Mark 8:34 and Job 22:21, "You must forget about yourself...Surrender to God All-Powerful."
A writing by Weisgram says, "We are called to carry our own cross. That is the hardest thing, to carry our own true cross. This is giving up--surrendering to God All-Powerful that which our human soul does not want to submit."
"I think my own cross is to submit to God my so-called "right" to defend myself against that which I perceive to be an offense, injustice, or insult by another person. All I can do is turn the situation over to God, for I need God's help and His mercy, to be obedient to this submission. I hope there will be a loosening of that awful tie that binds my quick reactions and my defense mechanisms to my heart so that I will be able to carry my cross, this need to be defensive, with grace.
"God give me the heart to truly want to submit to you the rights to myself that I have for so long carried and coddled. Give me a sense of urgency to recognize my need to come to you and the discernment to do so. I have faith in your help and thank you in advance of that help. Amen."
And Lord, on this Halloween Day of 2015, I also ask for your safety in the lives of the countless children out tonight on their search of candy. And may they see more than goblins; may they see the hearts and smiles of those who love you. Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
"Mark 8:27-29 says, "Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?" And they answered, "John the Baptist, or Elijah or a prophet." Then Jesus asked His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."
"This is the fundamental question that Jesus asks of each one of us. Who do you say that I am? On this answer stands the pivotal questions of all of life. If we can't proclaim Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer of the world, nothing else matters. There is no gray area here. Jesus either is who he says He is or he is a farce and a liar of the greatest measure.
"My answer (Jerry's answer and mine) to Jesus was without any hesitation. "Jesus, you are the Messiah sent from God to redeem and bring forgiveness of sin and eternal life to me and to all the peoples of the world. You are not a Messiah for a few select people, but for the entire world.
"Lord Jesus, You are God's chosen, the Messiah, chosen to redeem a broken world. Amen."
Today, tomorrow and yesterday, Lord, you are the One. This is what we say that you are. You are the Messiah of the Scripture, and the Lord of our lives. Thanks be to God. Amen
JoINMN
"This is the fundamental question that Jesus asks of each one of us. Who do you say that I am? On this answer stands the pivotal questions of all of life. If we can't proclaim Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer of the world, nothing else matters. There is no gray area here. Jesus either is who he says He is or he is a farce and a liar of the greatest measure.
"My answer (Jerry's answer and mine) to Jesus was without any hesitation. "Jesus, you are the Messiah sent from God to redeem and bring forgiveness of sin and eternal life to me and to all the peoples of the world. You are not a Messiah for a few select people, but for the entire world.
"Lord Jesus, You are God's chosen, the Messiah, chosen to redeem a broken world. Amen."
Today, tomorrow and yesterday, Lord, you are the One. This is what we say that you are. You are the Messiah of the Scripture, and the Lord of our lives. Thanks be to God. Amen
JoINMN
Thursday, October 29, 2015
THE UNIVERSAL LAW
Mark 4:24, "Listen carefully to what you hear! The way you treat others will be the way you will be treated!" This is the Universal Law. If someone treats you badly in some particular way, look to see who you are treating in the same way. If someone is gossiping about you, chances are you have gossiped about someone yourself! If you are being treated unfairly, look to see who you are treating unfairly or have done so in the past.---The Universal Law. At the same time the Universal Law works for good deeds, but it is less likely to be watched as closely, for good deeds are not to be done for the purpose of having them returned.
"God, give me the grace to examine myself so that I do not become a victim of my own thoughtless acts. Help me to see when I have done wrong and repent, making amends to the person victimized. Give me the grace to listen and be aware of hurtful acts and help me to center on you and your grace given to others. Amen."
Written long ago, this lesson still applies to me today. However, I have learned one thing more about acts done wrongly, and treating someone badly from the book MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, by Oswald Chambers. We have been justified by faith for our wrongdoing. We are born again and can have new beginnings solely because of the atonement of our Lord by His death on the cross. God Himself paid for our sinfulness. Therefore, going to God when we treat someone wrongly
and give thanks for God's atonement on our part, helps us to realize our imperfections and gives us grace for the one we may have hurt and grace for ourselves. We don't beat up others nor do we beat up on ourselves. Christ paid for our mistakes already. Praise His Holy Name!! Forgiveness all around. Yet, sometimes it is up to us to say the words, "Forgive me!"
Yours, in the Forgiveness of God.
Jo INMN
"God, give me the grace to examine myself so that I do not become a victim of my own thoughtless acts. Help me to see when I have done wrong and repent, making amends to the person victimized. Give me the grace to listen and be aware of hurtful acts and help me to center on you and your grace given to others. Amen."
Written long ago, this lesson still applies to me today. However, I have learned one thing more about acts done wrongly, and treating someone badly from the book MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, by Oswald Chambers. We have been justified by faith for our wrongdoing. We are born again and can have new beginnings solely because of the atonement of our Lord by His death on the cross. God Himself paid for our sinfulness. Therefore, going to God when we treat someone wrongly
and give thanks for God's atonement on our part, helps us to realize our imperfections and gives us grace for the one we may have hurt and grace for ourselves. We don't beat up others nor do we beat up on ourselves. Christ paid for our mistakes already. Praise His Holy Name!! Forgiveness all around. Yet, sometimes it is up to us to say the words, "Forgive me!"
Yours, in the Forgiveness of God.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
QUIET PRAYER
Mark 1:35: "Early in the morning after a packed day of healing and casting out demons, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed."
"Jesus knew that he needed to pray to the Father in a quiet place away from the noise and demands of people. He knew that there would be large crowds wherever He went, and the way to prepare for that was with solitude and prayer.
"In the business and demands of life, this model teaches me that I must take time to be quiet and come before God in prayer. When my gas tank is low, I go to the filling station for gas. I don't go to the grocery or hardware store to fill my spiritual tank either. I must go to a solitary place, be silent and listen for God's leading.
Lord Jesus, what a wonderful gift you've given us with the need for quiet, listening prayer. Amen.
(This prayer was made years ago by my husband, and he still finds it useful today.)
It reminds me of a year ago when my daughter's husband came home about dinner-time and confessed that he had been fired. Both of them were in shock. But our daughter began to pray. And while she prayed, her husband smiled at her, grateful for her faith. She went to the Lord and the two of them remained there all year through one disappointment after another. But God had a lot to teach. And He taught not only that wonderful family, but he taught all their outside family, their neighbors, their friends and many on Facebook. God can be trusted and He uses each of us in our own circumstance. He did not start the circumstances. But, He saw them through their circumstances...Royally. We are His children; we are princes and princesses to Him.
Thank you, Lord, for being with us in our darker moments. Amen.
Jo INMN
"Jesus knew that he needed to pray to the Father in a quiet place away from the noise and demands of people. He knew that there would be large crowds wherever He went, and the way to prepare for that was with solitude and prayer.
