Have you ever thought about how much time we spend with choosing a wardrobe. Even to go outside to paint a fence, or dig in the dirt. Perhaps run the kids to school, or go to work. How about what you wear to church? I wonder sometimes what I learned growing up about that. Seemed to me like we spent a lot of time go to church bazaars and we would come home with a basket full of clothes. To this day I would rather go to a garage sale, or Goodwill to find a "bunch" of things, not just one. Save money? Of course!
Today I was quite taken with the words from Jesus in Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Wearing the robe of righteousness. . .
"Wear my robe of Righteousness with ease. I custom-make it for you, to cover you from head to toe. The price I paid for this covering was astronomical - My Own Blood. You could never purchase such a royal garment, no matter how hard you worked. Sometimes you forget that My righteousness is a gift, and you feel ill at ease in your regal robe. I weep when I see you squirming under the velvety fabric, as if it were made of scratchy sackcloth. I want you to trust Me enough to realize your privileged position in My kingdom. Relax in the luxuriant folds of your magnificent robe. Keep your eyes on Me, as you practice walking in this garment of salvation. When your behavior is unfitting for one in My kingdom, do not try to throw off your royal robe. Instead, throw off the unrighteous behavior. Then you will be able to feel at ease in this glorious garment, enjoying the gift I fashioned for you before the foundaiton of the world.
Isaiah 61: 10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothes me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
So you see, we only need one real garment. Figuratively, of course. We do need to wear clothing so as not to embarrass ourselves. But, and I do mean but, walk like you are wearing the Robe of Righteousness and behave as if it is the greatest garment you ever possessed.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Sunday, August 2, 2015
THE WHO - NOT THE DO!
Jeremiah 1: 5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew (and) approved of you (as my chosen instrument), and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; (and) I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
And, I would also recommend reading Psalm 139. Why? Because this reminds you of WHO you are, rather than WHAT you do!
Joyce Meyers is always good reading, but this particular concept is something I have to teach a lot of people. First I had to learn it myself. Dr. Timothy Warner always said, remember who you are in Jesus Christ. Eph 2: 6. Christ invited you to come and sit with Him in the heavenlies. DO it! And, know WHO you are! So many of us get the idea it is what we do that attracts Jesus to us. Or He must be smiling from Heaven about all the committees, or projects, or a clean home, or clean kids, or what we just did for the lady across the street. You cleaned her house, but yours is a shambles. God's Word is very clear here in Jeremiah, and Psalm 139. It is about WHO he formed. Not what we formed for Him.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew (and) approved of you (as my chosen instrument), and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; (and) I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
And, I would also recommend reading Psalm 139. Why? Because this reminds you of WHO you are, rather than WHAT you do!
Joyce Meyers is always good reading, but this particular concept is something I have to teach a lot of people. First I had to learn it myself. Dr. Timothy Warner always said, remember who you are in Jesus Christ. Eph 2: 6. Christ invited you to come and sit with Him in the heavenlies. DO it! And, know WHO you are! So many of us get the idea it is what we do that attracts Jesus to us. Or He must be smiling from Heaven about all the committees, or projects, or a clean home, or clean kids, or what we just did for the lady across the street. You cleaned her house, but yours is a shambles. God's Word is very clear here in Jeremiah, and Psalm 139. It is about WHO he formed. Not what we formed for Him.
IT IS ABOUT (YOU) WHOM HE FORMED!
NOT WHAT YOU DO FOR HIM!
See, you are forgetting that nothing we do is ever perfect or really as good as it could be. So we just work even harder to make it right. Every thing needs improvement, but that is not the point.
TODAY. . . think about just leaning into Jesus and enjoying His presence. Walking outside by yourself and looking at His creation. Praying for your family, praying for someone you could tell all about Jesus to! Play, enjoy, communicate graciousness. Just relax! If you can't, then maybe you had better ask why? We do quite enough in any given day. Some part of that should be about the DO with your friend and savior Jesus.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
LEAN INTO JESUS!
So you see, I could have said, Lean on the Lord God. Can I lean on you Jesus? It felt more intimate to say to him last Tuesday - "Jesus, may I lean into you today?" And, as I have mentioned before, it would seem and is true, He knows our everyday and He know what we're going to say, think, and do.
I am always amazed at how then my devotionals will accompany that very first thought and feel for the day. All the scriptures, and comments were directed at lean on Jesus. Proverbs 3:5.
Lean not on your own understand, and acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your days straight. It freaked me out a little about all that connectedness. So I packed up Jax and we went to Pokagon for awhile.
That Proverbs 3 is something to concentrate on. Isaiah 30:15 talks about how . . .In returning (to Me) and resting (in Me) you shall be saved; in quietness and in (trusting) confidence shall be your strength.
Then today I got caught up in reading about how we could sit quietly and think about a pool of water, or actually go look at one. Even a glass full of water. Then hold another glass in your hand, and with the other an eye dropper - drop into that water. See how it just absorbs into the water. That is like leaning into Jesus. Melting into Him for the day. Not breathing without Him, not busy without Him, not playing without Him present, not sleeping without Him in your dreams. I love that metaphor.
