Today I'd like to share with you a day's entry that was written for our family's journal over 10 years ago. Jerry wrote it about pride, and it is from the scripture reading of Amos, chapter 6 and verse 8: "The Lord God has said, "I abhor the pride of Jacob (Israel.)" This proves that the primary thing that God hates in humans is our pride. Pride takes God out of the place of centrality and places the human heart, full of ego, in His place, which is the center. Pride speaks loudly as well and says, "Look at what a great job I've done. Look how successful I am, and what power I have!" The scripture again and again stresses the importance of having a humble heart that acknowledges that apart from God, "I am a lost, unholy fake."
"Whenever I begin "to wave at the crowd," God shows me quickly that I'm not in control--He is! Very quickly the rug will be pulled from under my feet and I'll fall flat on my behind--just where God wants me to be. He quickly gets my attention when I feel proud.
"Lord God, Remove from me any sense of personal achievement or pride. Remind me that all the gifts I have are but on loan from you. AMEN"
There are many times in a life, I believe, that one doesn't receive the accolades expected for work done and achievement made, where credit for something we have done is given to someone else, or perhaps, our share in some venture has been ignored. It surely has happened to me! But God's plans for achievements were completed, and that's what is important. The work was done! God is a fair God. And we must believe that the way things are, are the way things were meant to be, for His reasons are His, and we must be glad. God is always fair in what is needed and what He does. Trusting in God is not always easy, nor may it may seem fair, but it is always right! And we must thank Him, always, for all things.
Not all directions for being One with God are easy, but they are right to follow. Keep tabs on that which gets done in HIs name, and rejoice! Loving you,
Jo INMN
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
ALL FOR GOD'S SMILE!
Written in 2006, Jo wrote about God smiling from Ps. 80: 19, (the MESSAGE) which says, "God of the Angel Armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile! That will be our salvation."
"I love the picture of this verse which comes to me when reading Psalm 80, a psalm of salvation! Just imagine! Thousands upon thousands of angels, not too different from you and me, perhaps, white-robed and winged, all in row upon row, surrounding God. God looks (I can't really tell) like a brilliant glow, whiter than the white we know about here on earth and lit like the sun without the sun's heat, but only a curious, loving warmth. Is God smiling? I think he must be smiling, but I can't see God's smile. Our hearts are beating fast, but still.....there is a peace within us. We just know God is smiling.
"You, God, your plan, your love, your restoration of the world--these will be our salvation. And you brought those things to us in the form of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. What can we do but praise you, God, and thank you, forever and ever. Blessed be your name, our God of the Angel Armies, I pray you will not be disappointed with me, and that what I say and what I do will always cause you to smile, a smile of joy. AMEN"
And I feel the same today, twenty years later! But, today I have the privilege of sharing my hope with you, dear readers, that the God of the Angel Armies, Our God, can still smile because of our words and deeds, yours and mine!
Jo INMN
"I love the picture of this verse which comes to me when reading Psalm 80, a psalm of salvation! Just imagine! Thousands upon thousands of angels, not too different from you and me, perhaps, white-robed and winged, all in row upon row, surrounding God. God looks (I can't really tell) like a brilliant glow, whiter than the white we know about here on earth and lit like the sun without the sun's heat, but only a curious, loving warmth. Is God smiling? I think he must be smiling, but I can't see God's smile. Our hearts are beating fast, but still.....there is a peace within us. We just know God is smiling.
"You, God, your plan, your love, your restoration of the world--these will be our salvation. And you brought those things to us in the form of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. What can we do but praise you, God, and thank you, forever and ever. Blessed be your name, our God of the Angel Armies, I pray you will not be disappointed with me, and that what I say and what I do will always cause you to smile, a smile of joy. AMEN"
And I feel the same today, twenty years later! But, today I have the privilege of sharing my hope with you, dear readers, that the God of the Angel Armies, Our God, can still smile because of our words and deeds, yours and mine!
Jo INMN
Saturday, June 27, 2015
PERSECUTED!
On June 27, 2006, Jerry wrote an item called "Persecuted" from 1Tim. 3:12 which reads, "All who want to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Paul had written to his young fellow-servant and believer, Timothy, that all who follow Jesus will be persecuted. Now, why would this be the case? Both in yesteryear and today?
"The scriptures remind us many times that if we are identified with Jesus, just as the world persecuted Him, they will persecute us. How could we expect anything to be different? The powers of Satan in the world don't want people to be told they're going down the wrong path, so power is let loose to persecute Christians. The worldly will love and seek after money. They may become boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, slanderers, haters, haters of good, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.(2 tim. 3:2)
"Without God, one act encourages another, and often, acts spiral down to more abusive acts than before, as that is the way evil seems to work. Only God can stop the spiraling affect by forgiving a repentant spirit.
"If my faith shines the light of Christ on those who follow the darkness of Satan, I can be sure there will be a retaliation to try to destroy me.
"Lord Jesus, Empower me when I am persecuted for you that I may never waver from my faith. Amen."
Wow! I needed to hear this again! It is hard to accept that we, very mortal people, could be dissuaded from loving Christ and to follow darkness. But, who am I but a small little pea in the great big pod of life called the world!
Lord Jesus, I pray for any who read this and for all those who follow you, that we may be so filled with your Spirit that we will not be tempted away from you toward worldliness and its followers. Help us to keep to your path and to venture out of it only to love someone who needs to be loved, helping them, praying for them, and being their friend. Help us to stay in your presence even if we are persecuted for doing what is right. Keep us close to you in right thinking and right doing. In your most Holy Name, Jesus! AMEN
See you tomorrow!
Jo INMN
"The scriptures remind us many times that if we are identified with Jesus, just as the world persecuted Him, they will persecute us. How could we expect anything to be different? The powers of Satan in the world don't want people to be told they're going down the wrong path, so power is let loose to persecute Christians. The worldly will love and seek after money. They may become boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, slanderers, haters, haters of good, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.(2 tim. 3:2)
"Without God, one act encourages another, and often, acts spiral down to more abusive acts than before, as that is the way evil seems to work. Only God can stop the spiraling affect by forgiving a repentant spirit.
"If my faith shines the light of Christ on those who follow the darkness of Satan, I can be sure there will be a retaliation to try to destroy me.
"Lord Jesus, Empower me when I am persecuted for you that I may never waver from my faith. Amen."
Wow! I needed to hear this again! It is hard to accept that we, very mortal people, could be dissuaded from loving Christ and to follow darkness. But, who am I but a small little pea in the great big pod of life called the world!
Lord Jesus, I pray for any who read this and for all those who follow you, that we may be so filled with your Spirit that we will not be tempted away from you toward worldliness and its followers. Help us to keep to your path and to venture out of it only to love someone who needs to be loved, helping them, praying for them, and being their friend. Help us to stay in your presence even if we are persecuted for doing what is right. Keep us close to you in right thinking and right doing. In your most Holy Name, Jesus! AMEN
See you tomorrow!
Jo INMN
Friday, June 26, 2015
OH, TO BE A CHAMPION LOVER!
Jo chose a passage from 2 Timothy 2:25, "Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them and (they will) turn to Him and learn the truth." Today, I made a very childish, un-loving remark to someone at church. Yet, no one scolded or took offense. My remark was met with love and humility. They met my "self"-reaction with Christ-like reactions. I am humbled by their kind spirits and have peace that God showed me a better way through them. I pray that someday I will have the humility and love that was returned to me today in exchange for my selfish remark. I will pray hard, and hope my friends will pray for me, too, for my transformation.
"I was surprised, somehow, when I realized the feelings I had were so unlike Christ's. I thought that work had been done in me, in fact, I thought it had been completed. This just shows me that as a poor human, I will always suffer imperfection. I will always have "a way to go." Therefore, I will start by forgiving myself and being thankful for friends that look the other way and for a God that forgives.
"Oh, God, of small and large miracles, I thank you for friends that forgive. Help me to be transformed in my spirit that I might have kindness and humility towards others. Help me to be a Champion Lover. Amen."