"In the business and demands of life, this model teaches me that I must take time to be quiet and come before God in prayer. When my gas tank is low, I go to the filling station for gas. I don't go to the grocery or hardware store to fill my spiritual tank either. I must go to a solitary place, be silent and listen for God's leading.
Lord Jesus, what a wonderful gift you've given us with the need for quiet, listening prayer. Amen.
(This prayer was made years ago by my husband, and he still finds it useful today.)
It reminds me of a year ago when my daughter's husband came home about dinner-time and confessed that he had been fired. Both of them were in shock. But our daughter began to pray. And while she prayed, her husband smiled at her, grateful for her faith. She went to the Lord and the two of them remained there all year through one disappointment after another. But God had a lot to teach. And He taught not only that wonderful family, but he taught all their outside family, their neighbors, their friends and many on Facebook. God can be trusted and He uses each of us in our own circumstance. He did not start the circumstances. But, He saw them through their circumstances...Royally. We are His children; we are princes and princesses to Him.
Thank you, Lord, for being with us in our darker moments. Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
WE WANT MIRACLES!
Mark 1:45 says, "So Jesus kept to out-of-the-way places, no longer able to move freely in and out of the city. But people found him and came from all over."
"The people came from all over, desiring healing. Jesus wasn't against healing. He healed repeatedly, undoubtedly following God's direction, but He had teaching to do. Yet the throngs of people found Him, coming from all over, saying, "Heal me! Heal me!" They weren't as interested in what He taught. They just wanted to be healed.
"Jesus chose the mountainside, the boat on the water, the olive gardens, or any other place where He could catch His breath and teach. Yet they came. And Jesus loved them. He told them stories, stories that taught. But, most of what He said went over their heads. It was His miracles they wanted. The Pharisees however, are the ones who started the real trouble. They wanted Jesus to stop with His stories and His miracles. And, above all, they didn't want to hear that He came from the Father.
"How are we different? We're not. My first prayer that I can remember came when I was about thirteen, "Lord Jesus, change me. I don't like who I am!" And I prayed that it would be so. I, too, wanted a miracle." (From my notes of an earlier teaching.)
But, Jesus saw fit that I learn what He was teaching me. He opened my heart to the Bible and to studying it. I read daily and wrote on what I read. I began to feel less sad about my short-comings and grateful for the goodness God was trying to place within me. God pointed out that I longed to be perfect, for my imperfections seemed so monumental to me. He reminded me that Christ died for my imperfections, my sins. Therefore, He saw me as without sin!
I guessed it was about time I saw myself the same way. Now, this is not easy for me, and I still struggle with it, but God insists. And I am trying. I'm doing my best to practice what he teaches. And that will be a miracle!!
How about you? Lord Jesus, Help us to be wise about our imperfections, and willing to change that which you reveal to us. Amen.
Jo INMN
"The people came from all over, desiring healing. Jesus wasn't against healing. He healed repeatedly, undoubtedly following God's direction, but He had teaching to do. Yet the throngs of people found Him, coming from all over, saying, "Heal me! Heal me!" They weren't as interested in what He taught. They just wanted to be healed.
"Jesus chose the mountainside, the boat on the water, the olive gardens, or any other place where He could catch His breath and teach. Yet they came. And Jesus loved them. He told them stories, stories that taught. But, most of what He said went over their heads. It was His miracles they wanted. The Pharisees however, are the ones who started the real trouble. They wanted Jesus to stop with His stories and His miracles. And, above all, they didn't want to hear that He came from the Father.
"How are we different? We're not. My first prayer that I can remember came when I was about thirteen, "Lord Jesus, change me. I don't like who I am!" And I prayed that it would be so. I, too, wanted a miracle." (From my notes of an earlier teaching.)
But, Jesus saw fit that I learn what He was teaching me. He opened my heart to the Bible and to studying it. I read daily and wrote on what I read. I began to feel less sad about my short-comings and grateful for the goodness God was trying to place within me. God pointed out that I longed to be perfect, for my imperfections seemed so monumental to me. He reminded me that Christ died for my imperfections, my sins. Therefore, He saw me as without sin!
I guessed it was about time I saw myself the same way. Now, this is not easy for me, and I still struggle with it, but God insists. And I am trying. I'm doing my best to practice what he teaches. And that will be a miracle!!
How about you? Lord Jesus, Help us to be wise about our imperfections, and willing to change that which you reveal to us. Amen.
Jo INMN
Monday, October 26, 2015
I AM WILLING
In Acts 21:14 we read, "Since we could not get Paul to change his mind, we gave up and prayed, "Lord, please make us willing to do what you want."
"Paul and Paul's associates were receiving different messages from the Holy Spirit. How can this be? Paul was insistent upon going to Jerusalem. His friends were saying, "Do not go. You will be harmed there." Both sides were firm in their beliefs concerning Paul's trip. When he would not give in, the disciples gave up and prayed to be willing to do what God wanted. Were they praying for themselves--or for Paul? They were praying for God's will to be revealed to all.
"The important fact is they gave up trying to control by convincing Paul and instead prayed. Not just prayed. PRAYED. Just praying suggests that praying is a lesser thing. NOT SO! Praying is the most important thing a disciple can do. Whatever is difficult,, burdensome, unfair or seemingly impossible to see clearly, must be placed under prayer. Only God has the answer, the direction, the timing or the reason. And so we pray.
"God, I don't completely understand, so I am depending upon you. Whatever you show me, Lord, whatever you desire of me, Lord, make me willing to accept, or do, or wait upon , that your perfect will might be done. Amen.
I am still praying this prayer. This old world can become so confusing, as evil seems to lurk around all of our corners. And what seems right may not be. What seems wrong...can it possibly be right? And so we come to you with our hope in you. Perhaps this is what you are desiring. We trust in you. Please guide the walks we walk, the talk we talk, and the prayers we make to you. We pray that you are guiding and leading us to the good of your Holiness in the world. Amen
Jo INMN
"Paul and Paul's associates were receiving different messages from the Holy Spirit. How can this be? Paul was insistent upon going to Jerusalem. His friends were saying, "Do not go. You will be harmed there." Both sides were firm in their beliefs concerning Paul's trip. When he would not give in, the disciples gave up and prayed to be willing to do what God wanted. Were they praying for themselves--or for Paul? They were praying for God's will to be revealed to all.
"The important fact is they gave up trying to control by convincing Paul and instead prayed. Not just prayed. PRAYED. Just praying suggests that praying is a lesser thing. NOT SO! Praying is the most important thing a disciple can do. Whatever is difficult,, burdensome, unfair or seemingly impossible to see clearly, must be placed under prayer. Only God has the answer, the direction, the timing or the reason. And so we pray.
"God, I don't completely understand, so I am depending upon you. Whatever you show me, Lord, whatever you desire of me, Lord, make me willing to accept, or do, or wait upon , that your perfect will might be done. Amen.
