every battle He has purchased with His blood,
Dwayna

P.S.--I am off to church tonight at Buckhead Church and plan to stop by some assisted-living nursing homes in my area to sing for the elderly there this afternoon. JESUS makes me glad.