More of Jesus 2012!

"And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people" Luke 2:52 (HCSB)

2012 A Year To Increase In JESUS! That is one of the deepest prayers of my heart for the New Year...that Jesus will Increase in my life so that I will keep growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God to reach others for Jesus!

God's Greatest Gift!

God's Greatest Gift is not found under a tree! This Christmas, I pray, that you receive so many "gifts" that only God can give...

Jesus is going from life to life, home to home, looking for those that will open their heart and make room for Him to live forever! There was "no room for Him" in the Inn over 2000 years ago, have you made room for JESUS and invited HIM to come INN to your life? Who are you praying for that still needs to make Jesus Lord this Christmas? You can count on our prayers for those that need the Lord!! ♥Hope Has Come♥

Praying with Joy as God’s Greatest GIFT, His name is ♥JESUS♥, blesses your life this Christmas and New Year in many special ways, some of which, are mentioned in one of my favorite verses ♥Isaiah 9:6♥

Merry Christmas & Blessed New Year from the Jones Family to You and Your Family!

Persecution Pointers

Let’s look at some very practical pointers that can help when objections to accepting Christ are voiced.

1.    Be calm.  Keep focused. 2 Timothy 4:5

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

2.    Always be ready.  Be gentle and respectful.1 Peter 3:15

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

3.    Be patient. 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

                       

4.    Be merciful. Jude 22

            “Be merciful to those who doubt.”

5.    Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19

“My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

                                   

6.    Be controlled. Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

7.    Be holy. Hebrews 12:14

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

As we are calm and focused on Jesus, ready to share, gentle, respectful, patient, merciful, are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, controlled and holy...others will see Jesus in us and many will be saved.

Matthew 28:17-20

“When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Go and worship the Lord. Understand some will doubt. Realize that Jesus has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Because He does...go, make converts of all, baptize them and teach them to be obedient and know that the Holy Spirit goes before you.

A Love Letter from God

A Love Letter from God
compiled by Dr. Bill Gaultiere

Dear (insert your name),

I love you! (John 3:16) I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12) and I made you in my image (Genesis 1:27), knitting you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).

I know the number of the hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30) and I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3). My thoughts of you are as countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18).

I am love (1 John 4:16) and the greatest commandment that I have for you is that you love (Matthew 22:37-40). My love is made complete in you when you receive my love for you and love others and me as I have loved you (1 John 4:7-21). To show you how to live this life of love I've given you Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), laws that are good and pleasing to you (Psalm 119).

So to fear me is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). But you don't need to remain afraid of me for I am a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). In fact, I've come to you in Jesus, not to Lord my authority and power over you, but to serve you (John 13:13-14). Knowing my perfect love will cast out all of your fear (1 John 4:18).

You see I've loved you from the beginning, long before you loved me (1 John 4:19). I sent my son Jesus, the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3), to die in your place for your sins (Romans 5:8), to take upon Himself the punishment that you deserved (Isaiah 53:5). He became the sacrificial lamb and satisfied my righteous judgment (John 1:29).

Now I knock on the door of your heart, waiting for you to let me in (Revelation 3:20). When you put your faith in Jesus I forgive you for your sins (Acts 10:43) and choose not to remember them anymore (Isaiah 43:25). I adopt you into my family (Ephesians 1:5) and lavish you with my fatherly love (1John 3:1).

Then you are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17) with a new self (Ephesians 4:24) and a new life (Romans 6:4). You have my precious righteousness as a gift (Romans 5:19). Your body becomes a temple for my Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and you become a saint (Ephesians 1:18).

Indeed, I want to make your righteousness to shine like the dawn (Psalm 37:6). I have called you and I am faithful to help you to be holy (1 Thessalonians 5:24). So when you are tempted to sin, look for the way out that I provide (1 Corinthians 10:13). And when you fail remember that I am waiting for you with open arms, quick to forgive you and to give you another chance (Luke 15:11-31).

I want nothing more than to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4) and to do more for you than you can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Whatever you need, look to me and I will provide (Philippians 4:19). I will give you love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of my Spirit, to fill your soul and for you to share with others (Galatians 5:22-23).

