In 2 Chr. 7:14 we learn, "If my people who are called by name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
This scripture makes very clear that the necessary attitude we must have as we come before God seeking forgiveness is one of a humble heart. We must come without pretense, pride, arrogance, or any other trait that says, "Look at what a good person I am!" We must be like an old dog dragging along with his tail between his legs, knowing he had done something really wrong and was sorry for it. God only responds when we proclaim before Him that we are full of sin in our lives and come only from a position of absolute weakness.
Repentance means that I can only come to God with a humble heart and say, "Lord, I have sinned and don't deserve for You to even hear me let alone forgive me. On my own, I am completely lost. Lord, I come to You out of my poverty to seek your forgiveness. Amen."
I must keep this prayer forever in my mind, trusting that God does forgive. He is good and perfect; and I am not. But He is part of me, and I cherish that part, as He is also part of you, forever.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
NONE LIKE YOU
In 2 Chro.6:14, Solomon prayed, "Lord God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like You."
Although I wrote this years ago, I would like to repeat it, for it is still true today. It was written while we lived in Arizona, and while there, for the entire time we were visited by parrot-like small green birds who just loved our bird seed! They were unlike any other bird I have ever seen and I loved them!
All morning long, "There is None Like You" has been running through my mind. I took a few minutes of silent time this morning and watched the tiny green parrot-like birds in the pine tree as they squeaked to each other. They sound more like mice than birds! I can't find them in any bird book, so I suspect they began with a pair of birds that escaped from a cage at some time and built up a little army! They are special. There is nothing like them. That's when I started singing, "There is none like you...No one else can love me like you do." No, there is no one like God! For it is God for whom I sing!
Then I thought, "And there is no one like me, either!" No one in this world is exactly like me. There are a lot of birds, but no other tiny parrot birds. There are a lot of humans but no one like me. And, there are no others like you, either, for you, too, are unique! And God?
There is nothing--no other god, no person, nothing--like our God, for God is the beginning of all of us,, the substance of us, the whole of us, our entirety, our completion, our very being. We are all God's people and we are also God-people. The Holy Spirit sees to all of this. We just get to enjoy the life we have been given!
Thank you, God, for the life that you have given us. We praise you and thank you. Although we are imperfect, we are perfected in You!
Jo back INMN
Although I wrote this years ago, I would like to repeat it, for it is still true today. It was written while we lived in Arizona, and while there, for the entire time we were visited by parrot-like small green birds who just loved our bird seed! They were unlike any other bird I have ever seen and I loved them!
All morning long, "There is None Like You" has been running through my mind. I took a few minutes of silent time this morning and watched the tiny green parrot-like birds in the pine tree as they squeaked to each other. They sound more like mice than birds! I can't find them in any bird book, so I suspect they began with a pair of birds that escaped from a cage at some time and built up a little army! They are special. There is nothing like them. That's when I started singing, "There is none like you...No one else can love me like you do." No, there is no one like God! For it is God for whom I sing!
Then I thought, "And there is no one like me, either!" No one in this world is exactly like me. There are a lot of birds, but no other tiny parrot birds. There are a lot of humans but no one like me. And, there are no others like you, either, for you, too, are unique! And God?
There is nothing--no other god, no person, nothing--like our God, for God is the beginning of all of us,, the substance of us, the whole of us, our entirety, our completion, our very being. We are all God's people and we are also God-people. The Holy Spirit sees to all of this. We just get to enjoy the life we have been given!
Thank you, God, for the life that you have given us. We praise you and thank you. Although we are imperfect, we are perfected in You!
Jo back INMN
Saturday, May 21, 2016
JUDGE NOT!
In Romans 2:1 Paul says, "When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things."
Yes, it's true; I know it for myself! Because you cannot see in others what you yourself have not experienced. If I did not experience wanting to control, I would not recognize controlling in someone else; I would know what it is I see because I know it in me.
This might be argued, I suppose, if a friend is unfaithful to her husband. We know that is wrong, even if we ourselves have not been unfaithful, for we recognize temptation and can find compassion for their act of temptation.
Therefore, when we discern some action in another, own it yourself in quiet conversation and offer to help. The difference between discernment and judging is the attitude we bring to it.
Lord, teach us how to discern so that we may be truthful without judging. Amen.
And now, my friends, I am going visiting for about a week. If I can write to you from my sister's computer, I will try to do just that. If not, you will hear from me, God willing, on May 30, Memorial Day! Much love,
Jo INMN
Yes, it's true; I know it for myself! Because you cannot see in others what you yourself have not experienced. If I did not experience wanting to control, I would not recognize controlling in someone else; I would know what it is I see because I know it in me.
