Verse of the Day - Matthew 18:4

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 18:4 (NIV)

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Why is it that God's ways are always backward from ours? Ours makes sense to us, and we struggle to grasp kingdom values.

This whole ranking thing, for example. In this world, we work our fannies off to "make it" -- go to college, get your degree, get a good job. Or bust your tail, get your skills, get a good job. You climb that corporate ladder, you climb the social ladder. You earn promotions, you schmooze with the higher ups, making your way to the top. And when you get there, you look down with satisfaction and say, "Ah...I made it! I'm on top...finally!"

But are you, really? Which kingdom is gonna stand in the end, and which one will fall? Which kingdom values really make sense, and which ones are full of holes?

Where God lives and how he runs things is all that will last. What we see here is temporal and failing, at best. Jesus told us to pray that God's kingdom would be done on earth as it has always been done in heaven. To that end, we are supposed to live.

So, this idea of ego-boosting and personal glorification is just one example of God turning us on our heads. He says That just doesn't fly in my kingdom. Your pride and arrogance tell you that you deserve praise for what you've done in life. If we're gonna crunch the numbers, who's done more to deserve praise -- you or Me? Go ahead, I'll let you think about it....

This ladder never ends
I climb up then we slide down again
Still they say you’ve not arrived
until you reach the top
But Your kingdom’s upside
is the servant who wears the crown
First is last and last is first
and You’re all that I’m not
‘Cause I’m weak, You’re strong, I’m empty ‘til You fill me...

It is Your love that defines me
and Your love that reminds me
it’s not what I do
This life I live, You have given
and in You I am hidden
This is what I know is true
that the definition of me is You.
~ from Definition of Me, by Steven Curtis Chapman

When, and only when, we acknowledge our own weakness and inability in the spiritual realm and God's divine strength and ability to love us and save us, will we come to the place of humility. Bottom of the ladder. Upside down in our understanding, but exactly where God says we need to be in His kingdom.

Can you say you're "bottom rung" and be content with that? Does submission to God give you a sense of fulfillment, or do you chomp at the bit for notoriety and glory?

If you live with the King, you live in the kingdom. If you live in the kingdom, you follow kingdom ways. The King's ways. It may seem upside down, but it is the way of life and freedom and joy. Don't get fooled into thinking you're rightside up when you're upside down...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Luke 4:18-19

"The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again— Isaiah 61:1. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly — Isaiah 8:6, and to announce the time when the Lord will show his kindness." — Isaiah 61:2 ~ Luke 4:18-19 (NLV)

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Often, we can read this passage and take this spiritually, that Jesus was addressing the spiritual poverty, bondage and oppression of the world. And this is true. Jesus was a great preacher and teacher of spiritual matters. He cut to the chase many times on the hearts of men, causing them to think about what's really going on on the inside. Many didn't like His meddling in the deep parts of who they were, either because they were so steeped in their selfish lifestyle, or they just couldn't handle the truth...too painful. Others were convicted of their godless life and turned from their sin and turned toward God. Saved from the chains of evil, healed from their spiritual blindness, rescued from the heavy weight of self.

But Jesus loves the whole person. He didn't just look at the physical condition of the people around Him and say...

~ Whoa, that's a really messed up leg you've got there. Dude, how do you even walk? That's a cryin' shame, I tell ya. Got any friends that can help you? Well, take care -- I hope things get better for you. But here, take this tract and learn about my Father's love for you...

~ Wow, what happened to your wardrobe? You must be homeless...all dirty and ragged and stinky! Get yourself a job -- don't you have any respect for yourself...? And when you get back on your feet, buy yourself a Bible so you can read about the good news of God's love for you...

~ In prison, huh? Well, I'm sure you're getting what you deserve -- if you rot in there, don't blame me! You made your bed, now lie in it. Peace, man -- God loves you...

