Acts 7:59-60 from THE MESSAGE states: "As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, "Master Jesus, take my life." Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, "Master, don't blame them for this sin"--his last words. Then, he died."
The martyr, Stephen, spoke like a hero, and dying, went into the arms of His Savior. Heaven, at last!
The man, Saul, held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, abetting this terrible crime. Saul himself
was later charged to arrest all Christians! Then, even later, God called him, and Saul became Paul, perhaps the greatest missionary of all and author of much of the New Testament. Yet, as Saul, he condoned those who killed Stephen because Stephen loved Jesus. Wow! Isn't God gracious?
Where was the world looking when all this happened? Were they asleep? Did they not hear? One would expect the whole world would have noticed God and all He was doing. But they did not hear, they did not see, they did not believe.
Then becomes Now! Does the world not hear or are their ears tuned to what excites them without effort or participation? Does the world still not see the lives which are changed due to God's deliverance? Some say they tried God, but it didn't work! Some may read part of the Bible and expect....what?
I encountered in a grocery store, a woman I worked with in my younger days, and she asked me, "Are you still religous?" That word startled me. Am I, was I ever, religious? I guess I am. But I never thought of that word for me. Why? Is it a dirty word? I can't remember exactly how I answered her, but I think I might have said, "Well, perhaps I am! I know I still love God and am grateful to Jesus for dying on a cross for me." She shook her head as if to say, "Oh, I'm so sad for you."
What the world is missing they will not know until they need the Lord! I hope it will not be too late.
I write a blog expressing words of love for Christ and all He is and all He has done for me and others around me. I send it each day that I write into the clouds of the internet in the hopes that my simple words will connect someday in some way to some one who needs Christ. I have looked at this as a possible exercise of my ego and pray and hope that this is not so. This is not writing of the caliber of professional expertise; it is only the mutterings of a grandmother who hopes her grandkids get some words that help them find the Christ in their own world for their own lives and the lives of those to come. Have mercy on me, O Lord, if there is any hidden reason for these words.Amen.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Jo
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
IT'S NO DIFFERENT TODAY!
Things were not too different in the early church than they are today, in my opinion. There were squabbles then, just as now, once and awhile.
Acts 6:1 and 2 tells us: "Hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the twelve called a meeting of the Disciples."
First of all, Thanks be to God that someone cared about those widows! But the problems with language still persists in all countries. In the USA we want to hear English. In Poland, I'll bet they want to hear Polish! I know for a fact that in France they definitely want to hear French, because if they don't, they don't wait on you, even if your fist is full of green!
The early church may not have met in language-favored churches like they do today. With so many different backgrounds of people living in Jerusalem, all nationalities were becoming Christian, and language problems were very apparent, not unlike the USA during the days of immigrations.
But these early-church widows were hungry and probably had hungry kids at home. I don't blame them for speaking out and neither did the Disciples. It was unfortunate that the twelve were so busy changing lives by preaching, teaching, and praying for people but the people were following them everywhere hoping for healing and hungry for teaching. Who would see to it that all are getting fair treatment among the poor? Thus were born people in the churches called Deacons. Not all churches use that name, but they do have folks in the position of helping others who need services that the pastors do not have time or energy to do.
As all Christians are to help and show love to those who cannot help themselves, the Disciples appointed seven men to do this work. In wasn't until centuries later that women were invited to do this work by the church, even though they did the service for years and years without the credit. All who do this work were and are pure in their intent and purpose. It is an honor to serve the church no matter in what capacity.
So, food was parcelled out and favoritism appeared. Well, people are the same through-out the world and time doesn't change things very much. But the Disciples followed God and God's love and made things fair.
Tempers stayed a bit hot as resentments are feign to last awhile in spite of good attempts...not unlike today. God save us; not too much has changed!
Amen?
Jo
Acts 6:1 and 2 tells us: "Hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the twelve called a meeting of the Disciples."
First of all, Thanks be to God that someone cared about those widows! But the problems with language still persists in all countries. In the USA we want to hear English. In Poland, I'll bet they want to hear Polish! I know for a fact that in France they definitely want to hear French, because if they don't, they don't wait on you, even if your fist is full of green!
The early church may not have met in language-favored churches like they do today. With so many different backgrounds of people living in Jerusalem, all nationalities were becoming Christian, and language problems were very apparent, not unlike the USA during the days of immigrations.
But these early-church widows were hungry and probably had hungry kids at home. I don't blame them for speaking out and neither did the Disciples. It was unfortunate that the twelve were so busy changing lives by preaching, teaching, and praying for people but the people were following them everywhere hoping for healing and hungry for teaching. Who would see to it that all are getting fair treatment among the poor? Thus were born people in the churches called Deacons. Not all churches use that name, but they do have folks in the position of helping others who need services that the pastors do not have time or energy to do.
As all Christians are to help and show love to those who cannot help themselves, the Disciples appointed seven men to do this work. In wasn't until centuries later that women were invited to do this work by the church, even though they did the service for years and years without the credit. All who do this work were and are pure in their intent and purpose. It is an honor to serve the church no matter in what capacity.
So, food was parcelled out and favoritism appeared. Well, people are the same through-out the world and time doesn't change things very much. But the Disciples followed God and God's love and made things fair.
