In Matthew 17:4 and 5b, Peter is at the Mt. of Transfiguration where Jesus is transformed with heavenly light, and Peter says, "Lord, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three shelters, one
for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." And God answers, "Listen to what He (Jesus) says!"
Poor Peter! He is so sure of himself, broadcasting his thoughts to the Lord, seeing the Lord Jesus in a state of holy rapturous beauty he wants to do something wonderful. But the Father says, "No! Just listen!" Listen. Just...listen.
How many times have I wished I had just listened? Listen to what God says. Listen to the truth of who God is and the truth of what God may be saying, even through other people. Listen to Jesus! Listen to the Holy Spirit! Remembering that the voice we hear may not be the voice of truth, God's own Spirit, but the voice of lies.
We must wait for a moment to determine what voice we are listening to. Is it the voice of lies? Turn away from that voice, so that we don't become affected and fall into the trap of believing that which can destroy all that is good. Wait. Listen for the truth of God.
God, we pray that we will recognize your voice and not the voice of fear. Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
SO THAT THE WORLD BELIEVES
John 17:21 gives us Jesus words, "As you Father, are in me and I am in you, may all believers also be in us, so that the world will believe you have sent me."
Jesus is praying to the Father for us, for those whom he has called, His believers. In the last part of this verse you can see the words, so that. Jesus is asking that we might all be one...Father, Son, and believers... so that the world will believe you have sent me. Jesus' coming to earth was so that the world would believe. All Jesus' preaching, teaching and healing was done so that those who were eye-witnesses would believe, and those who would hear and read in the years to come would also believe.
Our testimony and witness to Jesus is to bring others to know and believe that Jesus is the Christ and that in Him we are one with God. This is also our assurance for life everlasting.
This is my prayer, and yours if you choose to make it so. Lord, help my belief to be strong enough that others have their hearts opened to receive you for themselves. Amen.
Jo INMN
Jesus is praying to the Father for us, for those whom he has called, His believers. In the last part of this verse you can see the words, so that. Jesus is asking that we might all be one...Father, Son, and believers... so that the world will believe you have sent me. Jesus' coming to earth was so that the world would believe. All Jesus' preaching, teaching and healing was done so that those who were eye-witnesses would believe, and those who would hear and read in the years to come would also believe.
Our testimony and witness to Jesus is to bring others to know and believe that Jesus is the Christ and that in Him we are one with God. This is also our assurance for life everlasting.
This is my prayer, and yours if you choose to make it so. Lord, help my belief to be strong enough that others have their hearts opened to receive you for themselves. Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, April 28, 2016
8:10A.M. AND ALL IS WELL
In I Chronicles 12:18b, the Word tells us, "All is well; yes, all is well with you. And all's well with whoever helps you."
In this portion of First Chronicles, Amasai, Leader of the Thirty (the strongest men in David's army) having been moved by the Spirit to speak, told David he would be successful in the coming battle. And like Amasai, Theresa of Avila, one of the age-old saints and a student of Christ's life and gospel, also had a similar saying, "All will be well, yes, all will be well." She lived by these words. Many detractors tried to destroy her and her work, but her letters and essays have lasted through the centuries.
These words are the simplest statements of faith that all is well, and will be well no matter what the circumstances. No matter how things look or feel today, all will be well, for God is involved in how we live and feel. If God is involved, things are as they are only for a time and all will be well. This, too, shall pass and all will be well. This, too, can provide me with what I need, therefore, all is well.
God, you provide for us, always, with whatever we need, and all is well. Just the knowledge that you are with us and within us let's us know that "all is well." We trust you, but ask you to forgive us if we forget for a moment that You are in charge of all things. Help us to always remember that "all is well with us because all is well with You." Amen.
Lest we forget we are loved,
Jo INMN
In this portion of First Chronicles, Amasai, Leader of the Thirty (the strongest men in David's army) having been moved by the Spirit to speak, told David he would be successful in the coming battle. And like Amasai, Theresa of Avila, one of the age-old saints and a student of Christ's life and gospel, also had a similar saying, "All will be well, yes, all will be well." She lived by these words. Many detractors tried to destroy her and her work, but her letters and essays have lasted through the centuries.
These words are the simplest statements of faith that all is well, and will be well no matter what the circumstances. No matter how things look or feel today, all will be well, for God is involved in how we live and feel. If God is involved, things are as they are only for a time and all will be well. This, too, shall pass and all will be well. This, too, can provide me with what I need, therefore, all is well.
God, you provide for us, always, with whatever we need, and all is well. Just the knowledge that you are with us and within us let's us know that "all is well." We trust you, but ask you to forgive us if we forget for a moment that You are in charge of all things. Help us to always remember that "all is well with us because all is well with You." Amen.
Lest we forget we are loved,
Jo INMN
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
From Matthew 14:16 we learn, "Jesus said to His disciples when they suggested he send the crowd away so they could go into the town and get something to eat, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat.'"
This was quite a little test for Jesus' disciples! How would they react? With only five loaves of bread and two fish, how could it possibly feed all of those people? But they set the crowd down in groups of fifty people each and parceled out the food. Amazingly there was enough! It was more than enough, for they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers, one for each of the twelve disciples.
When we are directed by Jesus to act on His behalf, we are not to be limited by what our human concept says is a boundary. With Jesus, all things are possible. He had to show this many times to His disciples, who didn't always understand, or trust, what He was doing. Just as we often do not understand fully, today.
When Jesus says to one of us, "You do it!", that's what He wants. He wants each of us to trust Him, and He wants you and me to count on His supernatural touch and not our own limited human vision.
Jesus, Give us the understanding and trust that nothing is impossible with you. Amen.
We may not be called to feed the 5,000, but He may ask us to feed our neighbor! Let's watch for that invitation. It might come this very day! Anything is possible!
Jo INMN
This was quite a little test for Jesus' disciples! How would they react? With only five loaves of bread and two fish, how could it possibly feed all of those people? But they set the crowd down in groups of fifty people each and parceled out the food. Amazingly there was enough! It was more than enough, for they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers, one for each of the twelve disciples.
When we are directed by Jesus to act on His behalf, we are not to be limited by what our human concept says is a boundary. With Jesus, all things are possible. He had to show this many times to His disciples, who didn't always understand, or trust, what He was doing. Just as we often do not understand fully, today.
When Jesus says to one of us, "You do it!", that's what He wants. He wants each of us to trust Him, and He wants you and me to count on His supernatural touch and not our own limited human vision.
Jesus, Give us the understanding and trust that nothing is impossible with you. Amen.
We may not be called to feed the 5,000, but He may ask us to feed our neighbor! Let's watch for that invitation. It might come this very day! Anything is possible!
Jo INMN
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
LOVE MEANS FORGIVING
In the scripture reading of 2 Samuel 1:23a, it tells us, " It was easy for David to love Saul and Jonathan."
David's love for Jonathan seems easy to understand, for Jonathan was a young man with a good heart. But David's love for Saul, David's enemy? Not so easy to understand. But David did love Saul, choosing many times to respect Saul's life, even after being chased through the wilderness by Saul who wanted to kill him.