Now, twenty years later, I can honestly say, God does answer prayer, and He does forgive. But, I am still imperfect, and there are times that I still say things that I wish later that I had not. I think fast and sometimes speak before I think how it will sound. My intentions may not be to hurt, but my brain doesn't tell me to....Wait! I pray the Holy Spirit will intervene and I need for this prayer to become a welcome habit...in all circumstances.
Hope and pray things are well with you, and your prayers are guiding your hearts.
Jo INMN
"I was surprised, somehow, when I realized the feelings I had were so unlike Christ's. I thought that work had been done in me, in fact, I thought it had been completed. This just shows me that as a poor human, I will always suffer imperfection. I will always have "a way to go." Therefore, I will start by forgiving myself and being thankful for friends that look the other way and for a God that forgives.
"Oh, God, of small and large miracles, I thank you for friends that forgive. Help me to be transformed in my spirit that I might have kindness and humility towards others. Help me to be a Champion Lover. Amen."
Now, twenty years later, I can honestly say, God does answer prayer, and He does forgive. But, I am still imperfect, and there are times that I still say things that I wish later that I had not. I think fast and sometimes speak before I think how it will sound. My intentions may not be to hurt, but my brain doesn't tell me to....Wait! I pray the Holy Spirit will intervene and I need for this prayer to become a welcome habit...in all circumstances.
Hope and pray things are well with you, and your prayers are guiding your hearts.
Jo INMN
Thursday, June 25, 2015
CHILDREN OF GOD
June 25, 2015. Today is our daughter Lynn's birthday, which she must celebrate with a newly broken arm! And on her birthday in 2004, we were still writing selections for our Children's Journal, and today's was chosen and written by Jerry. He used the words of Joel in Chapter 12, verses 12, 13, and also from 1 Timothy 1:7. "Yet even now (in the midst of national disaster)the Lord says, 'Return to me with all your heart'...for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love..for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love, and of self-discipline."
"The prophet Joel told the people of the nation that God calls them back to Himself and is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, has steadfast love, and relents from punishing. These very traits are what God wants from those who would follow Him. Jesus made clear that we are children of God and since He is our parent, our father and teacher, he will teach us how we are to be and do, to and for others. Paul said that God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of power to be victorious in our lives sharing love and self-discipline. Only through God's abundant grace can the power of the Holy Spirit change us from being self-centered and vindictive, to being people of God , with His characteristics.
"Lord, I thank you that you have called me to be your child. Amen.''
Because we have the Spirit of the Lord within us, if we have asked Him to be in us, we are certain to see changes in our words, how we feel about others who have needs, our actions, our prayers, and our attitudes. What we do and say shows the world that we are His children. When we do not consider the others in our world, both personal world and the world at large, we are not revealing the Spirit of God and therefore need to go back to God in sorrow and shame and ask Him to forgive us, and to teach us once again. God gives us many chances, but our heart will ache more and more if we do not give our all to following Him. Believe me, I have been there, and God has been good to love me through it all. He, however, is not fooling around, and therefore, we must not take advantage of his goodness.
I want to be the person that God calls each of us to be. I have asked Him to be within my person. And I believe He has come, and lives within me, even on this very day.
Jo INMN
"The prophet Joel told the people of the nation that God calls them back to Himself and is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, has steadfast love, and relents from punishing. These very traits are what God wants from those who would follow Him. Jesus made clear that we are children of God and since He is our parent, our father and teacher, he will teach us how we are to be and do, to and for others. Paul said that God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of power to be victorious in our lives sharing love and self-discipline. Only through God's abundant grace can the power of the Holy Spirit change us from being self-centered and vindictive, to being people of God , with His characteristics.
"Lord, I thank you that you have called me to be your child. Amen.''
Because we have the Spirit of the Lord within us, if we have asked Him to be in us, we are certain to see changes in our words, how we feel about others who have needs, our actions, our prayers, and our attitudes. What we do and say shows the world that we are His children. When we do not consider the others in our world, both personal world and the world at large, we are not revealing the Spirit of God and therefore need to go back to God in sorrow and shame and ask Him to forgive us, and to teach us once again. God gives us many chances, but our heart will ache more and more if we do not give our all to following Him. Believe me, I have been there, and God has been good to love me through it all. He, however, is not fooling around, and therefore, we must not take advantage of his goodness.
I want to be the person that God calls each of us to be. I have asked Him to be within my person. And I believe He has come, and lives within me, even on this very day.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH LOVE
The words we chose 10 years ago for our book of journal entries, were words from 1Tim. 6:3, "Anyone who teaches something different disagrees with the correct and Godly teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ." So, it was apparent to try to sort out what is the correct and Godly teaching of our Lord. Luke 10:27 teaches Jesus' words, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And it seems to me that those words captivate Christ's message in a nut shell.
"Paul's rules to Timothy and others are not necessarily Jesus' rules. Paul believed that he knew what Jesus' taught, and he did for the most part. But having his Pharisee's background, he also gave a few rules of his own to the later churches. They may at one time have been very good to follow and at least must be considered today. But, ultimately, we are to follow the life and words of Christ Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Most of the arguments in the church over the years have been a result of some of Paul's words. Again, consider and follow--Jesus.
"God, I pray that my attitude and opinions are not one of pride, arrogance, or being stubborn. Guide my thinking as you do my being and my doing. Amen."
Paul is one of my heroes. Though I admire and respect, and even love him, the words and acts of Jesus are the ones that warm me and challenge me. When I worry or get angry, both a problem for me, I try to remember Jesus, and the love for all that he lived and died for. I try to remember, always, to whisper His name, trusting He will be there, as soon as I let Him in. It is not an easy thing to give up my fight to Him, as my personhood wants to fight to show I am right. But, being right to be "not wrong", is not the kind of "rightness" I truly want to show.
I pray for you, dear reader. God shows me to pray for you, and love you to pieces!
Jo INMN
"Paul's rules to Timothy and others are not necessarily Jesus' rules. Paul believed that he knew what Jesus' taught, and he did for the most part. But having his Pharisee's background, he also gave a few rules of his own to the later churches. They may at one time have been very good to follow and at least must be considered today. But, ultimately, we are to follow the life and words of Christ Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Most of the arguments in the church over the years have been a result of some of Paul's words. Again, consider and follow--Jesus.
"God, I pray that my attitude and opinions are not one of pride, arrogance, or being stubborn. Guide my thinking as you do my being and my doing. Amen."
Paul is one of my heroes. Though I admire and respect, and even love him, the words and acts of Jesus are the ones that warm me and challenge me. When I worry or get angry, both a problem for me, I try to remember Jesus, and the love for all that he lived and died for. I try to remember, always, to whisper His name, trusting He will be there, as soon as I let Him in. It is not an easy thing to give up my fight to Him, as my personhood wants to fight to show I am right. But, being right to be "not wrong", is not the kind of "rightness" I truly want to show.
I pray for you, dear reader. God shows me to pray for you, and love you to pieces!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
PROVIDING FOR OTHERS
No, this is not a request for funds! As much as the title implies, this is my blog for Monday, June 23. Written by Jerry back in 2005, it does teach us "from 1Tim. 5:8 that we do have a responsibility to those whom we have born and placed into this world!" Yep! We know it for we are the ones who have come up with lunch money, tuition, and sometimes help with that first car payment! And it has not always been easy to do it! But, it does tell us what to do in the Bible. " However, it is not Jesus' words that tells us this, but the author of Timothy, most likely Paul who stresses the importance for those who can to care for those of their family to meet their needs. As God's children, He faithfully cares and provides for those who trust in Him. In that same sense, if we have the means, we are to care for, support, pray for, and assist our birth family as well as our Christian family."
"God calls me (Jerry) to not be selfish but to be there for those around me, and to help when times are difficult for them. Lord God, give me a heart that sees and meets the needs of others. Amen."
And as the man's happy wife, I would like to add that Jerry, with God's love, has never hesitated to help our kids and their families, whenever we could. And by God's grace. we have been able to do that without any strain. I thank God for putting this scripture in Jerry's heart and hope this belief continues in our family in the generations to come.
If you are under financial strain, do you know someone that might help? Pray about it; God will guide you.