Tempers stayed a bit hot as resentments are feign to last awhile in spite of good attempts...not unlike today. God save us; not too much has changed!
Amen?
Jo
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
WILL JESUS-LOVERS BE OUTLAWS?
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, there were some Christians who were hated. The leaders of the community tried to arrest them, but couldn't keep them in jail. Some way or another the Christians always escaped. The same leaders desperately wanted them dead or gone or even to just "shut up." But the Christians wouldn't; actually, they couldn't shut up. They had been instructed to spread their story throughout the world and they were determined to do so. Everybody who was anybody had heard their story. Some believed it, and they, too, got in trouble.
Now, in the middle of all this turmoil there was a Pharisee leader who, being much admired, gave the council's leaders some rare advice. Basically, he said, "If the new sect of Christians is only a
flash-in-the pan like so many others have been, it will soon disappear. But if it is of God.....you better not be found fighting against God!" The council agreed.
The small sect grew, the apostles increased and prospered, and the Pharisees remained very
frustrated.
Some day, I wonder, will we Christians become outlaws again? There are two sides to this question.
One, will we ever be so strong again that other religions will fear us? Will we ever be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we cannot contain that fountain of faith that Jesus tells us has New Life for all who drink of it? Are my neighbors, friends, and family leaning in to better hear the Word of God come from my lips? I wonder. I doubt that I would ever be jailed because of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I sincerely doubt that many even know that I am a Christian. Shame on me.
Now, the Revelation of John mentions a time of tribulation. Perhaps, then, Christians may be out-lawed. So, secondly, I can do little about this future time. God's perfect timing is known only by God. Additionally, I won't be here. Others will have to deal with the problems of that time. I am supposed to be dealing with the problems of these times. And it may be that I am the problem of this time.
So, what can I do? Stop doubting that I can influence others. Assume my love for Jesus is seen by all I meet. Introduce friends, family, neighbors to Jesus in me. Ask others how they see God. Be careful not to be proud of myself, but give gratitude to others and to God. Pray before I go into a new group or situation that others will see God and invite me to tell them about Him.
God wants to be known! He wants opportunity to reveal Himself! Who am I to deny Him?
Lord God, Praise You for allowing us to be Out-lawed. It seems we can grow the best when we are under subjugation. Praise your Holy Name. Guide us into and through any times ahead when we can bless your Name.
Amen and amen. Jo
Now, in the middle of all this turmoil there was a Pharisee leader who, being much admired, gave the council's leaders some rare advice. Basically, he said, "If the new sect of Christians is only a
flash-in-the pan like so many others have been, it will soon disappear. But if it is of God.....you better not be found fighting against God!" The council agreed.
The small sect grew, the apostles increased and prospered, and the Pharisees remained very
frustrated.
Some day, I wonder, will we Christians become outlaws again? There are two sides to this question.
One, will we ever be so strong again that other religions will fear us? Will we ever be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we cannot contain that fountain of faith that Jesus tells us has New Life for all who drink of it? Are my neighbors, friends, and family leaning in to better hear the Word of God come from my lips? I wonder. I doubt that I would ever be jailed because of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I sincerely doubt that many even know that I am a Christian. Shame on me.
Now, the Revelation of John mentions a time of tribulation. Perhaps, then, Christians may be out-lawed. So, secondly, I can do little about this future time. God's perfect timing is known only by God. Additionally, I won't be here. Others will have to deal with the problems of that time. I am supposed to be dealing with the problems of these times. And it may be that I am the problem of this time.
So, what can I do? Stop doubting that I can influence others. Assume my love for Jesus is seen by all I meet. Introduce friends, family, neighbors to Jesus in me. Ask others how they see God. Be careful not to be proud of myself, but give gratitude to others and to God. Pray before I go into a new group or situation that others will see God and invite me to tell them about Him.
God wants to be known! He wants opportunity to reveal Himself! Who am I to deny Him?
Lord God, Praise You for allowing us to be Out-lawed. It seems we can grow the best when we are under subjugation. Praise your Holy Name. Guide us into and through any times ahead when we can bless your Name.
Amen and amen. Jo
Saturday, January 26, 2013
FOR GRANDDAUGHTER ALAYA
DearAlaya,
How are things going for you? School? Friends? Mom and Dad? You have been particularly in our prayers, Grandpa's and mine, lately. I wish I was there to give you a hug and just hold you for a bit.
I'm very happy you have had your Danish family there to give you kisses.
Yet, I am concerned for you. So, I have some words for you as words will just now have to do. These words were part of my journaling today:
Lord Jesus, I lift up my precious granddaughter, Alaya, today. I don't really know what is going on with her, what things are on her mind and heart that trouble her, but I want her to have a healthy mind and heart so she can truly love those around her. You and I know, Jesus, that she will always be happy if she is thinking not of herself but of others. You and I also know that in order to do that she will have to put her trust in you, for it is impossible to just think of others without your leading and blessing upon us.
So, I am asking for you to particularly bless her with your love. Help her to accept it with her mind, her heart, and her voice. And as she says the words, "Lord Jesus, I accept your love," she will forget about herself in a negative way and be happy to receive all the goodness you have for her. Help her, then, to take your love and pass it around with her smile and good deeds to all she meets. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for gifting this most prescious child with your countenance. May it stay with her forever, but if it should disappear, help Alaya to remember YOU and how you can help her to achieve the true way to love. Thank you, dear Savior. Amen!
