Recently, I have enjoyed a revised study by Beth Moore, A WOMAN'S HEART-GOD'S DWELLING PLACE. I was somewhat annoyed at first when I realized we were being asked to draw the Tabernacle. Of course, not wanting to be a slacker, I did draw the Tabernacle. Then, in my separate, personal Bible reading today I read a passage from Ezekiel, chapter 43, verses 10 and 11, which I repeat here:
"Son of Man, tell the people of Israel all about the Temple so they'll be dismayed by their wayward lives. Get them to go over the layout. That will bring them up short. Show them the whole plan of the Temple, its ins and outs, the proportions, the regulations, and the laws. Draw a picture so they can see the design and meaning and live by its design and intent."(italics mine; excerpt from The Message.)
Imagine my surprise! Every piece of wood over-laid with gold, the placement of each article and drape carry significant meaning, directing readers to that which our lives must become. And, in addition, we receive an incredible insight on the nature of our Holy God and God's respect for order, beauty and ultimately, holiness.
In my years as a Christian, I had never before been so aware of God's strict but determined intentions for all things to become Holy and that beauty and order come from holiness. Each measurement of the Temple, each article used by the priests for the people has at their main purpose, holiness.
Such should be my life and my heart, God's Holy Home--a love for God and God's Son, a love for God's plans so intentional, so orderly, so beautiful that I, too, might become holy. Now, I know I'll never be holy completely in this life, but to exude holiness and love in part to all creatures would be my ultimate hope.
May it be so, Lord! Oh, let it be so! Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Real Life, Eternal Life
John 12:25 says, "Anyone who holds onto life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."
Life is a fragile thing, reminding me of a small bird that hit our window. Holding it in the palm of my hand, I felt its soft warmth. It was probably stunned and so my holding it was unique. No one was at home for me to share it so I couldn't say, "Look what I have been given. Isn't it precious? and pure?" I almost wanted to put it in a cage with a little swing in order to keep it.
Then, the bird in my palm began to wiggle a bit. Its tiny wings stretched out wide. It hopped, tickling my hand. It seemed to be listening. Did it hear a call? It chirped, perhaps in answer. Again it stretched and flapped its wings just a bit. Does it want to fly away?
I knew I was being tested. Did I want it to fly to live its life or..........My fingers wanted to close in on the small thing, hold it tight, keep it for myself. But I lifted my hand, raised it up and stretched it out to the sky. The tiny life fluttered its wings and....flew.
I hold my life too close sometimes, too, to protect myself, to keep myself from harm. But, I hope I remember that little bird and say, "Let it go, let it be free to fly, to encounter life among new places and to pass love along to others." That is real life, eternally. Signed by jo
Life is a fragile thing, reminding me of a small bird that hit our window. Holding it in the palm of my hand, I felt its soft warmth. It was probably stunned and so my holding it was unique. No one was at home for me to share it so I couldn't say, "Look what I have been given. Isn't it precious? and pure?" I almost wanted to put it in a cage with a little swing in order to keep it.
Then, the bird in my palm began to wiggle a bit. Its tiny wings stretched out wide. It hopped, tickling my hand. It seemed to be listening. Did it hear a call? It chirped, perhaps in answer. Again it stretched and flapped its wings just a bit. Does it want to fly away?
I knew I was being tested. Did I want it to fly to live its life or..........My fingers wanted to close in on the small thing, hold it tight, keep it for myself. But I lifted my hand, raised it up and stretched it out to the sky. The tiny life fluttered its wings and....flew.
I hold my life too close sometimes, too, to protect myself, to keep myself from harm. But, I hope I remember that little bird and say, "Let it go, let it be free to fly, to encounter life among new places and to pass love along to others." That is real life, eternally. Signed by jo
Who's that Knocking at My Door?
Jesus on the night he was betrayed gave some final instructions to his disciples hoping they might be strengthened in the faith that He was who He said He was, the Son of God.
He told them, "Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me; just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me."
It is easier for me to understand that by receiving Jesus we also receive God who sent him. It is a little harder for me to understand that by receiving one of our own we shall also receive Jesus.
Is there someone standing at my door right now? Did Jesus send him? This person is not clean. He is poor, he lacks social grace. I'm afraid of him.
Or, perhaps he is rich, but a braggart. He speaks rudely of others whose skin is a different
color. Did Jesus send him? Whether someone is loud or incoherent, abusive or afraid, Jesus does send him.
