"Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on His throne." Revelation 3:21
I believe that praise and prayer develop us for what we will do when we arrive in heaven. What's your picture of what you'll be doing there - sitting on a cloud? Polishing your halo? Playing your harp? That's not what you're going to be doing. You're going to be involved in the ongoing process of coreigning with God.
By Max Lucado, taking from "Walking with the Savior"
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Self-Image in the Image of God
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
God created man - male and female - in HIs own image. What an awesome reality that is. There I am in the first chapter of the Bible - a woman - distinguished from animals, distinguished from my male counterpart, and literally created in the image of God. Certainly womanhood was no afterthought with God, and it was through the creation of both male and female that God has offered his fullest self-revelation.
If somehow in our imagination we are able to recreate all the qualities of perfect man and perfect woman in one being, we have, perhaps, a faint hint of who God really is. And, as we reflect on who God is, we see a picture of the image we carry in ourselves individually.
Unfortunately, that image of god often bears virtually no resemblance to our own self-image. The reason for that, according to many Christian counselors, is because many of us suffer from a low self-image. but how can our elf-image be low when we contemplate the image of god in which we were created? Personally, I find that my self-esteem is lowest when I am least reflecting the image of God. Indeed, my self-esteem has very little to do with the ego-boosting gratification that comes with awards, promotions, bonuses, and new clothes. These are the temporary "uppers" of the "me-generation," but they are not what builds a healthy self-image.
I feel best about myself, not when I read a flattering review of one of my books or when I am wearing a new outfit, but when I have selflessly reached out to someone in need and given with no thought of reward - or of self. It is only when my self is submerged that God's image begins to shine forth. Then I have a healthy self-image that truly reflects God's image.
By Ruth A Tucker, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
God created man - male and female - in HIs own image. What an awesome reality that is. There I am in the first chapter of the Bible - a woman - distinguished from animals, distinguished from my male counterpart, and literally created in the image of God. Certainly womanhood was no afterthought with God, and it was through the creation of both male and female that God has offered his fullest self-revelation.
If somehow in our imagination we are able to recreate all the qualities of perfect man and perfect woman in one being, we have, perhaps, a faint hint of who God really is. And, as we reflect on who God is, we see a picture of the image we carry in ourselves individually.
Unfortunately, that image of god often bears virtually no resemblance to our own self-image. The reason for that, according to many Christian counselors, is because many of us suffer from a low self-image. but how can our elf-image be low when we contemplate the image of god in which we were created? Personally, I find that my self-esteem is lowest when I am least reflecting the image of God. Indeed, my self-esteem has very little to do with the ego-boosting gratification that comes with awards, promotions, bonuses, and new clothes. These are the temporary "uppers" of the "me-generation," but they are not what builds a healthy self-image.
I feel best about myself, not when I read a flattering review of one of my books or when I am wearing a new outfit, but when I have selflessly reached out to someone in need and given with no thought of reward - or of self. It is only when my self is submerged that God's image begins to shine forth. Then I have a healthy self-image that truly reflects God's image.
By Ruth A Tucker, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ready for the battle field
"Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off." I Kings 20:11
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The "Secret of the Lord"
"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant." Psalm 25:14
What is the "secret of the Lord?"
As in all the Christian life, there is a "secret" on both sides. This is true because there are two wonderfully balanced sides to reckon with in all things pertaining to victorious living.
There is God's side.
And there is our side.
As we share our "red stone" verses, we look at God's side. We gaze in awe at His love, His unending mercy, His longsuffering which is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And we looked deeper to see that this life which is God's has come to dwell within our lives if we have received Him there by faith.
God's side then is to be Himself in us.
Our side is to let Him be Himself in us.
Perhaps we could say that the "secret" on God's side is the very fact of His presence within us. Giving us all we ever need for every minute of our lives.
Then could we say, as we look into this "blue stone" verse above, that from our side, "the secret of the Lord" is obedience? The word "fear" here implies trust to me. Trust enough in His character to obey when he speaks.