Jo INMN
"God calls me (Jerry) to not be selfish but to be there for those around me, and to help when times are difficult for them. Lord God, give me a heart that sees and meets the needs of others. Amen."
And as the man's happy wife, I would like to add that Jerry, with God's love, has never hesitated to help our kids and their families, whenever we could. And by God's grace. we have been able to do that without any strain. I thank God for putting this scripture in Jerry's heart and hope this belief continues in our family in the generations to come.
If you are under financial strain, do you know someone that might help? Pray about it; God will guide you.
Jo INMN
Monday, June 22, 2015
HEY! GOD IS IN CHARGE!
On June 21, Jerry wrote the message I would like to use today, June 22. He called it "God In Charge" and it is taken from 2Chr.20:1, 17, 21. "Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude against you, for the battle is not yours, but God's...This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf...for the Lord will be with you...As you go, sing to the Lord and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.'"
"This Scripture is well supported in many places including Jesus' own words We are told to always give thanks to God in all circumstances and to remember the battle is God's not ours. Even when we can't possibly see how a situation will play out, we are to praise God and remember His love is always available for us, if we but call on His Name. God is in charge.--not me! Lord God, I thank you that I can turn over to you all things for your control, not mine. Amen."
I am grateful, too, that Jerry believes in God being in charge. First, that is exactly what I want for us in our lives, too, and secondly, neither one of us is a good being-in-charge- person. And we know it!
We have our own notions on what is workable, but we know only that we can be certain of God's way!
Hope your life is treking along nicely! Stormy day here in MN, weatherwise.
JoINMN
"This Scripture is well supported in many places including Jesus' own words We are told to always give thanks to God in all circumstances and to remember the battle is God's not ours. Even when we can't possibly see how a situation will play out, we are to praise God and remember His love is always available for us, if we but call on His Name. God is in charge.--not me! Lord God, I thank you that I can turn over to you all things for your control, not mine. Amen."
I am grateful, too, that Jerry believes in God being in charge. First, that is exactly what I want for us in our lives, too, and secondly, neither one of us is a good being-in-charge- person. And we know it!
We have our own notions on what is workable, but we know only that we can be certain of God's way!
Hope your life is treking along nicely! Stormy day here in MN, weatherwise.
JoINMN
Saturday, June 20, 2015
I WILL NOT FORGET "RICHARD'S ROOM"
On June 20, 2004 we selected a journal entry called "Richard's Room." It was inspired from 2 Kings 4:10, when a woman respected and loved the prophet Elisha for his goodness and it was suggested by her husband, "Why don't you build him a small room on the flat roof of our house? We can put a bed, a table, and chair, and an oil lamp in it. Then whenever he comes he can stay with us." And they did.
Jerry and I converted an old ramshackle cottage into a wonderful home some years ago, which was located on the St. Croix river, the divider between Minnesota and Wisconsin. We were able to add a gabled roof, creating a second floor with two small bedrooms and a bath. All of our children were grown; two were married with homes of their own.
A very good friend whom we had for dinner in the city many times and was our assistant pastor at our church, happened to be a single, gay man who had no family. He was a wonderfully talented musician who played the piano and sang like Sinatra. As he was saddened by our move to the river and our changing churches, we decided to call one of our upstairs rooms "Richard's Room." He was delighted and came often for R& R on our wonderful river. This blessing came to us and others--all because of Elisha's room!... God thank you for the blessing of your Word and the stories of your prophets of old that energize our lives in these more modern times. And bless Richard as I enjoy this memory. Amen."
No need to add to this great memory. Getting old is not always great, but the memories we have collected are wonderful. I hope you are making happy memories, too.
Jo INMN
Jerry and I converted an old ramshackle cottage into a wonderful home some years ago, which was located on the St. Croix river, the divider between Minnesota and Wisconsin. We were able to add a gabled roof, creating a second floor with two small bedrooms and a bath. All of our children were grown; two were married with homes of their own.
A very good friend whom we had for dinner in the city many times and was our assistant pastor at our church, happened to be a single, gay man who had no family. He was a wonderfully talented musician who played the piano and sang like Sinatra. As he was saddened by our move to the river and our changing churches, we decided to call one of our upstairs rooms "Richard's Room." He was delighted and came often for R& R on our wonderful river. This blessing came to us and others--all because of Elisha's room!... God thank you for the blessing of your Word and the stories of your prophets of old that energize our lives in these more modern times. And bless Richard as I enjoy this memory. Amen."
No need to add to this great memory. Getting old is not always great, but the memories we have collected are wonderful. I hope you are making happy memories, too.
Jo INMN
Friday, June 19, 2015
SAVING SINNERS; WHO? ME?
June 19, 2004 Jerry chose for our Family Journal the following reading from 1 Tim. 1:15,16, 'The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I (Paul) am the foremost. But for that very reason I received God's mercy, so that in me Jesus Christ might make me an example to those who would come to believe in Him for eternal life."
"Paul, although wordy, was a great man of God who acknowledged that he himself was the worst of sinners against Jesus, persecuting men which lead to the deaths of Christ's followers. But even Paul, with God's grace, was saved so that he might proclaim the gospel to all other sinners, both Jew and Gentile.
"Thank you, Jesus, for saving even such a wretch as me! Amen."
And, thank you, Jesus, for saving me, as well, and for countless others over the centuries, and save those, too, the millions who are living without you, just hoping that life will treat them better, or at least, as well as some with whom they are comparing. Humans seem to have a tendency to compare ourselves with others around us. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to see that we are, each one, a sinner, and need you to fulfill our lives in forgiveness and loving kindness. Amen.
Oh, you among the family of God, a known or a forgotten member, be blessed today with the richness of our Lord, who now waits to hear you breathe his name with hope and love.
Jo INMN
"Paul, although wordy, was a great man of God who acknowledged that he himself was the worst of sinners against Jesus, persecuting men which lead to the deaths of Christ's followers. But even Paul, with God's grace, was saved so that he might proclaim the gospel to all other sinners, both Jew and Gentile.
"Thank you, Jesus, for saving even such a wretch as me! Amen."
And, thank you, Jesus, for saving me, as well, and for countless others over the centuries, and save those, too, the millions who are living without you, just hoping that life will treat them better, or at least, as well as some with whom they are comparing. Humans seem to have a tendency to compare ourselves with others around us. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to see that we are, each one, a sinner, and need you to fulfill our lives in forgiveness and loving kindness. Amen.
Oh, you among the family of God, a known or a forgotten member, be blessed today with the richness of our Lord, who now waits to hear you breathe his name with hope and love.
Jo INMN
Thursday, June 18, 2015
OUT WITH THE OLD WAY...IN WITH THE NEW!
On June 18, 2004, Jo wrote from 2:Chr. 19:2 and Col. 4:5,6, the following: "By helping that wicked man Ahab, you have made friends with someone who hates the Lord. Now the Lord God is angry with you....When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the Message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to answer anyone who asks questions."
"What a difference Jesus has made in the true revelation of God! The Old Testament reveals the part of God which becomes angry over man's association with the wicked, knowing that humans are weak and will try to imitate someone stronger, ie. the wicked. The New Testament encourages a care-filled relationship with non-believers. Why? Because Jesus strengthens us with the power of the Holy Spirit, God's Spirit, to not conform to wickedness, but having aligned ourselves with God, He allows us to reveal Himself through us. Those strangers who do not know Christ, just may see Him through us by the power of the Holy Spirit! God no longer has anger toward us, but gratitude, for our willingness to be part of the process God began in the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"God, help me to be a willing vessel to those who do not believe, that they might meet in me your Holy Spirit "head-on" and "heart-filled." Amen"
And I pray this prayer for you as well, that you might meet the Holy Spirit head-on and heart filled!
