The Bible speaks a lot about being in the Light. Christ is the Light of the world. We are to be children of that light. John 12 tells us: "Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn't destroy you. As you have the light, believe in the light. then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You'll be children of light."
The part that interested me today is: "Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn't destroy you."
Jesus said these things to the crowd that he knew by instinct would soon be against him. So, what light they had would be ignored as they would soon be caught up in the passions of the dark moment yet to come.
It is a warning to me. Do not think little of the Light I have been given. Not everyone in this world is to receive the same amount of Light. How blessed I am to be given the Light I have! And I must learn to live in this Light and keep it shining and bright. It's not to be covered up. It's not to be hidden. And it is definitely not to be ignored! It must never be considered to be "not enough!" What I have been given is always "just enough" to do whatever job I have been given. If the job needs more Light than what I have been given, God will provide. He will give me either more Light or a helper who has what is needed. My job is to trust and use what is given. And to not step out of the Light.
Lord, May your Word continue to supply my Light that I might follow you more closely. Thank you, God.
(Friends, I have had a urinary tract infection so have been flat for a few days. Keep me in your prayers that I might have my strength returned. Thanks so much!)
A friend of God and you, Jo
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
TROUBLE, TROUBLE, TROUBLE
I love the Book of Romans! Romans 8:39 says,"There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins...none of this fazes us because............ Jesus loves us!" (Word from THE MESSAGE)
These words of Paul are worth carrying around with us either on a note to quickly retrieve from a pocket, or memorized in our heads. My pocket is safer than my head as I have "too much circling around in my head getting all mixed up in there." (almost a quote from a certain candidate for Pres.)
Yes, those words might come in handy in these interesting times. We have always found trouble as well as ease in life. But, we maybe are finding harder times, as many are suffering right now. We may have feelings of hate, or maybe someone hates us. We may have suffered from hunger or homelessness. We may have encountered bullying or backstabbing. We may suffer from darker sins. (Oh, but we must hang on to the love of Jesus!) The USA may encounter within our family systems any or all of these tragedies.
We have had good lives for the most part. We recently hear of kids not getting enough to eat or sleep because they are living in their parents' cars. Food programs at elementary schools are taking this into consideration. If we have young families, we must do what we can to alleviate these problems and help when we can.
We also hear of bullying which can cause irreparable problems. Or back-stabbing, where everyone gets hurt. Then there is always the worst sins that causes bodily harm and even death. The world is NOT a terribly safe place. It is a terribly UNSAFE place. But there is one thing that we can always do; one thing we can always count on. We can always count on Jesus.
Get out that little scrap of paper in your pocket, or find the way clear to the memorized quote of Saint Paul--None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.
We are the Kids of the Creator! We are the Chosen for His Church! We are Jesus' eyes, His hands, His heart! What can we do to ease the pain of someone? How can we feed the hungry? How can we help the homeless? How can I stop the bullying? How can I stop the back-stabbing? What can I do to keep the USA and its wonderful people from becoming the sore spot of the world? Only one thing.........
I am a friend of God.....Jesus loves me........ Jesus cares about all these others.....Lord God, May I be fit for the endeavors we may need to make for ourselves and others in the hard times to come. I cherish your love for me and will remember what you endured for me. May I be fit to serve you.
Your loving friend,
Jo
These words of Paul are worth carrying around with us either on a note to quickly retrieve from a pocket, or memorized in our heads. My pocket is safer than my head as I have "too much circling around in my head getting all mixed up in there." (almost a quote from a certain candidate for Pres.)
Yes, those words might come in handy in these interesting times. We have always found trouble as well as ease in life. But, we maybe are finding harder times, as many are suffering right now. We may have feelings of hate, or maybe someone hates us. We may have suffered from hunger or homelessness. We may have encountered bullying or backstabbing. We may suffer from darker sins. (Oh, but we must hang on to the love of Jesus!) The USA may encounter within our family systems any or all of these tragedies.
We have had good lives for the most part. We recently hear of kids not getting enough to eat or sleep because they are living in their parents' cars. Food programs at elementary schools are taking this into consideration. If we have young families, we must do what we can to alleviate these problems and help when we can.
We also hear of bullying which can cause irreparable problems. Or back-stabbing, where everyone gets hurt. Then there is always the worst sins that causes bodily harm and even death. The world is NOT a terribly safe place. It is a terribly UNSAFE place. But there is one thing that we can always do; one thing we can always count on. We can always count on Jesus.
Get out that little scrap of paper in your pocket, or find the way clear to the memorized quote of Saint Paul--None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.
We are the Kids of the Creator! We are the Chosen for His Church! We are Jesus' eyes, His hands, His heart! What can we do to ease the pain of someone? How can we feed the hungry? How can we help the homeless? How can I stop the bullying? How can I stop the back-stabbing? What can I do to keep the USA and its wonderful people from becoming the sore spot of the world? Only one thing.........
I am a friend of God.....Jesus loves me........ Jesus cares about all these others.....Lord God, May I be fit for the endeavors we may need to make for ourselves and others in the hard times to come. I cherish your love for me and will remember what you endured for me. May I be fit to serve you.
Your loving friend,
Jo
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
CAN YOU HEAR/SEE HIM?
Many have a desire for God, to see Him, or hear Him, in various ways: In the beauty of the desert and desert sky, in the hymns sung in church, in a loved one's smile, a baby's laugh. God is all over the place and there should be no problem with His appearing or His voice as they both are all around.
However, what I wonder about is does anyone see or hear Christ in me? It's not the first thing we might ask, or tell, another person. And sometimes I think I am so stuck in my individuality that God cannot find Himself in me! I know you're not supposed to put yourself down..we are after all created by the Master so I am not junk! But I am....me! And I do know how far from the "bar" I often fall!
This morning, from 2 Corinthians 2, the reading in The Message said, "We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can." Paul, of course, is speaking to himself and others who take it upon themselves to alert the world of Jesus Christ, Savior and Messiah. Paul, filled with the Spirit of God, spoke always of the church and its duty to present God to the world.
Who we are and what we have to say is at all times to be a revealing of Who God Is.
Paul told us it was a huge responsibility, and I concur...with fear and trembling. No one is competent to take this on...... without the Spirit of God.
So, in all I do and in ways I do not yet know possible, I desire to reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit to those I meet and serve. Knowing that what makes me special is from God and the only reason I consider myself adequate for what God wants of me. I do so desire to be a revealer of Christ!! And I pray in my ordinariness that the Lord might make others wonder about what makes me tick and discover the One who is my Lord.
This I pray. I want you, too, to see Him and hear Him in everything around you, even in me...even if you never hear His name or see His face.
All for God's glory...JO
However, what I wonder about is does anyone see or hear Christ in me? It's not the first thing we might ask, or tell, another person. And sometimes I think I am so stuck in my individuality that God cannot find Himself in me! I know you're not supposed to put yourself down..we are after all created by the Master so I am not junk! But I am....me! And I do know how far from the "bar" I often fall!
This morning, from 2 Corinthians 2, the reading in The Message said, "We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can." Paul, of course, is speaking to himself and others who take it upon themselves to alert the world of Jesus Christ, Savior and Messiah. Paul, filled with the Spirit of God, spoke always of the church and its duty to present God to the world.
Who we are and what we have to say is at all times to be a revealing of Who God Is.
Paul told us it was a huge responsibility, and I concur...with fear and trembling. No one is competent to take this on...... without the Spirit of God.
So, in all I do and in ways I do not yet know possible, I desire to reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit to those I meet and serve. Knowing that what makes me special is from God and the only reason I consider myself adequate for what God wants of me. I do so desire to be a revealer of Christ!! And I pray in my ordinariness that the Lord might make others wonder about what makes me tick and discover the One who is my Lord.
This I pray. I want you, too, to see Him and hear Him in everything around you, even in me...even if you never hear His name or see His face.
All for God's glory...JO
Thursday, November 10, 2011
GOD SAYS, LISTEN AND KNOW!
I wonder if Job ever regretted all the things he said and did while being tested by the Devil. I think...yes, he must have. There was a lot of pride in and among his words to his friends, and also words which were spoken so that God would also know how he felt.
Have you ever experienced an "ah hah!"? Why on earth did I say that? What do I do now? "Do nothing..," might be the best answer. But me? I cannot let it rest as I feel when I have misused others, I need to make peace the best I can.
It's a rather long story and takes place about 2-3 years ago. We were going to church in a school which had been part of a new Church. The people who started the church were made up of folks from two other churches and a wonderful woman pastor with great vision. It was an exciting time. I loved making calls to visitors and encouraging then to return.
I was asked by the pastor to do an exciting new job and got busy learning it. Right away, I should have known something was not quite right when I was asked to help the pastor present the workings of the church to the leader's group and at the teaching session I was ignored. I never asked "why?"
Soon, there were other instances of not fitting in. Part of my new job was to visit the small groups and see how they were doing. That, too, was not received well by those I was visiting. But nothing was ever said to me, and I was truly in the dark. I was finally asked to quit. And there came a time of feeling I had failed and that others were glad I was gone.