Those who have tried the obedient life, know that it is true that " . . . He will show them His covenant." It is a lovely secret between you and God. In another delightful aspect, it is -
. . . Your life . . . hid with Christ in God.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
What is the "secret of the Lord?"
As in all the Christian life, there is a "secret" on both sides. This is true because there are two wonderfully balanced sides to reckon with in all things pertaining to victorious living.
There is God's side.
And there is our side.
As we share our "red stone" verses, we look at God's side. We gaze in awe at His love, His unending mercy, His longsuffering which is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And we looked deeper to see that this life which is God's has come to dwell within our lives if we have received Him there by faith.
God's side then is to be Himself in us.
Our side is to let Him be Himself in us.
Perhaps we could say that the "secret" on God's side is the very fact of His presence within us. Giving us all we ever need for every minute of our lives.
Then could we say, as we look into this "blue stone" verse above, that from our side, "the secret of the Lord" is obedience? The word "fear" here implies trust to me. Trust enough in His character to obey when he speaks.
Those who have tried the obedient life, know that it is true that " . . . He will show them His covenant." It is a lovely secret between you and God. In another delightful aspect, it is -
. . . Your life . . . hid with Christ in God.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
Monday, February 25, 2008
Purging
This morning I'm still in the beginning part of the story of Moses. Moses is still in the midsts of God getting his instructions and balking at what God is asking him to do. At one point God asks Moses to throw his staff down and it becomes a snake. He instructs Moses to pick it up and it becomes a staff again. Then He instructs Moses to put his hand into his cloak. When it comes out it is diseased like leprosy. He tells Moses to put his diseased hand back into his cloak and when he pulls it out it's clean and normal. My notes say, "The sign of leprosy. Inside his cloak, Moses' hand covered his heart. The heart stands for what we are, the hand for what we do. What we are, that ultimately we do. It is a sign of Luke 6:43-45. The two sings, staff and hand, speak of preparations for service: 1) consecration - our capacity taken up for God; 2) the hand that holds the staff of God's power must be a cleansed hand swayed by a new heart. "Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord." Isaiah 52:11"
This year has taught me many things and what I've learned is that I need to purge myself of the unclean things in my life. Those things have been causing me to be who I'm not. It started out with being unwilling to forgive. How easy it is to fall when you allow yourself to be taken over by that one thing. One thing led to another which led to many. Allowing those things to reign in my life has major eternal consequences that I wasn't thinking about when I first chose to not forgive in my anger. And rendered me unfit to serve God.
Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation . . . . " I knew in my heart what I was doing was wrong and yet, I wouldn't give it up.
When tempted:
Forget the slander you have heard,
Forget the hasty, unkind word;
Forget the quarrel and the cause,
Forget the whole affair, because,
Forgetting is the only way.
Forget the storm of yesterday.
Forget the chap whose sour face
Forgets to smile in any place.
forgets that you're not a millionaire,
Forget the gray streaks in your hair.
Forget the coffee when it's cold.
Forget to kick, forget to scold,
Forget the plumber's awful charge,
Forget the doctor's bill is large;
Forget the repair man and his ways,
Forget the winter's blustery days.
Forget the neighbor's wagging tongue.
BUT DON'T
Forget God when day is done.
- Author Unknown
I pray that my heart may be cleaned in order to serve the Lord as He has planned. May I dwell in His temple and live for Him! "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." (Psalm 27:4) because it's "the place where your (God's) glory dwells." (Psalm 26:8b).
Krista Jones
1.29.08
This year has taught me many things and what I've learned is that I need to purge myself of the unclean things in my life. Those things have been causing me to be who I'm not. It started out with being unwilling to forgive. How easy it is to fall when you allow yourself to be taken over by that one thing. One thing led to another which led to many. Allowing those things to reign in my life has major eternal consequences that I wasn't thinking about when I first chose to not forgive in my anger. And rendered me unfit to serve God.
Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation . . . . " I knew in my heart what I was doing was wrong and yet, I wouldn't give it up.
When tempted:
Forget the slander you have heard,
Forget the hasty, unkind word;
Forget the quarrel and the cause,
Forget the whole affair, because,
Forgetting is the only way.
Forget the storm of yesterday.
Forget the chap whose sour face
Forgets to smile in any place.
forgets that you're not a millionaire,
Forget the gray streaks in your hair.
Forget the coffee when it's cold.
Forget to kick, forget to scold,
Forget the plumber's awful charge,
Forget the doctor's bill is large;
Forget the repair man and his ways,
Forget the winter's blustery days.
Forget the neighbor's wagging tongue.
BUT DON'T
Forget God when day is done.
- Author Unknown
I pray that my heart may be cleaned in order to serve the Lord as He has planned. May I dwell in His temple and live for Him! "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." (Psalm 27:4) because it's "the place where your (God's) glory dwells." (Psalm 26:8b).
Krista Jones
1.29.08
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Mouth Confession; Heart Belief
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).
There must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way! Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen LORD Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in Him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens: "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead it before the LORD God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the Day of Judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it -- "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved. I am saved. Glory be to God forever and ever!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
There must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way! Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen LORD Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in Him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens: "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead it before the LORD God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the Day of Judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it -- "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved. I am saved. Glory be to God forever and ever!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Made for Heaven
"My kingdom does not belong to this world." John 18:36
Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. To be content in a strange land . . .
We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are "like foreigners and strangers in this world" (I Peter 2:11) . . .
And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.
Taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. To be content in a strange land . . .
We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are "like foreigners and strangers in this world" (I Peter 2:11) . . .
And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.
Taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
He will teach and instruct you
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
If deep searching of these "blue stone" verses is to deepen our faith, read this one at least five or six times and read it slowly and confidently. Hear God say it to you. Each time you read it, you will be strengthened in the depths of your being.
This is God speaking to us.
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
Each one of us in each one of our sometimes confused "ways"? Yes. Each one of us can claim this amazing promise from the One who cannot lie!
God will instruct us. god will teach us. He will guide us with His own eye in the way He knows is the very best way for each one of us to go. This is too high for me. I cannot grasp it, but I can somehow understand it with my heart when I am willing to follow Him. When I am willing not only to know that He will guide me, but when I am willing to be guided. When I am willing to "be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. . ."
As I obey, I understand.
And the more I learn of the very character of Jesus Christ, the more I am willing to obey.
God has not only promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go, he became the way in Jesus Christ. Oneness with Christ will keep me on the way. He is the way. When I am one with Him, I am already there.
. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
If deep searching of these "blue stone" verses is to deepen our faith, read this one at least five or six times and read it slowly and confidently. Hear God say it to you. Each time you read it, you will be strengthened in the depths of your being.
This is God speaking to us.
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
Each one of us in each one of our sometimes confused "ways"? Yes. Each one of us can claim this amazing promise from the One who cannot lie!
God will instruct us. god will teach us. He will guide us with His own eye in the way He knows is the very best way for each one of us to go. This is too high for me. I cannot grasp it, but I can somehow understand it with my heart when I am willing to follow Him. When I am willing not only to know that He will guide me, but when I am willing to be guided. When I am willing to "be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. . ."
As I obey, I understand.
And the more I learn of the very character of Jesus Christ, the more I am willing to obey.
God has not only promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go, he became the way in Jesus Christ. Oneness with Christ will keep me on the way. He is the way. When I am one with Him, I am already there.
. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
Monday, February 18, 2008
Listen to the Burning Bush
This morning I began reading about one of my favorite Bible Characters - Moses. Ah, Moses, how I relate to him! He's wasn't like Abraham who set out into an unknown land because God called him to do so. Moses questioned God. His, "Suppose I go and . . . ." I'm an "and" kind of person. God calls me to something and I say "But", "What if", "and" because I can't see into the future and it frightens me. Therefore I have to question God's judgement as to what He thinks He's doing. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."
