Father created the world and all of His handiwork in six days.
Father rested on the seventh day and said all His work was good.
Father promised to make Abraham the father of many nations.
Father chose Noah to save those of His creation who were faithful to Him.
Father promised to never flood the earth again!
Father called His people out of Egypt and gave them the Promised Land.
Father walked and talked through prophets many times.
Father sent His only son to become human and live out His love on Earth.
Father allowed His son to be crucified by those He had created.
Father raised His son from the dead and redeemed our lives.
Father gives us eternal life when we chose to love, trust and obey Him.
Father had faith in His creation. Father loves us so much that He gave us everything and is asking for us to hand it back to Him in faith!
By faith, we should all consider what we can give back to Father. Besides our love, trust and obedience, He desires for us to relinquish control of our pocketbooks to Him.
By our faith, Father uses our faithful giving to reach over 150 world areas.
By our faith, Father provides for missionaries and mainly other faithful workers.
By our faith, Father reaches those who are unreachable and saves those who are lost!
Have you prayed about what Father would have you give? This isn't a pledge - it is a FAITH PROMISE! A promise to have FAITH that your Heavenly Father will provide what He is asking you to give. Hasn't He always done that for you?
I write this blog to share my "God Journey" and my learning curve in "Living Loved" in the hopes that it might draw others into this knowledge of God's love for them on an individual, personal level. Please feel free to comment!! I would love to discuss this more with you...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Something smells!
Many years ago, I lived in Texas. I was in the Army and pregnant with my oldest son, Patrick, who is now 16. I lived in off-base housing and on the way to work one day, I obliterated a skunk who moved a little too slowly. Now, I don't know about any other ladies, but being pregnant heightened my sense of smell a lot! I washed that car so many times it was squeaky clean on the outside and yet... I could still smell the skunk. As time went on, others could not smell it, but that smell was SEARED into my "smell memory." I could still smell that skunk two years later when I sold the car.
Paul says that as Christians, we are like this smell that lingers. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
For those who are lonely, without hope, and looking for a source of unconditional love, we are a sweet aroma. The presence of Father's love flowing through us fills them up and lingers, even as we move out of their presence. Our Heavenly Father is able to take our testimony, our life filled with His love, and create a longing in that person for what we have.
For those who are running from their Heavenly Father, those who do not wish to surrender to His will for their lives, our smell becomes like the stench of death. We do not stink like the skunk, but we are a reminder to them of their choice. Father is able to convict others just by the holiness we absorb and exude on a daily basis.
When we deviate from living in holiness, it gives these persons a reprieve from Father's conviction - an ability to continue excusing their sinful decisions.
My goal is to smell like the sweetest sweet to those who are seeking Christ, and to stink like the stinkiest dead skunk to those who are running from Christ. Father loves them and wants to use me to show them how happy, fully loved, and joy-filled we can be as Christians! I want to leave the aroma of my Heavenly Father in others' "smell memories."
What do you think of this? Can you relate to a time in your life when someone's aroma of Christ lingered on you and pulled more deeply into a relationship with Him? Please share in the comments section if you are comfortable doing so...
Blessings.
Jody
Paul says that as Christians, we are like this smell that lingers. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
For those who are lonely, without hope, and looking for a source of unconditional love, we are a sweet aroma. The presence of Father's love flowing through us fills them up and lingers, even as we move out of their presence. Our Heavenly Father is able to take our testimony, our life filled with His love, and create a longing in that person for what we have.
For those who are running from their Heavenly Father, those who do not wish to surrender to His will for their lives, our smell becomes like the stench of death. We do not stink like the skunk, but we are a reminder to them of their choice. Father is able to convict others just by the holiness we absorb and exude on a daily basis.
When we deviate from living in holiness, it gives these persons a reprieve from Father's conviction - an ability to continue excusing their sinful decisions.
My goal is to smell like the sweetest sweet to those who are seeking Christ, and to stink like the stinkiest dead skunk to those who are running from Christ. Father loves them and wants to use me to show them how happy, fully loved, and joy-filled we can be as Christians! I want to leave the aroma of my Heavenly Father in others' "smell memories."
What do you think of this? Can you relate to a time in your life when someone's aroma of Christ lingered on you and pulled more deeply into a relationship with Him? Please share in the comments section if you are comfortable doing so...
Blessings.
Jody
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Come to the Fire!!! Fort Wayne, Indiana
Should you attend this conference? YES! If you are a women of any age, church, or denomination desiring a holy heart, you should plan to attend Come to the Fire in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The dates are September 30 - October 2. Women from across the United States, Mexico and many other countries receive strength and renewal at each Come to the Fire Conference. I hope to see many of my friends there!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Is Holiness Overrated? by Louie E. Bustle
I love to write and Father gives me many things to say in my blog. Today, however, I am going to post with permission an article written by Louie E. Bustle, Global Mission Director, Church of the Nazarene.
************************
IS HOLINESS OVERRATED?
"I'm not perfect; just forgiven." It was once a popular slogan, a hip phrase for refrigerator magnets and bumper stickers. It sounded so humble and good. But was it? Was it merely an introduction to twenty-first century relativity, where anything goes and all will be forgiven someday?
Christian leaders are forced into an arena where the mention of holiness is often accompanied by the wink of an eye. And outright skepticism accompanies the word "perfect." After all, are we not to fill our auditoriums with "happy campers" - at the cost of biblical preaching?
Final answer: No.
God called His people to holiness, and He has called His preachers to proclaim that message in the power of the Holy Spirit. The calling hasn't changed. God calls us to be holy and to be in a right relationship with Him and with others.
The holiness message has always been needed, but perhaps never more so than today. This is an age of "live-ins" and "sell-outs," a time when our young are seeking a moral compass. Of course the church must be relevant, but at what price? In an age of "branding," our brand should always be Christ-likeness with a surrendered and obedient heart that is free from the tangles of sin.
Jesus died to give us more than forgiveness. He embraced the cross so that we might "participate in the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4) and "be holy because [he] is holy" (1 Peter 1:16).
Holiness Summits are springing up all over the world. The reports on these holiness conferences give us hope that God is moving among Wesleyan leaders to reclaim the message of heart holiness.
Finally, the preaching and teaching of holiness is absolutely vital to today's evangelism. A holy heart is the way to personal peace, daily empowerment, and the fulfillment of relationships. Those who minister must share this life-changing message. Holiness is God's requirement and provision. That can never be rated too highly.
- Louie E. Bustle, Global Mission Director
*********************
Today in my Scripture reading, I started the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. In the prologue to Ruth, she is described as follows: "She strikingly exemplifies the truth that participation in the coming kingdom of God is decided, not by blood and birth, but by the conformity of one's life to the will of God through the "obedience of faith" (NASB). What a testimony for a foreigner drafted into the genealogy of Christ! This "obedience of faith" is part of holiness we are to live as Christians drafted into Father's kingdom.
May today be a day of recognizing Father's love for you, and living in the "obedience of faith" He desires from you. IT IS POSSIBLE to live a perfect, holy day in Christ!
************************
IS HOLINESS OVERRATED?
"I'm not perfect; just forgiven." It was once a popular slogan, a hip phrase for refrigerator magnets and bumper stickers. It sounded so humble and good. But was it? Was it merely an introduction to twenty-first century relativity, where anything goes and all will be forgiven someday?
Christian leaders are forced into an arena where the mention of holiness is often accompanied by the wink of an eye. And outright skepticism accompanies the word "perfect." After all, are we not to fill our auditoriums with "happy campers" - at the cost of biblical preaching?
Final answer: No.
God called His people to holiness, and He has called His preachers to proclaim that message in the power of the Holy Spirit. The calling hasn't changed. God calls us to be holy and to be in a right relationship with Him and with others.
The holiness message has always been needed, but perhaps never more so than today. This is an age of "live-ins" and "sell-outs," a time when our young are seeking a moral compass. Of course the church must be relevant, but at what price? In an age of "branding," our brand should always be Christ-likeness with a surrendered and obedient heart that is free from the tangles of sin.
Jesus died to give us more than forgiveness. He embraced the cross so that we might "participate in the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4) and "be holy because [he] is holy" (1 Peter 1:16).
Holiness Summits are springing up all over the world. The reports on these holiness conferences give us hope that God is moving among Wesleyan leaders to reclaim the message of heart holiness.
Finally, the preaching and teaching of holiness is absolutely vital to today's evangelism. A holy heart is the way to personal peace, daily empowerment, and the fulfillment of relationships. Those who minister must share this life-changing message. Holiness is God's requirement and provision. That can never be rated too highly.
- Louie E. Bustle, Global Mission Director
*********************
Today in my Scripture reading, I started the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. In the prologue to Ruth, she is described as follows: "She strikingly exemplifies the truth that participation in the coming kingdom of God is decided, not by blood and birth, but by the conformity of one's life to the will of God through the "obedience of faith" (NASB). What a testimony for a foreigner drafted into the genealogy of Christ! This "obedience of faith" is part of holiness we are to live as Christians drafted into Father's kingdom.
