It's been a trifle busy around here the past few days, but my precious books must always be read. As you may remember, I have quoted from the book JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young in the past, and will fill this blog today with her words from October 30. It kept me going yesterday and I hope it does the same for you today. Remember, her words are said as if it is Jesus speaking to you.
From JESUS CALLING:
"I AM WITH YOU, I am with you, I am with you. Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of my Presence. Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me. Others hear the bells only once or twice in their lifetimes, in rare moments of seeking Me above all else. My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever present Shepherd.
"Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells: I am with you. I am with you. I am with you."
Lovely, huh? She used both Jeremiah 29:12-13 and John 10:14, 27-28 for the truth of Jesus words.
It isn't easy to learn how to be connected with Jesus at all times. It helps when I remember that the Holy Spirit lives within me and knows that I am in need, but I am the one that is responsible for his help by calling on Him. I' m sure there may have been times when God has seen fit to help me when I had not asked for help, but by calling on Him, I can know of His presence and His help. I think that God loves to be asked, for it must reveal to Him our love as well as our need. Think of yourself as a child...Didn't we always know that our mom would help us if we asked? yep! But, it was rare for her to offer help if we hadn't asked, as she would assume we wanted to do it all ourselves. I have a hunch God is much like our moms, at least in this regard.
I have a friend who prays while she vacuums her floors. I know another who prays while she is driving the car. As for me, I use the time to hunker down in a comfy chair. Actually, just recently, my dog took over my "prayer chair." I have been moved to the corner of the sofa. No problem. God is everywhere and anywhere I go.
He does not follow, however. He is always there, right where you are. Right where I am, too.
Keep hangin' in there.
JoINMN
Friday, October 31, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
PAUL'S LIFE, ACT II
We left Paul on the barracks steps where a crowd had gathered below shouting for his arrest. He was speaking to the crowd and telling them who he had been and what he was now wanting to do. He had just explained his history of being an upright Jew and went on to say, "I persecuted both men and women who followed the Way to their death, as the high priest can testify. I was on my way to Damascus to take some people prisoners and bring them back to Jerusalem."
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, "Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting."
My companions saw the light, but heard no voice.
"What shall I do , Lord?" I asked. "Get up," the Lord said, 'and go to Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me."
Paul continued, "A man named Ananias come to me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by the Jews. He stood beside me and said, "Brother Saul, receive your sight!" And at that very moment I was able to see. Then he said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now, what are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on Jesus' name."
"And afterward, Paul said, "The Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' "
The crowd had listened, but they were not satisfied with Paul's righteousness and demanded he be executed. The centurion who held him directed Paul be flogged, but stopped when he realized Paul was a Roman citizen who had not yet been found guilty. Therefore, it would be wrong to flog Paul. The centurion decided Paul should be brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the council of chief priests, to determine his guilt or innocence.
That meeting never was completed as the Jews sought to have Paul killed, and the young centurion, who had become impressed with Paul's story, had Paul spirited away to Caesarea in the night under guard. He was to have a trial before Felix, the Governor.
There, in Caesarea, Paul was a prisoner. And it was years before he got to Rome. But the Sanhedrin was unable to have him killed, so at least his life was saved for future letter writing.
Our Saul, met by our Lord, in spite of Saul's many crimes against Christians, became Paul, and he was not only forgiven, but called to serve Christ throughout his life-time.
The study tells us: "Paul used his times of persecution as an opportunity to witness Christ. Even his enemies created a platform for him and he got opportunity to address some of the Jewish Council and Governor Felix and his guests. over the years. If we, too, are sensitive to the Holy spirit's leading, we will see increased opportunity to share our faith, even in the face of opposition."
Great story, huh? Great it is, and true! Saul became Paul. What might your new name be?
Or mine?
JO INMN
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, "Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting."
My companions saw the light, but heard no voice.
"What shall I do , Lord?" I asked. "Get up," the Lord said, 'and go to Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me."
Paul continued, "A man named Ananias come to me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by the Jews. He stood beside me and said, "Brother Saul, receive your sight!" And at that very moment I was able to see. Then he said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now, what are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on Jesus' name."
"And afterward, Paul said, "The Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' "
The crowd had listened, but they were not satisfied with Paul's righteousness and demanded he be executed. The centurion who held him directed Paul be flogged, but stopped when he realized Paul was a Roman citizen who had not yet been found guilty. Therefore, it would be wrong to flog Paul. The centurion decided Paul should be brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the council of chief priests, to determine his guilt or innocence.
That meeting never was completed as the Jews sought to have Paul killed, and the young centurion, who had become impressed with Paul's story, had Paul spirited away to Caesarea in the night under guard. He was to have a trial before Felix, the Governor.
There, in Caesarea, Paul was a prisoner. And it was years before he got to Rome. But the Sanhedrin was unable to have him killed, so at least his life was saved for future letter writing.
Our Saul, met by our Lord, in spite of Saul's many crimes against Christians, became Paul, and he was not only forgiven, but called to serve Christ throughout his life-time.
The study tells us: "Paul used his times of persecution as an opportunity to witness Christ. Even his enemies created a platform for him and he got opportunity to address some of the Jewish Council and Governor Felix and his guests. over the years. If we, too, are sensitive to the Holy spirit's leading, we will see increased opportunity to share our faith, even in the face of opposition."
Great story, huh? Great it is, and true! Saul became Paul. What might your new name be?
Or mine?
JO INMN
Saturday, October 25, 2014
PAUL'S LIFE IN CHRIST...PART 1
In the past few days we have been looking at Paul and the incredible work he and others did in their lives for Christ. So many times Paul had to come to his own defense. In Acts 22, but beginning at the end of Acts21, Paul was about to be arrested again.
"Paul stood on the steps of the barracks and motioned to the crowd. when they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: "Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense. I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in Jerusalem. Under Gamaliel (a very renowned teacher), I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today."
Study notes: "By saying that at one time he was as zealous for God as any of his listeners, Paul acknowledged their sincere motives behind their desire to kill him and recognized that he would have done the same to Christian leaders a few years earlier. Paul always tried to establish a common point of contact with his audience before launching into a full-scale defense of Christianity." (end study)
When we witness for Christ, we must first identify ourselves with our audience. We are bonded to them by our own imperfections and our many life experiences. But most of all what binds us together is the love Christ has for each of us.
Today's blog is perhaps not a new thought. But, Paul's life can be a great inspiration for any one of us. He had been a known enemy of God's plan by rounding up Christians and jailing them. He was instrumental in the death of Stephen whose martyrdom also is a story waiting to be told. Come Monday, I hope to tell the tale of Paul's New Life and why he was led to partner with so many others in the changing of the world he knew.
He was a true hero, yet a man. But he was truly God's man.
Would that one day it could be said of each of us.
Jo INMN
"Paul stood on the steps of the barracks and motioned to the crowd. when they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: "Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense. I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in Jerusalem. Under Gamaliel (a very renowned teacher), I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today."
Study notes: "By saying that at one time he was as zealous for God as any of his listeners, Paul acknowledged their sincere motives behind their desire to kill him and recognized that he would have done the same to Christian leaders a few years earlier. Paul always tried to establish a common point of contact with his audience before launching into a full-scale defense of Christianity." (end study)
When we witness for Christ, we must first identify ourselves with our audience. We are bonded to them by our own imperfections and our many life experiences. But most of all what binds us together is the love Christ has for each of us.
Today's blog is perhaps not a new thought. But, Paul's life can be a great inspiration for any one of us. He had been a known enemy of God's plan by rounding up Christians and jailing them. He was instrumental in the death of Stephen whose martyrdom also is a story waiting to be told. Come Monday, I hope to tell the tale of Paul's New Life and why he was led to partner with so many others in the changing of the world he knew.
He was a true hero, yet a man. But he was truly God's man.
Would that one day it could be said of each of us.
Jo INMN
Friday, October 24, 2014
FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE WORLD
Paul, in his missionary journeys, went to those countries which today we call the Middle East. Unsettled by war today, at that time many were Roman colonies and there were no restrictions against the missionaries. Paul had a variety of companions: sometimes Luke, a doctor, would accompany him, or Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy and Silas, or Barnabas and John Mark. Many of these people made their own journeys, so the church grew quickly.
Each city had its own synagogue as a rule. Paul preferred to speak first in the synagogues to the ruling Jews, using the Old Testament scriptures with which the Jews were familiar and sacred.Then, Paul would move on to the Old Testament scriptures which announced the coming of Christ, the Messiah. From there, Paul would explain that the Messiah had come, but he was not accepted, had suffered and died, had risen from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of His Father, God.
The book of Isaiah, among others, speaks of how the nation of Israel was given a mission to serve God, but because of sin and rebellion, they failed. God, then sent his son, Christ, as Messiah to fulfill his mission on the earth.
Sometimes, the Jewish leaders would become jealous of the new order and remind Paul that God had given Israel the blessing of being called God's servant. Paul reminded them in return that Jesus was called God's Servant, with a capital S!
