What makes you mad? Some days it seems like most everything is annoying. Even if someone is super nice, it seems to rub the wrong way. My new bible with it's notes at the bottom of each page has really given me some wonderful clues to help me through those annoying times where everything seems to be on the wrong side of right.
The bible has a lot to say about anger, because a lot of people display anger in the bible, and not all of them are justified in doing so. But every once and awhile someone shows a little righteous anger. Yes, there is quite a difference in kinds of anger. Some are not so good, others are. Hear this story I found in Numbers 25.
A man named Phinehas who was the son of a priest named Aaron (Moses' brother) showed real righteous anger to the point that God felt Phinehas was as zealous as He was concerning a group of Israelite men who committed sexual immorality with Midianite women, and worshipped idols with them. The Lord was really angry, but Phinehas took matters into his own hands and killed one of the men with his spear. Phinehas hated the idea that these men dared to disregard the Lord.
Perhaps it is sad that more of us don't suffer from righteous anger, but rather suffer from unjustifiable anger, more easily recognized as selfish anger. How can we know if our anger is justifiable or just plain selfish? The Life Application Study Bible has something to say about anger and also suggests three questions we can ask ourselves: " 1) Why am I angry? 2) Whose rights are being violated (mine or another's)? 3) Is the truth (a principle of God) being violated?... If the truth is at stake, anger is often justified, although violence and retaliation are usually the wrong way to express it. ( Phinehas' case was unique) If we are becoming more and more like God we should be angered by sin."
I know that's a mouthful and may be hard to swallow, but I for one need to swallow every bit of it! I know without examining my anger very far that (I am sad to say) my anger is generally selfish. I hope and pray that I hear God's admonition when...and if...I find myself heated up over something.
I seemed to be an angry child, often using anger to punish someone that wasn't necessarily guilty of anything. I guess my parents hoped I'd grow out of it, but it seemed to be a great way to attack when I felt slighted. Now, it's past time to grow up and out of this bad habit and nasty sin. Won't you pray for me?
I am forever grateful for Christ's Salvation and Love.
Forever Friends?
You bet...Jo
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
LET'S GET UP TO DATE FROM MN!
Greetings, followers! I'm sorry to have ignored these pages for the last few days, but I have been embroiled in private warfare. It has taken days of journaling, and constant awareness, to say nothing of a lot of prayer!
I won't go into it entirely as you would be bored. Suffice it to say, I have had some soul-searching to take care of and some attention given to the God who speaks to us in our minds and hearts. In journaling parts of both the Old and New Testaments in the past week or so, I have recognized that God was speaking to me personally. No, I did not hear His voice, but I felt His presence through what I was reading.
Through my past history, I have tried to amend some of my behavior, because I am quick to anger or take offense. Whether the offense is imagined or un-intended, it didn't matter. My offense was usually present. And there were other things I had not corrected.
When I began to see my actions as not only hurtful to others and to myself, but to God...I had to pay attention. It started innocently enough with journaling the last of my blogs...Give Yourself Away. This taught me to give myself away to friends and family, just like Paul, who wanted to be just like Jesus, who eventually gave all of himself away at the Crucifixion.
Next, I repeated the lesson of thankfulness. I felt compelled to thank God for loving me and forgiving me for the human nature that could become hurtful to others and myself, and bring sadness to God.
Following that day's message, I found I had to ask God to forgive me for the years of shame due to failures which began when I was practically a baby until today. I had never forgiven myself and was filled with old shame and then continued to suffer shame with every new failure. Shame was my middle name. I wrestled with shame and had sorrow in my heart. And then I discovered Psalm 13!
Psalm 13:5,6 helped me to see how God was comforting me through the rigors of changing my life. These words are now written in several places in our home, so that I can quickly find them. They are, for me, a prayer of freedom from hurt and shame. I have not yet memorized them, but I do know where they are written on paper. Said as a prayer to the Lord, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to you, Lord, for you have been good to me."
You may wonder how it is doing the work I need for it to do--giving me the strength to master my inclination to lose my temper because I suspect I am being offended. When I say this prayer to the Lord, I am reminded how good I have it and how good He has always been to me.