Since I care for you so much don't worry about getting your needs met and don't worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). Give your burdens to me and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). I've given you my Holy Spirit to be your Comforter and Counselor (John 14-16). So don't walk alone; walk in my Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and trust in me and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:4-5) and bless you with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

Please know that as my child you are safe in my hands (John 10:28). I am a refuge for you (Psalm 9:9). Like a mother bird I cover you with my feathers in my nest (Psalm 91:1-4). When you pass through rivers of difficulty you will not be swept away. When you walk through fiery trials you will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2). So when you must walk through the valley of the shadow of death don't be afraid because I am with you, comforting and protecting you (Psalm 23:4). I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

When you are brokenhearted I will draw close to you (Psalm 34:18). I'll cry with you (John 11:35). Like a shepherd holding his lamb, I'll carry you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11). I'll collect all your tears in my bottle and record each one in my book (Psalm 56:8). I'll comfort you in your time of mourning (Matthew 5:4) and I'll turn your mourning into gladness (Jeremiah 31:13) and put a new song in your mouth (Psalm 40:3).

When enemies come against you I will fight for you (Psalm 44:7). Even when you do what is right people will insult you, criticize you, and mistreat you, but I will bless you (Matthew 5:11). Even when you trust your father and mother they may forsake you, but I will receive you (Psalm 27:10). If you find yourself poor remember that I've blessed you with true riches (Luke 6:20). If you find yourself last in line remember that with me those who are last will be first! (Matthew 20:16).

Yes, I am for you and not against you! (Romans 8:31) If I have been misrepresented to you by religious people who claim to know me but don't, (John 8:41-44) then know that I am against these hypocrites (Matthew 23). And if your earthly father has disappointed you, then please realize that I offer you more than he ever could (Matthew 7:9-11). I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5:48), the Father from whom all true fatherhood derives its name (Ephesians 3:15), and I love to give you good gifts (Matthew 7:11).

With me on your side your future is bright and full of hope! My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Even hardships, as painful as they may be, can be to your benefit if you endure them as loving discipline from me, opportunities for you to be trained in the ways of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12; 6-11). Always remember that when you love me and seek my purposes that all things will work together for your good (Romans 8:28).

You need to realize that I have gifted you to serve me (Matthew 25:14-23) and I want to make you great! (Psalm 18:35). Discover your gift and use it in the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8) because I have important work for you to do, work that I will help you accomplish by working alongside you (Haggai 2:4). Together we can accomplish great dreams (Mark 10:27) and move mountains! (Matthew 17:20).

But you're not just my servant. You're my friend! (John 15:15) More than that you're my beloved child! (1 John 3:1) You're precious and honored in my sight (Isaiah 43:4) and I rejoice over you with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17).
I will always love you (Jeremiah 31:3) and there's nothing that can ever separate you from my love (Romans 8:38-39).

One day soon I will wipe away your tears and take away your pain (Revelation 21:3-4) and reward you for all the good that you've done in my name (Revelation 22:12). And we will be together forever in the heavenly home that I have prepared for you (John 14:2). It is more beautiful and more wonderful than you can imagine (Revelation 21:10-27).

Love, God

Simple Anti-Stress Time Management!

Accept the life-time anti-stress guarantee that Jesus offers us all:

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Mark 6:31a


Years ago in one of my Women's Ministry Leadership Classes the words that were shared made an impact on my life when it came to leadership and times management that I wanted to learn how to practice, especially when my life schedule is full: We learned the 3 D's of Leadership = Decide, Delegate, Disappear!

Exodus chapter 18 teaches a great lesson on the 3 D's of Leadership. Let's learn from the wise counsel given to Moses from his father-in-law, Jethro, in Exodus 18:18-23;

"Moses’ father-in-law (Jethro) replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

Here is one of the keys to Moses finding a yoke and burden that fit him instead of being worn out all the time, we see the key in verse 24 "Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said."!!! Do you have a Jethro in your life? Someone that will give you godly wise counsel? Let's Listen & Live Stress Free!!

In my words:

1. Make a daily list of what needs to be done "right now" including a simple plan on how to get things on your list done! If I fail to plan I am planning to fail! (Decide)

2. Involve others, Ask for help! It is good to include and even hire some extra help from time to time when your calendar is very full. Also be willing to say "no, thank you" to overextending yourself or too many activities. No for you means Yes for someone else! Involving others is also a great witness, think about the people in our lives that are searching for purpose and meaning that is only found in Jesus Christ! You could be adding a blessing to other lives while they help you in your life! (Delegate)

3. Rejoice & Rest In The Lord!! (Disappear ~ Let Go ~ Trust God)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKzKQoIyGJU&feature=related (All To Jesus I Surrender!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPPSG_SpojY&feature=related (It Is Well With My Soul)

Unexpected Joy

^"9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. ¹²"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. ¹³"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴"You are My friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you" (John 15:9-16, NASB).