Go in peace, Little One, so precious to me!
Grandma Jo
How are things going for you? School? Friends? Mom and Dad? You have been particularly in our prayers, Grandpa's and mine, lately. I wish I was there to give you a hug and just hold you for a bit.
I'm very happy you have had your Danish family there to give you kisses.
Yet, I am concerned for you. So, I have some words for you as words will just now have to do. These words were part of my journaling today:
Lord Jesus, I lift up my precious granddaughter, Alaya, today. I don't really know what is going on with her, what things are on her mind and heart that trouble her, but I want her to have a healthy mind and heart so she can truly love those around her. You and I know, Jesus, that she will always be happy if she is thinking not of herself but of others. You and I also know that in order to do that she will have to put her trust in you, for it is impossible to just think of others without your leading and blessing upon us.
So, I am asking for you to particularly bless her with your love. Help her to accept it with her mind, her heart, and her voice. And as she says the words, "Lord Jesus, I accept your love," she will forget about herself in a negative way and be happy to receive all the goodness you have for her. Help her, then, to take your love and pass it around with her smile and good deeds to all she meets. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for gifting this most prescious child with your countenance. May it stay with her forever, but if it should disappear, help Alaya to remember YOU and how you can help her to achieve the true way to love. Thank you, dear Savior. Amen!
Go in peace, Little One, so precious to me!
Grandma Jo
Friday, January 25, 2013
THE HOLY SPIRIT WAITS
Hello again! I'm beginning to feel like I am writing to an old friend. I hope you agree!
I'm journaling in the afternoon as we had breakfast with some old friends from MN who are visiting near-by. I was showing Nancy F. the Bible I had received from our son and daughter-in-law which has a blank page for journaling after each page of the Bible. They are in hopes that Jerry and I will journal on various topics and eventually give the Bibles to our grandson, Isaac, and granddaughter, Alaya. So, great Grandma that I am( hmn!) I have been dutiful in writing in it here and there.
I wrote this today in one of the bibles and invite you to share the reading. Please let me know your own beliefs about the Holy Spirit. I'm interested.
Here goes: In Acts 1:5 the Disciples were told that in no way were they to leave Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit, which was to come soon. (So we must wait, also.) Many believe we will speak in tongues just like the Disciples did at Pentecost. Having the will and desire to speak in tongues will, I believe, inhibit receiving it. I don't believe it can be forced.
I do believe having God's Spirit is a matter of faith. Believing you have the Holy Spirit within and that He is a comfort, a friend, a teacher, a guide, or is there for whatever your need, is extremely important. Believe and He is there!
I can only recount how the Holy Spirit has affected me. My own wilfullness has been altered. God knows best for me. I prefer to please God rather than myself. My understanding of the Word has greatly increased. I dearly love to get out my bible and have Him speak to me through it. I desire to meet with those who may not know Him in hopes that the Spirit of God will touch that person's heart through God in me. And if not through me, that's really OK, too.
I also believe that the Holy Spirit may "polish" a gift you may already have, something that is a more natural gift, like music, art, or writing.
Whatever spin the Spirit makes, it will be a blessing. And you will know He is at work.
Yes, you will know. And my prayer is that you will be One with the Spirit forever. Amen!
Written by Grandma Jo, 2013
That's all, folks! JO
I'm journaling in the afternoon as we had breakfast with some old friends from MN who are visiting near-by. I was showing Nancy F. the Bible I had received from our son and daughter-in-law which has a blank page for journaling after each page of the Bible. They are in hopes that Jerry and I will journal on various topics and eventually give the Bibles to our grandson, Isaac, and granddaughter, Alaya. So, great Grandma that I am( hmn!) I have been dutiful in writing in it here and there.
I wrote this today in one of the bibles and invite you to share the reading. Please let me know your own beliefs about the Holy Spirit. I'm interested.
Here goes: In Acts 1:5 the Disciples were told that in no way were they to leave Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit, which was to come soon. (So we must wait, also.) Many believe we will speak in tongues just like the Disciples did at Pentecost. Having the will and desire to speak in tongues will, I believe, inhibit receiving it. I don't believe it can be forced.
I do believe having God's Spirit is a matter of faith. Believing you have the Holy Spirit within and that He is a comfort, a friend, a teacher, a guide, or is there for whatever your need, is extremely important. Believe and He is there!
I can only recount how the Holy Spirit has affected me. My own wilfullness has been altered. God knows best for me. I prefer to please God rather than myself. My understanding of the Word has greatly increased. I dearly love to get out my bible and have Him speak to me through it. I desire to meet with those who may not know Him in hopes that the Spirit of God will touch that person's heart through God in me. And if not through me, that's really OK, too.
I also believe that the Holy Spirit may "polish" a gift you may already have, something that is a more natural gift, like music, art, or writing.
Whatever spin the Spirit makes, it will be a blessing. And you will know He is at work.
Yes, you will know. And my prayer is that you will be One with the Spirit forever. Amen!
