Luke 11:8b says, "He will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking."
"Jesus told a parable regarding someone who persistently asked for bread at an inopportune time, and the persistence finally paid off. The person got the bread. Prayer is like that. We must be persistent but always remembering that God will not like us to be insistent! We must always desire God's will.
"Years ago, a cousin by marriage came to visit us in Arizona. I invited him to a bible Study one evening where we went around the table after the study asking for prayer requests. This cousin was amazed and incensed that we would ask for those "petty things" of God." I just answered, "Our God desires us to ask for what we need."
"I must not be ashamed to ask God All-Powerful for things I need, whether it's for me, a friend or for a stranger. God desires this of me and is glad that I love others enough to have compassion. I must not be fearful of God disliking my prayers, with the result of being unable to come to God, either being embarrassed or ashamed. Nor must I be rude, but persistent and honest, and humbly pray in earnest.
"God, help me to teach the state of earnestness, fervor, and persistence in all of my prayers. Amen."
And, God, give to those who are reading this the gift of joy in prayer and may they find the Holy Spirit by their sides. Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
IMPOSSIBLE BURDENS
Luke 11:46,52, "Woe also to you who are lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them...For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you have not entered the kingdom yourselves and you hindered those who were trying to enter."
"In these passages Jesus is NOT using the term "lawyers" as we think of lawyers in civil and criminal law, but is referring to the Pharisees who interpreted and expanded the Law of Moses for the people. Over the years the Pharisees had added interpretations to the rules of Moses' laws that basically added hardship. These rules upon rules put such a burden on those who sought to be Godly, that it was impossible to live up to them. The Pharisees and their rules did not show love, justice, or kindness, only the rod of discipline.
" For me (and here I tell you this item was written by Jerry, my husband), as a disciple of Jesus, I am not to expand or interpret Jesus' words making it hard for people to come to a personal relationship with the risen Lord. God so loved the world--all the world--that He sent His Son to redeem the world in order that each might have a joyous and celebratory walk with God, but not burdened, but uplifted. That's my task--to help people to be lifted up.
"Lord God, I thank you for calling me to help set people free from the impossible burdens of trying--on their own--to be "good." Amen."
Yes, this is still Jerry's aim, as he has a wife who often is troubled over her desire to be "good." I have a complex from my childhood that makes me forget that God is a forgiving God, and does not hold things against me. In fact, He loves me for wanting to always do what is kind and loving, and forgives me when I miss the mark. It's important to me that no one should suffer from grief over things you cannot change. God wouldn't want us to. Remembering, I only need to ask forgiveness for any wrongs done. Oh, I hope you do not have this same trouble!! I encourage you to believe Jesus' body and mind have already have already been struck for our sins, yours and mine. He offers us freedom...right now!
Jo INMN
"In these passages Jesus is NOT using the term "lawyers" as we think of lawyers in civil and criminal law, but is referring to the Pharisees who interpreted and expanded the Law of Moses for the people. Over the years the Pharisees had added interpretations to the rules of Moses' laws that basically added hardship. These rules upon rules put such a burden on those who sought to be Godly, that it was impossible to live up to them. The Pharisees and their rules did not show love, justice, or kindness, only the rod of discipline.
" For me (and here I tell you this item was written by Jerry, my husband), as a disciple of Jesus, I am not to expand or interpret Jesus' words making it hard for people to come to a personal relationship with the risen Lord. God so loved the world--all the world--that He sent His Son to redeem the world in order that each might have a joyous and celebratory walk with God, but not burdened, but uplifted. That's my task--to help people to be lifted up.
"Lord God, I thank you for calling me to help set people free from the impossible burdens of trying--on their own--to be "good." Amen."
Yes, this is still Jerry's aim, as he has a wife who often is troubled over her desire to be "good." I have a complex from my childhood that makes me forget that God is a forgiving God, and does not hold things against me. In fact, He loves me for wanting to always do what is kind and loving, and forgives me when I miss the mark. It's important to me that no one should suffer from grief over things you cannot change. God wouldn't want us to. Remembering, I only need to ask forgiveness for any wrongs done. Oh, I hope you do not have this same trouble!! I encourage you to believe Jesus' body and mind have already have already been struck for our sins, yours and mine. He offers us freedom...right now!
Jo INMN
Saturday, September 26, 2015
SAVOR THE HOLY MOMENTS
Luke 8:36 tells us: "It was a holy moment, and for a short time the people were more reverent than curious." After the people saw the man who was healed and whole who had been afflicted by many demons, the people became quietly reverent they had come out to see what had happened to the herd of pigs and were amazed to see this man, now sane and dressed making sense to all who spoke to him. He had been totally crazy! Everyone was so amazed they were speechless. The silence seemed to have stamped that moment of time with holiness. But finally, a witness to the event spoke and told what had happened. The holy moment had passed.
