PRAISE THE LORD!

Psalm 150 is a hymn of praise, often used as a closing prayer for a group meeting or a church celebration. Today we can say it together as I will copy it whole.  The author is unknown.


"Praise the Lord.   Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens.  Praise Him in His acts of power; praise  Him for His surpassing greatness.  Praise Him with the sounding of trumpets, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord!"


The study of Psalm 150  in my bible tells us, "Music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship.  David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services according to 1 Chron. 16:4-7. The music must have been loud and joyous as evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders.  Music was also important in New Testament worship.  (Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16.)  The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God, a direct encouragement for each of us to praise God, too."


Remember to praise God every day for there are two roads to choose from:  The way to Life  and the way to Death.  If we choose God's way to life, we will still face both blessings and obstacles, joy and grief, success and failure.  Throughout it all God will be at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting and caring.  As my life at my age may any day be drawing to a close, I  realize clearly that God's road is the right road.  If you, too, know  this, we will both be caused to daily praise God for leading us in the right direction and assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed Him.


This will be my last blog. Why don't you write one?

 "God, be with my friends who have followed me in this endeavor over the years.  Keep them in your care as you have cared for me.  May the whole world know You and love You..... soon.  Amen."


Love, Jo inMN

YOU ARE GOD'S HOUSE!

In 1 Cor. 3;9, 12 it tells us, "You are God's house.....Take particular care in picking out your building materials.  Eventually, there is going to be an inspection.  If you use cheap or inferior materials you'll be found out!"


Paul seems to be very frustrated with the Corinthians, just as he might be today with the world at large.  Many people around the world may profess to be Christian, but their walk has one foot in the unbelieving world and one in the world which God asks us to live, a world committed to Him, both loving and faithful.


What does that look like to have one foot in each world?  How does the traveler manage double thinking within his heart of hearts?


 In fact, we each have our own answer for that, for somewhere along our faith paths we must have discovered where our routes veer off.  Maybe the veering off is subtle or maybe very obvious, but either way, we have been there, each of us!  And it's a place of darkness and, perhaps, danger.  We're not anxious to return but go on our way sacrificing that one foot.  Our walk doesn't  quite get to the gathering of materials to build a house. God's house won't come until we're convinced to follow God absolutely!


 Lord, Help us! Amen.


Jo INMN

WE WANT TO KNOW YOU, GOD!

Lets look at 1 Cor. 2:14,15 and 16b.  "The un-spiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gift of God's spirit! There 's no capacity within the unspiritual for God's gifts.  They seem like so much silliness.  Spirit can be known only by Spirit."


Paul's message to the Christians of Corinth is understood and treasured by Christians today just as it was hundreds of years ago.  I wonder if the Corinthians too, felt like they were hearing it for the first time.


This is a reminder to each  of us to keep the path between ourselves and Jesus completely clear and also keep Jesus within hand's (and heart's) reach. Yes, we are His.  Yes, we have His Spirit within us.  Yes, we hear Paul's words and yes, we recognize their truth.  But, how many times do we forget our Lord and our God and the gifts he is so willing for us to use??  Do we remember that our spirit is now Christ's Spirit and can hear the Holy Spirit completely and truly?  And also, do we remember that through Christ's Spirit we can understand all that the Spirit is revealing?


We must keep the connection with Christ always, not only to understand what the Holy Spirit is revealing but to remember that without Christ we would understand NOTHING of God!


Lord, we need you.  We are desperate to know and understand you.  We need your Spirit within us.  We are grateful for what we know about you.  Now, we want to know YOU!  Help us to know you!  Amen.


Jo INMN

JESUS-A BENEFIT TO THE WORLD

In 1 Cor. 1:18, "The Message that points to Christ on the cross seems like sheer silliness to those hell-bent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense!"


Whether Paul was just a preacher as he maintained to the people of Corinth, or a man of God for his own time as well as ours, I don't really know.  I do know that his words are still powerful today in the lives of all Christians, and I hope, also in the lives of those who may be trying to keep one foot on each side of the border between the world of indecision and the world where God reigns.


These worlds are where our hearts now rest.  Some of us rest in the world of self and what is good for one's self and some live in the world of God and what's good for all, including His people.  His people are those who call themselves His Children,  those who have committed their lives to Him.  Beyond the other border into the secular world are those who see God's people as errant fools, or those who have not as yet heard about Jesus' giving each of us the Way of Salvation.  Oh, when will the world align itself with our beloved Lord?


God, may those who love you be instruments in some way to show others that all of the World will  benefit by Your sacrifice on the Cross!  Amen.


Lord, hear our prayers!


Jo INMN

BEAUTIFUL TO NEED YOU, GOD

In Galatians 3:12,9 we find, "No one can sustain a relationship with God," (by trying)  "to live by his or her own effort independent of God"   I suspect it would be doomed to failure, as the Scripture suggest.


Paul, in his letter to the Christians of Galatia tries to extol the belief that if we want to have a relationship with God we must not try to run the show.  God wants us  in our entirety.  He will design, direct and ultimately have the glory for any work we may do.  And our desire to know Him more and more will create in God a desire to reveal Himself in the work He asks us to do, in the results of our prayers to Him, in our further neediness for His direction, in growth in our own spirit, and perhaps, even in a revelation for our eyes or ears alone.


God is generous in His gifts and we must be generous in our belief and our relationship with Him and with others. We must always seek God and His desires first.


Although there may be times when we feel far from God, we must not trust those feelings.  We must know he is ever present.  But it is imperative that we make the first move.  Our prayers  are the first move, always. God's ears are very good!  Even a whisper  or a thought directly to Him will find His listening ears. He is always delighted to hear from you and me, be it a simple request or an immediate troubled situation.


God,  help us to remember that our life must not be independent  from You.  Keep us from believing that we can live our life well without You, not needing You.  We know that our lives will be as nothing without your guidance.  Help us to see the beauty in needing You.  Amen.


Jo INMN

FOREVER! AMEN!

Mark 15:39 asks this question:  "If you're really God's son, come down from that cross!"


The people jeered at the man who hung on the cross.  "God's Son! What will they  think of next?  There's always someone  in the world who is trying to draw attention to themselves.  God's Son!  What a nut!!


We ask ourselves, "Jesus, are you really God's Son?" The Scripture tells us this is so.  They also tell us that Jesus died to take our place on the cross, and He died because He wanted to atone for our sins.  Sounds like some kind of fairy tale, for someone to die in place of the guilty  so that by believing the story others could become children of God, too.  How could this be truth?


It could.  It is because God planned it this way.


It is truth, and I know it.  Without tangible proof, others may disagree, but I know.  I know this because of the place within myself that acknowledges what is truth.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he died on a cross so that I may have true access to God through Jesus.  He died that I might live without fear, with hope, with the Holy Spirit within me, and the knowledge that I am loved and forgiven and will have eternal life with Christ, the Father and His Spirit.. forever! 


I know; I truly know! And I also know that I am not perfect except through the forgiveness of my God.  May His Spirit reign in me...and in you...forever.  Amen.


Jo INMN

READY WILLLING AND ABLE TO LEARN

Yesterday we talked about the saltiness of the heart.  Today, I wish to tell you about one of those things which make the heart salty..the commandments from the Lord.  Deut. 6;6 tells us, "Write these commandments that I've given you on your hearts.  Get them inside of you and then get them inside of your children."


These words of Moses to the people of Israel were the very words God had instructed Moses to say.  To us today, Moses words are still words of God from God Himself. The people in Moses day were afraid to hear God's actual voice, so with great relief and good intentions, they listened to God's words through Moses.  Today we  can read them in a Bible, or hear them from our church pew, but they are for us to hear, still!


A friend of ours many years ago, upon coming to visit us in a new house, brought a house-warming gift in the form of a plaque that had the Ten Commandments written on it.  We hung it on the wall facing our most-used door, for us to see, for our adult children to see when visiting, and for all other visitors who entered. Those commandments were in our hearts and also in the hearts of our often visited children.  Memorization came quite easy...through constant reading.


Any time a question came up from our own minds or the mind of another, child or visitor, we had plenty of time to talk about it, and it made for some very interesting moments, in fact, learning moments.  We are never too old to learn and never too young to teach!


Lord God, prepare our hearts to learn, that when we find a teaching moment or need a moment to learn something more about you, we will be ready, and our hearts will be ready to accept what you have to say. Make us ready, willing and able to learn! Amen.


Jo INMN

THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Luke 15:34 tells us: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


From a study of Luke 15: "Following Christ does not mean a trouble-free life. We must carefully count the cost of becoming Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't be tempted later to turn back.   Also, look at salt.  Salt can lose its flavor.  When it gets wet and then dried, nothing is left but a tasteless residue.  Many Christians blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing up for Christ.  But Jesus says if Christians love their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless.  Just as salt flavors and preserves food, we are to preserve the good in the world, help keep it from spoiling, and bring new flavor to life (and other lives.) This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice and unswerving commitment to Christ's Kingdom.  Being "salty" is not easy, but if a Christian fails in this function, he or she fails to represent Christ in the world."