We stayed in the church. I was hurt, sometimes angry, and decided to forget the past. On my own, I went ahead without permission and made banners, brought flowers for the altar, bought items for communion, started some Sunday morning Life Groups, and was ever present, not realizing that I was causing frustration to some and anger to others.
We finally left the church as it was way too far to drive for us oldtimers and it didn't become the church we had imagined it would become. We are happily ensconced at a church close by which has the expected church heirarchy and I do nothing without clearing it first with the powers that be.
Then, the last two days of journaling has given me a real kick in the pants!!!
Yesterday, Job spoke in chapter 34, verse 32 (from THE MESSAGE) "Teach me to see what I still don't see." and today's 1 Corinthians 8:7b, "Knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as "Know-it-alls who treat others as Know-nothings."
I rest my case. Little did I know why I felt like I was around enemies when in reality, perhaps they saw me as the enemy. I have prayed in my journal yesterday and today. Yesterday's was answered today. Yesterday I asked that God would reveal
those things I still didn't understand. And today He revealed so much. He revealed the reverse side of my pain and showed me how I may have caused pain to many others by being overly enthusiastic and ambitious, and certainly, prideful, even in my hurt.
Paul may have at some time or another done just what I did--in common words, "took over." I say that beause he really KNEW when writing to Corinth, "Knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings."
I am putting these journal entries into my blog so all will know how truly sorry I am. I have no excuse, no "Yah,but." I truly pray with hope and faith that I have learned my lesssons in pride, being overly enthusiastic, and insensitive to the feelings of others. Please forgive me.
In your service always, jo
Have you ever experienced an "ah hah!"? Why on earth did I say that? What do I do now? "Do nothing..," might be the best answer. But me? I cannot let it rest as I feel when I have misused others, I need to make peace the best I can.
It's a rather long story and takes place about 2-3 years ago. We were going to church in a school which had been part of a new Church. The people who started the church were made up of folks from two other churches and a wonderful woman pastor with great vision. It was an exciting time. I loved making calls to visitors and encouraging then to return.
I was asked by the pastor to do an exciting new job and got busy learning it. Right away, I should have known something was not quite right when I was asked to help the pastor present the workings of the church to the leader's group and at the teaching session I was ignored. I never asked "why?"
Soon, there were other instances of not fitting in. Part of my new job was to visit the small groups and see how they were doing. That, too, was not received well by those I was visiting. But nothing was ever said to me, and I was truly in the dark. I was finally asked to quit. And there came a time of feeling I had failed and that others were glad I was gone.
We stayed in the church. I was hurt, sometimes angry, and decided to forget the past. On my own, I went ahead without permission and made banners, brought flowers for the altar, bought items for communion, started some Sunday morning Life Groups, and was ever present, not realizing that I was causing frustration to some and anger to others.
We finally left the church as it was way too far to drive for us oldtimers and it didn't become the church we had imagined it would become. We are happily ensconced at a church close by which has the expected church heirarchy and I do nothing without clearing it first with the powers that be.
Then, the last two days of journaling has given me a real kick in the pants!!!
Yesterday, Job spoke in chapter 34, verse 32 (from THE MESSAGE) "Teach me to see what I still don't see." and today's 1 Corinthians 8:7b, "Knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as "Know-it-alls who treat others as Know-nothings."
I rest my case. Little did I know why I felt like I was around enemies when in reality, perhaps they saw me as the enemy. I have prayed in my journal yesterday and today. Yesterday's was answered today. Yesterday I asked that God would reveal
those things I still didn't understand. And today He revealed so much. He revealed the reverse side of my pain and showed me how I may have caused pain to many others by being overly enthusiastic and ambitious, and certainly, prideful, even in my hurt.
Paul may have at some time or another done just what I did--in common words, "took over." I say that beause he really KNEW when writing to Corinth, "Knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings."
I am putting these journal entries into my blog so all will know how truly sorry I am. I have no excuse, no "Yah,but." I truly pray with hope and faith that I have learned my lesssons in pride, being overly enthusiastic, and insensitive to the feelings of others. Please forgive me.
In your service always, jo
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
WATCH OUT! GOD'S GIFTS HAVE A BACKSIDE!
Acts 23 was part of my morning today and doggone if it didn't pop up and say "read me." Paul, who later became known as a saint, started a discource with the Jewish Council in Jerusalem and said, "Friends, I've lived with a clear conscience before God all my life, up to this very moment." They began to listen, but then they pounced on him trying to catch him in some wrong act so they could kill him.
Why were the Jews so anxious to kill Paul? I mean, he had only taken over their religion, insisted on Jesus being the Son of God and the Saviour of the World!! Plus,they were accused of being responsible for his crucifixion!
The Captain of the Roman Army also was determined to find the reason why the Jews wanted to kill Paul and that is why Paul was brought before this council. But Paul was a learned man as well as a determined man and not only did he believe in Jesus, he believed he had been chosen to take Jesus to the world!
I find it interesting that Paul, even knowing that he was notthe leader of the Jewish people, he led them. He led them in so many ways, but primarily in the growth and strength he was given for the witness of Jesus Christ. He didn't back down from this knowledge even although he was originally against Jesus' Way. After he had been shown his error, he now believed in Christ with all of his heart. He knewwhy he was born and for what or who he must die. Yes, his conscious was clear. It was clear because he expected others to find fault with what he was doing because what he was doing had been expressly directed by Jesus himself!And who would believe that?
If you remember more of Paul's story you will know that he was not always seen by others to have earned a clear conscious. He was thought to be stubborn, inflexible as to who was eligible to become a Jesus person, preachy, interfering, proud, insensitive, and determined to do things his way. Yet he was loved by many, even by most, which brought out jealousy sometimes in those around him.
How the Lord must have loved him! And how much the Lord had to forgive him, for his certainties appeared as thoughtlessness on occasion to others. Yet his conscience was clear!
And this is where my rubber met the road. I saw I had situations in my life somewhat like Paul. God gave me talents without restrictions, like Paul. But, restrictions need to be taught by others, like they were in Paul's case. But I didn't get it! I didn't recognize the back side of my gifts! I didn't see how some of the things that I requested of people, some of my efforts,and my determination might lead to resentments. Who did I think I was? Who made me the leader?
If you have the gift of hospitality, let your pastor know you will welcome the opportunity to use it if he or she pleases. If you are blessed in leadership, think the same. Be watchful for any negative thought or pattern. Then most importantly, let it go. The only blame you might accept is you haven't been aware of its backside.
It is too late for me to change those situations, too late. I can only see in retrospsect how different those times might have been. And because I can see, I can take a deep breath of gratitude for God's leadership throughout that time and beyond.
Today, I am blessed by God's energy among so many. I know I am forgiven for being hurt by the attitude of others in the past, not being aware that much of what occurred was a natural part of my learning how to love and forgive others and myself.
Praise you Lord Jesus for all you teach..and for your loving spirit always!!
Thanks for listening! jo
Why were the Jews so anxious to kill Paul? I mean, he had only taken over their religion, insisted on Jesus being the Son of God and the Saviour of the World!! Plus,they were accused of being responsible for his crucifixion!
The Captain of the Roman Army also was determined to find the reason why the Jews wanted to kill Paul and that is why Paul was brought before this council. But Paul was a learned man as well as a determined man and not only did he believe in Jesus, he believed he had been chosen to take Jesus to the world!
I find it interesting that Paul, even knowing that he was notthe leader of the Jewish people, he led them. He led them in so many ways, but primarily in the growth and strength he was given for the witness of Jesus Christ. He didn't back down from this knowledge even although he was originally against Jesus' Way. After he had been shown his error, he now believed in Christ with all of his heart. He knewwhy he was born and for what or who he must die. Yes, his conscious was clear. It was clear because he expected others to find fault with what he was doing because what he was doing had been expressly directed by Jesus himself!And who would believe that?
If you remember more of Paul's story you will know that he was not always seen by others to have earned a clear conscious. He was thought to be stubborn, inflexible as to who was eligible to become a Jesus person, preachy, interfering, proud, insensitive, and determined to do things his way. Yet he was loved by many, even by most, which brought out jealousy sometimes in those around him.
How the Lord must have loved him! And how much the Lord had to forgive him, for his certainties appeared as thoughtlessness on occasion to others. Yet his conscience was clear!
And this is where my rubber met the road. I saw I had situations in my life somewhat like Paul. God gave me talents without restrictions, like Paul. But, restrictions need to be taught by others, like they were in Paul's case. But I didn't get it! I didn't recognize the back side of my gifts! I didn't see how some of the things that I requested of people, some of my efforts,and my determination might lead to resentments. Who did I think I was? Who made me the leader?
If you have the gift of hospitality, let your pastor know you will welcome the opportunity to use it if he or she pleases. If you are blessed in leadership, think the same. Be watchful for any negative thought or pattern. Then most importantly, let it go. The only blame you might accept is you haven't been aware of its backside.