Too much had happened too fast, and fear set in. "What did this man Jesus do? How did he do it? What will become of us...now?" So fearful, they asked Jesus to leave. And he left.
What happened here? Wasn't it a good thing, healing this demonic who ran with the pigs? Of course, but the people wondered what the change in this man would mean to them. How would this Jesus change their lives? Oh, he would! He surely would!
God forgive me...and those who may read this...from embracing fear when you are trying to change us. Keep us seeing your wonder and your holiness. Keep us trusting, always, in you. Amen.
Jo INMN
Too much had happened too fast, and fear set in. "What did this man Jesus do? How did he do it? What will become of us...now?" So fearful, they asked Jesus to leave. And he left.
What happened here? Wasn't it a good thing, healing this demonic who ran with the pigs? Of course, but the people wondered what the change in this man would mean to them. How would this Jesus change their lives? Oh, he would! He surely would!
God forgive me...and those who may read this...from embracing fear when you are trying to change us. Keep us seeing your wonder and your holiness. Keep us trusting, always, in you. Amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, September 25, 2015
SHOCK AND AWE
Luke 7:16,17 "Awe seized all those present as they witnessed Jesus bringing back to life a young son of a widow that had died. The people glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us. God has looked favorably upon his people." The people glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us. God has looked favorably upon his people." The word about Jesus spread throughout Israel.
"In some BIble translations the word "fear" is used, rather than awe. The use of both words indicates recognition of the limits of human understanding and power of God. How could the people not be in awe? Or some who feared? Who could understand a young man being raised from the dead?
"There were many people weeping at the death of this widow's only son. She had depended on her son to grow up and take care of her and the family. When the people heard Jesus say, "Young man, I say to you, rise," and he rose up and began to speak, what could they think, but "How can this be?" They were in awe of Jesus, revered Him, and a joyous celebration occurred.
"When I witness God's miraculous cure of a friend or family member that was as good as dead, I, too, am in awe, and can only say, "Praise you, Lord Jesus!" Lord Jesus, the many miracles you did while on earth were only a small preview of the miracles to follow that we see around us all the time!! Thank you. Amen."
Everything we see around us could be called a miracle! As we watch the world around us change from summer to fall, it is as big a healing of the earth as the healing of a loved one. Miracles are everywhere. Thanks be to God! May the word about God spread today throughout our world!
Jo INMN
"In some BIble translations the word "fear" is used, rather than awe. The use of both words indicates recognition of the limits of human understanding and power of God. How could the people not be in awe? Or some who feared? Who could understand a young man being raised from the dead?
"There were many people weeping at the death of this widow's only son. She had depended on her son to grow up and take care of her and the family. When the people heard Jesus say, "Young man, I say to you, rise," and he rose up and began to speak, what could they think, but "How can this be?" They were in awe of Jesus, revered Him, and a joyous celebration occurred.
"When I witness God's miraculous cure of a friend or family member that was as good as dead, I, too, am in awe, and can only say, "Praise you, Lord Jesus!" Lord Jesus, the many miracles you did while on earth were only a small preview of the miracles to follow that we see around us all the time!! Thank you. Amen."
Everything we see around us could be called a miracle! As we watch the world around us change from summer to fall, it is as big a healing of the earth as the healing of a loved one. Miracles are everywhere. Thanks be to God! May the word about God spread today throughout our world!
Jo INMN
Thursday, September 24, 2015
MONKEY SEE; MONKEY DO
First of all, I apologize for missing a couple of days of greeting you. As we are newcomers to this housing, we went through a few details with those who have welcomed us that we did not dare to miss. Plus, our doggie, Max, got sick with kennel cough, probably, and we have been quite busy with him. Yet, you who may be reading these entries, are vastly important to us. Please forgive.
"Luke 7:23 reads, "God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me, because of what I do." Jesus is speaking to the followers of John the Baptist. They were unsure if Jesus was really the Messiah. Jesus and John were cousins, and it had been ordained that John would come first to prepare Jesus' way. But John was in prison at the time, as Herod was upset because John rebuked him for dallying with His brother's wife, Herodias.
"Jesus answered John's followers, basically, by saying in effect, "You can see what I am doing, curing diseases, healing the blind and lame, teaching in the temple. Tell John, and he will believe I am the One he expected."
"Isn't this what we are trying to say to those around us? "Believe in Jesus, because of the peace you see in me, the person I am becoming, and the One I love--the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe in Jesus, for He is the One who brought me this far and will take me as far as He intends for me to go." As a monkey cannot help but copy his master, may I be like a monkey who desires to be like my Master.
"Father, help me to do and be what you choose for me to do and be, so that you may be glorified through those around me as they become followers, too. Amen."