All of these men and some women, did their part to reach the multitudes with Christ's message that the world must be renewed. They went as far and as wide as their eras would allow them, and we see this very day that Christians are still to be counted in the Middle East. In the centuries that followed Paul and the others, we have seen much turmoil, wars and fears of war, but there will always be an element of Christ alive throughout the earth. Perhaps, it is not a popular element in the world today, but the fact still remains, "Christ still lives and has His Being" among those who know and love Him.
So count me in as one who knows Him and loves Him! I hope this includes you!
Jo inMN
Each city had its own synagogue as a rule. Paul preferred to speak first in the synagogues to the ruling Jews, using the Old Testament scriptures with which the Jews were familiar and sacred.Then, Paul would move on to the Old Testament scriptures which announced the coming of Christ, the Messiah. From there, Paul would explain that the Messiah had come, but he was not accepted, had suffered and died, had risen from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of His Father, God.
The book of Isaiah, among others, speaks of how the nation of Israel was given a mission to serve God, but because of sin and rebellion, they failed. God, then sent his son, Christ, as Messiah to fulfill his mission on the earth.
Sometimes, the Jewish leaders would become jealous of the new order and remind Paul that God had given Israel the blessing of being called God's servant. Paul reminded them in return that Jesus was called God's Servant, with a capital S!
All of these men and some women, did their part to reach the multitudes with Christ's message that the world must be renewed. They went as far and as wide as their eras would allow them, and we see this very day that Christians are still to be counted in the Middle East. In the centuries that followed Paul and the others, we have seen much turmoil, wars and fears of war, but there will always be an element of Christ alive throughout the earth. Perhaps, it is not a popular element in the world today, but the fact still remains, "Christ still lives and has His Being" among those who know and love Him.
So count me in as one who knows Him and loves Him! I hope this includes you!
Jo inMN
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
THE EARLY CHURCH...O BOY!
The early church had some rough going. A story in Acts 15 tells us this truth. Acts 15:1 says, "Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching, "Unless you are circumcised according to custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
From Acts 15:5,6...Paul and Barnabas went into "sharp dispute and debate" with the men. So, they went up to Jerusalem where they were welcomed by the church. They reported everything God had done through them throughout their travels. But when the subject of circumcision for all believers came up, Peter said, "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles may hear the message of the Gospel and believe. God who knows our hearts, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke (circumcision)? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
James, leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, through Mary and Joseph, judged, "We should not make it difficult for Gentiles turning to God. Instead, abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. You will be well to avoid these things."
All of the teachings of Moses were important to the Jews, but they agreed at least these four things to be important for the new Christians. And the letter containing the news was delivered to Antioch.
Study/ "This letter answered the questions and brought great joy to the Gentile Christians in Antioch. It appeals to the Holy Spirit's guidance and explains what is to be helpful when believers learn to be careful not only in what they say, but also in how they say it. We may be correct in our content. but we can lose our audience by our tone of voice or by our attitude."
So, what I learned from this is this......No church is without disputes. But this one may have destroyed the new church if these men had not met.
It makes me think of the importance of getting wise counsel and following the advice given. However, we must never discount the Holy Spirit who may have an opinion or two, Himself!
Here's to the Church, and to all those who toughed it out to make it a truth. And here's to us, that we may not be frivolous by what it offers to us, or in any way, take the church for granted. Leave it to the people throughout the ages who kept wanting something different. For good or bad, there are lots of churches to choose from out there.
I hope you find one where you feel at home. I have, and I love worshipping with them.
Jo inMN
From Acts 15:5,6...Paul and Barnabas went into "sharp dispute and debate" with the men. So, they went up to Jerusalem where they were welcomed by the church. They reported everything God had done through them throughout their travels. But when the subject of circumcision for all believers came up, Peter said, "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles may hear the message of the Gospel and believe. God who knows our hearts, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke (circumcision)? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
James, leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, through Mary and Joseph, judged, "We should not make it difficult for Gentiles turning to God. Instead, abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. You will be well to avoid these things."
All of the teachings of Moses were important to the Jews, but they agreed at least these four things to be important for the new Christians. And the letter containing the news was delivered to Antioch.
Study/ "This letter answered the questions and brought great joy to the Gentile Christians in Antioch. It appeals to the Holy Spirit's guidance and explains what is to be helpful when believers learn to be careful not only in what they say, but also in how they say it. We may be correct in our content. but we can lose our audience by our tone of voice or by our attitude."
So, what I learned from this is this......No church is without disputes. But this one may have destroyed the new church if these men had not met.
It makes me think of the importance of getting wise counsel and following the advice given. However, we must never discount the Holy Spirit who may have an opinion or two, Himself!
Here's to the Church, and to all those who toughed it out to make it a truth. And here's to us, that we may not be frivolous by what it offers to us, or in any way, take the church for granted. Leave it to the people throughout the ages who kept wanting something different. For good or bad, there are lots of churches to choose from out there.
I hope you find one where you feel at home. I have, and I love worshipping with them.
Jo inMN
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
DON'T WAVE AT THE CROWD TOO ......!
Paul and Barnabas were disciples of Jesus, later called Apostles, those who teach and encourage men and women to trust the Lord and to be obedient to Him. While in the city of Lystra, the two apostles called out to a man with crippled feet who immediately jumped up and began to walk. The people were amazed and wanted to honor Paul and Barnabas by bringing bulls for sacrifice and green wreathes to hang upon their necks, calling them Zeus and Hermes, the names of Roman gods. Paul and Barnabas assured the people they were not gods, but men who have been given the gift of healing by the One and Only God, whose name of earth was Jesus.
Study/ "Only days after the people thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, they stoned Paul and left him for dead. That is human nature. Jesus understood how fickle humans can be. (John 2:24,25) The Son of God knows all about human nature. Jesus was discerning, and he knew the faith of some followers was superficial. But keep your faith firm even when it isn't popular to follow Christ.
After they stoned Paul, he got back up and went into the city to, once again, preach the Good News. That's true commitment! Being a disciple of Christ calls for total commitment. As Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves but to our Lord, for whom we are called to suffer, if asked." (end study)
It is very difficult for me to relate to these apostles. I do not have a gift of healing, although I have prayed for others' healings. I doubt that I could bounce up and go back to the same place where I was stoned to speak to my torturers! I hate unfairness to people, injustice, cruelty and do nothing except get mad! It's a good thing God did not choose me as an apostle! I must learn to listen more to the Holy Spirit within me so that I might know if there is something that I can do.
It seems to me, in much of the New Testament especially in the Acts of the Apostles that the Apostles' biggest enemy was the jealousy which persisted among the Temple Jews toward Jesus' apostles and their healing power. Jealousy can be a horrible thing for a church or community. I have seen it nearly tear apart a small, budding church. It is heart-breaking. We must watch ourselves if that old green monster comes into our thinking, and ask God to take over...right now, please!!
If we help someone, thank God for the idea. If we call someone; thank God for the telephone and the idea. We must be careful to not have a "swollen" idea of our worth.
"God isn't measuring our worth; He is only interested in revealing His worth!" (I can't give an author credit for this statement. Sorry. I have neglected years ago to write down its author. But I like it, so will pass it on to you.)
I promise that I will be glad when someone does a better job at something than I did. And that I will give thanks to God for a person who is chosen for something good, and I have not been chosen. I will not be hurt if I don't win; I will be glad for the winner. An old friend used to say, "Don't wave at the crowd too early!" Because..... It's possible that whatever you've done wasn't done right, anyway!
Counting on you to love our Jesus and to do your best in revealing His worth.
Jo inMN
Study/ "Only days after the people thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, they stoned Paul and left him for dead. That is human nature. Jesus understood how fickle humans can be. (John 2:24,25) The Son of God knows all about human nature. Jesus was discerning, and he knew the faith of some followers was superficial. But keep your faith firm even when it isn't popular to follow Christ.
After they stoned Paul, he got back up and went into the city to, once again, preach the Good News. That's true commitment! Being a disciple of Christ calls for total commitment. As Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves but to our Lord, for whom we are called to suffer, if asked." (end study)
It is very difficult for me to relate to these apostles. I do not have a gift of healing, although I have prayed for others' healings. I doubt that I could bounce up and go back to the same place where I was stoned to speak to my torturers! I hate unfairness to people, injustice, cruelty and do nothing except get mad! It's a good thing God did not choose me as an apostle! I must learn to listen more to the Holy Spirit within me so that I might know if there is something that I can do.
It seems to me, in much of the New Testament especially in the Acts of the Apostles that the Apostles' biggest enemy was the jealousy which persisted among the Temple Jews toward Jesus' apostles and their healing power. Jealousy can be a horrible thing for a church or community. I have seen it nearly tear apart a small, budding church. It is heart-breaking. We must watch ourselves if that old green monster comes into our thinking, and ask God to take over...right now, please!!
If we help someone, thank God for the idea. If we call someone; thank God for the telephone and the idea. We must be careful to not have a "swollen" idea of our worth.
"God isn't measuring our worth; He is only interested in revealing His worth!" (I can't give an author credit for this statement. Sorry. I have neglected years ago to write down its author. But I like it, so will pass it on to you.)