I am still praying this prayer. This old world can become so confusing, as evil seems to lurk around all of our corners. And what seems right may not be. What seems wrong...can it possibly be right? And so we come to you with our hope in you. Perhaps this is what you are desiring. We trust in you. Please guide the walks we walk, the talk we talk, and the prayers we make to you. We pray that you are guiding and leading us to the good of your Holiness in the world. Amen
Jo INMN
Saturday, October 24, 2015
SHARE THE SPOTLIGHT!
Job 1:5 reads, "The wisest thing one can do is to keep quiet and listen." Job had such a time with his friends! All they wanted to do is give advice, without any sympathy for him at all. So, he turned it around and suggested they keep quiet! And listen! And they did, finally.
I give myself this same advice. No matter where I go, if I come in contact with others, I try to stay quiet about myself. But I ask questions of them, like, "How is your family doing?" What's the most exciting thing that happened to you or your family this past year? "How is the new job/work/baby doing? Are you still enjoying life? Have you got a busy winter planned? People love to answer questions about their life and their family. It's an easy way to get people to talk about themselves, and the best way to encourage, support, and show them you are a friend.
Sometimes folks need to unload what is bothering them. If so, let them! You won't have to carry their load very long, just long enough to let them know you care. And finally, let them know they can call you if they ever want to "kick the cat." You'll listen. (Remember this, Jo!)
Lord Jesus, keep me from talking about myself when I meet a new person. Help me think of ways to ask questions of another's life that he or she may know I'm interested. Help me to be a true friend that does not need to be spot-lighted. Amen.
I give myself this same advice. No matter where I go, if I come in contact with others, I try to stay quiet about myself. But I ask questions of them, like, "How is your family doing?" What's the most exciting thing that happened to you or your family this past year? "How is the new job/work/baby doing? Are you still enjoying life? Have you got a busy winter planned? People love to answer questions about their life and their family. It's an easy way to get people to talk about themselves, and the best way to encourage, support, and show them you are a friend.
Sometimes folks need to unload what is bothering them. If so, let them! You won't have to carry their load very long, just long enough to let them know you care. And finally, let them know they can call you if they ever want to "kick the cat." You'll listen. (Remember this, Jo!)
Lord Jesus, keep me from talking about myself when I meet a new person. Help me think of ways to ask questions of another's life that he or she may know I'm interested. Help me to be a true friend that does not need to be spot-lighted. Amen.
Friday, October 23, 2015
ONE DAY LATER.......
Yes, only one day later I am rejoicing because I hold the hand of Jesus! And all because of a little book called JESUS CALLING! Today, I write holding Jesus' hand. I am enjoying His blessings and trust in His goodness regardless of the situation in the world. Yesterday, I wrote out of fear. Today I write out of hope and something else...the certainty of God's goodness!
What we usually see as goodness, you and I, is not always a perfect picture of goodness. What we may see as hardship and causes us fear, is often God's goodness for the world in its entirety. Hardship is part of the life on this earth. Hardship helps us in the long run as we find Christ through our need. So, when part of the world is under hardship, God is at work there, bringing goodness after the hard times which is important for those in the process of finding God. We suffer, we work, we learn to pray in our suffering, and God answering, reveals Himself.
The world can be a terrifying place, and at times, we resent it. We rebel against it. We may not be looking for God at work there, for it looks the opposite of control. But chaos may be a needed factor for any part of the world before God can be revealed, and like Job, we lose heart. Fear encroaches upon us and the world seems to be a terrifying place.
If we really have what God has already given us, hope in Him and trust in His goodness, we must remind ourselves that God works His work in spite of our rebellious tendencies to fear and distrust. His Spirit is aware of our attitudes. Would not God prefer to have us trust Him? Would not God prefer to have us believe that He is in charge and have reasons and purposes we may not yet understand?
We are not very good at understanding our own losses or thwarted hopes. How can we begin to understand losses going on in other parts of the world? Wherever losses occur, here on our doorstep or across the ocean somewhere, God is in charge. Praying for those in another part of the world is the best answer we will ever find. Trusting in the work of God there will give us hope for our own time of hardship.
Now, hear from JESUS CALLING! "The best response to loss or thwarted hopes is praise. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things--your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time--are gifts from Me. Instead of feeling entitled to all my blessings, respond to them with gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!"
So, whether our resentment may come from personal hardship or what we fear is happening beyond our shores, we are advised well to continue to PRAISE GOD. And be prepared to let go of anything taken from us, bur never let go of Christ's hand! Trust in Him, always.
I am holding His hand as I perceive my world and the world around me. I will be at peace because of trust in Him. Are you with me?
Jo INMN
What we usually see as goodness, you and I, is not always a perfect picture of goodness. What we may see as hardship and causes us fear, is often God's goodness for the world in its entirety. Hardship is part of the life on this earth. Hardship helps us in the long run as we find Christ through our need. So, when part of the world is under hardship, God is at work there, bringing goodness after the hard times which is important for those in the process of finding God. We suffer, we work, we learn to pray in our suffering, and God answering, reveals Himself.
The world can be a terrifying place, and at times, we resent it. We rebel against it. We may not be looking for God at work there, for it looks the opposite of control. But chaos may be a needed factor for any part of the world before God can be revealed, and like Job, we lose heart. Fear encroaches upon us and the world seems to be a terrifying place.
If we really have what God has already given us, hope in Him and trust in His goodness, we must remind ourselves that God works His work in spite of our rebellious tendencies to fear and distrust. His Spirit is aware of our attitudes. Would not God prefer to have us trust Him? Would not God prefer to have us believe that He is in charge and have reasons and purposes we may not yet understand?
We are not very good at understanding our own losses or thwarted hopes. How can we begin to understand losses going on in other parts of the world? Wherever losses occur, here on our doorstep or across the ocean somewhere, God is in charge. Praying for those in another part of the world is the best answer we will ever find. Trusting in the work of God there will give us hope for our own time of hardship.
Now, hear from JESUS CALLING! "The best response to loss or thwarted hopes is praise. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things--your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time--are gifts from Me. Instead of feeling entitled to all my blessings, respond to them with gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!"
So, whether our resentment may come from personal hardship or what we fear is happening beyond our shores, we are advised well to continue to PRAISE GOD. And be prepared to let go of anything taken from us, bur never let go of Christ's hand! Trust in Him, always.
I am holding His hand as I perceive my world and the world around me. I will be at peace because of trust in Him. Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Thursday, October 22, 2015
FACING THE UGLY IN THE WORLD
Let's look at Job 9:24 which says, "God lets the wicked take over running the world; God installs judges who can't tell right from wrong. If God's not responsible, who is?" Job's anger is very apparent!"
"You know, I've really never felt that God was responsible for the "wrongness" or unfairness in the world. Yet I find that I am somewhat responsive to Job's words and want to say, "Yeah! What about it!"
