In Judges 9:18 it says, "He's merely the son of my father's slave girl." Now, Gideon had 70 sons and after he died there was a discussion over who should be king. The people chose Abimelech, but his brother Jotham argued saying Abimelech wasn't born highly enough to be king. The question Jotham asked the leaders of Shechem was an appropriate one because Abimelech's motives were not honorable. But Jotham said, "He's merely the son of a slave."
I am glad I am not judged by who my father was, or who my mother was. Although I am proud of who they were, I don't want to be judged by their credentials. They did their very best for me, but I did not become "good enough to "reign" over anyone on earth or in heaven. I am merely a woman, merely unauthorized, merely an old lady, merely liberal, merely a house-keeper, merely a mom and grandma, and now a great-grandma, and merely a nobody by the world's standards. But in the eyes of God, I am mighty; mighty in power, mighty in faith, mighty in works. YES, I AM MIGHTY IN THE SPIRIT.
God, each of us give you praise and thanks that we can become mighty--mighty enough to give you glory and mighty enough to help you change the world. Amen.
Are you with me, readers?
JO INMN
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
GOD'S ABSOLUTE POWER
In Judges 8:24-35, there is a story of God's power. God granted Gideon military victory over larger foes than ever before. The people were ecstatic and offered their gold jewelry to Gideon to use for an image of Baal, the old god of the people. As the true God had promised "it became a snare for Gideon, his family, and all of Israel."
As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ has not been raised from death to life, our faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Therefore, it is Christ who holds the power of God for He is God's Son.
Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim that turning our backs on God becomes a snare on which we will stumble and our lives will become futile. God sent His Son, Jesus, to witness to Him, heal, teach, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God is now, not somewhere down the road. If we reject Christ's resurrection, we are convicting ourselves to spiritual death.
What does this mean for us? If we place anything in the way of keeping our eyes on God, that thing becomes a snare that could entrap us, and place us in the arms of Satan. Our faith in God, His risen Son, Jesus, and the indwelling of the power of the Holy Spirit must be absolute in our lives.
Lord, keep each of us from any snare that might cause one or all to stumble. Amen.
I hope you will each pray that prayer daily for yourself, for me, and for any other who may be reading this message. Thanks!
Jo INMN
As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ has not been raised from death to life, our faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Therefore, it is Christ who holds the power of God for He is God's Son.
Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim that turning our backs on God becomes a snare on which we will stumble and our lives will become futile. God sent His Son, Jesus, to witness to Him, heal, teach, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God is now, not somewhere down the road. If we reject Christ's resurrection, we are convicting ourselves to spiritual death.
What does this mean for us? If we place anything in the way of keeping our eyes on God, that thing becomes a snare that could entrap us, and place us in the arms of Satan. Our faith in God, His risen Son, Jesus, and the indwelling of the power of the Holy Spirit must be absolute in our lives.
Lord, keep each of us from any snare that might cause one or all to stumble. Amen.
I hope you will each pray that prayer daily for yourself, for me, and for any other who may be reading this message. Thanks!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
BLESSED INTIMACY
In Judges 6:14 the scripture tells us, "God faced Gideon directly, 'Go in this strength that is yours.'"
In this verse, comparing it with earlier verses in Scripture, God's nature is the same as with Moses, but God's actions are different. God would not let Moses see God's face directly. But God does face Gideon directly. The relationship between God and Gideon has become more intimate. God, our Holy and Most Wonderful God faced Gideon! Maybe these words are not to be taken literally, but never-the-less, it does seem that God recognizes that the more we humans know God, the more we are apt to trust God and be obedient.
This seems pretty huge to me, for as time passes, we are eventually allowed to live in Christ through the death of Christ and our death to ourselves. That is intimacy!
Also, God tells Gideon, "Go, in this strength that is yours." Yet, it is God's own strength that becomes available to Gideon. Here again, there is a likeness to our own intimacy with God, as God's strength is now ours for the asking. All we are belongs to God, and all of God is available to us as we trust and obey and are following what God has willed.
Sounds easy to apply God's gifts in our own circumstances, right? The tough part is, we must be loyal children of God and have a blessed intimacy with Him. He doesn't give His gifts to just anybody!! Although He may just do that, for it is His privilege to do what He desires, and we don't always know what He deems to be the best.
I for one, want to be on His team, whatever work He is doing. Anybody else? Is Jesus calling?
Thank you, Creator God, Father and Mother of us all, for loving us and allowing us this blessed intimacy with you! Amen.
Jo INN
In this verse, comparing it with earlier verses in Scripture, God's nature is the same as with Moses, but God's actions are different. God would not let Moses see God's face directly. But God does face Gideon directly. The relationship between God and Gideon has become more intimate. God, our Holy and Most Wonderful God faced Gideon! Maybe these words are not to be taken literally, but never-the-less, it does seem that God recognizes that the more we humans know God, the more we are apt to trust God and be obedient.
This seems pretty huge to me, for as time passes, we are eventually allowed to live in Christ through the death of Christ and our death to ourselves. That is intimacy!
Also, God tells Gideon, "Go, in this strength that is yours." Yet, it is God's own strength that becomes available to Gideon. Here again, there is a likeness to our own intimacy with God, as God's strength is now ours for the asking. All we are belongs to God, and all of God is available to us as we trust and obey and are following what God has willed.
Sounds easy to apply God's gifts in our own circumstances, right? The tough part is, we must be loyal children of God and have a blessed intimacy with Him. He doesn't give His gifts to just anybody!! Although He may just do that, for it is His privilege to do what He desires, and we don't always know what He deems to be the best.
I for one, want to be on His team, whatever work He is doing. Anybody else? Is Jesus calling?
Thank you, Creator God, Father and Mother of us all, for loving us and allowing us this blessed intimacy with you! Amen.
Jo INN
Monday, March 28, 2016
ALL DRINK AT THE SPIRIT'S FOUNTAIN
In I Cor. 12: 12. 26. the Scripture tells us "Each of us is now a part of Christ's resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain, His Spirit, where we all come to drink....If one part of His Spirit, you or me, hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance."
We Christians are all One in Christ. We have been invited to live in Christ who is whole and holy, and I am part of Him. Each of us is part of Christ. The me in me is dead; the you in you is dead. And Christ lives. His Spirit is our well of life.
Here is how we live through His life. If one of us is hurt; we all hurt. If one of us flourishes; we all flourish. If one of us sins; the sin belongs to all of us. If anyone is forgiven; we are all forgiven. If any one of us rejoices; we all rejoice for we are One in Christ. Whether we are near or far, Methodist or Lutheran, male or female, we are One. There is no place among us for disharmony or competition. It's up to each of us to be watchful and always helpful to one another, to safeguard or return to harmony and equality. We are One.
God, You are our God, our Creator, our Savior, our All in All. May we truly be One Body, your Body here on earth, dear Jesus. Amen.
All together, for Christ lives in us.
Jo INMN
We Christians are all One in Christ. We have been invited to live in Christ who is whole and holy, and I am part of Him. Each of us is part of Christ. The me in me is dead; the you in you is dead. And Christ lives. His Spirit is our well of life.