May today be a day of recognizing Father's love for you, and living in the "obedience of faith" He desires from you. IT IS POSSIBLE to live a perfect, holy day in Christ!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I Am Becoming a Priest!
“You will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:6
In Exodus 19, Israel set up camp and Moses climbed up the mountain to God. By the way, aren’t you thankful we do not need to climb a mountain to find God? The Lord spoke to Moses and gave him these words to say to the people: “I’ve shown Myself to you in a very real way, saving you from bondage with evil. You have seen My awesome miracles in Egypt and beyond. There can be no doubt in your minds that I exist. Since you know I exist and you know that you are special to Me and you know that I love you, trust My commandments. Understand that these commandments are given for your own good and obey them. If you do this, you will become unique and different from others and they will know you are special to Me. When those people look to you and see that you are special, they will want to know why you are different. They will want to be special to Me too! You will take on the role of priests to them and carry Me forth that they may know Me as well” (Exodus 19: 3-6, summarized in my words).
These words written thousands of years ago can be applied to us as individual Christians as well as The Church in today’s world. I too have been saved from the bondage of evil and sin. I have witnessed many miracles, but even if I had not seen a single miracle of physical healing, the transformation in my heart is the biggest miracle of all! As a Christian, I am different from those people who have not yet decided to follow Christ. Not better, but different and unique. Those who see this difference in my Christ-like walk will want to know why I am different. Father has assigned me as His priest to share with others why I am transformed and let them know it can apply to them.
So why did Father designate me as a priest? When I think of the role of a priest, a few things come to mind. In reading through Exodus and Leviticus, I see what the priests’ job expectations are and what is required of me as Father’s priest.
1. The priest must be purified and cleansed from all sin.
2. The priest must be sanctified and made holy on a daily basis.
3. The priest must have the character of Christ in all aspects.
4. The priest must wear the exact garments designated by God.
5. The priest must sacrifice of material things
6. The priest must commit to loving and serving others.
7. The priest must be a mediator.
8. The priest must represent God before those who are not cleansed and sanctified.
9. The priest must represent those are not cleansed and sanctified before God.
The Old Testament Scripture was very specific about what priests should wear as their clothing. In the New Testament, I find Father’s specific list for me – the clothing I should wear as His priest in this world. Keep in mind that this list of armor Father provides me with is NOT defensive! It is offensive. If I put on armor, I am suiting up to go to war. I know the battle is here and I am preparing to fight. I will not be caught unawares by the enemy; rather I am prepared through this armor to hold steadfast and push back against enemy lines, causing the enemy to retreat.
Here is what I need to be a priest for Father and represent Him to those who need Him:
1. Truth
2. Righteousness
3. Knowledge of the Word
4. Faith
5. Salvation
6. The Word
7. Prayer and petition at all times
8. Full of the Spirit
Isn’t that just like my loving Father, to give me a job position in His kingdom, spell out the job description, and give me the tools I need to fulfill the job?
Oh, yes, one more thing… this isn’t a singular role. He asks all Christians to be His priests throughout His kingdom! Are you adequately prepared to be a priest for those around you who don’t know Father? If you are living as a priest, they will approach you and ask what is different. Do you have your armor on? Are you spending times in the Word each day? Do you speak the truth in all situations? Does Father’s righteousness pour out of you consistently? Do you have faith – the willingness to see the potential for someone even if it isn’t reality?
Tough questions to ask, I know, but if Father wants us to be His priest, then we need to know His expectations for the job and be working hard on following them each day.
In Exodus 19, Israel set up camp and Moses climbed up the mountain to God. By the way, aren’t you thankful we do not need to climb a mountain to find God? The Lord spoke to Moses and gave him these words to say to the people: “I’ve shown Myself to you in a very real way, saving you from bondage with evil. You have seen My awesome miracles in Egypt and beyond. There can be no doubt in your minds that I exist. Since you know I exist and you know that you are special to Me and you know that I love you, trust My commandments. Understand that these commandments are given for your own good and obey them. If you do this, you will become unique and different from others and they will know you are special to Me. When those people look to you and see that you are special, they will want to know why you are different. They will want to be special to Me too! You will take on the role of priests to them and carry Me forth that they may know Me as well” (Exodus 19: 3-6, summarized in my words).
These words written thousands of years ago can be applied to us as individual Christians as well as The Church in today’s world. I too have been saved from the bondage of evil and sin. I have witnessed many miracles, but even if I had not seen a single miracle of physical healing, the transformation in my heart is the biggest miracle of all! As a Christian, I am different from those people who have not yet decided to follow Christ. Not better, but different and unique. Those who see this difference in my Christ-like walk will want to know why I am different. Father has assigned me as His priest to share with others why I am transformed and let them know it can apply to them.
So why did Father designate me as a priest? When I think of the role of a priest, a few things come to mind. In reading through Exodus and Leviticus, I see what the priests’ job expectations are and what is required of me as Father’s priest.
1. The priest must be purified and cleansed from all sin.
2. The priest must be sanctified and made holy on a daily basis.
3. The priest must have the character of Christ in all aspects.
4. The priest must wear the exact garments designated by God.
5. The priest must sacrifice of material things
6. The priest must commit to loving and serving others.
7. The priest must be a mediator.
8. The priest must represent God before those who are not cleansed and sanctified.
9. The priest must represent those are not cleansed and sanctified before God.
The Old Testament Scripture was very specific about what priests should wear as their clothing. In the New Testament, I find Father’s specific list for me – the clothing I should wear as His priest in this world. Keep in mind that this list of armor Father provides me with is NOT defensive! It is offensive. If I put on armor, I am suiting up to go to war. I know the battle is here and I am preparing to fight. I will not be caught unawares by the enemy; rather I am prepared through this armor to hold steadfast and push back against enemy lines, causing the enemy to retreat.
Here is what I need to be a priest for Father and represent Him to those who need Him:
1. Truth
2. Righteousness
3. Knowledge of the Word
4. Faith
5. Salvation
6. The Word
7. Prayer and petition at all times
8. Full of the Spirit
Isn’t that just like my loving Father, to give me a job position in His kingdom, spell out the job description, and give me the tools I need to fulfill the job?
Oh, yes, one more thing… this isn’t a singular role. He asks all Christians to be His priests throughout His kingdom! Are you adequately prepared to be a priest for those around you who don’t know Father? If you are living as a priest, they will approach you and ask what is different. Do you have your armor on? Are you spending times in the Word each day? Do you speak the truth in all situations? Does Father’s righteousness pour out of you consistently? Do you have faith – the willingness to see the potential for someone even if it isn’t reality?
Tough questions to ask, I know, but if Father wants us to be His priest, then we need to know His expectations for the job and be working hard on following them each day.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sitting On My Father's Lap
You’ll have to follow my train of thought while reading this blog. I get to my point eventually, I promise!
Throughout the New Testament, there are several Scriptures about Jesus in heaven sitting or standing at Father’s right hand.
In Matthew 26, Jesus is on trial before the high priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas says to Jesus, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus responds, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
In Acts, Stephen has given his defense and is about to be stoned to death by those convicted of his words. Chapter 7, verse 55 says, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” A young man named Saul witnessed Stephen’s vision.
Father then came to Saul, spoke with him and changed his name to Paul. The Apostle Paul was the most prolific writer of the New Testament. In Colossians, Paul writes about holiness and encourages his readers to put on their “new self.” Colossians 3:1 says, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
Close your eyes for a moment and try to get a picture of what that would like to you. Do you picture God and Jesus sitting next to each other on thrones, surrounded by seraphim and the elders? I will admit that I have always imagined this scene with two thrones. After seeing some things in Scripture, the picture has changed for me!
Revelations 4 describes the scene in heaven (verse 2) as “…behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.” The throne is singular in nature, and in this section of Scripture John describes Father’s appearance on the throne. Then in chapter 5, verse 5, John continues with his vision: “In the middle of the throne with the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain…” Here Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, is standing in the midst of the throne, again singular.
Now, here is the really awesome part!!! Revelation 2 and 3 are messages from Jesus to the seven churches. Take a look with me at Revelation 3:21. I want to break this verse down into phrases:
“He who overcomes” - this is a challenge given to each church and the promise that accompanies it in 2:7 says we will be restored into the perfect fellowship that existed before sin entered the world
“I will grant to him” – Webster’s dictionary defines the word grant, in this sentence a verb, as the following: “to permit as a right, privilege or favor.” Whatever follows this phrase is given to us as a right for overcoming sin, for being in a love relationship with Father.
“to sit down with Me on My throne” – remember, this is a singular throne. Here Jesus is saying we will encompass the same space He will encompass on His throne. 2 Timothy 2:12a says, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”
“as I also overcame” – the reminder that we can be holy as Jesus was holy. Jesus was perfect and overcame every temptation Satan threw at Him. We too can live without sin as we are perfected in Father’s holiness. Here is a powerful quote I wrote down at a recent revival service: “During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He said to those who followed Him, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ and ‘Does anyone judge you? No? Then neither do I. Go and sin no more.’ Jesus lived to forgive sins, but He died to solve the problem of our sin nature, to create the possibility of a holy life.” – Pastor Dan Bohi
“and sat down with My Father on His throne” – This is my new insight! Jesus overcame and occupied the same physical space as Father on this singular throne. If we overcome, we will occupy the same physical space as Jesus on this singular throne, which is the same physical space Father occupies. If we love Father, and if we trust Father, and if we obey Father and overcome sin, could it be possible that we will actually be able to sit in Father’s lap?