"If the wicked aren't running the world, those who are running it, are perhaps not as smart as they should be. (Or as willing to ask God's help!) And if those running things are wicked, what does that make us? At the very least, we are human and perhaps a bit wicked, too, for keeping silent.
"But we face an ugly world. (Not only when this was first written, but, alas, today as well.) There's war. Is it wicked to try to help those who have begged the world to help them get freedom? Then, we find that no one wanted just freedom for itself, but power for themselves! (And now the poor exiles are trying to escape their own world of wickedness.) Is it wicked to try to protect a way of life, a nation's own people, and their own freedom? I can't believe that God is truly the one responsible. Troops to come home? Taking in the poor exiles? A civil war in Iraq? Is it God's intention?
God,( then and even still, )I have, like Job, nothing but questions. I'm certain you have answers, but I don't know yet what they are. May your wisdom prevail and may we all have the faith to trust in you in this vicious circle of deaths and despair and the quandary of destruction. Amen.
Won't you pray the prayer with me?
Jo INMN
"You know, I've really never felt that God was responsible for the "wrongness" or unfairness in the world. Yet I find that I am somewhat responsive to Job's words and want to say, "Yeah! What about it!"
"If the wicked aren't running the world, those who are running it, are perhaps not as smart as they should be. (Or as willing to ask God's help!) And if those running things are wicked, what does that make us? At the very least, we are human and perhaps a bit wicked, too, for keeping silent.
"But we face an ugly world. (Not only when this was first written, but, alas, today as well.) There's war. Is it wicked to try to help those who have begged the world to help them get freedom? Then, we find that no one wanted just freedom for itself, but power for themselves! (And now the poor exiles are trying to escape their own world of wickedness.) Is it wicked to try to protect a way of life, a nation's own people, and their own freedom? I can't believe that God is truly the one responsible. Troops to come home? Taking in the poor exiles? A civil war in Iraq? Is it God's intention?
God,( then and even still, )I have, like Job, nothing but questions. I'm certain you have answers, but I don't know yet what they are. May your wisdom prevail and may we all have the faith to trust in you in this vicious circle of deaths and despair and the quandary of destruction. Amen.
Won't you pray the prayer with me?
Jo INMN
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
NONE ARE UNCLEAN
This day long ago, Jerry wrote from Acts 19:28,29...."Peter said to those gathered at the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who was a believer in Jesus, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean."
"Peter had a revelation from God in which he saw a large sheet coming down from heaven with all kinds of birds reptiles, and four-footed creatures. When God told him to get up and kill and eat, Peter declined because the creatures were unclean by Jewish Law. In the vision, God spoke to Peter and told him, "What God has made clean you must not profane and call unclean." All of God's creation is clean since God made it. We are not to discriminate against any of God's people or animals because He created them.
"When I am confronted by someone of a different race, religion, social status, etc., God tells me, "Jerry, these are all my creations. Reach out and show my love to them. Never treat others as less than you are, because it dishonors me, my creature and my creativity. Reach out and show my love to them. Never treat others as less than yourself because it dishonors me, as the Creator.
"Lord God, may I never look at another as not being worthy of care, regardless of our differences.
Amen."
In this day and time, when his peoples of each color are begging to be included in the rights of all, we must be sure to not take part in divisions of people, but think One to One and God to all.
Jo INMN
"Peter had a revelation from God in which he saw a large sheet coming down from heaven with all kinds of birds reptiles, and four-footed creatures. When God told him to get up and kill and eat, Peter declined because the creatures were unclean by Jewish Law. In the vision, God spoke to Peter and told him, "What God has made clean you must not profane and call unclean." All of God's creation is clean since God made it. We are not to discriminate against any of God's people or animals because He created them.
"When I am confronted by someone of a different race, religion, social status, etc., God tells me, "Jerry, these are all my creations. Reach out and show my love to them. Never treat others as less than you are, because it dishonors me, my creature and my creativity. Reach out and show my love to them. Never treat others as less than yourself because it dishonors me, as the Creator.
"Lord God, may I never look at another as not being worthy of care, regardless of our differences.
Amen."
In this day and time, when his peoples of each color are begging to be included in the rights of all, we must be sure to not take part in divisions of people, but think One to One and God to all.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
ANGELS? WHO CAN TELL?
Job 5:1 "Job, call out for help and see if an angel comes!" Poor Job. God and Satan tested Job and he became desperate to understand why he was tempted. His well-meaning friends tried hard to help, but often they made things worse for Job. Eliphaz, in the book of Job, gave the above advice to no avail. An angel did not come.
"Now, in Acts 10:4, a man named Cornelius had a vision of an angel from God and asked him, "What is this all about?" Cornelius was surprised and his comment is similar to what we might say today, "Now what?" Certainly, an angel's visitation is mighty peculiar in today's world but perhaps, we'd better be keeping our eyes wide open, just in case angels might come upon us. Who can tell?
"I had a blow-out on a superhighway a long time ago and once I got the car over to the side of the road, I bent over the steering wheel and prayed for help. I had never changed a tire. Within moments, a car pulled up behind mine and a man got out. He changed my tire in seconds. I have always believed he was an angel. He would not take money. He wore no gloves or boots in the dead of winter. Kind stranger or angel I will never know. But I had called out to God for help. And He did.
"God keep me---and all of us--vigilant for your heavenly beings and for their service to you that I might participate with them as you see fit. Amen."
And I repeat this prayer today that you, too, might participate in the watchfulness for God's special gifts, His angels.
Jo INMN
"Now, in Acts 10:4, a man named Cornelius had a vision of an angel from God and asked him, "What is this all about?" Cornelius was surprised and his comment is similar to what we might say today, "Now what?" Certainly, an angel's visitation is mighty peculiar in today's world but perhaps, we'd better be keeping our eyes wide open, just in case angels might come upon us. Who can tell?
"I had a blow-out on a superhighway a long time ago and once I got the car over to the side of the road, I bent over the steering wheel and prayed for help. I had never changed a tire. Within moments, a car pulled up behind mine and a man got out. He changed my tire in seconds. I have always believed he was an angel. He would not take money. He wore no gloves or boots in the dead of winter. Kind stranger or angel I will never know. But I had called out to God for help. And He did.
"God keep me---and all of us--vigilant for your heavenly beings and for their service to you that I might participate with them as you see fit. Amen."
And I repeat this prayer today that you, too, might participate in the watchfulness for God's special gifts, His angels.
Jo INMN
Saturday, October 17, 2015
THE BEGGAR WOULDN'T LET GO!
Acts 3:11 "While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to Peter and John in the place called Solomon's Colonnade."