Here is how we live through His life. If one of us is hurt; we all hurt. If one of us flourishes; we all flourish. If one of us sins; the sin belongs to all of us. If anyone is forgiven; we are all forgiven. If any one of us rejoices; we all rejoice for we are One in Christ. Whether we are near or far, Methodist or Lutheran, male or female, we are One. There is no place among us for disharmony or competition. It's up to each of us to be watchful and always helpful to one another, to safeguard or return to harmony and equality. We are One.
God, You are our God, our Creator, our Savior, our All in All. May we truly be One Body, your Body here on earth, dear Jesus. Amen.
All together, for Christ lives in us.
Jo INMN
Saturday, March 26, 2016
EASTER--NOT QUITE YET!
It is the day before Easter. It is morning and the sun has yet to shine...just as it was many years ago when all of Jesus' friends and family had been in sorrow since His death on the cross yesterday. Jesus' mangled body has laid behind the great rock since yesterday's eve. It is very quiet in the garden, and the woman waits. She does not know why she waits. It is over. He is gone...forever.
Saturday before Easter Sunday. Many of us are wondering where we will be tomorrow. One remembers her appointment to get her hair done today. Her son is coming to dinner tomorrow. Another wishes she had invited her neighbor to Sunday's dinner. Is it too late? she wonders. As a gentleman yawns and looks into his bathroom mirror, he wonders if church will be so crowded tomorrow that he might be more comfortable staying home. Another Easter, another year gone by.
Easter Saturday finds many of us at cross purposes. Why all the preparation for Easter Sunday? The day Jesus died has been long forgotten for most and most don't even know what Good Friday is all about! And Saturday is just another Saturday...and for that matter...just the day before another Sunday! Yet we do make preparations. We prepare our hearts once again for the greatest gift God could give us....a resurrected Lord!
Is my heart ready? Is yours? Tomorrow we celebrate the gift of God in each of us. We celebrate our Resurrected Lord! Born. Died. Reborn! And also, we celebrate our own new birth. And another gift that follows our acceptance of His Life in us....the Holy Spirit. Come one! Come all and be glad.! Celebrate!Tomorrow is coming! Praise God!
Jo INMN
Saturday before Easter Sunday. Many of us are wondering where we will be tomorrow. One remembers her appointment to get her hair done today. Her son is coming to dinner tomorrow. Another wishes she had invited her neighbor to Sunday's dinner. Is it too late? she wonders. As a gentleman yawns and looks into his bathroom mirror, he wonders if church will be so crowded tomorrow that he might be more comfortable staying home. Another Easter, another year gone by.
Easter Saturday finds many of us at cross purposes. Why all the preparation for Easter Sunday? The day Jesus died has been long forgotten for most and most don't even know what Good Friday is all about! And Saturday is just another Saturday...and for that matter...just the day before another Sunday! Yet we do make preparations. We prepare our hearts once again for the greatest gift God could give us....a resurrected Lord!
Is my heart ready? Is yours? Tomorrow we celebrate the gift of God in each of us. We celebrate our Resurrected Lord! Born. Died. Reborn! And also, we celebrate our own new birth. And another gift that follows our acceptance of His Life in us....the Holy Spirit. Come one! Come all and be glad.! Celebrate!Tomorrow is coming! Praise God!
Jo INMN
Friday, March 25, 2016
Songs Of Joy
From Psalm 47:1, 6 ..."Clap your hands all you people; shout to God with loud songs of joy...Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises."
The Psalmist proclaims that as people of God we have received so much that how can we not express our thanks without clapping our hands and shouting our songs of joy! Yes! Whatever church you may attend, in a building set aside for worshipping or in the quiet of your own home, how can we not express our thanks?
Jerry and I drive from our home in Stillwater to Mahtomedi to attend St. Andrews church, and are looking forward to attending Easter Sunday with our son and his family. Being all together as a church is truly lovely, especially when our grandkids are with us. And we attend the service where clapping hands are common and the joy of Jesus makes us festive in our togetherness. Psalm 47 could be our theme song! Those verses could be our "worship statement!" We are a joyous, grateful people who boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!
My hands and feet won't be still this Sunday when I sense that Jesus is once again raised up! What a Gift of Life we have been given! What a joy it is to gather together to sing and praise His name!
Lord Jesus, We sing Songs of Joy with hearts bursting with praises. All for you. And for our love for each other! Amen.
The Psalmist proclaims that as people of God we have received so much that how can we not express our thanks without clapping our hands and shouting our songs of joy! Yes! Whatever church you may attend, in a building set aside for worshipping or in the quiet of your own home, how can we not express our thanks?
Jerry and I drive from our home in Stillwater to Mahtomedi to attend St. Andrews church, and are looking forward to attending Easter Sunday with our son and his family. Being all together as a church is truly lovely, especially when our grandkids are with us. And we attend the service where clapping hands are common and the joy of Jesus makes us festive in our togetherness. Psalm 47 could be our theme song! Those verses could be our "worship statement!" We are a joyous, grateful people who boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!
My hands and feet won't be still this Sunday when I sense that Jesus is once again raised up! What a Gift of Life we have been given! What a joy it is to gather together to sing and praise His name!
Lord Jesus, We sing Songs of Joy with hearts bursting with praises. All for you. And for our love for each other! Amen.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
BECOME ALL THINGS
From I Cor. 9:22,23, we read Paul's words, "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it for the sake of the Gospel."
Paul writes to the believers he has planted in Corinth of the importance of identifying with all people- where they are, not where one would wish they were. It means to learn to be a friend to someone by being compassionate and understanding--not judging. Out of love, every human needs Jesus to come into his or her life, but the route will be very widely based on who that person is. God calls His servants to reach out inclusively, not excluding anyone.
When we encounter someone toward whom we may not have any natural affinity, we must recognize that God has put that person in our presence for His purpose. We, then must become all things, be an everyman or everywoman, that the message might be heard.
In this day of martyrdom by ISIS followers, we may wonder how far our message for Jesus must go. We have not been called to be martyrs, as ISIS is doing. What we must understand is ISIS followers seem not afraid to die as they believe that they will be in their heaven surrounded by beautiful maidens. Our Bible promises we will be One with Jesus at our death, as in our life, but does not demand we murder those of other faiths. What we must do, perhaps, is trust in our Lord................
NO MATTER WHAT WE ENCOUNTER! And live our lives in such a way that we honor God and love those around us with the hope that everyone we see and know will turn to God and love Him, too!
Lord Jesus, give us your power to reflect you when we encounter others, no matter who they may be.
Jo INMN
Paul writes to the believers he has planted in Corinth of the importance of identifying with all people- where they are, not where one would wish they were. It means to learn to be a friend to someone by being compassionate and understanding--not judging. Out of love, every human needs Jesus to come into his or her life, but the route will be very widely based on who that person is. God calls His servants to reach out inclusively, not excluding anyone.
When we encounter someone toward whom we may not have any natural affinity, we must recognize that God has put that person in our presence for His purpose. We, then must become all things, be an everyman or everywoman, that the message might be heard.
