tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66484967333542590802024-02-20T09:18:15.576-08:00Joyful JotterPs. 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine...
A collection of Jeanne's musings, mutterings and other thoughtful forms of self-expressionJoyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-84731087738538156082017-04-07T14:40:00.000-07:002017-04-07T14:40:45.376-07:00You are not a casserole!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"...you knit me together in my mother's womb..." Psalm 139:13</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My dad loved casseroles. Just throw any leftovers into a baking dish, add some soup and pasta and voila, dinner was ready for the oven! My husband, on the other hand, wants to see an organized plate of food: meat in one spot, veggies in another, next to recognizable potatoes or pasta. No mystery ingredients for him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These two styles of gastronomic fare came to mind recently in my Sunday School class while discussing Psalm 139. When we were being formed in the dark of our mother's womb, His deliberate and perfect plan was being carried out. A plan designed for each of us by God Himself! We weren't just tossed together haphazardly like one would toss together a casserole of multiple ingredients. Rather than a mishmash of body parts, the result of God's design is more like a masterpiece. A study of human anatomy would confirm the amazing complexity of this masterpiece -- one that has given me life on this planet for over seventy years. What an awesome God we have!</span><br />
<br />Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-28149720311313196632016-04-15T13:55:00.000-07:002016-04-15T13:55:29.254-07:00What does sacrifice look like?A recent story changed my thinking about the word <i>sacrifice.</i> My small group was discussing the widow's mite from Mark 12 when one man told of an event from a mission trip he had taken to Kenya. The church there was holding an outdoor fundraising event. He was surprised that the church leaders sat in front of the box in which donations were placed. As each person came forward, their name and amount was announced for all to hear! Two women in attendance had walked nearly 10 miles to attend this important event and carefully placed the equivalent of 25 cents into the box. It was apparent to all that this money came at great sacrifice, like that famous widow's mite. My friend, his voice full of emotion, said that this experience humbles and challenges him every time he recalls it.<br />
Reflecting on this story, I realized that I have never really sacrificed anything. I'm not sure that I can even relate to someone walking 10 miles to give a donation to a church. I walk no further than my desk to pull out my checkbook! I am "poor" in experience compared to those "rich" ladies, a perfect example of the verse in James that tells the rich to glory in their poverty (James 1:10). Those Kenyan women (and probably many in their church) are in a much better position to understand what the writer of Hebrews meant when he penned "Christ...has appeared once for all...to do away with sin by the <i>sacrifice of himself"</i> (Hebrews 9:26). He gave it all--for us. He who was rich became poor--for us. Is God calling you to sacrifice something so that your poverty might become true riches? I think I hear His voice calling me.Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-55479645207874478662015-11-03T13:54:00.003-08:002015-11-03T13:54:42.577-08:00COWERING IN FAITH—an oxymoron<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My daughter had a yellow lab that she rescued from an abusive situation. A sweet and gentle dog, I enjoyed cuddling and playing with Sasha. One day when preparing some eggs for breakfast, I picked up a large spatula in such a way that it apparently looked like a weapon and caused Sasha to cower in the corner. I felt awful for frightening her—I loved her!<br /><br />In thinking about my time spent with God, I realized that there are occasions when I seem to “cower in a corner”—fearful that He is ready to strike out or punish me for my failures. To the contrary, the Bible constantly reassures us that He loves us, wants the best for us and is just waiting for us to humbly come to Him in faith for forgiveness, acknowledging our sins. “Come unto Me, all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) and “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) Just come…don’t cower…just come. You’ve been rescued! Just come! God loves you!<br /><br />©HJ Beckman 9/2015</span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-3093877163272873272015-04-17T08:59:00.002-07:002015-04-17T08:59:47.693-07:00The Pearl Necklace<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />It was a simple strand of pearls. Not even quality pearls—rather pop beads left over from the 60’s. But it was perfect in one respect: it gave dignity as it daily graced the neck of my 94 year old mother with Alzheimer’s. She might have chosen two overlapping mismatched shirts and ill-fitting pants that day but the pearls gave poise to an otherwise chaotic appearance. They became her signature “style”.<br /><br />It is how I choose to remember her, sitting by the window in her wheel chair, waiting for me to arrive for my usual morning visit to the nearby Memory Care facility. Her greeting was often joyful, accompanied by a shout of “Over here!” along with hand clapping, to be sure that she had gotten my attention. Her memory of breakfast might be diminished but she knew I was her favorite (and only) close relative. She was in some ways a child again, clearly remembering places and people long past. An obvious clue was her repeated introductions of me to the staff, asking them if they had met me, her “mother”. It was a regular reminder of the fact that as a life spirals down, the circle of that life grows smaller and smaller. <br /><br />While her mental capacity was shrinking, her heart’s capacity to love grew surprisingly larger. Expressing appreciation and love to all her caregivers became another kind of signature “style” and gave an element of delight to her final days. Those simple pearls serve as a reminder of a sweet mother and are, symbolically, pearls of great price.<br /><br /><br /><br />© Jeanne Beckman 3/2015<br /><br /> </span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-34604417027845702482015-02-07T13:46:00.001-08:002015-02-07T13:46:54.608-08:003 Funerals, 8 days, all Christians<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Three memorial services that couldn’t have been more different. <br /><br />The first was a “full court press”—60 voice choir, 3 preachers, 4 friends reminiscing, video pictures on a big screen. It lasted an hour and a half.<br /><br />The second, held in a funeral home chapel with canned music, was a more modest event with a seasoned minister and 2 friends sharing memories in less than an hour. <br /><br />The third, at a small country church packed with local ranchers, consisted of 4 hymns sung by the audience with piano accompaniment, 2 scriptures read by the preacher and lasted an astonishing 22 minutes!