Not only are we to count the cost, but we are to ask ourselves, "Am I salty?"


What did Jesus do that we may be fearful of doing?  Perhaps talking to those who are considered cast-off, or troublesome?  Touching those bodily who need healing?  Being a friend to someone who is antagonistic? Speaking out to those who are considered powerful whom you believe to be wrong? Telling others boldly that they are loved by God? Associating with those who feel lost, unloved, and  despairing? To all or each of these we may be fearful to accept the cost of being salt for another, but we must not give in to fear! Take the hand of Christ.  Use His power.  Take the hand of another and work together. Pray first, pray secondly, and forever. And don't be afraid to move.  Just do it!


Even at my age and my years of practice of  being a Christian, I am still not salty enough to change this world.  In this hour of my life, I see more and more need to sprinkle that salt!  This  world needs salt, yours and mine. God needs us to use our saltiness!


Lord Jesus, Lend us your hands, your feet, your heart that we might become the salt of the earth.  Amen. 


Jo INMN

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

Luke 12:25,26 tells us, "Can any of you by worrying add  a single hour to your span of life?  If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?"


Jesus is telling His disciples and others how foolish it is to worry.  No amount of worrying and stewing can add a second to our lives.  Isn't it foolish, then, to worry? Each problem will go away eventually, without any worrying needed.  Solutions will show themselves in time.  Prayer?  Yes!  Worry? No !


When we take ourselves out of the center of our lives and put our trust in God's leading and guidance, we can stay perfectly at peace whether we're in the midst of chaos or in sublime joy.


This is difficult to remember when we are forced with a pending problem. Yet, Jesus says, "Don't worry!  I'm in charge."  My only hope of achieving inner peace and outer calm is to place my hand in His and say, "Lord, you lead the way and I will follow." This, I must remember!


Lord  God, give me your peace, so that I do not worry or fear. Amen.


No matter what should happen in the future for  both me and Jerry, we trust the Lord God is with us and will be with us.  Our prayer daily is, "Lord, lead the way and we will follow."


So may it ever be!


Jo INMN

FORGIVE OTHERS....AND YOURSELF

Luke 6: 36 and 37 tells us, "Be merciful, jut as your father is merciful....forgive and you will be forgiven."


Jesus teaches clearly that those who follow Him and wish to be His disciples must be merciful and forgiving.  Although he speaks here of our actions toward others, it is equally important to show these characteristics in action for ourselves.  Jesus knew that humans were not divine, yet he  calls us to a higher level than our normal human inclination would climb.  He says to show mercy and forgiveness to others and yourselves.  We can believe He expects those who follow Him to use His power to bring our behavior to a higher level both for the sake of others and for ourselves.


When I am slighted, wronged, criticized, or  taken advantage of, I must call on the Almighty Power of God in order to not retaliate and bear a grudge. If I slight another, criticize or take advantage, I must go to that person, and with the power of God, ask for forgiveness.  It is hard to do this, but with the power of God, it is possible, important, and necessary.


Lord Jesus, be with me each minute of each day to show love, mercy, and forgiveness both for myself and all others whom I  may encounter.  Help me to never hold a grudge, but freely let go of all of the hurt and despair I may try to hold both for others and myself. Forgive me for being quick to judge. And give me the freedom and assurance to accept your forgiveness when I have sinned against You or others. Keep me from being sad because I am not perfect, and help me to be glad because You are!
Amen.


Smile, You are in God's sight!


Jo INMN

DOES SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS SEE ITS OWN SIN?

Luke 5:31,32 tells us, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.  I didn't come to  invite good people to turn to God; I came to invite sinners."




Jesus' response was to the Pharisees who had questioned Jesus about eating with sinners, as Jesus was prone to do.  The Pharisees would have nothing to do with sinners and found this a great fault in Jesus.  I wonder what might have happened in that day, if those who questioned Jesus might have recognized their own sins and encouraged Jesus' hospitality because of their  own need.  A fruitless question;  self-righteousness rarely sees its own sin.


How often do we today recognize our own sins and our need for Jesus?  Even if I think I have relinquished myself to the Holy Spirit, I wonder if I have held something back?  I am aware of my helplessness regarding sin, knowing, therefore, I am one of those sick people and I have a great need for Jesus!


I remember well a time when I was very sick with a virus pneumonia for weeks and it helped me to see the difference between needing help and not needing help.  I needed doctors, plus, daily at home I needed someone to help me, guide me, be patient with me, pray with me and do kindnesses for me.  As I daily began to feel better, I thanked God who came to me through others.


 I do not want to be a person without a need for God! God is the greatest provider of help, patience, guidance and kindness!  Thanks be to God!  Today, I have reason to wonder how the months ahead will go for my sweet husband and myself, as we have both been diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease.


God,  thank you for showing us our great need for You.  No matter what our future holds, help us both to see that without You we can not make it through any new situation with peaceful resolve. We bless your Holy Name and give thanks to You for giving us Life in You!  Amen.


Jo INMN

LIGHT AND LOVE FOR THE CHOSEN

John 15:16 shows us Christ's love; "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."


Jesus made the first choice--to love and to die for us, to invite us to  live with Him forever.  We make the next  choice--to accept or reject His offer.  Without His choice first, we would  have no choice whatsoever; we would be lost.


How can we lose? Christ chose you and me!  It's quite wonderful to be chosen, and not just chosen between one or two, but to be chosen among many! I can't forget, as a little kid, how hard it was to accept being the last to be chosen for the games children play.  I was the smallest, and I was a girl and it hurt to wonder if I would be allowed on the team. But, for those of us who are not special to the many? We are special to Jesus.


Yet, I often ask myself, "Why me? Why would Jesus choose me?" I have no answer, but this:  I have no special gift to give Him or "fruit" to pick for Him.  I only know I need Him as I need air to breathe and I want to share with others a portion of the love that he has given to me.  I love the light He has shown me when I have felt lost. And the correction He has given me when I have erred.  He is the parent we all need, and the Most Holy Friend.  He is the complete story of Love. 


When I "grow up," I want to be just like Him! And I pray he will light the way and lead me to that day!


Lord God, keep me close to you that I might know your Son more and more.  Help me to always remember that  He made a choice to love me and to die for me.  Help me to see His sacrifice so that I will be willing to give myself fully to love as He loved.  Amen.


Jo INMN

CARRYING MY CROSS

Luke 3:12 tells us, "Even the tax collectors that came to John to be baptized asked him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"


John had gone throughout the region around the Jordan river proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.  All who came to John asked him specifically what they should do, even though he had told them they must repent and turn from their sinful ways.  John gave them examples: share your material goods, do not lie or cheat one another.


As humans we want to have specific directions, defined ideas of what should be done.  Later, when Jesus came, he would say,  "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take  up his cross and follow me."  It sounds easier to give someone your coat, or be careful not to lie or cheat, than it would be to "take up your cross."


The main thrust is that if I am to be Jesus disciple, I must deny myself by taking myself out of the center of my concern and putting concern for others at the center. Jesus came to model a servant heart, giving His very life for me and for all.  If I give my life to Jesus, I am carrying my cross.


Lord Jesus, I lay at your feet my desire, my demand, for my own needs first.  Amen.


Jo INMN

GOD'S PEOPLE--TRIUMPHANT!

In both the New and Old Testament, God makes a promise to His people. Ezek. 39:26 tells us, "Israel shall be restored and live securely in their land with no one to make them afraid.."  And Rev. 20:4 and 5 tells us, "Those who had been killed for their testimony of Jesus and the Word of God came to life and reigned with Christ."


God's Word to Israel in Ezek. has not yet become truth as today the people live in fear of those who came to live in the land  when God's people could not inhabit it. The peace has yet to come.  Ezekiel had an "if" to the Old Testament victory.  "If" the people love and obey God's commandments", therefore we have to assume that did not happen as God willed it.  In the New Testament, John's Revelation tells us we are to love and proclaim Christ, the Son of God. This we must do, in order to claim the promise of reigning with Christ.


In our world today, each one of us face situations of fear and trial.  Those who know Jesus understand that we are just passing through  this earthly world.  Today, we must focus with assurance on the eternal promise, that our words and our love of Christ, and proclaiming Him, give us  our place with God.


If I feel afraid or overwhelmed, I must remember to sing praises to Jesus who has redeemed me forever.  I want all the world to know this great gift and to accept the mission to proclaim the resurrected Christ.


Lord God, I praise you for the assurance of triumphant life in your Son, Jesus.  Amen.