It is too late for me to change those situations, too late. I can only see in retrospsect how different those times might have been. And because I can see, I can take a deep breath of gratitude for God's leadership throughout that time and beyond.
Today, I am blessed by God's energy among so many. I know I am forgiven for being hurt by the attitude of others in the past, not being aware that much of what occurred was a natural part of my learning how to love and forgive others and myself.
Praise you Lord Jesus for all you teach..and for your loving spirit always!!
Thanks for listening! jo
Friday, October 14, 2011
ARE YOU WITH ME?
All my journaling thus far has been from THE MESSAGE. And I will probably continue using it in the months to come. Yesterday I ran across a passage in Acts 4, verses 25 and 26, as follows:
Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth's leaders push for position,
Potentates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers,the Messiah-defiers!
They did meet long ago--Herod and Pontius Pilate met with nations and peoples, even the leaders in Israel itself. And the result? The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Was anyone in prayer about that meeting? The deciples?
Now, generations later, we have big noise again from Messiah-defiers. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to prayer. We must pray like we have never prayed before. Pray that God will have His way among us, and that whatever way He chooses, we will obey with faith. These are times of unsteadiness which means all the more reason for faith. I would prefer peace. No war sounds perfect. But I give my choice, my preference, up to the Lord and whatever way He leads me, I will follow. Maybe my heart will be in my throat, but I will follow.
Is anybody with me? You can find me on facebook .
Until we are all together at least in Spirit,
Jo
Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth's leaders push for position,
Potentates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers,the Messiah-defiers!
They did meet long ago--Herod and Pontius Pilate met with nations and peoples, even the leaders in Israel itself. And the result? The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Was anyone in prayer about that meeting? The deciples?
Now, generations later, we have big noise again from Messiah-defiers. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to prayer. We must pray like we have never prayed before. Pray that God will have His way among us, and that whatever way He chooses, we will obey with faith. These are times of unsteadiness which means all the more reason for faith. I would prefer peace. No war sounds perfect. But I give my choice, my preference, up to the Lord and whatever way He leads me, I will follow. Maybe my heart will be in my throat, but I will follow.
Is anybody with me? You can find me on facebook .
Until we are all together at least in Spirit,
Jo
Saturday, October 1, 2011
BELOVED OF GOD
Psalm 126:1-6 in its entirety: "It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,
when God returned Zion's exiles...We laughed,
we sang. We couldn't believe our good fortune...We
were the talk of the nations--God was wonderful to us...We are one happy people...And now, God, do it again.
Bring rains to our drought-stricken lives..so those who planted
their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, so those
who went off with heavy hearts...will come home laughing with
armloads of blessing."
This psalm is a Pilgrim song. There is no author indicated. The people of God
who lived all over Judah, once a year traveled to Jerusalem to worship God at
the Temple. As the walk took several days, they found great joy in singing
together songs to the Lord God, Pilgrim Songs. Psalm 126 is just one of many.
Imagine singing our camp songs! 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall just doesn't seem to do it for me! No, those devout Jews sang to the Lord their beloved Pilgrim Songs, just like Psalm 126.
This psalm would have been written around any of the times God's people were re-building their temple, God's home. King Cyrus of Persia was one king who granted their return, giving them funds to build with and their own gold and silver that had been confiscated. Imagine their joy at returning. Imagine the joy seeing loved ones returned! Not unlike how we feel when our fighting men and women return after the scourge of war.
Oh, Lord Jesus! Grant that the world can see the love and joy of Christians singing together and praying for one another! What a thrill it would be to be walking together on our separate roads, ready to meet one another at a crossroad. And from that crossroad we can walk arm and arm to meet our Lord God. Beloved of God, let's sing!
I'm an alto. How about you?
Fondly, jo
when God returned Zion's exiles...We laughed,
we sang. We couldn't believe our good fortune...We
were the talk of the nations--God was wonderful to us...We are one happy people...And now, God, do it again.
Bring rains to our drought-stricken lives..so those who planted
their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, so those
who went off with heavy hearts...will come home laughing with
armloads of blessing."
This psalm is a Pilgrim song. There is no author indicated. The people of God
who lived all over Judah, once a year traveled to Jerusalem to worship God at
the Temple. As the walk took several days, they found great joy in singing
together songs to the Lord God, Pilgrim Songs. Psalm 126 is just one of many.
Imagine singing our camp songs! 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall just doesn't seem to do it for me! No, those devout Jews sang to the Lord their beloved Pilgrim Songs, just like Psalm 126.
This psalm would have been written around any of the times God's people were re-building their temple, God's home. King Cyrus of Persia was one king who granted their return, giving them funds to build with and their own gold and silver that had been confiscated. Imagine their joy at returning. Imagine the joy seeing loved ones returned! Not unlike how we feel when our fighting men and women return after the scourge of war.
Oh, Lord Jesus! Grant that the world can see the love and joy of Christians singing together and praying for one another! What a thrill it would be to be walking together on our separate roads, ready to meet one another at a crossroad. And from that crossroad we can walk arm and arm to meet our Lord God. Beloved of God, let's sing!
I'm an alto. How about you?
Fondly, jo
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
BREATHE ON ME!
Remember the old hymn "Breathe on me breath of God"? Do you think it originates from Ezekiel 37 and those "dry bones"? Them bones, them bones just laying on that plain needing sinews, muscles, blood and finally, air. How could they be alive without air? How can we be alive without air?
Well, of course we can't. Nor can we be alive in Christ without the breath of God, the Holy Spirit.
So, I'm making this short, and I hope sweet, today. Just like old Ezekiel, I say to myself, "Lord, I need your sweet breath within me. I need it today as I sit at my computer, everyday as I do my journaling and bible reading, when the phone rings or the doorbell, when the dog asks again to go outside, or when my patience is as thin as newsprint. I need your breath. Lord, in. Jo, out. Lord, in. Jo, out." Easy as can be; easier than pie which has never been easy for me.
Still getting caught up from vacation, so need to get up-and-at-em. Hope you missed me a little; I missed you!
Breathing for Jesus, Jo
Well, of course we can't. Nor can we be alive in Christ without the breath of God, the Holy Spirit.
So, I'm making this short, and I hope sweet, today. Just like old Ezekiel, I say to myself, "Lord, I need your sweet breath within me. I need it today as I sit at my computer, everyday as I do my journaling and bible reading, when the phone rings or the doorbell, when the dog asks again to go outside, or when my patience is as thin as newsprint. I need your breath. Lord, in. Jo, out. Lord, in. Jo, out." Easy as can be; easier than pie which has never been easy for me.
Still getting caught up from vacation, so need to get up-and-at-em. Hope you missed me a little; I missed you!
Breathing for Jesus, Jo
Saturday, August 20, 2011
BUT THE LIGHT OF GOD IS LIFE
The scripture doesn't lie. "God is light, pure light, there's not a trace of darkness in Him." 1 John 1:5
God has no darkness; it is only ourselves that bring darkness into his path. And that is why I found such great comfort in this letter from John. He stresses the truth of what he discovered in his first hand experiences hearing and seeing Jesus in action. John's claim can be tested by others who also come to know Jesus and believe in the message John delivers. There is light in the reading of the message; there is light in the truth of the message. And there is light in the joy of following the message. John discovered it and so might we as we attempt to follow John's path, sharing his life with Christ and the exceptional living to be found in the light of God.
Living in the Light there is no darkness,no dark actions,thoughts, or experiences. Living in God and God living in us there can be no darkness. It is only when we lose our way on the path that we become fearful, and oops! Did somone turn off the lights?
My constant prayer is to always live in Jesus Christ, and thus, in the Light. I pray that God will be merciful if and when I fail to follow the light showing me the better path. I pray that others might find joy in communion with the Son and the Father. And, finally, that they may know the joy that comes from His joy in us and the peace of not having to live in darkness.
May it be so, Lord. Amen
Thanks for listening.
Fondly, jo
God has no darkness; it is only ourselves that bring darkness into his path. And that is why I found such great comfort in this letter from John. He stresses the truth of what he discovered in his first hand experiences hearing and seeing Jesus in action. John's claim can be tested by others who also come to know Jesus and believe in the message John delivers. There is light in the reading of the message; there is light in the truth of the message. And there is light in the joy of following the message. John discovered it and so might we as we attempt to follow John's path, sharing his life with Christ and the exceptional living to be found in the light of God.
Living in the Light there is no darkness,no dark actions,thoughts, or experiences. Living in God and God living in us there can be no darkness. It is only when we lose our way on the path that we become fearful, and oops! Did somone turn off the lights?
My constant prayer is to always live in Jesus Christ, and thus, in the Light. I pray that God will be merciful if and when I fail to follow the light showing me the better path. I pray that others might find joy in communion with the Son and the Father. And, finally, that they may know the joy that comes from His joy in us and the peace of not having to live in darkness.
May it be so, Lord. Amen
Thanks for listening.