In this day of martyrdom by ISIS followers, we may wonder how far our message for Jesus must go. We have not been called to be martyrs, as ISIS is doing. What we must understand is ISIS followers seem not afraid to die as they believe that they will be in their heaven surrounded by beautiful maidens. Our Bible promises we will be One with Jesus at our death, as in our life, but does not demand we murder those of other faiths. What we must do, perhaps, is trust in our Lord................
NO MATTER WHAT WE ENCOUNTER! And live our lives in such a way that we honor God and love those around us with the hope that everyone we see and know will turn to God and love Him, too!
Lord Jesus, give us your power to reflect you when we encounter others, no matter who they may be.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
IN YOUR TIME
I Cor.8:7 says: "Knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive."
These verses make me wonder if I, unintentionally, have made someone feel like a know-nothing. I've felt that way myself, and it would sadden me if I were to do that to another. The older I get, the less I seem to know. I have many opinions, but knowing it my knower? Well, that's something else again.
One thing I do know in my knower--God exists. I am certain God does exist. In fact, I would bet my life on it; indeed, I have. Now, am I insensitive to those who do not know this? I hope not. While living in Arizona, I tutored people every week who were on parole or probation. So, I met lots of people who have gone through hard knocks. A few of them have found the Lord, and you can tell by their attitudes toward working hard, often mentioning why they had had a turn-around. Others may not know what I know that God is kind, good, and real. They don't know how much they are loved by our astounding God. (I hope they know by now.) Perhaps, you are like that, too. I hope you know Him, soon!
Lord, I pray for all those whom I have loved and those I love through these daily words. I pray that they will come to know--and accept--your incredible love for them. In your time, Lord. In your time. Amen.
Jo INMN
These verses make me wonder if I, unintentionally, have made someone feel like a know-nothing. I've felt that way myself, and it would sadden me if I were to do that to another. The older I get, the less I seem to know. I have many opinions, but knowing it my knower? Well, that's something else again.
One thing I do know in my knower--God exists. I am certain God does exist. In fact, I would bet my life on it; indeed, I have. Now, am I insensitive to those who do not know this? I hope not. While living in Arizona, I tutored people every week who were on parole or probation. So, I met lots of people who have gone through hard knocks. A few of them have found the Lord, and you can tell by their attitudes toward working hard, often mentioning why they had had a turn-around. Others may not know what I know that God is kind, good, and real. They don't know how much they are loved by our astounding God. (I hope they know by now.) Perhaps, you are like that, too. I hope you know Him, soon!
Lord, I pray for all those whom I have loved and those I love through these daily words. I pray that they will come to know--and accept--your incredible love for them. In your time, Lord. In your time. Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
KNOW THE PEOPLE
In this Holy Week, let's turn to the most basic lesson about Jesus and us, this historical, wonderful relationship between ourselves and our God. We are to share it! And it is hard for some of us to do so. Scripture tells us that it has always been difficult. In Ex. 32:21,22, "Moses said to Aaron, 'What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin on them?' And Aaron answered, 'Do not let the anger of my Lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are bent on evil.'"
Just as the original sin of Adam and Eve showed how each one blamed the other, so did Aaron blame the people for his lack of judgment as a leader when he allowed the people to build and bow to the golden calf. Let's all understand that within the human being there is a burning to disobey God's laws and to say, "I'm in charge!" This is the greatest hurdle of humankind--submission of our will to God's ways.
If we should find ourselves straying from God's plan, we must recognize our human nature to disobey. Our own will never rests; it just waits for an opportune time to show itself. We need to hang a sign on our refrigerator door that will remind us: "I will my will (to be) God's will." We each need to remember two things; if we are leaders, people may disappoint us as there will always be people who go against God's will, and second, each of us must, as God's children, work diligently at giving up our own will.
This week is an historical week. Centuries ago, our Lord was raised up to die on a cross. Each one of us died with Him. That is, our sinful nature died, if we believe Him and honor Him. That does not mean that we are free from sin, but we are free from eternal judgment for our sin. His death was our death to ourselves, self being the natural part of us which always wants its own way. Some of us, it seems, never really go all the way in that death, but continue to hang on to our "selves" with scraped fingernails. Blessed is the one who is able to give himself or herself entirely up to God!
Lord Jesus, Only the power within your Holy Spirit can overpower the inborn tendency in my heart to rebel. Have mercy on me. Amen.
Jo INMN
Just as the original sin of Adam and Eve showed how each one blamed the other, so did Aaron blame the people for his lack of judgment as a leader when he allowed the people to build and bow to the golden calf. Let's all understand that within the human being there is a burning to disobey God's laws and to say, "I'm in charge!" This is the greatest hurdle of humankind--submission of our will to God's ways.
If we should find ourselves straying from God's plan, we must recognize our human nature to disobey. Our own will never rests; it just waits for an opportune time to show itself. We need to hang a sign on our refrigerator door that will remind us: "I will my will (to be) God's will." We each need to remember two things; if we are leaders, people may disappoint us as there will always be people who go against God's will, and second, each of us must, as God's children, work diligently at giving up our own will.
This week is an historical week. Centuries ago, our Lord was raised up to die on a cross. Each one of us died with Him. That is, our sinful nature died, if we believe Him and honor Him. That does not mean that we are free from sin, but we are free from eternal judgment for our sin. His death was our death to ourselves, self being the natural part of us which always wants its own way. Some of us, it seems, never really go all the way in that death, but continue to hang on to our "selves" with scraped fingernails. Blessed is the one who is able to give himself or herself entirely up to God!
Lord Jesus, Only the power within your Holy Spirit can overpower the inborn tendency in my heart to rebel. Have mercy on me. Amen.
Jo INMN
Monday, March 21, 2016
BOUGHT WITH A PRICE
In ! Cor. 6:20 it tells us, "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."
When we read these lines from Paul's letter to the Corinthians and which are meant for each generation following, I can't help but think of the words of the song that proclaim, "When I survey that wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride." (Methodist Hymnal, P.298, v..4) "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
God paid the ultimate price in the sacrifice of Jesus' death. His death was for me and each and every other person on this earth who lives and ever has lived. How can we not consider, then, the price that was paid so long ago for our lives? Whether for the most garish, horrible sins or the least of sins, it doesn't matter, for accepting His gift of dying on the cross for each one of us gives us the freedom to accept and live as forgiven creatures, satisfied with the Lord who gave us this incredible gift of forgiveness. We can only give God our bodies, souls, and our very lives in thanksgiving.
Lord, Your gift was indeed a wondrous love. Let us be used by you to reflect that love. You've bought us with an immeasurable price. Thank you. AMEN.
Jo INMN
When we read these lines from Paul's letter to the Corinthians and which are meant for each generation following, I can't help but think of the words of the song that proclaim, "When I survey that wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride." (Methodist Hymnal, P.298, v..4) "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
God paid the ultimate price in the sacrifice of Jesus' death. His death was for me and each and every other person on this earth who lives and ever has lived. How can we not consider, then, the price that was paid so long ago for our lives? Whether for the most garish, horrible sins or the least of sins, it doesn't matter, for accepting His gift of dying on the cross for each one of us gives us the freedom to accept and live as forgiven creatures, satisfied with the Lord who gave us this incredible gift of forgiveness. We can only give God our bodies, souls, and our very lives in thanksgiving.