I promise that I will be glad when someone does a better job at something than I did. And that I will give thanks to God for a person who is chosen for something good, and I have not been chosen. I will not be hurt if I don't win; I will be glad for the winner. An old friend used to say, "Don't wave at the crowd too early!" Because..... It's possible that whatever you've done wasn't done right, anyway!
Counting on you to love our Jesus and to do your best in revealing His worth.
Jo inMN
Monday, October 20, 2014
GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME?
There are lots of days when I think I have really got it tough. And, I guess that almost everyone I know goes through the same thoughts. But no one has ever had it as bad as Job, the guy who lost everything! His story is in the Old Testament, and is meant to tell us the truth about ourselves and about God.
As Job's story goes, he was a very rich man who had an abundance of land, livestock, and family. But, most telling about Job was his love for God. So much goodness had come his way, yet Job was always thankful and he thanked God for it
The story finds God in Heaven with the angel, Satan. God is pleased with Job because Job is so grateful and tells Satan that Job is the greatest man in the world, and one who loves God the most.
Well, Satan says, "He wouldn't be so grateful if he had a little pain in his life, I'll bet!" God decided to take Satan's bet and began to take things away from Job. First he took his flocks, then his fields, then his wife and children, and Job was penniless with none of his loved ones to support him. On top of all of this, he became very, very ill, until almost dying.
Three friends came along finding Job without a penny or a person who loved him. And so, they began to tell Job what he had done wrong to cause all of this to happen. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Each one said their piece and Job tried his best to straighten them out. Of course, each one claimed that he must have done something wrong for God to torture him so, but Job began to tire of them telling him what to do. He only wanted God to hear his pleas, and wondered why God did not answer them. Finally, he just wanted to die.
There is a happy ending to this story of Job's life, but you will have to read the book to hear about it. However, there is much in the story to teach us about living today...and tomorrow. This is something of what the study on the book of Job tells us: "In verse Job 6:7, Job said that Eliphaz's advice was like eating the white of an egg. When people are going through severe trials, ill-advised counsel is distasteful. They may listen politely, but inside they are upset. Be slow to give advice to those who are hurting. They often need compassion more than they need advice."
In Chapter 5,verse17, we also see a view of discipline that has been almost forgotten: "Pain can help us grow. These are good words to remember when we face hardship and loss. Because Job did not understand why he suffered, his faith in God had a chance to grow. Also, God does not eliminate all hardship when we are following him closely, and good behavior is not always rewarded by prosperity. Satan's ploy is to get us to doubt God's goodwill toward us."
God is good. He truly is Good. When I was a young woman, and not knowledgeable about God, I did believe one thing about him that proved true. God allows us a lot of room to make mistakes, but He also sends His Spirit to train and lead us to better ways. Perhaps, our life on earth is like a "finishing school." I don't know if they even have these anymore. Perhaps they call them "charm schools". But, Heaven is the real world, the one in which I want to live. Here on earth we are being trained to live, really live, in the heavenly realm with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Just sayin'.........God is really good, and Job? Well, he has been good to us by this teaching! Eh?
Jo inMN
As Job's story goes, he was a very rich man who had an abundance of land, livestock, and family. But, most telling about Job was his love for God. So much goodness had come his way, yet Job was always thankful and he thanked God for it
The story finds God in Heaven with the angel, Satan. God is pleased with Job because Job is so grateful and tells Satan that Job is the greatest man in the world, and one who loves God the most.
Well, Satan says, "He wouldn't be so grateful if he had a little pain in his life, I'll bet!" God decided to take Satan's bet and began to take things away from Job. First he took his flocks, then his fields, then his wife and children, and Job was penniless with none of his loved ones to support him. On top of all of this, he became very, very ill, until almost dying.
Three friends came along finding Job without a penny or a person who loved him. And so, they began to tell Job what he had done wrong to cause all of this to happen. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Each one said their piece and Job tried his best to straighten them out. Of course, each one claimed that he must have done something wrong for God to torture him so, but Job began to tire of them telling him what to do. He only wanted God to hear his pleas, and wondered why God did not answer them. Finally, he just wanted to die.
There is a happy ending to this story of Job's life, but you will have to read the book to hear about it. However, there is much in the story to teach us about living today...and tomorrow. This is something of what the study on the book of Job tells us: "In verse Job 6:7, Job said that Eliphaz's advice was like eating the white of an egg. When people are going through severe trials, ill-advised counsel is distasteful. They may listen politely, but inside they are upset. Be slow to give advice to those who are hurting. They often need compassion more than they need advice."
In Chapter 5,verse17, we also see a view of discipline that has been almost forgotten: "Pain can help us grow. These are good words to remember when we face hardship and loss. Because Job did not understand why he suffered, his faith in God had a chance to grow. Also, God does not eliminate all hardship when we are following him closely, and good behavior is not always rewarded by prosperity. Satan's ploy is to get us to doubt God's goodwill toward us."
God is good. He truly is Good. When I was a young woman, and not knowledgeable about God, I did believe one thing about him that proved true. God allows us a lot of room to make mistakes, but He also sends His Spirit to train and lead us to better ways. Perhaps, our life on earth is like a "finishing school." I don't know if they even have these anymore. Perhaps they call them "charm schools". But, Heaven is the real world, the one in which I want to live. Here on earth we are being trained to live, really live, in the heavenly realm with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Just sayin'.........God is really good, and Job? Well, he has been good to us by this teaching! Eh?
Jo inMN
Saturday, October 18, 2014
...GREATER WORKS THAN THESE........
The last thing I do before sleeping each night is to read the daily devotion from a book called MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, By Oswald Chambers, (1874-1917). The devotion for yesterday, Oct. 17, was so inspiring that I decided it was meant to be shared. For that reason, I am copying the entire devotional. It will be enclosed with quotation marks after this paragraph. Until the final paragraph, each word will be the words of the Updated Edition of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. Thanks to God for this man's work! And Thank you, Oswald Chambers!
THE KEY OF THE GREATER WORK
By Oswald Chambers
"I say to you, he who believes in me...greater works
than these he will do, because I go to my Father." (John 14:12)
"Prayer does not equip us for greater works--prayer is the greater work. Yet we think of prayer as some commonsense exercise of our higher powers that simply prepares us for God's work. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, prayer is the working of the miracle of redemption in me, which produces the miracle of redemption in others, through the power of God. The way fruit remains firm is through prayer, but remember that it is prayer based on the agony of Christ in redemption, not on my own agony. We must go to God as His child,, because only a child gets his prayers answered; a "wise" man does not (see Matthew 11:25)
Prayer is the battle, and it makes no difference where you are. However God may engineer your circumstances, your duty is to pray. Never allow yourself this thought, "I am of no use where I am," because you certainly cannot be used where you have not yet been placed. Wherever God has placed you and whatever your circumstances, you should pray, continually offering up prayers to Him. And He promises, "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do......"(14:13) Yet we refuse to pray unless it thrills or excites us, which is the most intense form of spiritual selfishness. We must learn to work according to God's direction, and He says to pray. "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38).
There is nothing thrilling about a laboring person's work, but it is the laboring person who makes the ideas of the genius possible. And it is the laboring saint who makes the ideas of his Master possible. When you labor at prayer, from God's perspective there are always results. What an astonishment it will be to see, once the veil is finally lifted, all the souls that have been reaped by you, simply because you have been in the habit of taking your orders from Jesus Christ." (end quote)
I hope this will be of value to you. It has been a blessing to Jerry and me to have this book throughout our lives. Most of our children read this book, also, I believe, and many of our friends.
What a wonderful thing if the world would be "turned on" by all of our prayers reaching out to God and finding some hearts and minds never having considered knowing Him before.
Please be with me on this. There are so many who are in need of knowing God, the God who came to earth and died for our sinfulness. Of course, you agree. Do you?
His hope is in us, I believe. Let's not disappoint Him. Me here, you there, together in prayer.
JoINMN
THE KEY OF THE GREATER WORK
By Oswald Chambers
"I say to you, he who believes in me...greater works
than these he will do, because I go to my Father." (John 14:12)
"Prayer does not equip us for greater works--prayer is the greater work. Yet we think of prayer as some commonsense exercise of our higher powers that simply prepares us for God's work. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, prayer is the working of the miracle of redemption in me, which produces the miracle of redemption in others, through the power of God. The way fruit remains firm is through prayer, but remember that it is prayer based on the agony of Christ in redemption, not on my own agony. We must go to God as His child,, because only a child gets his prayers answered; a "wise" man does not (see Matthew 11:25)
Prayer is the battle, and it makes no difference where you are. However God may engineer your circumstances, your duty is to pray. Never allow yourself this thought, "I am of no use where I am," because you certainly cannot be used where you have not yet been placed. Wherever God has placed you and whatever your circumstances, you should pray, continually offering up prayers to Him. And He promises, "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do......"(14:13) Yet we refuse to pray unless it thrills or excites us, which is the most intense form of spiritual selfishness. We must learn to work according to God's direction, and He says to pray. "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38).