Jesus didn't look past the physical plight of the people around Him. He looked their need square in the eye and helped them. Had they earned it? No. Did they deserve it? No. But that's not part of God's equation. He loves people and has compassion on them. All of them. What sin has done to the world affects all people. It causes pain, hardship, rebellion, disaster. And that breaks God's heart. Their soul is vital to God, but their earthly being is close to His heart, also.

Can we say that about ourselves, those who call ourselves His children? Are we concerned for the welfare of the suffering and oppression around us, or are we just concerned about their spiritual destiny? Are we willing to give to someone in need, or do we look them in the eye and say, "Sorry, I don't have any money (even though I do), but God loves you, and has a wonderful plan for your life!"

Do you see how hollow that response is? Do you see how contrary it is to how Jesus, the Son of the Living God, lived His earthly life?

He ultimately came to deliver our souls, to grant us an opportunity to get eternal help from our decay and destruction. And we need to be about that, too. But he did not discount the person and their physical life. Compassion speaks volumes to the soul. Love says You are valuable, and I care about you. My heart hurts to see you hurting. How can I help you today?

Can we say that we really love people this way?

Sin poisons the entire physical world, and we are all affected. I pray that we can open our hearts to allow God to fill us with compassion. For the sick, the dying, the poor, the lonely, the prisoners. When compassion fills your heart, you will be compelled to help. To reach out and lift burdens, to comfort crying eyes, to sit and just listen.

"Then the King will say to those on His right side, 'Come, you who have been called by My Father. Come into the holy nation that has been made ready for you before the world was made. For I was hungry and you gave Me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave Me water to drink. I was a stranger and you gave Me a room. I had no clothes and you gave Me clothes to wear. I was sick and you cared for Me. I was in prison and you came to see Me.'

"Then those that are right with God will say, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? When did we see You thirsty and give You a drink? When did we see You a stranger and give You a room? When did we see You had no clothes and we gave You clothes? And when did we see You sick or in prison and we came to You?' Then the King will say, 'For sure, I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of My brothers, you have done it to Me.' ~ Matthew 28:34-40 (NLV)

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. ~ 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

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Every day, we hear the bad reports on the news...

~ 2 dead after severe storms strike Plains
~ Lebanon apartment blast kills one, wounds dozens
~ Slain UNC student was kidnapped
~ Health officials question whether tomatoes behind [salmonella] outbreak

...and these are just a few of this morning's headlines on CNN.com!

We know this world is headed downhill -- we don't need to read the book of Revelation to know that all of creation isn't evolving --- we're DEVOLVING at an alarming rate! We lament over senseless violence and economic inflation, the war in Iraq and child abuse. And believers in Jesus cry out, Oh, Lord, how long? How long before You rescue Your children?

We wonder what God is up to, allowing things to go on and on in this degenerative state. We want change. We want out. But if we listen to ourselves, we have to know that's a selfish perspective. That's saying that we don't care about those who are dead in their sins and haven't come to a knowledge of Jesus and His offer of love. That's saying we're not interested in the eternal destiny of other people, just the earthly comfort of ourselves. Shame on us...!

God loves the whole world, and He doesn't want anyone ... anyone ... anyone ... to die in their sins. Not without having the opportunity to make a choice. Let me ask you something: What if God didn't care about you, and decided to pull the spiritual plug on humanity, without giving you a chance to repent of your sin-sick lifestyle? Is that love?

We need to understand God's heart for the people of this world. No matter how bad they are, He loves them and wants to embrace them. He constantly beats on their heart, asking to be let in. He is relentless in His pursuit, no matter who they are, or where they live. Americans, Iraqis, Ukrainians, Somalians. Rich, poor, middle-of-the-road. Liars, tax-evaders, murders. Can you get your head around the love God has for all of humanity? Probably not. Neither can I. As Paul said in Ephesians, it has height, depth, width and breadth that we truly can't fathom.