Lord, Your gift was indeed a wondrous love. Let us be used by you to reflect that love. You've bought us with an immeasurable price. Thank you. AMEN.
Jo INMN
Saturday, March 19, 2016
GOD ALWAYS KNOWS
Psalm 69:5 tells us, "O God, you know my folly, the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you."
No matter how much we think when we sin that no one will ever know, we know and God knows. We can no more hide from God than we can hide from ourselves, just like Adam and Eve in the garden, God knows.
That's why repentance is the only way we can become right with God. When we confess our sin, God already knows it, but God wants us to speak the words, "Lord I have sinned and am not deserving of your grace. I ask your forgiveness and healing."
God knows me. God knows us all better than we know ourselves. When I confess, God can release me. Each of us must always confess our sin. There is no other way, for God is faithful and just and will forgive our sin. First John 1:9
Lord God, you know each of us. Forgive us and make us clean. Amen.
Jo INMN
No matter how much we think when we sin that no one will ever know, we know and God knows. We can no more hide from God than we can hide from ourselves, just like Adam and Eve in the garden, God knows.
That's why repentance is the only way we can become right with God. When we confess our sin, God already knows it, but God wants us to speak the words, "Lord I have sinned and am not deserving of your grace. I ask your forgiveness and healing."
God knows me. God knows us all better than we know ourselves. When I confess, God can release me. Each of us must always confess our sin. There is no other way, for God is faithful and just and will forgive our sin. First John 1:9
Lord God, you know each of us. Forgive us and make us clean. Amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, March 18, 2016
GOD'S FIELD TO HARVEST
In First Corinthians 3, verses 12-14, Paul is speaking to the Corinthians, saying: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process, but God, who makes things grow."
Long ago, I read these verses about the time we heard that our beloved pastor was leaving our Arizona church where we had become happy participants. She was going to start a church in Las Vegas. It was a good time for their family, and we were glad for her after first knowing disappointment for ourselves. But, the above verses brought back to us how Moses himself had to give up his leadership to Joshua in order for the Israelites to finally go to the Promised Land. That was a great God-move. In Corinth, God brought different leaders who each left their mark on the city, and the peoples' faith grew because of it.
And so it shall always be. We have hope renewed whenever change occurs. Our jobs are to stay true to God, whoever is meant to be our "leader." This is a good pattern for our lives, like the girl at the dance hall who was being asked by many if they could take her home, and she answered, "Nope. I gotta' stick with the guy who brung me!" Many leaders; One faith!
Only God can change what God ordains and God has ordained that we stay loyal to God.
God, we are counting on you, the love of your Son and the wisdom and guidance of your Spirit within us. We witness to You as a people of prayer and servant-hood. We are a Body of One Spirit. We are your field to harvest as you will. Amen.
And.... So may it ever be!
Jo INMN
Long ago, I read these verses about the time we heard that our beloved pastor was leaving our Arizona church where we had become happy participants. She was going to start a church in Las Vegas. It was a good time for their family, and we were glad for her after first knowing disappointment for ourselves. But, the above verses brought back to us how Moses himself had to give up his leadership to Joshua in order for the Israelites to finally go to the Promised Land. That was a great God-move. In Corinth, God brought different leaders who each left their mark on the city, and the peoples' faith grew because of it.
And so it shall always be. We have hope renewed whenever change occurs. Our jobs are to stay true to God, whoever is meant to be our "leader." This is a good pattern for our lives, like the girl at the dance hall who was being asked by many if they could take her home, and she answered, "Nope. I gotta' stick with the guy who brung me!" Many leaders; One faith!
Only God can change what God ordains and God has ordained that we stay loyal to God.
God, we are counting on you, the love of your Son and the wisdom and guidance of your Spirit within us. We witness to You as a people of prayer and servant-hood. We are a Body of One Spirit. We are your field to harvest as you will. Amen.
And.... So may it ever be!
Jo INMN
Thursday, March 17, 2016
DIVINE WISDOM
In Deuteronomy 34, verses 1 and 5 and also from 1 Corinthians 2:5, have these words are for us today: "Moses went up to Mt. Nebo (where God said he would die) and showed Moses the whole land to be inhabited by the tribes of Israel." And God told Moses, "I have let you see it with your eyes. Your faith is to rest not on human wisdom, but on the power of God."
Moses was a man called of God, as was the Apostle Paul, and others. God laid His hand on them at different times and they revealed to others, not intellectual wisdom, but the wisdom of God's Spirit. Paul made clear to his churches that he came without personal pretense to preach the gospel, so that faith would be received by the people, not from human wisdom but only through the power of God. The world calls faith foolishness because it doesn't understand that faith comes only through God's power and presence.
I must pray for the mind of Christ, so when I witness to Jesus, I do not call attention to myself, but reflect the wisdom of Christ which holds God's power; therefore, others might believe. If I come across as the one who has wisdom or insight, I prevent people from having their hearts opened to the mind of Christ, and their faith will not grow.
Lord, may I and all of your people, pray that we might have the mind of Christ in all things, that others see only you. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Moses was a man called of God, as was the Apostle Paul, and others. God laid His hand on them at different times and they revealed to others, not intellectual wisdom, but the wisdom of God's Spirit. Paul made clear to his churches that he came without personal pretense to preach the gospel, so that faith would be received by the people, not from human wisdom but only through the power of God. The world calls faith foolishness because it doesn't understand that faith comes only through God's power and presence.
I must pray for the mind of Christ, so when I witness to Jesus, I do not call attention to myself, but reflect the wisdom of Christ which holds God's power; therefore, others might believe. If I come across as the one who has wisdom or insight, I prevent people from having their hearts opened to the mind of Christ, and their faith will not grow.
Lord, may I and all of your people, pray that we might have the mind of Christ in all things, that others see only you. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
EXTRAVAGANT SPIRIT
I Corinthians 2:14 tells us, "Only someone who has God's Spirit can understand spiritual blessings. Anyone who doesn't have God's Spirit thinks these blessings are foolish."
The method my husband and I have chosen to worship has changed somewhat over the years. Earlier, church always seemed to me to be a place of peace, thoughtfulness and acceptance. Later, Sundays were set aside, and yet we followed our own "rules" for family living after church was over.
Our family was spirited, loving games, doing things together. And we did not make big dinners; we preferred cocoa and toast on Sunday nights and watched TV together. Each one had a favorite show; and each of us made happy.
Because my earlier family had not gone to church, I was church-hungry. And Jerry and I did not take God lightly. I was up in the wee hours of the night in order to read the Bible and pray for God to renew my life and the lives of my children and husband. And He sent both Jerry and I to a Renewal Program called Cursillo. It was what we both needed to learn to trust God and be blessed by Him. Today we like the church services in which we can take an active part and are not thought irreverent or silly. Just a tiny spark of God's Spirit is within us and we cannot be still about the joy we feel in His presence. We pray for others that they also, might know the joy of God as well.
Holy Spirit, continue your work in us that your Spirit will reign. Thank you for your gracious generosity and your incredible love. May we also be as extravagant with our love to others as we are in our worship of You. Amen.