Psalm 13 also says in verse 2, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts? And every day have sorrow in my heart?" God knows that I visit this wrestling and this sorrow. And so Psalm 13 continues to tell me, " I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation."
What more can anyone ask for? Love enough to hang on a cross in my place and love enough to return to me the gift of my salvation. It was all in God's plan; all in a day's work!
I look forward to His next lesson...with a glad heart and hopeful mind. And I also look forward to hearing God's reminders that His love can conquer all fear and shame. I'll share if it's what God wants me to do.
Your friend in Christ,
Minnesota Jo
I won't go into it entirely as you would be bored. Suffice it to say, I have had some soul-searching to take care of and some attention given to the God who speaks to us in our minds and hearts. In journaling parts of both the Old and New Testaments in the past week or so, I have recognized that God was speaking to me personally. No, I did not hear His voice, but I felt His presence through what I was reading.
Through my past history, I have tried to amend some of my behavior, because I am quick to anger or take offense. Whether the offense is imagined or un-intended, it didn't matter. My offense was usually present. And there were other things I had not corrected.
When I began to see my actions as not only hurtful to others and to myself, but to God...I had to pay attention. It started innocently enough with journaling the last of my blogs...Give Yourself Away. This taught me to give myself away to friends and family, just like Paul, who wanted to be just like Jesus, who eventually gave all of himself away at the Crucifixion.
Next, I repeated the lesson of thankfulness. I felt compelled to thank God for loving me and forgiving me for the human nature that could become hurtful to others and myself, and bring sadness to God.
Following that day's message, I found I had to ask God to forgive me for the years of shame due to failures which began when I was practically a baby until today. I had never forgiven myself and was filled with old shame and then continued to suffer shame with every new failure. Shame was my middle name. I wrestled with shame and had sorrow in my heart. And then I discovered Psalm 13!
Psalm 13:5,6 helped me to see how God was comforting me through the rigors of changing my life. These words are now written in several places in our home, so that I can quickly find them. They are, for me, a prayer of freedom from hurt and shame. I have not yet memorized them, but I do know where they are written on paper. Said as a prayer to the Lord, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to you, Lord, for you have been good to me."
You may wonder how it is doing the work I need for it to do--giving me the strength to master my inclination to lose my temper because I suspect I am being offended. When I say this prayer to the Lord, I am reminded how good I have it and how good He has always been to me.
Psalm 13 also says in verse 2, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts? And every day have sorrow in my heart?" God knows that I visit this wrestling and this sorrow. And so Psalm 13 continues to tell me, " I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation."
What more can anyone ask for? Love enough to hang on a cross in my place and love enough to return to me the gift of my salvation. It was all in God's plan; all in a day's work!
I look forward to His next lesson...with a glad heart and hopeful mind. And I also look forward to hearing God's reminders that His love can conquer all fear and shame. I'll share if it's what God wants me to do.
Your friend in Christ,
Minnesota Jo
Thursday, February 13, 2014
GIVE YOURSELF AWAY!
I've just finished reading about Paul's missionary work in his final days of traveling around Eastern Europe I so much admire Paul! At his last sermon in the city of Asia called Troas, Paul spoke so long that a young man fell asleep and fell out of a third story window! So Paul occasionally was a bit wordy, somewhat like me. How pleased I would be if I was really like Paul! (Perhaps, my little toe!)
Paul's methods of making a friend, being a friend and bringing that friend to Christ is a method long sought after by many. I know some of them, personally. Some are so very good at it. One person in particular comes to my mind. Her name was Lu and I asked her once how she did it. She said, "I just ask them a lot of questions about themselves." So that's how to make a friend.
Some people really shine when it comes to being a friend. A missionary friend of ours, working overseas, made sure he borrowed something right away from a neighbor. Revealing his need for something he didn't have, gave the neighbor permission to also admit his own needs.
Bringing the friend to Christ is sharing your own need for Christ. And I think some of us find it hard to do that! Paul knew how to do it and really liked doing that very thing. And that's why I admire Paul!
Right now, Jerry and I are leaders of a small group in our church. We have led many groups in the past, but never one this small! Although we hope that it grows a bit, it flows the same as a larger group might flow. Life gives everyone disheartening situations. Our members are no different. In those situations, we all feel a sense of weakness.