Jo INMN
"What a difference Jesus has made in the true revelation of God! The Old Testament reveals the part of God which becomes angry over man's association with the wicked, knowing that humans are weak and will try to imitate someone stronger, ie. the wicked. The New Testament encourages a care-filled relationship with non-believers. Why? Because Jesus strengthens us with the power of the Holy Spirit, God's Spirit, to not conform to wickedness, but having aligned ourselves with God, He allows us to reveal Himself through us. Those strangers who do not know Christ, just may see Him through us by the power of the Holy Spirit! God no longer has anger toward us, but gratitude, for our willingness to be part of the process God began in the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"God, help me to be a willing vessel to those who do not believe, that they might meet in me your Holy Spirit "head-on" and "heart-filled." Amen"
And I pray this prayer for you as well, that you might meet the Holy Spirit head-on and heart filled!
Jo INMN
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
BIND US TOGETHER WITIH LOVE
June 17, 2006, Jerry wrote for his journal that which we chose for our book. It is based on the words from Col. 3:2-4, and 14, which says, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are of the earth. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
"In writing these words to the church, Paul is aware of the frailty of human nature. He says, (verse 8), "Don't become angry, wrathful, full of malice or slander or use abusive language. Instead show the love you've received in Jesus Christ which binds us together and heals all wounds and hurts." He says to be, "forgiving always, showing the love and forgiveness Jesus has shown you."
"Whenever the indignant responses well up in me that would tear down another, I need to call to Jesus and proclaim as Jesus did, "Get thee behind me, Satan." Satan is the temporary ruler of this world who encourages double dealing and falsehoods and comes to us to put us to shame, therefore he must be put to death in my life. Only Jesus Christ has the love that binds together and brings healing power. He is the great forgiver. Lord, May I show your love, the love that binds together your body, the church, and the love that we must show to one another, whomever the other may be. Amen."
And so life is, love given and love received, the binding together of God's people in this world. May we begin today to reach outward to those around us who do not know His love. May those, then, begin to see our Lord in everything they do, even when they are trying to hate what they see and encounter, until there is nothing left except that which we know as The Love of Christ Jesus!
Let the war against Satan's power begin and we can all be bound together in Christ Jesus.
JoINMN
"In writing these words to the church, Paul is aware of the frailty of human nature. He says, (verse 8), "Don't become angry, wrathful, full of malice or slander or use abusive language. Instead show the love you've received in Jesus Christ which binds us together and heals all wounds and hurts." He says to be, "forgiving always, showing the love and forgiveness Jesus has shown you."
"Whenever the indignant responses well up in me that would tear down another, I need to call to Jesus and proclaim as Jesus did, "Get thee behind me, Satan." Satan is the temporary ruler of this world who encourages double dealing and falsehoods and comes to us to put us to shame, therefore he must be put to death in my life. Only Jesus Christ has the love that binds together and brings healing power. He is the great forgiver. Lord, May I show your love, the love that binds together your body, the church, and the love that we must show to one another, whomever the other may be. Amen."
And so life is, love given and love received, the binding together of God's people in this world. May we begin today to reach outward to those around us who do not know His love. May those, then, begin to see our Lord in everything they do, even when they are trying to hate what they see and encounter, until there is nothing left except that which we know as The Love of Christ Jesus!
Let the war against Satan's power begin and we can all be bound together in Christ Jesus.
JoINMN
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
PROOF IS IN THE LOVE
On June 16, 2006, Jo provided this entry for the journal we were publishing for our kids and theirs. Found in Col. 2:2, it reads, from THE MESSAGE, "I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery."
"Christ--God's great mystery! I don't remember ever having heard that description of Christ before. But when you think of it, God in human form is amazing. Could God have created a greater act? No. And still many can not visualize God's power.
"No wonder some refuse to believe in Christ because it is without reason to expect a God to become like us, and yet it has been done. What greater mystery has there been or ever will be? None. It would seem to be a fairy tale or fable, like Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, or Spiderman. But there are not tangible works of these, only those of our God. It is our God who weaves love into our lives, giving living proof of His existence. And Jesus Christ who lived on this earth and lived this same love with the people of that time, again showing proof of his Godliness by the history of miracles. As we accept this mystery, we know its truth and can see the proof--in the love that touches our own lives. Thanks be to God. Amen."
I still trust these words, still believe God's power, and still live from day to day knowing God and following Jesus' teachings to the best of my ability. His Spirit directs me and His love protects me, proving I am His. I do not look for other power, for it is not in me. Only His, and He is to thank for it.
Christ! God's great mystery! I love it!
Jo INMN
"Christ--God's great mystery! I don't remember ever having heard that description of Christ before. But when you think of it, God in human form is amazing. Could God have created a greater act? No. And still many can not visualize God's power.
"No wonder some refuse to believe in Christ because it is without reason to expect a God to become like us, and yet it has been done. What greater mystery has there been or ever will be? None. It would seem to be a fairy tale or fable, like Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, or Spiderman. But there are not tangible works of these, only those of our God. It is our God who weaves love into our lives, giving living proof of His existence. And Jesus Christ who lived on this earth and lived this same love with the people of that time, again showing proof of his Godliness by the history of miracles. As we accept this mystery, we know its truth and can see the proof--in the love that touches our own lives. Thanks be to God. Amen."
I still trust these words, still believe God's power, and still live from day to day knowing God and following Jesus' teachings to the best of my ability. His Spirit directs me and His love protects me, proving I am His. I do not look for other power, for it is not in me. Only His, and He is to thank for it.
Christ! God's great mystery! I love it!
Jo INMN
Monday, June 15, 2015
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
We live close to the St. Croix River, and years ago, we had a boat which made our weekends full. I love running water, creeks and rivers whose waters rarely get stagnant. Life seems more peaceful while floating on a river, but living on a boat does not always mean peace! Phil 4:6,7 says, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts, offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand; and this peace will control the way you think and feel."
Years ago I worked with a younger woman who had a great serenity in all she did. I admired that and told her, "I hope to one day have serenity like yours." She laughed, then said, "I doubt that you will ever be serene, Jo!"
I think she was wrong. With God, anything is possible. I do feel serene because I am at peace. Sometimes sure, I still fall over the edge and pass serenity, but there is a great change in me from years ago. I don't mind so much being the "friction" once and awhile for some important reason, but prefer the peace I can emanate to others through prayer and caring.
God, I am thankful to you for fixing my heart upon you, for helping me to see the needs in the spirits of people around me and for helping me to bring your Spirit back into their focus--and my own. Lord, I feel so much joy and blessing for this new peace and trust which will help me to interpret my thoughts and feelings according to your will and purpose. Let my peace flow always to others--like a river, steady and sure, lapping upon shore, after shore, after shore. Amen.
From the St. Croix River country, my heart its home, Loving you,
Jo INMN
Years ago I worked with a younger woman who had a great serenity in all she did. I admired that and told her, "I hope to one day have serenity like yours." She laughed, then said, "I doubt that you will ever be serene, Jo!"
I think she was wrong. With God, anything is possible. I do feel serene because I am at peace. Sometimes sure, I still fall over the edge and pass serenity, but there is a great change in me from years ago. I don't mind so much being the "friction" once and awhile for some important reason, but prefer the peace I can emanate to others through prayer and caring.
God, I am thankful to you for fixing my heart upon you, for helping me to see the needs in the spirits of people around me and for helping me to bring your Spirit back into their focus--and my own. Lord, I feel so much joy and blessing for this new peace and trust which will help me to interpret my thoughts and feelings according to your will and purpose. Let my peace flow always to others--like a river, steady and sure, lapping upon shore, after shore, after shore. Amen.
From the St. Croix River country, my heart its home, Loving you,
Jo INMN
Saturday, June 13, 2015
NO TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
On June 13, 2006 Jerry wrote about Pressing On. Phil.3:12 tells us, "Not that I have already obtained the goal, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me His own." Paul writes to the believers in Philippi to tell them that even though he was their teacher of the way of Christ, he's not "finished" yet. He hasn't reached the goal. He tells them...and us...he and they must always know as long as they have life on this earth they're never going to be done pressing on. If you're not moving forward, you're falling behind. The life in Christ is a continual pushing forward.
"If I ever begin to think that just because I'd retired from my years of secular work, I can also sit back and retire in my Christian faith, Paul would say, "No, you can't stop yet, Jerry." Neither he nor I nor anyone else is ever done--ready to retire and just sit back. Lord Jesus, Keep me from ever thinking, 'Well now, I can just relax, sit back, and smell the roses.' As long as there is life in me, I want to keep pressing on in my faith-walk."