My dear friend, may you, too, find a way to meet and greet and love your neighbors, your family, and the stranger on the street. And that is my prayer for myself, as well.
Jo INMN
"Luke 7:23 reads, "God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me, because of what I do." Jesus is speaking to the followers of John the Baptist. They were unsure if Jesus was really the Messiah. Jesus and John were cousins, and it had been ordained that John would come first to prepare Jesus' way. But John was in prison at the time, as Herod was upset because John rebuked him for dallying with His brother's wife, Herodias.
"Jesus answered John's followers, basically, by saying in effect, "You can see what I am doing, curing diseases, healing the blind and lame, teaching in the temple. Tell John, and he will believe I am the One he expected."
"Isn't this what we are trying to say to those around us? "Believe in Jesus, because of the peace you see in me, the person I am becoming, and the One I love--the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe in Jesus, for He is the One who brought me this far and will take me as far as He intends for me to go." As a monkey cannot help but copy his master, may I be like a monkey who desires to be like my Master.
"Father, help me to do and be what you choose for me to do and be, so that you may be glorified through those around me as they become followers, too. Amen."
My dear friend, may you, too, find a way to meet and greet and love your neighbors, your family, and the stranger on the street. And that is my prayer for myself, as well.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD
When a visiting angel told the Virgin Mary she would have a child in Luke 21:34-37, she said, "How can I have a child, since I am a virgin?" "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the child to be born will be Holy and will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God."
"As a human with limited understanding I can identify with Mary's question to the angel. "How could this be? I'm a virgin!" Throughout life we see many instances in which there is no human explanation for the impossible. Yet the impossible happens. People who are facing certain death with terminal diseases suddenly discover they are gone! Someone in a long coma suddenly awakens! We must always remind ourselves that nothing is impossible with God. There are no exceptions or outer boundaries. What God chooses to do is done.
This gift of God has and will continue to be the central belief of my life. God can turn around the most impossible situation for His good use. I may not prefer to go through the struggle to get there, but keeping the faith helps. when the world's pressures keep piling on me, Jesus comes and says, "Don't fear; I'm here with you."
"Lord Jesus, You came to redeem this fallen world, one person at a time. Praise you for this wondrous gift. Amen."
Well, friend, my husband's words are his life, and mine, too. I pray you have the same inclination to know this Jesus and His Father!
Jo INMN
"As a human with limited understanding I can identify with Mary's question to the angel. "How could this be? I'm a virgin!" Throughout life we see many instances in which there is no human explanation for the impossible. Yet the impossible happens. People who are facing certain death with terminal diseases suddenly discover they are gone! Someone in a long coma suddenly awakens! We must always remind ourselves that nothing is impossible with God. There are no exceptions or outer boundaries. What God chooses to do is done.
This gift of God has and will continue to be the central belief of my life. God can turn around the most impossible situation for His good use. I may not prefer to go through the struggle to get there, but keeping the faith helps. when the world's pressures keep piling on me, Jesus comes and says, "Don't fear; I'm here with you."
"Lord Jesus, You came to redeem this fallen world, one person at a time. Praise you for this wondrous gift. Amen."
Well, friend, my husband's words are his life, and mine, too. I pray you have the same inclination to know this Jesus and His Father!
Jo INMN
Saturday, September 19, 2015
'....AND AMEN!"
Rev. 22:21 says, "The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh , Yes!"
"The closing sentence of my Message Bible is "Oh, Yes!" And I say, in return, "Oh, yes!" What a blessing to pass on to all of my friends and family--an Oh, Yes! to God, and an Oh, Yes! to life, and an Oh! Yes! to a life in God---here on this earth and always!
"I haven't always said Oh, Yes! Many, many times I've said, "Oh, no!" At some time along the way I learned to say, "Oh, well!" But even that isn't sufficient. Jesus' grace is definitely an Oh, Yes! There's nothing else that can come close in the element of grace--not riches, not fame, not power, not glory. Grace is the purest gift Christ has given.
"As for me, I pray I have learned to give that grace to others. But if I have not, I pray God will let me live until I do. And I also pray, "And the grace"---the exquisite gift--"of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh Yes!"
Oh, yes! May you also know the gift of grace well enough to give it to others!
Jo INMN
"The closing sentence of my Message Bible is "Oh, Yes!" And I say, in return, "Oh, yes!" What a blessing to pass on to all of my friends and family--an Oh, Yes! to God, and an Oh, Yes! to life, and an Oh! Yes! to a life in God---here on this earth and always!
"I haven't always said Oh, Yes! Many, many times I've said, "Oh, no!" At some time along the way I learned to say, "Oh, well!" But even that isn't sufficient. Jesus' grace is definitely an Oh, Yes! There's nothing else that can come close in the element of grace--not riches, not fame, not power, not glory. Grace is the purest gift Christ has given.
