Daddy's Girl

 

My sweet Daddy, Eston Willis, was born on July 30, 1919, and went home to be with Jesus in 1989. He loved us so much, I remember his warm hugs, his big smile, and his passionate love for Jesus Christ and His Word. He taught me so much about the precious promises found in God’s Word. These Truths from God’s Word encourage me, and I pray they will be an encouragement to you, too! As I pray God’s Word, fear, doubt, and discouragement leave and His peace renews my heart and mind. As I experience His peace, I recognize when I have been held captive by controlling thoughts. As I stand in agreement with God, saying the same thing God says about my specific thoughts, I see the lies I have believed as wallpaper in my mind. 

I ask God to help me tear down the lies wallpapering my mind and re-wallpaper my mind with the Truth of God’s Word, to starve the flesh and feed the Spirit. I ask God to help me see situations in my life the way He sees them. The more I see the way God sees, I become saturated with the favor of God, seeing His view of me through the blood of Christ, I become favor-minded, re-wallpapering my mind with Truth.

You are who God says you are…

In Christ, you are...

BLESSED with every spiritual blessing, 
ACCEPTED in the Beloved Son of God, 
ADOPTED as a child of the King, 
CHOSEN before the foundation of the world, 
REDEEMED by His Blood, 
FORGIVEN by His Grace, 
LOVED with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

When you feel betrayed, God says: You are BLESSED
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

When you feel ignored, God says: You are ACCEPTED
"According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

When you feel abandoned, God says: You are ADOPTED
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:4-5)

When you feel inadequate, God says: You are CHOSEN
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4)

When you feel rejected, God says: You are REDEEMED
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

When you feel condemned, God says: You are FORGIVEN
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

When you feel forgotten, God says: You are LOVED
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4)  “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3) “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27) “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Isa. 49:15-16)

When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).

When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9)

When you feel unloved, God says: You are PRECIOUS and I LOVE YOU
“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4). "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

When you feel unable or unstable, God says: You are ABLE
“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!” (Hab. 3:19).

When you feel it’s impossible, God says: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
"Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27)

When you feel exhausted, God says: I WILL GIVE YOU REST
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When you feel you can’t go on, God says: MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
"But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When you feel you don’t know what to do, God says: I WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS
"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you feel you can’t go on, God says: YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

When you feel it’s not worth it, God says: IT WILL BE WORTH IT
"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28)

When you feel you can’t forgive yourself, God says: I FORGIVE YOU
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

When you feel you can’t manage, God says: I WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS
"God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:19)

When you feel worried and frustrated, God says: CAST YOUR CARE ON ME
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”(1 Peter 5:7)

When you don’t know what to do, God says: I WILL GIVE YOU WISDOM
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

When you feel all alone, God says: I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut.31:6)

Lord Jesus, Thank You for this encouraging Truth from Your Word, that in Christ, we are who You say we are. Thank You for the free gift of salvation, that we are justified on the basis of Your finished work on the Cross. Thank You that, right now, we are under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ. Because we have placed our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed by Your precious blood. The threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed. Knowing that God’s love for us and approval of us will never be determined by our performance is the most encouraging promise to which we cling—what great things You have done! We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Look Up—meditate on Ephesians 1 …pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on Ephesians 1 …pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on Ephesians 1…pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

