Is His joy enough?

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— ² and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete." 1 John 1:1-4, NASB

Isn't 1 John just wonderful? I always suggest that new believers read it first. Simply put, Jesus was there in the beginning of time. See John 1:1-5. He is the Word in flesh, the Word of Life. God sent Jesus so that we could see God. Jesus showed us how to live and how to die. "Who God is" is manifest in the person of Jesus. We know - we have seen and heard -  this truth. As a result of this, we have fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. When we have this truth in us, we have His joy, and thus our joy is complete in Him.

I ask you today what I am asking myself. "Is my joy complete in Him?" Am I looking for a great response to my actions? Am I looking for what I can do next? Am I looking for a sign that God is in my life and blessing my ministry? Unfortunately, the answer to all these (for me) is yes! Yes my joy is complete in Him but yes, I am looking for all the rest. Not good. My joy needs to be complete in Him. Period.

I ask you today, is your joy complete in Him? Is He enough for you? If so, help others see this great truth! It is not how many tweeter followers or facebook friends we have, nor it is how many books we write or places we go. Jesus is complete in Himself and we can be complete in Him. Let's choose His joy in us again today.

You know you are loved!

The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b, NASB). 

There is a popular slogan by Under Armour that says, "Protect This House." I think what it means is that as we exercise, we are helping our body by keeping it healthy. There are many other ways to seek physical health and protection. Where do you run for strength and protection?

Lately, this verse above has been on my mind. God sent Ezra and Nehemiah in these days to restore Jerusalem in very realistic, visual ways, as they rebuilt the temple and the city walls, respectively. The focus in this chapter is that as Ezra read God's law out loud, the people began weeping.

Why were they weeping? These people were weeping at the reading of God's Word and as they realized their sins. I think God's Word can be challenging and lovely at the same time. We can see He is holy and deserves the utmost respect and worship, and I think the people may have felt regret or sadness over their sin.

Kelli Martin

What did Ezra say about it? He asked them to not grieve or mourn. I think the purpose here is that God, in that moment, was there to restore His people not just physically but also spiritually. It was also time to start the festival of booths. God was proving His faithfulness to restore His people.

He can restore us today as well, as we turn to Him in belief and with a heart of repentance. He gave His Word out of love, so that we could know Him more. It is good to be sorrowful over our sins so that we see the need to turn from them and toward God, but we must trust that God also lets us turn to Him and come to Him. He is a forgiver. Let's embrace that and walk in faith in that.

Let's take a moment to praise Him because He has shown how He wants to restore us. Let's share with others, by word and by action, our source of joy and strength.

Check out all of the first part of chapter 8 in Nehemiah here: Nehemiah 8:1-12 (NLT)

Joyful Shouting

 

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:5-6, NASB)

When Tracy sent me this verse last night, it was a reminder that those who work a difficult harvest will rejoice when the fruit comes in. As I walk through my days, some are spent pouring over the computer. The pouring over can be the hours of labor working on a project or the tears of frustration of trying to get my technology to work. I know in the end that it will all be worth the effort.

This verse has to do with the work that goes into the harvest of souls. Time spent with those who need the Lord can be joyful but they can also be tedious. Sometimes it seems I watch God opens eyes to His Glory but at other times, it feels like no matter how much I work the field that they just don't get it. We are to keep working the field and to know that God is the one who brings the harvest.

Who are you praying for today? Who needs to know the love of the Lord? What is God calling you to do? Keep your nose to the grind and keep doing the work of answering questions or showing the love of Christ...and keep praying for God to bring the harvest. He will. And when He does, we will all shout with joy!

A New Heart

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12, New American Standard Bible).

Did you get to see the Golden Globes a week or so ago? I admit that I love watching for the clothes that are new and that show a certain style. Most clothes fit the tone of the star studded, glamorous event.