Fondly, jo
Monday, August 1, 2011
THE DARKNESS OF GOD
Based on John 3:36 "The person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn't see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that."
John was truly loved by Jesus and he truly loved Jesus. Yet I suspect, as John was indeed a human, that John may have known the darkness of God at sometime during his life or he would not have understood about the darkness of God.
I call myself a Christian to the world. But, I still know that whatever I am called, I have suffered from dark days because I avoided and distrusted God right along with the worst men born.
As you, a believer in Jesus, read this you may say, "Well I don't know anything about the darkness of God." And I would say,"Oh, how blessed you are. I hope you are thanking God right now for giving you the belief and trust in Him consistently so that you do not get lost in God's darkness."
All men are given the opportunity to believe, yet many turn away avoiding God, distrusting God and the Word spoken of Him. I grieve for these people and pray for them, hoping they are few. And I wonder-- what is life like for them? Are they even aware that they are living in the Darkness of God, for in God's darkness lay his anger?
Perhaps they are successful, earning great salaries, giving to charities, raising families, certain life will always remain easy. Will they be easily tempted for more success, a larger salary, more style, more successful friends. More, and more, and more.
I'm guessing each achievement would seem somewhat satisfying, but not complete. Each disappointment a tragic downer. Each real tragedy earth-shaking and filled with fear. Joy may come but escape after the first moments, unrecognized. There would be a lack of wonder over a butterfly or no breathlessness over a sunset. A kiss would be to satisfy a need and the moment of love expressed unnoticed. The lack of God would mean the vaguest hope unrecognizable. The lack of God is what brings the darkness of God.
This way, the dark way, is not the Way of God. So much is missing. Having been in the darkness myself because of my lack of trust, I will not venture there again as Jesus is my right hand--and my left. He is all I am. I barely recognize myself these days and happily so. If I venture off the path I've chosen, the way is too dark with never-ending misery.
If anyone you know ventures there, remind them of the Darkness of God and how God does not desires that for us. He desires us to be The Light of the World! Being in the Light who is the Christ, I cannot help but be the Light He desires.
Happily, jo
John was truly loved by Jesus and he truly loved Jesus. Yet I suspect, as John was indeed a human, that John may have known the darkness of God at sometime during his life or he would not have understood about the darkness of God.
I call myself a Christian to the world. But, I still know that whatever I am called, I have suffered from dark days because I avoided and distrusted God right along with the worst men born.
As you, a believer in Jesus, read this you may say, "Well I don't know anything about the darkness of God." And I would say,"Oh, how blessed you are. I hope you are thanking God right now for giving you the belief and trust in Him consistently so that you do not get lost in God's darkness."
All men are given the opportunity to believe, yet many turn away avoiding God, distrusting God and the Word spoken of Him. I grieve for these people and pray for them, hoping they are few. And I wonder-- what is life like for them? Are they even aware that they are living in the Darkness of God, for in God's darkness lay his anger?
Perhaps they are successful, earning great salaries, giving to charities, raising families, certain life will always remain easy. Will they be easily tempted for more success, a larger salary, more style, more successful friends. More, and more, and more.
I'm guessing each achievement would seem somewhat satisfying, but not complete. Each disappointment a tragic downer. Each real tragedy earth-shaking and filled with fear. Joy may come but escape after the first moments, unrecognized. There would be a lack of wonder over a butterfly or no breathlessness over a sunset. A kiss would be to satisfy a need and the moment of love expressed unnoticed. The lack of God would mean the vaguest hope unrecognizable. The lack of God is what brings the darkness of God.
This way, the dark way, is not the Way of God. So much is missing. Having been in the darkness myself because of my lack of trust, I will not venture there again as Jesus is my right hand--and my left. He is all I am. I barely recognize myself these days and happily so. If I venture off the path I've chosen, the way is too dark with never-ending misery.
If anyone you know ventures there, remind them of the Darkness of God and how God does not desires that for us. He desires us to be The Light of the World! Being in the Light who is the Christ, I cannot help but be the Light He desires.
Happily, jo
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
WILL I WILL MY WILL TO GOD'S WILL?
THe answer? Aftermany years of fighting God, the answer is without doubt--YES!
In reading the Book of James this morning, verse 6 told me, "It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud, but God gives grace to the wlling humble"."
Oh, boy!I guess humans haven't changed much since the era of James. I don't really know if this James was Jesus' brother--I'd like to think so--the head of the new Christian congregation in Jerusalem at the time, or some other James. Whoever he was, he is in the New Testament and the one who puts the heat on about my tongue and what I say. And I think he's right about the tongue and the great harm it can do. So, I pray that my words here today will in no way dishonor God.
It is my opinion that the words about God hating the proud are also true. The words above from verse 6 are somewhat like we might say, "Pride goeth before a fall."
That is probably a proverb, and proverbs in James' day might have hung on a kitchen wall as we might hang the same words. So we're not different from the people discussed in James' writing. "Truth" is good whatever the date. We will always need reminders that having too much pride brings TROUBLE. And having too much pride comes from our willful natures.
Babies are born with strong wills. It's good that they are because their cries are the only way we adults can tell that they are hungry or wet or sleepy. So, friends, in spite of the difficulty and the temptation to stay the way I was born, in order to become the person God wanted me to be, I had to accede my will to God. God was gracious enough to me to teach me about humility. I had to learn not to be so hung up on myself, consider others first, and ask God to direct me to His perfect will. In return, God, I believe, helped me to think like Jesus would, so I could have more assurance in what I was to do. All this learning came over a period of time (and is still "in progress.") When I begin to think my importance is bigger than someone else's, or bigger than God's honor, I'm back into PRIDE. And pride is all the wrong things: arrogance, selfishness, unfriendliness, and not loving at all!
So, I hope you join me in a prayer--for me and if you like, for you.
Lord Jesus, I ask your help in my thinking, in my desires, in my actions, and especially in my heart. I want to have a willing, humble spirit which is willing to love by forgetting about myself, by serving others and thinking of them before myself, to be a friendly helper, with kindness and goodness and to always remember that my will has been turned over to you to become yours, your perfect will. AMEN
So may it ever be! Jo
In reading the Book of James this morning, verse 6 told me, "It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud, but God gives grace to the wlling humble"."
Oh, boy!I guess humans haven't changed much since the era of James. I don't really know if this James was Jesus' brother--I'd like to think so--the head of the new Christian congregation in Jerusalem at the time, or some other James. Whoever he was, he is in the New Testament and the one who puts the heat on about my tongue and what I say. And I think he's right about the tongue and the great harm it can do. So, I pray that my words here today will in no way dishonor God.
It is my opinion that the words about God hating the proud are also true. The words above from verse 6 are somewhat like we might say, "Pride goeth before a fall."
That is probably a proverb, and proverbs in James' day might have hung on a kitchen wall as we might hang the same words. So we're not different from the people discussed in James' writing. "Truth" is good whatever the date. We will always need reminders that having too much pride brings TROUBLE. And having too much pride comes from our willful natures.
Babies are born with strong wills. It's good that they are because their cries are the only way we adults can tell that they are hungry or wet or sleepy. So, friends, in spite of the difficulty and the temptation to stay the way I was born, in order to become the person God wanted me to be, I had to accede my will to God. God was gracious enough to me to teach me about humility. I had to learn not to be so hung up on myself, consider others first, and ask God to direct me to His perfect will. In return, God, I believe, helped me to think like Jesus would, so I could have more assurance in what I was to do. All this learning came over a period of time (and is still "in progress.") When I begin to think my importance is bigger than someone else's, or bigger than God's honor, I'm back into PRIDE. And pride is all the wrong things: arrogance, selfishness, unfriendliness, and not loving at all!
So, I hope you join me in a prayer--for me and if you like, for you.
Lord Jesus, I ask your help in my thinking, in my desires, in my actions, and especially in my heart. I want to have a willing, humble spirit which is willing to love by forgetting about myself, by serving others and thinking of them before myself, to be a friendly helper, with kindness and goodness and to always remember that my will has been turned over to you to become yours, your perfect will. AMEN
So may it ever be! Jo
Friday, July 15, 2011
COME TO JESUS AND LIVE!
How do I dare use this song's beautiful title for the simple writing I'm about to do? I'm using it because it says exactly what I need to say. Hebrews 12:22b-24 says the same thing as this lovely song. Let me repeat Hebrews for you: "You've come to Mt.Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. It is the city where God is Judge, with judgments that make us just. You've come to Jesus...".
It occurred to me that when the Israelites were going through the wilderness and encountered God, through Moses at Mt. Sinai, they were afraid to hear God speak. They were terrified. Today, we can go to Jesus without fear and see God as judge who teaches us to be just. God also teaches us that we have, through Jesus, a new covenant with Him, one of grace, mercy, and purest love. The idea of a Jerusalem (a place of many names) where we will find "throngs of festive angels" and other people such as me who have gone to Jesus who are singing together, praising God together, ministering to one another, and celebrating our One-ness with each other and with our Lord Jesus.