Whew! That thought alone makes me laugh out loud, excited to be His daughter and committed to overcoming, through His power!
Are you overcoming? Don’t you want more than anything to sit on your Heavenly Father’s lap and feel His love pouring through you as He says, “Well done”?
Throughout the New Testament, there are several Scriptures about Jesus in heaven sitting or standing at Father’s right hand.
In Matthew 26, Jesus is on trial before the high priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas says to Jesus, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus responds, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
In Acts, Stephen has given his defense and is about to be stoned to death by those convicted of his words. Chapter 7, verse 55 says, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” A young man named Saul witnessed Stephen’s vision.
Father then came to Saul, spoke with him and changed his name to Paul. The Apostle Paul was the most prolific writer of the New Testament. In Colossians, Paul writes about holiness and encourages his readers to put on their “new self.” Colossians 3:1 says, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
Close your eyes for a moment and try to get a picture of what that would like to you. Do you picture God and Jesus sitting next to each other on thrones, surrounded by seraphim and the elders? I will admit that I have always imagined this scene with two thrones. After seeing some things in Scripture, the picture has changed for me!
Revelations 4 describes the scene in heaven (verse 2) as “…behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.” The throne is singular in nature, and in this section of Scripture John describes Father’s appearance on the throne. Then in chapter 5, verse 5, John continues with his vision: “In the middle of the throne with the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain…” Here Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, is standing in the midst of the throne, again singular.
Now, here is the really awesome part!!! Revelation 2 and 3 are messages from Jesus to the seven churches. Take a look with me at Revelation 3:21. I want to break this verse down into phrases:
“He who overcomes” - this is a challenge given to each church and the promise that accompanies it in 2:7 says we will be restored into the perfect fellowship that existed before sin entered the world
“I will grant to him” – Webster’s dictionary defines the word grant, in this sentence a verb, as the following: “to permit as a right, privilege or favor.” Whatever follows this phrase is given to us as a right for overcoming sin, for being in a love relationship with Father.
“to sit down with Me on My throne” – remember, this is a singular throne. Here Jesus is saying we will encompass the same space He will encompass on His throne. 2 Timothy 2:12a says, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”
“as I also overcame” – the reminder that we can be holy as Jesus was holy. Jesus was perfect and overcame every temptation Satan threw at Him. We too can live without sin as we are perfected in Father’s holiness. Here is a powerful quote I wrote down at a recent revival service: “During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He said to those who followed Him, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ and ‘Does anyone judge you? No? Then neither do I. Go and sin no more.’ Jesus lived to forgive sins, but He died to solve the problem of our sin nature, to create the possibility of a holy life.” – Pastor Dan Bohi
“and sat down with My Father on His throne” – This is my new insight! Jesus overcame and occupied the same physical space as Father on this singular throne. If we overcome, we will occupy the same physical space as Jesus on this singular throne, which is the same physical space Father occupies. If we love Father, and if we trust Father, and if we obey Father and overcome sin, could it be possible that we will actually be able to sit in Father’s lap?
Whew! That thought alone makes me laugh out loud, excited to be His daughter and committed to overcoming, through His power!
Are you overcoming? Don’t you want more than anything to sit on your Heavenly Father’s lap and feel His love pouring through you as He says, “Well done”?
She Speaks conference
I want to post a link to a blog that is promoting the She Speaks Conference, sponsored by Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is happening July 30-August 1 in North Carolina. They are currently offering one scholarship to this conference, which would pay for lodging and conference costs (winner would still need to pay for travel). You may apply for this scholarship by submitting an article for publication to Proverbs 31 Ministries. Please click on the house to access Glynnis' blog with all the scholarship contest information. Please click on the She Speaks Conference button for details on conference registration.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Finding JOY
I have started a new Bible study with my Tuesday ladies, and it is titled "Contagious Joy" by Christa Kinde. I was digging into Scripture and saw some really awesome things I would like to share with you. Let me list a few things and then I'll dig into the Word.
1. JOY is different than happiness or glee.
2. JOY can be present even when other emotions are in our heart.
3. JOY is a trait often mentioned in the Bible as present with the children of God and absent from those who are not children of God.
4. Finding JOY is a matter of discovering what has always been available to Christians, of opening our eyes to a new way of seeing.
5. We can pray for JOY.
6. We can search for JOY in God's Word.
7. If we seek JOY, Father will open our eyes to it.
Psalm 30:5 says, "He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter" (The Message) and NASB ends that verse with, "But a shout of joy comes in the morning."
In Psalm 25:4, David says, "Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths." In this verse, "Your ways" and "Your paths" are metaphors for "Your covenant" and "Your testimonies." Verse 10 reminds us, "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies."
It seems to me the way to find JOY is to pray and seek it and to look in Father's Word for it. I need to understand Father's covenant and His testimonies (His love and His salvation offered to me) and then I need to keep them. When I keep Father's love in my heart, I find JOY. Even during those times I feel JOYless, if I look to Father and ask Him to open my eyes, He promises to help me find JOY.
Father cares for me with an everlasting love. I may cry for a night, but I will shout with JOY in the morning. When I awaken and renew my love for Him, when I die out to self each day and commit to being obedient to Him, my JOY is refreshed.
Let me encourage you! Father has a JOY to offer you that is unaffected by your circumstances or emotions. Ask Father to open your eyes to a new way of seeing His JOY!
1. JOY is different than happiness or glee.
2. JOY can be present even when other emotions are in our heart.
3. JOY is a trait often mentioned in the Bible as present with the children of God and absent from those who are not children of God.
4. Finding JOY is a matter of discovering what has always been available to Christians, of opening our eyes to a new way of seeing.
5. We can pray for JOY.
6. We can search for JOY in God's Word.
7. If we seek JOY, Father will open our eyes to it.
Psalm 30:5 says, "He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter" (The Message) and NASB ends that verse with, "But a shout of joy comes in the morning."
In Psalm 25:4, David says, "Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths." In this verse, "Your ways" and "Your paths" are metaphors for "Your covenant" and "Your testimonies." Verse 10 reminds us, "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies."
It seems to me the way to find JOY is to pray and seek it and to look in Father's Word for it. I need to understand Father's covenant and His testimonies (His love and His salvation offered to me) and then I need to keep them. When I keep Father's love in my heart, I find JOY. Even during those times I feel JOYless, if I look to Father and ask Him to open my eyes, He promises to help me find JOY.
Father cares for me with an everlasting love. I may cry for a night, but I will shout with JOY in the morning. When I awaken and renew my love for Him, when I die out to self each day and commit to being obedient to Him, my JOY is refreshed.
Let me encourage you! Father has a JOY to offer you that is unaffected by your circumstances or emotions. Ask Father to open your eyes to a new way of seeing His JOY!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I Choose Life!
Not many of us go through our daily lives choosing to live. We take this part of "life" for granted. We do not need to choose life as we are not threatened with the opposite - death. But is this truth or our perception?
North Americans are blessed with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps if we lived in a third world country, we think, then we would need to choose life each day. The people in Haiti and Chile are choosing life as they struggle to survive a tragedy of astronomic proportions. Those reached through Seed of Hope in Bhekulwandle, South Africa determine every minute to choose life instead of a hard death from AIDS.
Not many of us in the USA wake up each morning and ask ourselves, "Am I going to choose life today or choose death?" There are some though... My dear friend chooses life each day as she fights against the cancer in her body. But let me share another kind of life and death struggle that my friend is also winning, evidenced through her actions and attitudes.
Jesus said in Luke 11:44, speaking directly to the most "religious" leaders in His day, "Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it."
So many Christians today are choosing to live as the walking dead. They are concealed tombs and the people they come in contact with are unaware of it. Both their Christian family and those who are not saved are deceived into thinking their walk is true and righteous. They are alive on the outside and spiritually dead on the inside. Their time in the Word is minimal and not much insight is gained from it. Their prayer time consists of requests and there is no two-way conversation. Their Christian walk consists of making an appearance at church on Sunday morning, maybe helping out with vacation bible school or a teen fundraiser, but their relationship with their Abba Father is non-existent.
How do I know this? Because I lived it for the first 10 years of my Christian life. I chose to be spiritually dead because I did not want to give Father control of everything inside me: my pains, my hurts, my successes, my pride, my knowledge - the list could go on and on.
Sanctification does not happen automatically when you accept Christ into your life. Sanctification (living holy as Christ is holy or as this article describes - CHOOSING LIFE) happens when you let your heavenly Father take complete control of your life. It happens for me on a daily basis, when I choose to die out to myself and live for Him and in Him and let Him live and love through me.
Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a is a promised of restoration by God to Israel, and through His Scripture to us: "So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by LOVING the Lord your God, by OBEYING His voice, and by HOLDING FAST (my word for this is TRUSTING) to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days."
There is a process to living holy - you need to BELIEVE that Father loves you beyond what you will ever be able to comprehend. Yes, you are worthy of His love. You are important to Him. And He longs to wrap His arms around You and show You this every day! This belief is accomplished with faith. I recently heard faith described by Pastor Dan Bohi as "seeing the potential for someone or something even though it isn't reality." It took faith for me to see my potential through Father's eyes! Then TRUST His plan for you. You need to believe the love before you can trust (read previous posts in this blog). After you choose to live each day (believe and trust), then your obedience will be the most natural thing in the world! After all, when you are filled up with Father's love, you will love Him more than anything else - even your own selfish nature.
My dear friend chooses to live physically each day in her war against cancer. But she also chooses to live each day spiritually because she knows her Father loves her and has a plan for her. There is no deception in her life. We can see Father's love glowing through her; we can see her trust in her Father's plan; and we can see her obedience in walking the path He chose for her. She has reached many in her church, her community and beyond through her LIFE in Jesus Christ.
I want to be a witness like my friend. I want others to say, "Jody has changed. There is something different about her. See how joy-filled she is! Listen to what she shares from her time in the Word! I wish I could get that out of my Bible reading.... I need to ask her what is different. I want what she has!"
My prayer today is this: "Father, today I choose life so that I may live! I choose this by believing in Your love for me, by loving You, by being obedient to Your voice, and by trusting You, for this is my life."
North Americans are blessed with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Perhaps if we lived in a third world country, we think, then we would need to choose life each day. The people in Haiti and Chile are choosing life as they struggle to survive a tragedy of astronomic proportions. Those reached through Seed of Hope in Bhekulwandle, South Africa determine every minute to choose life instead of a hard death from AIDS.
Not many of us in the USA wake up each morning and ask ourselves, "Am I going to choose life today or choose death?" There are some though... My dear friend chooses life each day as she fights against the cancer in her body. But let me share another kind of life and death struggle that my friend is also winning, evidenced through her actions and attitudes.
Jesus said in Luke 11:44, speaking directly to the most "religious" leaders in His day, "Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it."
So many Christians today are choosing to live as the walking dead. They are concealed tombs and the people they come in contact with are unaware of it. Both their Christian family and those who are not saved are deceived into thinking their walk is true and righteous. They are alive on the outside and spiritually dead on the inside. Their time in the Word is minimal and not much insight is gained from it. Their prayer time consists of requests and there is no two-way conversation. Their Christian walk consists of making an appearance at church on Sunday morning, maybe helping out with vacation bible school or a teen fundraiser, but their relationship with their Abba Father is non-existent.
How do I know this? Because I lived it for the first 10 years of my Christian life. I chose to be spiritually dead because I did not want to give Father control of everything inside me: my pains, my hurts, my successes, my pride, my knowledge - the list could go on and on.
Sanctification does not happen automatically when you accept Christ into your life. Sanctification (living holy as Christ is holy or as this article describes - CHOOSING LIFE) happens when you let your heavenly Father take complete control of your life. It happens for me on a daily basis, when I choose to die out to myself and live for Him and in Him and let Him live and love through me.
Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a is a promised of restoration by God to Israel, and through His Scripture to us: "So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by LOVING the Lord your God, by OBEYING His voice, and by HOLDING FAST (my word for this is TRUSTING) to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days."
There is a process to living holy - you need to BELIEVE that Father loves you beyond what you will ever be able to comprehend. Yes, you are worthy of His love. You are important to Him. And He longs to wrap His arms around You and show You this every day! This belief is accomplished with faith. I recently heard faith described by Pastor Dan Bohi as "seeing the potential for someone or something even though it isn't reality." It took faith for me to see my potential through Father's eyes! Then TRUST His plan for you. You need to believe the love before you can trust (read previous posts in this blog). After you choose to live each day (believe and trust), then your obedience will be the most natural thing in the world! After all, when you are filled up with Father's love, you will love Him more than anything else - even your own selfish nature.
My dear friend chooses to live physically each day in her war against cancer. But she also chooses to live each day spiritually because she knows her Father loves her and has a plan for her. There is no deception in her life. We can see Father's love glowing through her; we can see her trust in her Father's plan; and we can see her obedience in walking the path He chose for her. She has reached many in her church, her community and beyond through her LIFE in Jesus Christ.
I want to be a witness like my friend. I want others to say, "Jody has changed. There is something different about her. See how joy-filled she is! Listen to what she shares from her time in the Word! I wish I could get that out of my Bible reading.... I need to ask her what is different. I want what she has!"
My prayer today is this: "Father, today I choose life so that I may live! I choose this by believing in Your love for me, by loving You, by being obedient to Your voice, and by trusting You, for this is my life."
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Clean Leper
I've always had a picture of leprosy as being unclean. We've all heard the stories of Jesus healing the lepers who lived outside their communities, and the Old Testament tells us the stories of two different men who had leprosy.
Naaman was captain of King Aram's army. He was victorious in battle but he had leprosy. Thanks to his captured Israelite servant girl's prodding, he traveled to Israel, met with Elisha, was OBEDIENT to Father's word through Elisha, dipped into the Jordan River seven times and was cured.
Another man, King Uzziah, became king of Israel when he was sixteen years old. He reigned for fifty-two years and the Bible says, "He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah. As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him" (2 Chronicles 26:5). But King Uzziah became proud in his God-given strength and prosperity and sinned against the Lord. As a consequence of his sin, he was struck with leprosy and quarantined for the rest of his life.
Today's Bible reading, Leviticus 13, gave me new insight into being unclean in the sight of the Lord. Verses 12-14 says, "If the leprosy breaks out farther on the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of him who has the infection from his head even to his feet, as far as the priest can see, then the priest shall look, and behold, if the leprosy has covered all his body, he shall pronounce clean him who has the infection; it has all turned white and he is clean. But whenever raw flesh appears on him, he shall be unclean."
I think this is a powerful testimony of our redemption as sinners through Jesus Christ! So many of us believe our past sins define us in His eyes. Whatever that sin was, it has become part of us - our persona. We carry the memories and consequences and it covers our bodies! But Jesus' blood causes our leprosy - our sin - to become white as snow.
His one requirement is that we do not have raw flesh on us, that we not continue in the sin. If we are obedient as Naaman was, we will be clean even as we are still covered in our sin. If we become prideful as King Uzziah was, we will be separated from Father as we allow raw flesh (sin) to overtake us.
Father does not require us to be perfect and clean and non-leprous to approach Him for forgiveness. In fact, He wants us to come to Him in our fully-covered state, allow Him to declare us clean, and then spread the word of His power in cleaning us to others we come in contact with.
What an amazing testimony we have - we are CLEAN LEPERS, covered in past sin, which has become white with His blood, and cleaned by His declaration of LOVE on the cross.
Naaman was captain of King Aram's army. He was victorious in battle but he had leprosy. Thanks to his captured Israelite servant girl's prodding, he traveled to Israel, met with Elisha, was OBEDIENT to Father's word through Elisha, dipped into the Jordan River seven times and was cured.
Another man, King Uzziah, became king of Israel when he was sixteen years old. He reigned for fifty-two years and the Bible says, "He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah. As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him" (2 Chronicles 26:5). But King Uzziah became proud in his God-given strength and prosperity and sinned against the Lord. As a consequence of his sin, he was struck with leprosy and quarantined for the rest of his life.
Today's Bible reading, Leviticus 13, gave me new insight into being unclean in the sight of the Lord. Verses 12-14 says, "If the leprosy breaks out farther on the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of him who has the infection from his head even to his feet, as far as the priest can see, then the priest shall look, and behold, if the leprosy has covered all his body, he shall pronounce clean him who has the infection; it has all turned white and he is clean. But whenever raw flesh appears on him, he shall be unclean."
I think this is a powerful testimony of our redemption as sinners through Jesus Christ! So many of us believe our past sins define us in His eyes. Whatever that sin was, it has become part of us - our persona. We carry the memories and consequences and it covers our bodies! But Jesus' blood causes our leprosy - our sin - to become white as snow.
His one requirement is that we do not have raw flesh on us, that we not continue in the sin. If we are obedient as Naaman was, we will be clean even as we are still covered in our sin. If we become prideful as King Uzziah was, we will be separated from Father as we allow raw flesh (sin) to overtake us.
Father does not require us to be perfect and clean and non-leprous to approach Him for forgiveness. In fact, He wants us to come to Him in our fully-covered state, allow Him to declare us clean, and then spread the word of His power in cleaning us to others we come in contact with.
What an amazing testimony we have - we are CLEAN LEPERS, covered in past sin, which has become white with His blood, and cleaned by His declaration of LOVE on the cross.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
JUDGMENT DAY... WHAT WILL I HEAR?