"As for me, I pray I have learned to give that grace to others. But if I have not, I pray God will let me live until I do. And I also pray, "And the grace"---the exquisite gift--"of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh Yes!"
Oh, yes! May you also know the gift of grace well enough to give it to others!
Jo INMN
Thursday, September 17, 2015
IT IS I, JESUS
(Paragraphs in italics, written earlier by Jerry Johnson, excluding bible verse.)Rev.22:13, 16: "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with testimony: I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end."
"On Patmos Island off of Greece, John receives this vision of the ultimate hope for humankind--God wants His people restored and reconciled, not lost in the worry and fears of this world. Jesus speaks to John and says, "It is I, Jesus" who was there at the beginning of the earth and will be there for the ending.
"God wants people to come to Him in repentance for their sin, and to be fully restored. He wants none to perish, but acknowledges that those who reject Him write their own destiny. When I feel the tug at my heart and hear Jesus say to me, "It is I, Jesus," I recognize he is speaking to me, Jerry. I will listen and quickly respond, "My Lord and my God!"
"Lord Jesus, I praise you that you come to me and to others and say, "It is I, Jesus." Thank you, Lord. Amen."
And I praise God, too, that I have the privilege of sending out words that may encourage someone out there in the great unknown to go to Him and also hear Him say, "It is I, Jesus!"
Jo INMN
"On Patmos Island off of Greece, John receives this vision of the ultimate hope for humankind--God wants His people restored and reconciled, not lost in the worry and fears of this world. Jesus speaks to John and says, "It is I, Jesus" who was there at the beginning of the earth and will be there for the ending.
"God wants people to come to Him in repentance for their sin, and to be fully restored. He wants none to perish, but acknowledges that those who reject Him write their own destiny. When I feel the tug at my heart and hear Jesus say to me, "It is I, Jesus," I recognize he is speaking to me, Jerry. I will listen and quickly respond, "My Lord and my God!"
"Lord Jesus, I praise you that you come to me and to others and say, "It is I, Jesus." Thank you, Lord. Amen."
And I praise God, too, that I have the privilege of sending out words that may encourage someone out there in the great unknown to go to Him and also hear Him say, "It is I, Jesus!"
Jo INMN
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
THE TEMPLE OF GOD
In Ezekiel 40, Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple area in Jerusalem, and the gates around it, the courtyards and the inner rooms including the Most Holy Place. In Rev. 21:22, which reveals a time years later, we read that a loud voice says, "God's home is now with God's people. God will live with them and they will be God's own."
"The new vision, found in John's Revelation, creates new beginnings; the old way has passed and the new has come. I wonder how many other changes God will make come to pass or has already brought to pass since Jesus came, things we may not have recognized as change. The Temple in Jerusalem has gone; but the space is now still a Holy Place; it is a mosque for the Muslim people.
"Ezekiel's vision is extinct; John's vision is still the truth. "God's home is with God's people." Loving Jesus is accepting the Holy Spirit within us.
"Holy Spirit, Keeper of my Soul, God in me---Let your message of life and love live strongly in me and may I be part of your "temple" on this earth. May the church we attend always be filled with your Spirit and, if it pleases you, may I be a witness of your Spirit to all of those around me. Amen."
I believe the church Jerry and I attend is full of the Spirit of God. And I am blessed by it. I hope you, too, have others by your side that affirm Christ and are filled with His Spirit!
Much love,
Jo INMN
"The new vision, found in John's Revelation, creates new beginnings; the old way has passed and the new has come. I wonder how many other changes God will make come to pass or has already brought to pass since Jesus came, things we may not have recognized as change. The Temple in Jerusalem has gone; but the space is now still a Holy Place; it is a mosque for the Muslim people.
"Ezekiel's vision is extinct; John's vision is still the truth. "God's home is with God's people." Loving Jesus is accepting the Holy Spirit within us.
"Holy Spirit, Keeper of my Soul, God in me---Let your message of life and love live strongly in me and may I be part of your "temple" on this earth. May the church we attend always be filled with your Spirit and, if it pleases you, may I be a witness of your Spirit to all of those around me. Amen."
I believe the church Jerry and I attend is full of the Spirit of God. And I am blessed by it. I hope you, too, have others by your side that affirm Christ and are filled with His Spirit!
Much love,
Jo INMN
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
BRING ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR LOST...
Matthew 5:47 tells us, "If you greet only your friends, what's so great about that? Don't even unbelievers do that? But you must always act just like your Father in Heaven."
"Many years ago, I became disappointed with a friend who never greeted me in church on Sundays. It hurt me as it continued Sunday after Sunday. Finally, I spoke to her about it. Being very kind and polite, she said, "Jo, you and I are forever friends. We need to trust that friendship enough so that we can greet those around us we don't know and who may need a smile or a hug. Why don't you join me doing this?" I did and I still do.