Written by Grandma Jo, 2013
That's all, folks! JO
Thursday, January 24, 2013
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
As I begin this blog this morning, I must apologize to each of you who already have this knowledge. I write this morning primarily for my younger readers, like those still in elementary school. Our granddaughter's name is Alaya and a very precious and beautiful young lady she is. Yep! She's the youngest grandchild and the only one still in elementary school! After her begins the great-grandchildren and so far, there is just one, a mighty little God's girl, Scarlet. So for the future lives of these two, I dare to write the things I know (at my great age) about understanding the Bible. And in particular Luke 24:45--Jesus "went on to open their understanding of the Word of God."
Jesus, after His resurrection, showed His disciples where in the Word of God His suffering, His death on the cross, and His resurrection were prophecied, even where it was prophecied how each of us will have new life through the forgiveness of sins. I have listed them below in case you want to write them down for your own verification. For there may be times these days that we may want this same information and need to verify the New Testament teachings against the Old Testament prophecies.
But even more important, we have the Holy Spirit who has promised to lead us into understanding and guide us into direction. The Holy Spirit is God within us and He is absolute! Each of us needs no welcome mat, for He is there; He is here with me and there with you, and do not doubt it. If He is less apparent to you than the Father or the Son, I hope you will get acquainted soon as He is waiting!
God desires that we know Him as Jesus told us the Father would send Him, and He did. That day is still remembered every year. Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came! All of Jerusalem went crazy because there was so much happiness. People from every nation heard Peter preach in their own language! Surely it was a day that needs remembering, but it is the Person we must not forget!
God desires for us to understand the scriptures that we might be given "'the needed insight to put God's Word into action in our lives." (quote from Life Application Study Bible, pp.1611) So in order to get God's messages we must understand what the scripture is saying and check to see if it is giving us direction. And finally, we need to trust. Trust the Holy Spirit's teaching, His ability to lead and advise, and that His Spirit is real, true, and loving.
Finally, the list I promised to give you: Jesus role as a Prophet (Deut. 18:15-20)
His sufferings (Psalm 22 & Isaiah 53)
His Resurrection (Psalm 16:9-11 & Is. 53:10,11)
Lord Jesus, I trust you to open my mind to truth, understanding, and direction each day as I read your Word. Amen.
The same old.......Jo
Jesus, after His resurrection, showed His disciples where in the Word of God His suffering, His death on the cross, and His resurrection were prophecied, even where it was prophecied how each of us will have new life through the forgiveness of sins. I have listed them below in case you want to write them down for your own verification. For there may be times these days that we may want this same information and need to verify the New Testament teachings against the Old Testament prophecies.
But even more important, we have the Holy Spirit who has promised to lead us into understanding and guide us into direction. The Holy Spirit is God within us and He is absolute! Each of us needs no welcome mat, for He is there; He is here with me and there with you, and do not doubt it. If He is less apparent to you than the Father or the Son, I hope you will get acquainted soon as He is waiting!
God desires that we know Him as Jesus told us the Father would send Him, and He did. That day is still remembered every year. Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came! All of Jerusalem went crazy because there was so much happiness. People from every nation heard Peter preach in their own language! Surely it was a day that needs remembering, but it is the Person we must not forget!
God desires for us to understand the scriptures that we might be given "'the needed insight to put God's Word into action in our lives." (quote from Life Application Study Bible, pp.1611) So in order to get God's messages we must understand what the scripture is saying and check to see if it is giving us direction. And finally, we need to trust. Trust the Holy Spirit's teaching, His ability to lead and advise, and that His Spirit is real, true, and loving.
Finally, the list I promised to give you: Jesus role as a Prophet (Deut. 18:15-20)
His sufferings (Psalm 22 & Isaiah 53)
His Resurrection (Psalm 16:9-11 & Is. 53:10,11)
Lord Jesus, I trust you to open my mind to truth, understanding, and direction each day as I read your Word. Amen.
The same old.......Jo
Monday, January 21, 2013
TEACH FROM THE FATHER'S AGENDA
Think of it! Jesus "spent His days in the Temple teaching, but His nights out on the mountain called Olives." So it tells us in Luke 21:37.
Jesus had made so many friends through teaching and healing, I wonder how many beds had been offered to Him in those days. If He had healed my daughter or son, I would have opened my doors as well as my heart to Him.
Missionaries have spent months with us when they were "home", and it was a joy! We were fortunate to have a kitchen off our basement family room and an additional bedroom right there, too. We couldn't sleep them all, but they could congregate together for dinner each evening. God blessed us by their presence. Surely in Jesus day someone might have given Him a home!
Why would He choose to bed down in the dampness and cold of a mountain's terrain when He could have a nice warm bed? Well, I am certain of this answer, as you probably are, too!
He was with His disciples! He had so much to share with them and so little time. Companionship is vital when one is doing an important work. Whatever God told Jesus to teach the following day, Jesus could have "dress rehearsal" among His friends. So, what He taught the following day in the Temple He may have taught to His disciples the night before.
Even more important is what Jesus might have done before He taught His disciples. You guessed it! He prayed. What would Jesus have asked the Father? Perhaps, Lord God, What do you want me to teach tomorrow? Do you want me to list the prophets who foretold of my coming? Do you want to remind them that it is You and only You who is Holy? Do you want me to tell them that all things must begin with You and end with You?