To my friends who read this post, thank you for your continued reading. May you, too, find Christ's love extravagant and may you share it with everyone within your circle of life.
Jo INMN
The method my husband and I have chosen to worship has changed somewhat over the years. Earlier, church always seemed to me to be a place of peace, thoughtfulness and acceptance. Later, Sundays were set aside, and yet we followed our own "rules" for family living after church was over.
Our family was spirited, loving games, doing things together. And we did not make big dinners; we preferred cocoa and toast on Sunday nights and watched TV together. Each one had a favorite show; and each of us made happy.
Because my earlier family had not gone to church, I was church-hungry. And Jerry and I did not take God lightly. I was up in the wee hours of the night in order to read the Bible and pray for God to renew my life and the lives of my children and husband. And He sent both Jerry and I to a Renewal Program called Cursillo. It was what we both needed to learn to trust God and be blessed by Him. Today we like the church services in which we can take an active part and are not thought irreverent or silly. Just a tiny spark of God's Spirit is within us and we cannot be still about the joy we feel in His presence. We pray for others that they also, might know the joy of God as well.
Holy Spirit, continue your work in us that your Spirit will reign. Thank you for your gracious generosity and your incredible love. May we also be as extravagant with our love to others as we are in our worship of You. Amen.
To my friends who read this post, thank you for your continued reading. May you, too, find Christ's love extravagant and may you share it with everyone within your circle of life.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
AN ORIGINAL PIECE OF GREAT VALUE
In Galatians 5, verses 16, 25, and 26, we read, "Choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence." Since this is the kind of life I have chosen, and perhaps the kind of life you, also, have chosen--the Life of the Spirit--let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we must not compare ourselves with others as if one of us is better than another. I have far more interesting things to do with my life; don't you? Each of us is an original. An original piece of great value--that's me... and you, too!
There have been times when I have compared myself with another, in fact, lots of times. But Paul says somewhere in his epistles, "Now is the time to grow up and put away childish things!" Now, then, is the time. I must grow up, finally! You, too, must grow up, if you need to do it. It's childish to compare myself to another when God has made me--and you--an original piece and every other person original, too.
No more comparing! Be glad that someone else has a gift of God different from your own! How else can your Spirit win a battle against you, Lord, if we do not have an army filled with many who have different gifts? Perhaps we are finally ready to grow up and enjoy our own originality!
Thank You, God. We trust you to send your Holy Spirit to remind us quickly if one of us begins to compare. Give us ears to hear the Spirit's still small voice. We want to grow up in You and enjoy our own originality! Amen.
Jo INMN
There have been times when I have compared myself with another, in fact, lots of times. But Paul says somewhere in his epistles, "Now is the time to grow up and put away childish things!" Now, then, is the time. I must grow up, finally! You, too, must grow up, if you need to do it. It's childish to compare myself to another when God has made me--and you--an original piece and every other person original, too.
No more comparing! Be glad that someone else has a gift of God different from your own! How else can your Spirit win a battle against you, Lord, if we do not have an army filled with many who have different gifts? Perhaps we are finally ready to grow up and enjoy our own originality!
Thank You, God. We trust you to send your Holy Spirit to remind us quickly if one of us begins to compare. Give us ears to hear the Spirit's still small voice. We want to grow up in You and enjoy our own originality! Amen.
Jo INMN
Monday, March 14, 2016
GOD'S HEIR
Let's read what Paul wrote to the Christians in Galacia, Chapter 4:6,7: "Because you are God's children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son, Jesus, into your hearts crying, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child of God, then also an heir through Christ."
Paul was writing an urgent letter to Galacian believers (modern day Turkey). He had heard that some were turning from the gospel of salvation by faith alone, for they had come under the influence of Jews who said the believers also had to follow Mosaic law. Paul was very perplexed by this. Today, the church encounters similar things that go beyond the message of the gospel by adding additional rules for behavior, such as abortion, homosexuality, and stem-cell research. Although there may be fair reasons for God not preferring these actions, His death on the Cross saves and justifies all by grace alone and gives to each the birthright of God's child, God's heir. Each individual has this right of justification. Each one of us must choose to accept it or not.
Lord God, keep us from ever straying beyond the simple message of the gospel that you presented to us when you were here on earth, to love you beyond all else and our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.
All of us are equal in the sight of God, no matter what path to Him we have chosen. There must be no place on earth where hate--or fear-- are given free reign.
Jo INMN
Paul was writing an urgent letter to Galacian believers (modern day Turkey). He had heard that some were turning from the gospel of salvation by faith alone, for they had come under the influence of Jews who said the believers also had to follow Mosaic law. Paul was very perplexed by this. Today, the church encounters similar things that go beyond the message of the gospel by adding additional rules for behavior, such as abortion, homosexuality, and stem-cell research. Although there may be fair reasons for God not preferring these actions, His death on the Cross saves and justifies all by grace alone and gives to each the birthright of God's child, God's heir. Each individual has this right of justification. Each one of us must choose to accept it or not.
Lord God, keep us from ever straying beyond the simple message of the gospel that you presented to us when you were here on earth, to love you beyond all else and our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.
All of us are equal in the sight of God, no matter what path to Him we have chosen. There must be no place on earth where hate--or fear-- are given free reign.
Jo INMN
Saturday, March 12, 2016
WATCH AND BE READY FOR THE BRIDE
In Deut. 4:34 it reads, "No one has ever heard of another god even trying to do such things as the Lord your God has done for you."
Yes, and even more true now than when those words were written, as our Lord Jesus Christ, God's own human-formed Son, came to this earth to live and eventually die that we might have life eternal in Him right now. Jesus, God's own self, sacrificed his life, not just for you and me, but for all.
In Mark 13:26 and 33, it tells us, "Then the Son of Man will be seen coming in the clouds with great power and glory...So watch and be ready! We won't know when the time will come."
Not only did God earlier come to this earth in the form of Jesus Christ, but God will come again as Jesus to take us to Himself. What a God we have, coming to this earth personified--not once, but twice for our sakes! No , no one has ever heard of another god like our wonderful, awesome God!
But our job is to Watch! And Be Ready! How good am I at watching for God? How good are any of us? Are we ready for Christ's return?
God, dear God, I pray you will prepare us through our love and service for others to be ready for your coming. Ready your Bride, O Christ, for the wedding day! Amen.
I am watching the clouds daily, watching and hoping. How about you?
Jo INMN
Yes, and even more true now than when those words were written, as our Lord Jesus Christ, God's own human-formed Son, came to this earth to live and eventually die that we might have life eternal in Him right now. Jesus, God's own self, sacrificed his life, not just for you and me, but for all.
In Mark 13:26 and 33, it tells us, "Then the Son of Man will be seen coming in the clouds with great power and glory...So watch and be ready! We won't know when the time will come."
Not only did God earlier come to this earth in the form of Jesus Christ, but God will come again as Jesus to take us to Himself. What a God we have, coming to this earth personified--not once, but twice for our sakes! No , no one has ever heard of another god like our wonderful, awesome God!
But our job is to Watch! And Be Ready! How good am I at watching for God? How good are any of us? Are we ready for Christ's return?
