Sometime ago I prayed that I might have more of God and His Spirit. Today, 1 Peter 2:19,20 spoke loud and clear. "Put up with it for God's sake when you're badly treated for no good reason. There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God."
As old as I am I have many times been treated unfairly in churches, believe it or not. Sometimes I have left that church and found another only to be discouraged again. After examining my own actions and finding no real error, it has often been hard to continue on serving that church. As I grew older, I became more forgiving, but not after rather a lot of prayer. I am not perfect and am bound to make mistakes. Many mistakes have taught me, but there have been quite a few that left me speechless with wounded pride and wondering what on earth I had done to warrant punishment.
I guess it takes a lot of stings to warn one away from bees. And it probably takes many more stings to love them, especially when you're working toward getting all that honey! And that's what the above verse taught me today.
Being ill-treated? Serve anyway.
Who do you follow? The Lord Jesus. And he suffered from ill-treatment over and over. But He didn't stop serving His Father.
I prayed for more of the Spirit and more of the Son. And I'm getting it! Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I can accept unfair treatment and serve happily. I don't have to think twice if asked, "Who's your Daddy?" The Lord God Almighty!!! Signed, jo
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Heaven--My True Home
In Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 13, the writer is talking about people of faith who "accepted the fact that they were transients in this world...making it plain that they were looking for their true home...heaven country."
I like the title "people of faith." Practicing it a bit, I say, "I am a person of faith, my name is not important, my work not labeled, my living space temporary. I am a person of faith whose home, my true home, is yet to come in the heavenly places." I like the sound of that.
That is not to say that I do not enjoy thoroughly my "transient" life--married to a wonderful man for almost 55 years, had four very special kids of whom I am very proud, ten grand-children and one newly-born great-granddaughter, Scarlet Cordelia Jensen. This is very satisfying. Now, not all of my family are finished, either in number, in status, or in God. But their lives, their transient lives, have only just begun. There is time before they begin to hunger for their own true homes.
I hunger for the heavenly places and God even while I enjoy my temporary status, my place upon this earth. But I thank God for calling me to be a person of faith and all that it entails. And my prayer is that God will grant me more time to be useful to his purpose, whatever that may be, in my last years here on earth.
How about you?
I like the title "people of faith." Practicing it a bit, I say, "I am a person of faith, my name is not important, my work not labeled, my living space temporary. I am a person of faith whose home, my true home, is yet to come in the heavenly places." I like the sound of that.
That is not to say that I do not enjoy thoroughly my "transient" life--married to a wonderful man for almost 55 years, had four very special kids of whom I am very proud, ten grand-children and one newly-born great-granddaughter, Scarlet Cordelia Jensen. This is very satisfying. Now, not all of my family are finished, either in number, in status, or in God. But their lives, their transient lives, have only just begun. There is time before they begin to hunger for their own true homes.
I hunger for the heavenly places and God even while I enjoy my temporary status, my place upon this earth. But I thank God for calling me to be a person of faith and all that it entails. And my prayer is that God will grant me more time to be useful to his purpose, whatever that may be, in my last years here on earth.
How about you?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES FOR DANIEL B.
This scripture is from Hosea 14:8 and I am substituting my precious Dan B.'s name instead of Israel and Ephraim. From the Message and asking the Lord to hear my prayer:
"I, God, will make a fresh start with Daniel B.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
Dan will put down deep oak tree roots,
and become a forest of oaks!
Dan will become splendid-like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near Dan will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain.
Everyone will be talking about Dan and his family,
spreading their fame as the vintage children of God.
Daniel B. is finished with gods that are no-gods.
From now on, I AM the one who answers and satisfies him.
I AM like a luxuriant fruit tree.
Everything you need is to be found in Me.
"I, God, will make a fresh start with Daniel B.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
Dan will put down deep oak tree roots,
and become a forest of oaks!
Dan will become splendid-like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near Dan will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain.
Everyone will be talking about Dan and his family,
spreading their fame as the vintage children of God.