I hope you have found your special Jerusalem!
Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, and Live!
Your ever hopeful friend, jo
It occurred to me that when the Israelites were going through the wilderness and encountered God, through Moses at Mt. Sinai, they were afraid to hear God speak. They were terrified. Today, we can go to Jesus without fear and see God as judge who teaches us to be just. God also teaches us that we have, through Jesus, a new covenant with Him, one of grace, mercy, and purest love. The idea of a Jerusalem (a place of many names) where we will find "throngs of festive angels" and other people such as me who have gone to Jesus who are singing together, praising God together, ministering to one another, and celebrating our One-ness with each other and with our Lord Jesus.
I hope you have found your special Jerusalem!
Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus, and Live!
Your ever hopeful friend, jo
Thursday, June 30, 2011
THE KINGDOM OF SIN
Doing my daily journaling, one of my reading requirements was the Book of Amos. If you don't already know, Amos was a prophet/shepherd and what he had to say was not always taken well. Discrimination was alive and well in his day. Sound familiar?
But discrimination is not Amos' main theme. No, Amos was the ear that God spoke to and the mouth that revealed to the Israelites just how disgusted God was with them at that time. God so much wanted His people to straighten out, be less proud, be less tempted toward man-made gods and follow His teachings. Sound familiar?
Where is the Kingdom of Sin, by the way? I've never heard of it. Is it a place? No, it is a natural attitude for a human being. We are born with a screeching voice that says, "Me! Me! Me! Me First!" And that's our natural sin. And we are full of it! I wonder, did God ever get tired of it? Oh, yes, He did!
Long about A.D.33, God must have been fed up. God kept urging people to change their ways and stop sinning. Our "Me first" attitude must have worn Him down. Yet God never stopped loving us, in fact, he allowed something to prove His love for us for all time and at the same time allowed Him a way to forgive us for our "Me first" sinfulness. He had this very special Son who was born with a purpose. He was born as a human, but perfect in every way. He didn't sin in any way! None!
That son was called Jesus and He became our Savior, because God asked Jesus to die on a cross in our place!! That's how the Romans killed criminals in those days. Jesus,admitting to being the real son of God, wasn't liked at all by the leading Jews and they talked Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor at that time, into using Jesus as an example for those who speak out against religious leaders, and in Jesus case, claimed to be the Son of God. So, Pilate treated Jesus as a criminal to appease the Jewish leaders. And Jesus was crucified.
This would maybe have been uneventful, but after 3 days, Jesus rose from the grave! Now that's an event! What a strange, wonderful, unbelievable, miraculous, Godly thing to do! The greatest gift the world has ever known, given to you and me!
What a forgiving God! My. how he loves us! All nations! He loves all nations! All of us living in the Kingdom of Sin can be redeemed. Choose Jesus and we live in the Kingdom of the Son! Sins forgiven and forgotten--that's me! I chose. (I hope you did, too.)
Thank you, Lord! Love, Jo
But discrimination is not Amos' main theme. No, Amos was the ear that God spoke to and the mouth that revealed to the Israelites just how disgusted God was with them at that time. God so much wanted His people to straighten out, be less proud, be less tempted toward man-made gods and follow His teachings. Sound familiar?
Where is the Kingdom of Sin, by the way? I've never heard of it. Is it a place? No, it is a natural attitude for a human being. We are born with a screeching voice that says, "Me! Me! Me! Me First!" And that's our natural sin. And we are full of it! I wonder, did God ever get tired of it? Oh, yes, He did!
Long about A.D.33, God must have been fed up. God kept urging people to change their ways and stop sinning. Our "Me first" attitude must have worn Him down. Yet God never stopped loving us, in fact, he allowed something to prove His love for us for all time and at the same time allowed Him a way to forgive us for our "Me first" sinfulness. He had this very special Son who was born with a purpose. He was born as a human, but perfect in every way. He didn't sin in any way! None!
That son was called Jesus and He became our Savior, because God asked Jesus to die on a cross in our place!! That's how the Romans killed criminals in those days. Jesus,admitting to being the real son of God, wasn't liked at all by the leading Jews and they talked Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor at that time, into using Jesus as an example for those who speak out against religious leaders, and in Jesus case, claimed to be the Son of God. So, Pilate treated Jesus as a criminal to appease the Jewish leaders. And Jesus was crucified.
This would maybe have been uneventful, but after 3 days, Jesus rose from the grave! Now that's an event! What a strange, wonderful, unbelievable, miraculous, Godly thing to do! The greatest gift the world has ever known, given to you and me!
What a forgiving God! My. how he loves us! All nations! He loves all nations! All of us living in the Kingdom of Sin can be redeemed. Choose Jesus and we live in the Kingdom of the Son! Sins forgiven and forgotten--that's me! I chose. (I hope you did, too.)
Thank you, Lord! Love, Jo
Monday, June 20, 2011
FIRST, PRAY!
It was a long time ago when I learned about "first." To give you an idea about how long ago it was, I was folding the diapers of Peggy and Lynn and watching a TV daytime serial. I don't remember the name of the serial, but it's been gone for a very long time. It was over 50 years ago as both girls are now past 50 years old.
Anyway, I wasn't the happiest camper in those days; money was tight and no one would hire a mother with two children. My husband, Jerry,a dentist just out of the Navy, was headed back to school so could no longer keep working. We were flat broke, with no money to live on and no money for school. School was very important as he had just been accepted, one of two students, to the Minnesota University's Orthodontic Program. Now what do we do?
While folding those diapers--remember cloth diapers?--my doorbell rang. A smiling woman stood there, someone I didn't know. I had no concern; we hadn't heard of stranger-danger in those days and I was a bit lonely. I invited her in.
I can't remember anything outstanding about her opening comments; I only remember what we finally spoke about. She asked me, "Do you ever talk to God about your fears?"
"No, I guess I don't really know how. How do you go about starting to pray?"
"Well," she said, "First,you must ask God. Asking God of something is part of praying. So now, first, you pray and ask God to teach you to pray. He will, you know, He really will. Whatever you want or need the first thing you always do is--pray."
I never forgot this. Sometimes I momentarily have to be reminded of the importance of First, Pray!, but it always comes back to me as the perfect solution.
My relationship with God has been pretty good over the years, with bad moments, of course, and also great moments. Recently, however, I have noted how my prayer life as flattened out. I know God is there. I know He wants me to pray, and I do pray for other people when asked. I like to pray and have been somewhat disappointed that I haven't been as excited about prayer as I used to be. God and I have a comfortable arrangement, but the excitement is missing. Sort of like marriage once and awhile. We can forget to keep the fire glowing, and it's a shame because it's so easy to do. Special thoughtfulness doesn't cost a dime, and it pays off so nicely. But back to my prayer life-----.
I took that stranger's advice, and I prayed, "God, please show me how to pray. And how to have a closeness to you." And God did show me, both things. Over the years, I have been very grateful to that "angel" in disguise who came to my door and said, "First, Pray!"
Now, this morning, I went to God once again. I admitted I had been convicted. I knew God had been waiting for me for a long time to come to Him with my heart as well as my words. My service to God may just be in small services, but it always will be to pray.
There are so many things to pray for: God wants everyone saved--so pray.
God wants us to live humbly in contemplation--so pray. He wants rulers and governments to rule well and do so without selfish concerns--so pray. God wants Satan to be thwarted again and again--so pray. God wants our churches to be alive with Him--so pray. God wants us well and healing--so pray. God wadnts men and women to become available to serve the world--so pray. God wants churches to be jump-started with compassion and love--so pray. God wants the church's ministers and leaders to witness holiness and purity--so pray. First, pray!
God wants me to pray. I'm part of the problem. So, I must pray, for I cannot throw a single stone at anyone else. Lord, forgive me for my stubborn blindness and irrational disability by not listening for your call.
And God, I shall try to remember, always, to FIRST, PRAY!
Your servant, jo
Anyway, I wasn't the happiest camper in those days; money was tight and no one would hire a mother with two children. My husband, Jerry,a dentist just out of the Navy, was headed back to school so could no longer keep working. We were flat broke, with no money to live on and no money for school. School was very important as he had just been accepted, one of two students, to the Minnesota University's Orthodontic Program. Now what do we do?
While folding those diapers--remember cloth diapers?--my doorbell rang. A smiling woman stood there, someone I didn't know. I had no concern; we hadn't heard of stranger-danger in those days and I was a bit lonely. I invited her in.
I can't remember anything outstanding about her opening comments; I only remember what we finally spoke about. She asked me, "Do you ever talk to God about your fears?"
"No, I guess I don't really know how. How do you go about starting to pray?"
"Well," she said, "First,you must ask God. Asking God of something is part of praying. So now, first, you pray and ask God to teach you to pray. He will, you know, He really will. Whatever you want or need the first thing you always do is--pray."
I never forgot this. Sometimes I momentarily have to be reminded of the importance of First, Pray!, but it always comes back to me as the perfect solution.
