"But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head..." Psalm 3:3
This morning I came to my place of prayer with heaviness. I turned to Psalm 3 and took up my lament about a difficult situation I've been faced with. The voice of my inner man was harsh and over-bearing; I was beating myself up!
As I focused on the Word of God in this verse, I pictured the Lord as a shield surrounding me, my thoughts changed..."I got a new GameChanger thought!"
The Scripture reminded me that the Lord is a very present Help in time of trouble so I started to look for Him, to seek for Him, and to find Him as my shield in this situation. I saw Him then...in all His beauty as He began to form a lovely shield around me. What had previously looked like a "thundercloud" surrounding me was now a lovely flower. You see, I'm not a flower lover and don't usually pay attention to them; but this lovely image came to my attention and it seemed to speak to my heart that He is altogether lovely and I am sheltered within this beautiful shield and nothing can by any means harm me...He affirmed that I am following the things which are good and that He is my defense!
After getting this image, I was able to pray with boldness and confidence telling the Lord just how I feel and asking for just what I need in this current difficulty. I poured out my heart to Him on behalf of all involved in this difficult situation and am assured there will be correction and blessing to Everyone because He is my glory and the lifter of my head. "Fear knocked on my door today; but Faith answered and there was no fear when I looked up!"
Chaplain Cynthia
Dear Friends of Grace Ministries, Inc.,
With Christmas just a few days away, I extend my very best wishes to you and your family as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I thank you from my heart for the outpouring of love you have shown me, our Board of Directors, Volunteers and to our community throughout this past year, culminating in the restoration of the free clothes ministry shop after the flooding in the Curry Mini-Mall and the opening of our new Chaplain Ministry Office located in Suite 116 of the mini-mall.
It overwhelmed me to see us pull together at Grace Ministries, Inc., as one body, to give away literally hundreds of pieces of free clothes. In addition, we gave more than 100 prayer clothes/shawls, food and personal care kits to those struggling to provide for their families. And what blesses me most is how we gave emotional and spiritual support to mnay who are hurting and facing challenges. Lives were touched and relationships strengthened.
Your spirit of generosity to this ministry demonstrates the deep understanding of the mission God has called each of us to do: to Glorify God, transform lives and impact the world.
I ask for your prayers as we seek to reach more people in 2019. As more opportunity comes our way, your continued gifts of time, talent and finances will help us to fulfill our mission. As always, tax receipts are available for your giving. If you did not receive a tax receipt for previous giving during the year, please let me know and one will be delivered to you.
May you enjoy peace & special memories with family and friends this Christmas Season--
Chaplain Cynthia Patton
Grace Ministries, Inc.
5100 Curry Hwy., Suite 110-111 & 116
Jasper, AL 35503
This morning I came to my place of prayer with heaviness. I turned to Psalm 3 and took up my lament about a difficult situation I've been faced with. The voice of my inner man was harsh and over-bearing; I was beating myself up!