There is no time to stop and smell the roses, for wherever we look there will be work to be done. The lady who lives across the street, George? I need to talk to her, and tell her we missed her this past winter. And, I need to keep praying for her. She does not care for people who try and share their faith, so I could stand having a prayer said for me, too! God can reveal Himself to others without me ever using His name. It's a rainy day; a good day to make some soup and take George a bowlful!
Won't you have a cuppa soup made with love, too?
Jo INMN
"If I ever begin to think that just because I'd retired from my years of secular work, I can also sit back and retire in my Christian faith, Paul would say, "No, you can't stop yet, Jerry." Neither he nor I nor anyone else is ever done--ready to retire and just sit back. Lord Jesus, Keep me from ever thinking, 'Well now, I can just relax, sit back, and smell the roses.' As long as there is life in me, I want to keep pressing on in my faith-walk."
There is no time to stop and smell the roses, for wherever we look there will be work to be done. The lady who lives across the street, George? I need to talk to her, and tell her we missed her this past winter. And, I need to keep praying for her. She does not care for people who try and share their faith, so I could stand having a prayer said for me, too! God can reveal Himself to others without me ever using His name. It's a rainy day; a good day to make some soup and take George a bowlful!
Won't you have a cuppa soup made with love, too?
Jo INMN
Friday, June 12, 2015
GOD WORKS IN US TO GROW
June 12, 2006, I chose to write on Phil. 2:13, "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey Him." Paul, once again is writing to the church he loved in Philippi, and says exactly what he believes.... God is working in them. And He says it to us through the established Bible. Therefore, we are asked to believe what He says, just as those in Philippi.
"And I believe what He says. Yet, I wonder, sometimes, when I look at my own life and the lives of others, 'How do we know that God is at work in me today?' I see changes in others, sometimes, but they are not absolutely changed. How may times do I see myself spaced out by TV, a book, or a game of some kind on the internet, or.... Facebook? And not making myself available to God? I'm sure God does some work in those who love Him in spite of their busyness, but every moment not devoted to God takes away opportunity for God to teach.
"I think of those who say, 'I'm not getting fed spiritually.' Do they ask themselves, 'What then, am I 'eating'? Are they in prayer daily? Do they read God's word daily? Do they look for God in their everyday activities? Do they inventory their lives to see if they are sinning? Forgiving? Whining? Are they supporting God's work? And, by the way, where do I fit into all of this? What about me?
"God, How do I become in charge of my own faith, to work out my own salvation? How do I guarantee in myself and others that belonging to our church is the celebration of the faith-growth God brings us in relationship to how often we make ourselves accessible to You? Help! Amen."
I must admit, I am not so uptight about a guarantee from God anymore. I assume that because I love God, He also loves me, and I will be told, by Him in some way, what I need to do to be more like Him, and what I do not need. I also know that He accepts me as I am, but He loves, also, my attempts to become more like Him. But, I will never be perfect. I am who I am. And God accepts me as I am.
And He accepts you, as you are. And so do I.
Jo INMN
"And I believe what He says. Yet, I wonder, sometimes, when I look at my own life and the lives of others, 'How do we know that God is at work in me today?' I see changes in others, sometimes, but they are not absolutely changed. How may times do I see myself spaced out by TV, a book, or a game of some kind on the internet, or.... Facebook? And not making myself available to God? I'm sure God does some work in those who love Him in spite of their busyness, but every moment not devoted to God takes away opportunity for God to teach.
"I think of those who say, 'I'm not getting fed spiritually.' Do they ask themselves, 'What then, am I 'eating'? Are they in prayer daily? Do they read God's word daily? Do they look for God in their everyday activities? Do they inventory their lives to see if they are sinning? Forgiving? Whining? Are they supporting God's work? And, by the way, where do I fit into all of this? What about me?
"God, How do I become in charge of my own faith, to work out my own salvation? How do I guarantee in myself and others that belonging to our church is the celebration of the faith-growth God brings us in relationship to how often we make ourselves accessible to You? Help! Amen."
I must admit, I am not so uptight about a guarantee from God anymore. I assume that because I love God, He also loves me, and I will be told, by Him in some way, what I need to do to be more like Him, and what I do not need. I also know that He accepts me as I am, but He loves, also, my attempts to become more like Him. But, I will never be perfect. I am who I am. And God accepts me as I am.
And He accepts you, as you are. And so do I.
Jo INMN
Thursday, June 11, 2015
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
On June 11, 2005, Jerry wrote this entry to our journal which we made for our family. It comes from Phil. 1:12 and 18:21, the Apostle Paul saying: "I want you to know, beloved, what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel. What matters is that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false or true motives...For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain."
"Paul makes clear that we are to understand that what really matters in our lives is that we proclaim Jesus Christ born, crucified, and resurrected. He said motive doesn't matter as long as Christ is lifted up and extolled. If you remember, Paul was beaten, flogged, and imprisoned for long periods and yet it actually helped to spread the Gospel message. This was Paul's singular purpose in life to the exclusion of any personal pain or difficulty.
"When I feel overburdened with situations in life, I can look at the experience from God's viewpoint and I can have the assurance that whatever happens to me is unimportant so long as the story of Jesus Christ is heard. We must never waver from that call. My singular focus in life is to always and in all situations proclaim Jesus Christ. Lord, empower me to be bold for you. Amen."
I love copying the words of my husband, knowing that it is his "heart words" that I write. I love it because it is what he teaches, and what I believe, too. It was hard to find a way to "teach" what we believe when we moved to MN at our advanced age. Most of our old friends had either died, or did not want to drive on the busy highways anymore, and that kept them still at a distance, but alive. So,we speak once and awhile by phone. We have attempted meeting with a small group, but many are gone throughout the winter. Our children are very loyal, and stop in with regularity, but they grew up knowing our beliefs and do not need further attention there. So, we found "the blog" and it is only our faith that knows you, and has love for you., but believe me, it is a strong love.
And as love never fails, God, here, too, cannot and will not fail!
Jo INMN
"Paul makes clear that we are to understand that what really matters in our lives is that we proclaim Jesus Christ born, crucified, and resurrected. He said motive doesn't matter as long as Christ is lifted up and extolled. If you remember, Paul was beaten, flogged, and imprisoned for long periods and yet it actually helped to spread the Gospel message. This was Paul's singular purpose in life to the exclusion of any personal pain or difficulty.
"When I feel overburdened with situations in life, I can look at the experience from God's viewpoint and I can have the assurance that whatever happens to me is unimportant so long as the story of Jesus Christ is heard. We must never waver from that call. My singular focus in life is to always and in all situations proclaim Jesus Christ. Lord, empower me to be bold for you. Amen."
I love copying the words of my husband, knowing that it is his "heart words" that I write. I love it because it is what he teaches, and what I believe, too. It was hard to find a way to "teach" what we believe when we moved to MN at our advanced age. Most of our old friends had either died, or did not want to drive on the busy highways anymore, and that kept them still at a distance, but alive. So,we speak once and awhile by phone. We have attempted meeting with a small group, but many are gone throughout the winter. Our children are very loyal, and stop in with regularity, but they grew up knowing our beliefs and do not need further attention there. So, we found "the blog" and it is only our faith that knows you, and has love for you., but believe me, it is a strong love.
And as love never fails, God, here, too, cannot and will not fail!
Jo INMN
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
THE PERFUME OF DEAD FLIES? NOT!
From an entry on June 10, 2004: Eccl. 19:1 "As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." Now what did Solomon mean by that? Well, after thinking about this, I believe Solomon got it exactly right, and he possibly learned it from personal experience! Although he was noted for his wisdom, he has been remembered for his follies!
We have a God who loves us so much that He overlooks and does not remember our follies--those "dead flies"--and we then, are called to overlook these things in one another. Unfortunately, the world holds the church and its individuals responsible for the "dead flies" in our past. We can guess what they are or were--the Crusades, the Inquisition, the church's apathy during the Holocaust, hypocrisy, Sunday morning Christians, and much more. The world sees and remembers the church as flawed, which encourages the world to turn away from God without a bad conscience. So, the Church's follies may outweigh its goodness and righteousness.