Not that I can't think for myself, and make decisions, but I sure want to do everything in His name.
Listening to the birds call for each other, think about how His love calls to us.
Are you listening today, are you taking in His creation? Or are you doing it all yourself, because someone has to do it?
Read Psalm 37. All of it. Commitment to taking in the concept that He is in every detail and facet of your life - means TRUST. Not leaning on your own understand, but trusting, committing everything to Him.
I am always amazed at how then my devotionals will accompany that very first thought and feel for the day. All the scriptures, and comments were directed at lean on Jesus. Proverbs 3:5.
Lean not on your own understand, and acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your days straight. It freaked me out a little about all that connectedness. So I packed up Jax and we went to Pokagon for awhile.
That Proverbs 3 is something to concentrate on. Isaiah 30:15 talks about how . . .In returning (to Me) and resting (in Me) you shall be saved; in quietness and in (trusting) confidence shall be your strength.
Then today I got caught up in reading about how we could sit quietly and think about a pool of water, or actually go look at one. Even a glass full of water. Then hold another glass in your hand, and with the other an eye dropper - drop into that water. See how it just absorbs into the water. That is like leaning into Jesus. Melting into Him for the day. Not breathing without Him, not busy without Him, not playing without Him present, not sleeping without Him in your dreams. I love that metaphor.
Not that I can't think for myself, and make decisions, but I sure want to do everything in His name.
Listening to the birds call for each other, think about how His love calls to us.
Are you listening today, are you taking in His creation? Or are you doing it all yourself, because someone has to do it?
Read Psalm 37. All of it. Commitment to taking in the concept that He is in every detail and facet of your life - means TRUST. Not leaning on your own understand, but trusting, committing everything to Him.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
Of course, I pray you all have a wonderful weekend. Its been beautiful. The weather is a gift from God!
Thank Him.
Thank Him.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
ARE YOU PETER OR THE GUYS IN THE BOAT?
There have been lots of conjecture and stories about how to look at Peter walking on the water. "You have to get out of the boat in order to walk on water!" "Well, why wouldn't he trust Jesus to call to him and stay upright?" The latest is my favorite. "At least Peter is a risk taker!" The guys (the disciples) coward in the boat. "I can hear it right now, can't you?"
Matt 14: 22/33 - I love this story. Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side, he would be along. He went up into the hills to pray. A storm began to erupt. Furious winds and rain I imagine. They grew terrified. Jesus knew! So he started walking to them on the water. Then they really freaked out at seeing this person or something coming across the water. They called him a ghost. They were screaming. He called out to them. "Take Courage! I AM! Stop being afraid."
Peter being Peter, said "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water!" And, the rest is history. Peter got out there and was probably pretty proud of himself for beating everyone to the punch and then Jesus gave him the go ahead. Then what? Yep, he looked around and saw the fierce wind, rain and crashing waves and began to sink.
So, some of us get all over him for that. "What you don't trust the Lord Jesus?" And, I say, Peter was the only one willing to take a risk for Jesus. Sure he got his perspective wet, but he risked it all to go to Jesus.
What are you willing to risk, to go to Jesus? Would you get in the wheel barrel on the tightrope and be willing to let Jesus walk you across from one 50 story building to the other with no net? Be honest!
Think about and ponder - "What are you willing to risk to meet Jesus on the storm of your life, or go on a long journey - knowing he will wheel you over safely?" It is my belief these days after several decades of learning about this Savior we have, that just stepping out of the boat is the beginning of our love and trust for Him. We have to do it. Staying in the boat weeping and afraid - is NOT an option. What keeps you from stepping out. Deut. 31: 8. Reread it again - AMP version.
Matt 14: 22/33 - I love this story. Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side, he would be along. He went up into the hills to pray. A storm began to erupt. Furious winds and rain I imagine. They grew terrified. Jesus knew! So he started walking to them on the water. Then they really freaked out at seeing this person or something coming across the water. They called him a ghost. They were screaming. He called out to them. "Take Courage! I AM! Stop being afraid."
Peter being Peter, said "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water!" And, the rest is history. Peter got out there and was probably pretty proud of himself for beating everyone to the punch and then Jesus gave him the go ahead. Then what? Yep, he looked around and saw the fierce wind, rain and crashing waves and began to sink.
So, some of us get all over him for that. "What you don't trust the Lord Jesus?" And, I say, Peter was the only one willing to take a risk for Jesus. Sure he got his perspective wet, but he risked it all to go to Jesus.
What are you willing to risk, to go to Jesus? Would you get in the wheel barrel on the tightrope and be willing to let Jesus walk you across from one 50 story building to the other with no net? Be honest!
Think about and ponder - "What are you willing to risk to meet Jesus on the storm of your life, or go on a long journey - knowing he will wheel you over safely?" It is my belief these days after several decades of learning about this Savior we have, that just stepping out of the boat is the beginning of our love and trust for Him. We have to do it. Staying in the boat weeping and afraid - is NOT an option. What keeps you from stepping out. Deut. 31: 8. Reread it again - AMP version.
