Love Deeply

"Now that you have taken care to purify your souls through your submission to the truth, you can experience real love for each other. So love each other deeply from a [pure] heart. You have been reborn - not from seed that eventually dies but from seed that is eternal - through the word of God that lives and endures forever. For Isaiah said, 

'All life is like the grass, 

and its glory like a flower;

The grass will wither and die, 

and the flower falls,

But the word of the Lord will endure forever'

This is the word that has been preached to you" 
(1 Peter 1:22-25, The Voice).

I like this version from The Voice. As new creations, we are made alive by God's grace as we have turned to put our trust in Him as Lord and Savior. The body of Christ can come together and have a pure love like He does, since He fills us with the Holy Spirit and teaches us more of who He is. He can renew our hearts and help us forgive, reach out to and care for those around us. He can give us new eyes to see others as His precious creations that He can give new life to as well. We have known and have been filled with His love, and so we have the opportunity to multiply the world with a kind of love like God has shown.

Kelli Martin

How can you love someone today or this weekend? Recently, I stopped to talk with a neighbor who has dogs and was shocked to find out she has had recent back troubles. I wished I was there closer to when the troubles first occurred. We exchanged cell phone numbers, and I hope that I can be there for her in the future. Is there someone around you who may even just need a smile or a hopeful outlook of God's purposes? Maybe there is someone near You who doesn't know the hope and peace our God Father and Savior brings.

Let's pray that God fills us with His love so we can extend it to others and point them to God who has shown us the deepest love we've ever seen.

A couple of worship songs: "Bones" and "Like an Avalanche" by Hillsong United (Live in Miami video with lyrics)
Photo from Pinterest and psweadoreyou.blogspot.com.

Life and Godliness

"...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." 2 Peter 1:3

What a comfort to read this verse and realize that we are equipped for every work that God has called us to through a relationship with Jesus Christ. There will never be a day where we do not have exactly what we need to live a godly life! Through Christ, we have the ability to make right choices and glorify Him through our lives, thoughts, relationships, time and actions.

Within this verse, there is a sense of responsibility on behalf of the believer. There is no excuse to choose ungodliness when everything needed to live righteously has been given. How gracious of the Lord to not expect anything of us that He has not already given to us!

In a broken world corrupted by sin, it seems like such a daunting task to pursue holiness and live righteously. And yet, the good news of the Gospel is that through Christ, we have  been granted "everything pertaining to life and godliness" AND we are able to become "partakers of the divine nature" who have "escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust."

THANKS be to God! May we choose to live in light of this glorious truth today, allowing a true knowledge of God to enable us to glorify and honor Him. Today may we "walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Galatians 5:16.

Entrusted

"Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you" 2 Timothy 1:14, NASB

Paul tells Timothy that he is to guard the treasure entrusted to him. In this verse, he also says that the Holy Spirit will help him to guard that treasure.  That treasure is the gift of Christ. It is the gift of faith that has been entrusted to him as a believer.  Timothy has the treasure of Christ and the calling as a teacher to pass on the truth of the Word of the Lord that has been entrusted to him. Paul reminds Timothy that he is not alone on this mission, God is with him.

In a world that is so full of people who do not want to trust Christ, it is comforting to know that God is still at work in our lives helping us to treasure His gift of eternal life, His everlasting love and the hope of His calling. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we know that we can share the good news of Christ with others. We can be true to our calling. Regardless of what they say or do, we can guard the treasure that has been entrusted to us.

Just like you, I have been involved in several recent conversations with those who deny Christ. I thank God that it is not my job to convince or convict them, but I can guard the treasure entrusted to me,

Lord, help me to share. Help me to guard your truth! Amen.

Trustworthy Truths

"The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds." Psalm 145:15-17

Kari Beougher

Whenever I am tempted to be discontent about where the Lord has me, or long for Him to do something new in my life, I am comforted by the truths in this passage.
  
The eyes of all look to You- I love this reminder about what a great God we serve. Truly all of creation is dependent upon Him for life. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

 You give them their food in due time- My favorite part about this verse is "in due time." It doesn't just say that God is Provider-though He is. It also shows His sovereignty and perfect timing. God knows what we need and is faithful to provide it for us...at the proper time.

 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing- It is in Christ that true satisfaction is found. He is the Giver of all good gifts, and only in Him can true fulfillment be found.

 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds- God's plan can be fully trusted. He is righteous and kind in all that He does.

What are you longing for today? Are you discouraged? You can trust in the care, providence, and faithfulness of our God. Rest in the knowledge that He is Sovereign over all creation, His timing is perfect, and His ways are kind.