Thank God today that He waited for you to make your choice for Him. Be grateful today that He waits for your unbelieving neighbors, friends, and family members. Because when that Day of Judgment comes, it's over -- no more choices. God, in His unfathomable mercy, waits...and waits...and waits for people to choose Him. May we pray for the unsaved, and be bold to share with them who Jesus is and the love He offers them. Give them the opportunity to choose God. That is God's deepest heart cry -- let it be our deepest heart's cry, too.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Isaiah 40:8

The grass dries up. The flower loses its color. But the Word of our God stands forever.
~ Isaiah 40:8 (NLV)

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What do you think of when you hear the phrase "the Word of God"?

Most people probably think of the Bible, and this is true, of course. God inspired men through the Holy Spirit to record His message to the world (1 Timothy 3:16-17). If you've read the Bible a bit, you may also think of Jesus, which is also true. John records in the first chapter of his gospel that Jesus was the Word of God that came to the world in human form.

But I sometimes wonder if people get the idea that God's word is all in the past, that His word is simply printed pages in black leather. Let me ask you: if there were no Bibles in the world, would God's word still exist? If Jesus had never appeared to us, would God's word still exist? The answer is yes. And the reason that is true is that God Himself is alive! He has existed before time began and will continue forever. He is a living, thinking being, filled with all holiness and power. His truth just is. Period. It's kind of like the notion of whether a tree falling in the forest makes noise if there's no one to hear it. Is God's word alive if no one hears or reads it? Yes. Because He exists. Because He is perfect and eternal, His word is perfect and eternal. No one can erase it, discard it, or disprove it. It simply is. Hallelujah!

Do you realize that your Bible is just paper with ink on it? There is really no sacredness to it. The point is that God's word is not limited to the two pounds of pulp bound in genuine simulated bonded leather that you tote around. Does that shock you? I had a friend tell me that, back in his rebellion years, they used to use the pages of a Gideon Bible to roll marijuana joints. Does that shock you? Perhaps it does. But does that diminish or burn up God's word? NO! It existed before the printing press was even invented, and will exist if every Bible in the world was burned!

Our God is bigger than we give Him credit for. What He thinks and communicates to us will never grow old or die, never become obsolete or ineffective. He is not limited to our earthly boundaries. And yet...

*...He chose to capture His word on permanent record in the form of the Scriptures -- the written word -- probably because He knew we'd end up getting it all mixed up if we simply tried to retell it, like playing the game 'Telephone'! It needed to be written down so that we couldn't add to it or take away from it with our supposed wisdom and knowledge.

* ...Jesus came....the Word made flesh...God come to earth. His life was the personification and exact representation of God Himself (Hebrews 1:3). Want to know what God thinks, knows and says? Look to Jesus.

* ...the Holy Spirit is given to those who believe in the Son of God. He speaks to our hearts and minds what God needs us to know (John 14:15-17).

Same God, same message. Always and forever. You can count on it to be true, because God is truth. Don't worry about man's attempt to disclaim it or destroy it -- it is impossible! God is not worried if someone throws away or burns a Bible...His word is alive and cannot be destroyed. If the world says that Jesus is a fake, God is grieved, but that does not diminish who His Son is in the least!

God said to Abraham at the burning bush, "I Am that I Am." (Exodus 3:14) Jesus told some argumentative Jews, "Before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58) Creation cannot usurp or destroy the Creator. Nor can they destroy His Word. Trust in Him and His Word. It is eternal life for those who believe...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - John 10:10

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness. ~ John 10:10 (NCV)

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How many people do you know who would want to be robbed? Do we put a sign on our front door saying, "The door's open, and I have lots of valuables -- if you're a thief, boy, do I have a deal for you!"? Do we walk in a dangerous neighborhood holding a sign that says, "I've got $1,000 in my wallet and have no clue how to defend myself -- anyone up for a mugging?"

Silly! We work hard to protect and defend ourselves, our family and our belongings. We install burglar alarm systems and fail-safe locks in our homes and vehicles, we take self-defense classes and try to be aware of our surroundings, we stay away from dangerous situations and environments for preservation's sake. We don't knowingly open ourselves up to risks of harm or being taken advantage of. Yet, people leave themselves wide open and paint a proverbial target on their soul when they believe the lies of the evil one. We get duped into thinking backwards...

~ Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die -- woo-hoo! God just wants to take all the fun out of life...

~ I'm a good person -- I pay my taxes, don't beat my kids, and give to the Boy Scouts now and then. I don't need God to get by...

~ I heard on the radio that we are individually God -- we have divine powers and just need to wake up to these facts. Wow, how cool is that?!? I guess I can give my Bible to the thrift store -- it's obviously outdated and irrelevant with my new consciousness...

The devil is crafty and only interested in one thing -- your deception and death. And not only you, but everyone around you--down the street and around the world. He is bent on destruction, pure and simple. And his bag of tricks is endless when it comes to feeding us lies about ourselves, about real life, about God. But we're so quick to swallow what he shoves in our faces! Why does it taste so sweet to be consumed with buying that expensive car (too expensive for you, but hey, aren't you worth it?), or getting grand attention from the opposite sex (hey, if you've got it, flaunt it, right?), or embracing many paths to my celestial afterlife (doesn't it just feel so right to be open-minded?)?

Jesus says You've got it backward and upside down, and you don't even know it! The devil has twisted truth to the point that you think wrong is right, and black is white. I came to show him for what he is -- a liar, a deceiver, and a destroyer. Wake up and smell the spiritual coffee! Listen to my words and live. Listen to the evil one and die. There's the "black and white" for ya...

And if you're not reading God's word, you won't know what Jesus has to say. You'll listen to yourself or others who seem to make sense, who sound godly, and end up adopting half-truths and lies as part of your faith and hope. Please beware of the wisdom of man...it is flawed by nature.

Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they? ~ Isaiah 2:22 (NLT)

Jesus loves you. He wants you to understand real life and experience it in Him. Not in material possessions, not in partying, not in esoteric higher consciousness. In Jesus. He is the real deal, and the devil is a fraud. Don't be duped -- be delivered!


Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - 1 John 4:10

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. ~ 1 John 4:10 (NLT)

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Love...

...makes the world go 'round.
...is a many splendored thing.
...means never having to say you're sorry.

Songs and movie scenes can seem to dictate our concept of love, can't they? We think of love, and we can get all giddy and mushy . . . we see hearts and can almost smell roses -- it's a Valentine's Day marketer's dream! But real love . . . as demonstrated by God, who is the Author . . . is something we can hardly begin to fathom. It goes so far beyond hearts and candy...those things don't even enter into God's thoughts when He thinks of His love for us. It is powerful and intense, gripping and ferocious. And it caused Him to give up unto death His Son...for us. Willing to allow brutality and savagery to be inflicted on the One He loves...for the many He loves.

Somehow, silly romanticism seems out of place in comparison.

How can people use the argument, "If God is a loving God, how can He send people to hell?" He doesn't send them....they send themselves! We're sinful by nature because of Adam's rebellion, and we are destined for destruction. God is trying to rescue us, not condemn us! The world's thinking is completely backwards on this. But many just don't get it.

When we understand the truth about sin, about how man rebelled and genetically mutated all of mankind with a sin nature, which separates us from God, we can then understand that hell is our destiny. That's not God's issue -- it's ours. We're the ones who made our bed...now we have to lie in it. Or do we? No, we have options to our predicament. But there's only one option that holds water. We can try to be a good enough person and hope that's enough to buy our way into heaven, we can try to spiritualize ourselves with pop theology, or we can accept God's gift of love...Jesus, God in the flesh, born to die for our sins...the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Oh, and by the way, God did this before we even knew who He was. Without any commitment on our part. It was a unilateral decision to offer a way...the way...of escape, of eternal life over eternal death. There was no 'give and take' on God's part in His act of love. It was all 'give'. We're the ones who have to 'take'. We have to accept fully this gift of love. Not just looking at a manger scene at Christmas-time and thinking what a pretty Christmas card that would make. Accepting Jesus' gift of love on the cross is a spiritual act, of believing that what He did for you is completely sufficient to cover your sins and make you right with God. It means dying to your old way of life, where self was your god. It means allowing God to come into your life and let the Holy Spirit take control.