What life style fits just right for followers of Christ? The books of Colossians and Galatians talk about those things. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, He not only forgives us but also continues working in us. He is able to give us the strength to live out who He first made us to be.

The Spirit helps us have hearts more like Christ, filled with:

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

I think I need help in all of those areas. That is completely okay, though - God has grace and is still working in me. Let's pray He continues to work in our hearts in the ways this verse described, now that we have been made new in Christ and have the Holy Spirit as our guide.

Lord, thanks for Your forgiveness and taking the old ways out of us. Grow us in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Help us overflow with Your Spirit to others around us. Amen.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB). 

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.skiptomylou.org.

joy in pointing up

"John responded, 'No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven.

You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.'

He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice.

So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.'"

-John 3:27-30, Holman Christian Standard Bible

The verses above are an excerpt of John's account of part of John the Baptist's story.  It's neat to see how John the Baptist points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in his response to some people's question about purification.  He sees that his purpose is to prepare the way for Christ to come.

That was John the Baptist's unique mission, but I think it applies to Christians as well.  We are followers of Christ, through thick and thin, because God has changed us.  This is not because of what we have done but because of what Christ has done, as He died for what we've done against God, so we can have a good relationship with Him.  How can we share with others who Christ is?  We can share what the Holy Spirit has taught us about God in our own everyday life, invite people to join the body of Christ, and be with people as they want help understanding the Word of God.

I pray God gives us a heart like John the Baptist, who gladly points up to Christ.  I pray He gives us courage and wisdom to share this great news with others.

(illustration above by Trish York - http://www.trishyork.com/banners.html)

Freedom!

2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."!

John 8:32 "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"!

The 4th of July, Celebration of Freedom, is a great opportunity to share where freedom can be experienced, In Jesus Christ! Who has God placed in our lives that needs Freedom? Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Worry, Freedom from Addictions, Freedom from Debt, Freedom from Sin, Freedom from Loneliness, Freedom from the Cares of This World? As we participate in July 4th Celebrations, let's share where our Freedom is Found = Jesus, with someone that is yearning to be Free!! In Jesus, Everyday can be "Happy Freedom Day"!!


Psalm 33: 1-22

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones;
praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the LORD with the lyre;
make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.

Sing a new song to Him;
play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.

For the word of the LORD is right,
and all His work is trustworthy.

He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the LORD's unfailing love.

The heavens were made by the word of the LORD,
and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.

He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap;
He puts the depths into storehouses.

Let the whole earth tremble before the LORD;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

For He spoke, and it came into being;
He commanded, and it came into existence.

The LORD frustrates the counsel of the nations;
He thwarts the plans of the peoples.

The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of His heart from generation to generation.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD—
the people He has chosen to be His own possession!

The LORD looks down from heaven;
He observes everyone.

He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth
from His dwelling place.

He alone crafts their hearts;
He considers all their works.

A king is not saved by a large army;
a warrior will not be delivered by great strength.

The horse is a false hope for safety;
it provides no escape by its great power.

Now the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him—
those who depend on His faithful love

to deliver them from death
and to keep them alive in famine.

We wait for the LORD;
He is our help and shield.

For our hearts rejoice in Him,
because we trust in His holy name.

May Your faithful love rest on us, LORD,
for we put our hope in You."

a flicker of candlelight

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrifired. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:8-12).

Today, there will be many candlelight services held at churches around the world. These times give us the opportunity to soak up the moment and remember Jesus, who was born that starry night years ago.

What does Jesus' birth story mean to us today? When the angels came to declare the news of Jesus' birth, the shepherds responded in fear. It may be unavoidable to be in awe of God when His glory is shown, as we can see when we read stories from Moses and Paul (found in Exodus 3 and Acts 22:1-16).