<br /><br />All the men who died were believers — a cause for rejoicing — but I wonder if all would have felt honored by their memorial service. <br /><br />In trying to discern something meaningful from this week of remembrance and loss, is there a lesson or two to be learned? Perhaps…<br />Consider doing some advanced planning for one’s own final event.<br />Consider being involved in a local church with adequate facilities.<br />Consider investing one’s life in serving others in the name of Christ—leave a legacy worth honoring.<br /><br />Ps. 116:15 says “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”. A Christian memorial service ought to reflect that perspective so that it is precious in the sight of those attending as well. How do you want to be remembered when the time comes?</span></span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-32174586166971644972015-02-06T05:24:00.001-08:002015-02-06T05:24:18.281-08:00Has your faith bloomed lately?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Recently I purchased a bouquet of colorful fresh flowers: daisies, carnations and one lily that hadn’t opened yet. As the week progressed, the lily pod kept darkening in color and I was disheartened to think that it was not going to bloom. Surprise! This morning I discovered that the pod had opened with a lovely pink coloration, giving my bouquet a glorious addition. <br /><br />The oft quoted “Oh ye of little faith” came to mind as I viewed this new development. I had been discouraged because the lily was so slow to change and then, I suspected that the changes I was seeing weren’t positive. I didn’t have faith in God’s design and plan for that particular flower—and how wrong I was.<br /><br />This scenario could be applied to many things. How often have I questioned the rate of change in my life and others? How often have I been discouraged in not seeing proof of improvement? How often have I doubted God’s design that hasn’t come to fruition on my timetable and in my understanding? Oh ME of little faith! The Bible is clear: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not [yet] seen”. Hebrews 11:1 It goes on to remind us that God is pleased when we have faith in Him and trust His ultimate purpose and plan for us.<br /><br />Even blooming bouquets can teach us something about faith. Thank you God for the beautiful lesson!</span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-89984000225116326032015-01-24T08:27:00.001-08:002015-01-26T14:01:54.812-08:00Thankful for ...WIND?Can’t recall a time when I was thankful for wind until today. <br />
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Why now? Well, it’s winter in Texas and we are used to sunshine, even when it’s cold. In the past few weeks, the sun was hidden behind clouds for days on end. All the rain (six inches in three days) and cloudy cold makes those of us in the Lone Star State grumpy and miserable.<br />
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Then the wind arrived. It blew out all the yuk and ushered in dazzling sunshine. My heart was overflowed with gratitude as the gust whipped across my face this morning. In that moment, grumpy was gone; happy was back!<br />
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The Bible frequently speaks of wind, especially in reference to God’s Holy Spirit. He blows across our lives, bringing power and love and a sound mind to our souls (2 Timothy 1:7), removing the dark clouds of sin and bringing the bright joy of a Savior’s love. How thankful we ought to be—for God’s wind, both the physical and the spiritual kinds!Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-39846247777123394932014-10-11T07:39:00.000-07:002014-10-11T07:39:20.953-07:00A broken scale - what's not to love?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I accidentally broke my scale (stepping on one corner) but it had a wonderful, unintended consequence: I lost about 30 pounds when I weighed the next day! Unfortunately, my clothes refuse to recognize the “new me”. But, it sure is fun to get on that broken scale and see my perfect weight.<br /><br />When it comes to our spiritual life, we can feel pretty smug standing on a broken scale. <i>I’m doing more for God at church than Lois. I’m writing more checks for charities than Howard.</i> Comparing ourselves to other Christians is the equivalent of measuring our Christian walk by someone else’s (broken) scale. It may make us happy but it’s inaccurate. Jesus, on the other hand, tells us to be perfect or mature like Him [Matthew 5:48]. He is the true scale by which to measure our spiritual life. By that standard, I have little to smile about. I fall far short of His glory and perfection. Still a sinner. Always a sinner. I am so grateful that if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. Like the Apostle Paul, I can then press on to becoming more like my Savior and leave my broken spiritual scale behind.</span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-49921265858173308912014-08-16T20:09:00.000-07:002014-08-16T20:09:13.918-07:00ARE YOU FALLOW GROUND?<br /><br />I’m not much of a gardener. Actually, that is a ridiculous understatement. I have the brownest thumb possible and not from dirt. So the concept of fallow ground, when it popped into my head recently, required some definition: ground that isn’t producing anything useful; ground that needs breaking up and working.<br /><br />What a perfect description of my spiritual life! I realized that I’ve been just getting by with minimal effort —morning Bible reading, short prayers, saying grace at meals, church attendance, even attending a Christian gathering or two. But producing something useful? Not so much. And, what does God consider useful? A life that is dedicated to winning others to Christ. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves souls”.<br /><br />My heart hasn’t been fully engaged with Christ. The spirit of Christ is in my life but not being allowed to direct it, to break it up, to work it. My heart is fallow ground and God is not only a Good Shepherd, He is a Master Gardener. He has shown me today that what was once a vibrant and lush field, blooming with spiritual fruit, has fallen into disrepair. This fallow ground heart of mine needs some tending so something productive can begin to develop…so the focus of my heart can be reaching out others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-27258798524620426282014-02-26T08:38:00.001-08:002014-02-26T08:38:54.491-08:00
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HOLIDAY DISAPPOINTMENT</div>
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Have you ever been disappointed with the way your Christmas
holiday turned out? You got sick, or your special food dishes flopped or an
expected gift wasn’t under the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
maybe it was something more serious:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you
were hospitalized, the house was burglarized or you’re facing a major car
repair. Major disappointment steals your joy.</div>
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What is the real problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unrealistic expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
there any reason why the Christmas season shouldn’t be like any other season of
the year, full of good days and bad days, fun and folly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we think that Christmas time is