As Jesus was and is the living form of the Creator and Holiest of Holies, Our Lord God, I have no doubts that Jesus prayed from the Father's Agenda for Jerusalem. Jesus, the Holiest and greatest teacher in the world first prayed, just as we must do.
So, now, we pray, you and me, that our Lord God will tell us what we must pray for, who we must pray for and what we must teach to the World. We may have no disciples to befriend us, but we have the Master Himself who is our friend and our Teacher. Who would dare ask for more? We must not ask to be a great teacher. We must not ask to be a known teacher. We must simply ask to teach from the Father's Agenda.
Can we do it?
I hope so. I am praying that it will be so. Jo
Jesus had made so many friends through teaching and healing, I wonder how many beds had been offered to Him in those days. If He had healed my daughter or son, I would have opened my doors as well as my heart to Him.
Missionaries have spent months with us when they were "home", and it was a joy! We were fortunate to have a kitchen off our basement family room and an additional bedroom right there, too. We couldn't sleep them all, but they could congregate together for dinner each evening. God blessed us by their presence. Surely in Jesus day someone might have given Him a home!
Why would He choose to bed down in the dampness and cold of a mountain's terrain when He could have a nice warm bed? Well, I am certain of this answer, as you probably are, too!
He was with His disciples! He had so much to share with them and so little time. Companionship is vital when one is doing an important work. Whatever God told Jesus to teach the following day, Jesus could have "dress rehearsal" among His friends. So, what He taught the following day in the Temple He may have taught to His disciples the night before.
Even more important is what Jesus might have done before He taught His disciples. You guessed it! He prayed. What would Jesus have asked the Father? Perhaps, Lord God, What do you want me to teach tomorrow? Do you want me to list the prophets who foretold of my coming? Do you want to remind them that it is You and only You who is Holy? Do you want me to tell them that all things must begin with You and end with You?
As Jesus was and is the living form of the Creator and Holiest of Holies, Our Lord God, I have no doubts that Jesus prayed from the Father's Agenda for Jerusalem. Jesus, the Holiest and greatest teacher in the world first prayed, just as we must do.
So, now, we pray, you and me, that our Lord God will tell us what we must pray for, who we must pray for and what we must teach to the World. We may have no disciples to befriend us, but we have the Master Himself who is our friend and our Teacher. Who would dare ask for more? We must not ask to be a great teacher. We must not ask to be a known teacher. We must simply ask to teach from the Father's Agenda.
Can we do it?
I hope so. I am praying that it will be so. Jo
Saturday, January 19, 2013
IS CHRIST KNOWN IN YOUR KNOWER?
Well, you might ask, "What and where is my "knower"? I must leave that question unanswered. Sorry. It's impossible to really know where your knower may be located. But, if you've got one,
you'll know it!
And where it is is beside the point, anyway. If you're sure you know Christ, that's all we need right now. Because if you don't, Jesus may be crying over you.
You see, Jesus cried over the city of Jerusalem. (Luke 19:41) No one there really knew God. No one understood that He was the Son of God who had come to bring them Salvation, the saving of their souls for God. No one had remembered the old prophets who had foretold of a Messiah. No one understood that the "holy" ones had confiscated the truth of the Scriptures and Laws and redesigned them to suit themselves. No one had a clue their lives had been torn away from God by those who claimed to be "holy". And so, "Jesus wept."
Is this problem still around today? How many people claim to be Christian yet don't go to church, or don't bother to pray or trust God in their lives? They use "Christian" as a word of description on a job, loan, or student application. But that word is not in their Knower!
Could they describe a Christian correctly? Would they know what a good church should look like? Do they do unselfish acts for the purpose of loving others, or for their own satisfaction? Have they taught their children to love God? Do they pray for their family and friends? Do they hurt when others hurt?
You name some things a Christian might do that others might not.
Maybe none of us measure up to the Good Samaritan. Maybe only some know about the Good Samaritan. Maybe some of us know and fall very, very short in other descriptions of "Christian."
There is no finger pointing here. We must all put ourselves under the microscope. I know I fall short. Do you, too? We can all reexamine ourselves and ask, "Do I know Christ in my Knower?"
As short on a list of goodness as I am, I do know Christ in my Knower! I know without a doubt that Christ died for my sins. He paid the price for me! He hurts when I forget Him. He cries over me a lot! But, I love Him with all my heart! And although my faith is small, it is everything I need. But I must remember to use it and remember it.
I am the classic "human". Just like Adam and Eve, I get schnookered now and then by that old evil serpent, the devil. But my knower has begun to smell him out, the old stinky one. And that makes me glad.
I hope you know Jesus in your "knower" and I hope your knower is in good operation. Thanks be to God for these modern gizmos.
(And that's not all!!!!!!!) Have a happy day and thanks for listening.
Jo
you'll know it!
And where it is is beside the point, anyway. If you're sure you know Christ, that's all we need right now. Because if you don't, Jesus may be crying over you.
You see, Jesus cried over the city of Jerusalem. (Luke 19:41) No one there really knew God. No one understood that He was the Son of God who had come to bring them Salvation, the saving of their souls for God. No one had remembered the old prophets who had foretold of a Messiah. No one understood that the "holy" ones had confiscated the truth of the Scriptures and Laws and redesigned them to suit themselves. No one had a clue their lives had been torn away from God by those who claimed to be "holy". And so, "Jesus wept."