"It's quite simple. Greet the one you don't know and trust the one you do.
"God, continue to work your work in me and continue to teach me as you did that day. Thank you for forever friends, and for those I have yet to meet. Bring to me and help me to see those who are lonely, tired, sad, or those who just need a friend. Amen."
Good advice for me again this day, and I will go to church on Sunday with a new attitude. Thanks for the reminder, Lord.
Jo INMN
"Many years ago, I became disappointed with a friend who never greeted me in church on Sundays. It hurt me as it continued Sunday after Sunday. Finally, I spoke to her about it. Being very kind and polite, she said, "Jo, you and I are forever friends. We need to trust that friendship enough so that we can greet those around us we don't know and who may need a smile or a hug. Why don't you join me doing this?" I did and I still do.
"It's quite simple. Greet the one you don't know and trust the one you do.
"God, continue to work your work in me and continue to teach me as you did that day. Thank you for forever friends, and for those I have yet to meet. Bring to me and help me to see those who are lonely, tired, sad, or those who just need a friend. Amen."
Good advice for me again this day, and I will go to church on Sunday with a new attitude. Thanks for the reminder, Lord.
Jo INMN
Monday, September 14, 2015
POWER TO TELL OTHERS
Revelation 10b tells us, "Everyone who tells about Jesus does it by the power of the Spirit."
"Some time ago we studied about evangelism and from this study I know that the Holy Spirit is at work when we tell others about Jesus. I know, too, that if you say, "Jesus is Lord," it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Another thing I know is that to squelch the Spirit is a sin with which I do not want to deal! So, I hope I do not squelch the Spirit, either with my lack of words or my actions.
"God, I want others to know about your Son, that He saved me and changed me, and He will save and change them as well. I want them to know how much you love them and how much Jesus loved us by His many sacrifices for us. I want them to know the joy of worshipping you within a church family as we work, pray, and gather together. I want them to know the joy of worshipping in an adult child's church with his or her family. I want them to be strengthened by your power and at peace through your faithfulness, and able to enjoy the awe of your holiness. I want their hearts to sing in your presence and know you are always with them, as you are with me. Amen."
And so I leave you with this early prayer, knowing it is still my heart's desire, and His. Go with God, my Friend.
Jo INMN
"Some time ago we studied about evangelism and from this study I know that the Holy Spirit is at work when we tell others about Jesus. I know, too, that if you say, "Jesus is Lord," it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Another thing I know is that to squelch the Spirit is a sin with which I do not want to deal! So, I hope I do not squelch the Spirit, either with my lack of words or my actions.
"God, I want others to know about your Son, that He saved me and changed me, and He will save and change them as well. I want them to know how much you love them and how much Jesus loved us by His many sacrifices for us. I want them to know the joy of worshipping you within a church family as we work, pray, and gather together. I want them to know the joy of worshipping in an adult child's church with his or her family. I want them to be strengthened by your power and at peace through your faithfulness, and able to enjoy the awe of your holiness. I want their hearts to sing in your presence and know you are always with them, as you are with me. Amen."
And so I leave you with this early prayer, knowing it is still my heart's desire, and His. Go with God, my Friend.
Jo INMN
Saturday, September 12, 2015
PRIDE--A NASTY THING
Dan 4:37, "Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven. Everything he does is honest and fair; God can shatter the power of those who are proud."
"Those words are from King Nebuchadnezzar when he returned after seven years of humiliation living as a goat which had been prophesied by Daniel, after God's message to him.
"God can shatter the power of those who are proud. Whether king or ordinary, pride is such a nasty thing, and we can fall into it so easily. Either small or tall, we usually have something we are pleased about and often take more credit for it than we deserve. God has a way of getting us down to the right hat size one way or another. Usually, it is by something embarrassing. A golfing friend of my husband's once said, "Don't wave at the crowd too early." Good words.
"God, thanks for the affirmations we need and receive in our lives that encourage, yet, keep us from over-valuing our efforts. As pride goes before a fall, God, I don't need another fall! Thanks, God.
Amen"
And so we go, fighting off the desire too look and be the best! Times may be different, but the need for humility is still the same. Thanks for reading these little messages! They help me to keep on keeping on!
Jo INMN
"Those words are from King Nebuchadnezzar when he returned after seven years of humiliation living as a goat which had been prophesied by Daniel, after God's message to him.
"God can shatter the power of those who are proud. Whether king or ordinary, pride is such a nasty thing, and we can fall into it so easily. Either small or tall, we usually have something we are pleased about and often take more credit for it than we deserve. God has a way of getting us down to the right hat size one way or another. Usually, it is by something embarrassing. A golfing friend of my husband's once said, "Don't wave at the crowd too early." Good words.