This might be argued, I suppose, if a friend is unfaithful to her husband. We know that is wrong, even if we ourselves have not been unfaithful, for we recognize temptation and can find compassion for their act of temptation.
Therefore, when we discern some action in another, own it yourself in quiet conversation and offer to help. The difference between discernment and judging is the attitude we bring to it.
Lord, teach us how to discern so that we may be truthful without judging. Amen.
And now, my friends, I am going visiting for about a week. If I can write to you from my sister's computer, I will try to do just that. If not, you will hear from me, God willing, on May 30, Memorial Day! Much love,
Jo INMN
Friday, May 20, 2016
MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT
In Romans 1:12 it reads, "I long to see you that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
Oh, this is such an important verse for every Christian! And so often it is ignored, unintentionally, by the churches! But here, in the time of Paul as he nurtured the churches he started, he tells the Roman Christians of his longing to come to Rome to preach and teach and be mutually encouraged. This is God's plan for His church on earth that we meet together and mutually encourage and build one-another up in the faith. A piece of charcoal if removed from contact with the heat of the fire, will soon cool off and become cold. In like manner, gathering together to praise God keeps the fire in Christians burning brightly for the world to see.
For many years, Jerry and I were part of a church program that formed small groups which met during the week that we might encourage one another and pray together for each other's needs. It was truly lovely and we made some very special friends. I miss those friends very much now that we have moved back to MN. I hope someday to be part of another group just like it!
Without other Christians, our faith walks tend to be with less fire. We need the support of each other and the warmth of their love. My faith walk is harder to maintain without the support and encouragement of friends who also love God.
Lord Jesus, Help us find mutual friends who will meet with us so that together we can encourage one another to share the warm glow of your love. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Oh, this is such an important verse for every Christian! And so often it is ignored, unintentionally, by the churches! But here, in the time of Paul as he nurtured the churches he started, he tells the Roman Christians of his longing to come to Rome to preach and teach and be mutually encouraged. This is God's plan for His church on earth that we meet together and mutually encourage and build one-another up in the faith. A piece of charcoal if removed from contact with the heat of the fire, will soon cool off and become cold. In like manner, gathering together to praise God keeps the fire in Christians burning brightly for the world to see.
For many years, Jerry and I were part of a church program that formed small groups which met during the week that we might encourage one another and pray together for each other's needs. It was truly lovely and we made some very special friends. I miss those friends very much now that we have moved back to MN. I hope someday to be part of another group just like it!
Without other Christians, our faith walks tend to be with less fire. We need the support of each other and the warmth of their love. My faith walk is harder to maintain without the support and encouragement of friends who also love God.
Lord Jesus, Help us find mutual friends who will meet with us so that together we can encourage one another to share the warm glow of your love. Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Thursday, May 19, 2016
LIFE WITHOUT THE SWORD
In 2Samuel 21:14b, the Word tells us of a time in David's kingdom that God told David that Saul's family must be killed and David did so. "It was done, and God answered prayers to bless the land." God asked David to kill Saul's family, a group of seven, to avenge the murder of the Gibeonites by Saul. God then blessed the land after the deed was done.
Difficult to understand in this day and time, isn't it? But, I wonder, have we come upon Old Testament times once again? The killings of ISIS makes us wonder, perhaps, if our times have become twisted. Old Testament thinking would come in handy once and awhile in our world today. Back then, whenever things weren't going just right in Israel, David asked the Lord what they were doing wrong and the Lord would tell him. Then He would tell David what to do about it. David would do it, and all would be well.
Which of our want-to-be presidents would act in the same way as David? Would any leader in this day and age? Should any leader? And how would our country's people react? How would the world react? It seems to me that we should be in prayer constantly that we might receive answers to such as these questions. ISIS, in my opinion, is acting out of the Old Testament! New Testament prayers must be activated with strength and determination! We need to be on our knees in prayer to abolish ISIS Old Testament warfare, life under the sword!
God, help us to see in this era of your Kingdom what you would have your Kingdom people do in situations which are unjust. Lead us to Christ's Path in this time of hate and killing. Help us to love the people who seek you and yet, hate their actions. Help us to follow Your way while we try to live in faith everyday. Amen.
Jo INMN
Difficult to understand in this day and time, isn't it? But, I wonder, have we come upon Old Testament times once again? The killings of ISIS makes us wonder, perhaps, if our times have become twisted. Old Testament thinking would come in handy once and awhile in our world today. Back then, whenever things weren't going just right in Israel, David asked the Lord what they were doing wrong and the Lord would tell him. Then He would tell David what to do about it. David would do it, and all would be well.