During my daily Scripture reading for devotions, I am finishing up the book of Matthew this week. Yesterday's reading was in Matthew 24 and 25, where Jesus tells the parables of the fig tree, ten virgins and talents. All of these are His way of admonishing us to be ready for His return.
I once heard someone say that "Judgment day does not determine our eternal destiny; it is only revealing what we have lived." That statement made me sit back and take a deep breath. What will judgment day reveal as to how I have lived my life? Will Father be proud of the choices I've made? Will He be sad that I missed opportunities for loving others in His name?
Just something to ponder today... On judgment day, what will I hear from Father?
I once heard someone say that "Judgment day does not determine our eternal destiny; it is only revealing what we have lived." That statement made me sit back and take a deep breath. What will judgment day reveal as to how I have lived my life? Will Father be proud of the choices I've made? Will He be sad that I missed opportunities for loving others in His name?
Just something to ponder today... On judgment day, what will I hear from Father?
Monday, February 8, 2010
ORIGINATION OF FAMILY
I once heard a story that went like this: A little girl was being put to bed by her mother, who took her upstairs and tucked her in for the night. Soon after she left her, the child began to whimper, and she called to her, "You go to sleep. God is up there with you." But the little girl wanted someone to stay with her. Once again her mother told her, "God is up there with you." To this the little girl replied, "I know, but I want somebody with a face!" Father supplied us with that "somebody with a face" in the person of Jesus, who walked this earth and died for our sins.
Whenever I speak of God or to God lately I've been saying "Father" more than "God." In "This Day with the Master" by Dennis Kinlaw (a great daily devotional book, by the way!), Dr. Kinlaw discusses "The Fatherhood of God." Dr. Kinlaw writes that we often draw a picture of Kingship for God, as mentioned in the Bible so many times. "The kingdom of heaven is near," the return of the King in Revelations, and many other references place God as Lord over his creation. That much is very clear.
But before there was a King, before there was a creation to be Lord over, before there was time and space... before EVERYTHING - the second person of the triune Godhead called the first person of the Trinity not Lord, but FATHER! His Fatherhood speaks of a relationship within the very nature of God that was there before He spoke anything into existence!
Dr. Kinlaw goes on to say that the parent-child relationship - the family - is an eternal concept, not merely a temporal or historical one. The early church leaders recognized this. What statement comes first in The Apostles' Creed? "I believe in God the Father." Before the assertion of God's sovereignty or the recognition of Him as the Creator, the Source of all things, comes the affirmation of His Fatherhood. The beginning of all things comes from a father.
Finally, Dr. Kinlaw concludes with this statement: "Elevating the picture of God as Father so it is the primary image we have of God does not diminish His other roles, but enables us to understand them better. If the Judge is our Father, the judicial process is going to be very different from a process in which he is just an impartial third party."
Once again we see how intimate Father wants to be with us. He created us as His children, His family. The old chorus goes like this:
Whenever I speak of God or to God lately I've been saying "Father" more than "God." In "This Day with the Master" by Dennis Kinlaw (a great daily devotional book, by the way!), Dr. Kinlaw discusses "The Fatherhood of God." Dr. Kinlaw writes that we often draw a picture of Kingship for God, as mentioned in the Bible so many times. "The kingdom of heaven is near," the return of the King in Revelations, and many other references place God as Lord over his creation. That much is very clear.
But before there was a King, before there was a creation to be Lord over, before there was time and space... before EVERYTHING - the second person of the triune Godhead called the first person of the Trinity not Lord, but FATHER! His Fatherhood speaks of a relationship within the very nature of God that was there before He spoke anything into existence!
Dr. Kinlaw goes on to say that the parent-child relationship - the family - is an eternal concept, not merely a temporal or historical one. The early church leaders recognized this. What statement comes first in The Apostles' Creed? "I believe in God the Father." Before the assertion of God's sovereignty or the recognition of Him as the Creator, the Source of all things, comes the affirmation of His Fatherhood. The beginning of all things comes from a father.
Finally, Dr. Kinlaw concludes with this statement: "Elevating the picture of God as Father so it is the primary image we have of God does not diminish His other roles, but enables us to understand them better. If the Judge is our Father, the judicial process is going to be very different from a process in which he is just an impartial third party."
Once again we see how intimate Father wants to be with us. He created us as His children, His family. The old chorus goes like this:
I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God
I've been washed in the fountain
And cleansed by His blood
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod
For I'm a part of the family
The family of God
I've been washed in the fountain
And cleansed by His blood
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod
For I'm a part of the family
The family of God
What I'm learning is that this has always been Father's vision for us! Very cool!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
My Truth for Today
"For many people in today's church, the term worldliness has a quaint, old-fashioned ring to it. They associate it with prohibitions against things like dancing, going to the movies, or playing cards. Today's user-friendly, seeker-oriented, market-driven church does not preach much against worldliness. To do so might make unbelievers (not to mention believers) uncomfortable, and is therefore avoided as poor marketing strategy. But unlike much of the contemporary church, the Bible does not hesitate to condemn worldliness for the serious sin that it is. Worldliness is any preoccupation with or interest in the temporal system of life that places anything perishable before that which is eternal." - John MacArthur, Revelation: The Christian's Ultimate Victory [Biblical viewpoint]
"Intolerance...is not simply the lack of a sense of solidarity with other people; it is the rejection of others for what they are, for what they do, for what they think and, eventually, simply because they exist." - Edgard Pisani, French politician [secular viewpoint]
"Our idea is that to be a virtuous citizen is to be one who tolerates everything except intolerance." - Leslie Armour, philosophy professor, University of Ottawa [secular viewpoint]
"It is only natural, once a person replaces God's revelation of right and wrong with a custom-made, personalized right and wrong, to put that principle into practice. 'I will be my own god. I will determine what is right and wrong, what is true and false, what is good or evil.' The truth claims and commands of the Bible are considered too narrow by today's definition of tolerance. Christians' belief in a 'God of truth' (Isaiah 65:16) and in 'the Book of Truth' (Daniel 10:21) is intolerable to the proponents of the new tolerance, who consider a belief in absolute truth to be evil and offensive." - Josh McDowell, The New Tolerance: How a Cultural Movement Threatens to Destroy You, Your Faith and Your Children [Biblical viewpoint]
JODY'S VIEWPOINT
It has become too easy for me to dismiss wrong things as something that is "okay for them but not for me." In saying that, I've become tolerant of sin. Jesus commands me to hate what is evil and that includes the sin in my Christian brother or sister's life. Culture has created this premise that equates "who a person is" with "what a person does." This premise goes against everything in the Bible. This premise is what the Pharisees believed and Jesus condemned them for that. If I cannot separate the person from their actions, then I am no better than the Pharisees.
In the growth of my love relationship with Father, I am learning how to do just that. Each day as I ask Father to send someone across my path, those "someones" are people I'm meeting at the local store or gas station... "someones" I might not have had time to notice before but now receive a smile filled with Father's love. Those "someones" are people I might have prejudged previously because of their lifestyle... they do this, therefore they are bad. Psychology calls it "black and white thinking." I am learning how often I fall into this way of thinking. Imagine if Father had used "black and white thinking" on me! I would NOT have been redeemed. Yet, THANKFULLY, He was able to separate "who I am" from "what I've done" and His love and mercy and grace redeemed me through His love journey to the Cross.
As a Christian, I have several paths I could take towards combating this way of thinking, this way of tolerance or intolerance... I can accept both the person and the sin; I can fight against both the person and the sin. In these two ways, I only see a lose-lose situation. In the first, I lose because I am accepting sin; in the second, the person loses because I am against them as a person.
What I am choosing is "a more excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:31, NASB) "And I show you a still more excellent way."
But what follows? What is Paul saying is the "more excellent way" of eliminating black and white thinking, of fighting against tolerating the sin or becoming intolerant of the person? Here is an unfortunate break in Scripture... Paul moves immediately into I Corinthians 13 - "The Excellence of Love" right after he is speaking to the church in Corinth about how some of them have gifts of healing, some are teachers, some work miracles, etc... He says these are all great spiritual gifts but the reality is that we all ought to DESIRE THE GREATER GIFTS! THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY.
LOVE trumps all! Following is my life version of First Corinthians 13.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but don’t have Father’s love filling me to the brim, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all His mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I am not saturated in my Abba Father’s love, I am nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor ad even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I have not shown the evidences of God’s love to others, I’ve gotten nowhere.
So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt if I don’t understand Father’s love for me and accept it for what it is.
His love has never given up on me, and my evidence of His love to others is to never give up on them.
His love cares more for me than for Himself, evidenced by His Son’s sacrifice on the cross; so I should be self-sacrificial as I’m overflowing with His love.
His love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have – except me: in this case, He is jealous for me. Because I have His love, I can learn to be content in all things.
His love doesn’t strut and doesn’t have a swelled head; it doesn’t force itself on others, and isn’t always “me first.” Rather, it is quiet, gentle and waiting. Because I’m saturated in His love, I should only speak when led by Him and boast only in what Father has done in me. By resting gently in His guidance, I will not have to be forceful when I share His love. Others will seek me out on their own, because they see something different in me. As I let Father build a relationship with me, I will naturally put others first in my life. His love through me does not brag and is not arrogant.