My relationship with God has been pretty good over the years, with bad moments, of course, and also great moments. Recently, however, I have noted how my prayer life as flattened out. I know God is there. I know He wants me to pray, and I do pray for other people when asked. I like to pray and have been somewhat disappointed that I haven't been as excited about prayer as I used to be. God and I have a comfortable arrangement, but the excitement is missing. Sort of like marriage once and awhile. We can forget to keep the fire glowing, and it's a shame because it's so easy to do. Special thoughtfulness doesn't cost a dime, and it pays off so nicely. But back to my prayer life-----.
I took that stranger's advice, and I prayed, "God, please show me how to pray. And how to have a closeness to you." And God did show me, both things. Over the years, I have been very grateful to that "angel" in disguise who came to my door and said, "First, Pray!"
Now, this morning, I went to God once again. I admitted I had been convicted. I knew God had been waiting for me for a long time to come to Him with my heart as well as my words. My service to God may just be in small services, but it always will be to pray.
There are so many things to pray for: God wants everyone saved--so pray.
God wants us to live humbly in contemplation--so pray. He wants rulers and governments to rule well and do so without selfish concerns--so pray. God wants Satan to be thwarted again and again--so pray. God wants our churches to be alive with Him--so pray. God wants us well and healing--so pray. God wadnts men and women to become available to serve the world--so pray. God wants churches to be jump-started with compassion and love--so pray. God wants the church's ministers and leaders to witness holiness and purity--so pray. First, pray!
God wants me to pray. I'm part of the problem. So, I must pray, for I cannot throw a single stone at anyone else. Lord, forgive me for my stubborn blindness and irrational disability by not listening for your call.
And God, I shall try to remember, always, to FIRST, PRAY!
Your servant, jo
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
GOD COMMANDS
Good Morning!
From my journal written yesterday, I dare use for myself a comparison with Saul. King just before King David, and David's father-in-law, Saul was not quite the king that God wanted for his people. Saul had a propensity of taking things into his own hands. He wasn't stubborn, exactly, he just moved too quickly without too much thinking. Many times over he made foolish, costly mistakes.
Samuel, prophet plus at the time, told Saul, "That was a fool thing to do," when Saul sacrificed the burnt offering to God before the priest was there in order to war against the Philistines right then! The war would not wait, nor would Saul, so he did the sacrifice himself. With this act, Saul destroyed the foundation between himself and God.
In many other instances, Saul hemmed and hawed concerning God's way or his own way. The throwing of the Urim and the Thummim by a priest was the way the Israelites determined God's will. According to the throw, if it came up the Urim, they were to go east and if it was the Thummim, west, for example.
Today, we don't use a Urim or a Thummim. I wish we did as it would be so much easier to determine what it is that God wants of us. We pray for God's leading and watch for God's approval--or disapproval--having faith that God wll show us. Sometimes he pops a door open, for our assurance. Sometimes He slams a door shut. Some folks have more certainty about God's will than others do. Most of us move by faith that God will intercede if our decision is going against Him, unless (and this is a big unless)God's motive is to teach us to wait longer.
God is very big on waiting, and God is very big on commands. When God tells us to "wait," it is a one word command. It is not just an idea. It is a sentence all by itself and the subject of that sentence is the noun YOU! The you, of course, is silent, but always in a command the subject is the word "you," silent or not. And I know that God means me! God's talking to me! And I'm to wait!
So, besides the grammar lesson (sorry to rant, I'm an English major) we need to remember that in many instances when we do not hear or understand what God commands, God may be commanding, "Wait!" Also something to remember-----a command is usually given with force, determination, and power. Our God is powerful and means business.
Waiting has not been near big enough in my history, although God seems to be working on waiting with me these days. Yes, He does like us to wait for He tells us that even Saul knew, the hard way, that it would have been better for him to wait.
Waiting is very hard. When I was a kid, I waited for summer, for Christmas, for my birthday, and for the next time I could buy some penny candy. Today, I wait for the results of some maddening test taken to determine what is going on with my---whatever. There always seems to be something.
Finally, one day, I'll wait for God to take me home to be with Him. In the meantime, how can I make you smile, God?
I thank and praise you, Lord, for this reader right now reading this.
Until later, Jo
From my journal written yesterday, I dare use for myself a comparison with Saul. King just before King David, and David's father-in-law, Saul was not quite the king that God wanted for his people. Saul had a propensity of taking things into his own hands. He wasn't stubborn, exactly, he just moved too quickly without too much thinking. Many times over he made foolish, costly mistakes.
Samuel, prophet plus at the time, told Saul, "That was a fool thing to do," when Saul sacrificed the burnt offering to God before the priest was there in order to war against the Philistines right then! The war would not wait, nor would Saul, so he did the sacrifice himself. With this act, Saul destroyed the foundation between himself and God.
In many other instances, Saul hemmed and hawed concerning God's way or his own way. The throwing of the Urim and the Thummim by a priest was the way the Israelites determined God's will. According to the throw, if it came up the Urim, they were to go east and if it was the Thummim, west, for example.
Today, we don't use a Urim or a Thummim. I wish we did as it would be so much easier to determine what it is that God wants of us. We pray for God's leading and watch for God's approval--or disapproval--having faith that God wll show us. Sometimes he pops a door open, for our assurance. Sometimes He slams a door shut. Some folks have more certainty about God's will than others do. Most of us move by faith that God will intercede if our decision is going against Him, unless (and this is a big unless)God's motive is to teach us to wait longer.
God is very big on waiting, and God is very big on commands. When God tells us to "wait," it is a one word command. It is not just an idea. It is a sentence all by itself and the subject of that sentence is the noun YOU! The you, of course, is silent, but always in a command the subject is the word "you," silent or not. And I know that God means me! God's talking to me! And I'm to wait!
So, besides the grammar lesson (sorry to rant, I'm an English major) we need to remember that in many instances when we do not hear or understand what God commands, God may be commanding, "Wait!" Also something to remember-----a command is usually given with force, determination, and power. Our God is powerful and means business.
Waiting has not been near big enough in my history, although God seems to be working on waiting with me these days. Yes, He does like us to wait for He tells us that even Saul knew, the hard way, that it would have been better for him to wait.
Waiting is very hard. When I was a kid, I waited for summer, for Christmas, for my birthday, and for the next time I could buy some penny candy. Today, I wait for the results of some maddening test taken to determine what is going on with my---whatever. There always seems to be something.
Finally, one day, I'll wait for God to take me home to be with Him. In the meantime, how can I make you smile, God?
I thank and praise you, Lord, for this reader right now reading this.
Until later, Jo
Friday, March 25, 2011
ANYTHING GOES!
Using THE MESSAGE again this a.m. for my journaling, I ran across 1 Corinthians 10:23which reminds me, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to disect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster."
Our daughter, Lynn, and son-in-love, Gary Bolmgren, from Richfield,MN are with us right now for a visit and we had just been talking about how important it is to not carry old burdens around, but to trust that God has dealt with them. We are to let old mistakes go and not continue to be bothered by them.
That having been said, I got into THE MESSAGE to do my journaling for the day. Because of the scripture and the earlier discussion, I felt I had to share this very important discovery about God which I knew about, but until I could link it to a very old unsatisfying action of mine, I had never really seen it.
This is the story: Many years ago, when I was a new Christian, I wanted to serve and obey God in whatever way I was asked. I began by being responsible for people to be in the baby nursery, toddlers and twos, and the three year olds. It involved lots of calling and assigning of willing mothers and dads, but was a great pleasure for me.
The lovely woman who helped us in the nursery had immigrated from the Black Forest area in Germany with her family, and was wonderful with our crib babies. The church sponsored them and was very lucky to have her serve there.
However, there was a problem that grew into a real costly situation for the church. Permeating in the warm nursery was the unmistable strong smell of body odor and the young families with babies refused to come. As the nursery volunteer arranger, I, frankly, didn't quite know how to handle it.
I spoke to the pastor and to the Sunday School Superintendent and we collectively weren't sure what to do, either. So, I volunteered to speak with this otherwise very lovely woman and arrange for a visit to her home.
The morning of this visit, I woke to a blizzard type snow-fall, but wanting to be obedient to the Lord, I headed out for this new development of homes quite distant from my home and the church. On the way, I slid and slid, barely moving through the wind-driven snow. "An old Minnesotan like me can handle this," I spoke aloud, trying to puff up my nearly absent confidence.
"Oops!" and away the car slid nearly hitting, barely missing a big tanker truck, heading the same direction as I, toward the new people in their new homes in the new settlement waiting for the new oil for their new furnaces.
"What am I doing out in this?" I thought to myself. But suddenly I was on the right road, in the right neighborhood, and there was the house, at last.
We gave each other a hug in meeting. She had made a strudel and it was delicious. We had a nice conversation. She had no "other" friends and told me I was the first to come and see her new home. Then, I remembered why I was there, and understood: In her cold home they were using very little heating fuel. Other country's bathing habits are far different than our own. The heat in the nursery made the poor woman sweat!! And now what was I to do? It was hard to admit why I had come, but I supposed that I must.