"The beggar was healed. But, he continued to hang on to Peter and John. Did he not believe he was part of a miracle? He hangs on! Did he think, "Will I fall if I let go? I'd better stick with these guys while they let me. I may not make it on my own!"" People today would be astonished at this miracle, just like they were in the beggar's day. Plus, I'm afraid those of us who might administer the healing might be equally astonished! Unfortunately, we lack the faith one needs, or the closeness to Christ, to turn a cripple into a healthy, walking man. We may have witnessed smaller miracles, like finding lost keys, but not a man walking when he had never walked!
"God, if it is your will for this world today to see bigger miracles, give the world that kind of faith. I thank you for my own healing and pray it will be a witness to others. I also pray that when someone helps in a healing, let there be trust on the part of the healed person to let go of those who healed. And if by chance I should be the healer, help me to have the patience to wait until the "beggar" lets go. Amen."
As you may have guessed, this was written years ago. But its truth remains, so I dared to use it. I have still not seen a healing as there was in the bible in Jesus' day. But I still believe in miracles. Whenever someone asks Christ to come into his or her life, there is the miracle of belief. Whenever someone lifts their eyes to the heavens and prays God will touch their life, there is a miracle of belief. With the world's attitudes of disbelief and fear of prejudices, we wonder and even fear the outcome of choosing to believe in God.
Let the world see the love in your heart for them, Lord, that they might choose you! And all together, your people will see fit to follow your leading.
This is my prayer!
Jo INMN
"The beggar was healed. But, he continued to hang on to Peter and John. Did he not believe he was part of a miracle? He hangs on! Did he think, "Will I fall if I let go? I'd better stick with these guys while they let me. I may not make it on my own!"" People today would be astonished at this miracle, just like they were in the beggar's day. Plus, I'm afraid those of us who might administer the healing might be equally astonished! Unfortunately, we lack the faith one needs, or the closeness to Christ, to turn a cripple into a healthy, walking man. We may have witnessed smaller miracles, like finding lost keys, but not a man walking when he had never walked!
"God, if it is your will for this world today to see bigger miracles, give the world that kind of faith. I thank you for my own healing and pray it will be a witness to others. I also pray that when someone helps in a healing, let there be trust on the part of the healed person to let go of those who healed. And if by chance I should be the healer, help me to have the patience to wait until the "beggar" lets go. Amen."
As you may have guessed, this was written years ago. But its truth remains, so I dared to use it. I have still not seen a healing as there was in the bible in Jesus' day. But I still believe in miracles. Whenever someone asks Christ to come into his or her life, there is the miracle of belief. Whenever someone lifts their eyes to the heavens and prays God will touch their life, there is a miracle of belief. With the world's attitudes of disbelief and fear of prejudices, we wonder and even fear the outcome of choosing to believe in God.
Let the world see the love in your heart for them, Lord, that they might choose you! And all together, your people will see fit to follow your leading.
This is my prayer!
Jo INMN
Thursday, October 15, 2015
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Acts 4:19 says, "But to keep this thing from spreading, we will want them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus." These words became an official command by the authorities in Jerusalem. The apostles must be told to never again use the name of Jesus in order to stop the spread of this religion. Why? Simple. The apostles had said, "Only Jesus has the power to save. His name is the only one in the world that can save anyone."
"The lame man, now healed, had caused a mighty stir. The poor officials threatened the apostles, but to no avail. It didn't work! The Way spread....worldwide.
"Does His name still work today? You can't pray in school. You can't teach anything about Jesus in school. You can use Jesus' name as a curse in movies, TV, or on the play-ground and in the locker-rooms. But it's indecent to try and tell anyone that Jesus Christ is real, is alive, and has saved me! Maybe I wasn't crippled enough so that others might note the difference, but believe me, I am crippled, or I was. Not crippled in my body but how about my mind, my heart, my soul? Wasn't I crippled? Isn't everyone crippled in some way? Will the Way of Jesus still spread--world-wide?"
These words, with a final prayer, were written some years ago, and I can assure you that I am still somewhat crippled, because I am far from perfect. Jesus isn't within me to make me perfect, because no one can be perfect but God. But He has changed me, perfecting me in a process of loving me and guiding me. Maybe, by the time I reach the Heavenly places I will see the perfecting He has done. I don't see it now. I am a simple person. I am human with human traits. But, I am forgiven.
"Lord, I pray for myself and all of the people who want to be your servants. I pray the prayer of your first disciples, witnessed in Acts 4:29,30. "Make us brave enough to speak your message. Show your mighty power," in us and through us. Amen."
Jo INMN
"The lame man, now healed, had caused a mighty stir. The poor officials threatened the apostles, but to no avail. It didn't work! The Way spread....worldwide.
"Does His name still work today? You can't pray in school. You can't teach anything about Jesus in school. You can use Jesus' name as a curse in movies, TV, or on the play-ground and in the locker-rooms. But it's indecent to try and tell anyone that Jesus Christ is real, is alive, and has saved me! Maybe I wasn't crippled enough so that others might note the difference, but believe me, I am crippled, or I was. Not crippled in my body but how about my mind, my heart, my soul? Wasn't I crippled? Isn't everyone crippled in some way? Will the Way of Jesus still spread--world-wide?"
These words, with a final prayer, were written some years ago, and I can assure you that I am still somewhat crippled, because I am far from perfect. Jesus isn't within me to make me perfect, because no one can be perfect but God. But He has changed me, perfecting me in a process of loving me and guiding me. Maybe, by the time I reach the Heavenly places I will see the perfecting He has done. I don't see it now. I am a simple person. I am human with human traits. But, I am forgiven.
"Lord, I pray for myself and all of the people who want to be your servants. I pray the prayer of your first disciples, witnessed in Acts 4:29,30. "Make us brave enough to speak your message. Show your mighty power," in us and through us. Amen."
Jo INMN
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
WALKING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING GOD
"Acts 3:6,8 says, "Peter said to the man who was lame from birth, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk."Jumping up, the man stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with Peter and John, walking, leaping, and praising God!"
"Walking and leaping and praising God is what happens to each human when we receive the gift of Jesus! We simply can't contain our joy, regardless of what we've been healed of. For some it's physical, others emotional or psychological and others have spiritual nothingness causing bewilderment or depression. Whatever we have to be healed, resounding joy follows Jesus coming into our lives.
"I know this feeling! I once was lost and now am found! I've received God's amazing grace and there is no way I can contain my joy! I want to share it with everyone! Lord Jesus, I leap and praise you for setting me free! Amen" (written by Jerry Johnson. sometime before 10/2005)
I selected this reading so that you might witness through Jerry's witness the kind of joy available to all. I pray that you have also found this joy!
Jo INMN
"Walking and leaping and praising God is what happens to each human when we receive the gift of Jesus! We simply can't contain our joy, regardless of what we've been healed of. For some it's physical, others emotional or psychological and others have spiritual nothingness causing bewilderment or depression. Whatever we have to be healed, resounding joy follows Jesus coming into our lives.