Which of our want-to-be presidents would act in the same way as David? Would any leader in this day and age? Should any leader? And how would our country's people react? How would the world react? It seems to me that we should be in prayer constantly that we might receive answers to such as these questions. ISIS, in my opinion, is acting out of the Old Testament! New Testament prayers must be activated with strength and determination! We need to be on our knees in prayer to abolish ISIS Old Testament warfare, life under the sword!
God, help us to see in this era of your Kingdom what you would have your Kingdom people do in situations which are unjust. Lead us to Christ's Path in this time of hate and killing. Help us to love the people who seek you and yet, hate their actions. Help us to follow Your way while we try to live in faith everyday. Amen.
Jo INMN
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
CLOUD WATCHING!
In 1 Thes. 4:16,17, the Word says, "The Lord Jesus Himself will descend from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise first and we who are alive will be caught up in the clouds with them...and we will be with the Lord forever."
Paul proclaims the Word of the Lord regarding the resurrection of believers. Those who are dead will rise first and then those who are Christ's and are alive on earth will rise and be caught up in the clouds forever with Jesus. This unfathomable promise is so mind boggling as to seem impossible to accept, yet Jesus said to the criminal who proclaimed His belief that Jesus was the Son of God while they each hung on a cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
This marvelous gift of eternal life is so great that it has always been hard to understand how anyone could reject the call of Jesus to "come and follow me." Yet, those who believe find ourselves watching the clouds and wondering, "Could this be the day?"
Lord, we await with joy the moment of being lifted up in the clouds to be with you forever. Amen.
Jo INMN
Paul proclaims the Word of the Lord regarding the resurrection of believers. Those who are dead will rise first and then those who are Christ's and are alive on earth will rise and be caught up in the clouds forever with Jesus. This unfathomable promise is so mind boggling as to seem impossible to accept, yet Jesus said to the criminal who proclaimed His belief that Jesus was the Son of God while they each hung on a cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
This marvelous gift of eternal life is so great that it has always been hard to understand how anyone could reject the call of Jesus to "come and follow me." Yet, those who believe find ourselves watching the clouds and wondering, "Could this be the day?"
Lord, we await with joy the moment of being lifted up in the clouds to be with you forever. Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
SOMETHING GOOD!
In Thes. 1:11 it tells us, "We pray for each of you all the time, pray that our God will make us fit for what God's called us to be, pray that God will fill our good ideas and acts of faith with God's own energy so that it all amounts to something good."
I swear I will try, always, to pray this for you and me, for our families, our churches, and for the countries beyond our shores.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, have mercy upon us, your people, your sinners, your saints. God, I pray for your Spirit to so enhance those who read this that each one of us might be a strong part of your church here on earth. No matter how some of us may try to wriggle loose to do our own thing, no matter how some of us may appear to be going against the tide of your hopes and dreams, no matter how sometimes one or another of us may fail, or give up, or seem to be doing nothing, may we be purposeful in our love and encouragement. Help us to work together to draw others to you, to build relationships outside of ourselves, to strengthen bonds and ties between each other , and to worship you with honesty and enthusiasm. May our love for you be so extensive that it cannot be missed and our love for each other, of all faiths and colors, and for all those still of the world, be truly "something good" in your eyes. Amen.
Won't you pray this with me?
Jo INMN
I swear I will try, always, to pray this for you and me, for our families, our churches, and for the countries beyond our shores.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, have mercy upon us, your people, your sinners, your saints. God, I pray for your Spirit to so enhance those who read this that each one of us might be a strong part of your church here on earth. No matter how some of us may try to wriggle loose to do our own thing, no matter how some of us may appear to be going against the tide of your hopes and dreams, no matter how sometimes one or another of us may fail, or give up, or seem to be doing nothing, may we be purposeful in our love and encouragement. Help us to work together to draw others to you, to build relationships outside of ourselves, to strengthen bonds and ties between each other , and to worship you with honesty and enthusiasm. May our love for you be so extensive that it cannot be missed and our love for each other, of all faiths and colors, and for all those still of the world, be truly "something good" in your eyes. Amen.
Won't you pray this with me?
Jo INMN
Monday, May 16, 2016
WHEN TO SAY ALWAYS AND NEVER
In Thes. 5:16-18, the Word tells us, "Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants us to do."
There are three points here to remember:
1) Always be joyful.
2) Never stop praying.
3) Be thankful in all circumstances.
Put a different way, no matter what the circumstances of our lives, we are to stay joyful.
Don't worry or fret and don't despair. Keep hope alive and look for the positive side to stay joyful.