Daniel B. is finished with gods that are no-gods.
From now on, I AM the one who answers and satisfies him.
I AM like a luxuriant fruit tree.
Everything you need is to be found in Me.
Friday, July 3, 2009
May It Be So!
Jude is a small package in our "big book," a bit of beauty which contains a very real and important gift. In verses 20 and 21 it says, "Dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" Wow!
I read those words now, and I realize their wealth, a very real and and important gift to the world. But, I don't remember those words when I feel attacked. Now, what kind of nut thinks any kind of criticism is an attack? My kind, I'm afraid. But, taking it one step at a time, I may just find myself one day on the winning side of this battle.
These verses tell us to build ourselves up in the Lord through His presence. Pray to and with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit's language if you have it. Whether we speak in English or in Martian, God understands a Oneness with the Spirit.
Stay in the center of God's love. Oh, I get dangerous outside of God's love, because the old devil knows my weaknesses and pushes and pushes those buttons! And when I least expect it! Old tricky Nicky, he's always alert to my old stuff. So, how can we know that we're in the center of God's love? Well, when I sense joy, honesty and fruitfulness, and yes, even purity, I know God is very present. Then, too, I want to stretch out my arms toward others and give them the mercy that I know only Jesus can give.
Life is so real and unending when we claim the things of God! And God, may it be so in my life. Signed, jo
I read those words now, and I realize their wealth, a very real and and important gift to the world. But, I don't remember those words when I feel attacked. Now, what kind of nut thinks any kind of criticism is an attack? My kind, I'm afraid. But, taking it one step at a time, I may just find myself one day on the winning side of this battle.
These verses tell us to build ourselves up in the Lord through His presence. Pray to and with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit's language if you have it. Whether we speak in English or in Martian, God understands a Oneness with the Spirit.
Stay in the center of God's love. Oh, I get dangerous outside of God's love, because the old devil knows my weaknesses and pushes and pushes those buttons! And when I least expect it! Old tricky Nicky, he's always alert to my old stuff. So, how can we know that we're in the center of God's love? Well, when I sense joy, honesty and fruitfulness, and yes, even purity, I know God is very present. Then, too, I want to stretch out my arms toward others and give them the mercy that I know only Jesus can give.
Life is so real and unending when we claim the things of God! And God, may it be so in my life. Signed, jo
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Labor Fervently in Prayer
On June eighteenth, I journaled in my personal journal on Col.4:12b, "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (THE MESSAGE)
On June twenty-fifth, my husband, Jerry, and I learned that a precious grandson was abusing drugs. It is a re-occurance and a final straw for the family. I am struck by the need of prayer for him, for his family, for those who have already stuck by him in prayer and given many other kinds of support.
What to do? Is this a matter for tough love? Throw out your beloved son into the street? He has no job, no means of purchase either for food or drugs. Will he resort to criminal activities? Where is God in all of this? This happens to a beloved Christian family who trusts in God for all things.
God is everywhere therefore God must be there, with this young man, and with his family. They may not see God or even feel God's presence, but God is there. And God cares. Patience and faith are there, too, and a love beyond measure.
How can the Body of Christ help? We are called to one thing--we are called to prayer. Indeed, Col.4:12b tells us what to pray for: "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
However long it takes, whatever form it takes, we will always pray with blood, sweat and tears, yes, fervently! that our grandson will one day "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." And that goes for the countless numbers of others with dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Thanks be to God for that "one day," that future day when God's purpose is revealed. Those of you who may read this--may I have your support in this prayer?
On June twenty-fifth, my husband, Jerry, and I learned that a precious grandson was abusing drugs. It is a re-occurance and a final straw for the family. I am struck by the need of prayer for him, for his family, for those who have already stuck by him in prayer and given many other kinds of support.
What to do? Is this a matter for tough love? Throw out your beloved son into the street? He has no job, no means of purchase either for food or drugs. Will he resort to criminal activities? Where is God in all of this? This happens to a beloved Christian family who trusts in God for all things.