I had brought some little necessities with me for her. I didn't open the bag, but I began to speak to her about the situation in church. Her face was a blank, the smile having disappeared. But, I explained the best I could and told her I would help her any way she would ask. I told her that we loved her work and needed her in the nursery.
She didn't answer me, but sat in silence, staring straight ahead.
Soon, I thought it best to say goodbye, leave the small bag of necessities, and go.
I cried on the way home and many times after that throughout the years. Had God tried to stop me with the blizzard and the near accident? Should I have stayed home?
Maybe God hadn't requested me to go to her. What if it wasn't His will?
She and her family left the church.
For many years I worried about this lovely lady. Eventually, I looked up their unusual name in the phone book and called. I left a message asking her to forgive me for not being a better friend. She didn't call me back, but that's OK.
Then, yesterday, I read the scripture from 1 Cor.10, and something fell into place, just like those little metal balls that roll around and around and eventually fall into the correct slot. I can now believe that I did what God asked. I just didn't have a clue beforehand how God was going to use it! I also wonder, was the blizzard God saying, "Go back!" Or was the blizzard that tricky Satan who's always trying to trick us into thinking, "It's God talking!" Was it God's will and Satan's trick? Maybe. Maybe not.
At any rate, with God, "Anything goes! Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to disect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." I passed muster but, I'll not know for sure who did what until Paradise!
If any of you out there in internet land have a grief that's hard to let go of--I hope this reassures you. With our God, anything goes as long as His grace and generosity hold out. And that will be for forever.
Until the next time! jo
Our daughter, Lynn, and son-in-love, Gary Bolmgren, from Richfield,MN are with us right now for a visit and we had just been talking about how important it is to not carry old burdens around, but to trust that God has dealt with them. We are to let old mistakes go and not continue to be bothered by them.
That having been said, I got into THE MESSAGE to do my journaling for the day. Because of the scripture and the earlier discussion, I felt I had to share this very important discovery about God which I knew about, but until I could link it to a very old unsatisfying action of mine, I had never really seen it.
This is the story: Many years ago, when I was a new Christian, I wanted to serve and obey God in whatever way I was asked. I began by being responsible for people to be in the baby nursery, toddlers and twos, and the three year olds. It involved lots of calling and assigning of willing mothers and dads, but was a great pleasure for me.
The lovely woman who helped us in the nursery had immigrated from the Black Forest area in Germany with her family, and was wonderful with our crib babies. The church sponsored them and was very lucky to have her serve there.
However, there was a problem that grew into a real costly situation for the church. Permeating in the warm nursery was the unmistable strong smell of body odor and the young families with babies refused to come. As the nursery volunteer arranger, I, frankly, didn't quite know how to handle it.
I spoke to the pastor and to the Sunday School Superintendent and we collectively weren't sure what to do, either. So, I volunteered to speak with this otherwise very lovely woman and arrange for a visit to her home.
The morning of this visit, I woke to a blizzard type snow-fall, but wanting to be obedient to the Lord, I headed out for this new development of homes quite distant from my home and the church. On the way, I slid and slid, barely moving through the wind-driven snow. "An old Minnesotan like me can handle this," I spoke aloud, trying to puff up my nearly absent confidence.
"Oops!" and away the car slid nearly hitting, barely missing a big tanker truck, heading the same direction as I, toward the new people in their new homes in the new settlement waiting for the new oil for their new furnaces.
"What am I doing out in this?" I thought to myself. But suddenly I was on the right road, in the right neighborhood, and there was the house, at last.
We gave each other a hug in meeting. She had made a strudel and it was delicious. We had a nice conversation. She had no "other" friends and told me I was the first to come and see her new home. Then, I remembered why I was there, and understood: In her cold home they were using very little heating fuel. Other country's bathing habits are far different than our own. The heat in the nursery made the poor woman sweat!! And now what was I to do? It was hard to admit why I had come, but I supposed that I must.
I had brought some little necessities with me for her. I didn't open the bag, but I began to speak to her about the situation in church. Her face was a blank, the smile having disappeared. But, I explained the best I could and told her I would help her any way she would ask. I told her that we loved her work and needed her in the nursery.
She didn't answer me, but sat in silence, staring straight ahead.
Soon, I thought it best to say goodbye, leave the small bag of necessities, and go.
I cried on the way home and many times after that throughout the years. Had God tried to stop me with the blizzard and the near accident? Should I have stayed home?
Maybe God hadn't requested me to go to her. What if it wasn't His will?
She and her family left the church.
For many years I worried about this lovely lady. Eventually, I looked up their unusual name in the phone book and called. I left a message asking her to forgive me for not being a better friend. She didn't call me back, but that's OK.
Then, yesterday, I read the scripture from 1 Cor.10, and something fell into place, just like those little metal balls that roll around and around and eventually fall into the correct slot. I can now believe that I did what God asked. I just didn't have a clue beforehand how God was going to use it! I also wonder, was the blizzard God saying, "Go back!" Or was the blizzard that tricky Satan who's always trying to trick us into thinking, "It's God talking!" Was it God's will and Satan's trick? Maybe. Maybe not.
At any rate, with God, "Anything goes! Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to disect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." I passed muster but, I'll not know for sure who did what until Paradise!
If any of you out there in internet land have a grief that's hard to let go of--I hope this reassures you. With our God, anything goes as long as His grace and generosity hold out. And that will be for forever.
Until the next time! jo
Thursday, March 10, 2011
BELIEVE ME?
Hello, again!
In Galatians 1:11-12, Paul is emphatic! He's saying,"Believe me!" because the church in Galatia was listening and believing a "gospel" other than the truth, and Paul was indignant. He told them, "I didn't receive this news through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the message directly from Jesus Christ." (The Message) So, believe me!
It got me to wondering--are my words to the great outside believed? Are they worth believing? I, personally, followed no traditions. I wasn't taught these beliefs in school. I rarely went to Sunday School as a child to my regret. I wasn't churched as a youngster. I had three children before I came to know the truth about Jesus, that He died so the world would have a way to be reconciled to God. I have no scars like Jesus does to prove I know the truth. I have nothing to make anyone listen to anything I say.
Nothing but a changed heart, and along with it a passion. Here I am, the one who was faithless in believing that Jesus had power for me, for my life. I clung to my own belief--myself--for a long time. And repeatedly found myself in a streak of losses toward my goal of "being a good person." Then, Jesus beat me at my own game! I came to realize I wasn't ever going to be good in my own right, and that's one reason why Jesus came to this earth, why He died on the cross. Then, I tripped on my own pride so badly one day that I realized I needed Him, and His goodness.
So here we are, Jesus and me! He's the good guy; I'm His shadow, and sometimes His hands and feet, and I hope, His mouth.
And that's when I came to another truth--Because he's in my heart, and I in His, I could, at last, be considered good. Everything He has is for my use, even His goodness! And that's the truth! I hope you believe me!!
See you soon! jo
In Galatians 1:11-12, Paul is emphatic! He's saying,"Believe me!" because the church in Galatia was listening and believing a "gospel" other than the truth, and Paul was indignant. He told them, "I didn't receive this news through the traditions, and I wasn't taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the message directly from Jesus Christ." (The Message) So, believe me!
It got me to wondering--are my words to the great outside believed? Are they worth believing? I, personally, followed no traditions. I wasn't taught these beliefs in school. I rarely went to Sunday School as a child to my regret. I wasn't churched as a youngster. I had three children before I came to know the truth about Jesus, that He died so the world would have a way to be reconciled to God. I have no scars like Jesus does to prove I know the truth. I have nothing to make anyone listen to anything I say.
Nothing but a changed heart, and along with it a passion. Here I am, the one who was faithless in believing that Jesus had power for me, for my life. I clung to my own belief--myself--for a long time. And repeatedly found myself in a streak of losses toward my goal of "being a good person." Then, Jesus beat me at my own game! I came to realize I wasn't ever going to be good in my own right, and that's one reason why Jesus came to this earth, why He died on the cross. Then, I tripped on my own pride so badly one day that I realized I needed Him, and His goodness.
So here we are, Jesus and me! He's the good guy; I'm His shadow, and sometimes His hands and feet, and I hope, His mouth.
And that's when I came to another truth--Because he's in my heart, and I in His, I could, at last, be considered good. Everything He has is for my use, even His goodness! And that's the truth! I hope you believe me!!
See you soon! jo
Monday, February 28, 2011
THE CREAK OF A RUSTY GATE
The Creak of a Rusty Gate
Based on 1Corinthian 13:1 "If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate."
You want to know what love looks like? Not a juicy novel, not a TV show, but ordinary people who know God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Without love, my life is a bit scary. You see, I'm losing my ability to communicate well. I can't seem to remember nouns. I'm afraid I sound like a slow, creaky, rusty gate! It's been going on for some time now, and I suppose it has something to do with my age. When I become tongue-tied, I must just stop talking and think quietly for a few minutes. Sometimes the word comes to me. Sometimes it takes a communicatee to guess what word I'm missing. It's embarassing, yes. But most people are wonderfully understanding---and that's what love looks like.