His love doesn’t fly off the handle, and it doesn’t keep score of the sins of others. Because Father loves me so much He gave His Son as a sacrifice, and He fills me with that immense love, I am able to stop and think before I open my mouth. I am able to look at people through His eyes, and not react in an unholy way. Instead, His love that seeps through my pores and dictates my every word and action offers grace and forgiveness.
His love doesn’t revel when others grovel, and it takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. I, as a daughter of the King bearing His love and showing it to others, do not rejoice in unrighteousness, but I rejoice in the truth. This means that I do not sit by quietly when the conversation moves away from what the Lord would be pleased with, but I get up and remove myself from that situation. I do not, as the world encourages, “tolerate” sin but rather label it for what it is. And I rejoice in the Truth, God’s Word. It becomes a delight to me, day and night. Father becomes my alarm clock, waking me up to spend time with Him.
The strength of my Abba Father’s love allows me to put up with anything, TRUST God’s plan for me always, looking for the best, and never looking back to my old life or my old hurts. I trust that His plan for me is good, because He is shaping my life along the same lines as the life of His Son (Romans 8).
His love will NEVER fail me! Sometimes talk, understanding and even prayer will be beyond my reach, but His love will NEVER leave me.
For when I was a child in my Christian walk, only obeying out of duty and obligation, I acted like a child. But now that His love is being perfected in me, the partial disobedience is done away with. When I became an adult in my Christian walk, obeying Father because of my love relationship with Him, He gave me the ability to do away with disobedience.
Before, when I looked in a mirror, I had no idea the extent of His love for me! Now, when I look in my mirror, I see a bit of His holiness shining through me. When I became a Christian, part of this truth was revealed to me. And when I experienced the beginning of His love relationship with me (holiness), more truth was revealed. But when I see Him face to face, and experience His perfect love in person, His truth will be completed in me.
But for today, while I wait for heaven, my love relationship causes me to grow in these areas: trusting steadily in Father, hoping for the day of the Lord to come soon, and loving extravagantly. But the greatest of these is God’s perfect love filling me up and flowing into others.
"Intolerance...is not simply the lack of a sense of solidarity with other people; it is the rejection of others for what they are, for what they do, for what they think and, eventually, simply because they exist." - Edgard Pisani, French politician [secular viewpoint]
"Our idea is that to be a virtuous citizen is to be one who tolerates everything except intolerance." - Leslie Armour, philosophy professor, University of Ottawa [secular viewpoint]
"It is only natural, once a person replaces God's revelation of right and wrong with a custom-made, personalized right and wrong, to put that principle into practice. 'I will be my own god. I will determine what is right and wrong, what is true and false, what is good or evil.' The truth claims and commands of the Bible are considered too narrow by today's definition of tolerance. Christians' belief in a 'God of truth' (Isaiah 65:16) and in 'the Book of Truth' (Daniel 10:21) is intolerable to the proponents of the new tolerance, who consider a belief in absolute truth to be evil and offensive." - Josh McDowell, The New Tolerance: How a Cultural Movement Threatens to Destroy You, Your Faith and Your Children [Biblical viewpoint]
JODY'S VIEWPOINT
It has become too easy for me to dismiss wrong things as something that is "okay for them but not for me." In saying that, I've become tolerant of sin. Jesus commands me to hate what is evil and that includes the sin in my Christian brother or sister's life. Culture has created this premise that equates "who a person is" with "what a person does." This premise goes against everything in the Bible. This premise is what the Pharisees believed and Jesus condemned them for that. If I cannot separate the person from their actions, then I am no better than the Pharisees.
In the growth of my love relationship with Father, I am learning how to do just that. Each day as I ask Father to send someone across my path, those "someones" are people I'm meeting at the local store or gas station... "someones" I might not have had time to notice before but now receive a smile filled with Father's love. Those "someones" are people I might have prejudged previously because of their lifestyle... they do this, therefore they are bad. Psychology calls it "black and white thinking." I am learning how often I fall into this way of thinking. Imagine if Father had used "black and white thinking" on me! I would NOT have been redeemed. Yet, THANKFULLY, He was able to separate "who I am" from "what I've done" and His love and mercy and grace redeemed me through His love journey to the Cross.
As a Christian, I have several paths I could take towards combating this way of thinking, this way of tolerance or intolerance... I can accept both the person and the sin; I can fight against both the person and the sin. In these two ways, I only see a lose-lose situation. In the first, I lose because I am accepting sin; in the second, the person loses because I am against them as a person.
What I am choosing is "a more excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:31, NASB) "And I show you a still more excellent way."
But what follows? What is Paul saying is the "more excellent way" of eliminating black and white thinking, of fighting against tolerating the sin or becoming intolerant of the person? Here is an unfortunate break in Scripture... Paul moves immediately into I Corinthians 13 - "The Excellence of Love" right after he is speaking to the church in Corinth about how some of them have gifts of healing, some are teachers, some work miracles, etc... He says these are all great spiritual gifts but the reality is that we all ought to DESIRE THE GREATER GIFTS! THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY.
LOVE trumps all! Following is my life version of First Corinthians 13.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but don’t have Father’s love filling me to the brim, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all His mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I am not saturated in my Abba Father’s love, I am nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor ad even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I have not shown the evidences of God’s love to others, I’ve gotten nowhere.
So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt if I don’t understand Father’s love for me and accept it for what it is.
His love has never given up on me, and my evidence of His love to others is to never give up on them.
His love cares more for me than for Himself, evidenced by His Son’s sacrifice on the cross; so I should be self-sacrificial as I’m overflowing with His love.
His love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have – except me: in this case, He is jealous for me. Because I have His love, I can learn to be content in all things.
His love doesn’t strut and doesn’t have a swelled head; it doesn’t force itself on others, and isn’t always “me first.” Rather, it is quiet, gentle and waiting. Because I’m saturated in His love, I should only speak when led by Him and boast only in what Father has done in me. By resting gently in His guidance, I will not have to be forceful when I share His love. Others will seek me out on their own, because they see something different in me. As I let Father build a relationship with me, I will naturally put others first in my life. His love through me does not brag and is not arrogant.
His love doesn’t fly off the handle, and it doesn’t keep score of the sins of others. Because Father loves me so much He gave His Son as a sacrifice, and He fills me with that immense love, I am able to stop and think before I open my mouth. I am able to look at people through His eyes, and not react in an unholy way. Instead, His love that seeps through my pores and dictates my every word and action offers grace and forgiveness.
His love doesn’t revel when others grovel, and it takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. I, as a daughter of the King bearing His love and showing it to others, do not rejoice in unrighteousness, but I rejoice in the truth. This means that I do not sit by quietly when the conversation moves away from what the Lord would be pleased with, but I get up and remove myself from that situation. I do not, as the world encourages, “tolerate” sin but rather label it for what it is. And I rejoice in the Truth, God’s Word. It becomes a delight to me, day and night. Father becomes my alarm clock, waking me up to spend time with Him.
The strength of my Abba Father’s love allows me to put up with anything, TRUST God’s plan for me always, looking for the best, and never looking back to my old life or my old hurts. I trust that His plan for me is good, because He is shaping my life along the same lines as the life of His Son (Romans 8).
His love will NEVER fail me! Sometimes talk, understanding and even prayer will be beyond my reach, but His love will NEVER leave me.
For when I was a child in my Christian walk, only obeying out of duty and obligation, I acted like a child. But now that His love is being perfected in me, the partial disobedience is done away with. When I became an adult in my Christian walk, obeying Father because of my love relationship with Him, He gave me the ability to do away with disobedience.
Before, when I looked in a mirror, I had no idea the extent of His love for me! Now, when I look in my mirror, I see a bit of His holiness shining through me. When I became a Christian, part of this truth was revealed to me. And when I experienced the beginning of His love relationship with me (holiness), more truth was revealed. But when I see Him face to face, and experience His perfect love in person, His truth will be completed in me.
But for today, while I wait for heaven, my love relationship causes me to grow in these areas: trusting steadily in Father, hoping for the day of the Lord to come soon, and loving extravagantly. But the greatest of these is God’s perfect love filling me up and flowing into others.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
DISILLUSIONED WITH GOD?
I have had some recent conversations with awesome Christian friends who tell me they are struggling to trust Father. In days previous to learning the extent of Father’s love, I might have gasped, grabbed them by the hand, and said, “I’ll pray for you!” I know I used to think not being able to trust God was an indicator of my rapidly failing spiritual life. Now my response is, “Awesome! I’m glad you are growing in your spiritual walk!”
There are many times in our spiritual walks where it seems our Abba Father has failed us. It is easy to trust Him when circumstances are pleasant, life seems to be moving along smoothly and there are no crises looming on the horizon. But what do we do when everything blows up in our faces: a loved one is lost to cancer, the car breaks down and the bill is $1,000, or an earthquake in a foreign country decimates the capital city’s population?