As I think it through I realize that I was sent to a group of younger women having a Bible Study. They received me, welcomed me. They say, in return, they received more of Jesus.
Now it is my turn. I pray I will recognize and welcome those who may be sent to me. I want to find more of Jesus. Lord may it be so. Amen
signed by jo
He told them, "Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me; just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me."
It is easier for me to understand that by receiving Jesus we also receive God who sent him. It is a little harder for me to understand that by receiving one of our own we shall also receive Jesus.
Is there someone standing at my door right now? Did Jesus send him? This person is not clean. He is poor, he lacks social grace. I'm afraid of him.
Or, perhaps he is rich, but a braggart. He speaks rudely of others whose skin is a different
color. Did Jesus send him? Whether someone is loud or incoherent, abusive or afraid, Jesus does send him.
As I think it through I realize that I was sent to a group of younger women having a Bible Study. They received me, welcomed me. They say, in return, they received more of Jesus.
Now it is my turn. I pray I will recognize and welcome those who may be sent to me. I want to find more of Jesus. Lord may it be so. Amen
signed by jo
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
FATHER KNOWS BEST
Words of Isaiah the prophet ring true today: "For the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think......So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do." (Is.55:9,11)
Old Testament stuff, maybe, but I've made enough mistakes to know that this stuff is true. I don't care to count the many times I thought I knew better than God, had all the information I needed, and if God saw things my way there would be victory.
My, oh my! I am so-o-o sl-o-ow to learn. I have often been confused why God allowed some act or did something else beyond my understanding. Then when time has elapsed I can look back and see how the work God did had become fruitful. And I have to admit, I do not think like God, either. But I can see God's goodness in a situation long after it has passed.
My own words witness my need to trust God; the Father knows best. I also need to pray that God will bring to my mind the reminder that it's not my job to be in control. The Father's in control and He knows best. My Dad's smarter than your dad! Na,ne,na,ne.na.na! Who's your Daddy?
Old Testament stuff, maybe, but I've made enough mistakes to know that this stuff is true. I don't care to count the many times I thought I knew better than God, had all the information I needed, and if God saw things my way there would be victory.
My, oh my! I am so-o-o sl-o-ow to learn. I have often been confused why God allowed some act or did something else beyond my understanding. Then when time has elapsed I can look back and see how the work God did had become fruitful. And I have to admit, I do not think like God, either. But I can see God's goodness in a situation long after it has passed.
My own words witness my need to trust God; the Father knows best. I also need to pray that God will bring to my mind the reminder that it's not my job to be in control. The Father's in control and He knows best. My Dad's smarter than your dad! Na,ne,na,ne.na.na! Who's your Daddy?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A Suffering of Pride
Sometime ago I prayed that I might have more of God and His Spirit. Today, 1 Peter 2:19,20 spoke loud and clear. "Put up with it for God's sake when you're badly treated for no good reason. There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God."
As old as I am I have many times been treated unfairly in churches, believe it or not. Sometimes I have left that church and found another only to be discouraged again. After examining my own actions and finding no real error, it has often been hard to continue on serving that church. As I grew older, I became more forgiving, but not after rather a lot of prayer. I am not perfect and am bound to make mistakes. Many mistakes have taught me, but there have been quite a few that left me speechless with wounded pride and wondering what on earth I had done to warrant punishment.
I guess it takes a lot of stings to warn one away from bees. And it probably takes many more stings to love them, especially when you're working toward getting all that honey! And that's what the above verse taught me today.
Being ill-treated? Serve anyway.
Who do you follow? The Lord Jesus. And he suffered from ill-treatment over and over. But He didn't stop serving His Father.
I prayed for more of the Spirit and more of the Son. And I'm getting it! Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I can accept unfair treatment and serve happily. I don't have to think twice if asked, "Who's your Daddy?" The Lord God Almighty!!! Signed, jo
As old as I am I have many times been treated unfairly in churches, believe it or not. Sometimes I have left that church and found another only to be discouraged again. After examining my own actions and finding no real error, it has often been hard to continue on serving that church. As I grew older, I became more forgiving, but not after rather a lot of prayer. I am not perfect and am bound to make mistakes. Many mistakes have taught me, but there have been quite a few that left me speechless with wounded pride and wondering what on earth I had done to warrant punishment.