somehow exempt from the stuff of everyday living?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such disappointment stems from a worldly
mindset. The Bible calls it “defilement of the world” in 2 Peter 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freedom from such defilement is “the
knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such knowledge promises us that if we have it, we will NEVER be
disappointed (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ps. 22:5</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Peter 2:6</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are focused on Christ, rather than the
events and trappings of what the world tells us produces the “perfect Christmas
celebration”, we can escape holiday disappointments. A moment-by-moment
awareness of Christ (having the mind of Christ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Cor. 2:16</i>) is the key to avoiding disappointment—if we are tuned
in to Him and always in the center of His will, gifts & holiday events will
not control our emotions.</div>
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Prompt:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus never
told us to remember his birth…His instruction was to remember His death, which
gave us life.</div>
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Prayer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you,
Lord, for giving me the only gift that will never disappoint—eternal life.</div>
Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-37653582458354893152012-03-06T06:36:00.000-08:002012-03-06T06:36:35.196-08:00Do you need TASSELS?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Numbers 15:38-40 </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come, you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you see the tassels you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following you own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even though the 10 commandments were written in stone (and probably prominently displayed in the camp), the wandering Israelites seemed to have trouble remembering what God had instructed them to do. Something was needed to keep their thoughts focused heavenward. Consequently, God instructed Moses to have them tie small tassels on the corners of their tunics as a visual reminder of His law. Since they wore their tunics everywhere, there was never a time when they weren’t aware of God’s presence and direction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christians today have no such visual clothing enhancement to direct our thoughts to God’s desires. In our complex world, thoughts often drift to worldly matters. How can the modern man or woman “keep in perfect peace, with our minds stayed on Him” (Isaiah 26:3)? Sewing tassels on each garment is just not 21<sup>st</sup> century-practical but there <i>are </i>ways to keep our thoughts focused on God. If you are visually oriented, small devotional calendars in several places around your home or office could aid you. If you find auditory prompts are your style, Christian music and teaching tapes or radio can keep your thoughts centered. If tactile, a small cross in a pocket and wallet serve well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Discover what is your best mental prompt and employ it to remember God daily.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PRAY: Heavenly Father, help me to bring every thought captive so that I can have the mind of Christ.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-53398032212143721882012-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:002012-02-24T21:55:31.745-08:00JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT Proverbs 30:7-9<div class="Section1"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A slice of this, 6 oz. of that--just what is the right amount of food to serve someone? The trend toward "supersize" portions is starting to reverse and people are seeing the value of just eating what the body needs and no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the Lord's model prayer, Jesus told the disciples to ask God for their "daily bread", just the right size portion to sustain their health for that day. When God sent manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, it was just the right size portion for each day (except for Friday, when it was a "supersize" amount to cover the Sabbath Day's need as well). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There is danger in excess and there is danger in want--in food as well as in our prayer lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agur, the author of Proverbs 30, saw that danger when it came to material needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understood that we are to ask God for our "needs", both physically and spiritually, but to be careful when it comes to our "wants".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible also tells us that often we have not, because we don't ask. So what is the right amount of anything to ask for? He is our portion. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ps. 119:57</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We just need more of Jesus--supersize please!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLAN: Write your prayers down on paper--are they needs or wants?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PRAY:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fill me up, Lord, with You--your mind, your heart, your desires.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div></div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-60458944659425004032012-01-23T06:24:00.000-08:002012-01-23T06:24:42.259-08:00What is beautiful in God’s eyes?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Carmine;">What would you suppose God sees as beautiful?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Carmine;">From God’s perspective, the Creator of all beauty, there <em>is</em> one thing that He considers ultimately beautiful. If you guessed Jesus, you’d be sort of right! It actually has something to do with Jesus’ feet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Carmine;">Now when Jesus was on this earth, He wasn’t considered beautiful...or even movie star handsome. The Bible tells us “<i>He had no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him</i>”. Is. 53:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Carmine;">The Message</span></u><span style="font-family: Carmine;"> Bible puts it this way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There was nothing [particularly] attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want anyone following Him just because He was a great looking guy. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><span style="font-family: Carmine; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Carmine;">I once had a friend who was a model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if you saw her, you would probably be surprised. Yes, she was super thin but she had rather plain features. Yet she made her living as a Sears catalog model--for shoes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had beautiful feet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of beauty wasn’t what the Old Testament writer Isaiah meant when he wrote “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the good news [of salvation</i>].”