It is always best and true compassion to forgive another even when he or she has been cruel toward you. If one works hard to dig out any resentment and soothes the wound with love toward the other, forgiveness is certain to follow. It's easy to say; it is impossible to do without God.
There have been many tragedies in the lives of those around me that have gone far beyond the little cruelties of everyday life. I can't judge another for not being able to forgive or not wanting to, because, "There but for the grace of God, go I." I can only have the courage to pray for peace for those terribly hurt and pray for repentance for the one or ones responsible. The enemies of our country and our free world need our prayers now, as do those whose lives have been shattered because of those same enemies.
God, help us to practice forgiving little things so we will be well prepared for that which will be harder to forgive. Our world needs You, as it needs our prayers for love and peace. Forgive us when we are slow to forgive another and help us to love when we can only feel hate. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Enter into our lives and into the lives of those who hate us. And show us how to be One with you in this time of hurt and hatred. Amen.
My friend, I hope you are with me in this prayer for a loving world.
Jo INMN
David's love for Jonathan seems easy to understand, for Jonathan was a young man with a good heart. But David's love for Saul, David's enemy? Not so easy to understand. But David did love Saul, choosing many times to respect Saul's life, even after being chased through the wilderness by Saul who wanted to kill him.
It is always best and true compassion to forgive another even when he or she has been cruel toward you. If one works hard to dig out any resentment and soothes the wound with love toward the other, forgiveness is certain to follow. It's easy to say; it is impossible to do without God.
There have been many tragedies in the lives of those around me that have gone far beyond the little cruelties of everyday life. I can't judge another for not being able to forgive or not wanting to, because, "There but for the grace of God, go I." I can only have the courage to pray for peace for those terribly hurt and pray for repentance for the one or ones responsible. The enemies of our country and our free world need our prayers now, as do those whose lives have been shattered because of those same enemies.
God, help us to practice forgiving little things so we will be well prepared for that which will be harder to forgive. Our world needs You, as it needs our prayers for love and peace. Forgive us when we are slow to forgive another and help us to love when we can only feel hate. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Enter into our lives and into the lives of those who hate us. And show us how to be One with you in this time of hurt and hatred. Amen.
My friend, I hope you are with me in this prayer for a loving world.
Jo INMN
Monday, April 25, 2016
THE MOUTH SPEAKS FROM THE HEART
In Matt 12:34b and 37, it tells us, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks...For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." We must be careful about what we think, for what we think is what we say., and what we say and do is what the world knows about us.
A story from Samuel and Chronicles puts verification upon these verses. Because Saul was unfaithful to God by consulting a medium, he and his three sons died, the sons killed by the Philistines in battle and Saul, badly wounded, fell on his sword in suicide. What came out of Saul's mouth condemned him and it started with Saul's jealousy and hatred of David. David having already been ordained by Samuel before this, did not become King of Israel until the death of Saul.
Jesus told his listeners then and still tells us today that we are either condemned or justified by our words and actions. We are accountable for both. Yet it all begins by our thoughts. God sees and hears what we say and think, and each is an outflow of what is in the heart.
I must always give God the glory and the credit for the "coincidences and actions" of my life. In order for good to come from me, my heart's desire must be to be God's vessel to be used for His good purposes. In order to do this, I must practice thinking how to best please God. This may take a major change in me, perhaps, but from this moment, I will work upon changing my heart's desires to always please God, first in my thoughts, and finally in my actions.
Thank you, God, for searching out our thoughts. Guide my thoughts, Lord, that I may not sin with selfish thinking. May my thoughts be always of pleasing you and of reaching out to others. Amen.
Jo INMN
A story from Samuel and Chronicles puts verification upon these verses. Because Saul was unfaithful to God by consulting a medium, he and his three sons died, the sons killed by the Philistines in battle and Saul, badly wounded, fell on his sword in suicide. What came out of Saul's mouth condemned him and it started with Saul's jealousy and hatred of David. David having already been ordained by Samuel before this, did not become King of Israel until the death of Saul.
Jesus told his listeners then and still tells us today that we are either condemned or justified by our words and actions. We are accountable for both. Yet it all begins by our thoughts. God sees and hears what we say and think, and each is an outflow of what is in the heart.
I must always give God the glory and the credit for the "coincidences and actions" of my life. In order for good to come from me, my heart's desire must be to be God's vessel to be used for His good purposes. In order to do this, I must practice thinking how to best please God. This may take a major change in me, perhaps, but from this moment, I will work upon changing my heart's desires to always please God, first in my thoughts, and finally in my actions.
Thank you, God, for searching out our thoughts. Guide my thoughts, Lord, that I may not sin with selfish thinking. May my thoughts be always of pleasing you and of reaching out to others. Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, April 23, 2016
WHY? WHY NOT?
The question "Why?" is probably asked more in the world of religion than at any other time. In Matthew 9, verses 11 and 14, the Bible asks, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but the disciples of Jesus do not fast?"
When the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, they asked Jesus disciples, "Why do you not fast?" When the disciples of John came to Jesus, they asked Him, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples do not fast?" Fasting was the Pharisees' way of showing the people that they were holy and John's disciples had practiced fasting out of holy discipline, but Jesus knew His time on earth was short. Jesus knew making friends among the sinners, teaching them His way, was what he needed to do and Jesus saw the value of food among friends.
Today, people are no different. We still like to have food when meeting new people. We have a neighborhood picnic to greet new neighbors. Friday night gatherings of small groups are common when we are instigating new thoughts or ideas among a community. Yet, many still ask of Jesus' followers, "Why?"
What we do seems to make no sense to many others. Church? Grace before meals? Sometimes we might even pray in the sight of strangers! My goodness! We make no sense to others by our actions, or by our refusal to act in other ways! What we do, or do not do at times seems delusional or just plain simple to others. Why do we believe such apparent .....nonsense?
Well, "Why not?" Why not believe in a Saviour? Why not practice loving others as He did? Why not show love to our enemies rather than hate them? Why not thank God before we eat a meal that He has provided? Why not let my heart and my voice sing because I am grateful to know God?
Thank you, Lord Christ, my Jesus, my Friend, for helping your believers to understand and KNOW there is a difference between the world's ways and God's ways. Amen
Jo INMN
When the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, they asked Jesus disciples, "Why do you not fast?" When the disciples of John came to Jesus, they asked Him, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples do not fast?" Fasting was the Pharisees' way of showing the people that they were holy and John's disciples had practiced fasting out of holy discipline, but Jesus knew His time on earth was short. Jesus knew making friends among the sinners, teaching them His way, was what he needed to do and Jesus saw the value of food among friends.
Today, people are no different. We still like to have food when meeting new people. We have a neighborhood picnic to greet new neighbors. Friday night gatherings of small groups are common when we are instigating new thoughts or ideas among a community. Yet, many still ask of Jesus' followers, "Why?"
What we do seems to make no sense to many others. Church? Grace before meals? Sometimes we might even pray in the sight of strangers! My goodness! We make no sense to others by our actions, or by our refusal to act in other ways! What we do, or do not do at times seems delusional or just plain simple to others. Why do we believe such apparent .....nonsense?