Yet, as the angels told, we do not need to be afraid, since God has sent His Son, Jesus, to save us! We are able to rejoice with this good news and be filled with joy, becuase Jesus was sent to forgive us and bring us closer to God. I pray wherever we are today that we are able to not be overcome with fear but swelling with thankfulness of His Son who came to save us. Not everyone knows the story of God's love, so let us spread this, "good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

"Silent Night" by Sixpence None the Richer music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6ml_YbgJsQ

Christmas Parties With Purpose!

The film, "It's A Wonderful Life" by Frank Capra, tells the story of George Bailey and the Hope that is found in Life! Jaye Martin has taken this movie and created a party with a purpose; "It's A Wonderful Life" Christmas Party, shared in a way that provides an opportunity to "gently" introduce your faith & hope in Christ with others especially during the wonderful Christmas season! This "Christmas Party With Purpose" and many more for those of all ages can be found on this free download listed below as we look for creative fun ways to Keep Christ In Christmas!!! Here are the 4 great evangelistic Christmas Ideas & Parties for you to enjoy and share, each with great simple detailed step by step instructions that are found in this free down-loadable evangelistic women's leadership notebook. My prayer is that this will enriched your life in Christ in many specials ways like it has enriched mine!

http://www.namb.net/atf/cf/%7BCDA250E8-8866-4236-9A0C-C646DE153446%7D/2005%20HCLL%20NOTEBOOK.pdf (written by Jaye Martin, Director of Women's Leadership, SBTS)

The above download notebook is 51 pages full of awesome ideas and tools for anyone desiring to share Jesus in and through their lives! Here are the specific Christmas Parties With Purpose and the pages that you can find all of the fun simple step by step details for you:

"Christmas Traditions Home Decorating & Tour" can be found on Pages 37-41: Christmas decorating ideas that each have a purpose that all point to Jesus! You will LOVE these ideas can be used in many ways; for a Christmas home tour, personal home witness, personal Christmas focus on the real meanings of Christmas as you raise your children and/or desire for your home to point others to The Reason for the Season~Jesus!

"It's A Wonderful Life" Christmas Party can be found on Pages 42-43: This evangelistic party is based upon Frank Capa's film "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. This party of fun and hope has been used to provide opportunities to "gently" introduce individuals to your faith in Jesus Christ as you also send a message of hope and availability to those needing to know more about where your Hope comes from! There is a step by step party planning guide that you will LOVE! I can already smell the popcorn:-)!

"Happy Birthday, Jesus" Christmas Party can be found on Pages 44-45: This evangelistic party is planned with young children and their parents in mind. The party host/hostess are your children or any children's ministy. You and children of all ages will LOVE the fun party planning simple guide as a Christmas atmosphere is enjoyed by all!

"Jesus Cake" Celebrations can be found on Page 46: You will LOVE this edible witnessing tool as the fun simple baking directions are listed for a wonderful evangelistic dessert! What a great tool that helps us all keep Christ in Christmas and keeps the message of Christ coming from our kitchen:-)! You can share this cake with family, Christmas gatherings, co-workers, neighbors, delivery people, anyone..... as we share The Greatest Gift~Jesus through this evangelistic edible GIFT~"Jesus Cake"!

Happy Birthday Jesus~Welcome To Our Christmas As We Share You With Our World!! AMEN!!!!

Welcome To Our Christmas Jesus~Welcome To Our World!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogWRU29J78I (you will love this song!)
Happy Birthday Jesus!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQyXWllz5Ao (you will love this song!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oar123wgUH4 (you will love this song!)

"Give thanks to God the Father for Everything."

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:19-20)

As we have celebrated Thanksgiving with you friends and family, I hope all of us had a time to reflect on God's goodness to us. I was reminded of a song I learned as a child that sums up the message to me above all about WHY I should be so thankful.

"He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to take my sins away. And now I sing a brand new song "Amazing Grace," Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay."

"To do" lists, school stress, project deadlines, family illness, early shopping hours and lines etc. may cause us to take our focus on Christ, but let us remember to sing a little song in our heart to the Lord. HE PAID a DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY." Let us all express our thanks to Him!

sing alleluia!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wondrous works! ... Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered" (Psalm 105:1-2,4-5). Let us remember our God this day, and tell others of His boundless love!