</span><span style="font-family: Carmine; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (vs. 52:7)</span><span style="font-family: Carmine;"> The idea here is that those who tell others the way to find God are beautiful. Beauty isn’t something you ARE, rather it’s something you DO.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Carmine;">Jesus’ feet are the feet that brought the good news to us, that told us how to know God, how to be in relationship with God--through His death on the cross to pay the penalty due for our sins. Jesus—the ultimate beauty that brought us good news. We too can have <i>beautiful feet</i> as we share the good news about Jesus with others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-90467946694699737042011-11-21T21:14:00.000-08:002011-11-21T21:14:32.561-08:00Can YOU cause an EARTHQUAKE?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Help! I needed a cake in a hurry and I discovered a recipe called Earthquake cake for which I had all the ingredients. It didn’t call for vigorously shaking the cake pans, rather its name came from the way it looked once cooked: chocolate cracks and crevices with cream cheese filling peeking through the surface. In spite of its lack of visual appeal, it was tasty enough to disappear at the church Youth Banquet. It further enabled me to boast that I had “caused” an “earthquake”, producing a chuckle or two from my (few) tolerant friends!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently, I discovered that there was a group of people who really did “cause” an “earthquake”…their story is found in Acts 4:23-31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurs right after the apostles Peter and John are arrested for healing a lame man and then preaching Christ to the amazed crowd that gathered. Once released, they returned to the gathering of believers to report their experience and the whole group united in prayer and praise. A close look at their prayer, recorded by Luke, shows that they had a simple request of the Lord. In a similar situation, I probably would have prayed for future safety from the authorities or comfort in the midst of hardship. Surprisingly, that was the <i>last</i> thing on their minds, even though they weren’t unmindful of the dangers they faced. No, these dedicated disciples prayed for boldness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boldness to continue to tell about their resurrected Lord, boldness to heal in His name, boldness to show the unbelieving world the power of faith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their prayers so excited God that the Bible tells us “the place where they had gathered together was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did they “cause” an earthquake but also, their prayers were instantly answered! Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are <i>you</i> asking God for that might cause an earthquake in your prayer life or that might lead God to provide an instant answer? Comfort? Safety? Or boldness to share Christ?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© H. J B 11/11</span></div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-20339395295064663612011-10-02T11:40:00.000-07:002011-10-02T11:40:33.258-07:00NO PAIN NO GAIN<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No pain no gain –that phrase has taken on new meaning in the wake of my second total knee replacement. After walking with pain in that leg for several years and enduring a difficult recovery after one knee replacement, I was ready for, but leery of, going under the knife a second time. When God seemed to open a door to a new doctor and a more efficient technique, I summoned the courage to step though it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even with a better technique, the screaming from injured nerves and tendons has sent the pain meter in my brain (and leg) soaring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to keep reminding myself that this too shall pass…just not quickly. Eventually I anticipate the ability to walk pain-free on any surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gateway to that gain is through the portal of pain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is there a spiritual perspective that might be gleaned from this struggle? I am reminded of the psalmist* saying, “It was good that I was afflicted”—pain—“that I might learn your decrees”—gain. We seek God out when we suffer. Needing comfort, answers, and understanding all drive us into His Word as well as His arms. But the best benefit is a closer relationship with our Lord as He reveals His nearness in the midst of our suffering. With pain can come great gain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">* Psalm 119:71</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© HJB 10/11</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-91892135660994118132011-08-05T19:51:00.001-07:002011-08-05T19:51:51.175-07:00A Lesson Learned from Failure<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 12:48 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To whom much is given, much is required.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“The awareness of a need and the capacity to meet that need:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this constitutes a call.”</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">John R. Mott </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A lesson in obedience at the post office, no less!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the need, I had the resources, and I refused to give up my place in line to help someone. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Clearly, I sensed a prompting from the Holy Spirit to assist a young mother in need of $20 for her sick child’s medicine. The check to cover the prescription hadn’t arrived in the mail that day and the postmaster sent her off sobbing and empty-handed. With just a few weeks until Christmas, I was third in line with many behind me—the “sacrifice” of leaving my spot seemed greater than the divine invitation to be a servant of Christ in providing needed resources. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That experience of failure reminded me of this quote from Dee Hock, the founder of Visa: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You learn nothing from your success except to think too much of yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is from failure that all growth comes, provided you can recognize it, admit it, learn from it, rise above it and then try again.”</i> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God “called” me that day and I selfishly ignored His message. I always pray that I will answer and respond when He so prompts again. Lesson learned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear God:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please forgive me when I fail to heed the prodding of the Holy Spirit. Allow me opportunities to serve others as You would desire with the resources that You have provided. Amen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>J. Beckman August 2011</span></div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-39388114719928423212011-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:48:57.337-07:00The Paper Plate Miracle<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I recently heard a devotional written by Ron Hutchcraft, called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No Paper Plates</i>, challenging the reader to consider the contrast between 2 plates: one, paper and the other, china.