It is also true of individuals. No matter how good one is or tries to be, a person is remembered by the "little follies" he or she creates from being away from our Lord, as we tend to forget that Jesus leads our way. The smell of "dead fly" covers up the good and right conveyed by the love of Jesus.
God, May my "dead-flies-stink" be detected by those around me who have a tolerant eye, and may I remember my own follies and be gracious when the odor is from another. Help us to have the tolerance and love that comes from you, like the sweet smell of violets. Amen.
May your life be filled with the smell of violets, and your hours reveal the touch of Jesus.
Jo INMN
We have a God who loves us so much that He overlooks and does not remember our follies--those "dead flies"--and we then, are called to overlook these things in one another. Unfortunately, the world holds the church and its individuals responsible for the "dead flies" in our past. We can guess what they are or were--the Crusades, the Inquisition, the church's apathy during the Holocaust, hypocrisy, Sunday morning Christians, and much more. The world sees and remembers the church as flawed, which encourages the world to turn away from God without a bad conscience. So, the Church's follies may outweigh its goodness and righteousness.
It is also true of individuals. No matter how good one is or tries to be, a person is remembered by the "little follies" he or she creates from being away from our Lord, as we tend to forget that Jesus leads our way. The smell of "dead fly" covers up the good and right conveyed by the love of Jesus.
God, May my "dead-flies-stink" be detected by those around me who have a tolerant eye, and may I remember my own follies and be gracious when the odor is from another. Help us to have the tolerance and love that comes from you, like the sweet smell of violets. Amen.
May your life be filled with the smell of violets, and your hours reveal the touch of Jesus.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT
On June 9, 2006, Jerry chose this entry from Ephesians 5:8,9, which reads, "Live as Children of Light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true."
"Paul writes to encourage the hard-headed to live as children of the Light. Live knowing that through belief in Jesus' death and resurrection we are given the gift of being called a child of God, a child of Light. Don't look for a battle, for chaos, for argument. Let your light so shine that others may see that the light in you is something different from what the world sees, which is darkness.
"Because Jesus gave me the wonderful gift of salvation and eternal life in God, my light must shine brightly in a world which is anxious and afraid. My light must be a challenge to hatred, greed, malice, etc. that the light of God will reveal the error of the World's way. I am to be Light to a world enveloped in darkness."
"Lord, let your Light so shine in me in order to proclaim that I am your child, so that others might want that same Light in their own lives. Amen."
The above is Jerry's truth, and his life does proclaim it. I am honored to be his wife and soul-mate. Now in our 80's, we have believed in each other for over 65 years. And we have believed in the Light of the World for almost that long, as well. More than likely, the latter has helped to develop the former in becoming Children of the Light.
Oh, how I desire this for you who are reading this! Won't you also bear this Light so that the world might see it and become bearers of the Light, as well? Then, someday, the Light will shine upon the world and its parts that now does not shine. Oh, that will be the Day! A glorious day!
Enter with us for this glorious moment, won't you? My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jo INMN
"Paul writes to encourage the hard-headed to live as children of the Light. Live knowing that through belief in Jesus' death and resurrection we are given the gift of being called a child of God, a child of Light. Don't look for a battle, for chaos, for argument. Let your light so shine that others may see that the light in you is something different from what the world sees, which is darkness.
"Because Jesus gave me the wonderful gift of salvation and eternal life in God, my light must shine brightly in a world which is anxious and afraid. My light must be a challenge to hatred, greed, malice, etc. that the light of God will reveal the error of the World's way. I am to be Light to a world enveloped in darkness."
"Lord, let your Light so shine in me in order to proclaim that I am your child, so that others might want that same Light in their own lives. Amen."
The above is Jerry's truth, and his life does proclaim it. I am honored to be his wife and soul-mate. Now in our 80's, we have believed in each other for over 65 years. And we have believed in the Light of the World for almost that long, as well. More than likely, the latter has helped to develop the former in becoming Children of the Light.
Oh, how I desire this for you who are reading this! Won't you also bear this Light so that the world might see it and become bearers of the Light, as well? Then, someday, the Light will shine upon the world and its parts that now does not shine. Oh, that will be the Day! A glorious day!
Enter with us for this glorious moment, won't you? My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jo INMN
Monday, June 8, 2015
GOD'S UTTER EXTRAVAGANCE!
The journal, Jerry's and mine, has the above title for this day in 2006, and comes from Ephesians 1:17, a prayer for the Ephesians, reading, "I ask...God..to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing God personally, your eyes to be focused and clear, so that you see exactly what it is God is calling you to do, and will grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life God has chosen for Christians. Oh, the utter extravagance of God's work in those who trust God--endless energy, boundless strength."
"This prayer of Paul's for the people of Ephesus is a "must" prayer! We must pray it for each one in our families, each person in our churches, our neighbors, friends, and each person with whom we come in contact. It is a prayer we also need to pray for ourselves. If we need to make a copy of it, so be it. Make a copy and keep it in a pocket!
Then, I prayed for our family, one by one. I prayed for those in our church, the pastors and their families, by name if I knew them. I prayed then for friends in our neighborhood, then, old friends who have since passed away, and friends I have known all of my life. I prayed for my sisters and their families, and my brother's family whom he had to leave behind after a fatal heart-attack. I prayed for Jerry's sister and her family and both of our moms and dads who have passed into Heaven. I prayed for people that I might meet and asked God to remind me of praying for anyone whom I should meet in the next day or so. I asked God that His Spirit should remind me of this powerful way to pray whenever I met someone new.
I have used Italics in the first paragraph in order to set the prayer apart from our other words. I invite you to copy it, and let it serve you. And now I pray for you and praise God for you and for His utter extravagance in loving us.
Amen, and once again, Amen!
Jo INMN
"This prayer of Paul's for the people of Ephesus is a "must" prayer! We must pray it for each one in our families, each person in our churches, our neighbors, friends, and each person with whom we come in contact. It is a prayer we also need to pray for ourselves. If we need to make a copy of it, so be it. Make a copy and keep it in a pocket!
Then, I prayed for our family, one by one. I prayed for those in our church, the pastors and their families, by name if I knew them. I prayed then for friends in our neighborhood, then, old friends who have since passed away, and friends I have known all of my life. I prayed for my sisters and their families, and my brother's family whom he had to leave behind after a fatal heart-attack. I prayed for Jerry's sister and her family and both of our moms and dads who have passed into Heaven. I prayed for people that I might meet and asked God to remind me of praying for anyone whom I should meet in the next day or so. I asked God that His Spirit should remind me of this powerful way to pray whenever I met someone new.
I have used Italics in the first paragraph in order to set the prayer apart from our other words. I invite you to copy it, and let it serve you. And now I pray for you and praise God for you and for His utter extravagance in loving us.
Amen, and once again, Amen!
Jo INMN
Saturday, June 6, 2015
ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE
On June 7, 2004 Jerry chose this message from Ephesians 3:16,17, "I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love."
"Paul uses the example of a new plant being placed into the soil. Growth doesn't happen immediately; in fact, sometimes the plant droops just a bit at first. But, slowly it becomes resistant to being changed so radically as it becomes rooted fast and grounded well. Just like a new plant, a new Christian requires feeding and tender care for their faith to root, and it requires, as well, the time to do it.
"I was a new Christian at one time, when I accepted by faith Jesus' call to me. I came to know that all of my previous earthly life was grasping for the wind and it gave no satisfaction to my spirit and soul. I'm grateful that I found the process through Jesus of being rooted and grounded in His love. I will never "arrive." I will never stop growing, for if I do, my death as a disciple will wither and be lost. No, I must always grow and be nurtured by God through His Spirit and through other Christians, as I nurture them as well. We are all one as we and Jesus are One, individually and together.
"Lord Jesus, I praise you for the fertile soil you bring that lets me always grow more deeply in following you. Amen." (End of entry.)