Jo INMN

CALLED CHOSEN AND FAITHFUL!

In /Rev, 17:14 we learn, "The powers of evil will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and those with him are called:  Chosen, and Faithful."


This vision of John's tells us that there will be conflict between those who follow Satan and those who follow Jesus, the Lamb.  The followers of Jesus are called to Him.  He said, "You did not choose me; I chose you."  When Jesus calls, we always have the option to not answer His call and go on our wayward, sinful way.


What a comfort it is to me that Jesus calls me to be His!  He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Redeemer, and Savior! The powers of Satan will always be present in this world, we can see it everywhere!  But Jesus is already the victor!  Satan does not win, or will he have power in my life unless I open the door and invite him in.  And that's not going to happen!  No!  I choose to be faithful to the Lamb and I am going to pray consistently that Satan will be conquered throughout the world!


Are you with me, friends?


Lord Jesus, you have given us the path to life eternal in You. Help us to be consistently right with You, and awaken us to the power in this world that tries to conquer us.  Keep us all in your care so we might become known to witness to those lives which have not known your perfection.  For the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray.  Amen.


Jo INMN

GOD REVEALS!

In Luke 2:34,35, we read what is believed about Jesus, "This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, but the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are."


When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple after he was born, an old man named Simeon blessed Jesus and told them that Jesus would be misunderstood and contradicted, but his life would mark both the rising and falling of the individuals who met Him, dependent upon how each one accepted or rejected Jesus.


It must have seemed a strange blessing to Mary and Joseph who thought they were raising the Messiah.  Wouldn't the Messiah save all of Israel? Even if the world had understood in advance Simeon's prophecy, it would not have changed what must happen to Jesus.  He was born to suffer and become a sacrifice for our sins--for my sins!


I have done some suffering.  When things don't always turn out the way I hope, I suffer.  It is very unsatisfying.  Now that I am old, like Simeon, I am wiser and see that failure is just the beginning of another recovery.  Through recovery, we progress. 


Jesus' rejection forced--and still forces--honesty., and always reveals truth.  His suffering revealed who He was.  My suffering reveals who I am.  Your suffering reveals who you are.


God, I shall not obsess over my mistakes, but I  will keep positive and love those who exist wherever You take me.  Amen.


Jo INMN

CAN THE MIGHTY GIVE UP THEIR PRIDE?

Ezek. 32:19 says, "You think you're so high and mighty? Down! Take your place with the heathen in that unhallowed grave!"


Neither nation nor individual can get by with having pride.  How dare we as the United States consider ourselves superior to any other nation?  And yet we do.  We are arrogant in thinking that our way is best.  It surely is for us; we love our freedoms.  But is it the best for all nations, at this time?  Are we not arrogant to assume so?  We think we are the best, strong and mighty, but perhaps our strengths are our weaknesses and our time for humility has begun.  Yet we have the confidence that perhaps smells to others like arrogance.


Now, how about pride in an individual? How do I personally, handle the sin that toppled so many?  Not perfectly, I'm afraid.  Yet, I know from experience that pride isolates one person from another just as nations become isolated.  Pride brings judgment and judgment creates barriers between people--you and me.  It polarizes good and bad, strong and weak, right and wrong, for and against--the high and mighty against the lowly and meek.  Yet the meek will inherit the earth, so says the Word of God.


God, let us as a nation and as individuals find truth in being meek.  Help us to see and rid ourselves of the pride  that separates.  Amen.


Jo INMN

WE ARE NOT GOD!

A friend told me, "Don't wave at the crowd too early!" Good advice.   Ezekiel tells us, even more clearly, in chapter 28, "You say, "I am a god and I sit on the throne of a god.....But the Lord says, "You are not a god, though you are as wise as a god...Although by your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself... your heart has grown proud...and you will be but a man, not a god, in the hands of those who kill you."


My friend made me laugh at myself, as what he said was the truth.  But Ezekiel tells us that although we have been proud of our own accomplishments and wise choices, we must be reminded that we are not gods.  The time of death will come when all we have built up in possessions in this world will be of no value.


Jesus came to tell us that things we accrue in life are all like soap-bubbles, beautiful to look at, but gone in an instant.  Our only basis for a good life is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord.  We need our God!


When I become prideful and self-satisfied, I know I'm setting myself up for a big fall!  God knows He'll get my attention quickly that way!


Lord Jesus, keep me from making myself into a god and forgive my pride and arrogance.  Help me to come to You daily  just as I am, your servant.  May it be so, Lord Jesus. Amen.


Jo INMN

WOMEN--DON'T BE LEWD OR A PRUDE!

Ezek. 23:48, "So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate  it.."


Would that it were so!!  The human body is beautiful,  but it was not designed for being commonly  displayed, flashing to the world. Some use their bodies to make money which might bring great pride and vanity, but finally, worthlessness and sorrow. This saddens me.


Yet, I also am saddened by those who are required to keep themselves so covered that you can only see their eyes. They are the ones who ultimately suffer if a man looks too longingly at them.  So, that's not the answer.  Women should not have to be ashamed of how they look.  Somewhere there must be a balance between extreme shame and extreme shamelessness.  I think the word is modesty.


Lord, change the hearts of women around the world to embrace modesty, that our hearts' desire be, neither to over-attract nor to hide all that we are.  Help us to dress to please you and honor you by our choices of dress, manner and words. And help us, then, to accept that some of us are doing our best to honor You as we know You and as we accept You, that we might better accept one another. Amen.


Women together!  What a great concept!


Jo INMN

GOD USES THE BELIEVER's LOVE

In John 6..the entire chapter... God teaches us how to "be in Christ!" And when we are "in Christ",
God can do His work through us.  Our belief in Him and our belief in what He can do through us determines our effectiveness in the world.


When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd, He didn't gasp and wonder how He was going to feed  them!  He just knew He was to feed them, and He gathered up what food they had and began the task. And there was food left over!


This is how we are to act!  A job needs to be done. Knowing with Christ's help, we can do it. We begin the work. When it is  done, we know it was done with God's grace! If we do not believe it can be done, it won't get done.  Believing it can be done with God's help, and trusting Him enough that we keep up the work, it will be finished, and on time!


Now, I am not particularly wise, but I believe the Bible gives us wisdom.  So, I look to the Bible to teach me what I need to know, and these days so filled with trouble and so much hatred between different peoples, we need to look at the Bible for guidance. For the most part, the Bible teaches us how to love one another. And that is what I choose to believe..we must love one another. And whatever work we have chosen to do must be based on love, love for God and love for our fellow men.


Can we do this? We must. Can we begin the work? We have. We must trust the results will be good.


Lord God, May your world desire your love....desire  love for You...and love for one another.  This job needs to be done! Amen.


So friend, let this love begin with you and me.


Jo INMN

RECEIVING AND OFFERING LOVE

Oh, how I love John3:16! "For God so loved the world that He gave His  one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."


My study material of this verse tells us, "The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse.  God's love is not self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in.  God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships.  When you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice.  God paid dearly with the love of His Son, the highest price He could pay.  Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us.  When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus' love--willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God's love."


Also, I must give up my own comfort and security by letting said words go which are normally hard for me to hear. Taking the words I want to use when I feel incensed by someone else's words and   instead, taking those words into Jesus' hearing and hanging on to Jesus personally until I  can say, "Let it go, Jo!  This is not of importance!"


"Into your hands, O Lord, I give my hurt and distrust.  Show me how to love this person right here and now!"  Amen.


Jo INMN

THE HOLY SPIRIT FIGHTS THE TONGUE!

The Book of James has been, for me, the hardest book in the Bible, and the most helpful! By accepting what it teaches, it is also most necessary.  James 3:8 reads, "No man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."


Accepting that statement, no human being can control the tongue, then why bother trying?  Even if we may not achieve perfect control of our tongues, we can still learn enough control, one would hope, to reduce the damage our words can do.  Isn't it better to fight a fire than go around setting new ones?


But wait! We are not fighting the tongue's fire in our own strength! The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say, so that when we are offended, the Spirit will remind us of God's love, and we won't react in a hateful manner.  When we are criticized, the Spirit  will heal the hurt, and we won't lash out at the other. I know this in my mind, but have not accepted this in my heart!


Lord Jesus, the world needs you so much and I am part of the world and part of the problem..  I am counting on you to help me tame my tongue! Your Spirit, I know, is in me to help me, but I need reminding that you are waiting to help me. I accept and understand that I am not perfect.  I need your grace to be within me forever and the desire to seek that grace when I am feeling hurt. Lord, I want to seek you, first, and not seek a desire to fight the battle of tongues! Amen.


Tongue for sale....anybody?


Jo INMN

LOVE YOUR NEGHBOR AS YOURSELF

Today we re going to use some verses in Isaiah and James, two of the most teaching-est books in our Bible. Isaiah 32:9-10 tells us "You  women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me...hear what I have to say." 


