Hey Friends,
Yesterday’s message at church seems to have impacted alot of people. Nancy & I shared some things we’ve been going through lately. Some of it was from this journal entry from Saturday morning. If you want to listen to the message, here’s the link. Nancy shares at the end.
God bless.
I hope this helps you.
Journal August 2009
Saturday August 1st, 2009
Good morning Lord. I feel a little stuck. I’ve been trying to write the sermon for tomorrow and can’t seem to go anywhere. Tell me what I’m doing wrong or what I need to do.
Son, your focus is not on me. Your focus has been on your problem. Draw from me not from your problem. I am your source. Focus on me.
Son, hear my voice! Listen to me. I am calling you and want to talk to you about many things, take the time to write what I say. You will be filled up.
What would you like to talk about?
Son, your relationship with Nancy is under attack. She needs more than she is getting from you. The devil sees that weakness and attacks her mind with thoughts. She is struggling in your relationship. Give her the help she needs. Cut off the devil from his attack. He’s feeding on your weakness to hurt her and your relationship.
So, what do I do?
Spend time with her. She’s a quality time type of person. She needs to have your time and your attention. I made her that way for you. It’s not a weakness. You need this in her. It helps keep you focused. You need this same focus in the ministry I’ve called you to.
OK quality time
& quantity!
OK then what?
Put your focus on the things that are on her plate. The problems that she is struggling with. Begin to put your muscle behind the effort to bring those issues, problems and projects to resolution or completion. As you do this, you are serving her. This delights me because as you humble yourself to serve her the process of humbling yourself breaks pride. When pride is decreased in your life then I get more room in your life. I won’t have to resist you and great things can happen. This delights me.
Trust me for the things you need to get done. You’ll have my help and assistance just as she will have yours.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church.
Son, my word is true. I really do delight when you obey me.
31420
Joseph Barlow 
Dear LTTOW:
I'm sorry I didn't find your comment till today. God is a God of mercy. He can walk you through a healing process that can make you stronger, more full of life, healed, healthy, vibrant, full of the Joy of the Lord. Don't give up on God – I plead with you. His love and grace really are so wonderful. Remember: Those who put their trust in the Lord will never be disappointed. If you can listen to my album that I put up online at http://www.familylife.cc/fih I have a song on there called “…and live” I believe it will encourage you. Take a listen to the other songs too. Most of them were written out of difficult circumstances.
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I read your blog often, and never comment. I am one whose marriage has been under attack for the past 3 years. I fought the battle, I thought HE was on my side, fighting for us to make it threw, but my husbands demons were too strong. So the intent is what? I know everything teaches you something, molds you into a stronger Christian….but what if we just let them win…what if….I begged and prayed everynight….we went to church for help, we went to church…but we lost….today at 4:20….I found out we lost our battle…and now I sit here lost and enduring this incredible feeling of hopelessness, something I have never felt. So, why, why do 2 people who love each other and complete each other have to always fight battles….to only lose…to trust and have faith in something that they feel let them down. At 4:20 I lost HOPE…I lost WILL…
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I love Mrs. B. ^_^ I think I seriously love everything about her.
These recent postings have been really good, Pastor Joe. Difficult, but very good.
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Thanks for your honesty! It's great when a pastor can admit to not being perfect because it makes his congregation feel like they can relate better to him. People will respect you more for your openness than secrecy. Bringing things out into the light makes problems so much smaller and reveals the way out. It also gives people a real life example to learn from.
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