"I know this feeling! I once was lost and now am found! I've received God's amazing grace and there is no way I can contain my joy! I want to share it with everyone! Lord Jesus, I leap and praise you for setting me free! Amen" (written by Jerry Johnson. sometime before 10/2005)
I selected this reading so that you might witness through Jerry's witness the kind of joy available to all. I pray that you have also found this joy!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
GLAD TRUST, JOYFUL WORDS, AND HOPE
Acts 2:26 "Because of this (always seeing the Lord near me and not being afraid) my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope."
"Luke, in his work of writing the Acts of the Apostles, quoted from a psalm of David. Christians today can put it another way by changing the words in parentheses. "Because of Jesus Christ's coming to show us the Father, revealing God's way, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope."
"I am determined to walk in this faith, my heart being glad, living in hope, and trusting God's guidance that my words might be forever joyful, encouraging, and enlightening. I may never speak another language besides English, but, Lord, I pray that your divine presence in me will speak without words to everyone I meet and that they will encounter you. May your miracles be in abundance for those who await them and may my desire to know you more be fulfilled in the ways of your choosing. Amen."
This, I prayed so many years ago. And to this day, I need to pray this prayer again and again. He is divine. I am a mere mortal, full of mortal error. But, I believe in Him and in His life in me. May I be less so that He may be More!
And I pass this love of Him on to you, and you, and you.
Jo INMN
"Luke, in his work of writing the Acts of the Apostles, quoted from a psalm of David. Christians today can put it another way by changing the words in parentheses. "Because of Jesus Christ's coming to show us the Father, revealing God's way, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope."
"I am determined to walk in this faith, my heart being glad, living in hope, and trusting God's guidance that my words might be forever joyful, encouraging, and enlightening. I may never speak another language besides English, but, Lord, I pray that your divine presence in me will speak without words to everyone I meet and that they will encounter you. May your miracles be in abundance for those who await them and may my desire to know you more be fulfilled in the ways of your choosing. Amen."
This, I prayed so many years ago. And to this day, I need to pray this prayer again and again. He is divine. I am a mere mortal, full of mortal error. But, I believe in Him and in His life in me. May I be less so that He may be More!
And I pass this love of Him on to you, and you, and you.
Jo INMN
Monday, October 12, 2015
THE HOUR OF SUNSET COMES
Luke 24:28,29 reads, "Jesus seemed to be going farther. They begged him, "Stay with us. It's already late and the sun is going down." So Jesus went into the house to stay with them."
"Two disheartened men met Jesus after Jesus' resurrection on their way to Emmaus. He taught them on the way and they wanted him to continue his teaching, although they didn't recognize him until he sat at supper with them. They asked, and he granted their request.
"I think I chose this verse because no matter how much I grow in my spirit and in my love for Jesus, He always seems to want to take me farther. Sometimes, I'd like to stay where I am for a while and bask in the light of new discovery, but He always pushes on. It also is getting late in my life; my personal sun is setting. But my sunset seems to be a beautiful one and I know Jesus is with me, always, when I need Him, when I praise Him, and when I worship Him. Yet He always wants to go farther--and He'll want to take me with Him.
"Lord Jesus, you are the Father's Son, My Redeemer and Lord, the Provider of the Holy Spirit. All these persons and some I cannot totally know in this life. The glimpses of you that I have been given are incomplete, yet they thoroughly warm my heart. Thank you for this journey. Bless my love for you that it may keep growing until my final sunset hour. Amen."
And may I add, at this much later date, I am not tired of the journey with God. No, rather, I am enthused by His presence. I need Him every hour of every day. So, you see, I have not learned everything yet that He has to teach me. Being human, I am slower to learn than the angels, but He does not tire of the teaching. My final sunset hour has not yet come, so I try to put a few words of encouragement on the pages of this blog, that someone, somewhere may find themselves drawn to the Master, Teacher, and Lord. May it be so with you.
Some days I fear I have forgotten to send love on to you. Those days will usually find me with appointments I cannot cancel, and as my energy goes just so far, my blog may remain unwritten. I hope you will forgive me and chalk it up to my getting close to turning 82.
Loving you,
Jo INMN
"Two disheartened men met Jesus after Jesus' resurrection on their way to Emmaus. He taught them on the way and they wanted him to continue his teaching, although they didn't recognize him until he sat at supper with them. They asked, and he granted their request.
"I think I chose this verse because no matter how much I grow in my spirit and in my love for Jesus, He always seems to want to take me farther. Sometimes, I'd like to stay where I am for a while and bask in the light of new discovery, but He always pushes on. It also is getting late in my life; my personal sun is setting. But my sunset seems to be a beautiful one and I know Jesus is with me, always, when I need Him, when I praise Him, and when I worship Him. Yet He always wants to go farther--and He'll want to take me with Him.
"Lord Jesus, you are the Father's Son, My Redeemer and Lord, the Provider of the Holy Spirit. All these persons and some I cannot totally know in this life. The glimpses of you that I have been given are incomplete, yet they thoroughly warm my heart. Thank you for this journey. Bless my love for you that it may keep growing until my final sunset hour. Amen."
And may I add, at this much later date, I am not tired of the journey with God. No, rather, I am enthused by His presence. I need Him every hour of every day. So, you see, I have not learned everything yet that He has to teach me. Being human, I am slower to learn than the angels, but He does not tire of the teaching. My final sunset hour has not yet come, so I try to put a few words of encouragement on the pages of this blog, that someone, somewhere may find themselves drawn to the Master, Teacher, and Lord. May it be so with you.
Some days I fear I have forgotten to send love on to you. Those days will usually find me with appointments I cannot cancel, and as my energy goes just so far, my blog may remain unwritten. I hope you will forgive me and chalk it up to my getting close to turning 82.
Loving you,
Jo INMN
Saturday, October 10, 2015
WE ARE THE TEMPLE
Oct. 10, 2015...In Ezra 9:9 the people speak to God, "You love us, and because of you, the kings of Persia have helped us. It's as though you have given us new life. You let us rebuild the temple and live safely in Judah and Jerusalem"....And in Luke 21:6. it reads, "Do you see these stones? The time is coming when not one of them will be left in place. They will all be knocked down."
"From Old Testament times to the new, the wonderful temple of the Jews first built, then destroyed, rebuilt, and finally totally destroyed, still proves to be a symbol for the Lord's people. Over and over, God's people received new life and still God daily gives new life to us.
"Today, Christ is the temple and becomes the temple within us. But we must stretch, wrestle, and allow ourselves to become what God desires to build in us, using Jesus Christ's life and demeanor as a blue-print for that which God is building within." Today, I add, that God builds within us His holiness, built on the foundation of Jesus' atonement for us on the cross. Nothing I do or say will erase my sinfulness in God's heart, until I recognize that Jesus took that sin upon Himself and hung on the cross to pay the price for that very sin. Forgiveness comes for our sin when we admit Jesus already died for it. And this fills us with praise and thanksgiving for that very Lamb of God.