Well, "Why not?" Why not believe in a Saviour? Why not practice loving others as He did? Why not show love to our enemies rather than hate them? Why not thank God before we eat a meal that He has provided? Why not let my heart and my voice sing because I am grateful to know God?
Thank you, Lord Christ, my Jesus, my Friend, for helping your believers to understand and KNOW there is a difference between the world's ways and God's ways. Amen
Jo INMN
Friday, April 22, 2016
ARE YOU A HELPER OR A HELP-EE?
In Matt. 10:41 it says, "Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help."
I don't remember reading this verse or hearing this concept before. From the Message translation of the bible, it truly hits home. When your body and mind registers somewhere in those figures closer and closer to the big 1-0-0, you may be surprised to find the bible still fits you to a T.
In this version, Jesus is saying to His disciples that both the prophet and the one who listens to the prophet is able to "profit" from the words spoken. Also, the one who serves and the one given the service also profits. These are all win-win situations, and I suspect, there are many more.
As the years have gone by, the possibility of accepting help became a reality. I used to foresee help as something I might need in the future, but now I see help as a necessity. My husband, Jerry, and I no longer trust ourselves to balance the checkbook, or even keep the bank register properly. We no longer trust ourselves to drive at night, and are extremely careful during daily trips to the doctor or grocers. I still remember past elderly friends feeing frustrated when they had to ask for help, but we so gladly helped them, because we loved them. And now, we have to trust that this same love is now being bequeathed to us. I am humbled when I see how glad our helpers are to help us, and accept that help with as much grace as God can provide to us. How good others have been to us!
God, Although I have always wanted to be your messenger, your servant and helper, I know that cannot ever be again to the full extent of my desires. So help me to be your servant in the way of acceptance with grace. May I be the most appreciative of persons to receive the help I so badly need. Truly, may I be one with You in any form You choose for me. Amen.
And now, thank you, good friends, for listening!
Jo INMN
I don't remember reading this verse or hearing this concept before. From the Message translation of the bible, it truly hits home. When your body and mind registers somewhere in those figures closer and closer to the big 1-0-0, you may be surprised to find the bible still fits you to a T.
In this version, Jesus is saying to His disciples that both the prophet and the one who listens to the prophet is able to "profit" from the words spoken. Also, the one who serves and the one given the service also profits. These are all win-win situations, and I suspect, there are many more.
As the years have gone by, the possibility of accepting help became a reality. I used to foresee help as something I might need in the future, but now I see help as a necessity. My husband, Jerry, and I no longer trust ourselves to balance the checkbook, or even keep the bank register properly. We no longer trust ourselves to drive at night, and are extremely careful during daily trips to the doctor or grocers. I still remember past elderly friends feeing frustrated when they had to ask for help, but we so gladly helped them, because we loved them. And now, we have to trust that this same love is now being bequeathed to us. I am humbled when I see how glad our helpers are to help us, and accept that help with as much grace as God can provide to us. How good others have been to us!
God, Although I have always wanted to be your messenger, your servant and helper, I know that cannot ever be again to the full extent of my desires. So help me to be your servant in the way of acceptance with grace. May I be the most appreciative of persons to receive the help I so badly need. Truly, may I be one with You in any form You choose for me. Amen.
And now, thank you, good friends, for listening!
Jo INMN
Thursday, April 21, 2016
TURN THE OTHER CHEEK
In 1 Samuel 24:19 Saul asks, "For whoever has found an enemy and sent the enemy safely away?" These words escaped from Saul's mouth when he found that David, the stone throwing shepherd-boy, could have killed Saul and chose to let him live. Saul wept at the unexpected blessing David had given him, yet it did not stop Saul from being jealous and wanting David dead.
Jesus' words to "love your enemies" hadn't been heard in David's day, and yet that is what David did; he turned the other cheek. In my husband's words, "David was a New Testament man in Old Testament times."
When Jesus came He turned the world upside down. Our human tendency to retaliate and attack in response to harm is what Saul expected and what most people expect...and do! But Jesus says, "Uh, uh. That's not how my people are going to do it. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies." This is the new way of life--love those who hate you and persecute you. How different the world would be for all if we could do this when we are hurt- and not hit back!
But, how can we love those who kill and maim indiscriminately because that is what their belief system teaches? How could we love and not hate the Nazis during World War II? I think we are to hate the systems that teach murder and other violence which disrespect others, and somehow love the individuals caught up in the hatred that they themselves apply. What a difficult task set before us! How can we possibly be obedient to this task? We cannot, without the Spirit and the help of our loving God.
Lord, when others or ourselves are attacked and reviled, help us to answer with love and kindness even though humanly our natural inclination is revenge. Help us to have the kind of love David had for Goliath, the God-love that only you can provide within us. Help us to turn the other cheek knowing retaliation in kind is wrong. Help us to see ways to handle, and even punish when needed, hate and inhumanity in others and still be humane and without hate. Help us to give careful mercy to the unmerciful, giving fair punishment to those who are inhumane. Help us not to hate those who hate, but to hate the hateful acts they perform.
Lord, be within us strongly that we might fight the world's hate by turning the other cheek. Help us to love the person, while hating the person's acts and beliefs. Forgive us for not returning kindness with unkindness and help us to remember although we can hate the acts, we must give mercy to the actors.
How different our world will be when and if we get this right! Only God's help will make it so! Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Jesus' words to "love your enemies" hadn't been heard in David's day, and yet that is what David did; he turned the other cheek. In my husband's words, "David was a New Testament man in Old Testament times."
When Jesus came He turned the world upside down. Our human tendency to retaliate and attack in response to harm is what Saul expected and what most people expect...and do! But Jesus says, "Uh, uh. That's not how my people are going to do it. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies." This is the new way of life--love those who hate you and persecute you. How different the world would be for all if we could do this when we are hurt- and not hit back!
But, how can we love those who kill and maim indiscriminately because that is what their belief system teaches? How could we love and not hate the Nazis during World War II? I think we are to hate the systems that teach murder and other violence which disrespect others, and somehow love the individuals caught up in the hatred that they themselves apply. What a difficult task set before us! How can we possibly be obedient to this task? We cannot, without the Spirit and the help of our loving God.
Lord, when others or ourselves are attacked and reviled, help us to answer with love and kindness even though humanly our natural inclination is revenge. Help us to have the kind of love David had for Goliath, the God-love that only you can provide within us. Help us to turn the other cheek knowing retaliation in kind is wrong. Help us to see ways to handle, and even punish when needed, hate and inhumanity in others and still be humane and without hate. Help us to give careful mercy to the unmerciful, giving fair punishment to those who are inhumane. Help us not to hate those who hate, but to hate the hateful acts they perform.
Lord, be within us strongly that we might fight the world's hate by turning the other cheek. Help us to love the person, while hating the person's acts and beliefs. Forgive us for not returning kindness with unkindness and help us to remember although we can hate the acts, we must give mercy to the actors.