Throwing out the old: Lies

"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices" (Colossians 3:9, New American Standard Bible).

Have you seen the movie Catch Me If You Can? The main character is based on a real person who once made a profession of being a skilled liar, basically by stealing identities and forging checks. He now assists the government in fraud protection. The movie itself is a look into how lies can be taken to an extreme, and how someone can feel trapped in a lifestyle of lies.

It is crazy how lying can become second nature for us, even in subtle ways. In contrast, God is full of truth and goodness. As His disciples and family, He wants us to reflect that part of Him, His truthfulness.

Some major truths God has given us include:

• His Word (John 8:31-32, John 17:17)
• His promises, especially in sending Jesus, the Messiah, to be the Good Shepherd and to pay the price for our sins on the cross (John 10:7-18).
• The Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, to help us live a life of truth today (see John 14:16; the Spirit is also called the Spirit of truth in John 15:26, John 16:13, 1 John 4:6, and 1 John 5:6). 

Truth has this great, freeing value, and living a life of truth can testify to others more of who God is. It seems so simple, to speak truth, but we need God's power and His help. Let's pray for help to continually be a people of truth.

Lord, thank You for Your truthfulness. We ask that You remove any desire in us to lie. Help us show others Your truth. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo found on www.bluesummitwealth.com.

The Holy Spirit guides in truth

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come" 
(John 16:13, New American Standard Bible).

One of the neatest things about God, I think, is that He does not leave us on our own to understand Him. A lot of people seem to search for truth every day, even if they are not a detective, judge, or someone who performs experimental research. God sends the Holy Spirit to believers to reveal truth and to guide us in understanding it.

The Holy Spirit does not only declare truth, but also seeks to guide people in knowing and living truth. We may rely on the testimony of the Holy Spirit, because He is one with the Father and the Son and was sent by them (1 John 5:7). The eternal Word and the eternal Spirit never disagree. The Spirit can remind us of writings in Scripture from the past, interpret the gospel for the present, and reveal things to come.

Lord, help us listen to Your Spirit and follow its lead, as we seek to understand You and hear from You. Help us lead others in Your truth. Amen.

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

The Holy Spirit teaches us what to share

"'When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say'" (Luke 12:11-12, New American Standard Bible).

Will you zoom into view this point of time with me? Jesus was speaking to His disciples. In case they would be arrested and questioned in court on the account of following Him, He encouraged them to not fear what to say. The Holy Spirit would give them the words to say.

We may never be questioned in court about who we believe Christ to be, but we may be questioned by others. We may suffer in this world, but the suffering only lasts a moment (Romans 8:18, John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:13). We can rest in knowing God's truths last forever (Isaiah 40:8). God cares for all living creatures (Luke 12:6-7). He will be faithful to speak through His people at the right time, when we trust in His Word and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. He will help us know what, how, and when to say something.

It may be a suffering feeling, sharing who Christ is, since not everyone believes that He is Lord and Savior over all (John 3:3). No doubt - people may question the validity of our faith. As believers, we can rest in knowing that God will give us the words to say in such a situation through the Holy Spirit. He has been faithful to keep His Word in the past, so we can trust it for the future (Psalm 100:5). As we rely on the truth of who He is, He will teach us what to say as we share who He is with others.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to speak truth to us and the world. Help us to be willing for You to speak through us, to proclaim Your glory to the world. Give us the words to say. Make us a living witness to what sort of change You can  make in a life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.access-board.gov.
Recommended reading: the book Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce W. Longenecker; the verses Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Matthew 6:25, 1 John 5:1

Bringing truth into focus

"And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment... But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come" (John 16:8, 13, New American Standard Bible).

A camera lens, like the one recycled to make into owl eyes in the photo above, helps bring things into focus. Owls can see in three dimensions - height, width, and depth - and their eyes are efficient in processing light. Similarly, a camera lens is made to capture what is true and in front of the photographer. As believers, the Holy Spirit is there to help us process God, His will, and to reveal to us what sort of relationship God wishes to have with His people.

Who is the Holy Spirit? Matthew Henry once wrote, "Bodily presence drew eyes, but the Spirit draws hearts" (Matthew Henry Commentary). Jesus drew much attention, but the Holy Spirit heals our hearts. The Holy Spirit is a part of who God is; He is a part of the Holy Trinity. He convicts, comforts, and teaches truth.

Similar to the owl's eyes at night, the Holy Spirit helps bring the truth of God into focus. He reveals truth about God, and He helps us see the guilt of all people because of our rebellion against God and His will (1 Corinthians 2:10). As we accept Christ as Savior of our lives, the Spirit abides in us (John 14:17). Sent by the Father and the Son, He will teach us and bring to mind things God has taught us (John 14:26, John 15:26). Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps an unbeliever on our mind see His truth.