"God, thanks for the affirmations we need and receive in our lives that encourage, yet, keep us from over-valuing our efforts. As pride goes before a fall, God, I don't need another fall! Thanks, God.
Amen"
And so we go, fighting off the desire too look and be the best! Times may be different, but the need for humility is still the same. Thanks for reading these little messages! They help me to keep on keeping on!
Jo INMN
Friday, September 11, 2015
A TERRIBLE DAY; DO NOT FEAR!
Sept. 11, 2015 It's hard to remember the Sept. 11 which is now long ago, but we do, and we must always remember. This disaster, to some, may have been thought of as punishment for the sins of worldliness. But that Sept 11 was not heaven's doing, but angered countries ripe to show us their evil intents. We hated what they had done; and wondered at their hate. Yet, God allowed it.
And for that we must wonder what God intends to teach us and will it show us a way to show love for those who still show us hatred. Perhaps this day, not ever forgotten, will remind us of the pain of being hurt so terribly, and help us to refrain from hurting others terribly, as well. We must call on God with the memory of Nine-Eleven and remember to not fear. God says, "Don't fear. I will never leave you or forsake you." God is always on the job and we must remember that. But we must also put before us the task of treating others according to God's will, and He wants the best for all of His people.
Some of us have it tough, and others not so much. But some have it really tough and then it might be time to help. Those who have much are asked to give much. Those who have little are asked to give a little. Years ago, we encountered a Japanese war bride working as a waitress. When asked if she was happy in America, a land so different from her native Japan, she said, "I no comprain. Once you start comprain, you never stop comprain." She was a wise woman and did her job with a smile.
Lord God, give us hearts of acceptance to not complain when we are disciplined for our own good. And help us remember that you are in control of all. Lord, send some kindness to all those who suffered on this tragic day long ago. Amen.
Jo INMN
And for that we must wonder what God intends to teach us and will it show us a way to show love for those who still show us hatred. Perhaps this day, not ever forgotten, will remind us of the pain of being hurt so terribly, and help us to refrain from hurting others terribly, as well. We must call on God with the memory of Nine-Eleven and remember to not fear. God says, "Don't fear. I will never leave you or forsake you." God is always on the job and we must remember that. But we must also put before us the task of treating others according to God's will, and He wants the best for all of His people.
Some of us have it tough, and others not so much. But some have it really tough and then it might be time to help. Those who have much are asked to give much. Those who have little are asked to give a little. Years ago, we encountered a Japanese war bride working as a waitress. When asked if she was happy in America, a land so different from her native Japan, she said, "I no comprain. Once you start comprain, you never stop comprain." She was a wise woman and did her job with a smile.
Lord God, give us hearts of acceptance to not complain when we are disciplined for our own good. And help us remember that you are in control of all. Lord, send some kindness to all those who suffered on this tragic day long ago. Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, September 10, 2015
GOD ALONE IS HOLY
From Rev. 15:4 and Lam. 3:41, "You alone are holy....when we lift our hands in prayer to God in heaven, we should offer God our hearts and say, 'We've sinned.'" These two verses together remind me that pure holiness belongs only to God, and when I pray I should be reminded, also, that I am a sinner.
"I cannot ever be purely holy. I am a sinner, asking for forgiveness and being forgiving and forgiven. Only in this way can I purify my heart and come to the Lord, but I do so with humility and hope.
"Think about God. Imagine seeing God enthroned. What does Glory look like? God's glory might be like a trillion lights twinkling against a darkening sky, or like the clouds all pink, yellow, red and orange as an Arizona sunset. God's glory might be like the smell of a newborn cuddled at your neck. It might be like a rose's first bloom, or its last, or like my husband's eyes when he smiles, or the hug of a friend. Yet it's likely that it's much, much more than we have ever seen smelled, or touched. Therefore, God's holiness deserves our thanks, our praise, our humbling, and our honesty."
"Thanks be to God!"
And once again, today, we thank God and express our desire to know Him more humbly and more honestly.
Jo INMN
"I cannot ever be purely holy. I am a sinner, asking for forgiveness and being forgiving and forgiven. Only in this way can I purify my heart and come to the Lord, but I do so with humility and hope.
"Think about God. Imagine seeing God enthroned. What does Glory look like? God's glory might be like a trillion lights twinkling against a darkening sky, or like the clouds all pink, yellow, red and orange as an Arizona sunset. God's glory might be like the smell of a newborn cuddled at your neck. It might be like a rose's first bloom, or its last, or like my husband's eyes when he smiles, or the hug of a friend. Yet it's likely that it's much, much more than we have ever seen smelled, or touched. Therefore, God's holiness deserves our thanks, our praise, our humbling, and our honesty."
"Thanks be to God!"