Friday, June 19, 2015
WATCHING OVER US!
I would prefer to believe that like this mother duck, He is sitting quietly, observing, waiting. . .!
The sitting quiet wouldn't work for me, and the waiting either. Mother ducks are always watchful and if there is danger, she is first to immediately move into shelter and they follow her. You can't find her and her eight babies any other time. They are hidden and protected at all times. Even then she lost three out of the original group. How does this relate to us. Staying with our pack leader would be my best offer. Every day in Jesus Calling there is a reference to focusing on Him, letting Him guide our day, turning things over to Him, and letting go of things to follow Him.
I could site a whole list of scriptures. But to some it up I always go back to Deut. 31:8 in the Amplified Version. If you have a Smart Phone, you can get free apps on that phone and bring up that scripture on all kinds of versions. County Line has a new app called YouVersion. Every Sunday now we can tune into that app and see the sermon, comment or ask questions on there about it. See all the verses written out, and all the music that was sung. It is amazing today - the spiritual tools we have.
Anyway, that verse says it all, about He goes before us, and He goes with us into whatever is happening. Fear not because He is NOT going to fail, or abandon us. Don't be depressed, and unnerved, because He has got it and you. You have seen lots of different tools on my blog.
Acknowledge Him and only Him
Surrender to Him and only Him
Follow Him and only Him
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will answer the desires of your heart. Ps 37: 4
Sunday, June 7, 2015
LORD! WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?
Acts 6 is about the story of Saul. How he was crucifying and telling people NOT to follow Jesus. He was harassing the disciples. And, one day on a walk to another town to start that process up again, a light shown down on him and God spoke to Saul about "Why are doing this?" He knew God even though he was speaking out against Him! His final response to God was, "Lord, what do you want me to do? Acts 6: 9
And, the rest is history, as they say. His name was changed to Paul and he became God's mega speaker for Jesus Christ. Another part we need to remember here. To immediately get up from his respite and new name, went out to speak to everyone about Jesus. Its our reminder that God speaks out through our personality. The Holy Spirit guides our entire being if we let him. Friends have asked me, "People didn't have schools, how did they know to read, who taught them to read? How did Jesus at 13 begin answering questions and teaching in the synagogue?" Ah, it seemed a little too simple, but because He is God, God spoke through him, gave him all the immediate abilities He needed.
My question - "What would happen if we did that?" "What if we were so focused and had so much enthusiasm only for Jesus?"
Another great story illustrates this. The story of Mary and Martha. Luke 10: 38-42 Martha and Mary had invited Jesus to their home and Martha was angry with Mary for sitting at Jesus's feet. She had things to do in the kitchen. "Jesus, tell her to help me! " What do you think Martha's distractions were?"Was she jealous of her sister Mary?" We need to take these stories to heart in our everyday life. We are easily distracted and then that attitude turns into taking on all the event ourselves. I am a Martha who wants to be a Mary. I would be out in the kitchen wanting help with getting refreshments and mad at my sister. And, yet, yearning to be comfortable and focused on Jesus. To learn from him. To ask, "Lord, What do you want me to do?"
From Jesus Calling today, is the real priority. Let me have your situations, trust me to take your situations and either fix it Myself, or show you how to do it. What's the big deal.
What attitudes cause you not to make Jesus your top priority?
And, the rest is history, as they say. His name was changed to Paul and he became God's mega speaker for Jesus Christ. Another part we need to remember here. To immediately get up from his respite and new name, went out to speak to everyone about Jesus. Its our reminder that God speaks out through our personality. The Holy Spirit guides our entire being if we let him. Friends have asked me, "People didn't have schools, how did they know to read, who taught them to read? How did Jesus at 13 begin answering questions and teaching in the synagogue?" Ah, it seemed a little too simple, but because He is God, God spoke through him, gave him all the immediate abilities He needed.
My question - "What would happen if we did that?" "What if we were so focused and had so much enthusiasm only for Jesus?"
Another great story illustrates this. The story of Mary and Martha. Luke 10: 38-42 Martha and Mary had invited Jesus to their home and Martha was angry with Mary for sitting at Jesus's feet. She had things to do in the kitchen. "Jesus, tell her to help me! " What do you think Martha's distractions were?"Was she jealous of her sister Mary?" We need to take these stories to heart in our everyday life. We are easily distracted and then that attitude turns into taking on all the event ourselves. I am a Martha who wants to be a Mary. I would be out in the kitchen wanting help with getting refreshments and mad at my sister. And, yet, yearning to be comfortable and focused on Jesus. To learn from him. To ask, "Lord, What do you want me to do?"
From Jesus Calling today, is the real priority. Let me have your situations, trust me to take your situations and either fix it Myself, or show you how to do it. What's the big deal.
What attitudes cause you not to make Jesus your top priority?
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