No matter how good things are or how grave, keep praying.
Be thankful, both outwardly and in your prayers. Even when things go awry, eventually there is good to come out of it, so be thankful in all circumstances.
Lord, these are the truths we know. Let each of us know them so deeply that no matter what comes, we will always choose to be joyful and thankful both in our prayers and in our circumstances, for our circumstances will never tell us who we are. You are our joy; you are our love, you are our totality and our destiny. These are the reasons to be joyful, and why we pray, therefore we always give you thanks and praise. Amen.
Jo INMN
There are three points here to remember:
1) Always be joyful.
2) Never stop praying.
3) Be thankful in all circumstances.
Put a different way, no matter what the circumstances of our lives, we are to stay joyful.
Don't worry or fret and don't despair. Keep hope alive and look for the positive side to stay joyful.
No matter how good things are or how grave, keep praying.
Be thankful, both outwardly and in your prayers. Even when things go awry, eventually there is good to come out of it, so be thankful in all circumstances.
Lord, these are the truths we know. Let each of us know them so deeply that no matter what comes, we will always choose to be joyful and thankful both in our prayers and in our circumstances, for our circumstances will never tell us who we are. You are our joy; you are our love, you are our totality and our destiny. These are the reasons to be joyful, and why we pray, therefore we always give you thanks and praise. Amen.
Jo INMN
Saturday, May 14, 2016
THE BEST OFFERING
Yesterday was Fri. the 13th. Now, I am not superstitious, but somehow or other, I forgot to write my blog yesterday. Chalk it up to my last birthday, friends. I am getting more and more forgetful. If you looked for a new blog and didn't find one, I am sorry. But as my family from Ohio came to visit us yesterday with the latest two great-grandchildren, Oliver and RiverGrace, I guess my mind was filled with family thoughts. Please forgive an old lady.
In 2 Sam. 24:24, David said, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing." When the owner of the threshing floor offered to give the floor to King David as well as some sacrificial animals, David told him he needed to pay for it. This is an important lesson for us today. God wants us to yield to Him only that which costs us something of ourselves. We were bought with the price of Jesus' death, God sacrificing His own Son. How could we bring an offering to God that wasn't costly to us in return?
My offering to God must be something that is important and valuable to me. I must yield to Him my own free will. As Jesus prayed, "Not my will, Father, but your will be done," Jesus demonstrated that I am to come to God with a humble and contrite heart. The cost may seem too great because it requires me to yield my will to Him. The cost is my own independence, yet in its place I become dependent upon God and His will for me and that is what God is waiting to hear from each of us.
Lord God, May my offerings to you always cost me something that's important to me. Amen.
Jo INMN
In 2 Sam. 24:24, David said, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing." When the owner of the threshing floor offered to give the floor to King David as well as some sacrificial animals, David told him he needed to pay for it. This is an important lesson for us today. God wants us to yield to Him only that which costs us something of ourselves. We were bought with the price of Jesus' death, God sacrificing His own Son. How could we bring an offering to God that wasn't costly to us in return?
My offering to God must be something that is important and valuable to me. I must yield to Him my own free will. As Jesus prayed, "Not my will, Father, but your will be done," Jesus demonstrated that I am to come to God with a humble and contrite heart. The cost may seem too great because it requires me to yield my will to Him. The cost is my own independence, yet in its place I become dependent upon God and His will for me and that is what God is waiting to hear from each of us.
Lord God, May my offerings to you always cost me something that's important to me. Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, May 12, 2016
ENJOY GOD'S LOVE!
2 Samuel 22:20 says, "God stuck by me," (David says) "God stood me upon a wide open field; I stood there saved--surprised to be loved."
Oh, I understand how David must have felt! Do you? In awe of the saving grace of God, saving David's life even though he was standing in a wide-open field where anyone could have attacked him, but they did not. He was alone, saved. Nothing was around him but the whisper of the wind. His sword was sheathed. Peace. Relief. He was alive, saved, and he was loved. Strange, he thought. He was loved!
I, too, am amazed that I am loved, not because I doubt God can love, but that God loves me. And God sticks by me, I am certain of it. God doesn't want me to indulge myself with self-pity about my wrongs, but to accept the love God has for me and get on with living and loving others. I am not to stay in a place of jealousy or rejection, but, as I am human, I may sometimes have those feelings. I am not to act on them, but set them aside in hope of having them destroyed.
I live among humans as I am human, and although I am often surprised to be loved..... I enjoy it!
Live now, as a child of the King. Amen.
Jo INMN
eenjoy God's love. Amen.