It was a time when the people turned their  backs  on God and concentrated on their own pleasures,
But to all who sit back in their thoughtless complacency  today, enjoying (our lives),  being lulled into thinking all is well, we abandon God's purpose for our lives.  We abandon His help. So, what  would Christ have us do?


James 2:9-9 tell us, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, (Lev. 19:18) "Love your neighbor as yourself!" you are doing right. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment!"


These days are the days when hundreds of immigrants, mostly children, perhaps, will be waiting to come to the United States.  People around the world hunger for the freedom and safety found here. Many in our country are irate, wanting to safeguard the life our country offers, feeling they themselves do not yet have what they expected to have.  Some are even dangerous!


But, how can we not try to help?  Are we not dedicated, sworn Christians?  So what is the answer?  What would Jesus do? And if we  don't do that, what is God going to say about us? There is not an easy answer.  There is only one way to go, and it may develop into lots of problems.  Yet, with us will be a great problem solver, the Lord of the Universe!


Lord, we pray for direction and big hearts!  Help us to do what you  would have us do. Amen.


"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"


Jo INMN

TRIALS CAN BRING JOY!

James 1:2-4 tells us, "Consider it joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."


These words are true.  But who among us wouldn't rather sit down in the midst of a trial and weep?  The trials of life bring us the hardest moments.  Yet, the hardest moments truly do bring us strength and purpose.  Many lives around us have shown this to be true.


How can we profit from trials?  Do not pretend to be happy, but keep a positive outlook. Trials will produce ultimate good.  James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning.  Tough times can teach us perseverance. See Rom.2:7, 5:3-5, 8:24 and 25, 2 Cor.6:3-7, 2 Pet.1:2-9.  "Thank God for promising to be with you in tough times. Ask Him to help you solve your problems or to give you strength to endure them.  Then, be patient.  God will not leave you alone with your problems; He will stay close and help you grow." (From the Study portion of my Bible)


No matter what may come, we must persevere.  James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." So, we must love Him and stay faithful, no matter what.


I have seen perseverance work.  I am a believer in loving Him and staying faithful.  Those in our own family persevered under hardship for over a year and at year's end, faithfulness won the day.  I am a true believer in staying faithful, no matter what comes our way. I will be tested, I know.  And He will see me through the testing.


Lord Jesus, We pray this prayer for those who are facing trials.  May they persevere in knowing you are the gift-giver and they will receive that which will keep them close to you, a positive attitude.  Thank you, Lord, for this teaching. Bless them with your crown of life.  Amen.


Jo INMN

JUSTICE AND LOVE

In reading Hos. 14:9 let us study, "God's concern for JUSTICE requires faithfulness, and LOVE requires forgiveness."


God is a Just God!  And His requirement for us is to be faithful to Him, no matter what.  This is the test!  Whatever we do or think, our first step must be to answer this question, "Is this act revealing God's worth?"  God is not in the business of measuring our worth; He is interested in revealing His worth! God is a Just God!


If we forget that God loves us and feel our sins are hopeless, we can also err by forgetting He will be angry when we sin, thinking He will continue to accept us no matter how we act. Forgiveness is key!  When God forgives He judges the sin but shows mercy to the sinner.  We must not be afraid to come to God for a clean slate and a renewed life.  Love requires forgiveness.



"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time  of need." ( Heb. 4:16) We can be encouraged if we know Jesus will help us to obey as he obeyed.. perfectly.. no matter how difficult obedience may seem to be. We must remember to be faithful for the sake of justice and to be forgiving for the sake of love.


Thank you, Lord, for standing by us.  We want to remember this lesson, always.  Amen.


Jo INMN

CHRIST FOREVERMORE!

Hear what is said in Hebrews 1:3.  "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word.  After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven....superior to the angels....(by station and by name.)"  And the Study tells us, "He is God Himself, eternal, the full revelation of God.  There is no clearer view of God than Jesus Christ--  a complete expression of God in a human body."


Jesus brought power into the existence of the universe as well as bringing the power of forgiveness of our sins.  No sin is too big for the ruler of the Universe to handle.  Christ's sacrifice was final; and He sat down!


Jesus is God; He alone deserves our worship. Heb. 1:11,12--"Christ is our only security in a changing world.  (We are) like a  garment that wears out .  But Christ will remain the same and His years will never end."


These words capture the security given to those who worship Jesus Christ, who was the beginning and who will never end.  Praise You, forever, Lord Jesus!


Jo INMN

TROUBLE WITH A CAPITAL 'T"

Deut. 1:2 says, "Don't do it--I'm not with you in this!"  These words are just a part of a statement in Moses' sermon to the people of Israel. In them, God is telling Moses what He wants the people to hear.  "Don't go up to fight the Amorites; I will not protect you!"


Before this, Moses was the man of the day!  Everything coming next, though, was given to Joshua and Caleb to do.  Moses would not get to see the Promised Land having taken credit as  a hero when he brought the people water  from the rock at Meribah. (The story in Numbers 27:12-14 and Exodus 1:7)


God's warning to Moses must have brought Moses a sadness, reminding him of his human response of wanting to be the hero as he hit the rock with his staff to bring forth the blessed water to the complaining Israelites. I must confess, my reaction to Moses situation probably would have been the same as Moses.  Being constantly the go-between for my beloved God and the Israelites who constantly complained and grumbled, would have been hard.  The situation would certainly have made me weary and angry!


But, Lord, you have not approached me with anything quite that troublesome.  Thankfully, my bouts with trouble, although being difficult for me, taught me more than I might ever otherwise have learned without it!


Please keep me in your service, with or without trouble. Amen.


Jo INMN

THE STAMP OF AUTHORITY

Mark 11:28 asks, "Who authorized you to speak and act like this?"


The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up to Jesus and demanded that He show them His credentials as they wondered who had given Him the authority to speak to them like He did.
Jesus refused to answer until they answered this question, "Who authorized John's baptism?" As John was a favorite of the people, the leaders were afraid to say, "Heaven," and refused to answer Jesus' question.


However, Believers knew who authorized Jesus, and still know!  It was Heaven and the Father of Christ and all of us who follow after Christ!


Who, then, authorizes any of God's people to speak of our Lord Jesus?  The Holy Spirit does and will.  It is our responsibility, though, to be sure we are covered in Christ's Spirit ourselves that our own individual thoughts and desires are totally eradicated and our spirits are one with His. Thus, people may hear Christ in us, not us speaking about Christ.


Lord Jesus, I pray that your Spirit will so deeply and completely cover my own spirit that people will only hear and see You--and listen!  AMEN.


Jo INMN

THE NEED FOR JUSTICE

In Ezek. 16:49 and 50, we read, "Judah/Jerusalem and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease but did not aid the poor and needy.  They were haughty and did abominable things," said the Lord."


The Word of God given to the prophet Ezekiel emphasizes the abomination of those who go about in pride and selfishness and having excess, ignore the needs of those who have little or nothing.  God considers justice a central condition of following Him, because in God's eyes we are all poor, needy, forsaken, and alone.  He wants us to reach out and come to the aid of others as He has rescued us.


If I see others in need and do nothing about it, I cut myself off from a relationship with God.  He has no patience with me when  I consider myself before others.  This world is filled with injustice, and I must become aware of it, and do something about it.


Lord, open my heart to see the need for justice in those you bring to my attention.  Amen.


And may my words invite others to feel the same say, for the sake of our loving God.


Jo INMN

ECHOING THE ECHOES OF PRAISE!

A year ago, I wrote about the Echoes of Praise from Rev. 5:13. I again use the words, "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."


Have you ever crawled under a grand piano and listened to a great musician and heard the sound reverberate against the under-carriage? It is truly a heavenly sound.  I could listen there for hours filling 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, choruses  of praise with each voice repeating over and over the wonderful worth of the Father and the Son.!


Christ our Lord, God, Father of us all and Holy Spirit divine--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.


Jo INMN

WHEN GOD CALLS

In Rev. 4:1b and 2, we  read: "Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this....At once, I was in the spirit."


In John's vision, when God called, John found himself "in the Spirit."  When God calls any human into His presence, at once they are "in the Spirit" and see visions that cannot be comprehended from an earthly perspective.  We are to "let go and let God."  Nothing on our earthly journey can possible prepare us to see and hear God's splendor.


When I see God, He may or may not be ringing the doorbell.  When he seeks me out and calls me by name, there is no other option but to stop immediately and listen. I doubt that I will really know if it is truly God,  but I pray that I will believe, for I do believe that God will seek us out if he has reason.


Lord, I thank you that in scripture we are given examples in human terms that helps us to see and believe as we await your magnificent Glory.  AMEN.