I guess it takes a lot of stings to warn one away from bees. And it probably takes many more stings to love them, especially when you're working toward getting all that honey! And that's what the above verse taught me today.
Being ill-treated? Serve anyway.
Who do you follow? The Lord Jesus. And he suffered from ill-treatment over and over. But He didn't stop serving His Father.
I prayed for more of the Spirit and more of the Son. And I'm getting it! Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I can accept unfair treatment and serve happily. I don't have to think twice if asked, "Who's your Daddy?" The Lord God Almighty!!! Signed, jo
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Heaven--My True Home
In Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 13, the writer is talking about people of faith who "accepted the fact that they were transients in this world...making it plain that they were looking for their true home...heaven country."
I like the title "people of faith." Practicing it a bit, I say, "I am a person of faith, my name is not important, my work not labeled, my living space temporary. I am a person of faith whose home, my true home, is yet to come in the heavenly places." I like the sound of that.
That is not to say that I do not enjoy thoroughly my "transient" life--married to a wonderful man for almost 55 years, had four very special kids of whom I am very proud, ten grand-children and one newly-born great-granddaughter, Scarlet Cordelia Jensen. This is very satisfying. Now, not all of my family are finished, either in number, in status, or in God. But their lives, their transient lives, have only just begun. There is time before they begin to hunger for their own true homes.
I hunger for the heavenly places and God even while I enjoy my temporary status, my place upon this earth. But I thank God for calling me to be a person of faith and all that it entails. And my prayer is that God will grant me more time to be useful to his purpose, whatever that may be, in my last years here on earth.
How about you?
I like the title "people of faith." Practicing it a bit, I say, "I am a person of faith, my name is not important, my work not labeled, my living space temporary. I am a person of faith whose home, my true home, is yet to come in the heavenly places." I like the sound of that.
That is not to say that I do not enjoy thoroughly my "transient" life--married to a wonderful man for almost 55 years, had four very special kids of whom I am very proud, ten grand-children and one newly-born great-granddaughter, Scarlet Cordelia Jensen. This is very satisfying. Now, not all of my family are finished, either in number, in status, or in God. But their lives, their transient lives, have only just begun. There is time before they begin to hunger for their own true homes.
I hunger for the heavenly places and God even while I enjoy my temporary status, my place upon this earth. But I thank God for calling me to be a person of faith and all that it entails. And my prayer is that God will grant me more time to be useful to his purpose, whatever that may be, in my last years here on earth.
How about you?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES FOR DANIEL B.
This scripture is from Hosea 14:8 and I am substituting my precious Dan B.'s name instead of Israel and Ephraim. From the Message and asking the Lord to hear my prayer:
"I, God, will make a fresh start with Daniel B.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
Dan will put down deep oak tree roots,
and become a forest of oaks!
Dan will become splendid-like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near Dan will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain.
Everyone will be talking about Dan and his family,
spreading their fame as the vintage children of God.
Daniel B. is finished with gods that are no-gods.
From now on, I AM the one who answers and satisfies him.
I AM like a luxuriant fruit tree.
Everything you need is to be found in Me.
"I, God, will make a fresh start with Daniel B.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
Dan will put down deep oak tree roots,
and become a forest of oaks!
Dan will become splendid-like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near Dan will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain.
Everyone will be talking about Dan and his family,
spreading their fame as the vintage children of God.
Daniel B. is finished with gods that are no-gods.
From now on, I AM the one who answers and satisfies him.
I AM like a luxuriant fruit tree.
Everything you need is to be found in Me.
Friday, July 3, 2009
May It Be So!
Jude is a small package in our "big book," a bit of beauty which contains a very real and important gift. In verses 20 and 21 it says, "Dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" Wow!
I read those words now, and I realize their wealth, a very real and and important gift to the world. But, I don't remember those words when I feel attacked. Now, what kind of nut thinks any kind of criticism is an attack? My kind, I'm afraid. But, taking it one step at a time, I may just find myself one day on the winning side of this battle.
These verses tell us to build ourselves up in the Lord through His presence. Pray to and with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit's language if you have it. Whether we speak in English or in Martian, God understands a Oneness with the Spirit.