Is this problem still around today? How many people claim to be Christian yet don't go to church, or don't bother to pray or trust God in their lives? They use "Christian" as a word of description on a job, loan, or student application. But that word is not in their Knower!
Could they describe a Christian correctly? Would they know what a good church should look like? Do they do unselfish acts for the purpose of loving others, or for their own satisfaction? Have they taught their children to love God? Do they pray for their family and friends? Do they hurt when others hurt?
You name some things a Christian might do that others might not.
Maybe none of us measure up to the Good Samaritan. Maybe only some know about the Good Samaritan. Maybe some of us know and fall very, very short in other descriptions of "Christian."
There is no finger pointing here. We must all put ourselves under the microscope. I know I fall short. Do you, too? We can all reexamine ourselves and ask, "Do I know Christ in my Knower?"
As short on a list of goodness as I am, I do know Christ in my Knower! I know without a doubt that Christ died for my sins. He paid the price for me! He hurts when I forget Him. He cries over me a lot! But, I love Him with all my heart! And although my faith is small, it is everything I need. But I must remember to use it and remember it.
I am the classic "human". Just like Adam and Eve, I get schnookered now and then by that old evil serpent, the devil. But my knower has begun to smell him out, the old stinky one. And that makes me glad.
I hope you know Jesus in your "knower" and I hope your knower is in good operation. Thanks be to God for these modern gizmos.
(And that's not all!!!!!!!) Have a happy day and thanks for listening.
Jo
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
CREATIVELY USE ADVERSITY
I really like the simplicity of THE MESSAGE! I'm really a simple person..maybe with a few cock-eyed ideas, I admit. But I do admire simplicity. Here is a passage from Luke 16:9 which tells us simply how to use adversity creatively. "Use every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you'll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior."
It took two pages in my journal this morning to get to the heart of what God was trying to say to me.
I'll try to be brief.......What does creative survival look like for me? Jerry and I have been gifted with more than enough unless we live a really long time. And Jerry and I are responsive to the needs of others, both those within our family and those outside of the family. But should adversity strike, how generous would we be then?
It does the heart good to be able to help someone else in their need. I remember when I was a young stay-at-home wife and mother and yearned for a bit of money of my own. I did some minor work for Jerry's office and was paid $100 a month to spend it any way I wanted. I admit that I did purchase a coat lined in fur that I really loved, but mostly I discovered people in need. For example, one woman didn't have the money to pay her electric bill. I'm glad I no longer remember the others. But, my heart rejoiced with this freedom and the ability to be of help in some small way. Jerry is generous and we are now a team when it comes to giving.
But, I think I may have missed the crux of the message in Luke entirely, don't you? If and when I am in adversity it is more than likely a spiritual adversity. When do I hunger and thirst? Many times I feel as if I am hungering for God. Hungering for a stronger faith? Ill with self and selfishness? Yes. Desiring attention, status, fame, honor, goodness? Yes, and Oh, my goodness..that's PRIDE!
Yes, I certainly can see how I need to be creative when it comes to adversity! So, in my simple way, here are my bare essentials:
1. Pray, pray, pray to be content with the gift of love God spreads upon me and desire no other gift!
2. Stay in the Bible for the Word of God and God's companionshp there is essential to my life.
3. Begin to see all the places which emphasize self as destructive for me and remember God's rewards will come in Heaven and Satan's rewards belong to the earth.
4. Begin to enjoy secret good again. Do the deed, but don't tell!! What's secret brings more blessing.
These things I share with you because I care about you. If you're reading this, you must care about the world. Let's pray together that our adversities may be overcome in order to free us to free the world.
It took two pages in my journal this morning to get to the heart of what God was trying to say to me.
I'll try to be brief.......What does creative survival look like for me? Jerry and I have been gifted with more than enough unless we live a really long time. And Jerry and I are responsive to the needs of others, both those within our family and those outside of the family. But should adversity strike, how generous would we be then?
It does the heart good to be able to help someone else in their need. I remember when I was a young stay-at-home wife and mother and yearned for a bit of money of my own. I did some minor work for Jerry's office and was paid $100 a month to spend it any way I wanted. I admit that I did purchase a coat lined in fur that I really loved, but mostly I discovered people in need. For example, one woman didn't have the money to pay her electric bill. I'm glad I no longer remember the others. But, my heart rejoiced with this freedom and the ability to be of help in some small way. Jerry is generous and we are now a team when it comes to giving.
But, I think I may have missed the crux of the message in Luke entirely, don't you? If and when I am in adversity it is more than likely a spiritual adversity. When do I hunger and thirst? Many times I feel as if I am hungering for God. Hungering for a stronger faith? Ill with self and selfishness? Yes. Desiring attention, status, fame, honor, goodness? Yes, and Oh, my goodness..that's PRIDE!
Yes, I certainly can see how I need to be creative when it comes to adversity! So, in my simple way, here are my bare essentials:
1. Pray, pray, pray to be content with the gift of love God spreads upon me and desire no other gift!
2. Stay in the Bible for the Word of God and God's companionshp there is essential to my life.
3. Begin to see all the places which emphasize self as destructive for me and remember God's rewards will come in Heaven and Satan's rewards belong to the earth.
