Why not me?

Why Me Lord
Alan Ladd, Gospel Country Singer

May 26, 2016
Thursday

Dear Readers,

I woke up this morning at 3:30 to my alarm clock buzzing. I REALLY don't like alarm clocks and rarely use one since retirement. I'm normally an early riser but if I get over tired, it's nice to sleep until 7:30. To be truthful, my alarm clocks now have fur and don't like their morning chow time to be late!!

It's been quite a process getting my body back in working order. Motored into Dallas in the wee hours of the morning to get a nerve block on the right side of the L3. The past few days I've been grimacing in pain so, believe me, I was ready. I am supposed to be quiet and rest for a couple days. I can't just lay still with bags of peas icing my back so I'm writing...

Oh, for you Readers struggling with snails and slugs: Home Depot sent me a notice that the Sluggo I ordered was at the Cleburne store. Sluggo down, zip bye-bye snails. It works great and leaves are growing back on roses.

For several years, I taught a class called The Power of a Praying Wife. At some point I would ask my ladies to virtually put on the armor of God as they sat on the edge of their bed in the morning. I often do this myself and, for some reason, it sure makes a big difference.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." ~Ephesians 6:10-17

When I experienced believer's baptism, I prayed and asked God to put me on the front lines. My mother used to tell me I was tough as a little Banty Rooster and, over the course of my life, people have told me I was strong. Independent? Yes Stubborn? Yes Determined? Yes Focused? Yes What's more important to me was that Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I want you." I signed up and life has never been the same.

Don't you like my hairdo in the photo? Probably one of those times I did it myself. One of my first favorite sentences? "I do it myself!!!"  

I have no idea who wrote this' but I saw it, liked it, and want to pass it on:

The Soldier's Creed: I am a soldier in the army of God. The Lord Jesus is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the advent or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there.

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

And it went on but I think you get my gist.

When I was little, I attended Vacation Bible School. One of my favorite songs was ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. We would march and place and sing. I got so into it one morning, that my teacher asked me to tone it down. (Yes, I was one of "those kids.") I do remember giving her the look of __________.  I laugh now thinking that I had the passion of worship in me wayyyy back then in my reverent Lutheran upbringing. (Smile)

So when I think about the "why me, Lord" times of life, I remember my prayer. The wounds and battles of life are upon me. I served on prayer teams that covered Christians as they went into areas where Christians were persecuted. I learned very quickly that the prayer warriors covering those Christians also needed prayers covering them. Boy, howdy, Satan was MAD, mad as hell and those tentacles reached out into all areas of our lives. It got real LOUD in my prayer room sometimes.

Our country is at a crossroads. The political players are girding themselves for a nasty fight. Believe me, mud will be flung nationwide. As Christians, it's time we became soldiers in God's Army and did battle, praying for discernment.

Even Jesus, picked up a whip and drove out the money changers from the temple. In fact, did you know Jesus cleansed the temple twice during his ministry? Jesus challenged ungodly practices and urged the people to obey God rather than convenience. Sound familiar in today's world?

 

The United States is no longer a Christian nation. Liken to Biblical times, we have called those into leadership who do not follow God's law but the laws of other religions and are making themselves like gods. I know, I know, I probably will ruffle some feathers but that's okay. I'm used to doing that.

Who will join me, sharing your voices as Christian soldiers? Who will stand up for what God says even if it doesn't follow man-made laws? Just because a majority of people want something, it doesn't make it right. Parents, will you keep quiet when boys are allowed into girls locker rooms and girls into boys locker rooms at school? What about the protection of our rights as Jesus followers? Aren't we being discriminated against?

Believe me, I believe in free speech. If you want to stand on a corner praising a rock as your savior, then you go right ahead. I'm not going to berate you or kill you for believing different than me. Just don't persecute me for voicing my beliefs.

Dear God, As I have matured in my faith, I realize that I am one of those so called fanatics ... not a religious fanatic because I'm not big on religion but a personal relationship with Jesus kind of fanatic. I pray that you will bless our country and unite us with a leader who has your heart. Forgive us for our complacency and our fear of being politically correct. I'd much rather be correct in your eyes. Help us to open our hearts and minds to what is pure, good, and pleasing in your sight. Lord, my prayer list grows by the minute and I am lifting those people with maladies, cancers, loss of mobility, family troubles, financial woes, relationship hurts, and depression up to you. Father, you are Jehovah Rapha - the Lord who heals. I know you long to heal us of resentfulness, bitterness, and pride if we will but trust You and are obedient. I pray that the Holy Spirit would examine our hearts and heal us of the diseases that ravish our bodies and souls. For those reading my blogs in Russia, Germany, and China, please know you are being lifted up. In Jesus precious name I pray... Amen

Miss Dottie

PS    
God may not protect our country; however, He WILL PROTECT his people. Just sayin'...