There is nothing thrilling about a laboring person's work, but it is the laboring person who makes the ideas of the genius possible. And it is the laboring saint who makes the ideas of his Master possible. When you labor at prayer, from God's perspective there are always results. What an astonishment it will be to see, once the veil is finally lifted, all the souls that have been reaped by you, simply because you have been in the habit of taking your orders from Jesus Christ." (end quote)
I hope this will be of value to you. It has been a blessing to Jerry and me to have this book throughout our lives. Most of our children read this book, also, I believe, and many of our friends.
What a wonderful thing if the world would be "turned on" by all of our prayers reaching out to God and finding some hearts and minds never having considered knowing Him before.
Please be with me on this. There are so many who are in need of knowing God, the God who came to earth and died for our sinfulness. Of course, you agree. Do you?
His hope is in us, I believe. Let's not disappoint Him. Me here, you there, together in prayer.
JoINMN
Thursday, October 16, 2014
AM I WORTHY? WOULD I SUFFER?
Today I have been reading Acts 5 which tells us the story of Peter and the other Disciples who continued to stand in the temple courts daily and teach the people. This totally disturbed the chief priests of the Sanhedrin. Finally, in anger, the priests had the apostles brought before the Sanhedrin. But, Peter said, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right-hand as prince and Savior that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
To go on with the story, the Sanhedrin was furious and wanted to put Peter and the others to death, but a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and honored by the people, stood and addressed the Sanhedrin, telling them that there had been many who had come and claimed to be somebody special, and in due time their popularity had faded away. Continuing, he said, "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." His speech persuaded them.
Peter and the others were flogged, ordered not to speak and then, let go. But strangely, (Acts 5:41)
"the apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing!" They rejoiced! Why? Because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus! They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ!
Study: "This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically abused for their faith. These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God that God had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. If one is mocked or persecuted for his or her faith, it isn't because that one is doing something wrong, but because God has counted you worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus."
I can't add much to what you have just read. But, I can say this: I have never been persecuted or ridiculed for loving and serving the Lord Jesus. In this day and age, most people who do not belong to the Lord are very weary of those who try and convince them of His Beauty, Wonder, and Joy. Most are wary of those who try to "change" them. Some are purely hostile.
I just want to show God's love by being a friend, by being loving to others. When there is an opportunity to do that, I do it. Someday there may come a moment when one of these might say to me, "Why do you care about me so much? Then, I believe, I will be open to tell them.
I thank you, Lord, for that day and I hope I will care about you enough to keep my promise!
May the Lord bless us...the one reading and the one writing!
JOinMN
To go on with the story, the Sanhedrin was furious and wanted to put Peter and the others to death, but a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and honored by the people, stood and addressed the Sanhedrin, telling them that there had been many who had come and claimed to be somebody special, and in due time their popularity had faded away. Continuing, he said, "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." His speech persuaded them.
Peter and the others were flogged, ordered not to speak and then, let go. But strangely, (Acts 5:41)
"the apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing!" They rejoiced! Why? Because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus! They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ!
Study: "This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically abused for their faith. These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God that God had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. If one is mocked or persecuted for his or her faith, it isn't because that one is doing something wrong, but because God has counted you worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus."
I can't add much to what you have just read. But, I can say this: I have never been persecuted or ridiculed for loving and serving the Lord Jesus. In this day and age, most people who do not belong to the Lord are very weary of those who try and convince them of His Beauty, Wonder, and Joy. Most are wary of those who try to "change" them. Some are purely hostile.
I just want to show God's love by being a friend, by being loving to others. When there is an opportunity to do that, I do it. Someday there may come a moment when one of these might say to me, "Why do you care about me so much? Then, I believe, I will be open to tell them.
I thank you, Lord, for that day and I hope I will care about you enough to keep my promise!
May the Lord bless us...the one reading and the one writing!
JOinMN
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
NO PROBLEM IS TOO GREAT FOR GOD
The Jewish Council in Jerusalem were upset with the courage of Peter and John. Peter and John were ordinary men and unschooled yet they had healed a crippled beggar. (Acts Chap.3)They also proclaimed, in Jesus, the resurrection of the dead. Peter and John were seized and jailed. Yet many who heard the message believed, and the number of believers in Jerusalem grew to about 5,000. The Jewish Council continued to be angered by Peter and John and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19,20)
When they were released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the council had said to them. When their friends heard this, together they cried out to God with one united mind for His power and direction in their lives.
Lesson to be remembered: Don't let a problem become overly important. Go to God (nothing is bigger than God), extol His virtues and remember His strength and courage is ours for the asking and with these gifts we can deal with any problem.
Study/ Peter and John's zeal for the Lord was so strong that they could not keep quiet, even when threatened. "Would that our courage would increase. Remember Jesus promise, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven." " Mt.10:32
This verse is one that is worthwhile to have memorized. I have not memorized it, and believe that I must if I am ever to believe that is what Christ wants me to do.
Last week, a neighbor, whose nickname is George, brought back a plate I had sent over to her with a small salad for her to enjoy. She had mentioned once to me that another neighbor who since had moved away often brought her a little left over from their own dinner, as it was known that George didn't like to cook. Her husband had recently passed away and so I had tried to be friendly. But upon the return of the salad plate, George made it very clear that she would not listen to any one who tried to get her to become a Christian--or any other religion. She wanted no part of it. And I froze. That is, my speech died and I froze. I need to trust God with Mt. 10:32 and ask God to clear the way for me. I trust that if God does want me to go against what this woman has asked for, I will need His help.
Peter and John swelled the company of Christians to 5,000 people. Praise God for Peter & John! I cannot get one person to listen! This deserves some prayer...and perhaps some confidence in God, for His words, for His timing, and for His patience. Are you with me?
Between us, let's pray with the zeal of Peter and John that the Lord would not let up or keep quiet re. having the skill, the opportunity, and the joy of speaking for Him. Let's do it!
Oh, may our hearts be true and may our numbers grow!
Jo in MN
When they were released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the council had said to them. When their friends heard this, together they cried out to God with one united mind for His power and direction in their lives.
Lesson to be remembered: Don't let a problem become overly important. Go to God (nothing is bigger than God), extol His virtues and remember His strength and courage is ours for the asking and with these gifts we can deal with any problem.
Study/ Peter and John's zeal for the Lord was so strong that they could not keep quiet, even when threatened. "Would that our courage would increase. Remember Jesus promise, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven." " Mt.10:32
This verse is one that is worthwhile to have memorized. I have not memorized it, and believe that I must if I am ever to believe that is what Christ wants me to do.
Last week, a neighbor, whose nickname is George, brought back a plate I had sent over to her with a small salad for her to enjoy. She had mentioned once to me that another neighbor who since had moved away often brought her a little left over from their own dinner, as it was known that George didn't like to cook. Her husband had recently passed away and so I had tried to be friendly. But upon the return of the salad plate, George made it very clear that she would not listen to any one who tried to get her to become a Christian--or any other religion. She wanted no part of it. And I froze. That is, my speech died and I froze. I need to trust God with Mt. 10:32 and ask God to clear the way for me. I trust that if God does want me to go against what this woman has asked for, I will need His help.
Peter and John swelled the company of Christians to 5,000 people. Praise God for Peter & John! I cannot get one person to listen! This deserves some prayer...and perhaps some confidence in God, for His words, for His timing, and for His patience. Are you with me?
Between us, let's pray with the zeal of Peter and John that the Lord would not let up or keep quiet re. having the skill, the opportunity, and the joy of speaking for Him. Let's do it!
Oh, may our hearts be true and may our numbers grow!
Jo in MN
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF THE LORD
Psalm 1:1,2 says: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Study: "The writer begins his psalm extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule Him. Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways. If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will. This attitude carries the same weight as mocking. Do your friends build up your faith or do they tear it down? True friends should help, not hinder, you to draw closer to God. Remember also, those who diligently try to obey God's will are blessed.
Your can learn how to follow God by meditating on His Word. Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you're living as God wants. Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your daily life. If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what He says.
The "law of the Lord," means the Scriptures: the first 5 books of Moses, the Prophets, and the other writings. The more we know of the whole scope of God's Word, the more resources we will have to guide us in our daily decisions." (end of Study)
There was a couple of years in our lives, when Jerry was in the Navy, when most of our friends were of the Jewish religion. One night all of us went bowling. It just so happened that four Christians were bowling against four Jewish people. We were having an awfully good time, even though none of us were good bowlers! However, one of our friends on the opposite team got a strike! He immediately stretched himself out in the form of a cross, with his head hung to one side onto his shoulder. The other team laughed heartily, but it hurt me to the quick! I have never forgotten that feeling! It was then that I decided to love those friends, but to never expect them to feel or know the love of Jesus Christ any differently until they saw His love through someone else. I was not very mature in my own Christian life at the time, but hurt never-the-less. Today, I will pray for him.