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which one would you rather eat off of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you’ve eaten, what would you do with the paper one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw it away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’d eaten on the china one, what would you do with <i>it</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wash it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it cost more, is worth more, could even be valuable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you could BE a plate, which one would you want to be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>China, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But there are times in our lives when we feel more like a paper plate…someone used and thrown away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What would you call it if I could turn this paper plate into a china plate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what if I could turn a <i>paper plate</i> person into a <i>china plate</i> person…that would be a miracle. Yes? I’m not a magician or a miracle worker, but I know someone who is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There are 2 little verses tucked away in the 15<sup>th</sup> chapter of Matthew that talk about a miracle like that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">v. 30-31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…<i><span style="color: red;">great multitudes came to Him [Jesus], bringing with them “paper plate” people</span></i>…oh, wait a minute, that’s not exactly how the scripture reads…<i><span style="color: red;">bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, those not able to speak and many others, and they laid them down at His feet… and</span> He</i> turned them into “china plate” people…or well, it actually says <i><span style="color: red;">He healed them</span></i>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So that the crowds marveled as they saw them able to speak, the crippled restored, the lame walking and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There were 4 categories of people mentioned specifically: the lame, the crippled, the blind and the mute. Perhaps you’ve experienced one of these conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></h1><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></h1><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First, there were the LAME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently had a knee replaced so I’m familiar with being lame or having trouble walking. Between arthritis and a bad fall, the pain was constant so a long-term solution was needed. In fact, in a few weeks my <i>other</i> knee goes under the knife because <i>it</i> hurts whenever I walk. I sometimes have to use a cane for support. But there’s more than one way to walk through life: not just the physical, but consider the emotional. Have you been lame from the injury of abuse—either childhood or spousal abuse? When you are abused by a parent or other adult, especially as a child, you can be emotionally, physically or sexually lame—unable to walk through life without limping, without pain.</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This verse in Matthew says that the lame were walking once again. Jesus had healed the injury. If you have suffered the injury of abuse, and feel that it has made you damaged goods—used up like a <i>paper plate</i>—Jesus wants you to understand that He came to heal that lameness and transform your walk through life so it can be steady & balanced with no need of crutches like alcohol or drugs. However, you may need some assistance for a while, just like I will need a Physical Therapist to help me with rehabilitation after my surgery. There are counselors, there are books like Jan Coates book: <i>Set Free</i>, there are support groups to assist you. God wants to heal your heart of lameness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The 2<sup>nd</sup> category mentioned is similar—they brought the CRIPPLED to Jesus as well as the lame. This group of people didn’t just have an injury to their legs or feet; they were born that way. They were considered defective. Perhaps you were born with a permanent disability of some kind. Or maybe you found yourself in a family that would be considered defective in some way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps your mother was a single parent and struggled raising you. Or maybe you were like me, and endured the distress and pain of your family breaking apart. You may see your situation as impossible. BUT God makes the impossible possible. The scripture tells us that Jesus restored the crippled. He made them whole, sound, reliable. He can make up for whatever is missing, whatever crippling influence is or was in your life. God wants to heal your life from being crippled.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then the BLIND are mentioned—those who have no way to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us were unable to see the dangers in our world and fell into the devil’s trap. I include myself in this group – one of my boyfriends in school went on to become one of the highest-ranking Hell’s Angels in the state of California. We were part of a gang that was looking for trouble because our world was full of darkness. We were enticed by evils that are pleasing to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book of 1 John speaks of 3 dangers in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. That triple threat held me captive to my own bad choices for many years. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, can heal our blindness to the consequences of evil that entices through the lust of the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said </span>(Matt. 18:9)<span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> that if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. He didn’t mean for us to literally poke our eyes out but He wanted us to understand that a blinded eye is better than a blinded mind…have you had a blind spot for the things of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus can restore your spiritual sight so you can see clearly to avoid the allure of evil and the lust of the eyes. God wants to heal your life of blindness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The last group of people brought to Jesus that day were the MUTE or as the Bible calls them, the DUMB. They couldn’t speak. Many times we’re in situations where we can’t speak up for ourselves—whether at home or in a job or social situation. In your own mind, you may even feel dumb at those times but God always has something to say for every circumstance. His word imparts wisdom. The book of James says, “If any of you lack wisdom, … ask of God, who gives to all…generously and without reproach, and it will be given.” (1:5) God wants to heal your life from being mute.