How different our world will be when and if we get this right! Only God's help will make it so! Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
HOW DO I LOVE HIM?
Sorry this is so late...
Psalm 31:23a, 24..."All who belong to the Lord, show how you love Him. All who trust in the Lord, be cheerful and strong."
I belong to the Lord! How do I show how I love Him? Do I trust in the Lord? Am I cheerful? Am I strong?
God of all, Creator and Lover of my Soul, hear my prayer. The psalmist says we must all show the world how we love you. I must show, I want to show this to the world! I know I must, and I want to. But I can think of nothing I might do to show you how much I love you. I can think of nothing to say that would be enough. I can only speak the words you give me, obey the commands you give me, walk the way you are teaching me, and weep and laugh with the friends you send my way. I can pray for the souls who have hurt me, pray for the weak and helpless, fight for those who are treated unjustly, and bear the pack of the over-burdened. And yet, if I do all these things, it would not nearly tell you how I love you. Amen.
I shall live the rest of my entire life hoping I may someday show you my love for you.
Thank you, Lord, from the bottom of my heart.
Jo INMN
Psalm 31:23a, 24..."All who belong to the Lord, show how you love Him. All who trust in the Lord, be cheerful and strong."
I belong to the Lord! How do I show how I love Him? Do I trust in the Lord? Am I cheerful? Am I strong?
God of all, Creator and Lover of my Soul, hear my prayer. The psalmist says we must all show the world how we love you. I must show, I want to show this to the world! I know I must, and I want to. But I can think of nothing I might do to show you how much I love you. I can think of nothing to say that would be enough. I can only speak the words you give me, obey the commands you give me, walk the way you are teaching me, and weep and laugh with the friends you send my way. I can pray for the souls who have hurt me, pray for the weak and helpless, fight for those who are treated unjustly, and bear the pack of the over-burdened. And yet, if I do all these things, it would not nearly tell you how I love you. Amen.
I shall live the rest of my entire life hoping I may someday show you my love for you.
Thank you, Lord, from the bottom of my heart.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
JESUS UNFAILING LOVE
I've written a lot about sinfulness, but that's because of my own. In today's entry, let me talk about God's forgiving spirit. And I'm using ideas, not the very words unless italicized, from today's entry of the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.
God loves us regardless of how well we are acting. If we feel uneasy and wonder if we are acting well enough to receive His love, we need to quit that thinking and be thankful that God doesn't hold his love back from sinners. None of us here on earth are ever going to be worthy of God's love. How we perform and why we receive His love are different issues.
God loves us with an everlasting love which has no limits or conditions. We are clothed with His robe of righteousness. THIS IS AN ETERNAL TRANSASCTION. There are no reversals; no one and nothing can reverse it. Our "limited perspectives or the conditions of our bodies" are so changeable that they distort any evaluations we may try to make.
God asks us to bring our limited perspectives and distorted evaluations immediately to Him in order to receive once again His Unfailing Love. Then we must once again stay conscious of His loving Presence so that He may direct our steps.
Our author received these directions from several places: Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 31:16: and Psalm 107:8. She received her talent from the Lord Himself, as we each hope to do for ourselves. Thank you, Sarah Young.
We must let Jesus Unfailing Love rule and direct our steps, and trust the Holy Spirit in His Wisdom!
Jo INMN
God loves us regardless of how well we are acting. If we feel uneasy and wonder if we are acting well enough to receive His love, we need to quit that thinking and be thankful that God doesn't hold his love back from sinners. None of us here on earth are ever going to be worthy of God's love. How we perform and why we receive His love are different issues.
God loves us with an everlasting love which has no limits or conditions. We are clothed with His robe of righteousness. THIS IS AN ETERNAL TRANSASCTION. There are no reversals; no one and nothing can reverse it. Our "limited perspectives or the conditions of our bodies" are so changeable that they distort any evaluations we may try to make.
God asks us to bring our limited perspectives and distorted evaluations immediately to Him in order to receive once again His Unfailing Love. Then we must once again stay conscious of His loving Presence so that He may direct our steps.
Our author received these directions from several places: Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 31:16: and Psalm 107:8. She received her talent from the Lord Himself, as we each hope to do for ourselves. Thank you, Sarah Young.
We must let Jesus Unfailing Love rule and direct our steps, and trust the Holy Spirit in His Wisdom!
Jo INMN
Monday, April 18, 2016
GIVE GOD THE GLORY
Another teaching about pride comes from Psalm 59:126--"Let my enemies be trapped in their pride." And indirectly from Mt.4:24, "So Jesus' fame spread throughout all the land, and they brought the sick to him...and he cured them."
In the Psalm of David, David implores the Lord to let those who are out to kill him, like Saul and his army, be trapped in their pride, such as overestimating their abilities. As a contrast, Jesus' fame spread throughout the land because of the miracles He did, but He never became prideful. Jesus gave all the Glory to His Father.
This is a good warning to all like me who might become prideful when things are really going our way. An old friend of mine used to say, "Never wave at the crowd too early." In Jesus case, He never waved at the crowd, but gathered them to Himself. This should also be my model. Give God the Glory.
Lord God, Keep us pointing to you and not to ourselves. Amen.
These things are a reminder to me. Perhaps they are to you, too! If so, also remember....we're in it together!
Jo INMN
In the Psalm of David, David implores the Lord to let those who are out to kill him, like Saul and his army, be trapped in their pride, such as overestimating their abilities. As a contrast, Jesus' fame spread throughout the land because of the miracles He did, but He never became prideful. Jesus gave all the Glory to His Father.
This is a good warning to all like me who might become prideful when things are really going our way. An old friend of mine used to say, "Never wave at the crowd too early." In Jesus case, He never waved at the crowd, but gathered them to Himself. This should also be my model. Give God the Glory.
Lord God, Keep us pointing to you and not to ourselves. Amen.
These things are a reminder to me. Perhaps they are to you, too! If so, also remember....we're in it together!
Jo INMN
Saturday, April 16, 2016
TRUST WE MUST
Trusting? In Psalm 11:3 and 5 it asks us, "What can an honest person do when everything crumbles? The Lord tests honest people but despises those who are cruel and love violence."
These two verses seem to confirm that some things that happen could be a test by God, yet the psalmist also asks, "What does one do?" I suppose he is really asking, how does one pass the test? Well, it appears to me that we are to trust. The test does not occur because God despises us; no, God's test comes as the opposite of despising--love! How difficult it is, to see love when one's life is crumbling!
If it is true that God allows us hardship , we are still to trust. Trusting God when our world is crumbling seems totally unfair and near-impossible! We may want to shout, "Unfair!" But is it, really? We may say, "Why me?" But, that may be answered by, "Why not me?" God loves His children and that is what we must trust, as God's restoration will be worth the test. I would rather suffer under a test from God and know I was loved, than wonder if God despised me.
God help us all to trust that we are not despised by you when we may encounter hardship. Help us to trust your love, no matter what the circumstances! Amen.