Let’s imagine for a moment that your roof on your home is leaking. You’ve asked two companies to give you bids for a new roof. The first company comes out and after taking a look at the roof, gives you an estimate of $11,000 to replace the roof. This bid is right in line with what you have researched. The second company comes out and after looking at the roof, gives you a bid of $500. When you ask them why the cost is so much lower than the first company, they inform you that the entire roof does not need to be replaced. They found the spot where it is leaking and determined that a very good repair of that location would only cost $500. Who would you trust more?
One act of integrity can secure a working relationship forever, and Father demonstrated His one act of integrity in the cross. By taking our sin into Himself and destroying it, at the cost of His Son, He demonstrated His love for us. His one act of integrity is a constant source where we can place our trust.
Hearing this and putting it into action are two different things entirely. It is difficult learning to trust when others have hurt us. Father knows this and His love during this growth process grows with every step we take.
Here’s a concept I had not heard put quite so succinctly. Wayne Jacobsen states: “When Jesus asked people to “repent and believe” the gospel, He was not asking them to be sorry for their sins and embrace an orthodox theology. He was asking them to forfeit their own agenda and embrace His. That’s the invitation to the kingdom. It is not whether we want to go to heaven or hell, but whether we want to trust God or continue trusting ourselves.”
Matthew 5:3 (The Message) states, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”
My friends are growing in their spiritual walk. The realization that they have a difficult time placing their trust in Father is much better than the complacency I used to live in… under the illusion that I was in control of things or that I was trusting Him completely. Learning to live in the confidence of Father’s love in the midst of my life falling apart is the most difficult thing I have ever begun, but it gets easier.
Four things I’m learning on my God Journey:
1. This God Journey I’m on will be a lifetime of learning more about Father's love for me and trusting Him and His love, in good times AND bad.
2. Even in the disillusionment He is perfecting me more into the image of His Son.
3. Father gains joy in the process of taking me, disillusioned in Him, into learning how to live as His beloved daughter.
4. I can choose to cooperate with Him and embrace His process.
Footnote: The author uses the concepts in He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection, Chapter 19 to make some points in this blog.
There are many times in our spiritual walks where it seems our Abba Father has failed us. It is easy to trust Him when circumstances are pleasant, life seems to be moving along smoothly and there are no crises looming on the horizon. But what do we do when everything blows up in our faces: a loved one is lost to cancer, the car breaks down and the bill is $1,000, or an earthquake in a foreign country decimates the capital city’s population?
Let’s imagine for a moment that your roof on your home is leaking. You’ve asked two companies to give you bids for a new roof. The first company comes out and after taking a look at the roof, gives you an estimate of $11,000 to replace the roof. This bid is right in line with what you have researched. The second company comes out and after looking at the roof, gives you a bid of $500. When you ask them why the cost is so much lower than the first company, they inform you that the entire roof does not need to be replaced. They found the spot where it is leaking and determined that a very good repair of that location would only cost $500. Who would you trust more?
One act of integrity can secure a working relationship forever, and Father demonstrated His one act of integrity in the cross. By taking our sin into Himself and destroying it, at the cost of His Son, He demonstrated His love for us. His one act of integrity is a constant source where we can place our trust.
Hearing this and putting it into action are two different things entirely. It is difficult learning to trust when others have hurt us. Father knows this and His love during this growth process grows with every step we take.
Here’s a concept I had not heard put quite so succinctly. Wayne Jacobsen states: “When Jesus asked people to “repent and believe” the gospel, He was not asking them to be sorry for their sins and embrace an orthodox theology. He was asking them to forfeit their own agenda and embrace His. That’s the invitation to the kingdom. It is not whether we want to go to heaven or hell, but whether we want to trust God or continue trusting ourselves.”
Matthew 5:3 (The Message) states, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”
My friends are growing in their spiritual walk. The realization that they have a difficult time placing their trust in Father is much better than the complacency I used to live in… under the illusion that I was in control of things or that I was trusting Him completely. Learning to live in the confidence of Father’s love in the midst of my life falling apart is the most difficult thing I have ever begun, but it gets easier.
Four things I’m learning on my God Journey:
1. This God Journey I’m on will be a lifetime of learning more about Father's love for me and trusting Him and His love, in good times AND bad.
2. Even in the disillusionment He is perfecting me more into the image of His Son.
3. Father gains joy in the process of taking me, disillusioned in Him, into learning how to live as His beloved daughter.
4. I can choose to cooperate with Him and embrace His process.
Footnote: The author uses the concepts in He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection, Chapter 19 to make some points in this blog.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Compassion is a Lifestyle
Today after church my son Ian came into the office. His lips were quivering and he was obviously on the verge of huge crocodile tears. I was surprised as I had no idea what he was upset about. He came to me and, starting to cry, handed me some change. He said, "Mom, I want to give this for those kids in Haiti" and burst into tears. I asked him why he was crying and his response reduced me to tears. He said... "Because that's all I have to give."
I'm reminded of Jesus pointing out the widow who gave two mites and how He said she was blessed because of her sacrificial giving. Ian gave up his last twenty-four cents and that meant a lot, especially since he has been wanting to buy a game for his game boy advance that he purchased from his savings.
Mike and I loved on him and affirmed his heart of giving. Mike told Ian how Jesus multiplied the little boy's bread and fish in order to feed 5,000 people. Suddenly, I remembered something! Before Christmas, we were gifted with a $25 gift card to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Mike and I committed to sitting down with the kids and finding a project we wanted to gift with that $25. Soon after that commitment we were gifted with $75 more in NCM gift cards.
Christmas season came and went and those gift cards were still in our desk drawer. Today, in each of our boys' names, $25 was given to NCM for the Caribbean Disaster Relief (ACM1204) at www.ncm.org.
Today Ian witnessed God's love and miracle of multiplying his twenty-four cents by 416 times to $25! I'm excited to learn how much further that .24 will be multiplied... God has plans for Ian and his sensitive heart. I am so thankful he listened to God's voice guiding him in this giving.
If you feel God is asking you to give, there are many avenues for giving open to you. The Red Cross, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and many more organizations are available and needing the funds you can provide.
I don't want this to be a "fundraising" post in my blog. What I want to emphasize here is the sensitivity our hearts are created with to hear Father's voice prompting us to step out of our comfort zone. I pray that my kids will always listen for their Father's voice to lead them through each day. And I pray that you will hear Father's voice, calling to you... calling to the ones He loves. If you want to listen to this song, scroll to the bottom of my blog for a video...and think on this...the chorus could be reversed. Imagine Father singing over you, "I am running, running after you. You've become my soul's delight."
“I hear the voice
It’s the voice of the One I love
He’s calling my name
I hear the voice
The voice of the One I love,
He's calling my name
He's saying…
Come up higher
I hear the angels sing
Come up higher, my beloved
Come up higher and leave this world behind
I find you to be beautiful
I am running, running after You
You've become my soul’s delight
I am running, running after You
Here with You I find my life.”
I'm reminded of Jesus pointing out the widow who gave two mites and how He said she was blessed because of her sacrificial giving. Ian gave up his last twenty-four cents and that meant a lot, especially since he has been wanting to buy a game for his game boy advance that he purchased from his savings.
Mike and I loved on him and affirmed his heart of giving. Mike told Ian how Jesus multiplied the little boy's bread and fish in order to feed 5,000 people. Suddenly, I remembered something! Before Christmas, we were gifted with a $25 gift card to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Mike and I committed to sitting down with the kids and finding a project we wanted to gift with that $25. Soon after that commitment we were gifted with $75 more in NCM gift cards.
Christmas season came and went and those gift cards were still in our desk drawer. Today, in each of our boys' names, $25 was given to NCM for the Caribbean Disaster Relief (ACM1204) at www.ncm.org.
Today Ian witnessed God's love and miracle of multiplying his twenty-four cents by 416 times to $25! I'm excited to learn how much further that .24 will be multiplied... God has plans for Ian and his sensitive heart. I am so thankful he listened to God's voice guiding him in this giving.
If you feel God is asking you to give, there are many avenues for giving open to you. The Red Cross, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and many more organizations are available and needing the funds you can provide.
I don't want this to be a "fundraising" post in my blog. What I want to emphasize here is the sensitivity our hearts are created with to hear Father's voice prompting us to step out of our comfort zone. I pray that my kids will always listen for their Father's voice to lead them through each day. And I pray that you will hear Father's voice, calling to you... calling to the ones He loves. If you want to listen to this song, scroll to the bottom of my blog for a video...and think on this...the chorus could be reversed. Imagine Father singing over you, "I am running, running after you. You've become my soul's delight."
“I hear the voice
It’s the voice of the One I love
He’s calling my name
I hear the voice
The voice of the One I love,
He's calling my name
He's saying…
Come up higher
I hear the angels sing
Come up higher, my beloved
Come up higher and leave this world behind
I find you to be beautiful
I am running, running after You
You've become my soul’s delight
I am running, running after You
Here with You I find my life.”
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Did you know?
It is amazing what I learn from the Word when I'm reading it with the intensity of learning more about Father's love for me!