Jo INMN

SIN AND THE UNIVERSAL LAW

This is a hard lesson today.  In the Old Testament, Ezek. 7:27b and the New Testament in Rev. 3:19 we learn of the universal law:  "I will punish you for your sins and treat you the same way you have treated others....I correct and punish everyone I love.  So make up your minds to turn away from your sins." The verse from Ezekiel is the Universal Law:  what you do to or for others will be returned to you.  The verse from Revelation reminds us that God corrects those He loves.  Either verse reminds us to stop sinning.


The Universal Law is very much like the Golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  The difference is, in the Universal Law, if you do a kindness for someone, someone else will turn and do a kindness for you.  But , if you do a hurtful deed, someone else will turn and do a similar hurtful deed to  you.  God's warning, I believe, that says, "That's how that feels!"


In the Revelation's verse, God is reminding us that there will be punishment for sin especially to those God loves.  God's work is never done in us, for although we are perfectly loved, we are imperfect!


God, I shall not resist your correction and will remember that through others may be the way you handle it!   Amen.


God is right.  He is always right!


Jo INMN

WALK IN GOODNESS AND TRUTH

In 3 John 4, 11, the Word states, "I have no greater joy than this--to hear that my children are walking in the truth...and do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good."


The writer of the above is an elder and supervisor over several churches and writes to encourage the leadership to lead people to follow truth and goodness.  Some of the local leaders are leading the people improperly to follow a lie and not the truth of the gospel of Jesus, his death, resurrection, and ascension, and imputation of the Holy Spirit.  False teaching must be cut off to prevent people from  being led astray.


As a mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother, I understand this message on a personal basis.  My joy is complete when I see my children and their children and grandchildren following the Way of Jesus.  My heart explodes with gratitude when I can read their smiles at having found Him and are celebrating His love for them. Who can ask for anything more?


My heart grieves when I see those who would deny Christ and imitate what is evil, but I will continue to pray that someday....someday they will also walk  in goodness and truth!


Jo INMN

WHAT IS THE TEACHING OF CHRIST?

In John 2a., "Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ walks out on God."


And what is the teaching of Christ?  That you love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself.  These things are what Jesus taught.  But Love constitutes obedience to God, and generosity to our fellow humans.  Love means thinking of others first, setting aside my own comfort and pleasure, sacrificing my intentions or hopes in order to help someone else.  Love and loving is so much more than I can humanly do alone.  Some love takes a "village."  We have a few "villages--" our church, a Life group, our family or just Jerry and me.  Some love we can give individually, other kinds of love may take us all together.  Christ's hands and feet in the world, that's what some kinds of love may need.


God, help us all to have this vision, as individuals and together.  Guide our eyes and minds to see Christ in each other and as your body that we might walk with you and not walk out on you.  AMEN.


Jo INMN

CHOOSE LIFE!

I John 5: 11 and 12 tells us, "And this is the testimony, God gave us eternal life and this life is in Hs Son, Jesus.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."


The writer, thought to be John the disciple, makes clear that the world is under the control of evil powers, but that those who believe in Jesus are born of God, protected from the power of evil and death.  He proclaims :  Choose life, walk with Jesus, be His disciple and bring others to know his saving grace.  Eternal life is for right now, for those alive on the earth, not only for all of eternity.


When we reject the powers of the world in our lives and choose to follow Jesus, we receive eternal life here and now and forever.  What greater gift could we receive?  I am not good.  I don't deserve life.  But because Jesus died and rose again, I have life.


 He did it for me and He will do it for you.


Lord God, I thank you for the gift of life in you, both for now and eternity.  Amen.


I will praise Him, now and forever.


Jo INMN

THE GEOMETRY OF LOVE!

In 1 John 4: 12,13, the Word says, "If we love one another, God dwells deeply within us and God's love becomes complete in us--perfect love! This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in God, and God in us.  God's given us life from God's life, from God's very own Spirit!"


The test has been given; how did I score?  How have I loved others?  How deep does God dwell in me?  The two are joined, as one is impossible without the other, and characteristic of one another. One can't happen without the other.  I can't love others unless God dwells deeply in me.  God will not dwell deeply in me if I do not love others.  The more I love others, the deeper God's life in me.  It's tit for tat.  The vertical affects the horizontal.


Holy Sprit, Love Divine--Enter in me more deeply today.  Let me know you, Lord, so truly that I will deny others nothing, that my heart and soul are spent in the gifts of love.  I don't want to miss the mark.  There are those who need a friend.  Where have I been?  Forgive me and give me the desire to be obedient to each call to love that you send me.  In your Holy Name.  AMEN.


Are you with me, friend?


Jo INMN

DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT

In Jeremiah 28:15. speaking to the false prophet,  Jeremiah says, "Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you and you have made the people trust in a lie."  And within a year, Hananiah was dead and gone."


The people of Israel were in exile.  Jeremiah's advice to the exiles to establish homes, build houses give in marriage and multiply while in exile was revolutionary.  The people were even to pray for Babylonia and the welfare of the city where God had sent them.  God said after 70 years of punishment of exile God would redeem them and bring them back to their promised land.  the false prophet had lied to them and said they could return in two years.  Jeremiah was angered and set them all straight.


False prophets are always among us and make things sound so good that we would rather trust in their lies rather than in God.  God is truly good but His discipline is hard, yet it must be done for each of us.  When God takes us aside to discipline us, we must accept His discipline as that of a loving parent who wants the very best for us. Even although it may seem very hard for a time, if we endure it and keep our eyes only on Jesus, not our own situation, God will prevail and make us each better, stronger persons to carry the cross of Jesus, that others might know Him, also.




Lord Jesus, Punishment for wrong doing is never easy to accept, but help us, each one, to take it in peace and acceptance, keeping our eyes on you alone during the time of correction.  Amen. 


"Ours is not to wonder why.  Ours is but to do, or die."  An old message with good thought.


Jo INMN

DESIRE JUSTICE, NOT EYE CANDY

In Jer. 21:11,12 and 1 John 2:16 the Word tells us, "Pay attention, you that belong to the royal family (the King's Kids). Each new day make sure that justice is done."  And, "Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our  selfish desires and our desires to have everything we see.  None of this comes from the Father."


The above verses describe what to look for....and what not to look at!  The Old Testament reading suggests for us to look for injustice that must be remedied, and practice the justice that is needed.  If I see a homeless man on the corner, begging, or see a mother with several small children trying to enter a revolving door, justice can be done.  If an article I read in the paper says to my conscience, "This is wrong!",  there is justice that can be done.  All these things in my daily life tell me--I must attend to this.


The eye candy of the world, however, stretches out before me, saying, "You need me!"  Each ad in the paper is like candy to the eye.  "I must have...." it tells me.  It is hard to avoid and harder still to turn away.




Can you relate?


God, help us to hunger for righteousness and justice,, so those who are always stuck at the foot of the table of life might be fed first.  And may my eyes not have the desire to taste or own what I see, for one will make me fat, and the other make me become a fat cat.  And I just want to be yours.  Amen.


Jo INMN

IF WE CONFESS

In 1 John 1:9,10 the words say, "If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and his Word is not in us."


In the tradition of the Apostle John, the writer of the letter of 1 John, wants it understood that the gospel message is that Jesus was divine and yet human. He was and is in God as One, and was and is a human being born of a woman, was crucified, died, and rose again to conquer death and offer the forgiveness of sins to those who confess they are sinners.  If in our pride and self-assurance we say we are good and have no sin to confess, we make a liar out of Jesus, and there was no reason for Him to come to earth.  We sin, if for no other reason because we cannot help but think of ourselves first.


Jesus knows us; we can't fool Him, although we can fool ourselves and others with our self-satisfaction and our lack of confession.  We must come to Jesus, broken as beggars, paupers, sinners, or He can do nothing for us.  If I try to come to Jesus on my own goodness, I'm only kidding myself!!


Lord, I confess what you already know!  I am a sinner not deserving of your grace. Help me to see my sin and confess it to you.  Amen.


We are not alone in this.  Our sins may not be those needing punishment by law, but in the world of God's love, we are imperfect....and guilty of imperfect love.  Only God can love perfectly.


Jo INMN

NO BIG-MOUTHED LITTLE BEAVERS!

Jer. 46:17 says, "When they get home they will nickname Pharaoh "Big-Talk-Bad-Luck."


Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, was on his way to attack Egypt.  The great Egyptian Pharaoh was about to be defeated, and badly.  Egypt, the great nation was no longer so great and God told Jeremiah that the mighty Egypt would fall.


Nebuchadnezzar was a power-house, but Egypt still lived in its glory-days.  Imagine the dismay of Egypt who thought they could take over the world, but it was not to be.  Braggarts often fall, their hot air unable to sustain them.  My husband's phrase for braggarts is, "Big-Mouthed Little-Beavers," not too different from our scripture's nickname for Pharaoh, "Big-Talk Bad-Luck."