Jo INMN
These two verses seem to confirm that some things that happen could be a test by God, yet the psalmist also asks, "What does one do?" I suppose he is really asking, how does one pass the test? Well, it appears to me that we are to trust. The test does not occur because God despises us; no, God's test comes as the opposite of despising--love! How difficult it is, to see love when one's life is crumbling!
If it is true that God allows us hardship , we are still to trust. Trusting God when our world is crumbling seems totally unfair and near-impossible! We may want to shout, "Unfair!" But is it, really? We may say, "Why me?" But, that may be answered by, "Why not me?" God loves His children and that is what we must trust, as God's restoration will be worth the test. I would rather suffer under a test from God and know I was loved, than wonder if God despised me.
God help us all to trust that we are not despised by you when we may encounter hardship. Help us to trust your love, no matter what the circumstances! Amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, April 15, 2016
THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S
In I Sam. 17:42 it tells us, "The Lord does not save by word and spear; the battle is the Lord's."
David spoke the above words to Goliath who had just ridiculed David. Goliath stood across the way from David, huge, with sword, spear, and total armor. David stood facing him, small but certain of God, his sling and five smooth stones in his hands. David understood that God was in charge, not the leaders and generals. This is the truth today, as well, the battle of life is the Lord's. The sooner we come to understand this, the sooner we can proclaim like David, "Relax! God's in charge!"
When we are faced with the impossible, we can with boldness proclaim, "This battle is the Lord's! I'm not in charge here; God is!" Then we can be relaxed and follow God's lead.
Lord, may we never forget--the battles are yours, not ours. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
David spoke the above words to Goliath who had just ridiculed David. Goliath stood across the way from David, huge, with sword, spear, and total armor. David stood facing him, small but certain of God, his sling and five smooth stones in his hands. David understood that God was in charge, not the leaders and generals. This is the truth today, as well, the battle of life is the Lord's. The sooner we come to understand this, the sooner we can proclaim like David, "Relax! God's in charge!"
When we are faced with the impossible, we can with boldness proclaim, "This battle is the Lord's! I'm not in charge here; God is!" Then we can be relaxed and follow God's lead.
Lord, may we never forget--the battles are yours, not ours. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Thursday, April 14, 2016
PRIDEFUL DISOBEDIENCE
Today we have a message much like yesterday's message: 1 Samuel 15:23, "Rebelling against God or disobeying Him because you are proud is just as bad as worshipping idols."
It seems God felt there was nothing worse than Israelites' continued disobedience by worshipping the idols of other countries. In the verse above, God says through Samuel, "Prideful disobedience is just as bad."
What does prideful disobedience look like? Being so certain that one is right that the feelings of another are hurt or their value is questioned. Or having an advantage that someone else has not had and acting superior. What does not having prideful disobedience look like? Perhaps like keeping silent and praying for God's guidance before giving your opinion or stating your opinion and being willing to let it go, or listening attentively, encouraging, and putting others first.
God, I don't want to be proud, nor do I want to be disobedient. Help me, and any of my friends who suffer with this sin, to remember these verses from Samuel and, also, help me to be more attentive and caring with others. Thank you for this lesson today. AMEN.
In this circumstance, we need each other. Hope you are with me!
Jo INMN
It seems God felt there was nothing worse than Israelites' continued disobedience by worshipping the idols of other countries. In the verse above, God says through Samuel, "Prideful disobedience is just as bad."
What does prideful disobedience look like? Being so certain that one is right that the feelings of another are hurt or their value is questioned. Or having an advantage that someone else has not had and acting superior. What does not having prideful disobedience look like? Perhaps like keeping silent and praying for God's guidance before giving your opinion or stating your opinion and being willing to let it go, or listening attentively, encouraging, and putting others first.
God, I don't want to be proud, nor do I want to be disobedient. Help me, and any of my friends who suffer with this sin, to remember these verses from Samuel and, also, help me to be more attentive and caring with others. Thank you for this lesson today. AMEN.
In this circumstance, we need each other. Hope you are with me!
Jo INMN
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
EXAMINE YOURSELF
In 2 Cor. 13;5 it says, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the truth. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?" These words of Paul to the Corinthians are still good for us today, and perhaps, especially for me!
The apostle Paul reminds all readers in his letter to the church in Corinth that because they have faith and believe in Christ, they are to examine themselves to see if there are areas where they have denied Christ's entrance. Is there jealousy, envy, greed, gossiping, anger, or anything else that needs to be put to death? Or the danger hardest for me...pride!
If anything exists in you that does not belong or something that gets in your way time after time, do something about it! And this is for me, especially! We are not to judge one another! But we are to judge ourselves to see if we're following Jesus as He would want us to do.
When we get off in our faith walk, it is up to each of us to examine ourselves and set things right with God. I must go in repentance before God and admit my sin and ask Him to show me how to set things right. Then, Jesus brings me hope once again.
The Holy Spirit, trying to live within each of us, will come to us when we ask Him. I pray that my own spirit will acknowledge Him and search Him out before I let myself be bruised by my pride, fearing disrespect from another and exploding in anger. There, now you see, I live with a shadow to my spirit, and a sin hard to bear.
So, it is up to each of us to examine ourselves and set those things right which are wrong, taking our repentance before Jesus with that hope we need so desperately. "Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to examine ourselves when we stray from your Way, and the power to change. Amen."
Jo INMN
The apostle Paul reminds all readers in his letter to the church in Corinth that because they have faith and believe in Christ, they are to examine themselves to see if there are areas where they have denied Christ's entrance. Is there jealousy, envy, greed, gossiping, anger, or anything else that needs to be put to death? Or the danger hardest for me...pride!
If anything exists in you that does not belong or something that gets in your way time after time, do something about it! And this is for me, especially! We are not to judge one another! But we are to judge ourselves to see if we're following Jesus as He would want us to do.
When we get off in our faith walk, it is up to each of us to examine ourselves and set things right with God. I must go in repentance before God and admit my sin and ask Him to show me how to set things right. Then, Jesus brings me hope once again.
The Holy Spirit, trying to live within each of us, will come to us when we ask Him. I pray that my own spirit will acknowledge Him and search Him out before I let myself be bruised by my pride, fearing disrespect from another and exploding in anger. There, now you see, I live with a shadow to my spirit, and a sin hard to bear.
So, it is up to each of us to examine ourselves and set those things right which are wrong, taking our repentance before Jesus with that hope we need so desperately. "Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to examine ourselves when we stray from your Way, and the power to change. Amen."
Jo INMN
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
In Samuel 13:8b and 12b Saul is speaking, "Samuel did not come," so "I forced myself to offer a sacrifice on the altar fire."
Saul, disappointed and perhaps angry that Samuel had not kept his word and been there to support Saul before his battle, finally took matters into his own hands and began to prepare a sacrifice offering to the Lord. Doing this on his own was an act of disobedience to God. At this point, Samuel told him, because of his disobedience, God would take his promise back, the promise of keeping the kingdom in Saul's family.
Have you felt like Saul? I have. I've known the disappointment of not receiving promised support at a time of crisis. And I've also taken things into my own hands, losing privileges promised because of my disobedience of trying to control a situation. Failure can bring great teaching!