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The physical Jesus healed physical problems—but even though He isn’t physically present here today, He is the ultimate restorer who wants to heal the spiritual and emotional hurts in our lives through the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to His touch, we may look and feel “paper plate”ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to understand that we are destined to be <i>China plate</i> people—not someone to be thrown away or discarded – rather a person to be cherished, useful to our Heavenly Master. Are you living up to your china plate potential? Have you had a miracle transformation from Jesus?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-23348918246905580392011-06-30T20:50:00.000-07:002011-06-30T20:50:26.636-07:00Thou Shall Not Scream<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">During a visit with the grandchildren (Ben 5, Alexandra & Brianna 3), we had occasion to go by Ben’s preschool. My daughter ran in to see the teacher for a few minutes, leaving me in the car with the children. Now, every household has “family rules” and one of my daughter’s rules is: <i><strong>no screaming in the car</strong></i>. This rule is usually followed…with one big exception….when their mom isn’t IN the car, they figure that the rule doesn’t apply! No sooner had she disappeared into the school doorway, than Bri took the plunge and let out a whopper…eyes wide with delight, she shrieked unmercifully, nearly exploding my ears! Soon her sister Alex let loose and big brother, not to be outdone by the little ones, jumped in with gusto. Fortunately, my gloves helped me keep my remaining hearing in tact as I stuffed them into my ears, enduring several minutes of their enthusiastic harmonics. No telling what damage they were doing to themselves! I was especially grateful to see their mom appear soon so we could go back to a state where “house rules” rule!</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Enjoying the memory later, it occurred to me that this was just the picture of original sin….Eve (and Adam) knew the “house rules”. But the minute God was out of sight and someone (the devil himself, in this case) drew their attention to that fact and threw temptation out, Eve marched onto dangerous ground, eyes wide open with delight . And Adam fell right in behind, unmindful of the true peril, just as my grandchildren were unaware of the auditory damage they could be causing themselves. The Bible tells us that we are sinners because of Adam and Eve…it is their legacy to the rest of mankind. Instead of man getting better and better as the intellectuals of our day proclaim, we are as vulnerable to being our own worst enemy as Adam and Eve were. Our sin nature is part of the human “package“…I am so thankful that God loves us so much that He made a way to get “rewrapped”! In robes of righteousness, thanks to the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ in dying for our sin. Romans 5:17-18 puts it this way: <i>It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule…but how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ. So then, as the one sin condemned all mankind, in the same way the one righteous act sets all mankind free and gives them life</i>. Through Him, grace can take over as the “house rule“!</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ó </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">H. J B <i>February 2002</i></span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-133240290388002212011-06-13T04:16:00.000-07:002011-06-13T04:16:43.194-07:00FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">John 14:1-3 ...You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Message</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">Would you get on a plane if they made this announcement from the gate?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">“You are going to experience a very rough flight today due to weather conditions—but we will guarantee a safe landing.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I suspect that most people would still climb aboard because the objective of their trip isn’t to have a smooth flight, but rather to land safely at their destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a descriptive metaphor of the Christian life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God doesn’t promise us a calm passage through this earthly life, but He does guarantee us a safe landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus put it this way: “In the world you WILL have tribulation...”. But He also assured us that He was going ahead of us to heaven to prepare a place for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Bumpy flight—safe landing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Our Savior and Lord had the same experience—the earthly turbulence started at birth with His first crib in a smelly stable. It continued through several attempts on His life, which finally succeeded in one of the most traumatic executions ever devised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus set the example for us of how to endure a turbulent life on this earth, trusting in the safe heavenly landing to come. So fasten your seat belts...it’s gonna get bumpy but heaven awaits!</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-22044315425537252682011-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:002011-06-03T08:56:57.948-07:00Are you the car or the driver?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I enjoy driving. Fast. Not a good idea in my town, since it has numerous signs reminding me that <i>slow</i> is its automotive "motto". The town fathers don't seem to realize that my car is just an extension of me--always in a hurry (since I'm never early for anything).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do I consider speed limits "ideal suggestions" but, it's almost a game (to get somewhere quick) that I'm determined to win. There's just one problem with this issue: I am the driver--the one in charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you wouldn't consider it a big problem when it comes to driving (except for the men-in-blue). But, it's a BIG problem when it comes to living! I tend to race around the corners of life just as my car races around the corners of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you consider this an analogy to the Christian life, we should be the CAR, not the driver. Christ should be the one directing the course, steering around life's curves, braking when there's a danger of careening out of control. "Christ in me, my only hope of glory" (<state w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Colossians 1:27)</span> reminds me that my driving habits may be a reflection of who's <i>really</i> in control of my life. A Christian is...</place></state> <br />