God, we know none of us is totally free from Pride.  Pride that goes to bragging is not what is becoming to your people.  Forgive us when we live too close to triumph. May we each always remember, victory belongs to You.  Amen.


Jo INMN

THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN

In John 20:28 and 29 we read, "Jesus said to Thomas, "Do not doubt, but  believe." Thomas answered, "My Lord and my God!"  Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have come to believe."


It was after the Crucifixion and Jesus' burial when Jesus, arisen,  came into the room where the disciples were gathered in sorrow and fear. He just suddenly appeared and said to Thomas, "Put your hands in the wound in my side and put your fingers in the holes of my hands." Jesus knew that without seeing, Thomas  doubted. Yet, Jesus told them that even more blessed are those who believe that have not seen. Most people in our world today don't believe until they experience Jesus for themselves.  They see lives changed completely and then proclaim, "My Lord and my God!"


Although I've never seen Jesus' hands and pierced side I've seen and experienced many, many lives changed because of the touch of Jesus.  My response? "My Lord and my God!"


Lord Jesus, I'm overwhelmed at your gift of love and grace to this world and to me, personally.  Thank you.  Amen.


Jo INMN

WORDS CAN HURT YOU!

Jer. 23:18 and 36 says, "But which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or hear His word?  Who has listened and heard His word?...Every man's own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the Living God, the Lord Almighty, our God."


Jeremiah was called a  fool by the people.  The prophets of whom he is speaking did not stand in front of God or appeal to God for God's Word.  They used their own words and thoughts from their own will, not God's.  Yet the people listened, because it was easier and they could get their own way.  The prophets had much to lose, as well, by asking for God's will and recommendation; the public's approval, well-being, status--all would be lost. And they thought, "Just look at the fool, Jeremiah!"


God, may we always stand before you in awe, loving you, and listening, listening, listening, just as Jeremiah did.  Keep us from the sin of caring what others think.  May we never use our own thoughts without clarification of your will.  Help us to discern your Word from those who may be false in our reading, our hearing, and our writing.  Amen.


May it ever be!


Jo INMN

FOR THIS I WAS BORN

In John 18:37b, we read, "Jesus said to Pilate, "For this was I born, and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.""


Jesus makes clear to Pilate that He came into the world to speak the truth and to reveal God's plan for humanity.  He also came knowing He was to be killed, to die, and to rise to conquer the grip of the world which is death, that all who believe would be set free, knowing the truth.


As Jesus said, "For this was I born," that each human being was created by God for God's purpose.  Jesus created me to be His and to share the love of Christ in a sometimes dark and forlorn world.  Therefore, I need never fear or worry, for when my time on earth is over, I'll be in eternity with Him.


And while I am here on this earth, His Presence is always available to me, keeping me from those moments I am tempted to invest  in fear.  Fear seems to hover all around us for one reason or another. But, there is no reason for us to  accompany its presence.  It is useless to join its ranks for without fear we can accomplish so much and with fear, nothing.


 Christ had no fear.  Neither must you and I. 


For this we accepted Him.  For this we were born. Praise our Most High God!


Jo INMN         

AN ABNORMAL LOVE

In John 17:25 and 26 it reads  Jesus words:  "Good  Father, the people of this world don't know you.  But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me.  I told them what you are like and I will tell them even more.  Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be One with them."


John 17 is a wonderful gift Jesus gave to us--a prayer for us by Jesus to the Father.  When Jesus speaks of the people of this world, He is not speaking of those of us who know Him.  He's speaking of the normal people out there who have had no real encounter with God and therefore go about their normal way.  But, we who know Jesus, we abnormal ones, can't be as comfortable in the world any more.  No, we are His all the way, and our thoughts should be less about the  world as it pertains to us, but about God as He may desire for the world.  This includes our love for all people and our desire that all people come to love God more than the world.


Thank you, Father, for I know that as Jesus asked, you will give.  May this legacy be for all those I love, and especially today, for those who  wish us harm.  I pray, in the name of Jesus, that my great-grandchildren will accept you and your Son--Your very self on this earth--so they may be counted as One with You.  Thank you for this Oneness which is the beginning of eternal life.  May I show your love for me--beyond the ordinary--to all those around me.  Amen.


Jo INMN

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE

John 16:26-28 tells us, "On that day, you will ask in my name.  I  do not say that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me nd have believed that I come from God.  I came from the Father and have come into the world; again I am leaving the world and I am going to the Father."


Jesus is explaining to His disciples in plain language, not in any word pictures or figures of  speech what is the truth.  He came from God; sent by God for reconciliation and salvation.  Now, He'll soon leave His earthly body and be once again with God, but in His leaving He's not leaving them alone.  He will send the Holy Spirit to always be with them to explain all things and teach all things.


And so He will do for each of us.  We can ask the Father in Jesus' name on our own without any human intermediary and God will hear us and answer us.  When we ask in Jesus' name, we are praying in the very nature of the divine God.  Because we have believed and loved, we have direct access to God.


Lord Jesus, what a wondrous gift I have received to call you my Lord, my Savior and my Friend!  Thanks be to you, O God!  Amen.


Jo INMN

STRIP AWAY, MY LORD!

From John 15:2, 4b and Jer. 13:17..."He trims clean every branch that produces fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit....You cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me...If you are too proud to listen, I will weep alone."


One, we cannot produce "fruit" if we are not closely joined to Jesus Christ.


Two, the Holy Spirit strips away what is not "good" for the production of fruit and trims the branches that did produce fruit so that the branch will bear more of the good fruit.  This is meant to imply the things we choose to do and think is under the "care" of the Holy Spirit and He is watchful over our thinking and acts  It also implies that He will "trim" what we do that is hurtful to the work of the Lord.


Three, if I am proud--too proud to listen, such as, if my own spirit rejects what the Holy Spirit within me wants me to hear, I will cause harm and dishonor to God and His people who will then have cause to weep and be ashamed because of me.  I will be separated from God and His people.


These are the things the Scripture tells us.  Whew!


Lord, help me and each one reading this who wills it, to listen to your Holy Spirit and to rejoice at the stripping away of those things that dishonor you and your people.  Yet, let me love and forgive myself.  I pray that all might be freed of that which is "self."  Amen.


This is a huge task it seems to me, but one that will be pleasing to God.  I hope you are with me!


Jo INMN

THE WAY

John 14:4-6, "Jesus said, "And you know the way to the place where I am going."  Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?"  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.""


Remember that Thomas had said he wouldn't believe Jesus had risen from the dead unless he could see the nail holes in His hands and feet. Thomas questioned then, and again in the verses above.  Most humans have a mind of questioning and doubt much like Thomas.  Jesus said in plain words that if they know and believe  in Jesus as the Son of God, then they know the way to God because Jesus is the only way.


When we face doubters about Jesus, this verse from John is all the answer we need. Either Jesus is truth or He is a mad-man; there is no other option. He wasn't another prophet, spiritual leader, or priest.  Jesus says in words to us that should eliminate any doubt, "I am the way for you to dwell in eternity with God." 


Lord Jesus, Help us to share this truth with others who don't believe that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Amen.


Jo INMN

ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DIE !

In John 13:38a, Jesus asks, "Would you really die for me?"


This question was asked of Peter, and immediately following, Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed the next morning. Peter was so sure he had the gumption to die for Jesus, but he could not even admit he knew Him.  Jesus knew. Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, unable to be truthful that he was Jesus' friend, the on-trial Jesus who would not fight for His own Life! 


Am I like Peter?  Are you? Is this a question that Jesus asks of us?  Would we really die for Jesus?  It's hard for me to put myself  in the place of Peter.  Or put myself in the place of having to, literally, die for Jesus.  But, there is a figurative death, a death of one's-self, and I believe this is the death Jesus is speaking of. But this death, too, is a difficult one.


I have asked for this death many times, but somehow, my "self" always becomes resurrected and not by the Holy Spirit! I am the one responsible.


It is hard.  It is a hard thing to die to self.  From the time I was an infant, I have had to fight for my own rights.  Now, Jesus asks me to die for Him, for the right to be One with Him.  And I must give up my rights in order to be One with Him.  But that is the place I want to be!  All I have to do is to die to the rights of myself. And follow; follow Him.


Jesus, I want to live in You and be One with You.  Will you help me to die for you, Jesus?  Amen.


Jo INMN

DENIAL OFJESUS

In John 12:42 and 43 it tells us, "Many people, even some in authority, believed in Jesus.  But because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.  They loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God."


These passages tell us of what was occurring back then to the Jewish people. Yet this same denial of Jesus is present in human life today.  Many times believers and followers of Jesus will not proclaim their belief openly for fear of being ridiculed and put out of worldly friendships.  When we deny Jesus this way Jesus weeps, and we cut ourselves off from possibly helping someone to know Jesus in their life.