God, dear God, I pray you will prepare us through our love and service for others to be ready for your coming. Ready your Bride, O Christ, for the wedding day! Amen.
I am watching the clouds daily, watching and hoping. How about you?
Jo INMN
Friday, March 11, 2016
(Fixing an error made earlier today)
Sorry, I didn't catch this error earlier. My blog gave the wrong wording in the quote from Gal. 12. It should read, "I have been crucified with Christ." And I thank God that my husband noticed the error. And I also thank God that I am grateful to my husband, Jerry, for pointing out my error, and not dismayed because I made a mistake! Hurrah!
Jo INMN
Jo INMN
DYING TO LIVE
In Gal 2:19b,20 we read, "I have been crucified by Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave himself for me."
I love this verse! I taught myself this verse for a Cursillo many, many years ago by putting it to music and singing it over and over as I drove, as I worked, etc. I wanted to learn this verse because it described the person I wanted to be. It did not describe the person I was.
I see in retrospect that one doesn't die to self all at once; it is a process for a lifetime. One dies to oneself just a bit at a time as one surrenders his or her will to God here a bit and there a bit more. As God reveals things to us that need to go, and as we are willing, we can let them go. Being willing is the hard part; our words may say it, but the cussed will stubbornly refuses to go completely. Through my entire lifetime, God has made some progress with my will, but sadly, I cannot say, "I've licked it!"
God, continue please, if you will, to help me to die from my sins, especially the tricky anger and hurt feelings when I under-achieve and am reminded of my failings by another. Whatever its birthing, help me to accept my failings and plod on trying to do better. For you died for my sins, and whatever sin I am reminded of and suffer its anger, help me both to remember and see clearly the Cross, where the God who loves me already suffered and died for that very sin. I can, then, forgive myself and the person who reminded me of my sin, and find a way to still be a friend to that very person. Perhaps, we can find that Cross and treasure that Cross together.
Never without sin completely,
Jo INMN
I love this verse! I taught myself this verse for a Cursillo many, many years ago by putting it to music and singing it over and over as I drove, as I worked, etc. I wanted to learn this verse because it described the person I wanted to be. It did not describe the person I was.
I see in retrospect that one doesn't die to self all at once; it is a process for a lifetime. One dies to oneself just a bit at a time as one surrenders his or her will to God here a bit and there a bit more. As God reveals things to us that need to go, and as we are willing, we can let them go. Being willing is the hard part; our words may say it, but the cussed will stubbornly refuses to go completely. Through my entire lifetime, God has made some progress with my will, but sadly, I cannot say, "I've licked it!"
God, continue please, if you will, to help me to die from my sins, especially the tricky anger and hurt feelings when I under-achieve and am reminded of my failings by another. Whatever its birthing, help me to accept my failings and plod on trying to do better. For you died for my sins, and whatever sin I am reminded of and suffer its anger, help me both to remember and see clearly the Cross, where the God who loves me already suffered and died for that very sin. I can, then, forgive myself and the person who reminded me of my sin, and find a way to still be a friend to that very person. Perhaps, we can find that Cross and treasure that Cross together.
Never without sin completely,
Jo INMN
Thursday, March 10, 2016
TRUTH ALERT!
In Deut. 13:5 and Gal. 1:9, we read "You must be alert and purge evil from your midst......(and) if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accused."
Just as Moses spoke to Israel that God had warned them about not yielding to any fraudulent god, but to eliminate it from your midst, so Paul pleads with the Christians in Galatia to stay loyal to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not to add or subtract anything except what Jesus proclaimed.
Paul himself, or one who may have proclaimed to be Paul, may have added his opinion on occasion, so we must be extremely vigilant, studying the scriptures so as to be certain of Jesus' teachings and not some other. And I must be vigilant to the forces of evil that would color my love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan prowls around, lurking for an opportune moment to just slightly alter the true gospel.
In this day and age, with much talk about ISIS, and concern about whose God belongs to Whom, etc., we must keep a prayerful vigilance and have appropriate listening for God's answers to our questions, so that we can keep a loving attitude toward all we meet. Those of other religions need graciousness and love such as Christ can give through us. It is up to us to let those to whom we speak know that God loves us all.
"Jesus, keep us alert always to those who corrupt the freedom you willingly give to the world. Amen."
Jo INMN
Just as Moses spoke to Israel that God had warned them about not yielding to any fraudulent god, but to eliminate it from your midst, so Paul pleads with the Christians in Galatia to stay loyal to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not to add or subtract anything except what Jesus proclaimed.
Paul himself, or one who may have proclaimed to be Paul, may have added his opinion on occasion, so we must be extremely vigilant, studying the scriptures so as to be certain of Jesus' teachings and not some other. And I must be vigilant to the forces of evil that would color my love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan prowls around, lurking for an opportune moment to just slightly alter the true gospel.
In this day and age, with much talk about ISIS, and concern about whose God belongs to Whom, etc., we must keep a prayerful vigilance and have appropriate listening for God's answers to our questions, so that we can keep a loving attitude toward all we meet. Those of other religions need graciousness and love such as Christ can give through us. It is up to us to let those to whom we speak know that God loves us all.
"Jesus, keep us alert always to those who corrupt the freedom you willingly give to the world. Amen."
Jo INMN
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
PURPOSEFUL WIND
Today, I need to speak for myself. If it fits you, too, fine. But, I need to speak to my Lord. I hope you will listen. From Deut. 8:14 and 9:4....."After the Lord helps you....don't think He did it because you are so good."
Talk to me, Lord. I know I am proud, and stubborn, just like the Israelites. We all are proud, Lord, we Christians! We're not always obedient and often are stubborn, yet we have You to follow. You would think we would do better with You as our model. But, we goof up.
Today, I am outside on my patio, listening to the wind in the trees. There is quite a breeze, so the wind is not whispering, but is making a purposeful sound. It is almost talking, saying, "Remember me? Because of me, and only because of me you are. I created you. And love you. And because I love you, I have set you free. I have gifted you as well and I have purpose for you. So, don't be proud. I am your goodness. Let yourself believe in my goodness in you. And be thankful!"
There is no place for pride. Yes, the wind spoke, and now is barely whispering, "Peace, my beloved."
Thank you, God. Thank you. And may I always remember...your goodness is in me.
Thank you, friends, for allowing me this bit of personal need. I feel your touch.
Jo INMN
Talk to me, Lord. I know I am proud, and stubborn, just like the Israelites. We all are proud, Lord, we Christians! We're not always obedient and often are stubborn, yet we have You to follow. You would think we would do better with You as our model. But, we goof up.
Today, I am outside on my patio, listening to the wind in the trees. There is quite a breeze, so the wind is not whispering, but is making a purposeful sound. It is almost talking, saying, "Remember me? Because of me, and only because of me you are. I created you. And love you. And because I love you, I have set you free. I have gifted you as well and I have purpose for you. So, don't be proud. I am your goodness. Let yourself believe in my goodness in you. And be thankful!"
There is no place for pride. Yes, the wind spoke, and now is barely whispering, "Peace, my beloved."
Thank you, God. Thank you. And may I always remember...your goodness is in me.