Like Moses, we are being called by God to serve Him in any way He asks. I find it interesting that that Moses' name means, "draw out" because he was literally drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter. God protected Moses so he could save the Israelites. But would Moses have done what God had chosen for him to do had he not been "drawn out" of the life of luxury? It took a trial in his life to start in motion God's plans. God used this trial, the killing of the Egyptian, to bring Moses to where he needed to be which was before the burning bush. I often think of the trials I've been through and how God used those times for His glory and to call me out of a life that was comfortable to finally seek the Lord with all my heart. What would have happened if I had not going through those things? Would I be who I am? Would I be ready to do what the Lord is calling me to do? The Scotch preacher, George Matheson said, "There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain." God will bring about His glory within the pain/trial you're going through. You have two choices: Either turn away from Him and wallow in your pain and suffering. Or turn to Him and allow Him to grow you through it. Strengthening you for His service. And when that old burning bush comes knocking at your door, answer it and say with a willing heart, "Yes Lord!" Then take Prov. 3:5-6 to heart and trust in the direction the Lord is leading you to go.
I also enjoyed a tid-bit from last night. It comes from a well known passage that again, I've glossed over and have even memorized. Ps. 23:2 says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leas me beside quiet waters." It was the "quiet waters" that caught my attention. I remember hiking around Mt. Rainier with Eric the first year we were married. We came across a green pasture after hiking up a long way, across a glacier and descending back down towards Paradise Lodge. Within this green pasture was a stream. It's this stream that I think of when I read this verse. It wasn't a raging river but a gentle stream. A place where we could sit and rest. A place to soak up all of God's glory as we sat at the base of a magnificent mountain. God was there! "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water." Rev. 7:17. If we're going through a difficult time, let's remember that God is with us. To turn to Him and sit beside the quiet waters and drink of the springs of living water.
Krista Jones
1.18.08
Like Moses, we are being called by God to serve Him in any way He asks. I find it interesting that that Moses' name means, "draw out" because he was literally drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter. God protected Moses so he could save the Israelites. But would Moses have done what God had chosen for him to do had he not been "drawn out" of the life of luxury? It took a trial in his life to start in motion God's plans. God used this trial, the killing of the Egyptian, to bring Moses to where he needed to be which was before the burning bush. I often think of the trials I've been through and how God used those times for His glory and to call me out of a life that was comfortable to finally seek the Lord with all my heart. What would have happened if I had not going through those things? Would I be who I am? Would I be ready to do what the Lord is calling me to do? The Scotch preacher, George Matheson said, "There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain." God will bring about His glory within the pain/trial you're going through. You have two choices: Either turn away from Him and wallow in your pain and suffering. Or turn to Him and allow Him to grow you through it. Strengthening you for His service. And when that old burning bush comes knocking at your door, answer it and say with a willing heart, "Yes Lord!" Then take Prov. 3:5-6 to heart and trust in the direction the Lord is leading you to go.
I also enjoyed a tid-bit from last night. It comes from a well known passage that again, I've glossed over and have even memorized. Ps. 23:2 says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leas me beside quiet waters." It was the "quiet waters" that caught my attention. I remember hiking around Mt. Rainier with Eric the first year we were married. We came across a green pasture after hiking up a long way, across a glacier and descending back down towards Paradise Lodge. Within this green pasture was a stream. It's this stream that I think of when I read this verse. It wasn't a raging river but a gentle stream. A place where we could sit and rest. A place to soak up all of God's glory as we sat at the base of a magnificent mountain. God was there! "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water." Rev. 7:17. If we're going through a difficult time, let's remember that God is with us. To turn to Him and sit beside the quiet waters and drink of the springs of living water.
Krista Jones
1.18.08
Saturday, February 16, 2008
How do we approach Him?