Stay in the center of God's love. Oh, I get dangerous outside of God's love, because the old devil knows my weaknesses and pushes and pushes those buttons! And when I least expect it! Old tricky Nicky, he's always alert to my old stuff. So, how can we know that we're in the center of God's love? Well, when I sense joy, honesty and fruitfulness, and yes, even purity, I know God is very present. Then, too, I want to stretch out my arms toward others and give them the mercy that I know only Jesus can give.
Life is so real and unending when we claim the things of God! And God, may it be so in my life. Signed, jo
I read those words now, and I realize their wealth, a very real and and important gift to the world. But, I don't remember those words when I feel attacked. Now, what kind of nut thinks any kind of criticism is an attack? My kind, I'm afraid. But, taking it one step at a time, I may just find myself one day on the winning side of this battle.
These verses tell us to build ourselves up in the Lord through His presence. Pray to and with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit's language if you have it. Whether we speak in English or in Martian, God understands a Oneness with the Spirit.
Stay in the center of God's love. Oh, I get dangerous outside of God's love, because the old devil knows my weaknesses and pushes and pushes those buttons! And when I least expect it! Old tricky Nicky, he's always alert to my old stuff. So, how can we know that we're in the center of God's love? Well, when I sense joy, honesty and fruitfulness, and yes, even purity, I know God is very present. Then, too, I want to stretch out my arms toward others and give them the mercy that I know only Jesus can give.
Life is so real and unending when we claim the things of God! And God, may it be so in my life. Signed, jo
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Labor Fervently in Prayer
On June eighteenth, I journaled in my personal journal on Col.4:12b, "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (THE MESSAGE)
On June twenty-fifth, my husband, Jerry, and I learned that a precious grandson was abusing drugs. It is a re-occurance and a final straw for the family. I am struck by the need of prayer for him, for his family, for those who have already stuck by him in prayer and given many other kinds of support.
What to do? Is this a matter for tough love? Throw out your beloved son into the street? He has no job, no means of purchase either for food or drugs. Will he resort to criminal activities? Where is God in all of this? This happens to a beloved Christian family who trusts in God for all things.
God is everywhere therefore God must be there, with this young man, and with his family. They may not see God or even feel God's presence, but God is there. And God cares. Patience and faith are there, too, and a love beyond measure.
How can the Body of Christ help? We are called to one thing--we are called to prayer. Indeed, Col.4:12b tells us what to pray for: "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
However long it takes, whatever form it takes, we will always pray with blood, sweat and tears, yes, fervently! that our grandson will one day "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." And that goes for the countless numbers of others with dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Thanks be to God for that "one day," that future day when God's purpose is revealed. Those of you who may read this--may I have your support in this prayer?
On June twenty-fifth, my husband, Jerry, and I learned that a precious grandson was abusing drugs. It is a re-occurance and a final straw for the family. I am struck by the need of prayer for him, for his family, for those who have already stuck by him in prayer and given many other kinds of support.
What to do? Is this a matter for tough love? Throw out your beloved son into the street? He has no job, no means of purchase either for food or drugs. Will he resort to criminal activities? Where is God in all of this? This happens to a beloved Christian family who trusts in God for all things.
God is everywhere therefore God must be there, with this young man, and with his family. They may not see God or even feel God's presence, but God is there. And God cares. Patience and faith are there, too, and a love beyond measure.
How can the Body of Christ help? We are called to one thing--we are called to prayer. Indeed, Col.4:12b tells us what to pray for: "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
However long it takes, whatever form it takes, we will always pray with blood, sweat and tears, yes, fervently! that our grandson will one day "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." And that goes for the countless numbers of others with dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Thanks be to God for that "one day," that future day when God's purpose is revealed. Those of you who may read this--may I have your support in this prayer?
Monday, June 15, 2009
A New Day--A New Life
We're off! We're just about to leave for the airport on our way to MN! For basically one purpose, to hold in our arms this new life! Part of my new life, and new life for the whole family. Yep! Miss Scarlet Cordelia Jensen has come to stay! Her mom and dad are swell, hilariously happy with her. Her Grandmother Peggy is ecstatic and much relieved after a long time a comin' for Miss Jensen. What a blessing new life is! WE ALL THANK OUR MAKER FOR NEW LIFE!! I hope you see this message and share in our joy!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Oneness With My Lord
Oneness W/God
Ephesians 4:6 tells us in THE MESSAGE that we must have Oneness with Christ, and this Oneness comes from our gift of the Holy Spirit.