Thank you, friends, for allowing me this bit of personal need. I feel your touch.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
DON'T WAVE AT THE CROWD!
In Deut. 8:14, 18 it tells us , "Do not exalt yourselves when things are going good and you live in fine houses and have good crops and fine herds, but remember it is from the Lord your God....For it is He who gives you the power to achieve wealth, not yourselves."
"Although these words were spoken by Moses to the Israelites in preparation for them to enter the land God promised them, they equally apply to us today. We must always remember that all the skills, intelligence,, etc. we have we did not earn but were given to us as God's gifts. If we begin to think with pride of all we've accomplished, God says, "Don't wave at the crowd! Remember always that you are my creation. I've created you to be used by me to bring light to the whole world, to help others find their way out of the darkness and despair of life."
We must take no personal pride by our accomplishments, but can only say, individually,"Thank you, Lord, for your gifts to me."
So, let's pray! Lord God, you are the potter. We are the clay. Use and form us as you wish. Amen.
How wonderful to say these words with you!
Jo INMN
"Although these words were spoken by Moses to the Israelites in preparation for them to enter the land God promised them, they equally apply to us today. We must always remember that all the skills, intelligence,, etc. we have we did not earn but were given to us as God's gifts. If we begin to think with pride of all we've accomplished, God says, "Don't wave at the crowd! Remember always that you are my creation. I've created you to be used by me to bring light to the whole world, to help others find their way out of the darkness and despair of life."
We must take no personal pride by our accomplishments, but can only say, individually,"Thank you, Lord, for your gifts to me."
So, let's pray! Lord God, you are the potter. We are the clay. Use and form us as you wish. Amen.
How wonderful to say these words with you!
Jo INMN
Monday, March 7, 2016
WILLING SPIRIT/WEAK FLESH
Mark 14:38b tells us "The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak."
Jesus said this to Peter, James and John as they kept falling asleep waiting for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. They were supposed to be in prayer and it was just before Christ was turned over to the temple guards by Judas. There they were, sleeping. The Message says that part of the disciples was "eager and ready for anything in God, but another part was as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." They weren't rebellious; they were just comfortable! That changed in a hurry, didn't it? Judas was upon them.
Jesus knew that in humans, we may very much want to do what is right, but then the weakness of the flesh enters in and we waver. Being comfortable, for example, may keep us from doing something for God because our comfort keeps us from having a determined effort to obey our Lord. Jesus even knew His own closest disciples would flee and deny they even knew who He was. Yet he never gave up on them. He eventually would empower them to go beyond their limitations of the flesh through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
After that, they may never have been truly comfortable again, but the work they accomplished for the Lord satisfied their souls, and they never regretted their lack of comfort. For God gave them a call to change the world. When God gives us a call and we say, "Yes, Lord", but then falter, we can remember that His Spirit is there for us to call upon. And we must do so!
Lord Jesus, Thank you for overcoming the weakness of our human flesh. We do like to be comfortable! But we pray for you to prepare us for sacrifice when we need to. Amen.
Jo INMN
Jesus said this to Peter, James and John as they kept falling asleep waiting for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. They were supposed to be in prayer and it was just before Christ was turned over to the temple guards by Judas. There they were, sleeping. The Message says that part of the disciples was "eager and ready for anything in God, but another part was as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." They weren't rebellious; they were just comfortable! That changed in a hurry, didn't it? Judas was upon them.
Jesus knew that in humans, we may very much want to do what is right, but then the weakness of the flesh enters in and we waver. Being comfortable, for example, may keep us from doing something for God because our comfort keeps us from having a determined effort to obey our Lord. Jesus even knew His own closest disciples would flee and deny they even knew who He was. Yet he never gave up on them. He eventually would empower them to go beyond their limitations of the flesh through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
After that, they may never have been truly comfortable again, but the work they accomplished for the Lord satisfied their souls, and they never regretted their lack of comfort. For God gave them a call to change the world. When God gives us a call and we say, "Yes, Lord", but then falter, we can remember that His Spirit is there for us to call upon. And we must do so!
Lord Jesus, Thank you for overcoming the weakness of our human flesh. We do like to be comfortable! But we pray for you to prepare us for sacrifice when we need to. Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, March 5, 2016
GIVING
In Mark 12:17, "Jesus said to Jewish leaders when they questioned Him about whether it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to the Emperor, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."
In answering their question, Jesus said that we are to pay our taxes to the government under which we live in accordance with the government's tax requirements. Christians are not to cheat or hold back on what is due the "emperor," our governmental needs. However, Jesus makes also clear that we are to give to God what God needs to support and grow God's body on this earth, the church. The tithe is the minimum biblical basis to Christians. Any less and we are cheating God of what belongs to God.
In our giving to government taxes and God's work in the world, we are to be generous and never deceitful or evasive. God knows what God's given us to use while here on this earth. With all we've received, how could we not be generous?
Giving is up to the giver, and no one should question another's motives or actions, for none of us knows the situations in which others live. Yet we can all pray in thanks to God for what we have been given and return to Him what we are able. As for me and my family, how could we not be generous?
I remember well the discussions about tithing in our family. And we finally were made to see that we could tithe on our earnings from the year before as we had no way of knowing what our earnings would be in the year we were in. It worked very well.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your clear message regarding our gifts to you. Amen.
Jo INMN
In answering their question, Jesus said that we are to pay our taxes to the government under which we live in accordance with the government's tax requirements. Christians are not to cheat or hold back on what is due the "emperor," our governmental needs. However, Jesus makes also clear that we are to give to God what God needs to support and grow God's body on this earth, the church. The tithe is the minimum biblical basis to Christians. Any less and we are cheating God of what belongs to God.
In our giving to government taxes and God's work in the world, we are to be generous and never deceitful or evasive. God knows what God's given us to use while here on this earth. With all we've received, how could we not be generous?
Giving is up to the giver, and no one should question another's motives or actions, for none of us knows the situations in which others live. Yet we can all pray in thanks to God for what we have been given and return to Him what we are able. As for me and my family, how could we not be generous?
I remember well the discussions about tithing in our family. And we finally were made to see that we could tithe on our earnings from the year before as we had no way of knowing what our earnings would be in the year we were in. It worked very well.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your clear message regarding our gifts to you. Amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, March 4, 2016
3 TIPS ON PRAYER
Years ago, when Jerry and I began the prayer journal for our kids, we came up with three tips on prayer to pass along. Mark 11:21, 25 tells us, "Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith that you will receive it." and "When you pray, forgive others."
What an astonishing thought! Jesus tells us that we only must have absolute, unreserved faith and believe that what we pray for we will receive. Yet, He also warns us that when we pray, we must have a forgiving spirit. We should like to add a third point, too, to make three tips on prayer.
1) Be careful to pray positively, within God's will. We have the power to curse as well as
bless. See Mark 11:14.
2) Have a forgiving spirit and connect to God, asking forgiveness. Be a forgiving person
before prayer.
3) When we pray have faith that God will bring our prayer to pass in God's time; we must have
faith in God's power to do it.