I was recently given a hydrangea plant called "Angel's Parasol." It has lovely parasol-like pink blossoms and is about two feet high. The blossoms cluster into fuller parasols and there are only three large clusters on the plant, yet the plant is quite large. Each small blossom fades just a bit as it ages, but is still lovely. I am hoping to be able to keep it inside, as MN winters are tough on some plants. I have yet to really believe I know how to take care of it, in spite of the information which came with it and I may have to consult the internet. It has charmed me. I love it and want to have it around me forever. Yet, it is a thing, and most things do not endure. The person who picked it out for me has a great love for God and perhaps that is what I love so much about this plant. The plant I love may not last forever, but the love in which it was given to me, will definitely last forever, just like God's Presence.
I am a fortunate lady. I hope you, also, can sense His Presence in all things.
Jo INMN
"Paul uses the example of a new plant being placed into the soil. Growth doesn't happen immediately; in fact, sometimes the plant droops just a bit at first. But, slowly it becomes resistant to being changed so radically as it becomes rooted fast and grounded well. Just like a new plant, a new Christian requires feeding and tender care for their faith to root, and it requires, as well, the time to do it.
"I was a new Christian at one time, when I accepted by faith Jesus' call to me. I came to know that all of my previous earthly life was grasping for the wind and it gave no satisfaction to my spirit and soul. I'm grateful that I found the process through Jesus of being rooted and grounded in His love. I will never "arrive." I will never stop growing, for if I do, my death as a disciple will wither and be lost. No, I must always grow and be nurtured by God through His Spirit and through other Christians, as I nurture them as well. We are all one as we and Jesus are One, individually and together.
"Lord Jesus, I praise you for the fertile soil you bring that lets me always grow more deeply in following you. Amen." (End of entry.)
I was recently given a hydrangea plant called "Angel's Parasol." It has lovely parasol-like pink blossoms and is about two feet high. The blossoms cluster into fuller parasols and there are only three large clusters on the plant, yet the plant is quite large. Each small blossom fades just a bit as it ages, but is still lovely. I am hoping to be able to keep it inside, as MN winters are tough on some plants. I have yet to really believe I know how to take care of it, in spite of the information which came with it and I may have to consult the internet. It has charmed me. I love it and want to have it around me forever. Yet, it is a thing, and most things do not endure. The person who picked it out for me has a great love for God and perhaps that is what I love so much about this plant. The plant I love may not last forever, but the love in which it was given to me, will definitely last forever, just like God's Presence.
I am a fortunate lady. I hope you, also, can sense His Presence in all things.
Jo INMN
Friday, June 5, 2015
WELL, GOD, HOW ARE YOU DOING?
This day's chosen entry for our journal was from Jerry who gave me too much credit for being a good wife, but it would embarrass me to print it here, so I am going to select a journal entry which honors a woman who was my best friend, while alive, and whom I miss very much. She had a wonderful gift of always making the person with whom she was talking to talk about themselves, and she very, very rarely spoke about herself or her own family, unless asked. Her name was Lucetta Nelson and we all called her Lu.
The journal entry was for June 6, 2006 and came from Ecclesiastes 3:9, reading, "In the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does?" "This verse from Ecclesiastes makes me want to confront Solomon, the writer. King Solomon was too wise, too rich, and too bored with life to appreciate what God offers us--a new start every day. So, my answer to his question is, "Yes! It does make a difference what we do! And my long-gone friend would agree."
"Lu Nelson is a woman of my past. It's a fact that we won't see her warm smile and hear her quick laugh anymore, but we'll remember it and be thankful that we were privileged to ever know it. It's a fact that we won't be able to share a joke or a memory of our sons and daughters as they were growing up, but we will remember! It's a fact that I won't ever again receive her warm hug, but I'll remember! Nor can I share a recipe or garden advice. But, I won't regret a single day of knowing and loving her. I have all this, and much, much more to remember. I'll especially remember how she was able to get others talking about themselves. She could keep a person really enjoying themselves, as they would have forgotten entirely to ask her what she had been up to! But they had a great time without realizing why.
"Now I often visualize with love and humor her meeting Jesus face to face. I'll bet she is the first one to ever say to Him, "Well, God, how are you doing?"
I will forever miss her, and will look for her the day I, too, enter Heaven.
Jo INMN
The journal entry was for June 6, 2006 and came from Ecclesiastes 3:9, reading, "In the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does?" "This verse from Ecclesiastes makes me want to confront Solomon, the writer. King Solomon was too wise, too rich, and too bored with life to appreciate what God offers us--a new start every day. So, my answer to his question is, "Yes! It does make a difference what we do! And my long-gone friend would agree."
"Lu Nelson is a woman of my past. It's a fact that we won't see her warm smile and hear her quick laugh anymore, but we'll remember it and be thankful that we were privileged to ever know it. It's a fact that we won't be able to share a joke or a memory of our sons and daughters as they were growing up, but we will remember! It's a fact that I won't ever again receive her warm hug, but I'll remember! Nor can I share a recipe or garden advice. But, I won't regret a single day of knowing and loving her. I have all this, and much, much more to remember. I'll especially remember how she was able to get others talking about themselves. She could keep a person really enjoying themselves, as they would have forgotten entirely to ask her what she had been up to! But they had a great time without realizing why.
"Now I often visualize with love and humor her meeting Jesus face to face. I'll bet she is the first one to ever say to Him, "Well, God, how are you doing?"
I will forever miss her, and will look for her the day I, too, enter Heaven.
Jo INMN
Thursday, June 4, 2015
THE SECRET OF LEADERSHIP
On June 4, 2004, we chose to use an entry from Jo's journal on Honesty in Leadership, which I have used today as The Secret of Leadership. Taken from Proverbs 19:19 and 28:21, the Word is , "A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." and "He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue."
And the entry goes on to say, "Between these two proverbs hides instructions of honesty in leadership.
1) Mere words won't do the job. The best way to correct is by modeling the behavior that is
desired. This is the place to start. Modeling behavior is showing what one desires of another.
For instance, showing how to forgive is done by forgiving. Therefore, one must be open to one's own mistakes, being repentant for them.
2) Sometimes one must use words, taking the risk of hurting the person deeply. Love must be richly spread upon that person, like butter on hot toast. Not flattering, but encouraging, giving inclusion, sharing spirit and time spent. In the long run, it will bring joy."
(And then the prayer.) "God, help me to imitate these actions if I am ever called to do so. Amen."
Now comes the confession! I have had a number of jobs in my years of working for the Lord, and most have been satisfactory, I think. But, I have had a couple which have been catastrophic! My first job in our first church was to be the person who arranges for mothers to attend the Sunday School which their pre-schooler attended, in order to have adult coverage, and also, to be available for the person hired to attend the nursery. The first part was easy; it was a new church and everyone wanted to help. The second part should have been easy, too, but the person in charge was from an eastern-European country where they had different habits than did our American women. I was asked to see what could be done about the "air" in the small nursery, especially warmed for our babies in cribs.
I made a trip to the person's home, where she was expecting a "friend" to visit, having few in this country. In the long run, no matter how my words attempted to be thankful and accepting, and yet to the point, the person left the church, humiliated. To this day, I grieve over my poor attempt to be a friend that cares.
Yet, for all my sadness at not being a perfect leader, I have a deep love for the church and its pastors, hoping Jesus someday will speak to be about my "failures", and share a giggle with me, for He is certain to be thankful that I tried.
Jo INMN
And the entry goes on to say, "Between these two proverbs hides instructions of honesty in leadership.
1) Mere words won't do the job. The best way to correct is by modeling the behavior that is
desired. This is the place to start. Modeling behavior is showing what one desires of another.
For instance, showing how to forgive is done by forgiving. Therefore, one must be open to one's own mistakes, being repentant for them.
2) Sometimes one must use words, taking the risk of hurting the person deeply. Love must be richly spread upon that person, like butter on hot toast. Not flattering, but encouraging, giving inclusion, sharing spirit and time spent. In the long run, it will bring joy."
(And then the prayer.) "God, help me to imitate these actions if I am ever called to do so. Amen."