Peace is the calm assurance that Jesus knows what He’s doing

 2021 was the 50th Anniversary of the song, “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither. So many memories come flooding back to me, as I listen to the anointed lyrics of this beautiful song. I was a senior at Sebring High School in 1971 when this song was written, and we began to sing it at our church, First Baptist Church of Sebring. I also remember how meaningful these lyrics were to me as I held our first-born child, Tracy, in 1979…
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How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
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These are uncertain days in which we now live, but just as the lyrics of this song proclaim, “Greater still the calm assurance; this child can face uncertain days because He lives!”
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God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
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How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
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And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
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Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!
(Because He Lives by William J. Gaither, 1971)
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Jesus slept on a pillow in the midst of a raging storm. How could He? Because He slept in the calm assurance that His Father was in control. (Mark 4:37-39)
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Jesus Christ wins, He conquers death, He walks out of the empty tomb.
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He knows the end from the beginning.
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He began with the end in mind.
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"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:26-27)
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"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me...Because I live, you also will live." (John 14:6, 19)
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Nothing satisfies my mind, my heart, and the deepest longings of my soul like Jesus does. He is not only the way, the truth, and the life; He is personal to me. He is my way, and my truth, and my life--just as he can be for anyone who reaches out to him..."He is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:27)
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Peace is the calm assurance that Jesus knows what He’s doing. It is not related to our environment or circumstances. Peace is a gift, something Jesus gives. Through thankful, fervent prayer—articulating our burdens to Jesus—we exchange anxiety for peace.
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We seize His promises and assurances. The peace of God is powerfully vigilant, for it literally guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We can imagine this peace as a fortress encircling us. It protects our mental, emotional, and spiritual health; our stability; our steadfastness; our confidence in God.
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As we pray, we experience His peace, the walls grow taller and stronger, protecting us more and more. Peace guards our hearts, we live behind the safe protection of our fortress of peace. No matter what, ruling our hearts is the calm assurance that Jesus knows what He’s doing.
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Heavenly Father, God of peace, teach me the path of peace. Teach me to pray with thanksgiving, to submit my requests and needs to You—and to leave them there. Forgive me for trying to carry my burdens on my own. You don’t want me to live in the clutches of anxiety; You want me to live freely, guarded by Your peace. Please flood and guard my heart with peace. Remind me, Father, that peace is not the absence of problems in my life but the calm assurance that You know what You’re doing. You have never failed me, and You will never leave me or forsake me—my confidence is in You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amen.
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Look Up—meditate on Acts 17:26-27… pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.
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Look In—as you meditate on Acts 17:26-27… pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."
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Look Out—as you meditate on Acts 17:26-27…pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

My Personal Dayenu

My Personal Dayenu

"Dayenu" (Hebrew for "it would have been enough") is a centerpiece of the Passover Seder that has been sung for over 1,000 years. It serves as a rhythmic, cumulative "thank you" to God, sequentially listing 15 specific miracles—from the Exodus out of Egypt to the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Key Themes and Significance

Abundance vs. Sufficiency: The refrain "Dayenu" emphasizes that even if God had only performed one of these acts, it would have been sufficient for the people's survival. By declaring each step "enough," the song highlights how much God actually exceeded basic needs.

Spiritual Practice: Beyond the historical retelling, "Dayenu" is considered a spiritual exercise in mindfulness and gratitude, encouraging participants to recognize small redemptive moments in their own lives.

When I read the post, “A Personal Dayenu for Holy Week,” by my friend Maryleigh on her Blue Cotton Memory blog, it really resonated with me, and I was inspired to insert some of my gratitude into her Personal Dayenu phrases.

If Jesus had died on the cross for my sins, knit me together in my birthmother's womb, placed me in the arms of my loving Christian adoptive parents, but not called me to relationship with Him when I was ten, that would have been enough.

If He had revealed himself to me under the tree at the Young Life camp when I was eighteen, but not sent the Holy Spirit to guide me in the steps of my life, it would have been enough.

If Jesus had sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen me in my walk, but not placed a hedge of protection about me growing up, it would have been enough.

If Jesus had placed a hedge of protection about me growing up, but not met me in youth group conversations, it would have been enough.

If He had met me in youth group conversations, but not answered my request for Him to show me the right person to marry, it would have been enough.

If He had answered my prayer, showing me the right person to marry, but not given me children, it would have been enough.

When He gave us one daughter, and then a miscarriage, it would have been enough.

When He answered our prayers, and gave us a son, that would have been enough.

If He had rebuilt the broken places of my soul, spending my life making me healthy and whole, but not stood with me in the stormy challenges, it would have been enough.

If He had stood with me in the storms, but not given me a God-designed “all is well” outcome (2 Kings 4:26), that would have been enough.

If He had given His God-designed “all is well” outcomes, but not given me two grandsons, it would have been enough.

If He would have given me evidence for hope, but didn’t teach me how to live in the wait of a prayer sent out, it would have been enough.

If He taught me how to live in the wait of a prayer sent out, but didn’t give me the answer I was looking for, it would have been enough.

If He answered a prayer out of His experience, not mine, but didn’t give me the wisdom to recognize it, it would have been enough.

If He gave me wisdom to recognize the goodness of how He answers prayers His way, but not the gift of laughter in the living of it, it would have been enough.

If He had given me the gift of laughter in living in the goodness of how He answers His prayers, but not given me the love of writing, it would have been enough.