Later, when we had been out of the Navy for years, my spiritual life began to grow. I bought myself a new Bible with four different versions and began my years of study. I didn't have a lot of extra time in those days with four little ones to get ready for school and a good sized house to take care of. So I asked God to give me the time. And He did! Every night at two a.m. I would waken, get up, go downstairs, sit in the chair I called my prayer-chair, open my new Bible and begin reading, underlining, writing in the blank areas, learning and loving every minute of it. In an hour or 45 min. I would close my bible, go upstairs, and go back to bed thanking God for my time out. God loved me enough to show me how to learn!
I never did become the best Christian in the world, but my learning sure helped me be a good mother and a good wife. My time was spent perfectly, and I never felt tired the next day!
I wish--and will pray--that you might have the same ease in learning that I had. But there are many ways to find time to learn. Whenever my husband goes to a garage mechanic, he takes his bible, as there is usually a wait. And today we sit down together at the same time, but do our studies separately. First I pray, then I study, then I decide what I'm going to put in a blog!
And it is you--those of you out there that may not have anyone to encourage them-- you are important to me.
Won't you pray for me? I'm praying for you!
JoINMN
Study: "The writer begins his psalm extolling the joys of obeying God and refusing to listen to those who discredit or ridicule Him. Our friends and associates can have a profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways. If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will. This attitude carries the same weight as mocking. Do your friends build up your faith or do they tear it down? True friends should help, not hinder, you to draw closer to God. Remember also, those who diligently try to obey God's will are blessed.
Your can learn how to follow God by meditating on His Word. Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you're living as God wants. Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your daily life. If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what He says.
The "law of the Lord," means the Scriptures: the first 5 books of Moses, the Prophets, and the other writings. The more we know of the whole scope of God's Word, the more resources we will have to guide us in our daily decisions." (end of Study)
There was a couple of years in our lives, when Jerry was in the Navy, when most of our friends were of the Jewish religion. One night all of us went bowling. It just so happened that four Christians were bowling against four Jewish people. We were having an awfully good time, even though none of us were good bowlers! However, one of our friends on the opposite team got a strike! He immediately stretched himself out in the form of a cross, with his head hung to one side onto his shoulder. The other team laughed heartily, but it hurt me to the quick! I have never forgotten that feeling! It was then that I decided to love those friends, but to never expect them to feel or know the love of Jesus Christ any differently until they saw His love through someone else. I was not very mature in my own Christian life at the time, but hurt never-the-less. Today, I will pray for him.
Later, when we had been out of the Navy for years, my spiritual life began to grow. I bought myself a new Bible with four different versions and began my years of study. I didn't have a lot of extra time in those days with four little ones to get ready for school and a good sized house to take care of. So I asked God to give me the time. And He did! Every night at two a.m. I would waken, get up, go downstairs, sit in the chair I called my prayer-chair, open my new Bible and begin reading, underlining, writing in the blank areas, learning and loving every minute of it. In an hour or 45 min. I would close my bible, go upstairs, and go back to bed thanking God for my time out. God loved me enough to show me how to learn!
I never did become the best Christian in the world, but my learning sure helped me be a good mother and a good wife. My time was spent perfectly, and I never felt tired the next day!
I wish--and will pray--that you might have the same ease in learning that I had. But there are many ways to find time to learn. Whenever my husband goes to a garage mechanic, he takes his bible, as there is usually a wait. And today we sit down together at the same time, but do our studies separately. First I pray, then I study, then I decide what I'm going to put in a blog!
And it is you--those of you out there that may not have anyone to encourage them-- you are important to me.
Won't you pray for me? I'm praying for you!
JoINMN
Monday, October 13, 2014
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Acts 2:7 says, "Utterly amazed, the people asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own language? We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
Study/ "What does this mean? Christianity is not limited to any race or group of people. Christ offers salvation to all people without regard to nationality. The people need not have been surprised to hear the apostles speaking in languages other than their own. God works all kinds of miracles to spread the gospel, using many languages as he calls all kinds of people to become his followers. No matter what your color, race, nationality or language, God speaks to you!" Pray for listeners!"
On this great day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people from all nations came to believe Christ was the Son of God. It is believed that those who heard the Apostles speak returned to their homes filled with God's Spirit and the Spirit caused many more to believe in Christ.
We have spoken before of how each one of us can be re-born in God's Spirit. Christ Himself living in us is available at any moment of need. As we talk with Christ, walk with Christ, and pray to Christ, the Father hears as does the Holy Spirit. All are One and we are one with Him.
What a beautiful day Pentecost must have been! I truthfully can not say that my words or my spirit has ever touched any person's heart or helped them to know God in the way we read about today. But, I can try and I can pray for that to come.
I hope you pray the same for me. And I pray your spirit will reveal God's Spirit to all you meet!
Fondly, JoINMN
Study/ "What does this mean? Christianity is not limited to any race or group of people. Christ offers salvation to all people without regard to nationality. The people need not have been surprised to hear the apostles speaking in languages other than their own. God works all kinds of miracles to spread the gospel, using many languages as he calls all kinds of people to become his followers. No matter what your color, race, nationality or language, God speaks to you!" Pray for listeners!"
On this great day of Pentecost, about 3,000 people from all nations came to believe Christ was the Son of God. It is believed that those who heard the Apostles speak returned to their homes filled with God's Spirit and the Spirit caused many more to believe in Christ.
We have spoken before of how each one of us can be re-born in God's Spirit. Christ Himself living in us is available at any moment of need. As we talk with Christ, walk with Christ, and pray to Christ, the Father hears as does the Holy Spirit. All are One and we are one with Him.
What a beautiful day Pentecost must have been! I truthfully can not say that my words or my spirit has ever touched any person's heart or helped them to know God in the way we read about today. But, I can try and I can pray for that to come.
I hope you pray the same for me. And I pray your spirit will reveal God's Spirit to all you meet!
Fondly, JoINMN
Saturday, October 11, 2014
WALK AND TALK WITH GOD
In Nehemiah Chapter 5 we read more about the re-building of Jerusalem's walls. In spite of much opposition from neighboring cities who were afraid Jerusalem would attempt a war, having new walls behind which they could then retreat, the work did progress. But other nations continued to stir up trouble. Although the workers were fearful, they continued to work, as God told the people to arm themselves. After this, as half the men worked, the other half kept watch for an attack, and all were armed.
But even as the work progressed, the poor men and women of the nation began to cry out for the grain they needed to stay alive. And some had already been enslaved. Nehemiah again went to God and God told him to go to the nobles and officials, as they were the ones who had taken away the fields of those who fed the poor and had sold some of people into slavery. Nehemiah did as he was told and brought agreement to all.
From the very beginning and on to the end of the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah prayed to God for help in each trial. And God answered. And Jerusalem's walls were finally built.
Study/ "You and I may not have Nehemiah's unique abilities or feel we are in a position where we can do anything great for God, but there are two ways we can become useful to God. 1)Be a person who talks to God as Nehemiah did. Welcome God into our thoughts and share ourselves with Him--our concerns, our feelings, and our dreams. 2)Be a person who walks with God. Put what we learn from His Word into action. God may have an "impossible" mission that He wants to do through anyone of us. Or a small task that needs to be done. As we listen, God will speak. And as He speaks, we must listen and obey."
Let's each of us try to do this little "game" for at least one week starting today. As we put dishes in the dishwasher, or wipe them dry, let's talk to God. If we must ask for something, let's tell Him something before we ask again. Tell Him how much we love Him, or thank Him for something that is special to you. For every time we ask for something, let's be sure to thank Him or praise Him for something, so we don't appear greedy. God, I think, would love to hear us praise Him, especially for His son, Jesus.
Are you in it with me? Ohhhhh! I hope so. May we all make walking with and talking to God a habit!
God is soooo good. Yes, He is good all the time. Don't you think Nehemiah would agree?!?
JOinMN
But even as the work progressed, the poor men and women of the nation began to cry out for the grain they needed to stay alive. And some had already been enslaved. Nehemiah again went to God and God told him to go to the nobles and officials, as they were the ones who had taken away the fields of those who fed the poor and had sold some of people into slavery. Nehemiah did as he was told and brought agreement to all.
From the very beginning and on to the end of the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah prayed to God for help in each trial. And God answered. And Jerusalem's walls were finally built.
Study/ "You and I may not have Nehemiah's unique abilities or feel we are in a position where we can do anything great for God, but there are two ways we can become useful to God. 1)Be a person who talks to God as Nehemiah did. Welcome God into our thoughts and share ourselves with Him--our concerns, our feelings, and our dreams. 2)Be a person who walks with God. Put what we learn from His Word into action. God may have an "impossible" mission that He wants to do through anyone of us. Or a small task that needs to be done. As we listen, God will speak. And as He speaks, we must listen and obey."
Let's each of us try to do this little "game" for at least one week starting today. As we put dishes in the dishwasher, or wipe them dry, let's talk to God. If we must ask for something, let's tell Him something before we ask again. Tell Him how much we love Him, or thank Him for something that is special to you. For every time we ask for something, let's be sure to thank Him or praise Him for something, so we don't appear greedy. God, I think, would love to hear us praise Him, especially for His son, Jesus.
Are you in it with me? Ohhhhh! I hope so. May we all make walking with and talking to God a habit!