"God, all merciful and Mighty, let our inside worlds become more and more like you, so that we each might love, serve, and influence others devastated by the follies of the outside world. Beloved God, hear my prayer. Amen." (BOOK 10:8)
And may our prayer today echo the one before. Amen
Jo INMN
"From Old Testament times to the new, the wonderful temple of the Jews first built, then destroyed, rebuilt, and finally totally destroyed, still proves to be a symbol for the Lord's people. Over and over, God's people received new life and still God daily gives new life to us.
"Today, Christ is the temple and becomes the temple within us. But we must stretch, wrestle, and allow ourselves to become what God desires to build in us, using Jesus Christ's life and demeanor as a blue-print for that which God is building within." Today, I add, that God builds within us His holiness, built on the foundation of Jesus' atonement for us on the cross. Nothing I do or say will erase my sinfulness in God's heart, until I recognize that Jesus took that sin upon Himself and hung on the cross to pay the price for that very sin. Forgiveness comes for our sin when we admit Jesus already died for it. And this fills us with praise and thanksgiving for that very Lamb of God.
"God, all merciful and Mighty, let our inside worlds become more and more like you, so that we each might love, serve, and influence others devastated by the follies of the outside world. Beloved God, hear my prayer. Amen." (BOOK 10:8)
And may our prayer today echo the one before. Amen
Jo INMN
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
CHRISTIAN? SHOW IT!
"In the book of Ezra, Chapters 7:28 and 8:21,22, Ezra says: "I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was upon me...Then I proclaimed a fast for a safe journey for I was ashamed to ask the King for soldiers to protect us since I had told the King that the hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but against all who forsake him."
"These verses proclaim that Ezra had the courage of his convictions. He trusted God for his safety and protection, not soldiers or chariots. Ezra could not ask the King for soldiers to protect the caravan from thieves and robbers even with all the gold, silver and precious things they were bringing, as he wanted to witness to the King that he trusted the Lord God. If Ezra believed in God's protection, he had to show it by his actions.
"If we say we believe that Jesus loves us and guides us, we better show it in our lives, or non-believers will laugh and deride our faith. If I say I'm a believer, I'd better show it and not trust in my own skills or attributes.
"Lord Jesus I trust only in you. When my knees feel weak, give me courage and simply hold out your hand, that I might put my hand in yours. It is then that I will have the strength to do what must be done. Amen."
This is an important lesson for us to learn. I am still learning, sometimes forgetting that Jesus is waiting for the invitation to help me. As I get more and more forgetful, I get teased lovingly by my family, but I don't want to forget to call upon my Lord when I need His strength. I don't think my memory will get any better, and so, I am asking God, because of my love for Him, that He will allow me to grasp His hand whenever my memory fails me. God will see me through this, even this!
Hang in there, my friends!
Jo INMN
"These verses proclaim that Ezra had the courage of his convictions. He trusted God for his safety and protection, not soldiers or chariots. Ezra could not ask the King for soldiers to protect the caravan from thieves and robbers even with all the gold, silver and precious things they were bringing, as he wanted to witness to the King that he trusted the Lord God. If Ezra believed in God's protection, he had to show it by his actions.
"If we say we believe that Jesus loves us and guides us, we better show it in our lives, or non-believers will laugh and deride our faith. If I say I'm a believer, I'd better show it and not trust in my own skills or attributes.
"Lord Jesus I trust only in you. When my knees feel weak, give me courage and simply hold out your hand, that I might put my hand in yours. It is then that I will have the strength to do what must be done. Amen."
This is an important lesson for us to learn. I am still learning, sometimes forgetting that Jesus is waiting for the invitation to help me. As I get more and more forgetful, I get teased lovingly by my family, but I don't want to forget to call upon my Lord when I need His strength. I don't think my memory will get any better, and so, I am asking God, because of my love for Him, that He will allow me to grasp His hand whenever my memory fails me. God will see me through this, even this!
Hang in there, my friends!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
MY LORD NEEDS IT!
Luke 19:31 says, "If anyone asks why you are doing that, just say, "The Lord needs it!"
"The day of the Last supper, when Jesus was to ride into Jerusalem, He sent Peter, James and John to get a small donkey. He told them where to go, who to ask, and what to say. But what does that mean to me and you?
If we are truly following Jesus, might not someone ask us, "Why are you doing that?" Very likely, yes. It has already been so for me. When I received a gift of meals during my cancer surgery recovery, a friend was aghast at a thought, "How will you ever pay back all of those meals?" Yet she might be the very one to ask me, when I try to be kind to someone else in a similar situation, "Why are you doing that?" In the same way some have asked why I tutor. Others, ask why am I so busy in church? Do you have to make banners? Now, I know what to answer when they ask me why I'm doing..whatever... I'll answer, "Because my Lord needs it!"
God, I want you to use me; in fact, use me up until there's nothing left but a shell. I will never be sorry, but grateful you saw me fit to serve you. Thank you. Amen."
These words and actions, if you remember, happened many years ago. I am not as active as I was in my sixties. And when you move away from a base where you are known to be helpful, you no longer have a history as a helping hand, and have to trust God to call on you if you are needed. If I cannot be a helper, perhaps I can pray for those who can help. There is always some way to be part of the ministry of God's workers!
So, friends, each one of you, find a spot and fill it! God's work takes a lot of helping hands!
Jo INMN
"The day of the Last supper, when Jesus was to ride into Jerusalem, He sent Peter, James and John to get a small donkey. He told them where to go, who to ask, and what to say. But what does that mean to me and you?
If we are truly following Jesus, might not someone ask us, "Why are you doing that?" Very likely, yes. It has already been so for me. When I received a gift of meals during my cancer surgery recovery, a friend was aghast at a thought, "How will you ever pay back all of those meals?" Yet she might be the very one to ask me, when I try to be kind to someone else in a similar situation, "Why are you doing that?" In the same way some have asked why I tutor. Others, ask why am I so busy in church? Do you have to make banners? Now, I know what to answer when they ask me why I'm doing..whatever... I'll answer, "Because my Lord needs it!"
God, I want you to use me; in fact, use me up until there's nothing left but a shell. I will never be sorry, but grateful you saw me fit to serve you. Thank you. Amen."
These words and actions, if you remember, happened many years ago. I am not as active as I was in my sixties. And when you move away from a base where you are known to be helpful, you no longer have a history as a helping hand, and have to trust God to call on you if you are needed. If I cannot be a helper, perhaps I can pray for those who can help. There is always some way to be part of the ministry of God's workers!
So, friends, each one of you, find a spot and fill it! God's work takes a lot of helping hands!
Jo INMN
Monday, October 5, 2015
FAITH, MORE OR LESS
Luke 17:6 says, "The Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no "more" or "less" faith."