God, help us to remember these three things, that our prayers for ourselves and our loved ones will be fruitful for us and give a victory to you. Help us to love so much that we will always bless others and forgive others, asking for forgiveness, for ourselves, as well. And God, give us the kind of faith that can move mountains, the kind of mountains that souls like ours find impossible to climb without faith in your powerful hands. AMEN.
Here we go!
Jo INMN
What an astonishing thought! Jesus tells us that we only must have absolute, unreserved faith and believe that what we pray for we will receive. Yet, He also warns us that when we pray, we must have a forgiving spirit. We should like to add a third point, too, to make three tips on prayer.
1) Be careful to pray positively, within God's will. We have the power to curse as well as
bless. See Mark 11:14.
2) Have a forgiving spirit and connect to God, asking forgiveness. Be a forgiving person
before prayer.
3) When we pray have faith that God will bring our prayer to pass in God's time; we must have
faith in God's power to do it.
God, help us to remember these three things, that our prayers for ourselves and our loved ones will be fruitful for us and give a victory to you. Help us to love so much that we will always bless others and forgive others, asking for forgiveness, for ourselves, as well. And God, give us the kind of faith that can move mountains, the kind of mountains that souls like ours find impossible to climb without faith in your powerful hands. AMEN.
Here we go!
Jo INMN
Thursday, March 3, 2016
BELIEVE AND SEE!
In Mark 10:5b a blind man says to Jesus. "Masters, I want to see!"
I want to see, too. We want to see. We want to see the sky as it turns red and yellow with pink and orange clouds drifting onto the blue of a Minnesota sky. We want to hold our children and grand-children and see God in their smiles. I want to perfectly remember playing with Max, and see God in the fuzzy, adorable dog who once zipped after his green ball. We want to see God in the words of Scripture as we read. We want to see God in the faces of others with whom we pray. We want to see God as we remember those who have gone before us. We want to see God in a baby's first tooth, his or her tumble after a first step, and the smile from being given a cherry. We want to see God everywhere as God is at work in those around us. We want to see God in our mirrors--and trust God is apparent in our faces to others.
God, you are everywhere, even in me, and those reading this. Open our eyes that we might see you, even in an enemy, and may each of us convince the world that You are there, and here, present in all things. O Master and Lord, Jesus the Christ of all, let us all be like the blind man. He believed. Then he could see. Amen.
Seeing is believing.
Jo INMN
I want to see, too. We want to see. We want to see the sky as it turns red and yellow with pink and orange clouds drifting onto the blue of a Minnesota sky. We want to hold our children and grand-children and see God in their smiles. I want to perfectly remember playing with Max, and see God in the fuzzy, adorable dog who once zipped after his green ball. We want to see God in the words of Scripture as we read. We want to see God in the faces of others with whom we pray. We want to see God as we remember those who have gone before us. We want to see God in a baby's first tooth, his or her tumble after a first step, and the smile from being given a cherry. We want to see God everywhere as God is at work in those around us. We want to see God in our mirrors--and trust God is apparent in our faces to others.
God, you are everywhere, even in me, and those reading this. Open our eyes that we might see you, even in an enemy, and may each of us convince the world that You are there, and here, present in all things. O Master and Lord, Jesus the Christ of all, let us all be like the blind man. He believed. Then he could see. Amen.
Seeing is believing.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
THEN WE WILL SEE
In I Corinthians 13:12, it says, "Now, we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face."
This passage has always been a favorite. When we encounter something about God's way that we don't understand, we can remember this verse. Paul simply says to not worry about not understanding! When we each eternity after our life on earth is done, then we'll see Jesus face to face and all will be clear. There will be no more need for questions.
When we can walk across the doorsteps of Heaven and see our Lord face to face, we will suddenly know; all our questions will be answered. So, He tells me now, "Friends, don't worry about the details; just follow me in faith."
Lord Jesus, this wonderful promise puts our hearts at ease and we need have no more fear. Amen.
(I am doing this blog for myself, hoping someone out there will begin to see some worth in it, too. The blog is my way of reminding myself what I need to do to stay close to Him. I hope it has some good to someone someplace someday!)
Jo INMN
This passage has always been a favorite. When we encounter something about God's way that we don't understand, we can remember this verse. Paul simply says to not worry about not understanding! When we each eternity after our life on earth is done, then we'll see Jesus face to face and all will be clear. There will be no more need for questions.
When we can walk across the doorsteps of Heaven and see our Lord face to face, we will suddenly know; all our questions will be answered. So, He tells me now, "Friends, don't worry about the details; just follow me in faith."
Lord Jesus, this wonderful promise puts our hearts at ease and we need have no more fear. Amen.
(I am doing this blog for myself, hoping someone out there will begin to see some worth in it, too. The blog is my way of reminding myself what I need to do to stay close to Him. I hope it has some good to someone someplace someday!)
Jo INMN
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
AFRAID TO ASK JESUS?
In Mark 9:32 it tells us, "Jesus disciples did not understand what Jesus told them, and they were afraid to ask him."
Does that sound familiar to any of you? It does a bit to me! Many times when reading the Scriptures, I wonder, "What does this mean?" Then I begin to feel embarrassed because I think I should have understood what it means.
Nonsense. Jesus must teach us a lot of things! We are not expected to automatically know the mysteries of God! It was true in Jesus' time and still true today.
Many times followers of Jesus were and still are reluctant to ask Jesus questions because they might feel that they would be ridiculed by others and deemed not at the level a disciple should be. Yet Jesus tells us that we are to come to Him without any pride or embarrassment, but to come as a child, full of questions and vulnerable. We are to glorify Jesus and be the servant of all--the bottom rung on the ladder. There's no place for pride when serving; no place for pride when we are trying to understand.
I, for one, am so glad Jesus is not only open to questions, but He encourages us to ask and seek. "Ask and the door shall be opened; seek and you shall find." Open the door to let Jesus into the deepest depth of the soul. We must pray for this, continually.
Lord Jesus, I want to come to you with wide-eyed wonderment, full of questions and ready for answers. Amen.
We are One in seeking this great opportunity to understand and put into action those things that our Lord is trying to tell us, today and every day!
Jo INMN
Does that sound familiar to any of you? It does a bit to me! Many times when reading the Scriptures, I wonder, "What does this mean?" Then I begin to feel embarrassed because I think I should have understood what it means.
Nonsense. Jesus must teach us a lot of things! We are not expected to automatically know the mysteries of God! It was true in Jesus' time and still true today.
Many times followers of Jesus were and still are reluctant to ask Jesus questions because they might feel that they would be ridiculed by others and deemed not at the level a disciple should be. Yet Jesus tells us that we are to come to Him without any pride or embarrassment, but to come as a child, full of questions and vulnerable. We are to glorify Jesus and be the servant of all--the bottom rung on the ladder. There's no place for pride when serving; no place for pride when we are trying to understand.
I, for one, am so glad Jesus is not only open to questions, but He encourages us to ask and seek. "Ask and the door shall be opened; seek and you shall find." Open the door to let Jesus into the deepest depth of the soul. We must pray for this, continually.
Lord Jesus, I want to come to you with wide-eyed wonderment, full of questions and ready for answers. Amen.
We are One in seeking this great opportunity to understand and put into action those things that our Lord is trying to tell us, today and every day!
Jo INMN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)