Paul said in Acts 20:35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And what do we have to give? Encouragement and prayer.
Paul loved those who belonged to the churches he started. We love those in our small group. We hope those who meet with us will respond to our love. Listening to heart-felt needs, giving comfort, and praying together is love, the epitome of love.
Getting into the habit of sharing and caring with a small group may soon send us over the driveway to the neighbors in our development. How wonderful to build strong relationships with people we yet do not know!
Then we will be able to tell someone that is not churched, perhaps, that the Christian life has its rough times, its tears, and its sorrows, but the joys that are ours in God outweigh life's difficulties, and even help us through them.
Paul was drawn to his work. And although it is foolish and egotistical to compare what we do, Jerry and I were drawn to a church which was starting small groups. Paul was drawn "irrisistibly by the Holy Spirit" (the Study Bible for Acts 20:35). to give himself away for his friends.
Although my own feats cannot be compared to Paul's feats I pray I may follow in Paul's footsteps.
He gave himself away to his friends.
Thanks be to God!
Your friend, Jo
Paul's methods of making a friend, being a friend and bringing that friend to Christ is a method long sought after by many. I know some of them, personally. Some are so very good at it. One person in particular comes to my mind. Her name was Lu and I asked her once how she did it. She said, "I just ask them a lot of questions about themselves." So that's how to make a friend.
Some people really shine when it comes to being a friend. A missionary friend of ours, working overseas, made sure he borrowed something right away from a neighbor. Revealing his need for something he didn't have, gave the neighbor permission to also admit his own needs.
Bringing the friend to Christ is sharing your own need for Christ. And I think some of us find it hard to do that! Paul knew how to do it and really liked doing that very thing. And that's why I admire Paul!
Right now, Jerry and I are leaders of a small group in our church. We have led many groups in the past, but never one this small! Although we hope that it grows a bit, it flows the same as a larger group might flow. Life gives everyone disheartening situations. Our members are no different. In those situations, we all feel a sense of weakness.
Paul said in Acts 20:35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And what do we have to give? Encouragement and prayer.
Paul loved those who belonged to the churches he started. We love those in our small group. We hope those who meet with us will respond to our love. Listening to heart-felt needs, giving comfort, and praying together is love, the epitome of love.
Getting into the habit of sharing and caring with a small group may soon send us over the driveway to the neighbors in our development. How wonderful to build strong relationships with people we yet do not know!
Then we will be able to tell someone that is not churched, perhaps, that the Christian life has its rough times, its tears, and its sorrows, but the joys that are ours in God outweigh life's difficulties, and even help us through them.
Paul was drawn to his work. And although it is foolish and egotistical to compare what we do, Jerry and I were drawn to a church which was starting small groups. Paul was drawn "irrisistibly by the Holy Spirit" (the Study Bible for Acts 20:35). to give himself away for his friends.
Although my own feats cannot be compared to Paul's feats I pray I may follow in Paul's footsteps.
He gave himself away to his friends.
Thanks be to God!
Your friend, Jo
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sometimes it's just hard to keep facts straight about the Christian Life. I kind of look for signs from God to walk straight because I am occasionally confused. The Scripture is a good directional sign. You can read it, study it, inhale it and otherwise learn it in order to keep on the straight and narrow road.
One thing I have need of is a good teaching about the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:1 and 2 gives me the idea that others, too, have needed that teaching.
The Scripture says, "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered "No.""
My Study Bible gives this information: "John, who was the forerunner for Jesus teachings, gave people a baptism of repentance from sin only. These people who were baptized by John believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but they did not understand the significance of his death and resurrection or the work of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a Christian involves turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith). These believers were incomplete.."
It also says, "Pentecost was the formal outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. The other outpourings in the Book of Acts were God's way of uniting new believers to the church." And this next sentence seems to fit what my personal view is as the Holy Spirit's work, "The mark of the true church is not merely right doctrine, but right actions, the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's work."
Right actions is evidence of the Holy Spirit. My actions (and I must take this personally!) are not always right! Does that mean that I do not know the Holy Spirit? No, I think the Holy Spirit knows me very well. He knows me because I do not always check with Him before I act! And it also means that I should connect with Him more frequently!