"I love the Lord, because He listens to my prayers for help. He paid attention to me, so I will call to Him for help as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2
God is an exalted friend, a holy Father, and an elevated King. How do we approach Him - as King, as father, or as friend? The answer is: yes!
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
God is an exalted friend, a holy Father, and an elevated King. How do we approach Him - as King, as father, or as friend? The answer is: yes!
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Friday, February 15, 2008
What is a Saint?
. . . called to be saints: . . . (Romans 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2)
Why were the Saints, Saints?
It is quite simple.
Because they were "Cheerful" when it was difficult to be Cheerful.
Because they were "Patient" when it was difficult to be Patient.
Because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still.
Because they kept silent when they wanted to talk.
Because they were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable.
That was all! - Selected.
What is a Saint?
A Jewel in disguise
A Prince in peasant's garbs.
An immortal Life in dying flesh.
An Ambassador of the King Eternal, detained on foreign soil.
A Monarch at the foot of the throne, waiting for his crown.
A Royal Slave in a prison of clay, preparing for a mansion.
A Traveler on a rocky road, bound for the streets of gold.
A Watchman on the midnight hills, to greet the everlasting Day.
A Diamond in the rough, being polished to shine as the stars.
A Nugget of gold in the crucible, to be refined from its dross.
A Pearl in the oyster, to be delivered from the body of flesh.
A Lamp in a dark, dark night, soon to blaze forth with everlasting light.
A Stranger in the midst of enemies, hurrying on to live in everlasting fellowship.
A Flower in a garden, soon to unfold its petals where the Rose of Sharon blooms.
- Unknown
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
Why were the Saints, Saints?
It is quite simple.
Because they were "Cheerful" when it was difficult to be Cheerful.
Because they were "Patient" when it was difficult to be Patient.
Because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still.
Because they kept silent when they wanted to talk.
Because they were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable.
That was all! - Selected.
What is a Saint?
A Jewel in disguise
A Prince in peasant's garbs.
An immortal Life in dying flesh.
An Ambassador of the King Eternal, detained on foreign soil.
A Monarch at the foot of the throne, waiting for his crown.
A Royal Slave in a prison of clay, preparing for a mansion.
A Traveler on a rocky road, bound for the streets of gold.
A Watchman on the midnight hills, to greet the everlasting Day.
A Diamond in the rough, being polished to shine as the stars.
A Nugget of gold in the crucible, to be refined from its dross.
A Pearl in the oyster, to be delivered from the body of flesh.
A Lamp in a dark, dark night, soon to blaze forth with everlasting light.
A Stranger in the midst of enemies, hurrying on to live in everlasting fellowship.
A Flower in a garden, soon to unfold its petals where the Rose of Sharon blooms.
- Unknown
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Amazing Act of Obedience
I have read the story about God calling Abraham to sacrifice his only son several times. Yet, this last time I read it something new jumped out at me.
In Genesis 22 God called Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Being a parent I've always identified with what Abraham was going through. How can he be so willing to sacrifice his only son? Would I be as willing to do the sam with my children? And yet, being the man of faith Abraham was, he obeyed God knowing that God would provide the sacrifice.
This time, I was impacted by Isaac's obedience. We know that this time that he was not a young child but a young man. In Genesis 22:7 He brings up the question I would have been hounding my father about and asked as to where the sacrifice was. Abraham reassured him, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen. 22:8) and continued onward in his preparations. If I placed myself in Isaac's shoes, would I have gone as far as allowing myself to be bound and laid upon the alter? And yet, he was obedient to his father as well as to the God he served. Just like Christ was obedient to death. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Phil. 2:5-8
In the end, we know that God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and provided a ram instead. But I'm still struck by Isaac's obedience as I'm pretty sure I would have gone to the alter kicking and screaming making the whole situation more difficult then it could have been. I've been fighting authority not wanting to obey because I think there's a better way. All the time not learning what the Lord has been trying to teach me. I yearn to be like Isaac and keep on the path God has called me too and not fight the whole way. Sometimes I feel like I just don't get it. That it's taking forever for me to figure it out. I know that learning takes time. F.B. Meyer says, "The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. It begins with the habitual reference of all to Him, hour by hour. It then moves on to more and longer periods of communion; and it finds its consummation and bliss in days and nights of intercession and waiting."