Now comes the confession! I have had a number of jobs in my years of working for the Lord, and most have been satisfactory, I think. But, I have had a couple which have been catastrophic! My first job in our first church was to be the person who arranges for mothers to attend the Sunday School which their pre-schooler attended, in order to have adult coverage, and also, to be available for the person hired to attend the nursery. The first part was easy; it was a new church and everyone wanted to help. The second part should have been easy, too, but the person in charge was from an eastern-European country where they had different habits than did our American women. I was asked to see what could be done about the "air" in the small nursery, especially warmed for our babies in cribs.
I made a trip to the person's home, where she was expecting a "friend" to visit, having few in this country. In the long run, no matter how my words attempted to be thankful and accepting, and yet to the point, the person left the church, humiliated. To this day, I grieve over my poor attempt to be a friend that cares.
Yet, for all my sadness at not being a perfect leader, I have a deep love for the church and its pastors, hoping Jesus someday will speak to be about my "failures", and share a giggle with me, for He is certain to be thankful that I tried.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
YOUR JOURNEY IS HIS JOURNEY
Hello, again! Today I am sending you a little message from the book JESUS CALLING, by Sarah Young. It intimately reminded me of what a day should look like from the time I rise to the time I retire. I do not always remember this; but when I do, I am a happy woman! Allow me to share it with you, in hopes that your day will have this same light and peace she speaks of in the mystery of "Jesus Calling."
"I AM INVOLVED IN EACH MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE, (Jesus says) I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.
"Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch." (Her thoughts come from Psalm 18:30 and Isaiah 41:13.)
Now, I am praying for myself and for those of you who read today's entry. Staying conscious of Jesus is a habit that requires prayer. For some of us, it is much too easy to be caught up in "Yah, but what about me? What am I supposed to do?" Do nothing, but pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart and mind so full of Himself that you can do nothing but praise Him! I say this because I have come to know that that is what I am to do. Getting tangled up in the what ifs and yeah, buts will do nothing to help your circumstances. Praying for the Holy Spirit to remind you of your Savior and looking for Him in everything that you do, or see, or remember will give you that Peace and Joy you are hoping for. And I am hoping for, as I am one of the all.
I have put my mind in the heavenly places. Is your mind there, too?
Jo INMN
"I AM INVOLVED IN EACH MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE, (Jesus says) I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.
"Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch." (Her thoughts come from Psalm 18:30 and Isaiah 41:13.)
Now, I am praying for myself and for those of you who read today's entry. Staying conscious of Jesus is a habit that requires prayer. For some of us, it is much too easy to be caught up in "Yah, but what about me? What am I supposed to do?" Do nothing, but pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart and mind so full of Himself that you can do nothing but praise Him! I say this because I have come to know that that is what I am to do. Getting tangled up in the what ifs and yeah, buts will do nothing to help your circumstances. Praying for the Holy Spirit to remind you of your Savior and looking for Him in everything that you do, or see, or remember will give you that Peace and Joy you are hoping for. And I am hoping for, as I am one of the all.
I have put my mind in the heavenly places. Is your mind there, too?
Jo INMN
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
HOLY MOMENTS
On June 2, 2006, I wrote for our journal from Romans 14:14 (The Message)"Jesus convinced me (Paul) that everything as it is in itself is holy. We, of course, by the way we treat it or talk about it, can contaminate it."
"There's a deep thought; everything is holy. If it is not holy, it can become holy by the way it is treated. That is not to say that idols or evil things are holy in and of themselves but people, things people say or do, even disagreeable things can be holy if received with even an attempt at holy love.
God changes people, attitudes, and actions into holiness by even just a touch of the Holy Spirit. But without the Spirit's touch everything or anything can become contaminated. If someone gives an odd opinion about something, if it is met with the Spirit's love, it becomes a holy moment and the opinion validated, if not agreed with. So it is with all things or instances or people. All are holy.
God, I pray that my words or actions will never contaminate your holy moments. Help me to see each moment as a holy moment and cover it all with your holy love. In your name and for your honor and glory. AMEN"
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
JoINMN
"There's a deep thought; everything is holy. If it is not holy, it can become holy by the way it is treated. That is not to say that idols or evil things are holy in and of themselves but people, things people say or do, even disagreeable things can be holy if received with even an attempt at holy love.
God changes people, attitudes, and actions into holiness by even just a touch of the Holy Spirit. But without the Spirit's touch everything or anything can become contaminated. If someone gives an odd opinion about something, if it is met with the Spirit's love, it becomes a holy moment and the opinion validated, if not agreed with. So it is with all things or instances or people. All are holy.
God, I pray that my words or actions will never contaminate your holy moments. Help me to see each moment as a holy moment and cover it all with your holy love. In your name and for your honor and glory. AMEN"
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
JoINMN
Monday, June 1, 2015
SPREAD THE GOSPEL
On June 1, 2005, Jerry chose for our devotional the Word from Philippians 1:12, "I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel." Now, it's important to know what had happened to Paul that he felt this way. So the devotional continues, "Paul writes to the believers in Philippi that even though he's been flogged, beaten, and imprisoned the experience actually helped to spread the gospel for his beatings and brought sympathetic ears to the people. This was Paul's singular focus to the exclusion of any personal pain or difficulty."
Jerry added, "This is important for me to remember when I'm faced with problems in life that seem overwhelming. If I can look at the situation from God's viewpoint, I can have the assurance that whatever happens to me is unimportant so long as the gospel is shared. There are times when as a church body we face discouragement or disappointment, yet we must not waver from God's call. Lord, give me the endurance to keep my eyes on the mission in order to proclaim the gospel. Amen"
We were speaking today to my sister who is a few years younger than I am, and she was mentioning how hard it is for her to keep her medications straight so they are taken at the proper times, and not forget them altogether. I showed her the schedule chart I had made for myself for the same exact reason, because I had a predisposition to forget to take my meds. It was a funny conversation, for two old ladies, each one having a hard time remembering what is important and what is not. At around 80 yrs., each one of us find staying alive rather a serious situation. Yet a far more important situation has been the same for each of us for a very long time, and that is being what the gospel asks us to be, a replica of the men and women who suffered so much during those first years of church-building. They were the bell-ringers of Christ's gospel. Today is isn't easy, but it is possible.
One woman entered our home one day a month or so ago to thank us for a gift of salad I had sent over for her dinner a day or two beforehand. She made it quite clear that she would not listen to any proclamation of Christianity or any other religion by any person. My intention was to make a friend. Years before, I had learned this at a retreat called Cursillo-- "Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring this friend to Christ." I'm still praying for her and looking for a way to be her friend.
God bless you, and won't you pray for me and my "friend?"
JoINMN
Jerry added, "This is important for me to remember when I'm faced with problems in life that seem overwhelming. If I can look at the situation from God's viewpoint, I can have the assurance that whatever happens to me is unimportant so long as the gospel is shared. There are times when as a church body we face discouragement or disappointment, yet we must not waver from God's call. Lord, give me the endurance to keep my eyes on the mission in order to proclaim the gospel. Amen"
We were speaking today to my sister who is a few years younger than I am, and she was mentioning how hard it is for her to keep her medications straight so they are taken at the proper times, and not forget them altogether. I showed her the schedule chart I had made for myself for the same exact reason, because I had a predisposition to forget to take my meds. It was a funny conversation, for two old ladies, each one having a hard time remembering what is important and what is not. At around 80 yrs., each one of us find staying alive rather a serious situation. Yet a far more important situation has been the same for each of us for a very long time, and that is being what the gospel asks us to be, a replica of the men and women who suffered so much during those first years of church-building. They were the bell-ringers of Christ's gospel. Today is isn't easy, but it is possible.
One woman entered our home one day a month or so ago to thank us for a gift of salad I had sent over for her dinner a day or two beforehand. She made it quite clear that she would not listen to any proclamation of Christianity or any other religion by any person. My intention was to make a friend. Years before, I had learned this at a retreat called Cursillo-- "Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring this friend to Christ." I'm still praying for her and looking for a way to be her friend.
God bless you, and won't you pray for me and my "friend?"
JoINMN
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