I am soooooo grateful for God's forgiveness, but I do know that although He has a forgiving spirit, He also has a very good memory! And when I ignore or do not connect with the Holy Spirit before I act, God does remember it.
Having right actions at least sometimes is better than never, I suppose, but I'd like to aim a little higher. I would like to keep in the forefront of my mind the very good idea that the Holy Spirit likes it best if we take risks in treating others with kindness, friendship, and with a sharing of the love Christ has for all.
Taking a risk means to smile and say, "Good morning," to the crabby neighbor who always parks his car in the guests parking space. Taking a risk means sharing a piece of cake with the elderly gentleman across the way. Taking a risk is inviting the woman who lives alone if she needs anything from the store or if she would like to go to church with you. Taking a risk means saying, "I'm sorry," when you've been out of line.
The sermon on Sunday told us, "Look at others through the eyes of Christ!" That's what sounds good to me. Maybe it will be hard to do and maybe I'll forget. But I'll begin to practice it as of today. I'm checking in with the Holy Spirit more often starting right now. How about you?
Lord Jesus, I pray that many more of your people will look for Holy Spirit work and look to the Spirit during ordinary situations. Help me and all others to remember to see others with the Eyes of Christ. I must remember... we are all Perfect in Christ, for we are all forgiven!
Thanks Be To God!
Your friend, Jo...Perfect in Christ!
One thing I have need of is a good teaching about the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:1 and 2 gives me the idea that others, too, have needed that teaching.
The Scripture says, "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered "No.""
My Study Bible gives this information: "John, who was the forerunner for Jesus teachings, gave people a baptism of repentance from sin only. These people who were baptized by John believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but they did not understand the significance of his death and resurrection or the work of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a Christian involves turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith). These believers were incomplete.."
It also says, "Pentecost was the formal outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. The other outpourings in the Book of Acts were God's way of uniting new believers to the church." And this next sentence seems to fit what my personal view is as the Holy Spirit's work, "The mark of the true church is not merely right doctrine, but right actions, the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's work."
Right actions is evidence of the Holy Spirit. My actions (and I must take this personally!) are not always right! Does that mean that I do not know the Holy Spirit? No, I think the Holy Spirit knows me very well. He knows me because I do not always check with Him before I act! And it also means that I should connect with Him more frequently!
I am soooooo grateful for God's forgiveness, but I do know that although He has a forgiving spirit, He also has a very good memory! And when I ignore or do not connect with the Holy Spirit before I act, God does remember it.
Having right actions at least sometimes is better than never, I suppose, but I'd like to aim a little higher. I would like to keep in the forefront of my mind the very good idea that the Holy Spirit likes it best if we take risks in treating others with kindness, friendship, and with a sharing of the love Christ has for all.
Taking a risk means to smile and say, "Good morning," to the crabby neighbor who always parks his car in the guests parking space. Taking a risk means sharing a piece of cake with the elderly gentleman across the way. Taking a risk is inviting the woman who lives alone if she needs anything from the store or if she would like to go to church with you. Taking a risk means saying, "I'm sorry," when you've been out of line.
The sermon on Sunday told us, "Look at others through the eyes of Christ!" That's what sounds good to me. Maybe it will be hard to do and maybe I'll forget. But I'll begin to practice it as of today. I'm checking in with the Holy Spirit more often starting right now. How about you?
Lord Jesus, I pray that many more of your people will look for Holy Spirit work and look to the Spirit during ordinary situations. Help me and all others to remember to see others with the Eyes of Christ. I must remember... we are all Perfect in Christ, for we are all forgiven!
Thanks Be To God!
Your friend, Jo...Perfect in Christ!
Monday, February 10, 2014
A STORY ABOUT JASON AND HOW HE SAVED PAUL
I would like to tell you a story, my reader friend. The story is found in Acts 17 and is about a man named Jason. Jason lived in Thessalonica (emphasis on the I) during the time soon after Jesus Christ was crucified, when people began to believe in His resurrection and appearance as the Son of God. The apostle Paul had been preaching in Thessalonica and had influenced this man, Jason, even when the Jewish priests were not amiable to Paul's preaching.