Each of us must boldly proclaim, even in situations that feel threatening, that we believe Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  To do less may deprive another person the opening of his or her heart to receive Him.  We would be exchanging God's glory for human acceptance.  It would be denying our Lord.


This will take great humility and courage  in some cases, and it would behoove each of us to pray for that courage and humility, and also for strength of purpose, for in under certain circumstances we may be put in serious danger. Difficult situations call for emphatic prayer!


Lord Jesus, May I never hesitate to proclaim you Savior in situations that might result in human rejection. Please give me the strengths to do well for your purpose. Amen.


Hoping you are in agreement!


Jo INMN

BECAUSE WE BELIEVE

In John 10:38 John quotes the words from Jesus, "Perhaps things will come together for you, and you will see that not only are we doing the same thing, we are the same, Father and Son.  He is in me ; I am in Him."


These words of Jesus tell it like it is.  The Father and the Son are the same; each is in the other.  This leaves no doubt of the God-ness of Jesus.  John testifies this is true by quoting Jesus, "He is in me; I am in Him."  They are One, yet separate.


How can a human mind wrap around this concept?  There can be no complete understanding, for it is outside of human experience.  But we believe because the words changed our own lives through studying them.  And we can believe because as God has His way with us, we come to know that God is within each of us, as well.


The words are precious words and the entirety of the words are in a Book, and the Book has been honored and respected and believed for centuries.  There is much in this book that is beyond human understanding, and some debatable, but the Book has proved to be good.


Therefore, God, we honor the Book; we honor the Words; and we honor the story it tells.  We honor you, the God of all gods and the Son who is God, because we believe and we have seen and felt your worth.  Amen.


Jo INMN

TRUE JUDGMENT

In John 8:15,17 in the words of Jesus, 'You decided according to what you can see and touch.  My judgment would be true, because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father."


Jesus has told us in other scripture not to judge.  Here, in John 8, He tells us why.  "Let Christ be God's judge for He listens to the Father.  Our experience and vision can not see the whole truth as God sees and knows it."


My judgments are a far cry from truth.  They're made not only from my experience and my visual nature, but from the often-erring perceptions I have had since a young child.  It is wrong for me to make judgments about others--all people are loved by God--from my extremely narrow view.  There is no need, in fact for me to make any judgments as we are all imperfect.  And, watch out for the times we think we are being judged, me especially! My reactions have been totally unnecessary and often unfair.


So what can we do?  You and I can turn to God. Think of Jesus who always turned to the largeness of the Father's mercy and acted only on that. Jesus called it "true judgment."  Mercy and truth are totally compatible.  Our hearts are not big enough to find that "true judgment," so we must turn to God and let it go.


God, Let me be a woman of mercy and truth.  May I cease from judging others, remembering only that in your large-ness, you are truly fair.  Amen.


Have any of you been in a similar situation?


Jo INMN

UNBELIEF

In John 7:5,, 15 and 48 we find the following words, "For not even Jesus' brothers believed in him....The Jewish leaders said, "How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?"...Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in Him?"


Although Jesus' mother told the attendants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, "Do whatever He tells you to do," there is no record of any of his brothers or friends who were believers while he lived. Certainly, His mother and His father knew of His incredible birth and life, and angels had spoken to them regarding early dangers concerning their son, Jesus. The authorities did not believe in Him as He had no official training.   Only those who were simple, common, everyday people were called by Jesus to be His disciples and eventually fully believed He was the Messiah.  Yet, even His own disciples turned and ran from him when the "going got tough."


Our belief will never come through our intellectual knowledge, but through our hearts.  And by following through by our faith.


Lord, I believe; remove my unbelief.  Amen.


Jo INMN

A GIFT FROMTHE FATHER

In John 6:30 and 65  it tells us, the crowd speaking first and Jesus answering, "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are; just a hint of what's going on?  When we see what's up, we'll  commit ourselves.  Show us what you can do!"   And..."This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own.  You get me only as a gift from the Father."


The people demanded proof that Jesus was God's Son before commitment!  Sound familiar?  Yet, no commitment is possible without the Father's giving that person to Jesus! In other words, God turns that person over to Christ to be Christ's friend.  It is God's joy to lead those chosen for Jesus- TO JESUS.  It has nothing to do with Jesus' proving His God-ness.  All those who turn to Christ--no matter how excellent the witness was--are brought by the strength and purpose of the Father.  We humans are only the gas for the engine; it is God who owns and drives the car.


Thank you, God, for the message of hope for your gifts to your Son, Jesus--the people who love and choose to follow Him.  And thank you for Your people, Lord, who are blessed by Your Holy Name in all the earth.  May we--like the gas for your  car--not be hard to get, but plentiful and affordable.  We want to help bring others to you.  In Christ's Holy name.  Amen.


May it be so.


Jo INMN

BE DISCIPLINED AND STEADFAST

I Peter 5:8 tells us, "Discipline yourselves; keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him; be steadfast in your faith."


Peter warns Christians that the devil tries to use suffering to destroy the faith of believers. We are to be alert to this pattern of behavior in ourselves and others and not yield, but suffer as Christ did to be an example for others in suffering.  God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you."


When I experience suffering in adversity, my focus must always be on Jesus.  Satan uses sufferings to bring me to say, "Why doesn't God answer my pleas for relief?" And this leads me to wondering if there might not be a God who cares for me after all. And these thoughts hurt me...and God...and cause me to question the One who has been my very Saviour!


And so for so these reasons and others personal perhaps only to you, we must be disciplined to have any thoughts such as these be eradicated from our minds at the first glimpse of them! And the only way to do that, I believe, is to pray and to immediately pray !!


Lord Jesus, Keep each of us strong in our faith when facing pain suffering or adversity.  Amen


Have a wonderful day in the power of Jesus!


Jo INMN

SPIRIT TO SPIRIT

From John 4:22-24:  "What you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.  It's who you are and the way you live that count before God.  Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.  God is sheer being--Spirit. Those who worship God must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves--in adoration."


Methodist?  Catholic?  Lutheran?  It doesn't matter!  In a school?  In a church building? On the water? At a campground?  Hillside? It doesn't matter. What about Mormon? What about Buddhism? What about Judism?  What about those religions which are called by another name?  It doesn't matter.  The God I know loves us all and wants us to love each other.  It has been testified that God takes  into account our intentions! And He intends us to love one another!


It's who we are and the way we live that counts.  It counts when our worship is a gift of our spirits combined with our seeking God's truth with celebration, adoration and honor..to God, and remembering and following His Ten Commandments.


Now, who are we?  We are ordinary, common humans who are imperfect, are certain of our God, are determined to follow, who listen for God's direction and watch for needs that may arise around us.  How do we live?  We live simply, without lust or greed; tempted, but not giving in; gratefully; and joyfully.  Modestly, humbly, and fruitfully we go about our days, being grateful for God's grace each evening.


These things we believe no matter what our name.  Although we recognize those "religions" who do not follow our God's loving message, we do not mess around with them, knowing the goodness of God's commandments are meant to be followed and not denied. There may be just a few, but are dangerous to the world and are hurtful to the souls of those following the God meant for All. Out of ignorance and hate those gods who teach hate have a following, and are bringing that hatred to the souls of their believers and harm to those who are innocent.


We know that our Heavenly Father has power over all others who try to take His place in the world and  we make every day count by being called His.  And we pray daily, "Heavenly Father, May we make every day count by being called Yours, by being completely Yours, and by living and worshipping spirit to Spirit--always.  Amen.


Sincerely, Jo INMN

NEEDS PLUS WORKS = GOD

Isaiah 64:3,4, "Since before time began no one has ever imagined, nor ear heard, nor eye seen a God like You who works for those who wait for Him."


No.  No one has ever seen God.  We hear of God; we hear a lot about God.  We see His works, but we have not seen God.  Some saw Jesus, but didn't know He was God; He looked and sounded like a man.  It was His works which told us of His God-ness.


So, we don't know what God looks like and most of us don't know what God sounds like, although a few would claim to have heard God speak to them.  No, we only see or hear God at work.


Now, here are some old stories I can tell about God at work. Like, a daughter who arranged for yellow ribbons to be tied on the trees in her neighborhood, the same neighborhood of a young man leaving for Iraq many years ago.  The young man's mother cried over this act of God's love.  Like another daughter who gave her car to a friend because the friend didn't have a car and the friend's need was greater than her own. Like a son who traveled back and forth over-seas in three days to attend the memorial of a friend's mother.  Like a granddaughter who gave up her summer to teach other kids through song and dance the importance of a relationship with God.