Oh, I understand how David must have felt! Do you? In awe of the saving grace of God, saving David's life even though he was standing in a wide-open field where anyone could have attacked him, but they did not. He was alone, saved. Nothing was around him but the whisper of the wind. His sword was sheathed. Peace. Relief. He was alive, saved, and he was loved. Strange, he thought. He was loved!
I, too, am amazed that I am loved, not because I doubt God can love, but that God loves me. And God sticks by me, I am certain of it. God doesn't want me to indulge myself with self-pity about my wrongs, but to accept the love God has for me and get on with living and loving others. I am not to stay in a place of jealousy or rejection, but, as I am human, I may sometimes have those feelings. I am not to act on them, but set them aside in hope of having them destroyed.
I live among humans as I am human, and although I am often surprised to be loved..... I enjoy it!
Live now, as a child of the King. Amen.
Jo INMN
eenjoy God's love. Amen.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
SOME DOUBTED; MANY STILL DO
In Matthew 28:17 it tells us, "When Jesus' disciples saw the risen Christ they worshipped Him; but some doubted."
Isn't seeing believing? It's hard to realize that some of the disciples still didn't believe Jesus had risen from the dead even though they saw and spoke to Him! They were told to go to Galilee and wait for Him there and they would be with Him again. Yet they doubted. We wonder, "How could they of all people not believe, when they had watched Jesus perform miracle after miracle? " But they did not.
When we consider this doubt, we begin to be confronted with our own doubts and questions. As many times as I've seen Jesus' miracles in my own life and in the lives of others, there are times when doubt comes in. Then, I must say, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."
Lord Jesus, Empower us to remove any vestige of doubt in our faith in You! Help us to Believe and to help others in their unbelief! Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Isn't seeing believing? It's hard to realize that some of the disciples still didn't believe Jesus had risen from the dead even though they saw and spoke to Him! They were told to go to Galilee and wait for Him there and they would be with Him again. Yet they doubted. We wonder, "How could they of all people not believe, when they had watched Jesus perform miracle after miracle? " But they did not.
When we consider this doubt, we begin to be confronted with our own doubts and questions. As many times as I've seen Jesus' miracles in my own life and in the lives of others, there are times when doubt comes in. Then, I must say, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."
Lord Jesus, Empower us to remove any vestige of doubt in our faith in You! Help us to Believe and to help others in their unbelief! Amen.
Are you with me?
Jo INMN
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF TEARS
In Psalm 56:8, 13 it tells us, "You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them."
These words of David could have been written about each person in the world. They surely could have been written about me! It is a phenomenal thought that God cares so much about each of us that he counts our tears and keeps a record of our days of doubting and fear, for those are the days of despair and loneliness.
I can rejoice over God's desire for me and God's promises to me. God's desire for all of us is to trust Him--and trust God's protection against stumbling, as verse 13 of this same psalm records: "For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life." The light that leads to life follows God's protection and in that light there is found joy and peace.
That's how we want to live, isn't it? Gone are the days of tears; here are the days of joy and peace.
Jo INMN
These words of David could have been written about each person in the world. They surely could have been written about me! It is a phenomenal thought that God cares so much about each of us that he counts our tears and keeps a record of our days of doubting and fear, for those are the days of despair and loneliness.
I can rejoice over God's desire for me and God's promises to me. God's desire for all of us is to trust Him--and trust God's protection against stumbling, as verse 13 of this same psalm records: "For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life." The light that leads to life follows God's protection and in that light there is found joy and peace.
That's how we want to live, isn't it? Gone are the days of tears; here are the days of joy and peace.
Jo INMN
Monday, May 9, 2016
GUILT & HUMILITY
In Psalm 32.5 David speaks, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not hide my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' and you forgave the guilt of my sin."
David knew what it was like to have a heavy heart resulting from unconfessed sin before God. He knew he could run, but he could not hide from God what he had done. He confessed his sins to the Father, but throughout his life, David, would suffer the consequence of his earlier actions, for his sins were not forgotten.
We are privileged today, as through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are assured of being forgiven. In addition, our sins are also forgotten, thrown into the deep, erased forever. In Christ, we have absolute assurance that we are forgiven. And God says in effect, "What sin?"
If there is memory concerning our sins, it is our own. And it would be wise to remember that God has forgiven that sin, and it is our job to not sin in the same way again. And that, my friends, is the hard part, is it not? Our speaking and our thinking and our doing are often laden with imperfections which make us cringe with dismay because we are not perfect, nor will we ever be on this earth. So, our best shot is to go once again to the Lord and admit our wrong, accept our imperfections, and thank God for allowing us our humanity. And, I for one, ask Him to help me to accept my humanity with humility.