Jason wanted to help Paul in his ministry and opened the doors of his home so that Paul, Timothy,
and Silas, Paul's working partners, could stay as guests there while they were in Jason's city.
Paul's preaching influenced many others, as well as Jason. Some Jews, God-fearing Greeks and a few prominent women were persuaded. But the temple Jews refused to listen and became so angry with jealousy that they rounded up some bad characters in the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They found out where Paul was staying and rushed to Jason's house. Seeing Paul was not there, they seized Jason, dragged him and his other brothers all the way to the officials of the city, claiming that Jason and the others defied Caesar by saying there was another king, one called Jesus. Turmoil erupted at this, and all, including Jason, were forced to post bond for their "crime" before they were finally let go.
Jason hurried home and he and his brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast to be escorted to Athens while Silas and Timothy were instructed to join him there as soon as possible.
What must the whole ordeal have been like for Jason and his brothers? Obviously, the family believed what Paul and the others preached or they would not have protected them the way they did. Paul and his apostolic friends obviously believed in Jesus as the Christ or they would not have found themselves "out on a Thessalonican limb" as they were. Paul, of course, had many dangerous journeys during his time on earth, and all for the sake of letting the world know about Jesus Christ.
How difficult it must also have been for the Jewish priests to watch and hear these Christian upstarts changing the minds of the persons who have for centuries been idol-worshippers! Their own Jewish rabbis had not influenced them in all these hundreds of years. Jealousy must have burned in their spirits.
However, I for one had not remembered Jason and his brothers although I have read the New Testament and Thessalonica many times. Do you think a movie starring ....who? (I'll let you choose.)would get the point across that Jesus is the Christ of both the Old and New Testaments? No, I guess that has been done.
Frankly, I believe our world today needs something; maybe burning hearts desperate to tell the story of Jesus, just as Paul, Timothy and Silas had. They didn't hide behind a "blog." No, they got right up front in the Jewish temples and gave out the Word, including especially the various places in Scripture where Jesus was prophesized. Yes. But I guess it's going to take millions of prayers to get to the place in this world where more Pauls, and Timothys and Silases are willing to be harassed and beaten for Christ's sake.
There are a few of these people and places today. We call them missionaries and they go to countries where the people are hungry, for both food and for a savior. But mostly, where we need the biggest change is in the countries that have everything. Everything, that is, but faith in Jesus Christ.
I'm hoping that there are a few of you that haven't already skipped the last paragraphs here. And maybe you'll pray along with me:
Lord Jesus, we need to be toughened up so we can be less hesitant to tell others about You. And we hesitate praying for toughness, as we know it may lead to changes. We're kind of adverse to change as it always seems to hurt, even a tiny bit. But the world needs you and we're not so sure how to go about changing it. We are open to suggestions, but you might have to speak really loudly so we don't ignore them. If you think we're up to the job, Lord, just let us know!!
Yours truly...no, Really Truly!
Jo and Readers....(thanks for the help!)
Jason wanted to help Paul in his ministry and opened the doors of his home so that Paul, Timothy,
and Silas, Paul's working partners, could stay as guests there while they were in Jason's city.
Paul's preaching influenced many others, as well as Jason. Some Jews, God-fearing Greeks and a few prominent women were persuaded. But the temple Jews refused to listen and became so angry with jealousy that they rounded up some bad characters in the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They found out where Paul was staying and rushed to Jason's house. Seeing Paul was not there, they seized Jason, dragged him and his other brothers all the way to the officials of the city, claiming that Jason and the others defied Caesar by saying there was another king, one called Jesus. Turmoil erupted at this, and all, including Jason, were forced to post bond for their "crime" before they were finally let go.
Jason hurried home and he and his brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast to be escorted to Athens while Silas and Timothy were instructed to join him there as soon as possible.
What must the whole ordeal have been like for Jason and his brothers? Obviously, the family believed what Paul and the others preached or they would not have protected them the way they did. Paul and his apostolic friends obviously believed in Jesus as the Christ or they would not have found themselves "out on a Thessalonican limb" as they were. Paul, of course, had many dangerous journeys during his time on earth, and all for the sake of letting the world know about Jesus Christ.