I didn't understand too much about the Holy Spirit except that some people could speak in tongues. Figuring that having tongues proved you had the Holy Spirit within you, well, I wanted to speak in tongues. I know, I know, you're thinking that's the wrong motivation for wanting any part of God. I do know that--now. But, I didn't know that--then. Having that gift wouldn't really have been from the Holy Spirit, except by the sin of manipulation, and that didn't occur to me at the time.
Now, I see! And I hope I didn't abuse or thwart the Holy Spirit ! I just want more of God in every way, however and whatever God wants me to have . I trust today that the moment I accepted Christ the Holy Spirit was there. The reason I didn't recognize His Spirit is because my own spirit had not been willing to LEARN. Yep! I hated criticism, just hated being told I don't know something or know it well enough, or anything close to what I thought was rejection in my small mind. So there you have it. True Confessions. Tell me, how could the Holy Spirit have gotten through THAT kind of barrier?
Now, my heart sings knowing it has been plowed with a great big field for the Holy Spirit to work His work! I'm trusting that I am forgiven and that The Holy Spirit is not only there but He has been welcomed! And I'm learning more every day in this new life. May His harvest be a Oneness with my Lord--for all the world to wonder--now how did THAT happen? Signed, jo
Ephesians 4:6 tells us in THE MESSAGE that we must have Oneness with Christ, and this Oneness comes from our gift of the Holy Spirit.
I didn't understand too much about the Holy Spirit except that some people could speak in tongues. Figuring that having tongues proved you had the Holy Spirit within you, well, I wanted to speak in tongues. I know, I know, you're thinking that's the wrong motivation for wanting any part of God. I do know that--now. But, I didn't know that--then. Having that gift wouldn't really have been from the Holy Spirit, except by the sin of manipulation, and that didn't occur to me at the time.
Now, I see! And I hope I didn't abuse or thwart the Holy Spirit ! I just want more of God in every way, however and whatever God wants me to have . I trust today that the moment I accepted Christ the Holy Spirit was there. The reason I didn't recognize His Spirit is because my own spirit had not been willing to LEARN. Yep! I hated criticism, just hated being told I don't know something or know it well enough, or anything close to what I thought was rejection in my small mind. So there you have it. True Confessions. Tell me, how could the Holy Spirit have gotten through THAT kind of barrier?
Now, my heart sings knowing it has been plowed with a great big field for the Holy Spirit to work His work! I'm trusting that I am forgiven and that The Holy Spirit is not only there but He has been welcomed! And I'm learning more every day in this new life. May His harvest be a Oneness with my Lord--for all the world to wonder--now how did THAT happen? Signed, jo
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Surprise! I Think I've Got It!
In Romans 6, verse 22 Paul tells us, "You don't have to listen to sin tell you what to do, you have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you. What a Surprise!!"
From the MESSAGE, I took this verse for my very own. You see, I recently noticed that my sharing yet another incident of my life, in a group where everyone is encouraged to share, very likely has become an irritant. Last week I kept right on blissfully ignoring the leader who needed me to STOP! It's a good thing I'm embarassed, or I might have done it again this week. This woman is my leader and by not being obedient to her, I sinned against God. I must do something about this, right now.
I prayed for clarity, generosity, and the ability to listen to God at the moment of temptation. I trust God to deliver me from this love of my own world and words, and I told God how I desire to "discover the delight of listening to God." I desire this even more than my desire to be heard. The one is so worthy and the other? Really boring.
As God is a God of many, many chances, I figure I've got a good shot at this desire of being a better listener, to God and to others, when the temptation to speak --again--comes along.
Signed--jo
From the MESSAGE, I took this verse for my very own. You see, I recently noticed that my sharing yet another incident of my life, in a group where everyone is encouraged to share, very likely has become an irritant. Last week I kept right on blissfully ignoring the leader who needed me to STOP! It's a good thing I'm embarassed, or I might have done it again this week. This woman is my leader and by not being obedient to her, I sinned against God. I must do something about this, right now.
I prayed for clarity, generosity, and the ability to listen to God at the moment of temptation. I trust God to deliver me from this love of my own world and words, and I told God how I desire to "discover the delight of listening to God." I desire this even more than my desire to be heard. The one is so worthy and the other? Really boring.