God is soooo good. Yes, He is good all the time. Don't you think Nehemiah would agree?!?
JOinMN
Friday, October 10, 2014
REBUILDING JERUSALEM'S WALL
Remember a few blogs ago when we read about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem? In the book of Nehemiah we learn about a man who gave up a comfortable life in Persia to return to the homeland of his ancestors to rebuild Jerusalem's wall. He was wise in defensive measures regarding caring for the safety of his people and in keeping the work going smoothly. After the wall was built, Nehemiah read the Books of the Law aloud to his people and brought about the repentance of all.
In Nehemiah, Chapter 3, each man or group of men are listed individually as to who will work on what portion of the wall. For instance, in Neh. Chap.3, Verses 1,2, "Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jerico built the adjoining section, and Zaccur, son of Imri, built next to them."
In this way, the entire wall and each of its gates were rebuilt.
In the Study, we find: "Nehemiah kept his mission a secret and surveyed the walls by moonlight to avoid unhealthy gossip about his arrival and also to prevent enemies from being alerted to his plans. Only after planning carefully would he be ready to go public with his mission from God. He didn't need tedious planning sessions; he needed one plan that would bring quick action.
When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for Him, share the idea with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When one encourages and inspires others, teamwork goes into action to accomplish God's goals."(End Study)
I am thinking of a plan I had for a retreat for the women from our small church. I did the entire thing by myself. Later, I could see how much more the women might have felt it was "their retreat" if I had not tried to do it without help. Sometimes, you make a mistake in judgment and "pay for it." I paid for it,and because I was very busy with other details, the payment came when I realized I had forgotten the grape juice and bread for the communion planned at the end of the day!! The women were forgiving and I thank God for it.
I pray for your brain-power and your common sense in sharing with others your great ideas and thoughts regarding services to God. May you have the same success as Nehemiah had. I know God will be pleased!
And you won't have to pay the piper!
JoinMN
In Nehemiah, Chapter 3, each man or group of men are listed individually as to who will work on what portion of the wall. For instance, in Neh. Chap.3, Verses 1,2, "Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jerico built the adjoining section, and Zaccur, son of Imri, built next to them."
In this way, the entire wall and each of its gates were rebuilt.
In the Study, we find: "Nehemiah kept his mission a secret and surveyed the walls by moonlight to avoid unhealthy gossip about his arrival and also to prevent enemies from being alerted to his plans. Only after planning carefully would he be ready to go public with his mission from God. He didn't need tedious planning sessions; he needed one plan that would bring quick action.
When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for Him, share the idea with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When one encourages and inspires others, teamwork goes into action to accomplish God's goals."(End Study)
I am thinking of a plan I had for a retreat for the women from our small church. I did the entire thing by myself. Later, I could see how much more the women might have felt it was "their retreat" if I had not tried to do it without help. Sometimes, you make a mistake in judgment and "pay for it." I paid for it,and because I was very busy with other details, the payment came when I realized I had forgotten the grape juice and bread for the communion planned at the end of the day!! The women were forgiving and I thank God for it.
I pray for your brain-power and your common sense in sharing with others your great ideas and thoughts regarding services to God. May you have the same success as Nehemiah had. I know God will be pleased!
And you won't have to pay the piper!
JoinMN
Thursday, October 9, 2014
THE PARABLES OF JESUS
One of the things Jesus was known for when He lived on this earth was His parables, and to this day, people often wonder why He spoke in a way few would understand. His reason, I think? If you knew Him, you would be more apt to understand. And He wanted others to know Him. Parables are fictitious stories which reveal important morals in their telling or by being read. Jesus taught His disciples and others as well through parables.
As an example, let's look in the Book of Luke, Chapter 19, and examine a parable about a nobleman who went to a distant land to have himself appointed as a king. He gave each of his ten servants except one a number of coins, but to the one servant he gave only one coin. His request to each of the men was to "put the coins to work and I will assess your work when I return."
When he returned, he called the same servants to him to hear their report on what they had accomplished while he was gone. The first nine men each reported earnings with their coins and each were assigned cities equal to the number of coins they had been given. However, the last servant, when asked how much he had earned, was reluctant to admit he had earned nothing.
"Sir," the servant said, "here is the one coin you gave me. I kept it safe in a piece of cloth. I was afraid I would lose it and you would be angered, as you are a hard man." His master was angry as the servant had not even put the money on deposit so it could earn interest and said, "Take the coin from him and give it to one who has ten coins!"
(And the Bible adds the meaning of this parable:) "To everyone who has, more will be given."
Study/ "God punished the man because: 1) He didn't share his master's interest in the kingdom.
2)He didn't trust his master's intentions. 3) His only concern was for himself. 4) He did nothing to use the money.
Like the king in this story, God has given each of us gifts to use for the benefit of God's kingdom. If we want the kingdom of God to grow, we must trust God to govern it fairly. We must be concerned for others' welfare as we are for our own. We must be willing to use faithfully what He has entrusted to us." (End study notes.)
I assure those reading this that God does not mean for gifts to only be coins and their riches, but rather gifts that we find in the 1st Letter to the Corinthians: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miraculous Powers, Prophecy, Distinguishing between Spirits, Speaking in Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. These riches are to be used for others when the Holy Spirit calls us to use them.
I look forward to the day when God's individuals might seek one of His gifts from Him so it can be used among His people and any other to whom that person may be called.
Once again, God's Word has brought His meaning to us. Thanks be to God!
JoinMN
As an example, let's look in the Book of Luke, Chapter 19, and examine a parable about a nobleman who went to a distant land to have himself appointed as a king. He gave each of his ten servants except one a number of coins, but to the one servant he gave only one coin. His request to each of the men was to "put the coins to work and I will assess your work when I return."
When he returned, he called the same servants to him to hear their report on what they had accomplished while he was gone. The first nine men each reported earnings with their coins and each were assigned cities equal to the number of coins they had been given. However, the last servant, when asked how much he had earned, was reluctant to admit he had earned nothing.
"Sir," the servant said, "here is the one coin you gave me. I kept it safe in a piece of cloth. I was afraid I would lose it and you would be angered, as you are a hard man." His master was angry as the servant had not even put the money on deposit so it could earn interest and said, "Take the coin from him and give it to one who has ten coins!"
(And the Bible adds the meaning of this parable:) "To everyone who has, more will be given."
Study/ "God punished the man because: 1) He didn't share his master's interest in the kingdom.
2)He didn't trust his master's intentions. 3) His only concern was for himself. 4) He did nothing to use the money.
Like the king in this story, God has given each of us gifts to use for the benefit of God's kingdom. If we want the kingdom of God to grow, we must trust God to govern it fairly. We must be concerned for others' welfare as we are for our own. We must be willing to use faithfully what He has entrusted to us." (End study notes.)
I assure those reading this that God does not mean for gifts to only be coins and their riches, but rather gifts that we find in the 1st Letter to the Corinthians: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miraculous Powers, Prophecy, Distinguishing between Spirits, Speaking in Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. These riches are to be used for others when the Holy Spirit calls us to use them.
I look forward to the day when God's individuals might seek one of His gifts from Him so it can be used among His people and any other to whom that person may be called.
Once again, God's Word has brought His meaning to us. Thanks be to God!
JoinMN
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
WHEN CHRIST SHALL COME
Luke 21:35,36 tells us: "For that day will come upon you all those who live on the face of the earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Study: "Jesus tells the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return. Although nearly 2,000yrs. have passed since He spoke these words, their truth remains. Christ is coming again, and we need to watch and be spiritually fit. This means work faithfully at the tasks God has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living, drinking, or the foolish pursuit of pleasure. Don't let life's anxieties overburden you, so that you will be ready to move at God's request."
I believe I might have spoken in another blog about my own self watching the clouds for Christ's return. Perhaps many people do. Yet, I often wonder if I will still be here on this earth when He returns or will my children or their children. No one knows if Christ will return while they are yet alive. But, I hope whomever is still here on this earth, connected to me or not, will be waiting for Christ and Christ will find them still at work for Him, telling His story and reminding others of His incredible love for them.
I also wonder if in the past there seemed to be as many signs of Christ's return as there are now in this day and age. How many other generations have thought the world's events were indicative of His return? Today's events in our world seem to fit a world described in the Book of Luke.
Luke 21:25,26."There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." And other leaders for Christ also made a list of signs of Christ's return: see Matthew 24:26-35 and Mark13:24-31.
I only know with certainty, "Christ is coming again!" May you and I make ready for His return!
Looking forward to that day! See you then!
JoinMN
Study: "Jesus tells the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return. Although nearly 2,000yrs. have passed since He spoke these words, their truth remains. Christ is coming again, and we need to watch and be spiritually fit. This means work faithfully at the tasks God has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living, drinking, or the foolish pursuit of pleasure. Don't let life's anxieties overburden you, so that you will be ready to move at God's request."
I believe I might have spoken in another blog about my own self watching the clouds for Christ's return. Perhaps many people do. Yet, I often wonder if I will still be here on this earth when He returns or will my children or their children. No one knows if Christ will return while they are yet alive. But, I hope whomever is still here on this earth, connected to me or not, will be waiting for Christ and Christ will find them still at work for Him, telling His story and reminding others of His incredible love for them.