a <b>mind</b> through which Christ thinks,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> a <b>heart </b>through which Christ lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a <b>voice</b> through which Christ speaks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> a <b>hand</b> through which Christ helps.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I letting Christ steer my <b>mind</b>, direct my <b>heart</b>, order my <b>voice </b>and shift my <b>hands</b> to arrive at the destination He desires? He is one driver who will never have to watch over his shoulder for blinking lights. Have you given him the keys to your life yet? Who is<i> </i>driving "your car"?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-52278408521418989372011-05-09T11:46:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:46:20.813-07:00DIVINE APPOINTMENT<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What if the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worst</i> thing that ever happened to you was actually the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">best</i> thing that could ever happen to you?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Imagine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>here’s a young Jewish couple living in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Rome</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a home and a successful business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day the governor of the city orders all the Jews to leave. Just like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No say in the matter, no appeal process...just get the heck out of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worst thing that they could imagine...they lost nearly everything. (Acts 18:2)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Fast forward to the town where they ended up: <city w:st="on">Corinth</city> in <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Greece</country-region></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were able to start another business since they were tent makers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along comes a man who shares their occupation, another Jew, and he joins their enterprise. He has a remarkable story to tell of a man named Jesus. It isn’t long before the couple, Priscilla and <place w:st="on">Aquila</place>, are converts to this new belief and have come to know God in a personal way through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Life-changing salvation is now theirs. The worst thing that could ever happen to them has suddenly become the best. God had a plan for their lives and it necessitated a huge loss followed by a huge gain. Perhaps that is why the scripture tells us to give “thanks in all circumstances” <span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(1 Thess.5:18)</span>...the best of God’s plans for us may be just around the corner ...or down the road.</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-681294652142687402011-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:002011-04-28T19:48:14.085-07:00WORKOUT WOES: All this (and guilt too) for only $29 a month!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Heather; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Heather; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">I have a love-hate relationship with the place where I work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i><u>love</u></i> the results that I </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">can achieve by going there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <i><u>hate</u></i> going there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">I chose this particular place because it was relatively quick</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">(30 min on the machines), had early morning hours, and was women-only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sociable or attractive at that time of day and if I’m up early, it means that I’ll be in a hurry all day! It seemed ideal! They recommend that you come at least</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">three days a week to benefit from the program…so far, after a year of paying my $29 a month, I have managed to get there three times in a week TWICE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the “perfect” place to keep myself in shape, regularly available, and I can only manage to show up two times a week at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is that pathetic, it provides me with a load of guilt on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor tells me to go, my body tells me to go, even my checkbook tells me to go--it’s just hard to get my will to cooperate!</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">As I was upbraiding myself about this situation, it suddenly occurred to me that this is a perfect parallel to what</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">God has provided for keeping my spirit in shape…He’s given me His word, the Bible, in several versions, His Spirit to help me discern what I read, a me-only quiet place and the hours are convenient: it is always available!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, He </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">has paid the “fee”</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">(“…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span>)</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">for this to be at my disposal. But do I take advantage of what has been provided for my daily spiritual </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; mso-ansi-language: FR;">exercise? </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">Not always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How pathetic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Lord tells me to come (“…abide in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Me.</place></state>”</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">[2]</span></span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">), my heart tells me to come (joy awaits), but making my will</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">cooperate is another matter! </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">I want to cry with the apostle Paul,</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">“O, wretched man that I am…I do the very thing I hate!”</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">[3]</span></span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">…he certainly understood…all the resources and riches of Christ at our disposal and we settle for an occasional “work out”. Who can rescue us from ourselves?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul goes</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">on to give us the answer:</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">“Jesus Christ can…He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[4]</span></span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">When I’m willing to let <i>my</i> will be <i>His</i> will, a daily workout will be automatic…and maybe I’ll even show up at the gym!</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT';">© HJB</span><span style="font-family: 'GoudyOlSt BT'; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Romans 5:8</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (NASB)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 15:4 (NASB)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Romans 7:19,24 (KJV)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6648496733354259080#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Romans 7:25 (TM)</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div></div></div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-17436233676475486162011-04-11T08:29:00.000-07:002011-04-11T08:29:26.532-07:00MAKING LIFE DELICIOUS!