Onward I press on towards the goal, learning to communion daily with my Savior so that my heart beats with the beat of His heart. And thus knowing the blessing of full obedience to the One I serve.
Krista Jones
1.7.08
In Genesis 22 God called Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Being a parent I've always identified with what Abraham was going through. How can he be so willing to sacrifice his only son? Would I be as willing to do the sam with my children? And yet, being the man of faith Abraham was, he obeyed God knowing that God would provide the sacrifice.
This time, I was impacted by Isaac's obedience. We know that this time that he was not a young child but a young man. In Genesis 22:7 He brings up the question I would have been hounding my father about and asked as to where the sacrifice was. Abraham reassured him, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen. 22:8) and continued onward in his preparations. If I placed myself in Isaac's shoes, would I have gone as far as allowing myself to be bound and laid upon the alter? And yet, he was obedient to his father as well as to the God he served. Just like Christ was obedient to death. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Phil. 2:5-8
In the end, we know that God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and provided a ram instead. But I'm still struck by Isaac's obedience as I'm pretty sure I would have gone to the alter kicking and screaming making the whole situation more difficult then it could have been. I've been fighting authority not wanting to obey because I think there's a better way. All the time not learning what the Lord has been trying to teach me. I yearn to be like Isaac and keep on the path God has called me too and not fight the whole way. Sometimes I feel like I just don't get it. That it's taking forever for me to figure it out. I know that learning takes time. F.B. Meyer says, "The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. It begins with the habitual reference of all to Him, hour by hour. It then moves on to more and longer periods of communion; and it finds its consummation and bliss in days and nights of intercession and waiting."
Onward I press on towards the goal, learning to communion daily with my Savior so that my heart beats with the beat of His heart. And thus knowing the blessing of full obedience to the One I serve.
Krista Jones
1.7.08
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tid-Bits
This morning I finished reading the book of Genesis. Jacob passed away and his sons were fearful that Joseph was still holding a grudge and would act upon it now that their father was dead. Again, the message of forgiveness continues to be played into my heart. Joseph responds to his brother's fears in Gen. 50:19-20, "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." There is no hint of a grudge, anger or anything in what Joseph said. His brothers did a horrible thing to him that set off a series of trials Joseph endured. Yet, because Joseph followed a loving God and rose above his trials, God was able to set in motion His plan. I continue to think of I hold grudges and am not willing to forgive. I pray that I may continue to extend grace and forgiveness and one day I can truly respond like Joseph.
Another tid-bit I discovered but have yet to unpack was Ps. 18:19, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." I liked the last part of this verse where it says, "He rescued me because He delighted in me." The Lord delights in His children. He delights in you and me. What great comfort I get from a verse I've glossed over for many years.
And lastly, a tid-bit from my devotional: "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." - Emerson
Krista Jones
1.17.08
Another tid-bit I discovered but have yet to unpack was Ps. 18:19, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." I liked the last part of this verse where it says, "He rescued me because He delighted in me." The Lord delights in His children. He delights in you and me. What great comfort I get from a verse I've glossed over for many years.
And lastly, a tid-bit from my devotional: "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." - Emerson
Krista Jones
1.17.08
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Perfect Simplicity
"The Lord preserveth the simple." Psalm 116:6
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Monday, February 11, 2008
Our High Priest
"Our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When He lived on earth, He was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin." Hebrews 4:15
Read how J. B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15: For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unintelligible - He Himself has shared fully in al our experience of temptation, except He never sinned.
It's as if he knows that we will say to God . . . : "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here." So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording again.
He Himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus Himself.
Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.
In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strains. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.