If he had given me the love of writing, but not given me the opportunity to share it, it would have been enough.

“I’ll make a list of God’s gracious dealings,
    all the things God has done that need praising,
All the generous bounties of God,
    his great goodness to the family of Israel—
Compassion lavished,
.    love extravagant.”
~ Isaiah 63:7, The Message

This personal Dayenu? It’s a work in progress. I am so very grateful for how God has taken challenges and turned them into blessings, how He has and is redeeming the lost, rejected, confused, broken, graceless, rebellious, selfish, prideful parts of myself day-by-day. Because of all He suffered for you and me, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father are right beside us, wooing us, chasing us, comforting us, saving us, every day, every moment, no matter where we are!

Please share your personal Dayenu in the comments below!

31-DAY PRAYER JOURNEY LEADING TO EASTER

WOW! What a pleasant surprise! 

My book, 31-DAY PRAYER JOURNEY LEADING TO EASTER, has been listed as a #1 Best Seller on Amazon’s Hot New Releases! It is available now on Amazon at this link.

 31-Day Prayer Journey Leading to Easter Available Now
on Amazon at this link!

31-day Prayer Journey Leading to Easter

This 31-day prayer journey leading to Easter focuses on deepening one's understanding of the cross, repentance, and resurrection authority. Key themes include daily scripture reading, reflection, and focused prayer, following a structure of surrender, trust, and gratitude to prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday.

Daily Prayer Themes

Days 1-7 (Foundation): Unity (1 Cor. 12:12-13), Repentance (Acts 3:19), Refuge (Psalm 7), Forgiveness (Eph. 4:32), Protection (Matt. 26:41, 2 Thess. 3:3), Guidance (Psalm 25:4-5), Strength (Isa. 40:31).

Days 8-14 (Growth): Perseverance (James 1:12), Waiting on God (Psalm 27:14), Desire for God (Psalm 42:2), Putting God First (Matt. 22:37-38), Compassion (Col. 3:12-13), Justice/Mercy (Micah 6:8), Humility (1 Peter 5:6).

Days 15-21 (Renewal): Spiritual Renewal (2 Cor. 5:17), Rescue (Isa. 61:3), Righteousness (Gal. 5:5), Seeking God (Jer. 29:11-12), Trusting God (Prov. 3:5-6), Praise (Psalm 100).

Days 22-28 (The Passion): Boldness (2 Tim. 1:7-8), Coming to God (Matt. 11:28), Peace (John 14:27-29), Entry into Jerusalem (Zech. 9:9, Luke 19:30-38), Outward Focus (Luke 10:2), Maundy Thursday (Luke 23:14-23).

Days 29-31 (Resurrection): Good Friday (Luke 23:44-46), Hope (1 Thess. 4:13-14), Resurrection (Luke 24:1-6).

Read & Reflect: Study the scripture for each day to understand its context.

Journal: Write down what God whispers during your prayer time.

Action: Apply the "doable" structure: Read, Reflect, Pray, and act on the daily theme.

Day 1 Pray for Unity 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 

Day 2 Pray for Repentance Acts 3:19 

Day 3 Pray for Refuge in the Lord Psalm 7 

Day 4 Pray for Forgiveness Ephesians 4:32 

Day 5 Pray for Protection from Temptation Matthew 26:41

Day 6 Pray for Protection 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Day 7 Pray for Guidance Psalm 25:4-5

Day 8 Pray for Strength Isaiah 40:31

Day 9 Pray for Perseverance James 1:12

Day 10 Pray to Wait Upon the Lord Psalm 27:14

Day 11 Pray for Desire to Know God More Psalm 42:2

Day 12 Pray to Place God First Matthew 22:37-38

Day 13 Pray for Compassion Colossians 3:12-13

Day 14 Pray for Justice, Love, Mercy Micah 6:8

Day 15 Pray for Humility 1 Peter 5:6

Day 16 Pray for Spiritual Renewal 2 Corinthians 5:17

Day 17 Pray for God to Rescue Us Isaiah 61:3

Day 18 Pray for Righteousness Galatians 5:5

Day 19 Pray to Seek God Jeremiah 29:11-12

Day 20 Pray to Trust God Proverbs 3:5-6

Day 21 Praise God in prayer Psalm 100

Day 22 Pray for Boldness 2 Timothy 1:7-8 

Day 23 Pray to Come to God as You Are Matthew 11:28

Day 24 Pray for God’s Peace John 14:27-29

Day 25 Pray Through Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem Zechariah 9:9

Day 26 Pray Through Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem Luke 19:30-38

Day 27 Pray for an Outward Focus Luke 10:2

Day 28 Pray on Maundy Thursday Luke 23:14-23

Day 29 Pray on Good Friday Luke 23:44-46

Day 30 Pray for Hope 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Day 31 Pray on Easter/He is Risen! Luke 24:1-6

Summarize what God has whispered to you during your times of prayer.