Luke wrote of David, the ancient King described much in the Old Testament: "David said about him: 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay'" (Acts 2:25-27). Today, we can love God and get to know Him even more, now that He sent His son to die for our sins. Jesus has risen again, and the Holy Spirit is able to come inside of us and give us joy, peace, and the strength to walk with God as our leader.

Later in Chapter 2 of Acts, Luke describes how some of the first believers gathered: "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46­-47). Let us be glad – wherever we are today – and praise His holy name, for we have a God whose love never ends and we have a fellowship of believers to come together to praise Him. Let us declare to all: Oh, how He loves us! Happy Thanksgiving!

Worship songs below (feel free to share some of your favorites):

"Sing Praises" by Third Day - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYSzDeo3Acs
"How He Loves" by David Crowder Band - http://www.onlylyrics.com/hits.php?grid=11&id=1034792

(art from http://www.marciabaldwin.artspan.com/)

Sowing in Tears ~ Reaping With Shouts of Joy!

"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord had done great things for us; we were joyful. Restore our fortunes. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves."

Psalm 126 (HCSB)

Just yesterday tears were flowing from my eyes without my ability to control them...was it because I could not get Fall season memories of my mother, that is now with Jesus, off of my heart...was it because I had just been through a huge opportunity of trusting Jesus with all my heart...or was it because I had the joy of sharing my testimony with a nurse that was serving me that caused me to think about all of the people that are facing tough times and may be without Jesus in their life?

The truth is that the tears flowed from my eyes because of ALL of the above at the same time!! As I cried I was reminded of Psalm 126 (that I have written out above) and John 11:35 "Jesus Wept"! Through my tears I thanked God that He has given me the ability to cry out to Him when I need nurturing, when I am afraid, and when my heart breaks for the lost of our world that need Jesus!

What greater calling could we have than a season of tears that all lead back to "Jesus Wept"! We are in good company my friend when we have tender hearts that weep with those that weep and rejoice with those that rejoice. What greater opportunity we have as "The Lord's Gifted2Go Witness" to walk in the sensitivity and compassion of Jesus that cares about those that are needing Him! There is no greater JOY than to be willing to enter a lost person's world to share the HOPE that they are searching for desperately! Will You Go With Us?!

Weeping may last for a night (season) but Joy comes in the morning! Don't hold back or push down those tears that water the seeds that are sown for Jesus...water makes seeds GROW!!:-) As gifted2go witnesses for Christ keep sowing those seeds by faith and at times watering them with tears of sorrow or joy. Don't loose heart God will cause there to be a Joyful Harvest as we have the privilege of "carry His sheaves" because of the tears we have sown for His Glory!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmYxZAgrGI (our life is in His Hands!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GsTKEPqe8Q (joy comes in the morning~choose Joy!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervcj18qeyg (Psalm 23!)

the sound of music

My eyes were half open as I lunged with the bar. Halfway through a morning strength training class, I began to wonder why I had come. My instructor's words were encouraging, but her long intervals were definitely a challenge.

As I began to think about changing to a lower weight resistance, a familiar song on her playlist began to play. It is "Give Me Your Eyes," performed by Christian artist Brandon Heath.

As I listened, I began to pray to God, asking why this class was hard for me. I was reminded of the perseverance God loves to see in us. James explains it this way:

"As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
-James 5:11 (New International Version)

Music can have great power. It can attract, inspire a feeling, and send a message. I think, in life, what message do I show when I play music with friends in the car? How does it move me? How could it move others?

My new instructor has painted a picture of how we can inspire others. I pray that I can use music for God's glory to tell of His love. King David expressed his love for God this way:

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothe me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!"
-Psalm 30:11-12 (New Living Translation)