Sunday was such a joy for me on many levels. Because of faithful preschool desk workers, I was able to go to the worship center for our service a bit sooner than normal. As I stood there chatting, a beautiful young woman introduced herself and told me that I had led her to the Lord years ago. I knew she looked familiar! Leslie was glowing as she introduced her husband and the fruit of her two girls, one in middle school and one in high school. I rejoiced at what the Lord had done because of her obedience to Him.

As my pastor began the sermon, his text was in John 15. What a great reminder that we are to abide in Him and He brings the fruit. Not only do people come to know Him, but our joy is complete in Him. I began to think of the fruit of Christ being produced in the generations that will follow us and the generations that follow in those we have introduced to Jesus.

Lord, help me be obedient to share you with others. I want those in this generation to know You, but also for those who come later to experience the firm foundation and true joy that only You can bring.

Women Surrounding the Birth of Jesus: Elizabeth

Scripture Reference - Luke 1:5-25; 1:39-45

Elizabeth AND Zechariah both came from priestly lines.  Elizabeth was the from the daughters of Aaron.  Though she and Zechariah were a godly couple, they were not able to have children most of their lives---UNTIL the angel came to tell Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear him a son and to name him John.  Elizabeth's pregnancy was a miracle in her old age.  God had a greater plan than Elizabeth!  She acknowledged that "The Lord has done this for me" in Luke 1:25, showing that she believed God was a big enough God to let her conceive.

Elizabeth is important to the birth of Jesus because she is the first person to acknowledge that Mary was indeed carrying the Messiah.  When Mary arrived and she heard Mary's greeting, "the baby leaped insider her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Then she exclaimed with a loud cry:  'You are the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed.'  How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me...She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled."  They did not have text messaging in those days so Elizabeth would not have known that Mary was pregnant and she confirmed Mary was indeed pregnant with the Messiah.

Lessons from Elizabeth:

• Elizabeth kept her faith in God EVEN THOUGH she was childless most of her life.
• Elizabeth accepted that God's plan for her life was different than hers.
• Elizabeth experienced a long "waiting" time and did so patiently.
• Elizabeth's live took an unexpected turn and this turned out to be a JOY.
• Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary about her carrying the Messiah, rather than wondering why it was not her.

"Lord, let us always keep a strong faith in YOUR plans for our lives and accept "the lot and portion assigned to us" (Psalm 16:5). Let us use our waiting times and unexpected circumstances to show your glory through them."

An Unknown Name, But Not an Unknown Action

Do you know who Jochebed is?  I didn't until I was reading a book about women in the Bible.  Jochebed is the mother of Moses!


As the mother of a newborn boy, Jochebed had a real predicament. Pharaoh had ordered every son born to Jew to be thrown into the Nile River. However, she knew she could not just let her son die. Motivated by her trust in God and love for her little son, Jochebed took a step of faith and hid Moses in a little basket. That one act of faith earned her a place in the clouds of witnesses whose lives testified of their faith in God. (cf. Hebrews 11:23) Only two other women are mentioned in that "hall of faith"--Sarah and Rahab.



Jochebed's faith in God gave her the courage to make the decision to trust in God rather than obey Pharaoh's command. "She took an ark..and laid it...by the river's bank." (Ex. 2:3) She actually put her baby in a basket made from bulrushes covered with tar and mud, and set it in the Nile River.


God was faithful to her in bringing Pharaoh's own daughter to the bank of the Nile River, finding the baby, and getting a Hebrew nursemaid for the baby) which happened to be his own mother, Jochebed). Now there is MUCH more to the story and if you have not read it recently, go back and read Exodus chapters 1 and 2.


As we set our goal to live lives of faith in order to be lights shining in a dark world, what challenge in your life do you need to risk having faith in God rather than giving in to fear or worry? Jochebed reaped the benefit of her faith and was allowed to be the nursemaid to Moses. You will be blessed because of your risk of faith in whatever situation you are in, and this in turn will be a testimony to others of the faithfulness of our God and Father!