31-DAY PRAYER JOURNEY LEADING TO EASTER PDF

A small thing that makes a big difference—Psalm 23

 In response to a writing prompt recently, I prayed and asked God to reveal to me times when He had used “a small thing to make a big difference” in my life. I was immediately reminded of all the many times in my life when God revealed to me that He had been with me all along. Over and over again, I could see throughout my life, as I would go through a crisis, the "small thing that made a big difference" in my life was the Twenty-third Psalm. It is small when compared to other Psalms, it only has six verses, and yet God has used it to make a big difference in my life, helping me experience His Peace and enjoy His Presence in the midst of every crisis.

When I wake up at 2:00am, I meditate on the Twenty-third Psalm, and gently drift back off to sleep praying...

The Lord is my shepherd;

I lack nothing.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through 

the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over with blessings.

Surely goodness and mercy

 shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

When I am praying for others, I picture Jesus, my Shepherd, in the green pasture of the 23rd Psalm. As I pray, I take whatever concern I have, or the person for whom I am interceding by the hand, I walk out to the meadow, the green pasture, and I place my concern, or the hand of the person for whom I am interceding, in Jesus’ hand…knowing that He is sovereign, He loves me, and He loves the person for whom I am interceding more than I do. He has a plan, a hope, and a future for each of us…and I walk away, thanking God for how He is working in my life and in the lives of those for whom I am interceding. I experience a feeling of peace…as Catherine Marshall prayed, “Lord, I trust You…You know what You’re doing…I relinquish my will to Yours.”

When a brokenhearted friend calls with news of the sudden homegoing of a loved one, we pray the 23rd Psalm…

O Heavenly Father, we ask you to wrap Your Loving Arms around us today. You are close to the brokenhearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit. You are our Shepherd, we lack nothing. You make us lie down in green pastures, You lead us beside the still waters. You restore our souls. You lead us in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for You are with us. You are Emmanuel, God with us, we are absolutely certain, You are with us at this time. Your rod and Your staff, Your Holy Spirit and Your Word, they comfort us. You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our heads with oil, our cup overflows with blessings. Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The 23rd Psalm begins with David talking to someone, probably himself, as he says, “The Lord is…He restores me…He leads me. All of a sudden, when he faces a crisis, the valley of the shadow of death, he immediately begins to speak directly to the Lord, “For You are with me”…When we go through a crisis, it is a matter of talking to the Lord yourself, for He is with you, underneath (green pastures), beside you, in front of you (table), surrounding you, chasing after you (goodness and mercy), and ahead of you (house of the Lord). 

For every need presented in this Psalm, God has a name to meet that need. For every circumstance, God has a name to overcome that circumstance. David knew the Great Shepherd. The LORD comes from the name Jehovah. He is the Great "I AM." He depends upon no one. There are seven names of God paired with each verse in the 23rd Psalm:

JEHOVAH-RA’AH—The Lord is my shepherd; 

JEHOVAH-JIREH—The Lord, my provider—I lack nothing.

JEHOVAH-SHALOM—The Lord, our peace—He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.

JEHOVAH-RAPHA—The Lord, my healer—He restores my soul:

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU—The Lord, our righteousness—He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

JEHOVAH-SHAMAH—The Lord, ever-present—Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

JEHOVAH-NISSI—The Lord, our banner—You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies:

JEHOVAH-RAPHA—The Lord, my healer—You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows with blessings.

JEHOVAH-JIREH—The Lord, my provider—Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Ask people which scripture they love the most and which has meant most to them, and many would point to the Twenty-third Psalm. The Lord has used it to dry many tears and lift many out of the pit of despair and discouragement. This small Psalm deals with almost every adverse circumstance in life and how to win over it…truly, a small thing that makes a big difference, amen?