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Read: Ps. 119:97-104 <em>Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statues. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A well-known restaurant’s motto is “Making Life Delicious” and having eaten there a few times, I can agree that they <i>do</i> produce flavorful and delicious meals. What we eat may be plain yet nourishing <i>(think: school-cafeteria)</i> but how much more we enjoy food when it goes to that next level of “flavorful and delicious”! In my mind, that’s the difference between EATING and DINING. Just the term <i><strong>dining</strong></i> makes me think of leisurely meals with a hint of graciousness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How interesting that the Bible tells us to “…taste and see that the Lord is good” <span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ps. 34:8</span> and again, “How sweet are thy words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth” <span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ps. 119:103</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s word isn’t just nourishing to the soul but there is a goodness, a sweetness that takes “soul food” to the next level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the person who is hungering for God, there is a promise of not just satiety but of delightful pleasure in that satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God seems to desire dining…when we dine, we take the time to taste our food, not just stuff it down…dining on His word, taking the time to taste the heavenly gift <span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Heb.6:4).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">PLAN: Take time to feast on God’s word every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">PRAY:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful variety of “soul food” that you provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© HJB</span></div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-36655573657400431702011-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:002011-04-07T12:39:06.423-07:00A LESSON FROM THE ROSE GARDEN<span lang="EN"> <div align="center"></div> <br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">The sun was blinding as I stepped off the porch. It was going to be another scorching summer day in central Texas. Wanting to cut a few roses from the garden before it got too hot, I hurried to gather my gloves & clippers. For years I’ve had a “rose ministry” using these fragrant gifts from the garden to bless others and I already had a recipient in mind.<br />
In the few days since I had checked on my bushes, one had apparently had a “power surge” and I could see a four-foot shoot protruding out over the lawn. On closer inspection, the hardy stem, although covered with foliage, had no buds. It was unfruitful and drawing much-needed nourishment away from the main bush, which was struggling to produce a few small roses. All that vigorous growth was producing nothing of value…I quickly cut it off as close to the root as I could.<br />
Almost as soon as I did, the thoughts started coming to mind of how that shoot was the picture of a Christian, laboring fervently on something that God didn’t really want him doing, all the while draining energy away from the tasks He desired to have accomplished. One of my husband’s favorite sayings rang true: </span><i><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">There is nothing more futile than doing something well that you shouldn’t be doing at all! </span><span style="font-size: medium;">My pastor had recently put it another way: </span><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: medium;">The greatest failure is being successful at the wrong thing!</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">That branch from my rose bush was being successful at the wrong thing…and it was only fit for the garbage can. What we do in life either reflects that we are cooperating with God’s plans and producing everlasting “fruit” </span><i>( …walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…bearing fruit in every good work…<span style="font-size: x-small;">Eph. 1:10</span> ) </i><span style="font-size: medium;">or following our own desires and producing temporal “trash”. I resolved to be careful to inspect my daily commitments and activities to ensure that I’m not drawing essential energy away from what God wants to accomplish in my life. And, I thanked God for another lesson from the rose garden.</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">ã</span> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">HJB1-02</span></i> </i></span>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6648496733354259080.post-66074802134475932812011-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:002011-04-07T12:35:03.633-07:00GREATEST WORD: HOPE<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What is the greatest word in the English language?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love? That’s probably what most people would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Songs tell of it (“Love Makes the World Go Around”), books are full of it (romance novels are top sellers), wars have been fought over it and babies testify to its popularity. But I beg to differ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the greatest word in the English language is <i>hope</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It’s one thing to know that God loves us. He could have just told us “I love you” and left it at that. But because He <i>demonstrated</i> that love, we can now have hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Romans 5:8 states that “God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scripture also tells us that Jesus is the “blessed Hope”, not just because He died for our sins but, because He was supernaturally raised back to life, to prove that His sacrificial death was accepted as payment for our sins.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As a result of God’s love shown to us in Christ, we don’t just <i>hope </i>that all things in our lives will work out for some good purpose (Rom8:28) but we have <i>hope</i> of an eternal future when our physical lives end. Jesus is called that “blessed Hope” because he is the bridge from earth to heaven.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Bible speaks of people who have no hope because they have no relationship with God. There is a bumper sticker that simplifies it: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">NO GOD, NO PEACE.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We can only know peace though the Peacemaker, Jesus Christ, as we turn our lives over to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opens his arms and says “Come unto me and I will give you rest”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That rest means peace for your heart here on earth and rest for your soul throughout eternity.</div>Joyful Jotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09626067571315500006noreply@blogger.com0