I also wonder if in the past there seemed to be as many signs of Christ's return as there are now in this day and age. How many other generations have thought the world's events were indicative of His return? Today's events in our world seem to fit a world described in the Book of Luke.
Luke 21:25,26."There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." And other leaders for Christ also made a list of signs of Christ's return: see Matthew 24:26-35 and Mark13:24-31.
I only know with certainty, "Christ is coming again!" May you and I make ready for His return!
Looking forward to that day! See you then!
JoinMN
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
HELLO AGAIN!
Hi, friend! I'd like to have a discussion here with you, but I know it's impossible, so, I'm going to share a bit from our past Sunday's sermon and hope you find it fruitful. It was to me.
Our wonderful pastor said, "The mystery of life can be solved in both the New and the Old Testament. The Old Testament tells us that we must fall in love with the One who made us, more than with anyone or anything else. Although it is "hidden in plain view" it is within "Hear, O Children of God, love the Lord your God with all your Heart!" And he went on to say, " But, above all, don't miss a love relationship through Jesus!"
He went on to tell us of the many who fell in love with Jesus throughout the New Testament, including the 3,000 or more in one day at Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit took over the huge room that held all those folks from so many lands. But most of all, our pastor told us how to stay in love with Jesus, and that lesson comes from Acts 2: 41-47 Perhaps you can read this on your own as it is too long to type in here.
In that passage Paul tells us we can be taught by the Apostles who were taught by Jesus, by reading the words the disciples wrote in our Bibles, words they used to teach those they met in their travels.
Much of what they taught centered on Christ's love for the world, including you and me.
Secondly, we must have fellowship with Jesus for if we love someone we want to also spend time with him or her. Therefore, we will want to have fellowship with Jesus by having fellowship with other Christians who love Him..
Thirdly, we must worship Jesus, by breaking bread and drinking wine, the essence of Christ.
And finally, we must talk to Jesus in our prayers.
These four things are necessary to fall in love with Jesus and believe in his love for you, without a doubt!
"No one will force you to return Christ's love, but if you want to know the mystery, the truth of His love for you, the joy of life--Fall in love with Jesus! If you do, you will have the greatest love relationship possible in this Life.!"
My thanks to our beloved Pastor, J. S., for his words and thoughts. His words here are in quotes.
And this is me, Jo, thanking you for reading these words today.
JoinMN
Our wonderful pastor said, "The mystery of life can be solved in both the New and the Old Testament. The Old Testament tells us that we must fall in love with the One who made us, more than with anyone or anything else. Although it is "hidden in plain view" it is within "Hear, O Children of God, love the Lord your God with all your Heart!" And he went on to say, " But, above all, don't miss a love relationship through Jesus!"
He went on to tell us of the many who fell in love with Jesus throughout the New Testament, including the 3,000 or more in one day at Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit took over the huge room that held all those folks from so many lands. But most of all, our pastor told us how to stay in love with Jesus, and that lesson comes from Acts 2: 41-47 Perhaps you can read this on your own as it is too long to type in here.
In that passage Paul tells us we can be taught by the Apostles who were taught by Jesus, by reading the words the disciples wrote in our Bibles, words they used to teach those they met in their travels.
Much of what they taught centered on Christ's love for the world, including you and me.
Secondly, we must have fellowship with Jesus for if we love someone we want to also spend time with him or her. Therefore, we will want to have fellowship with Jesus by having fellowship with other Christians who love Him..
Thirdly, we must worship Jesus, by breaking bread and drinking wine, the essence of Christ.
And finally, we must talk to Jesus in our prayers.
These four things are necessary to fall in love with Jesus and believe in his love for you, without a doubt!
"No one will force you to return Christ's love, but if you want to know the mystery, the truth of His love for you, the joy of life--Fall in love with Jesus! If you do, you will have the greatest love relationship possible in this Life.!"
My thanks to our beloved Pastor, J. S., for his words and thoughts. His words here are in quotes.
And this is me, Jo, thanking you for reading these words today.
JoinMN
Saturday, October 4, 2014
LET'S JUST PRAISE THE LORD!
Psalm 150 is a hymn of praise! it is often used as a closing note in a Christian experience for a group or for a group meeting. Let me type out the words for you, dear readers, to this wonderful praise song! Psalm 150: 1-6.
.Praise the Lord.
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him in His acts of power,
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with the harp,
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing,
Praise Him with the strings and flute,
Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
The study of Psalm 150 tells us that "music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship. David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services. (This info found in
1 Chron. 16:4-7) The music must have been loud and joyous as evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders. Music was also important in New Testament worship. (Eph.5:19, Col. 3:16) In verse 6 the study exclaims, "How could the message be more clear;
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"
The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God, a direct encouragement for YOU to praise God, too. Remember to praise Him every day. Also, there are two roads to choose from: the way of life and the way to death. If we chose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and obstacles, joy and grief, successes and failures. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting, and caring. As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, he or she realizes clearly that God's road is the right road. Knowing this will cause us to daily praise God for leading us in the right direction and assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed Him." (The end of the Study portion.)
I hope you have enjoyed the direct words from the Study in spite of its length! It seemed to be better than any words I might have used to make the same suggestions and insights.
The psalms have a special place in the Christian's life. In my Bible, there is a chart of "Where to Get Help when You Need It available for you and me when we are looking for help. We can find help for certain issues among the psalms. Perhaps one day I could make a short list of the most needed help and the psalms that might answer each particular need. (Get moving, Jo!)
But, nevertheless, we can manage each need pretty well by remembering the name and whispering, "Jesus!"
He is with us always!
JoinMN
.Praise the Lord.
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him in His acts of power,
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with the harp,
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing,
Praise Him with the strings and flute,
Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
The study of Psalm 150 tells us that "music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship. David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services. (This info found in
1 Chron. 16:4-7) The music must have been loud and joyous as evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders. Music was also important in New Testament worship. (Eph.5:19, Col. 3:16) In verse 6 the study exclaims, "How could the message be more clear;
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"
The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God, a direct encouragement for YOU to praise God, too. Remember to praise Him every day. Also, there are two roads to choose from: the way of life and the way to death. If we chose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and obstacles, joy and grief, successes and failures. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting, and caring. As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, he or she realizes clearly that God's road is the right road. Knowing this will cause us to daily praise God for leading us in the right direction and assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed Him." (The end of the Study portion.)
I hope you have enjoyed the direct words from the Study in spite of its length! It seemed to be better than any words I might have used to make the same suggestions and insights.
The psalms have a special place in the Christian's life. In my Bible, there is a chart of "Where to Get Help when You Need It available for you and me when we are looking for help. We can find help for certain issues among the psalms. Perhaps one day I could make a short list of the most needed help and the psalms that might answer each particular need. (Get moving, Jo!)
But, nevertheless, we can manage each need pretty well by remembering the name and whispering, "Jesus!"
He is with us always!
JoinMN
Friday, October 3, 2014
NEVER GIVE UP!
In the Old Testament, we read from many writers that the Temple of God in Jerusalem, having been destroyed, was to be restored according to God's desire, but over and over the work was thwarted.
But, in the Book of Ezra, (Chap. 6:1,2), in the first year of King Cyrus of Babylon, he decreed by memorandum that the Temple could be re-built. But the decree had become lost, having been stored away for years. King Darius, in a later reign, had a search done for this memorandum and it was found in a citadel in Media, and it read: " Let the Temple be built...". The then governor had the memorandum carried out "with diligence" and they started to re-build the temple, at last.
Ezra wrote about the temple's rebuilding, and its setbacks and standstills. But the temple was finally re-built and dedicated, with the people from each of the tribes of Israel celebrating and rejoicing. They offered many bulls, rams and goats with proper accord and so the temple was properly celebrated.
The study following these particular chapters of Ezra offers many thoughts and suggestions. From the 4th chapter, the study says, "Discouragement and fear are two of the greatest obstacles to completing God's work, and they come when least expected. Discouragement eats away at our motivation and fear paralyzes us so we don't act at all. Recognize these common barriers.
Remember that God's people--in every age--have found these problems and with God's help over-came them. By standing together with other believers, you can overcome fear and discouragement and complete God's will".
Also, the study added, "Needing to be bold when first questioned, the people had proclaimed, "We are servants of God of heaven and earth" when the governor demanded to know who was attempting to rebuild the temple. This, too, was not easy as speaking up for one's faith in an unbelieving world is most difficult. The way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance to Him must be first, and to people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won't be effective. God is our leader, and His rewards are most important."
The statements you just read, I simply had to include from the study of Ezra. The words were very satisfying and helpful to me and I hope to you. I know I am often troubled by what other people think, and I, repeatedly, have to work it out by suggesting to myself some of the very words I chose to include above.
So, let us not forget whom we serve by our words and actions, and let others know, also, that it is the Lord--only--whom we serve.
I say these words also for myself, and remain your servant and your friend.