My grandparents often lived with us when I was a girl. I remember once when my grandmother cussed (yes, cussed!) at my mother. Mom had just waxed the foyer floor and as mom was helping grandma into her bedroom for a nap, grandma slipped and fell. As mom was picking her up (Oh, so carefully!), Grandma began to call her names with language I had never heard in our house! I yelled at grandma, "Don't talk to my mother that way!" And my mom yelled back, "Don't talk to your grandmother that way!" I stomped out of the house, mad as beans.
What I did wasn't love for the one who needed it--my grandmother. What my mother did and always did was--love. She loved the cranky old woman with a love that had been born over many years of giving--and taking--love.
People aren't perfect. Nope, and we'll never be. But Jesus in us shows the world in which each of us lives what love looks like.
I pray that everyone I meet will see love in me. My relationship with Jesus, again not perfect, helps me to see HIS perfect love in others, maybe in you.
So I want to thank you for showing the world--and me, included-- what love looks like. And ask you to forgive my concern about the loss of words. Who gives a rip about words when they've got people around to love and by whom they can be loved.
(Did you catch that last phrase? Never end a sentence with a preposition, but "Who cares?")
Let's see,what comes next?
"What's the word? Oh, yes!---"
Goodbye!for now. jo
Based on 1Corinthian 13:1 "If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate."
You want to know what love looks like? Not a juicy novel, not a TV show, but ordinary people who know God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Without love, my life is a bit scary. You see, I'm losing my ability to communicate well. I can't seem to remember nouns. I'm afraid I sound like a slow, creaky, rusty gate! It's been going on for some time now, and I suppose it has something to do with my age. When I become tongue-tied, I must just stop talking and think quietly for a few minutes. Sometimes the word comes to me. Sometimes it takes a communicatee to guess what word I'm missing. It's embarassing, yes. But most people are wonderfully understanding---and that's what love looks like.
My grandparents often lived with us when I was a girl. I remember once when my grandmother cussed (yes, cussed!) at my mother. Mom had just waxed the foyer floor and as mom was helping grandma into her bedroom for a nap, grandma slipped and fell. As mom was picking her up (Oh, so carefully!), Grandma began to call her names with language I had never heard in our house! I yelled at grandma, "Don't talk to my mother that way!" And my mom yelled back, "Don't talk to your grandmother that way!" I stomped out of the house, mad as beans.
What I did wasn't love for the one who needed it--my grandmother. What my mother did and always did was--love. She loved the cranky old woman with a love that had been born over many years of giving--and taking--love.
People aren't perfect. Nope, and we'll never be. But Jesus in us shows the world in which each of us lives what love looks like.
I pray that everyone I meet will see love in me. My relationship with Jesus, again not perfect, helps me to see HIS perfect love in others, maybe in you.
So I want to thank you for showing the world--and me, included-- what love looks like. And ask you to forgive my concern about the loss of words. Who gives a rip about words when they've got people around to love and by whom they can be loved.
(Did you catch that last phrase? Never end a sentence with a preposition, but "Who cares?")
Let's see,what comes next?
"What's the word? Oh, yes!---"
Goodbye!for now. jo
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
PREPARE FOR A HALLELUJAH
PREPARE FOR A HALLELUJAH
Hey! I'm just an ordinary Christian, trying to listen to God and be and do what I think He expects of me. I don't often think about being prepared for doing and being, but I've had some recent thoughts on preparing, plus I really like the Hallelujah time. (I sign in sign-language for "Hallelujah" having been taught by my friend Becky. I really do like that. Of course, I can only assume that God likes it, too, or I wouldn't do it.)
I've come to wonder, however, if the hallelujah time isn't maybe when God Himself can say Hallelujah! because his earthling creatures really, finally "get" Him.
For instance, remember the bunch of guys Moses sent to scout out Canaan for the Israelites? The Bible was very clear about who went. God even had Moses rename one of the guys and that guy became Joshua and Joshua, in time, became very important to God.
Now God was very specific in telling these brave fellows what they were to do. They were to first present themselves to God and the congregation, then go to Canaan, observe, take note of what they heard, try and check out the veggies and fruit, bring back whatever samples they could, safely return, present themselves again, and report all that they saw and heard.
I'll bet there were a few Hallelujahs around the campfire that night! Well, not entirely. Some were afraid to go to Canaan in spite of God's command. Why? Because they saw giants!
Giants in that day were real. Not the fe, fi, fo, fum kind of giant, but really big, tall guys like Goliath who came later on in the Old Testament, the one David killed with a slingshot stone. Those giants. The ones big enough to make you swallow hard.
Well, did the chosen Israelites all go with Joshua to Canaan? or not? You know how it ends. Of course they go, at least some of them. And they do meet giants, but God has everything under control and it's all in His hands. All this story is really about is .... reluctance! and lack of trust! The desire to have every thing His people do done perfectly and be a hit! But, does God have a different idea of what is perfect than I do? You can bet on it!
Now, God doesn't have "perfect" in His vocabulary except for Jesus, His Son. For us, it's more like these words, "obeyed" and "disobeyed". Actually, I'm pretty sure God doesn't even measure our worth. He is only interested in revealing His worth, and hoping the people he created, (you know, us....the ones He loves)has noticed His very great worth and want desperately to be obedient, and love Him, and praise Him, and raise our hands and say "Hallelujah".
So, I present myself: Here I am , Lord. Do with me what you wish. I accept your instructions. Then, I go. And I work the work as best I can, not thinking of its outcome, only doing it with gratitude that God set it before me. It may be a small thing or not. It doesn't matter. I'm in His presence.
Then, I return and thank Him for using me in His service. I praise Him for renewing my spirit with His. And I wait to serve Him another day.
So, let's all be presented before Him, go where He asks us to go, watch, listen, and gather, return to Him and report. Love Him and be glad and sing Hallelujah (with or without the hand signing.) We have a worthy God!!! And we are well loved. That's all that matters.
Fondly, jo (raising her hands to sign Hallelujah!)
Hey! I'm just an ordinary Christian, trying to listen to God and be and do what I think He expects of me. I don't often think about being prepared for doing and being, but I've had some recent thoughts on preparing, plus I really like the Hallelujah time. (I sign in sign-language for "Hallelujah" having been taught by my friend Becky. I really do like that. Of course, I can only assume that God likes it, too, or I wouldn't do it.)
I've come to wonder, however, if the hallelujah time isn't maybe when God Himself can say Hallelujah! because his earthling creatures really, finally "get" Him.
For instance, remember the bunch of guys Moses sent to scout out Canaan for the Israelites? The Bible was very clear about who went. God even had Moses rename one of the guys and that guy became Joshua and Joshua, in time, became very important to God.
Now God was very specific in telling these brave fellows what they were to do. They were to first present themselves to God and the congregation, then go to Canaan, observe, take note of what they heard, try and check out the veggies and fruit, bring back whatever samples they could, safely return, present themselves again, and report all that they saw and heard.
I'll bet there were a few Hallelujahs around the campfire that night! Well, not entirely. Some were afraid to go to Canaan in spite of God's command. Why? Because they saw giants!
Giants in that day were real. Not the fe, fi, fo, fum kind of giant, but really big, tall guys like Goliath who came later on in the Old Testament, the one David killed with a slingshot stone. Those giants. The ones big enough to make you swallow hard.
Well, did the chosen Israelites all go with Joshua to Canaan? or not? You know how it ends. Of course they go, at least some of them. And they do meet giants, but God has everything under control and it's all in His hands. All this story is really about is .... reluctance! and lack of trust! The desire to have every thing His people do done perfectly and be a hit! But, does God have a different idea of what is perfect than I do? You can bet on it!
Now, God doesn't have "perfect" in His vocabulary except for Jesus, His Son. For us, it's more like these words, "obeyed" and "disobeyed". Actually, I'm pretty sure God doesn't even measure our worth. He is only interested in revealing His worth, and hoping the people he created, (you know, us....the ones He loves)has noticed His very great worth and want desperately to be obedient, and love Him, and praise Him, and raise our hands and say "Hallelujah".
So, I present myself: Here I am , Lord. Do with me what you wish. I accept your instructions. Then, I go. And I work the work as best I can, not thinking of its outcome, only doing it with gratitude that God set it before me. It may be a small thing or not. It doesn't matter. I'm in His presence.
Then, I return and thank Him for using me in His service. I praise Him for renewing my spirit with His. And I wait to serve Him another day.
So, let's all be presented before Him, go where He asks us to go, watch, listen, and gather, return to Him and report. Love Him and be glad and sing Hallelujah (with or without the hand signing.) We have a worthy God!!! And we are well loved. That's all that matters.
Fondly, jo (raising her hands to sign Hallelujah!)
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