Lord, we confess to you that we are sinners in need of the forgiveness you offer. Please forgive us and for some of us, help us to forgive ourselves. AMEN.
Jo INMN
David knew what it was like to have a heavy heart resulting from unconfessed sin before God. He knew he could run, but he could not hide from God what he had done. He confessed his sins to the Father, but throughout his life, David, would suffer the consequence of his earlier actions, for his sins were not forgotten.
We are privileged today, as through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are assured of being forgiven. In addition, our sins are also forgotten, thrown into the deep, erased forever. In Christ, we have absolute assurance that we are forgiven. And God says in effect, "What sin?"
If there is memory concerning our sins, it is our own. And it would be wise to remember that God has forgiven that sin, and it is our job to not sin in the same way again. And that, my friends, is the hard part, is it not? Our speaking and our thinking and our doing are often laden with imperfections which make us cringe with dismay because we are not perfect, nor will we ever be on this earth. So, our best shot is to go once again to the Lord and admit our wrong, accept our imperfections, and thank God for allowing us our humanity. And, I for one, ask Him to help me to accept my humanity with humility.
Lord, we confess to you that we are sinners in need of the forgiveness you offer. Please forgive us and for some of us, help us to forgive ourselves. AMEN.
Jo INMN
Saturday, May 7, 2016
KEEP AWAKE AND READY
Matthew 24:42,44 reads "Keep awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming....You must always be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
These words of Jesus make clear that He will return to earth when we least expect Him, and we must always be alert and ready. It's a little like the fireman at the station, having everything in readiness so when the alarm sounds he can jump into his boots and protective clothing and go to put out the fire, saving those who may be trapped among the flames.
God wants us to always be ready to share the Good News of the Gospel in any circumstance in which one might find one's self. There's no time to get ready when the Master calls; one must always be ready. What shall we say? What will we do? We must pray now in preparation that the Holy Spirit will bring the right words and actions when needed.
Lord God, prepare us today for each of us to have a ready heart for that moment when Jesus is needed. Amen.
The Holy Spirit will answer! He will prepare you and He will be there!
Jo INMN
These words of Jesus make clear that He will return to earth when we least expect Him, and we must always be alert and ready. It's a little like the fireman at the station, having everything in readiness so when the alarm sounds he can jump into his boots and protective clothing and go to put out the fire, saving those who may be trapped among the flames.
God wants us to always be ready to share the Good News of the Gospel in any circumstance in which one might find one's self. There's no time to get ready when the Master calls; one must always be ready. What shall we say? What will we do? We must pray now in preparation that the Holy Spirit will bring the right words and actions when needed.
Lord God, prepare us today for each of us to have a ready heart for that moment when Jesus is needed. Amen.
The Holy Spirit will answer! He will prepare you and He will be there!
Jo INMN
Friday, May 6, 2016
PRAY ALWAYS!
Psalm 51:12 warns us to always pray; "Make me as happy as You did when You saved me; make me want to obey!"
Poor David! When he was in desperate need while running from Saul, he was happy because in his need he was close to the Lord, and therefore, he obeyed the Lord. When he uttered the psalm above, David had to stay in his palace, secure and safe, but not as needy as he was while on the run. Therefore, he was not as close to the Lord. Not being close to the Lord, he began to disobey the Lord. Not deliberately, perhaps, but not listening for or being aware of God's check, God's Holy Spirit saying, "Don't do this." It was quite a spiral David made because he wasn't listening to the Lord. He sinned with Bathsheba!
We, too, will sin when or if we stop listening to God.
God, remind each of your people of how needful we are for you, whether we are desperate for help or secure in your love. Remind me of your presence when I am crawling out of bed in the morning until I snuggle down under my covers at night. Remind me when I'm answering the phone and reading unwanted mail. Keep me so aware of your constant loving presence that I never fall away from you. No matter what the circumstances, make me hungry to obey you in all things. Remind me that when life gets easy, I must pray even harder. Amen.
Jo INMN
Poor David! When he was in desperate need while running from Saul, he was happy because in his need he was close to the Lord, and therefore, he obeyed the Lord. When he uttered the psalm above, David had to stay in his palace, secure and safe, but not as needy as he was while on the run. Therefore, he was not as close to the Lord. Not being close to the Lord, he began to disobey the Lord. Not deliberately, perhaps, but not listening for or being aware of God's check, God's Holy Spirit saying, "Don't do this." It was quite a spiral David made because he wasn't listening to the Lord. He sinned with Bathsheba!
We, too, will sin when or if we stop listening to God.