And once again, today, we thank God and express our desire to know Him more humbly and more honestly.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED
In Jeremiah 42:19,43:4,44:16, the prophet Jeremiah speaks, "The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, 'Do not go to Egypt.' But the people did not obey the voice of the Lord and said, 'As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we are not going to listen to you.'"
"Whether as an individual person or a group of people, God makes clear what is and what is not His will. He then allows us humans to either choose to follow His will or to thumb our nose at Him and disobey Him. When God says "stop" and we don't, there are always consequences to pay. So many lives have been destroyed because of disobedience.
"In our daily devotional, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, one of my favorite lessons is this: 'When God says 'stop', I must immediately turn and stop. God's will is that I might be a complete, purposeful person to be used for His glory and honor. When I disobey His clearly understood word, I write my own ticket for the pain and sorrow that will follow. God is not to be mocked.'"
This is as true today as it was in Jeremiah's day. So, let's repeat the prayer written so long ago: "Lord Jesus, may my will be your will. Let me hear your word 'stop', when I'm going down the wrong pathway. Amen."
Loving you and God more and more every day.
Jo INMN
"Whether as an individual person or a group of people, God makes clear what is and what is not His will. He then allows us humans to either choose to follow His will or to thumb our nose at Him and disobey Him. When God says "stop" and we don't, there are always consequences to pay. So many lives have been destroyed because of disobedience.
"In our daily devotional, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, one of my favorite lessons is this: 'When God says 'stop', I must immediately turn and stop. God's will is that I might be a complete, purposeful person to be used for His glory and honor. When I disobey His clearly understood word, I write my own ticket for the pain and sorrow that will follow. God is not to be mocked.'"
This is as true today as it was in Jeremiah's day. So, let's repeat the prayer written so long ago: "Lord Jesus, may my will be your will. Let me hear your word 'stop', when I'm going down the wrong pathway. Amen."
Loving you and God more and more every day.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
HOLD ON, JESUS!
Rev. 12:17 says, "Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God's commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus." OK. Now what does it mean?
"Revelation is a hard book to understand, but I think this verse tells a story of those caught up in evil and those who are not. Perhaps it is only a word picture. Yet, many good and evil people can get caught up in rage, rage against women, rage against freedom, rage against poverty or injustice, any of which can take a turn toward revenge. Included in these is the personal rage we sometimes inflict on one another. Yet those who love God try to keep from hate and its evil partner, rage, and try to stand firm in spite of temptation, staying victorious only through the power of God.
"Therefore, I must personally stay--always--connected to God, who is my source and my center. I must not become enraged unless it is of righteous intent, to serve injustice, or to bring mercy to another. Then I'd better be roaring!
"Lord, have mercy on me as I am weak and at times tempted to hate. Thank you for your ultimate strength over evil and thank you for helping me to see you beyond the evil that promises death. May I inherit your power to ease injustice in the world. Amen."
May those who read this inherit that power, Lord God, as well! Amen.
Jo INMN
"Revelation is a hard book to understand, but I think this verse tells a story of those caught up in evil and those who are not. Perhaps it is only a word picture. Yet, many good and evil people can get caught up in rage, rage against women, rage against freedom, rage against poverty or injustice, any of which can take a turn toward revenge. Included in these is the personal rage we sometimes inflict on one another. Yet those who love God try to keep from hate and its evil partner, rage, and try to stand firm in spite of temptation, staying victorious only through the power of God.
"Therefore, I must personally stay--always--connected to God, who is my source and my center. I must not become enraged unless it is of righteous intent, to serve injustice, or to bring mercy to another. Then I'd better be roaring!
"Lord, have mercy on me as I am weak and at times tempted to hate. Thank you for your ultimate strength over evil and thank you for helping me to see you beyond the evil that promises death. May I inherit your power to ease injustice in the world. Amen."
May those who read this inherit that power, Lord God, as well! Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, September 3, 2015
YOU WILL REMEMBER
In reading Ezek. 20:43 and Psalm 111:10, we find, "You will remember your conduct...and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done...The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
"God has placed within humanity a concept called conscience. It's that ringing bell that can't be ignored. It says to us, "Remember me?" When that call comes and we remember the hurtful things we have said and done, or the things we have left undone, our hearts are crushed in shame. Only then will God come to us when we say, "Lord , I repent. I am a sinner with no right to call on you."
"The fear of the Lord brings wisdom and we can then say, "I'll never do that again, because it separated me from fellowship with God." God brings to mind how we've behaved and we are humbled. And God will know of our sorrow. If we do not feel God's presence, remember, God never leaves us; we're the ones who move away. He waits for our repentance.
"Lord God, give me a heart that helps me to remember when I've denied you, that I might receive your consolation and forgiveness. Amen."