How difficult it must also have been for the Jewish priests to watch and hear these Christian upstarts changing the minds of the persons who have for centuries been idol-worshippers! Their own Jewish rabbis had not influenced them in all these hundreds of years. Jealousy must have burned in their spirits.
However, I for one had not remembered Jason and his brothers although I have read the New Testament and Thessalonica many times. Do you think a movie starring ....who? (I'll let you choose.)would get the point across that Jesus is the Christ of both the Old and New Testaments? No, I guess that has been done.
Frankly, I believe our world today needs something; maybe burning hearts desperate to tell the story of Jesus, just as Paul, Timothy and Silas had. They didn't hide behind a "blog." No, they got right up front in the Jewish temples and gave out the Word, including especially the various places in Scripture where Jesus was prophesized. Yes. But I guess it's going to take millions of prayers to get to the place in this world where more Pauls, and Timothys and Silases are willing to be harassed and beaten for Christ's sake.
There are a few of these people and places today. We call them missionaries and they go to countries where the people are hungry, for both food and for a savior. But mostly, where we need the biggest change is in the countries that have everything. Everything, that is, but faith in Jesus Christ.
I'm hoping that there are a few of you that haven't already skipped the last paragraphs here. And maybe you'll pray along with me:
Lord Jesus, we need to be toughened up so we can be less hesitant to tell others about You. And we hesitate praying for toughness, as we know it may lead to changes. We're kind of adverse to change as it always seems to hurt, even a tiny bit. But the world needs you and we're not so sure how to go about changing it. We are open to suggestions, but you might have to speak really loudly so we don't ignore them. If you think we're up to the job, Lord, just let us know!!
Yours truly...no, Really Truly!
Jo and Readers....(thanks for the help!)
Saturday, February 8, 2014
ONLY GOD IS HOLY!
After yesterday's prayer and blog, my journaling led me to Leviticus 9:22 and my study bible said this about it, When Moses and Aaron "came out" of the Tent of Meeting, "they blessed the people and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people." It went on to say, "Often we look for God's glorious acts without concern for following His instructions. Do you serve God in daily routines? Or are you side-stepping your everyday duty to God?"
And I wondered, What is my everyday duty to God?
I had a few answers. For the sake of my husband whom I love, I must show him that I love & cherish him, forgive him and others quickly and lovingly, serve him with love, show willingness to agree, show kindness and support, and look and act my best. And the same goes for any other in our home, at the door, on the phone, in the neighborhood or grocery store.
But for myself, I must keep God's love and His forgiveness always at the forefront of my mind and keep all of this covered with my sincere gratitude and thanksgiving. I must always think of God first, and let Him remind me that self is the least important of all things.
Today, those of you reading, I ask you to pray for me this prayer. Where I say the words I, me, or myself, just insert Jo: Lord Jesus, I am thankful to you for all your provisions for me since the early days of my life and particularly in the gift to me of my husband , Jerry, whom I always knew was a special man. Thank you for all of my children, and for the blessings of your Spirit that you have given each one of us. Thank you for their children and for the gifts they each bring to the family. But, most of all, I thank you for your acceptance of me and your forgiveness of my spiritual weaknesses. May my spirit make room for your Holy Spirit to work within me.....in my Knower. For only You are Holy. Amen
Thanks friend, I will pray now for you and yours: Lord Jesus, thank you for the person who is now reading this. I pray that he or she may know you intimately, to always trust in your love and forgiveness, to know your love deep within, to share that love with all encountered, and to pray always. Amen
Let us always remember, Jesus Christ is LORD.
Thank you, friend, for being a friend in need,
Your friend, Jo
And I wondered, What is my everyday duty to God?
I had a few answers. For the sake of my husband whom I love, I must show him that I love & cherish him, forgive him and others quickly and lovingly, serve him with love, show willingness to agree, show kindness and support, and look and act my best. And the same goes for any other in our home, at the door, on the phone, in the neighborhood or grocery store.
But for myself, I must keep God's love and His forgiveness always at the forefront of my mind and keep all of this covered with my sincere gratitude and thanksgiving. I must always think of God first, and let Him remind me that self is the least important of all things.