To set the scene, Abraham was promised a son but Sarah got impatient and gave her servant Hagar to Abraham as a concubine. Hagar had a son and named him Ishmael. Ishmael was in his late teens when Isaac was born to Sarah and Hagar. The Bible says that Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac and she turned against Hagar. Abraham gave Hagar some bread and one skin of water and sent her off into the wilderness of Beersheba."
Okay, that much I'm assuming most of you know. And I'm sure you are aware that Hagar and Ishmael almost died in the wilderness, but God provided a well for them.
I'm not sure why, but my understanding always was that once Ishmael and Hagar were sent away, their relationship with Abraham, Sarah and Isaac came to a complete end.
BUT I learned something NEW this week while working through Genesis in my daily Bible reading. Genesis 25 discusses the death of Abraham. Verse 8 and 9: "Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. Then his sons ISAAC AND ISHMAEL (emphasis mine) buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre.
It sounds to me, from this Scripture reference and a couple of others, that Isaac had contact with his brother Ishmael. In any family, it would seem that if a son were exiled he would not be allowed at the funeral. So my best guess is that the relationship was somewhat amicable. Amazing what I can find when I dig into the Word! Are you digging into the Word?
To set the scene, Abraham was promised a son but Sarah got impatient and gave her servant Hagar to Abraham as a concubine. Hagar had a son and named him Ishmael. Ishmael was in his late teens when Isaac was born to Sarah and Hagar. The Bible says that Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac and she turned against Hagar. Abraham gave Hagar some bread and one skin of water and sent her off into the wilderness of Beersheba."
Okay, that much I'm assuming most of you know. And I'm sure you are aware that Hagar and Ishmael almost died in the wilderness, but God provided a well for them.
I'm not sure why, but my understanding always was that once Ishmael and Hagar were sent away, their relationship with Abraham, Sarah and Isaac came to a complete end.
BUT I learned something NEW this week while working through Genesis in my daily Bible reading. Genesis 25 discusses the death of Abraham. Verse 8 and 9: "Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. Then his sons ISAAC AND ISHMAEL (emphasis mine) buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre.
It sounds to me, from this Scripture reference and a couple of others, that Isaac had contact with his brother Ishmael. In any family, it would seem that if a son were exiled he would not be allowed at the funeral. So my best guess is that the relationship was somewhat amicable. Amazing what I can find when I dig into the Word! Are you digging into the Word?
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Day I Lived "Less Loved"
From a journal entry on Sunday, 1-3-2010:
I felt sick today and decided to stay home from church. I really felt God drawing me to some audio recordings by Wayne Jacobsen (http://www.lifestream.org/audio-library.php), so I’ve listened to a couple of them. During my listening, Father has gently brought me back into living loved. Wayne is right when he says in his book (chapter 17, He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection) that we can’t make the choice to live loved once for a lifetime.
This choice is made every day in every circumstance in which I find myself. Do I trust that Father loves me even in this, or will I fall back on my own wisdoms and desires? What a question!
I’ve been struggling with this illness all week, but decided I would ride it out without seeing a doctor because we didn’t have the finances to pay for one. Yesterday, Mike insisted I go to the Take Care clinic at Wal-greens. In fact, his words to me were: “Let me love you by taking you there and taking care of you.” That could very well have been the Father’s words to me through Mike.
But on that day, I relapsed into my own wisdom and desires. I didn’t relax into Father’s love, through Mike. Rather, at first I refused to go. Then I began to look for ways to pay the bill, even after Father through Mike said not to worry about it.
With resentment, worry, and anger I tromped into Walgreens. Eighty-two dollars, a diagnosis of NOT STREP, and a wasted thirty minutes later, I tromped back out with resentment still riding my back. Because of my refusal to live loved yesterday, I hurt myself and I hurt others.
I missed the chance to live loved by my husband, who was living loved by Father and loving me. I missed the chance to live loved by Father when I was told I didn’t have strep. I missed too the chance to live loved by Father when the clerk told us we would be billed for services rendered.
Father in every way was loving me and I completely missed it! I made the choice on this day and in this circumstance to live less loved.
“Father, I know there is nothing I can do to cause you to love me more…or less. I failed the challenge of life in Your kingdom to lived loved, trusting that Your eye is on me. Since I do know you as my Abba Father, I know we can start new today, and I’m loved no less for my failures from yesterday. Father, today would you show me your love? Would you show me today how you are building a relationship with me? Help me to relax into your love.”
Matthew 6:32-34 (The Message): “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concern will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
I felt sick today and decided to stay home from church. I really felt God drawing me to some audio recordings by Wayne Jacobsen (http://www.lifestream.org/audio-library.php), so I’ve listened to a couple of them. During my listening, Father has gently brought me back into living loved. Wayne is right when he says in his book (chapter 17, He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection) that we can’t make the choice to live loved once for a lifetime.
This choice is made every day in every circumstance in which I find myself. Do I trust that Father loves me even in this, or will I fall back on my own wisdoms and desires? What a question!
I’ve been struggling with this illness all week, but decided I would ride it out without seeing a doctor because we didn’t have the finances to pay for one. Yesterday, Mike insisted I go to the Take Care clinic at Wal-greens. In fact, his words to me were: “Let me love you by taking you there and taking care of you.” That could very well have been the Father’s words to me through Mike.
But on that day, I relapsed into my own wisdom and desires. I didn’t relax into Father’s love, through Mike. Rather, at first I refused to go. Then I began to look for ways to pay the bill, even after Father through Mike said not to worry about it.
With resentment, worry, and anger I tromped into Walgreens. Eighty-two dollars, a diagnosis of NOT STREP, and a wasted thirty minutes later, I tromped back out with resentment still riding my back. Because of my refusal to live loved yesterday, I hurt myself and I hurt others.
I missed the chance to live loved by my husband, who was living loved by Father and loving me. I missed the chance to live loved by Father when I was told I didn’t have strep. I missed too the chance to live loved by Father when the clerk told us we would be billed for services rendered.
Father in every way was loving me and I completely missed it! I made the choice on this day and in this circumstance to live less loved.
“Father, I know there is nothing I can do to cause you to love me more…or less. I failed the challenge of life in Your kingdom to lived loved, trusting that Your eye is on me. Since I do know you as my Abba Father, I know we can start new today, and I’m loved no less for my failures from yesterday. Father, today would you show me your love? Would you show me today how you are building a relationship with me? Help me to relax into your love.”
Matthew 6:32-34 (The Message): “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concern will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
Monday, January 11, 2010
More Than You Can Imagine!
Today, KLOVE's encouraging word was from Ephesians 3:20 (NLT): "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
I've been listening to Wayne Jacobsen's podcasts called "The God Journey" (found here: http://thegodjourney.com/) and they have been awesome. In one podcast, Wayne and Brad Cummings were discussing what life held for them that day. Wayne said that he wakes up each day and asks, "Father, lead me to the person you would like for me to meet today" and "Show me Father what you have for me today."
The discussion progressed and one of them mentioned something I had not considered before. When we gather around us our expectations of that day, we can seriously undermine God's perfect plan for us. Our expectations of how a situation might go or how we might meet a certain person are so puny compared to God's all-knowing, all-powerful plan. When we force our expectations on the day, person or event, we limit God's power in our lives.
I think this Scripture encompasses that line of thought... There is NO WAY I could have asked, thought of, or even imagined what God has done in my life these past 9 months! His work in me has accomplished infinitely MORE than I would have ever dreamed; and all glory MUST go to Him for His work in my life!
I know this blog has been sporadic, but I am hoping to change that. As my Word time has solidified and become a habit, my new goal for this year is to make this blog a habit. I want others to see Father's love for me, in me and through me and to desire that love for themselves. I would encourage you to read the book He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father's Affection by Wayne Jacobsen.
Saturated in His Love,
Jody
I've been listening to Wayne Jacobsen's podcasts called "The God Journey" (found here: http://thegodjourney.com/) and they have been awesome. In one podcast, Wayne and Brad Cummings were discussing what life held for them that day. Wayne said that he wakes up each day and asks, "Father, lead me to the person you would like for me to meet today" and "Show me Father what you have for me today."
The discussion progressed and one of them mentioned something I had not considered before. When we gather around us our expectations of that day, we can seriously undermine God's perfect plan for us. Our expectations of how a situation might go or how we might meet a certain person are so puny compared to God's all-knowing, all-powerful plan. When we force our expectations on the day, person or event, we limit God's power in our lives.
I think this Scripture encompasses that line of thought... There is NO WAY I could have asked, thought of, or even imagined what God has done in my life these past 9 months! His work in me has accomplished infinitely MORE than I would have ever dreamed; and all glory MUST go to Him for His work in my life!
I know this blog has been sporadic, but I am hoping to change that. As my Word time has solidified and become a habit, my new goal for this year is to make this blog a habit. I want others to see Father's love for me, in me and through me and to desire that love for themselves. I would encourage you to read the book He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father's Affection by Wayne Jacobsen.
Saturated in His Love,
Jody
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