4. Begin to enjoy secret good again. Do the deed, but don't tell!! What's secret brings more blessing.
These things I share with you because I care about you. If you're reading this, you must care about the world. Let's pray together that our adversities may be overcome in order to free us to free the world.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
CELEBRATE GOD & LIVE LIFE
The story of the prodigal son was today's reading in Luke. There is so much to learn from it! But I want to concentrate on the need the son's father had to celebrate his youngest son's return. Don't we also have a need to celebrate unexpected goodnesses that come our way?
There must have been others who rejoiced when I found the Lord, others who had to celebrate the fact that I now lived in Jesus, that I had been found by Him. But, I am not sure who they could have been, unless they were in Heaven!
But, I do know the feeling of wanting to celebrate someone who has found a new truth through Jesus. My heart rejoices at new beginnings. I remember the day my husband, Jerry, returned home from a Minnesota Cursillo many years ago. He was glowing with happiness for he had discovered the reality of Jesus the Christ. Christ was no longer a system, but a reality...his very own personal Savior!
And we did celebrate!
The man who sponsored Jerry was my special friend who also cut my hair, Kent O. On what became a special day for me, he told me I was a walking Cursillo! I don't believe I have ever had a more wonderful compliment! I shall praise God for that, over and over, and remember it always. I hope it is true.
After a Cursillo-like experience comes the hard work of life. I soon discovered that God had an awful lot to show me about myself. And looking at that stuff and accepting it is very hard.
I have not always been successful at looking at and accepting my faults, my sins, but I look forward to the day when Jesus will say, "You tried; you really tried!" And I hope He can add................."your very best!"
I guess I'll have to wait and see.
Life is for the living, but it's easier and much, much better with Jesus!
Thanks for understanding, Jo
There must have been others who rejoiced when I found the Lord, others who had to celebrate the fact that I now lived in Jesus, that I had been found by Him. But, I am not sure who they could have been, unless they were in Heaven!
But, I do know the feeling of wanting to celebrate someone who has found a new truth through Jesus. My heart rejoices at new beginnings. I remember the day my husband, Jerry, returned home from a Minnesota Cursillo many years ago. He was glowing with happiness for he had discovered the reality of Jesus the Christ. Christ was no longer a system, but a reality...his very own personal Savior!
And we did celebrate!
The man who sponsored Jerry was my special friend who also cut my hair, Kent O. On what became a special day for me, he told me I was a walking Cursillo! I don't believe I have ever had a more wonderful compliment! I shall praise God for that, over and over, and remember it always. I hope it is true.
After a Cursillo-like experience comes the hard work of life. I soon discovered that God had an awful lot to show me about myself. And looking at that stuff and accepting it is very hard.
I have not always been successful at looking at and accepting my faults, my sins, but I look forward to the day when Jesus will say, "You tried; you really tried!" And I hope He can add................."your very best!"
I guess I'll have to wait and see.
Life is for the living, but it's easier and much, much better with Jesus!
Thanks for understanding, Jo
Friday, January 11, 2013
THE PROPHETS TOLD US SO!
"The mood of this age is all wrong. Everybody's looking for proof." With those very words, the book of Luke, chapter 11, verse 29 tells us what was true in the days following Christ's resurrection from the dead, and I believe it is also true today. "Prove it! I won't believe until I see proof!" This quote I've heard over and over.
Luke 11:31 goes on to say, "Wisdom far greater than Solomon's is right in front of you, and you quibble over evidence."
The prophets Micah, Isaiah, and Zechariah each prophesied that the Messsiah would come, to watch for Him and for certain other facts, as well. Micah said He would be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah said He would be born of a virgin. Zechariah said he would enter Jerusalem in triumph, as He did just before His trial. Also among the prophesies are these: He would be rejected by His own people, He would be tried and condemned, He would be silent before His accusers, He would be struck and spat upon, He would be mocked and insulted, and He would die by crucifixion. The prophets even tell us that He would pray for His enemies and finally, He would be raised from the dead.
The writings of the long past verified Christ's last moments as to what would happen. Psalm 110:1 also tells us the Messiah is "now at God's right hand."
How could each of these men and others, God's men of righteousness, have prophecied exactly what was to finally happen? The world still refuses to believe what their minds cannot understand. The mood of this age is still in wrongness. Unbelievers still prefer to believe that which they have personally experienced and cannot believe that which others have experienced, especially that which requires personal actions. And so what they see as "myth" is nothing but an interesting theory.
But, there is still a miracle in all of this. The miracle is that Christ still loves the World and all in it. And there is another miracle available to any who want to receive the first...when we ask Him, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah gives us love and forgiveness.
Praise be to God! Our Deliverer!
I wish I knew your name.......Jo
Luke 11:31 goes on to say, "Wisdom far greater than Solomon's is right in front of you, and you quibble over evidence."
The prophets Micah, Isaiah, and Zechariah each prophesied that the Messsiah would come, to watch for Him and for certain other facts, as well. Micah said He would be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah said He would be born of a virgin. Zechariah said he would enter Jerusalem in triumph, as He did just before His trial. Also among the prophesies are these: He would be rejected by His own people, He would be tried and condemned, He would be silent before His accusers, He would be struck and spat upon, He would be mocked and insulted, and He would die by crucifixion. The prophets even tell us that He would pray for His enemies and finally, He would be raised from the dead.