God is everywhere therefore God must be there, with this young man, and with his family. They may not see God or even feel God's presence, but God is there. And God cares. Patience and faith are there, too, and a love beyond measure.
How can the Body of Christ help? We are called to one thing--we are called to prayer. Indeed, Col.4:12b tells us what to pray for: "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."
However long it takes, whatever form it takes, we will always pray with blood, sweat and tears, yes, fervently! that our grandson will one day "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." And that goes for the countless numbers of others with dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Thanks be to God for that "one day," that future day when God's purpose is revealed. Those of you who may read this--may I have your support in this prayer?
Monday, June 15, 2009
A New Day--A New Life
We're off! We're just about to leave for the airport on our way to MN! For basically one purpose, to hold in our arms this new life! Part of my new life, and new life for the whole family. Yep! Miss Scarlet Cordelia Jensen has come to stay! Her mom and dad are swell, hilariously happy with her. Her Grandmother Peggy is ecstatic and much relieved after a long time a comin' for Miss Jensen. What a blessing new life is! WE ALL THANK OUR MAKER FOR NEW LIFE!! I hope you see this message and share in our joy!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Oneness With My Lord
Oneness W/God
Ephesians 4:6 tells us in THE MESSAGE that we must have Oneness with Christ, and this Oneness comes from our gift of the Holy Spirit.
I didn't understand too much about the Holy Spirit except that some people could speak in tongues. Figuring that having tongues proved you had the Holy Spirit within you, well, I wanted to speak in tongues. I know, I know, you're thinking that's the wrong motivation for wanting any part of God. I do know that--now. But, I didn't know that--then. Having that gift wouldn't really have been from the Holy Spirit, except by the sin of manipulation, and that didn't occur to me at the time.
Now, I see! And I hope I didn't abuse or thwart the Holy Spirit ! I just want more of God in every way, however and whatever God wants me to have . I trust today that the moment I accepted Christ the Holy Spirit was there. The reason I didn't recognize His Spirit is because my own spirit had not been willing to LEARN. Yep! I hated criticism, just hated being told I don't know something or know it well enough, or anything close to what I thought was rejection in my small mind. So there you have it. True Confessions. Tell me, how could the Holy Spirit have gotten through THAT kind of barrier?
Now, my heart sings knowing it has been plowed with a great big field for the Holy Spirit to work His work! I'm trusting that I am forgiven and that The Holy Spirit is not only there but He has been welcomed! And I'm learning more every day in this new life. May His harvest be a Oneness with my Lord--for all the world to wonder--now how did THAT happen? Signed, jo
Ephesians 4:6 tells us in THE MESSAGE that we must have Oneness with Christ, and this Oneness comes from our gift of the Holy Spirit.
I didn't understand too much about the Holy Spirit except that some people could speak in tongues. Figuring that having tongues proved you had the Holy Spirit within you, well, I wanted to speak in tongues. I know, I know, you're thinking that's the wrong motivation for wanting any part of God. I do know that--now. But, I didn't know that--then. Having that gift wouldn't really have been from the Holy Spirit, except by the sin of manipulation, and that didn't occur to me at the time.
Now, I see! And I hope I didn't abuse or thwart the Holy Spirit ! I just want more of God in every way, however and whatever God wants me to have . I trust today that the moment I accepted Christ the Holy Spirit was there. The reason I didn't recognize His Spirit is because my own spirit had not been willing to LEARN. Yep! I hated criticism, just hated being told I don't know something or know it well enough, or anything close to what I thought was rejection in my small mind. So there you have it. True Confessions. Tell me, how could the Holy Spirit have gotten through THAT kind of barrier?
Now, my heart sings knowing it has been plowed with a great big field for the Holy Spirit to work His work! I'm trusting that I am forgiven and that The Holy Spirit is not only there but He has been welcomed! And I'm learning more every day in this new life. May His harvest be a Oneness with my Lord--for all the world to wonder--now how did THAT happen? Signed, jo
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