"Faith is or is not, it's not something that can be measured. Nor should it be measured by who has and who has not received an answer to his or her prayers. When two people pray for the same or similar things yet are praying for two different people, the outcome of those prayers probably has nothing to do with faith but with the circumstances which surround each person being prayed for. Therefore, when someone asks, "Why did God answer your prayer and not mine? Didn't I have enough faith?", the answer should be, "I'm sure your faith is no different than mine. Perhaps, the circumstances surrounding your loved one are different than for mine. Don't stop praying!"
"This happened to me years ago and I didn't have an answer at that time, and the woman was devastated that her prayer was not answered. My comfort for her was not received. Her heart was broken.
"God, I think you have given me the answer now. I pray that person has the answer, too, and that her prayers were answered, as you saw fit. Bless us all in our struggles to be more like you. Thank you for blessing us even as we struggle. Amen."
This was some time ago and was a hard experience for me. I could not be of comfort to this woman. Yet I was grateful to God for saying "yes" to my prayer request. I could not know at the time that God's answer to me was only temporary. My daughter did finally divorce, and we all lived through it. It was the best thing for them both, and they are happily not married today. The two are friends and are happy for each other.
God, thank you for the wisdom you bring us sometimes during hardship. Thank you for reconciliation and forgiveness. Thank you for the truest measure of love, loving the one who seems like an enemy. Now, be with my friends who read this post. Thank you, and Amen.
Jo INMN
"Faith is or is not, it's not something that can be measured. Nor should it be measured by who has and who has not received an answer to his or her prayers. When two people pray for the same or similar things yet are praying for two different people, the outcome of those prayers probably has nothing to do with faith but with the circumstances which surround each person being prayed for. Therefore, when someone asks, "Why did God answer your prayer and not mine? Didn't I have enough faith?", the answer should be, "I'm sure your faith is no different than mine. Perhaps, the circumstances surrounding your loved one are different than for mine. Don't stop praying!"
"This happened to me years ago and I didn't have an answer at that time, and the woman was devastated that her prayer was not answered. My comfort for her was not received. Her heart was broken.
"God, I think you have given me the answer now. I pray that person has the answer, too, and that her prayers were answered, as you saw fit. Bless us all in our struggles to be more like you. Thank you for blessing us even as we struggle. Amen."
This was some time ago and was a hard experience for me. I could not be of comfort to this woman. Yet I was grateful to God for saying "yes" to my prayer request. I could not know at the time that God's answer to me was only temporary. My daughter did finally divorce, and we all lived through it. It was the best thing for them both, and they are happily not married today. The two are friends and are happy for each other.
God, thank you for the wisdom you bring us sometimes during hardship. Thank you for reconciliation and forgiveness. Thank you for the truest measure of love, loving the one who seems like an enemy. Now, be with my friends who read this post. Thank you, and Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, October 3, 2015
THE USE OF MONEY
Luke 16:8,9 tells us "And the master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly and made friends for himself by means of dishonest wealth so that when the money was gone the friends might welcome him into their eternal homes."
"Now, this doesn't sound like Jesus to encourage shrewd or dishonest acts! But He was trying here to show that the use of money is a test of the Lordship of Christ because money can be used for good or evil. Even when unearned or ill-gotten, money can be used for good. We are to make use of the financial opportunities we are given not to earn heaven, but to help people find Jesus Christ. In the above story the manager uses God's money to decrease the poverty and debts of others, that they might know the forgiving love of God. In this way, money is used to bring eternal benefit to the debtors.
"This is not to teach that it is OK to be dishonest, but to show that money is a tool that God places in our hands to see how and what we will do with what we've been given. This manager used the money to make life easier for himself after he lost his position, and yet God shows us that this is an example of how even dishonest money can be used for Him and His purposes."
Lord, guide us in how we use your resources that others might have their hearts opened to see you, for there is nothing that is greater than reaching out to others with what we have been given. Amen.
Jo INMN
"Now, this doesn't sound like Jesus to encourage shrewd or dishonest acts! But He was trying here to show that the use of money is a test of the Lordship of Christ because money can be used for good or evil. Even when unearned or ill-gotten, money can be used for good. We are to make use of the financial opportunities we are given not to earn heaven, but to help people find Jesus Christ. In the above story the manager uses God's money to decrease the poverty and debts of others, that they might know the forgiving love of God. In this way, money is used to bring eternal benefit to the debtors.
"This is not to teach that it is OK to be dishonest, but to show that money is a tool that God places in our hands to see how and what we will do with what we've been given. This manager used the money to make life easier for himself after he lost his position, and yet God shows us that this is an example of how even dishonest money can be used for Him and His purposes."
Lord, guide us in how we use your resources that others might have their hearts opened to see you, for there is nothing that is greater than reaching out to others with what we have been given. Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, October 1, 2015
GOD'S COMFORT, OUR WORK
Well, where did the time go these past two days? Duties involved with our new "digs", coughing doggie, (and having a forgetful mind not helping) kept me from the discovery that days were flitting past.Time to regroup and pray that I might keep constant in my life the need to remember my joy in reminding others of the love of God. And now from words of the past......
"Today, I'd like to remind you of the words of Zechariah 8:13b, "The Word of Hosts says, "Do not be afraid but let your hands be strong." God speaks to the people through the prophet Zechariah and encourages them to not be afraid as they encounter what seems insurmountable odds. In this passage God also says that we humans do have a part. We are not just to sit there and do nothing but wait and watch, we are to be there with hands, hearts and minds that are strong, firm, dedicated, and committed. When we do our part, then God does His part. This is what it means to be obedient.
"God wants us to have courage and face life's struggles with His strength empowering us. He says let our hands and hearts and minds be strong for Him. That is, be ready to be used in His work. We are not to be bystanders just watching a parade, but active ones who are being obedient to Him."
Lord God, give us strength of body, mind, and spirit when adversity presents itself. Give us willing hearts, Oh Lord! And Lord, keep me true to the daily tasks which I have promised to do. Amen.
Jo INMN
"Today, I'd like to remind you of the words of Zechariah 8:13b, "The Word of Hosts says, "Do not be afraid but let your hands be strong." God speaks to the people through the prophet Zechariah and encourages them to not be afraid as they encounter what seems insurmountable odds. In this passage God also says that we humans do have a part. We are not just to sit there and do nothing but wait and watch, we are to be there with hands, hearts and minds that are strong, firm, dedicated, and committed. When we do our part, then God does His part. This is what it means to be obedient.
"God wants us to have courage and face life's struggles with His strength empowering us. He says let our hands and hearts and minds be strong for Him. That is, be ready to be used in His work. We are not to be bystanders just watching a parade, but active ones who are being obedient to Him."
Lord God, give us strength of body, mind, and spirit when adversity presents itself. Give us willing hearts, Oh Lord! And Lord, keep me true to the daily tasks which I have promised to do. Amen.
Jo INMN
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