And today, like a daughter who gives up a day to help her aging parents pay their bills. And a son who goes with them to church when they no longer drive so they don't miss a moment of their beloved church service. And like a loving daughter, in spite of a busy, hard job and families of her own to be cared for, finds time to spend with her elder parents. And another daughter who has a job and her own family to care for, who finds time to call and pray for her parents.


God measures these acts and sees the patience and love it takes to carry them out.  This is how we see God at work.  We see God through the love of others in this world.  Oh, yes!  Eyes do see and ears can hear God at work--through the people, my friend, through you and me.


And in this day and age, God is truly needed in this world. Acts of God are my acts and yours.  And prayer is tops on the list.  Especially, prayer, for this world needs it! And it always will!


Jo INMN

COMPASSION

In Ps.103:13,14 and 2 Peter 3:99 we read, "As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear Him.  For He knows how we were made; He remembers we are dust...for the Lord is...patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance."


These scriptures remind us again that God's plan will be done.  He has compassion for His creation not wanting to lose a single one to the world.  God made us as humans to have free will so that we can either accept or reject His love.  A parent can't force a child to be kind and loving, but nevertheless, hopes and prays for the child to be right with himself, his God, and his family.


As God has shown such unbelievable compassion for me, forgiving me again and again for my transgressions, so I, too, as a parent and friend must do likewise.  God formed me and knows at life's end my body will become as dust, but He wants my soul to love and honor Him.  He always waits for me to come around.


Lord Jesus, I praise you for your love in coming to earth in human form to reveal the compassion of the Father to humanity.  Amen.


This blog, once written by my husband, Jerry, to be read by our children, was chosen for you today by me as it is such a suitable reminder to all of us why we need our God's compassion every day.  I hope you have someone in your own life who can remind you daily of the God who loves you. What a lucky woman I am!


Jo INMN

HEAR MY PRAYER, O LORD

 Isaiah 58:6-8 reads "This is the kind of fast day I'm after; to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.  What I'm interested in seeing you do is: share your food with the hungry, invite the homeless poor into your home, put clothes on the shivering ill-clad, be available to your own families.  Then. when you pray, God will answer.


God must be pleased when we sacrifice and fast.  But, it sounds, reading this excerpt from Isaiah 58, as if God is most pleased by our acts of sacrifice.  Stand up with those who have been treated unjustly-don't just talk about it.  Help someone to become legal who has lost their right to stay legally in MN.   Don't buy goods which are known users of poor youth to manufacture or fruit whose poorly paid workers picked.  Work to free those who are illegally held in prison and have had no opportunity to declare themselves.  Don't loan money if you can afford it; give it as a gift.  We can't out-give God.  Give to hunger campaigns; help the homeless find shelter from the heat or cold.  Many places welcome used clothing.  So how any coats do you need?


Be available.  Listen.  Listen.  Listen, and then move.


God, help us to see the need and not fear the cost.  Hear our prayer, O Lord.  Amen.


Jo INMN

WE ARE SHEEP WHO HAVE GONE ASTRAY!

Today is the 84th birthday of my husband, Jerry.  I repeat his writing, written long ago,  because of its value to us today, and for its strength and purpose.  If you have just wandered into the reading of this blog for the first time, I hope it will have value to you......


In the writings of a New Testament hero, Peter, we read the following: 2 Peter 2:20 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way; and the Lord God has laid on Himself the inequity of us all..as He poured out Himself unto death."  There are some who have escaped the entanglements of the world through knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then have once again become entangled and overpowered by the world.


And the prophet Isaiah, speaking the Lord's words, said that humanity is "like a flock of sheep".  We start to follow the shepherd, but then we drift off and away from the shepherd and are once again lost.


Jesus came into the world to have the weight of sin placed on Him.  He was crucified like a common criminal, died, and rose again.  Our shepherd once and for all has conquered the lure of the world and Satan's clutch.  But, we still have free will, as do sheep, to leave the flock and go off on our own tangent.


Having been a parent of a child who loved God, was lost, and came back to His flock, these verses speak to me as one who has longed for the lost one, and grateful for the lamb's return.


Jesus, keep us in your flock with the warmth and strength of your arms around us. Amen.


Happy Birthday, my sweet husband, and many more!


Jo INMN

RIGHT WORDS FOR THE WEARY

In Isaiah 50:4 and 5, the Word tells us, "The Lord God gives me the right words to encourage the weary. Each morning H awakens me eager to learn His teaching; He made me willing to listen and not rebel or run away."  And Isaiah did listen. His words were given into the Holy Bible.


In the margin of my own bible, at this verse, I have written, "Jo!  Listen!" I don't know how long ago I wrote this, but it would have to have been years ago.  The fact remains that deep within I have hoped that the Lord would help me in all ways to be an encourager of others. Phone calls to the weary, visiting those who were lonely, reading to the elderly were part of my life.


Today, I find I am among the elderly, and those who have a thing called early Alzheimers.  I can still write my blog, probably more helpful to me than to others! My dear husband, Jerry, has been identified to have this disease, too, and so we are an interesting couple!  But I can still use the phone to call others, and I can still read to someone who might want to listen. Only God is in charge of my usefulness and I am willing.  My ears and eyes are open.


God, I pray you have put this disease and this desire in me for a divine  reason, that in the privilege of using encouragement for others you might be honored and glorified.  May we all find peace and strength, Lord, in You.  Amen.


In these days, we must all use the energy and strengths we have, for the Glory of God!  Are you with me?


Jo INMN

SHARING GOD'S LOVE WITH THE WORLD

In I Peter 4:111b we learn "Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ who is glorious and powerful forever.  Amen."


This short prayer follows Peter's order to all the new Christians to use the special gifts God gave them in service to others and to honor God.  The words are also meant for us today.


There was a time in the past where I was so concerned that people like me and God being pleased with me, that my motive for serving God was definitely questionable. Serving God was a very real desire for me but the selfish motive was disappointing.


Today, I feel pretty content as I understand love and trust.  Those around me have God's love in them and the power of the Holy Spirit shares that love with me--and for me.  I didn't earn that love by my service to God, or any other way.  I didn't earn it at all.  It was freely given.  And I can serve others with love.  And that's all that's needed.


Lord Jesus, may I continue to serve with love through you to my neighbors, friends, and my dear family, and may my friends out there receive these gifts as well.  May we use these gifts you are giving us for your purpose to  love our neighbors, sharing that love  with the entire world. May our love honor You and bring You glory.  Amen.


Jo INMN

BE READY TO SHARE CHRIST

In I Peter 3:15b and 16  says, "Always be ready to make defense to anyone who demands from you an  accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence."


As Christians we have a belief, a faith that has no foundation on this earth; it is not of this world.  This faith may make others defensive, critical, or curious, but we must be ready and prepared to answer.  We are the only Bible that most of the world will ever see, and if we're not kinder and more at peace, why would anyone want to become a Christian?


When we may be asked, "How could you not feel angry or used in that situation?" or "Why didn't you retaliate?" we've got to be ready to share our faith in Jesus Christ, and not let the moment slip away.  If we do, it would be as if we'd betrayed Jesus.


This takes practice, I believe. If I were to be asked one of these questions at this moment, I might mumble, hesitate, or just plain chicken out! It is easy to express myself on paper, but much harder for me to say what I want to say the way I want to say it when standing with someone side by side!


But the world today has it's own idea about this person, Jesus Christ, and also about His people!  And that idea may not be so good!  So, think about it.  And get yourself ready to defend the  greatest gift ever given to this old world!


Lord Jesus, make us always ready to gently and with reverent tenderness share your wondrous love and gift to humanity. Amen.


Are you with me?


Jo INMN

SUFFER ? WHO? ME?

In I peter 2:20b and 21 it says, "God bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good.  After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering (on the cross) for  you."


Of course, we all want to pray for God's blessings, but to have to suffer for it?  I don't like to suffer.  And to suffer for doing something good? That just doesn't fit very well in my idea of fairness!  Well, if I am to follow Christ, I had better accept suffering with grace.  Better yet, I'd better praise God for any suffering I may go through!  Didn't Christ suffer for doing something good?  Of course.  He died on the cross for me, that I might know God and be forgiven of my sins.  If I am ever called to suffer, I pray I would be prepared with God's grace and courage.


In these strange days and times with the concern for those who use radical means to kill and hurt those who don't believe as they do, there may be some who are called to radically suffer. And there may be many who are called to suffer by living at a time where such radical means are being used.  Perhaps it would be wise if Christian followers would, at least, be prepared.


Lord Jesus, how we praise you and thank you for your most precious and costly gift to the world, your suffering for us.  Oh, if everyone could know your love and return it!  I know, Lord, that those who would suffer in order to serve You,  would have the great blessing of truly, wholly being One with You in Paradise. Amen.


May we never have to know this tragedy.  May the whole world have the Love of Christ forever in our hearts!


Jo INMN