The writings of the long past verified Christ's last moments as to what would happen. Psalm 110:1 also tells us the Messiah is "now at God's right hand."
How could each of these men and others, God's men of righteousness, have prophecied exactly what was to finally happen? The world still refuses to believe what their minds cannot understand. The mood of this age is still in wrongness. Unbelievers still prefer to believe that which they have personally experienced and cannot believe that which others have experienced, especially that which requires personal actions. And so what they see as "myth" is nothing but an interesting theory.
But, there is still a miracle in all of this. The miracle is that Christ still loves the World and all in it. And there is another miracle available to any who want to receive the first...when we ask Him, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah gives us love and forgiveness.
Praise be to God! Our Deliverer!
I wish I knew your name.......Jo
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
BEING ENTHUSIASTICALLY HONEST!
It's the beginning of the year and my reading started in Genesis. Genesis 23: 3-16 tells us about Abraham buying some Hittite land in order to bury his beloved wife, Sarah. It goes something like this:
Abraham: I want to buy some land to bury my wife.
The Hittites: No one of us will refuse.
Abraham: If serious, I would like a plot from Ephron the Hittite.
Ephron: Oh, I won't sell to you, but I will give it as a gift!
Abraham. I insist! I want to pay the price of the land!
Ephron: Well, if you insist. What's 400 silver shekels among friends?
Abraham accepted the offer and paid the sum. Sarah was buried in the cave within the plot from Ephron the Hittite.
There the story ends. This was, and perhaps still is, the normal procedure in the purchase of something in the Mideast, at least it was in my experience. Everyone understood it. The strange procedure to us gives both parties the advantage of appearing generous. Yet, to my mind,
400 silver shekels must have been a large amount of money! But, Abraham was a rich man and all new it. All in all, everyone was satisfied.
In what ways do we inhibit ourselves in order to appear polite? Probably many ways, but one thing does come to my mind.
Over the years, I have been in the habit of sending Christmas letters. Now there are lovely Christmas cards out there; many of which we have purchased and sent. But I have always included my letter within them. These letters were not to just include what our children now number, but to especially show our gratitude and love for the Lord Jesus. You see, I became a Christian as an adult and He is so very important to me and to my life and to my family's lives that I need to express it. But last year one of my more distant relatives seemed distraught regarding our enthusiasm concerning God and wondered if we had become radical.
Meaning, have we gone crazy? Are we now far-righters!
Maybe! Maybe we are a little crazy for Jesus. But we are not talking politics here, are we?
Now, the result of this is I was very careful about those letters this year. I only sent them to those I thought would enjoy a run-down of the kids; folded them, and wrote on the outside: Kids News, if interested..
Cards to us sent after receiving ours said, "We missed your Christmas letter. What's up?"
I guess you can be too careful not to annoy. Red Skelton used to say: "If I dood it I get a whippin'! I dood it anyway!"
Next year, I'm sending an exuberant, joyful, praise-filled letter to all. "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!!" (I don't know who, but somebody said it!!)
Praise you, Jesus! Jo
Abraham: I want to buy some land to bury my wife.
The Hittites: No one of us will refuse.
Abraham: If serious, I would like a plot from Ephron the Hittite.
Ephron: Oh, I won't sell to you, but I will give it as a gift!
Abraham. I insist! I want to pay the price of the land!
Ephron: Well, if you insist. What's 400 silver shekels among friends?
Abraham accepted the offer and paid the sum. Sarah was buried in the cave within the plot from Ephron the Hittite.
There the story ends. This was, and perhaps still is, the normal procedure in the purchase of something in the Mideast, at least it was in my experience. Everyone understood it. The strange procedure to us gives both parties the advantage of appearing generous. Yet, to my mind,
400 silver shekels must have been a large amount of money! But, Abraham was a rich man and all new it. All in all, everyone was satisfied.
In what ways do we inhibit ourselves in order to appear polite? Probably many ways, but one thing does come to my mind.
Over the years, I have been in the habit of sending Christmas letters. Now there are lovely Christmas cards out there; many of which we have purchased and sent. But I have always included my letter within them. These letters were not to just include what our children now number, but to especially show our gratitude and love for the Lord Jesus. You see, I became a Christian as an adult and He is so very important to me and to my life and to my family's lives that I need to express it. But last year one of my more distant relatives seemed distraught regarding our enthusiasm concerning God and wondered if we had become radical.
Meaning, have we gone crazy? Are we now far-righters!
Maybe! Maybe we are a little crazy for Jesus. But we are not talking politics here, are we?
Now, the result of this is I was very careful about those letters this year. I only sent them to those I thought would enjoy a run-down of the kids; folded them, and wrote on the outside: Kids News, if interested..
Cards to us sent after receiving ours said, "We missed your Christmas letter. What's up?"
I guess you can be too careful not to annoy. Red Skelton used to say: "If I dood it I get a whippin'! I dood it anyway!"
Next year, I'm sending an exuberant, joyful, praise-filled letter to all. "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!!" (I don't know who, but somebody said it!!)
Praise you, Jesus! Jo
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