Today, those of you reading, I ask you to pray for me this prayer. Where I say the words I, me, or myself, just insert Jo: Lord Jesus, I am thankful to you for all your provisions for me since the early days of my life and particularly in the gift to me of my husband , Jerry, whom I always knew was a special man. Thank you for all of my children, and for the blessings of your Spirit that you have given each one of us. Thank you for their children and for the gifts they each bring to the family. But, most of all, I thank you for your acceptance of me and your forgiveness of my spiritual weaknesses. May my spirit make room for your Holy Spirit to work within me.....in my Knower. For only You are Holy. Amen
Thanks friend, I will pray now for you and yours: Lord Jesus, thank you for the person who is now reading this. I pray that he or she may know you intimately, to always trust in your love and forgiveness, to know your love deep within, to share that love with all encountered, and to pray always. Amen
Let us always remember, Jesus Christ is LORD.
Thank you, friend, for being a friend in need,
Your friend, Jo
Friday, February 7, 2014
WE MAY BE CALLED TO SUFFER
While journaling today, I was called to read Acts 14:19 which says: (The Message)"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead." Could Christians today be treated like that?
One can only hope Christian believers would not be treated like that today.
But would some of us even be recognized as being Christian?
True commitment to Christ, as described in my Study Bible, says, "Being a disciple of Christ calls for true, total commitment. As Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves but to our Lord, for whom we are called to suffer."
I do desire to have a true commitment to Christ, but I may not have one, as I have not suffered. And perhaps, I do not have a true commitment to Christ, as yet. Goodness knows, (And that means God knows),I have a long way to go if Christ desires this for me.
Yet, God has shown me that I belong to the Lord Jesus. I just don't always remember that! So, I have a job to do. I must keep reminding myself, in everything I think and do, that I belong to the Lord Jesus! He died for my many sins and that His love for me and all the world must sustain me and must come first.
I want this in my mind and in my heart, yet somewhere within me I am like the crowds that were stuck adoring the "old gods." And my "old god" is myself.
How can God forgive this? Yet I pray that He does. And I also know that if I am sincere and ask forgiveness, God will and does forgive.
Lord Jesus, I am a terribly self-centered person. So many of my thoughts lead to decisions favorable to myself. I am not a generous person even toward those I love as I am so often busy thinking of myself. Forgive me, I pray, and remind me when I am about to fail to consider others first. Please!
You are everything, Lord, even if one day I may be called t suffer.
Thank you for being My Lord! Your friend, Jo
One can only hope Christian believers would not be treated like that today.
But would some of us even be recognized as being Christian?
True commitment to Christ, as described in my Study Bible, says, "Being a disciple of Christ calls for true, total commitment. As Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves but to our Lord, for whom we are called to suffer."
I do desire to have a true commitment to Christ, but I may not have one, as I have not suffered. And perhaps, I do not have a true commitment to Christ, as yet. Goodness knows, (And that means God knows),I have a long way to go if Christ desires this for me.
Yet, God has shown me that I belong to the Lord Jesus. I just don't always remember that! So, I have a job to do. I must keep reminding myself, in everything I think and do, that I belong to the Lord Jesus! He died for my many sins and that His love for me and all the world must sustain me and must come first.
I want this in my mind and in my heart, yet somewhere within me I am like the crowds that were stuck adoring the "old gods." And my "old god" is myself.
How can God forgive this? Yet I pray that He does. And I also know that if I am sincere and ask forgiveness, God will and does forgive.
Lord Jesus, I am a terribly self-centered person. So many of my thoughts lead to decisions favorable to myself. I am not a generous person even toward those I love as I am so often busy thinking of myself. Forgive me, I pray, and remind me when I am about to fail to consider others first. Please!
You are everything, Lord, even if one day I may be called t suffer.
Thank you for being My Lord! Your friend, Jo
Saturday, February 1, 2014
MY HEART WAS NOT RIGHT BEFORE GOD
You may be wondering about the title of this blog. Well, my heart was not right before God, and I just discovered the truth of it. My heart couldn't quite forgive some hurtful happenings in the past. I said the words of forgiveness, but I never got to the place of forgiveness. I thought I had, strangely enough, forgiven those involved. But, the hurt remained, and I still don't quite know what to do about that.