Now, I know that even with disappointments, I must learn to wait upon the Lord, to inquire of whoever is in authority as to what the next step must be, and be obedient to that new task.
God, my nature is to get a job done, much like Saul. But, it gets in the way of being obedient. Create in me a pure heart that waits for new instructions. Help me to hear the Holy Spirit's check so that I do not try to control. Keep me patient and without anger, so that I am not tempted to control situations that are disappointing. Amen.
If you are aware of this problem is your own life, pray the prayer above with sincerity. Don't forget; we are in this together. You've got a friend!
Jo INMN
Saul, disappointed and perhaps angry that Samuel had not kept his word and been there to support Saul before his battle, finally took matters into his own hands and began to prepare a sacrifice offering to the Lord. Doing this on his own was an act of disobedience to God. At this point, Samuel told him, because of his disobedience, God would take his promise back, the promise of keeping the kingdom in Saul's family.
Have you felt like Saul? I have. I've known the disappointment of not receiving promised support at a time of crisis. And I've also taken things into my own hands, losing privileges promised because of my disobedience of trying to control a situation. Failure can bring great teaching!
Now, I know that even with disappointments, I must learn to wait upon the Lord, to inquire of whoever is in authority as to what the next step must be, and be obedient to that new task.
God, my nature is to get a job done, much like Saul. But, it gets in the way of being obedient. Create in me a pure heart that waits for new instructions. Help me to hear the Holy Spirit's check so that I do not try to control. Keep me patient and without anger, so that I am not tempted to control situations that are disappointing. Amen.
If you are aware of this problem is your own life, pray the prayer above with sincerity. Don't forget; we are in this together. You've got a friend!
Jo INMN
Monday, April 11, 2016
A PASSING GUEST
PS.39:12,13 says, "Hear my prayer, O Lord..for I am your passing guest, an alien, like all my forebears....before I depart and am no more." 1 Cor. 13:12 "For now I know only in part, but then I will know fully even as I have been fully known."
The Psalmist and Paul know that we are here on earth for just a short, fleeting moment in history. We are simply God's passing guests. We are aliens in a strange land for we are just passing through until we are at home with the Lord. Then all our questions will be answered and we will fully know all, even as God has fully known us in our innermost hearts.
When I realize I'm just a passing guest of God here on earth for a short visit by eternal standards, I can relax and not worry about all the small stuff. I'll simply enjoy my short time as His Guest, living, loving, serving Him and being happy I'm here.
Lord, I thank you for revealing to me the knowledge and acceptance that I'm an alien here, just your passing, but invited, guest. Amen.
And to all my friends out there, I trust you are with me in this. Thanks be to God!
Jo INMN
The Psalmist and Paul know that we are here on earth for just a short, fleeting moment in history. We are simply God's passing guests. We are aliens in a strange land for we are just passing through until we are at home with the Lord. Then all our questions will be answered and we will fully know all, even as God has fully known us in our innermost hearts.
When I realize I'm just a passing guest of God here on earth for a short visit by eternal standards, I can relax and not worry about all the small stuff. I'll simply enjoy my short time as His Guest, living, loving, serving Him and being happy I'm here.
Lord, I thank you for revealing to me the knowledge and acceptance that I'm an alien here, just your passing, but invited, guest. Amen.
And to all my friends out there, I trust you are with me in this. Thanks be to God!
Jo INMN
Saturday, April 9, 2016
LOVE IS AS LOVE DOES
My mother used to tell me, "Pretty is as Pretty does." I think she was trying to tell me that it wasn't "pretty" to misbehave. I think I would have been wiser if I had listened!
But, back to the scripture for today... I Cor. 10:3 says, "We live in this world, but we don't act like its people."
Yes, we do live in this world, and too often, we do act like its people. My moments of pride and anger continue to brand me as one of the world's people. Yet, I am a God's person, too. So, how does this work?
I have God within me and I am one of God's Kingdom, one of His children. So, I see my sin, shown to me by the Holy Spirit, and accept my sorrow and shame. I do my best to make amends and hope that I have learned to recognize what tempts me to make this mistake, so I can try not to sin again. I have been instructed by the Holy Spirit to grab for His strength when tempted by something or someone questioning my integrity. This sin points to my pride, and I will need the Holy Spirit again and again, I'm afraid.
In Samuel 10:7, it gives me a picture of God helping Saul as he was sinning against David. God will help me, too, just as He did Saul. The first step for me is to humble myself before God. Secondly, I must trust God to help me. Third, I ask God to help, and finally fourth, believing God can and will help.
God, your people come before you with guilt and shame in the knowledge of our sins of pride. We trust you will help us to make amends and turn from this part of our worldly nature, that we may more faithfully serve you by loving more honestly. Thank you, God. Amen.
Jo INMN
But, back to the scripture for today... I Cor. 10:3 says, "We live in this world, but we don't act like its people."
Yes, we do live in this world, and too often, we do act like its people. My moments of pride and anger continue to brand me as one of the world's people. Yet, I am a God's person, too. So, how does this work?
I have God within me and I am one of God's Kingdom, one of His children. So, I see my sin, shown to me by the Holy Spirit, and accept my sorrow and shame. I do my best to make amends and hope that I have learned to recognize what tempts me to make this mistake, so I can try not to sin again. I have been instructed by the Holy Spirit to grab for His strength when tempted by something or someone questioning my integrity. This sin points to my pride, and I will need the Holy Spirit again and again, I'm afraid.
In Samuel 10:7, it gives me a picture of God helping Saul as he was sinning against David. God will help me, too, just as He did Saul. The first step for me is to humble myself before God. Secondly, I must trust God to help me. Third, I ask God to help, and finally fourth, believing God can and will help.
God, your people come before you with guilt and shame in the knowledge of our sins of pride. We trust you will help us to make amends and turn from this part of our worldly nature, that we may more faithfully serve you by loving more honestly. Thank you, God. Amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, April 8, 2016
WHAT WE DO MUST BE ALL FOR YOU
I Sam. 4:3, "Why did the Lord let us lose to the Philistines?" and Ps. 77:10, "What hurts me most is that you no longer help us." Both of these two verses from the Old Testament, and from the New--
2 Cor. 8:5, "They did more than we had hoped!" What is there to know about these three verses?
The two verses from the Old Testament show disappointment that the Lord God had stopped intervening in human affairs like God had done in the earlier Old Testament readings. Perhaps God was punishing Israel for not being obedient, or perhaps it was to ready people for a new, stronger faith and trust in God. At any rate, the new Testament letter shows people doing more than what was expected of them, helping out of love, doing that which God could have done and would have done earlier in Israel's history.
It was a new way, Christ's way, God's way in God's new kingdom living. God came, God taught. God calls each of us. So, I must obey and follow, as you must, also. We must be God's hands and feet in the world because we have Christ's Spirit within us.
Father God, Precious Son and Holy Spirit Divine, all in One. It seems so clear now that your teachings have brought us to a new place in You. Grant that we who love you do not forget how far you have brought your people to be more directly yours, and also to see that we are your hands and feet in the world. Amen.