God, remind each of your people of how needful we are for you, whether we are desperate for help or secure in your love. Remind me of your presence when I am crawling out of bed in the morning until I snuggle down under my covers at night. Remind me when I'm answering the phone and reading unwanted mail. Keep me so aware of your constant loving presence that I never fall away from you. No matter what the circumstances, make me hungry to obey you in all things. Remind me that when life gets easy, I must pray even harder. Amen.
Jo INMN
Thursday, May 5, 2016
A HUMBLE KING
In 2 Samuel 16:10, the Lord tells us through David the king, "If Shimei is cursing me because the Lord has told him to, then who are you to tell him to stop?"
David, on his way to Jerusalem to be crowned king, runs into some opposition. Shimei, a favorite of the now dead king Saul and a supporter of David's eldest son, Absalom, cursed David to extremes, saying, "The Lord has avenged on all of you the blood of the House of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son, Absalom."
David's answer to his friends who wanted to kill Shimei was, "Let him alone and let him curse; for the Lord has bidden him. It may be that the Lord will look on my distress, and the Lord will repay me with good for this cursing of me today." And on they went.
Shimei is an unhappy man. He held back forgiveness from David and it spiraled into bitterness and corroded his spirit. David knows his own failures and sinfulness, but he admits them to God and humbly says, in essence, "God may want to punish me for my sins so don't harm Shimei. Let God have His way."
Oh, there are lessons to be learned reading the Scripture! Lord God, may I learn to be humble, always recognize my sinfulness, and have pity on those who may desire to remind me of my sins. Amen.
(Although this prayer was originally prayed long ago, I see today that I am still in need of it! Thank you, God for revealing this to me.)
Jo INMN
David, on his way to Jerusalem to be crowned king, runs into some opposition. Shimei, a favorite of the now dead king Saul and a supporter of David's eldest son, Absalom, cursed David to extremes, saying, "The Lord has avenged on all of you the blood of the House of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son, Absalom."
David's answer to his friends who wanted to kill Shimei was, "Let him alone and let him curse; for the Lord has bidden him. It may be that the Lord will look on my distress, and the Lord will repay me with good for this cursing of me today." And on they went.
Shimei is an unhappy man. He held back forgiveness from David and it spiraled into bitterness and corroded his spirit. David knows his own failures and sinfulness, but he admits them to God and humbly says, in essence, "God may want to punish me for my sins so don't harm Shimei. Let God have His way."
Oh, there are lessons to be learned reading the Scripture! Lord God, may I learn to be humble, always recognize my sinfulness, and have pity on those who may desire to remind me of my sins. Amen.
(Although this prayer was originally prayed long ago, I see today that I am still in need of it! Thank you, God for revealing this to me.)
Jo INMN
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
BOUNTY OR BURDEN?
2 Samuel 7:19 brings us a question, one which is often asked of God, " Is this the way you usually treat people?"
David, soon to be king, is profoundly touched by the Lord's goodness to him promising David that from his family would come the kings of Israel. David's surprise is apparent by his question of God, " Is this the way you usually treat people?"
Today, this verse is uttered by many who don't have a clue that it originated with David's discourse with God. People today ask the same question of God regarding poor circumstances, "Is this the way a God of goodness should be treating people?" God gets blamed for every terrible catastrophe of nature and of mankind. "How can a loving God allow......whatever? Is this the way you usually treat people, God?"
Well think for a moment. What about flowering deserts? Singing birds? Families who love and trust one another? Loving friends.....and maybe even enemies? Is this the way God usually treats people? Yes. This is the way, sending God's own son to die on a cross so that we might have new life in Him. That is the way God usually treats people!
God, forgive this old world for falsely accusing you of so many things you may have controlled if even one prayer had been given. Some things you allow for your good reasons and some things you do not allow. Thank you for your goodness in our lives---goodness, the way you usually treat people! Amen.
And thank you, God, for all things offered us in our lives! Amen.
Jo INMN
David, soon to be king, is profoundly touched by the Lord's goodness to him promising David that from his family would come the kings of Israel. David's surprise is apparent by his question of God, " Is this the way you usually treat people?"
Today, this verse is uttered by many who don't have a clue that it originated with David's discourse with God. People today ask the same question of God regarding poor circumstances, "Is this the way a God of goodness should be treating people?" God gets blamed for every terrible catastrophe of nature and of mankind. "How can a loving God allow......whatever? Is this the way you usually treat people, God?"
Well think for a moment. What about flowering deserts? Singing birds? Families who love and trust one another? Loving friends.....and maybe even enemies? Is this the way God usually treats people? Yes. This is the way, sending God's own son to die on a cross so that we might have new life in Him. That is the way God usually treats people!