As God is a God of many, many chances, I figure I've got a good shot at this desire of being a better listener, to God and to others, when the temptation to speak --again--comes along.
Signed--jo
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Knock-out Punch
The past used to bother me. I would wring my hands and have a pity party, but it was not smart.
Romans 4:3 tells us that "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and THAT was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own."
I'm not proud to say that in the past I would get excited by how I personally served the Lord. No, I'm not special and I don't really believed I thought I was then, but I always exalted in, "He chose ME!" Well, whoop-de-doo! If I hadn't been there the next fellow in line, the next warm body, would have stepped up and handled things beautifully for God. Boy, I have had a too-big-of-a-head far too often. It may be a rush knowing you're in charge, the center of it all, yet one can so easily crash with humiliation. And why not" If you were God don't you think you'd want to take the starch out of someone so full of themselves? I certainly would. And I did crash. Often.
I try to remember now the best thing I can do is recognize the way I lean towards pride, then be grateful for any punch that knocks me down, trying also to remember, it doesn't hurt so much when I laugh!
I wish I'd leaerned this a long time ago. I was hungry for attention, for the spot-light. How boring! God may need to test me on this and Oh, I hope I can get it straight next time. But if not, and I have too much pride, I really hope for a swift K.O. I sure thank Him for loving me so much!! Signed--jo
Romans 4:3 tells us that "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and THAT was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own."
I'm not proud to say that in the past I would get excited by how I personally served the Lord. No, I'm not special and I don't really believed I thought I was then, but I always exalted in, "He chose ME!" Well, whoop-de-doo! If I hadn't been there the next fellow in line, the next warm body, would have stepped up and handled things beautifully for God. Boy, I have had a too-big-of-a-head far too often. It may be a rush knowing you're in charge, the center of it all, yet one can so easily crash with humiliation. And why not" If you were God don't you think you'd want to take the starch out of someone so full of themselves? I certainly would. And I did crash. Often.
I try to remember now the best thing I can do is recognize the way I lean towards pride, then be grateful for any punch that knocks me down, trying also to remember, it doesn't hurt so much when I laugh!
I wish I'd leaerned this a long time ago. I was hungry for attention, for the spot-light. How boring! God may need to test me on this and Oh, I hope I can get it straight next time. But if not, and I have too much pride, I really hope for a swift K.O. I sure thank Him for loving me so much!! Signed--jo
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
DO I KNOW YOU?
Well, not being computer-savvy, it's taken me a while to find my own blog, to say nothing of the folks that have been trying to get to it to see what craziness I am into now. I admit my reasons for writing a blog are probably not because I'm wise, but because I have this great need to share the thoughts I have, regardless of wisdom or lack of it.
So here are my thoughts for today, instigated by the parable Jesus told his disciples about the 10 virgins, 5 of whom were not ready for the bridegroom. (Why 10 virgins? That I don't know as I never heard of that custom, even in Jesus day.) At any rate, 5 of 10 virgins had not thought to bring enough oil for their lanterns, had gone shopping for more oil, so they were not waiting for the bridegroom when he came. When they appeared before him, he said, "Do I know you?"
Now the disciples were not really into the fact that Jesus was going to die and leave them. Nor did they really get it that He would rise again. And they certainly had not thought about Jesus coming again at the Great Judgment, and it was that point that Jesus was trying to get across, that no one would know the time for Jesus' returning. The disciples' inability to understand is rather like my not getting the internet! They hadn't yet received the Holy Spirit, trying to work it all out mentally without their soon-to-be BFF and they were simply--lost. So, Jesus said keep close to me, stay in touch with me, keep up the relationship with me, then there will be no reason for me to say, "I don't think I know you!"
That goes for me, too. I want to stay close to Jesus, stay in constant touch with Him, and keep up the relationship with Him, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that BFF we all have access to.
So, Jesus is preparing a place for His own, and I don't want him to someday say, "Do I know you?" I want Him to welcome me with open arms and say, "I thought you'd never get here, Jo, my friend!"
So here are my thoughts for today, instigated by the parable Jesus told his disciples about the 10 virgins, 5 of whom were not ready for the bridegroom. (Why 10 virgins? That I don't know as I never heard of that custom, even in Jesus day.) At any rate, 5 of 10 virgins had not thought to bring enough oil for their lanterns, had gone shopping for more oil, so they were not waiting for the bridegroom when he came. When they appeared before him, he said, "Do I know you?"