Lord, work within us through the Holy Spirit. Please work in the life of someone on our mind who does not know You. Help convict us of sin and help us see truth that comes from You. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999)
Photo from http://www.etsy.com/shop/focusonart

Remember Whose You Are!

"A Simple Healthy Formula for Godly Self-Esteem & Self-Worth!"

Valentines Day was yesterday, but we are surrounding with "hearts" everyday! God wants our heart to be in good condition so that He can use us to share Him & His Love with others! Let's talk about the heart (the seat of our emotions) today according to the TRUTH in God's Word!!

In order to apply God’s Truth about self-esteem & self-worth, let's look at 3 lies that the enemy & the world portrays, especially to women, as self-esteem & self-worth keeping in mind that they are 3 HUGE LIES!!!

Then we will look at the ONE true message from GOD…He Is TRUTH!!!

3 LIES that women are told from the enemy & the world:

1. Self-Esteem & Self-Worth = What You LOOK LIKE: At one time or another we all have been caught in a trap of lies from the enemy and the world of being overly concerned and/or at times obsessed (narcissistic) over: Weight, Body Shape, or Appearance…always leads to negative thinking and negative self talk!
"The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can't help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, "Is this idol that I'm holding in my hand a lie?" Isaiah 44:20 NLT

2. Self-Esteem & Self-Worth = What You DO: At one time or another we all have been caught in a trap of lies from the enemy and the world of being labeled by what we do to be accepted or to measure up to standards that are unrealistic: Perfect Wife, Perfect Mother, Perfect Home, Everything Organized, Over-Achiever, Climbing the Career Ladder, Striving to be Successful, Making Good Grades, Talented, Club Member, Up-To-Date Scrapbooks, What I Do Is Who I Am = obsessed with (narcissistic) accomplishments/achievements always leads to negative thinking & negative self talk!
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NLT


3. Self-Esteem & Self-Worth = What OTHERS THINK About You: At one time or another we all been caught in a trap from the enemy and the world of being overly concerned and/or at times obsessed with (narcissistic) being a people pleaser: Approval From Others, Trying To Fit In, Doing Whatever It Takes To Be Accepted, Trying to Look Like You Have It All Together, Trying to Be Accepted By The “In” Crowd, Being A Follower Of Others, Closed Relationship Clicks…always leads to negative thinking & negative self talk!
"...For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night..." Rev.12:10b NLT


All of the above traps will lead to: low self-esteem/low self-worth, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the future, fear of all kinds, the blame game, shame, anxiety, displaced anger, self-pity, being passive, eating disorders, isolation, depression, withdrawing from others, loss of creativity, negativity, perfectionism, critical spirit, controlling/manipulating others, co-dependant relationships, gambling, alcohol and/or drug use to escape emotional pain = negative strong-holds!

GOOD NEWS!!!!! God’s ONE True Formula for Self-Esteem & Self-Worth is....

Who You Are In JESUS CHRIST!! = True Self-Esteem & Self-Worth: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed me in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me,O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!" Psalm 139:13-18 NLT

Please take some time and look up these PROMISES about who you are in Jesus Christ and please share Him with others....all we need to do is look at the news, culture, people our lives touch everyday and see that people are needing to know JESUS & share Him with others!! God made us to Know Him & be His Witnesses, that is WHO WE ARE!!": Psalm 17:8; Romans 8:1-2, 15-17, 37-39; 2 Cor. 4:16-18, 5:17; Eph. 2:10; Colossians 2:10, 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jer.29:11-13 ESV

A Few Resources that help with Self-Esteem & Self-Worth: “The Search for Significance” Robert S.McGee; “Healing of Damaged Emotions” David A.Seamands; “Breaking Free” Beth Moore; "The Blessing" Gary Smalley & John Trent

Some websites to help you in your walk with the Lord & your witness for Christ!
www.jayemartin.blogspot.com www.womensministry.net www.pointofgrace.com www.womensministry.net www.family.org www.christianwomentoday.com www.JourneyOfJoy.com www.RetirementWithAPurpose.com www.namb.net www.lifeway.com www.lroof.org www.insight.org www.turningpointradio.org www.justbetweenus.org

If You Need Prayer and/or Encouragement: Tracy Jones ~ tjonescomm@swbell.net

http://www.godvine.com/Beautiful-by-MercyMe-For-Anyone-Who-Doesn-t-Feel-Beautiful-565.html (Mercy Me-Your Beautiful)

penetrating light

"Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness."
-2 Samuel 22:29, HCSB

This Sunday, I admired my church's candelabras.  I love candles and their vintage look; also, I think there is something deeper about our attraction to light.  Light can symbolize truth and understanding.  When we believe in the power of the Bible as God's true Word, then God can guide us as we read.  His Word brings "light" to life, and we can pray to ask him to help us follow His way through whatever we are facing that day. 