This remembrance from long ago is still appropriate today. I still need to pray the little prayer above and the emptiness before I do pray, still comes to me. I hope the realization that we all make these same mistakes will make it easier for you to go to God when you remember your own sin. As you have faith in God, I have faith in you.
Jo INMN
"God has placed within humanity a concept called conscience. It's that ringing bell that can't be ignored. It says to us, "Remember me?" When that call comes and we remember the hurtful things we have said and done, or the things we have left undone, our hearts are crushed in shame. Only then will God come to us when we say, "Lord , I repent. I am a sinner with no right to call on you."
"The fear of the Lord brings wisdom and we can then say, "I'll never do that again, because it separated me from fellowship with God." God brings to mind how we've behaved and we are humbled. And God will know of our sorrow. If we do not feel God's presence, remember, God never leaves us; we're the ones who move away. He waits for our repentance.
"Lord God, give me a heart that helps me to remember when I've denied you, that I might receive your consolation and forgiveness. Amen."
This remembrance from long ago is still appropriate today. I still need to pray the little prayer above and the emptiness before I do pray, still comes to me. I hope the realization that we all make these same mistakes will make it easier for you to go to God when you remember your own sin. As you have faith in God, I have faith in you.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
THE INFECTIONESS OF SIN
Ezek. 18"4, "The soul who sins is the one who will die." In God's words to Ezekiel for Jerusalem, it appears the discussion is around who will suffer, the father or the son, for the sins committed of one or the other. God says a person who sins is the one who will die for it. No one will die for another's sin.
"But that is not to say that others will not be affected by our sin. The effect upon a person's sin causes those around the sinner to suffer in some way. If a person in the family sins, all the family is affected. If someone in the church sins, the effect is felt by all the members. Everyone will feel it; some will feel it more than others. That is why there is the need for a lot of prayer for healing, so that each member, be it family or church family, will be led to wholeness and forgiveness. Not everyone will survive the chaos that erupts from sin, if it is known sin or unknown. Each member needs to examine his or her own life, with the help of God and others, and be given the opportunity to confess. And also confess our own reaction to someone else's sin to make sure we ourselves have not evolved into sin."
Sounds frightening to me. But God waits with His heart filled with love for us. Although He hates sin, His love awaits, and hopes His ear hears our confession.
God help us~ Amen.
Jo INMN
"But that is not to say that others will not be affected by our sin. The effect upon a person's sin causes those around the sinner to suffer in some way. If a person in the family sins, all the family is affected. If someone in the church sins, the effect is felt by all the members. Everyone will feel it; some will feel it more than others. That is why there is the need for a lot of prayer for healing, so that each member, be it family or church family, will be led to wholeness and forgiveness. Not everyone will survive the chaos that erupts from sin, if it is known sin or unknown. Each member needs to examine his or her own life, with the help of God and others, and be given the opportunity to confess. And also confess our own reaction to someone else's sin to make sure we ourselves have not evolved into sin."
Sounds frightening to me. But God waits with His heart filled with love for us. Although He hates sin, His love awaits, and hopes His ear hears our confession.
God help us~ Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
THE ECHOES OF PRAISE
Again, a portion of a book of encouragement made long ago for our family....Rev. 5:13 says this, "Then I heard all beings in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together all of them were saying, 'Praise, honor, glory and strength to the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.'" Can you imagine that? The sound of the world expressing its love to God?
"Have you ever crawled under a grand piano to listen to a truly great musician and heard the sound reverberate against the under-carriage? Probably not. I have done just that when invited to do so. The sound made is truly heavenly! I could listen to it for hours, filing myself with music thundering in triumph!
"Perhaps hearing all things alive singing praises to God at the same time would be even more unforgettable. Birds, fish, flowers, rocks all pronouncing the Glory of God at the same time with choruses of praise, each voice repeating over and over again the wonderful worth of the Father and the Son.
"Christ our Lord, God the Father of us all and Holy Spirit--I give you my praise and honor and glory. I give you my strength and my weaknesses, my goodness and my sin. I give you myself. Blessed be your Holy Name. Amen"
I hope you all agree!
Jo INMN
"Have you ever crawled under a grand piano to listen to a truly great musician and heard the sound reverberate against the under-carriage? Probably not. I have done just that when invited to do so. The sound made is truly heavenly! I could listen to it for hours, filing myself with music thundering in triumph!
"Perhaps hearing all things alive singing praises to God at the same time would be even more unforgettable. Birds, fish, flowers, rocks all pronouncing the Glory of God at the same time with choruses of praise, each voice repeating over and over again the wonderful worth of the Father and the Son.
"Christ our Lord, God the Father of us all and Holy Spirit--I give you my praise and honor and glory. I give you my strength and my weaknesses, my goodness and my sin. I give you myself. Blessed be your Holy Name. Amen"
I hope you all agree!
Jo INMN
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