From "In the Eye of the Storm"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Read how J. B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15: For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unintelligible - He Himself has shared fully in al our experience of temptation, except He never sinned.
It's as if he knows that we will say to God . . . : "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here." So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording again.
He Himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus Himself.
Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.
In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strains. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.
From "In the Eye of the Storm"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, February 08, 2008
The Flawless Words of God
This morning I read about how Jacob moved his whole family to Egypt where he was reunited with his son Joseph. Throughout the book of Genesis, God had moved each person through their trials and wove an intricate web to bring about His plans of preserving His chosen people. Over the weekend one of my studies started out as a word search on "trumpet". I discovered that trumpets were used in the O.T. to call the community together, signal battle, used to warn, used for celebrating, praising and worshiping. In the N.T. it was a sound that went before the Lord and/or announced His return. And it is said in Revelation 4:1 that His voice is like a trumpet, "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said . . . "
That got me to thinking what the voice of the Lord sounded like. My word search on "voice" was cut short as I ran out of time but what I did learn was that His voice was heard in many different ways - like a trumpet blast, fire, wind, thunder and a gentle whisper. I believe He uses any means to speak to us as the situation calls for. Last night in my discipleship reading I came across a great verse I'm sure I glossed over many times. Psalm 12:6, "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like sliver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." Silver becomes more pure the more you refine it which means that the Lord's words being flawless means that they're perfect. As I look up the word flawless I discovered that shield is connected to it in many passages. "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30. Which says the same thing as 2 Samuel 22:31, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." and Psalm 30:5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Throughout the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph I see that God's words have been flawless, perfect in timing and protecting like a shield. These men went through the fire but remained faithful in listening to the words of their one true Father. I pray that we will be still and listen to our Father's voice. To be guided by Him and Him alone. I know it's hard in the word we live in that muddles our brain with noise. Stay in the Word and fine tune your spiritual ears to be able to ignore the useless sounds of our world and be able to listen to the gentle whisper of our Lord.
Krista Jones
1.26.08
That got me to thinking what the voice of the Lord sounded like. My word search on "voice" was cut short as I ran out of time but what I did learn was that His voice was heard in many different ways - like a trumpet blast, fire, wind, thunder and a gentle whisper. I believe He uses any means to speak to us as the situation calls for. Last night in my discipleship reading I came across a great verse I'm sure I glossed over many times. Psalm 12:6, "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like sliver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." Silver becomes more pure the more you refine it which means that the Lord's words being flawless means that they're perfect. As I look up the word flawless I discovered that shield is connected to it in many passages. "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30. Which says the same thing as 2 Samuel 22:31, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." and Psalm 30:5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Throughout the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph I see that God's words have been flawless, perfect in timing and protecting like a shield. These men went through the fire but remained faithful in listening to the words of their one true Father. I pray that we will be still and listen to our Father's voice. To be guided by Him and Him alone. I know it's hard in the word we live in that muddles our brain with noise. Stay in the Word and fine tune your spiritual ears to be able to ignore the useless sounds of our world and be able to listen to the gentle whisper of our Lord.
Krista Jones
1.26.08
Thursday, February 07, 2008
One Act of Kindness
"I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” Psalm 116:10
God, help me in my own small way
To somehow do something each day
To show You that I love You best
And that my faith will stand each test.
Today's Prayer
Today accomplish at least one act of kindness no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
By Helen Steiner Rice
God, help me in my own small way
To somehow do something each day
To show You that I love You best
And that my faith will stand each test.
Today's Prayer
Today accomplish at least one act of kindness no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
By Helen Steiner Rice
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Am I Looking To God?
"Look to Me, and be saved . . ." Isaiah 45:22
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." The greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. "Look to Me . . . ."
Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation— it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, "Look to Me and you are saved," not "You will be saved someday." We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God.
Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. "Look to Me . . . ." Salvation is yours the moment you look.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For High Highest"
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." The greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. "Look to Me . . . ."
Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation— it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, "Look to Me and you are saved," not "You will be saved someday." We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God.
Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. "Look to Me . . . ." Salvation is yours the moment you look.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For High Highest"
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
How long do you have to wait?
How long do we have to wait for the Lord to show us His plans for our lives? Or how long do we have to endure hardships and trials?
As I continue to read through the Bible I have come across the story of Joseph. Joseph was someone who endured many ups and downs. And through it all I am deeply impressed with how patient he was. He was disliked by his brothers who eventually sold him. He was bought as a slave but given a high position in the home where he served. Yet, that good living didn't last long as he was imprisoned because his master's wife lusted after him. While in prison he was again lifted to a high position but it's not to say it was a position of luxury.
I'm thinking, can this guy ever get a break? What is God doing to him? And yet, as the story continues we see that God was in control the whole time. His plans for Joseph to save the Israelites was in place. Had his brother's not sold him or his master's wife not lusted after him, he would not have meet the chief cup bearer in prison. Had the chief cup bearer not made Pharaoh angry he wouldn't have been placed into a position to meet Joseph. Had he not been restored to his position he would not have suggested to Pharaoh to ask Joseph to interpret his dreams. In which case, the dreams were interpreted, Joseph was placed in charge of the famine situation (which was the highest position anyone could have outside of being Pharaoh himself), food was stored and people were able to survive. And who should be needing food but Joseph's family (the Israelites).
It took years for God's plan to unfold and Joseph remained steady. I wrote in the margin of my Bible next to his story, "Trusting God can transform a trail into a treasure." The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. Joseph trusted God with all his heart as he went through one trial after another.
If you are going through a trial I encourage you to stay the course. Hold on to the hope and remain faithful to the Lord who loves and cares for you. Trust Him in the good times as well as the bad. DON'T GIVE UP. You never know what your testimony will do for someone else. How you react to your situation can change the course of history or what the eternal consequences will be. God has a plan and He will guide you through the rough patches for you to reach it. Never give up but run the race and reach out for the goal set before you.
Krista Jones
1.15.08
As I continue to read through the Bible I have come across the story of Joseph. Joseph was someone who endured many ups and downs. And through it all I am deeply impressed with how patient he was. He was disliked by his brothers who eventually sold him. He was bought as a slave but given a high position in the home where he served. Yet, that good living didn't last long as he was imprisoned because his master's wife lusted after him. While in prison he was again lifted to a high position but it's not to say it was a position of luxury.
I'm thinking, can this guy ever get a break? What is God doing to him? And yet, as the story continues we see that God was in control the whole time. His plans for Joseph to save the Israelites was in place. Had his brother's not sold him or his master's wife not lusted after him, he would not have meet the chief cup bearer in prison. Had the chief cup bearer not made Pharaoh angry he wouldn't have been placed into a position to meet Joseph. Had he not been restored to his position he would not have suggested to Pharaoh to ask Joseph to interpret his dreams. In which case, the dreams were interpreted, Joseph was placed in charge of the famine situation (which was the highest position anyone could have outside of being Pharaoh himself), food was stored and people were able to survive. And who should be needing food but Joseph's family (the Israelites).
It took years for God's plan to unfold and Joseph remained steady. I wrote in the margin of my Bible next to his story, "Trusting God can transform a trail into a treasure." The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. Joseph trusted God with all his heart as he went through one trial after another.
If you are going through a trial I encourage you to stay the course. Hold on to the hope and remain faithful to the Lord who loves and cares for you. Trust Him in the good times as well as the bad. DON'T GIVE UP. You never know what your testimony will do for someone else. How you react to your situation can change the course of history or what the eternal consequences will be. God has a plan and He will guide you through the rough patches for you to reach it. Never give up but run the race and reach out for the goal set before you.
Krista Jones
1.15.08
Friday, February 01, 2008
True Simplicity
"The Lord preserveth the simple." Psalm 116:6
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
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