A man at my work the other day was telling me about how whenever he hears his pastor speak, it is like it is speaking directly to him.  He said it seems to meet him, right where he is.  It's like God knew exactly what he needed to hear. 

That is one thing that I love about the Bible; God's words penetrate me, and it reminds me of how awe-inspiring God is.  His very nature is loving, powerful and wise.  Will we try to help others see how much the Bible relates to everyday life and of our need for Christ? 

How can we share His Word with someone today?

"God, Your faithful love is so valuable that people take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They are filled from the abundance of Your house;
You let them drink from Your refreshing stream,
for with You is life's fountain.
In Your light we will see light."
-Psalm 36:7-9, HCSB

(photo from etsy.com)

the challenge of truth

How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation" (Daniel 4:3, NIV).

Last week, I heard a sermon that had nearly eleven points.  It inspired me to see how much this pastor was drawing from God's Word.  If we stay connected with quiet time in the Word, I believe that God will help us see His plan.

Sometimes, the truth can feel like a cut.  An example of such a cut, I think, is in Daniel, when Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that haunted him.  In Daniel 4, he called Daniel, to interpret one he had about a tree being ordered to be cut down by a holy one.  When Daniel, who we know believed in and spent time praying to God, interpreted the dream, he was, "greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him" (verse 19).  When he interpreted the dream to the king, though, he made sure to include that if the king followed God, then he may not suffer (verse 27).  The king did not turn from his selfish rule, but after he suffered (his authority was taken from him and he went mad).

This story in Daniel turns, as King Nebuchadnezzar declares that God rules over all:  "His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation" (verse 34b).  His sanity and kingdom were restored, and he said, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (verse 37).   I admire Daniel, because he communicated the truth both accurately to, and in concern for, Nebuchadnezzar.

When we communicate God's truth through His Word, I think it is important to realize how powerful it is.  Are we communicating the truth in love?  His message can feel like a cut, but He can use it to heal us.  We are sinners, but Christ died for us so that we can know Him and live.  I pray that we continue to pray and seek His lead in living for Him.

God is True and Honest

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, HCSB) .

“God is true and honest, holy and pure, right and righteous, just and merciful, compassionate and gracious, wise, hope, peace, love, patient, faithful and forever, and the list goes on. His character is who He is. He is the model for leadership. He shows us how to lead and live through His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ’s example on earth is the very picture of what a leader should look like. The Bible is our best text on leadership.”

“God is true and honest. That’s who He is. There is no lie in Him because that is part of His character. He cannot be true and untrue at the same time. There are no contradictions in Him. Being true means being absolute and consistent. God is true regardless of who believes in Him. We strive to be honest, trustworthy, and truthful in every aspect of our lives. One of the most important things we see in the postmodern world is the emphasis on integrity. People need to know that we are living out our beliefs on a daily basis. In every aspect of ministry, we evaluate every action to be sure that we are being truthful and honest in all of our dealings. Because He is true and honest, we must be as well.”

Lord, give me your truth and honesty so that I might live it and proclaim it this very day.

(excerpts from Chapter 4 – Follow the Leader by Jaye Martin, Women Leading Women, Martin & Stovall, B&H Academic, 2008).

Lift Up Jesus

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12: 32, ESV)

"For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice" (John 18:37b, ESV).

It is so easy to get sidetracked with good and even great things. Easy to forget why we are here, easy to be overwhelmed with a huge to-do list, easy to forget the main thing - Jesus Christ and the incredible, incomprehensible sacrifice that He made for us in His life and in His death.

This week, I am going to concentrate on lifting up Christ. I'm going to try to keep from complaining about doing my dissertation, keep from being overwhelmed about the economy and how it is messing up our lives, keep from being discouraged that our house is still in the never-ending remodeling state, and keep from complaining that I am gone 3 weeks in April, keep from complaining...(okay I am stopping here).

I'm going to lift up Christ. I'm going to try to focus on the fact that I have ONE MAIN PURPOSE: to witness about Christ in my words, how I treat people, and how I live that out every minute of every day. If I'm quiet this week, you will know why. I am choosing to reflect on that fact this He is Risen and that I need to start living like it!

Will you join me?

"Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ." Oswald Chambers