I pray that those who read this are with me all the way!
Jo INMN
2 Cor. 8:5, "They did more than we had hoped!" What is there to know about these three verses?
The two verses from the Old Testament show disappointment that the Lord God had stopped intervening in human affairs like God had done in the earlier Old Testament readings. Perhaps God was punishing Israel for not being obedient, or perhaps it was to ready people for a new, stronger faith and trust in God. At any rate, the new Testament letter shows people doing more than what was expected of them, helping out of love, doing that which God could have done and would have done earlier in Israel's history.
It was a new way, Christ's way, God's way in God's new kingdom living. God came, God taught. God calls each of us. So, I must obey and follow, as you must, also. We must be God's hands and feet in the world because we have Christ's Spirit within us.
Father God, Precious Son and Holy Spirit Divine, all in One. It seems so clear now that your teachings have brought us to a new place in You. Grant that we who love you do not forget how far you have brought your people to be more directly yours, and also to see that we are your hands and feet in the world. Amen.
I pray that those who read this are with me all the way!
Jo INMN
Thursday, April 7, 2016
GODLY GRIEF
Today's message is a favorite of my husband, Jerry. 2 Cor. 7:10, "Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation." This is a very deep message formed for us in a very few words, so easy to memorize. But what does it mean?
Paul tells us that there is real divine benefit in feeling grief over what we have said, thought, or done because it leads us to seek God's forgiveness, which is necessary for our personal salvation--being put right with God. God wants us to come to Him with our own real confession of actual sin, not just generalized sins of all humanity.
Paul clearly shows the difference between Godly and worldly grief. In the latter, grief can bring us down to our knees; we become overwhelmed, and in many cases, wish for death or even take our life. We have regret that never goes away by itself. Godly grief results in divine benefit, for having repented and sought forgiveness, we are put right with God, with joy and without regret.
Each of us must come to God as a broken repentant sinner in grief, not with any power of our own, or our own "goodness." God calls us to "Godly grief," individually. We each must finally approach God with true repentance and receive the forgiveness and hope only God can give.
Lord, we thank you that you have provided a way through your son, Jesus, to come to you to seek forgiveness and provide assurance of salvation. I am humbled knowing His death on the cross was for my sins. Amen.
All for you and me! Amazing!
Jo INMN
Paul tells us that there is real divine benefit in feeling grief over what we have said, thought, or done because it leads us to seek God's forgiveness, which is necessary for our personal salvation--being put right with God. God wants us to come to Him with our own real confession of actual sin, not just generalized sins of all humanity.
Paul clearly shows the difference between Godly and worldly grief. In the latter, grief can bring us down to our knees; we become overwhelmed, and in many cases, wish for death or even take our life. We have regret that never goes away by itself. Godly grief results in divine benefit, for having repented and sought forgiveness, we are put right with God, with joy and without regret.
Each of us must come to God as a broken repentant sinner in grief, not with any power of our own, or our own "goodness." God calls us to "Godly grief," individually. We each must finally approach God with true repentance and receive the forgiveness and hope only God can give.
Lord, we thank you that you have provided a way through your son, Jesus, to come to you to seek forgiveness and provide assurance of salvation. I am humbled knowing His death on the cross was for my sins. Amen.
All for you and me! Amazing!
Jo INMN
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
LIVE WIDE-OPEN AND LOUD!
Second Corinthians 6:12 and 13 says, "The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively."
How Paul loved the Corinthians! He loved them enough to give it to them good! so, I will take this to heart and listen as I, too, sometimes need castigating. Perhaps this passage should be memorized--"My life isn't small; don't live in a small way." Not a bad mantra!
So often, when I forget and try to live to please others or wait for a person's affirmation, I live in a small way. But, my life isn't small, and I'll bet your life isn't small, either. I have a large and growing family, with grand children and great-grands, and spouses for most of our children and grandchildren. I have a husband who is perfect for me and whom I love extensively. I have a nice home and am well-cared for in it. At our age, our old friends are now at a minimum, and we mostly use the telephone to reach them. But we are not lonely, as we have new friends around us. So, my life is huge! And for fun, I have facebook! (Imagine that!)
But, all else set aside, I have my God and God is the One who makes my life really enormous! I hope you have that same advantage, for He is available to all! God allows us the grace to live in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. He gives us others to love when we have lost our own. He cares deeply for each of us, no matter how we may feel, for sometimes we forget that feelings just might be untruthful. He widens our view and fills our bit of emptiness. God is the One who makes our lives really big. No not big, huge!
Dear God, With all the grace you have allowed me and also, my blog-friends, we thank you. We want to return to you one day having lived in this big, wide, open, expansive way which has been allowed by your grace. Thank You, our Lord, and our Friend. Amen.
Jo IN MN
How Paul loved the Corinthians! He loved them enough to give it to them good! so, I will take this to heart and listen as I, too, sometimes need castigating. Perhaps this passage should be memorized--"My life isn't small; don't live in a small way." Not a bad mantra!
So often, when I forget and try to live to please others or wait for a person's affirmation, I live in a small way. But, my life isn't small, and I'll bet your life isn't small, either. I have a large and growing family, with grand children and great-grands, and spouses for most of our children and grandchildren. I have a husband who is perfect for me and whom I love extensively. I have a nice home and am well-cared for in it. At our age, our old friends are now at a minimum, and we mostly use the telephone to reach them. But we are not lonely, as we have new friends around us. So, my life is huge! And for fun, I have facebook! (Imagine that!)
But, all else set aside, I have my God and God is the One who makes my life really enormous! I hope you have that same advantage, for He is available to all! God allows us the grace to live in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. He gives us others to love when we have lost our own. He cares deeply for each of us, no matter how we may feel, for sometimes we forget that feelings just might be untruthful. He widens our view and fills our bit of emptiness. God is the One who makes our lives really big. No not big, huge!
Dear God, With all the grace you have allowed me and also, my blog-friends, we thank you. We want to return to you one day having lived in this big, wide, open, expansive way which has been allowed by your grace. Thank You, our Lord, and our Friend. Amen.
Jo IN MN
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
AS NEW CREATIONS
In 2Corinthians 5:7 it tells us, "We walk by faith, not by sight." And in 2 Cor. 5:16, 17 it says, "From now on we regard no one from a human standpoint...because if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; everything old has passed away. See, everything has become new."
Paul declares that because we walk by faith and not by sight, we see people differently. We see in each person a totally new creation in Christ. We no longer see people as mean, degraded, lost, sinful....we see them through the eyes of Christ...as potentially new creations!!
When we are confronted by someone who initially might be offensive to us, Jesus comes in and says, "See that person from my viewpoint--a new creation, perfect in me. The old person is gone and a new creation is within."
Lord Jesus,May we never again judge anyone of being unworthy of your saving grace, but accept them as a new creation. After all, you accepted each one of us! Amen.
Jo INMN
Paul declares that because we walk by faith and not by sight, we see people differently. We see in each person a totally new creation in Christ. We no longer see people as mean, degraded, lost, sinful....we see them through the eyes of Christ...as potentially new creations!!