JoinMN
But, in the Book of Ezra, (Chap. 6:1,2), in the first year of King Cyrus of Babylon, he decreed by memorandum that the Temple could be re-built. But the decree had become lost, having been stored away for years. King Darius, in a later reign, had a search done for this memorandum and it was found in a citadel in Media, and it read: " Let the Temple be built...". The then governor had the memorandum carried out "with diligence" and they started to re-build the temple, at last.
Ezra wrote about the temple's rebuilding, and its setbacks and standstills. But the temple was finally re-built and dedicated, with the people from each of the tribes of Israel celebrating and rejoicing. They offered many bulls, rams and goats with proper accord and so the temple was properly celebrated.
The study following these particular chapters of Ezra offers many thoughts and suggestions. From the 4th chapter, the study says, "Discouragement and fear are two of the greatest obstacles to completing God's work, and they come when least expected. Discouragement eats away at our motivation and fear paralyzes us so we don't act at all. Recognize these common barriers.
Remember that God's people--in every age--have found these problems and with God's help over-came them. By standing together with other believers, you can overcome fear and discouragement and complete God's will".
Also, the study added, "Needing to be bold when first questioned, the people had proclaimed, "We are servants of God of heaven and earth" when the governor demanded to know who was attempting to rebuild the temple. This, too, was not easy as speaking up for one's faith in an unbelieving world is most difficult. The way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance to Him must be first, and to people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won't be effective. God is our leader, and His rewards are most important."
The statements you just read, I simply had to include from the study of Ezra. The words were very satisfying and helpful to me and I hope to you. I know I am often troubled by what other people think, and I, repeatedly, have to work it out by suggesting to myself some of the very words I chose to include above.
So, let us not forget whom we serve by our words and actions, and let others know, also, that it is the Lord--only--whom we serve.
I say these words also for myself, and remain your servant and your friend.
JoinMN
Thursday, October 2, 2014
HOW SALTY AM I?
In the book of Luke, chapter 15, there is a suggestion that a king that didn't count the cost of war would likely become defeated. And also, in verse 34, we find a suggestion about salt. Strange? Not really strange, but fitting, in the explanation of what makes a Christian. Here's the quote: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" It sounds to me that we, Christians, must have and not lose the same quality that makes salt salty. What would that quality be? It must be an important factor because verse 34 ends with this warning, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
The study helps us understand: "Following Christ, we must carefully count the cost of becoming
Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't be tempted to turn back.,
Also, look at salt. Salt can loses its flavor When it gets wet and then dries nothing is left but a tasteless residue. Many Christians blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing up for Christ. But Jesus says if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, we are to preserve the good in the world, help keep it from spoiling, and bring new flavor to life, and other lives. This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice and unswerving commitment to Christ's kingdom. Being "salty" is not easy, but if a Christian fails in this function, he or she fails to represent Christ in the world."
Wow! Not only must we "count the cost", But we need to ask ourselves, "Am I salty? And am I still salty?"
What was Jesus really like? What did Jesus do that we may be fearful of doing, and therefore, find ourselves coming up short? Let's make a list: Jesus talked to those who were cast-off people. Jesus touched those who needed healing. Jesus spoke out to those who are considered powerful. Jesus told all people he met that they are loved by God. Jesus associated with "sinners", lost people, the unloved, and the despairing. And I am sure Jesus did many other good things that have never been recorded.
Can you and I do these things? Yes we can, but only with the help of God. This I know: consider this blog: I would not have any idea about what to write without the help of God! From the time I pick up my notebook and my Bible, I still have no idea. God tells me what to read by my following the suggestions in my journal, but there are three different passages to consider! Until I finish all three, usually, I have not chosen what to write about. But, then it just pops up before me! This is what I need to pass along to those who read these words. Whatever the reason...I do not know....but it is what God chooses for me today. And what He choses for you, too.
So let us Count the Cost! Let us be full of flavor, Salty, and delicious!
To all the other salt lovers out there....
God loves you!
Jo in MN
The study helps us understand: "Following Christ, we must carefully count the cost of becoming
Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't be tempted to turn back.,
Also, look at salt. Salt can loses its flavor When it gets wet and then dries nothing is left but a tasteless residue. Many Christians blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing up for Christ. But Jesus says if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, we are to preserve the good in the world, help keep it from spoiling, and bring new flavor to life, and other lives. This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice and unswerving commitment to Christ's kingdom. Being "salty" is not easy, but if a Christian fails in this function, he or she fails to represent Christ in the world."
Wow! Not only must we "count the cost", But we need to ask ourselves, "Am I salty? And am I still salty?"
What was Jesus really like? What did Jesus do that we may be fearful of doing, and therefore, find ourselves coming up short? Let's make a list: Jesus talked to those who were cast-off people. Jesus touched those who needed healing. Jesus spoke out to those who are considered powerful. Jesus told all people he met that they are loved by God. Jesus associated with "sinners", lost people, the unloved, and the despairing. And I am sure Jesus did many other good things that have never been recorded.
Can you and I do these things? Yes we can, but only with the help of God. This I know: consider this blog: I would not have any idea about what to write without the help of God! From the time I pick up my notebook and my Bible, I still have no idea. God tells me what to read by my following the suggestions in my journal, but there are three different passages to consider! Until I finish all three, usually, I have not chosen what to write about. But, then it just pops up before me! This is what I need to pass along to those who read these words. Whatever the reason...I do not know....but it is what God chooses for me today. And what He choses for you, too.
So let us Count the Cost! Let us be full of flavor, Salty, and delicious!
To all the other salt lovers out there....
God loves you!
Jo in MN
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
JOY COMES AFTER PAIN
Psalm 126:5,6 reads as follows, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves (of grain) with him." Yes, there is pain in the world, but, never doubt, joy does follow.
The study: "God's ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God's great harvest of joy is coming!"
Life does bring pain. And unfortunately, pain is often remembered longer than the joy that follows, strangely enough. No one wants pain, but it seems to be part of life itself. I know of no one on this earth who has not suffered from some kind of pain. If there does exist someone like this, they will certainly make it into Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Jerry, my husband, and I have been married over 60 years and we have suffered pain and sorrow; and we have been given joy in return after every moment of sorrow. We have suffered through heart attacks, cancer, deaths of those we love, and hardest of all to go through--the pain of addictions. Our eldest daughter suffered from alcoholism and until age 40 when she recognized that she needed help, she had already lost her family and friends. When she got help for herself, she brought her own family much joy, and that joy was also brought to her mom and dad.
We recently had a grandchild that suffered from heroin addiction, but at age 28 is now making great decisions, has a job, and is looking forward to a healthy future and the joy that being healthy brings. I can't really explain how grateful and joyful those who know him have become!
There is no end to the pain of suffering through addiction until the addict looks forward to the future joy that will follow. No one chooses to become addicted, and far too many addictions start when the person is not yet mature enough to truly understand the danger of drugs and any weaknesses that may exist naturally in his or her own personality. It brings my heart much pain when I see young people give in to anything that could create the start of addiction.
I must close with a prayer, "Dear heavenly Father, Bring to the world the strength and desire to bring the problems of addiction to an end. And help those families who are suffering through the problems of addiction to have hope right now. Bring them the answers that they need to help their addict and to help themselves through the trial. Thank you for your Spirit that helps us through our pain and brings us to the joy you promise. AMEN"
Joy Comes In the Morning! Don't forget!
Jo in MN
The study: "God's ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God's great harvest of joy is coming!"
Life does bring pain. And unfortunately, pain is often remembered longer than the joy that follows, strangely enough. No one wants pain, but it seems to be part of life itself. I know of no one on this earth who has not suffered from some kind of pain. If there does exist someone like this, they will certainly make it into Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Jerry, my husband, and I have been married over 60 years and we have suffered pain and sorrow; and we have been given joy in return after every moment of sorrow. We have suffered through heart attacks, cancer, deaths of those we love, and hardest of all to go through--the pain of addictions. Our eldest daughter suffered from alcoholism and until age 40 when she recognized that she needed help, she had already lost her family and friends. When she got help for herself, she brought her own family much joy, and that joy was also brought to her mom and dad.
We recently had a grandchild that suffered from heroin addiction, but at age 28 is now making great decisions, has a job, and is looking forward to a healthy future and the joy that being healthy brings. I can't really explain how grateful and joyful those who know him have become!
There is no end to the pain of suffering through addiction until the addict looks forward to the future joy that will follow. No one chooses to become addicted, and far too many addictions start when the person is not yet mature enough to truly understand the danger of drugs and any weaknesses that may exist naturally in his or her own personality. It brings my heart much pain when I see young people give in to anything that could create the start of addiction.
I must close with a prayer, "Dear heavenly Father, Bring to the world the strength and desire to bring the problems of addiction to an end. And help those families who are suffering through the problems of addiction to have hope right now. Bring them the answers that they need to help their addict and to help themselves through the trial. Thank you for your Spirit that helps us through our pain and brings us to the joy you promise. AMEN"
Joy Comes In the Morning! Don't forget!
Jo in MN
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