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Spiritual Sunday: Friday Night Double Date


Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Isa 43:5

When the enemy is pressing in strongly, it drives me to the Lord. At times, God's presence overwhelms me and I’m encouraged in Him. My head knows the scriptures that tell me He is near and never leaves me and my heart can praise Him, but sometimes I don't feel Him at all and I just need a demonstration of His power.

This past week was one of those times. Spiritual warfare seemed intense. The court trial is a month away and circumstances intensify. I asked the Lord to send encouragement. I know He can release angels to minister whatever I need. But I wanted someone with skin on. So I prayed for that. I thought of how nice it would be to have some “one-on-one” time with some friends. Can I have it, Lord? How about Bob and Jeannie? We’ve talked about getting together for lunch one of these days and getting to know each other more personally. Lord, show me if I should arrange it.

When hubby and I went to Life Group last night, we learned no one else showed up. Our leaders, Bob and Jeannie, would not let us turn around for home, but assured us to stay and enjoy some fellowship with them. The four of us got in the car and went to Denny’s. We had so much fun laughing, eating, sharing and encouraging each other. It’s true; God never leaves us; He’s always with us and sometimes He even sends someone with skin on to answer our prayers for reinforcement.

Charlotte and Ginger host Spiritual Sundays where many writers share inspiration.

Comments

  1. LisaShawMay 1, 2010 at 2:25 PM

    Amen and Amen dear friend. Love that you said, at times He even sends "someone with skin on..." that is so true because He created us to worship HIM and to experience fellowship with HIM through Christ but also to encourage each other and help one another in time of need.

    I'm so thankful HE sends HIS love and care in so many ways to us.

    Praying that your upcoming week will be OVERFLOWING with GOD's Presence.

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  2. whidbey womanMay 1, 2010 at 3:10 PM

    God is so faithful. Praise His Holy name. Have a week full of peace and the blessings that come from knowing Jesus!

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  3. Debbie PetrasMay 1, 2010 at 3:53 PM

    I really do understand that sometimes we need someone with skin on. I can't wait to come up and visit with Kathleen. We have skin on and we will be available for all the encouraging you might need Mary.

    Love you,
    Debbie

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  4. INSIDE THE SHRINKMay 1, 2010 at 4:02 PM

    Thanks for coming to my blog. I hope you find something there that you can use. God bless.

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  5. RCUBEsMay 1, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    And He always sends the right one who will bring His encouragement to us in His perfect time!

    I'm sorry that I had linked my old SS post. I was so tired this morning. So, dear sister "Whidbey" alerted me as she noticed the mistake I did...So was able to correct it. Thank you for your visit and keeping you in my prayers. Blessings and love to you sister Mary. Beautiful pic from Carlsbad? So colorful!

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  6. AndreaMay 1, 2010 at 5:03 PM

    God is so good! And he surely loves you so, Mary!

    Thank you for your encouraging words! He is always with us and meets us at our deepest need.

    Much love,

    Andrea

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  7. Susan BMay 1, 2010 at 5:58 PM

    Wonderful, encouraging post! Sometimes we just need to be "face to face" to be encouraged. I pray you have a blessed Sunday. :)

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  8. Joan HallMay 1, 2010 at 6:29 PM

    Wonderful post. It's so good to have a small home group of believers that we can count on to be there when needed.

    Beautiful pictures of California.

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  9. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageMay 1, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    Amen! What a wonderful post, Mary! Thank you for sharing and have a beautiful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  10. DeniseMay 1, 2010 at 7:50 PM

    Praise God for sending some friends to encourage you. I love you dear, and continue to raise you up in my prayers.

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  11. Kathleen May 1, 2010 at 8:04 PM

    What a rugged year it's been, Mary. I thank the Lord for showering you with the gift of friends - - a sure prescription for relieving the tensions of life.

    Hugs,
    Kathleen

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  12. DebbieMay 2, 2010 at 6:58 AM

    I LOVE this...He ALWAYS does just what we need, and sometimes it is just someone with skin on. Praising Him for you on this...BLESSINGS, Debbie

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  13. LorenMay 2, 2010 at 9:24 AM

    I am so thankful you had a fun night in fellowship with your skinned on angels ;) I LOVE how the LORD touches us and shows up at just the right moment!!

    Praying for you my dear friend and sooo wish I could give you a big hug and sit and talk a bit!

    Love you Mary

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  14. CharlotteMay 2, 2010 at 12:31 PM

    Love it when God answers our prayers like that. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  15. Joyful in His PresenceMay 2, 2010 at 12:58 PM

    What a special special post, Mary! We all have those times when we just need someone with skin on to be able to share life with and be an encouragement. I'm so grateful He once again proved Himself faithful to you, dear one.

    Thank you, Mary, for all of the times you stop by to visit with me and leave such encouraging notes. Many times you have been the one with skin on for me...without ever realizing it.

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  16. LisaMay 2, 2010 at 1:18 PM

    I love how God answered your prayer...just like you asked, just what you asked!

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  17. Musings of A MinisterMay 2, 2010 at 1:24 PM

    Beautiful. Thank you for sharing from your life. This is a great story of how God works in our lives.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nikki (Sarah)May 2, 2010 at 2:55 PM

    God knows what we need and He always opens the doors...glad he sent someone with skin on...b/c He knew that was exactly what you needed. Have a great week...Sarah

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  19. AnonymousMay 2, 2010 at 7:15 PM

    Praying for you . . . my sweet friend. God is right here with us. There are times when I do not feel HIS presense; but I always know HE is HERE. Standing with you in this battle. Standing with you in prayer. Standing . . . lifting you up to HIM.
    For HIS Grace,
    Bren

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  20. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageMay 3, 2010 at 10:36 AM

    I surely can see how the Lord worked that out for you. I'm glad you got to spend some time with this couple.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  21. KayMay 6, 2010 at 6:25 AM

    As my good blog friend just said to me ... "when I think of you, I say a prayer". I know that makes us both smile, but just think how that makes God smile!! I pray He RAINS down on you and your family right now. God alone. God alone. He is sorting out His way. Love you!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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