Now the disciples were not really into the fact that Jesus was going to die and leave them. Nor did they really get it that He would rise again. And they certainly had not thought about Jesus coming again at the Great Judgment, and it was that point that Jesus was trying to get across, that no one would know the time for Jesus' returning. The disciples' inability to understand is rather like my not getting the internet! They hadn't yet received the Holy Spirit, trying to work it all out mentally without their soon-to-be BFF and they were simply--lost. So, Jesus said keep close to me, stay in touch with me, keep up the relationship with me, then there will be no reason for me to say, "I don't think I know you!"
That goes for me, too. I want to stay close to Jesus, stay in constant touch with Him, and keep up the relationship with Him, with the help of the Holy Spirit, that BFF we all have access to.
So, Jesus is preparing a place for His own, and I don't want him to someday say, "Do I know you?" I want Him to welcome me with open arms and say, "I thought you'd never get here, Jo, my friend!"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Truth, Inside-Out
When I read the Bible about King David in 2 Samuel, I wonder how such an incredible man of God could murder a man, Uriah, in order to have his wife, Bathsheba. God put lots of trouble in his path after this, but God stilll forgave David.
I can't remember any murders in my life, but I sure made lots of mistakes. I think the biggest mistake I made was in worrying about them. Born as a second child during the depression, I imagine my parents would have just as well waited a few years before having me. It's possible that I sensed that I was a hardship or maybe I was just ornery as a kid, but I grew up thinking, "I really should be perfect!"
I was always defensive and felt victimized, hating to be criticized, hating to not be the best, and as I grew to womanhood spent far too much time worrying about mistakes and imperfections. Too bad I wasn't a better learner, as I think I made the mistakes over and over because I worried so much I didn't have time or room in my heart to accept who I was.
Now, at this old age, I discover I am loved in spite of everything dumb I have ever done. And I think I am giving valuable time and effort in recognizing that I still have some neat things to learn.
David's Psalm #51 reveals David's heart, especially in verses 5 & 6 (taken from The Message) "I've been out of step with you (God) for a long time, in the wrong since before I was bsorn. What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a newe, true life." I think it reveals my heart, too.
So I'm telling the truth from the inside-out and I'm ready to learn. I am not a victim, except in the way that I victimized myself by not making room for my God, my Father who loves me, to teach me. I am not an inconvenience. I was planned. Maybe not by my very special parents, but by God. And by jingle, I'm going to set my heart toward God and learn to love as I have been loved every day since before I was born.
That's all for now! signed, Jo
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Jo's New Life--Blog Now or Blog Never
I guess it's --Blog Now!
My name is Jo Johnson. I am 75 years old according to the calendar. Inside my head, I'm 45. I've been married to Jerry for 54 years and have known him for 59. Yep, we met when I was 15. He was only 17. And it's been a good life for me. But long about when I was 40-ish, I became a Christian. As I wasn't raised in knowing about church, I didn't know much about being a Christian, so my life has been a long learning process. I don't have a date for becoming a Christian and I don't have strong ideas about what a Christian is, but I have strong ideas about God and His Son. He is way up at the top of my list of Good Things to have.
Not being the right type to be a pastor, and not having much success as a writer, but having a real need to express myself, especially about the One who loves me, I think blogging might be just the right thing. So, this is my first attempt at a blog. And I'll leave it up to God if it will be read by anybody.
So until tomorrow or until God says, "Speak!" signed Jo
My name is Jo Johnson. I am 75 years old according to the calendar. Inside my head, I'm 45. I've been married to Jerry for 54 years and have known him for 59. Yep, we met when I was 15. He was only 17. And it's been a good life for me. But long about when I was 40-ish, I became a Christian. As I wasn't raised in knowing about church, I didn't know much about being a Christian, so my life has been a long learning process. I don't have a date for becoming a Christian and I don't have strong ideas about what a Christian is, but I have strong ideas about God and His Son. He is way up at the top of my list of Good Things to have.
Not being the right type to be a pastor, and not having much success as a writer, but having a real need to express myself, especially about the One who loves me, I think blogging might be just the right thing. So, this is my first attempt at a blog. And I'll leave it up to God if it will be read by anybody.
So until tomorrow or until God says, "Speak!" signed Jo
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