When we are confronted by someone who initially might be offensive to us, Jesus comes in and says, "See that person from my viewpoint--a new creation, perfect in me. The old person is gone and a new creation is within."
Lord Jesus,May we never again judge anyone of being unworthy of your saving grace, but accept them as a new creation. After all, you accepted each one of us! Amen.
Jo INMN
Monday, April 4, 2016
TRYING TO BE LIKE JESUS
Today will be a bit different. I'm going to talk about myself today. I'm giving you the rundown on who I really am. Yes, I am trying to be like Jesus, insofar as any of us can be truly like Him in this world. But, I know I never quite make it.
Maybe it's kind of like my best friend, my husband Jerry, and me. When Jerry gets chilled, he sneezes. When I sneeze, then I get a chill. We laugh about how different we are. I suppose we complement each other, but when we were younger we could disagree to the point of being disagreeable!
But, oh, how I wanted and still want to be like Jesus. It's quite different to choose to be like Jesus than it would be to choose to be like a spouse or even a friend. Jerry and I are both flesh, blood, and often wrongly act. We're really always human; Jesus is truly, always holy.
The Chinese speak of ying and yang. I know nothing of that, but they both have a place in the world; they both give what is needed to the world. But, Jesus already truly has the answers to getting along by loving one another, and now has the Most Holy Place with His Father, yet He's ever present with us to show us His way. His Way is the Way. And all I can do is choose it, and laugh about any mistakes I might make while traveling it. I will stay on the Way, with the help of Christ Jesus, until I am with Him in paradise.
Lord, Sometimes I feel like I am radically different from others and that I don't belong. Help me to remember to whom I have entrusted my life. I belong to you and trust You to find me OK, just as I am. Amen.
Hope you are all with me on this one, readers!
Jo INMN
Maybe it's kind of like my best friend, my husband Jerry, and me. When Jerry gets chilled, he sneezes. When I sneeze, then I get a chill. We laugh about how different we are. I suppose we complement each other, but when we were younger we could disagree to the point of being disagreeable!
But, oh, how I wanted and still want to be like Jesus. It's quite different to choose to be like Jesus than it would be to choose to be like a spouse or even a friend. Jerry and I are both flesh, blood, and often wrongly act. We're really always human; Jesus is truly, always holy.
The Chinese speak of ying and yang. I know nothing of that, but they both have a place in the world; they both give what is needed to the world. But, Jesus already truly has the answers to getting along by loving one another, and now has the Most Holy Place with His Father, yet He's ever present with us to show us His way. His Way is the Way. And all I can do is choose it, and laugh about any mistakes I might make while traveling it. I will stay on the Way, with the help of Christ Jesus, until I am with Him in paradise.
Lord, Sometimes I feel like I am radically different from others and that I don't belong. Help me to remember to whom I have entrusted my life. I belong to you and trust You to find me OK, just as I am. Amen.
Hope you are all with me on this one, readers!
Jo INMN
Saturday, April 2, 2016
LOVE IS NOT LIKE BASEBALL
In 2 Cor. 2:7-8 it tells us "When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them so they won't give up in despair. You should make them sure of your love for them."
There are folks in this world that we may truly love, but some things they do really get to us. These folks may not even know that they are difficult. They may be unable to find the positive in anything, or refuse to see good in what others do for them, and their dissatisfaction and negativity tear at the unity of the body of Christ. However, our disappointment in these folks will not help them to see or rid themselves of their faults. No.
But, it is time for us to confirm our love towards them and wish them the best. And we must watch ourselves for signs of the same faults as well as signs of negativity, dissatisfaction and thanklessness. Anything else is not being obedient to God, because God doesn't say, "Three strikes and yer' out!!"
God, our Father of both the innocent and the guilty, bless us all with your Spirit and may each of us learn all the things you desire for us to learn as we walk with you. Keep us all in your care so that we might watch over others who may be needful. Amen.
And Lord, I wonder, as I age, if I may be the very one that is becoming difficult. Reveal to me those actions in me that may cause disappointment for others and help me to forgive myself and improve my behavior. Thank you, and amen.
Jo INMN
There are folks in this world that we may truly love, but some things they do really get to us. These folks may not even know that they are difficult. They may be unable to find the positive in anything, or refuse to see good in what others do for them, and their dissatisfaction and negativity tear at the unity of the body of Christ. However, our disappointment in these folks will not help them to see or rid themselves of their faults. No.
But, it is time for us to confirm our love towards them and wish them the best. And we must watch ourselves for signs of the same faults as well as signs of negativity, dissatisfaction and thanklessness. Anything else is not being obedient to God, because God doesn't say, "Three strikes and yer' out!!"
God, our Father of both the innocent and the guilty, bless us all with your Spirit and may each of us learn all the things you desire for us to learn as we walk with you. Keep us all in your care so that we might watch over others who may be needful. Amen.
And Lord, I wonder, as I age, if I may be the very one that is becoming difficult. Reveal to me those actions in me that may cause disappointment for others and help me to forgive myself and improve my behavior. Thank you, and amen.
Jo INMN
Friday, April 1, 2016
NO APRIL'S FOOL
It has been a long time since I've tried to fool someone on April 1st. Mitch, our son, now a dad of two, was really good at it. Many mornings of 4/1, someone would discover the results of a trick or two before breakfast. But it made for good fun and good-natures.
But there are no tricks to God's vows. The psalmist says in Psalm 50 verses 14 and 15, "Make thanksgiving your sacrifice to God and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me."
The Psalmist tells the Israelites that God wants not animal or human sacrifices to show our love and dependence on Him. He wants only a sacrifice of thanksgiving--a joyful, exuberant heart that races to proclaim the great gift we have received--salvation--and to proclaim how thankful we are for God's many blessings.
Jesus made clear that what He wants is not sacrifice from us as we think of it as something that we give up, but he wants us to give Him praise, glory, and thanksgiving. The joy of the Lord shows to the world a sharp contrast between joy and despair, which calls me and others to "Come and follow."
Lord God, my thankfulness overflows as I worship at your feet. AMEN.
And we, together, pray for future Oneness...Oneness in Christ, all people everywhere. Let it be so!
Jo INMN
But there are no tricks to God's vows. The psalmist says in Psalm 50 verses 14 and 15, "Make thanksgiving your sacrifice to God and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me."
The Psalmist tells the Israelites that God wants not animal or human sacrifices to show our love and dependence on Him. He wants only a sacrifice of thanksgiving--a joyful, exuberant heart that races to proclaim the great gift we have received--salvation--and to proclaim how thankful we are for God's many blessings.
Jesus made clear that what He wants is not sacrifice from us as we think of it as something that we give up, but he wants us to give Him praise, glory, and thanksgiving. The joy of the Lord shows to the world a sharp contrast between joy and despair, which calls me and others to "Come and follow."
Lord God, my thankfulness overflows as I worship at your feet. AMEN.
And we, together, pray for future Oneness...Oneness in Christ, all people everywhere. Let it be so!
Jo INMN
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