God, forgive this old world for falsely accusing you of so many things you may have controlled if even one prayer had been given. Some things you allow for your good reasons and some things you do not allow. Thank you for your goodness in our lives---goodness, the way you usually treat people! Amen.
And thank you, God, for all things offered us in our lives! Amen.
Jo INMN
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
GOD'S GENEROSITY
In Matthew 20:15,16, Jesus says, "Are you envious because I'm generous? So you shall see in the Kingdom of Heaven-- the least shall be first and the first shall be last."
Jesus told this story over 2000 years ago of the landowner who paid his workers all the same even though some had worked all day and others but a few hours. It was not told to suggest a union of the workers, but rather to suggest the generosity of our God.
Today, we believe that as workers, we should be paid according to our time, our skills, and our efforts. Yet God said this is not His way. God is a God of Grace--generous beyond human understanding or logic. And is it not possible that Jesus was not talking so much about the daily work a man must do to live, but about kingdom work? If a man turns to God on his deathbed, he is rewarded with heaven like the man who has been Christ's from boyhood. Yet he is missing the joy of belonging to God while on this earth.
When we see someone else getting glory or honor, we must remind ourselves that in God's kingdom we are to be servants and not to look at what is fair or unfair humanly. Our rewards will come eternally, not here on earth, so no perceived slight need upset us.
When we see someone else receiving glory or honor, we must remind ourselves that in God's kingdom we are to be servants and not look at what is fair or unfair humanly. Our rewards will come eternally, not here on earth, so no perceived slight need upset our day.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for coming to reveal the Grace of God to all--sinners and saints alike. Amen.
Praying we are in this together!
Jo INMN
Jesus told this story over 2000 years ago of the landowner who paid his workers all the same even though some had worked all day and others but a few hours. It was not told to suggest a union of the workers, but rather to suggest the generosity of our God.
Today, we believe that as workers, we should be paid according to our time, our skills, and our efforts. Yet God said this is not His way. God is a God of Grace--generous beyond human understanding or logic. And is it not possible that Jesus was not talking so much about the daily work a man must do to live, but about kingdom work? If a man turns to God on his deathbed, he is rewarded with heaven like the man who has been Christ's from boyhood. Yet he is missing the joy of belonging to God while on this earth.
When we see someone else getting glory or honor, we must remind ourselves that in God's kingdom we are to be servants and not to look at what is fair or unfair humanly. Our rewards will come eternally, not here on earth, so no perceived slight need upset us.
When we see someone else receiving glory or honor, we must remind ourselves that in God's kingdom we are to be servants and not look at what is fair or unfair humanly. Our rewards will come eternally, not here on earth, so no perceived slight need upset our day.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for coming to reveal the Grace of God to all--sinners and saints alike. Amen.
Praying we are in this together!
Jo INMN
Monday, May 2, 2016
VERBS TELL THE TALE
In I Chr. 16:7-36 one can almost hear the music of David's song. "Praise the Lord....Tell everyone what the Lord has done...Sing Praises...Tell about His miracles....Celebrate worship...Trust the Lord's power...Worship the Lord....Remember the Lord's miracles and wonders and fair decisions.. Never forget God's agreements and promises.....Give honor and praise to the Lord...bring an offering into the temple....be glad....celebrate ....announce to the nations that the Lord is King....command the ocean to roar and the fields to rejoice....say to God, "Save us, Lord God, bring us back to you.!"
Verbs tell us what something or someone is doing or what one is to do. In the verses above they give us strong direction of what God wants of us. Most out standing is the verse, "Trust the Lord and the Lord's power."
Lord, we desire to trust strongly in You and in Your power. Help us to remember that your Word is full of verbs and among them we also find rest and pray. Help us to enjoy the balance you have planned for us, to not just sit on the sofa and read or watch TV but to put our faith into action. And help us, too, to recognize that we don't have to be doing every minute and that there is a great need for us to just be with you. Amen.
Let us band together in agreement to stretch our minds and our hearts to be complete in Him!
Jo INMN
Verbs tell us what something or someone is doing or what one is to do. In the verses above they give us strong direction of what God wants of us. Most out standing is the verse, "Trust the Lord and the Lord's power."
Lord, we desire to trust strongly in You and in Your power. Help us to remember that your Word is full of verbs and among them we also find rest and pray. Help us to enjoy the balance you have planned for us, to not just sit on the sofa and read or watch TV but to put our faith into action. And help us, too, to recognize that we don't have to be doing every minute and that there is a great need for us to just be with you. Amen.
Let us band together in agreement to stretch our minds and our hearts to be complete in Him!
Jo INMN
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