For a few years, it seemed like I was everyone's pin cushion. No matter what I tried to do, it didn't quite make the grade, and I lost my job, my status, and my good feelings about myself. Now, I have a better understanding of these things, and believe I am free of bitterness, but the timing is off to make reconciliations with people, places and things. So,, whatever I need to do, I need to do it privately....with God. And about that bitterness...I may need to deal with it once again, so here goes.
I've often wondered if I over-estimate my own worth. To some degree, I believe that to be true. For instance, I have a lot of "nerve" to think that anyone would want to read what I have to say. But I came to trust my blogging isn't overconfidence, but the desire to know I'm doing something which may help another find their way to God or into God's service.
I truly see myself as a person who is perfectly imperfect. In other words, I am just as God formed me. And from the time I was a little one, I and others saw my imperfections and dealt with them.
I have always been easily hurt. And if you were to ask a professional, the professional would probably say, " She has a high opinion of herself, therefore, she is easily hurt when others disagree."
And as a child of God, I maybe do have a high opinion of myself. I am His. His Spirit lives in me. And yet that, too, is flawed, for there are times that I think with God's Spirit within me, I can do whatever is asked of me.
The one thing that makes that unlikely is this: Other people equally blessed may not agree that I can do whatever is asked of me. In fact, they may have desired the very task I agreed to take on. Or, they have suspicions that I don't have the faintest idea of how to handle the task I accepted.
Now, I am unsure of how to rid myself of two things: over-appreciating myself just because God is with me and expecting others to find me an excellent choice for the job I'm doing. So, somebody gets hurt, and hurt feelings have a tough job healing.
So, what? I don't really know! But I do know that no one should hang onto those hurts! What we need is another bag for collection each week, one for hurt feelings that are of no value to anyone. And even more than the regular garbage, hurt feelings really smell worse than stinky. Therefore, I want no part of them.
I pray that you, my friend, like me, will know yourself as a person who always needs God for support and encouragement. If you find that in another person, it will probably be a person who also needs God. And I also pray, friend, that you will be open to further teaching..just like me! for I know that is a-coming!
God bless us both that our hearts may always be right with God.
Your friend, Jo
For a few years, it seemed like I was everyone's pin cushion. No matter what I tried to do, it didn't quite make the grade, and I lost my job, my status, and my good feelings about myself. Now, I have a better understanding of these things, and believe I am free of bitterness, but the timing is off to make reconciliations with people, places and things. So,, whatever I need to do, I need to do it privately....with God. And about that bitterness...I may need to deal with it once again, so here goes.
I've often wondered if I over-estimate my own worth. To some degree, I believe that to be true. For instance, I have a lot of "nerve" to think that anyone would want to read what I have to say. But I came to trust my blogging isn't overconfidence, but the desire to know I'm doing something which may help another find their way to God or into God's service.
I truly see myself as a person who is perfectly imperfect. In other words, I am just as God formed me. And from the time I was a little one, I and others saw my imperfections and dealt with them.
I have always been easily hurt. And if you were to ask a professional, the professional would probably say, " She has a high opinion of herself, therefore, she is easily hurt when others disagree."
And as a child of God, I maybe do have a high opinion of myself. I am His. His Spirit lives in me. And yet that, too, is flawed, for there are times that I think with God's Spirit within me, I can do whatever is asked of me.
The one thing that makes that unlikely is this: Other people equally blessed may not agree that I can do whatever is asked of me. In fact, they may have desired the very task I agreed to take on. Or, they have suspicions that I don't have the faintest idea of how to handle the task I accepted.
Now, I am unsure of how to rid myself of two things: over-appreciating myself just because God is with me and expecting others to find me an excellent choice for the job I'm doing. So, somebody gets hurt, and hurt feelings have a tough job healing.
So, what? I don't really know! But I do know that no one should hang onto those hurts! What we need is another bag for collection each week, one for hurt feelings that are of no value to anyone. And even more than the regular garbage, hurt feelings really smell worse than stinky. Therefore, I want no part of them.
I pray that you, my friend, like me, will know yourself as a person who always needs God for support and encouragement. If you find that in another person, it will probably be a person who also needs God. And I also pray, friend, that you will be open to further teaching..just like me! for I know that is a-coming!
God bless us both that our hearts may always be right with God.
Your friend, Jo
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