That, my friends, is the ultimate love relationship. No hearts, no candy, no flowers...but you will never know greater joy, greater comfort, greater peace with any earthly relationship. God's love is bigger and better than anything we can conjure up or imagine...

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. ~ Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Dear brothers and sisters,we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NLT)

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Paul identifies some clear benchmarks for a thriving church as he begins his second letter to the Thessalonian believers. Faith and love...

Funny how we tend to use a different set of benchmarks. Attendance is really big in most churches, and it can become the goal and focus in ministry. Counting the numbers...how many in Sunday School, how many baptisms, how many...how many...

But numbers are truly meaningless if the individuals are not growing up spiritually! Mega-churches tally weekly attendance numbers in the thousands and ten-thousands, but are these believers walking closely with the Lord? Does anyone know, or really care? How do we measure faith in a body of believers? And can we see love growing between the members?

The Thessalonians were undergoing great persecution, and their lives were being tested. But they held firm to the the gospel of Jesus Christ and kept doing good. How they lived out their faith in the midst of trials and corporate affliction were the markers that measured spiritual growth. And that was key for Paul. That is key for God.

We can focus much on getting our numbers up, and that's not a bad thing. It says that people are staying committed to meeting together as the Word says, learning more about God and encouraging others in their walk. It indicates that others are being drawn to that body of believers, whether they are saved or not. But we need to be careful that programs don't overshadow people. God wants all of us to be on a path of spiritual growth, going into the deep waters of faith and love, not just playing around in the baby pool where there is little challenge to be what God wants us to be.

Committing to a daily personal walk with God is key to a healthy believer, and a healthy church. God strengthens those who consume His word and apply it to their lives. He gives us love to commune with other believers in a local church, giving us opportunity to put into practice His ways of servanthood and humility, forgiveness and grace.

Numbers are all well and good, but spiritual development is where we see if God is really making a difference in our lives, if we are really growing. We need to encourage each other to dive deeper into Christ, not being content to be a "once-a weeker", showing up for a church service, and then not giving God another thought for the rest of the week. Let us pay attention to believers around us, and ask them how they're doing spiritually. Let us exhort each other to choose faith over fear when hard times come, and lifting up God's love as the way to behave with people, rather than lifting up self. Testify with each other your spiritual battles and God's victory in your life. Make it known to your brothers and sisters in the Lord what He is doing in you as you seek to know Him and serve Him!

May God bless you today as you examine where you are spiritually. May you choose to commit to a deeper walk for yourself and to spur on your fellow believers in Christ to the same. And pray that faith and love be evident to all who see you and your church body -- the real evidence of growth.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 89:8

O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. ~ Psalm 89:8 (NIV)

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A person's good character, attributes and deeds are what we usually look at when defining greatness. Mother Teresa and Gandhi are examples of people we admire and respect for their tireless efforts to promote peace and love for the poor and afflicted. Billy Graham stands out to me as one who, in humility and without scandal, has proclaimed the good news of Jesus over many decades, without pomp...yet has affected the world for God, as perhaps no other single evangelist has ever done. Greatness is as greatness does.(Did Forrest Gump say that?:-)

But the greatness of God stands apart from His deeds. His essence alone commands us to stand up and salute...or get on our knees and bow. Who He is should be enough for us to adore Him, praise Him, honor Him! If He never ever did anything for you, would you praise Him for the greatness of His being? He is holy and all things good and honorable! He alone is worthy of praise, because like the psalmist asked, "Who is like You, Lord?"

The answer is, "No one."

I just don't think we give Him what He deserves in the way of our honor and praise. Although God cannot be diminished in reality, we often diminish Him in our hearts and minds when we forget to exalt Him for all that He is, when we focus so intently on this world and our temporary problems. Although I realize that intercessory prayer is important and God's Spirit compels us to pray for others, we are sometimes consumed with needs and fail to acknowledge the greatness of our Father, the Almighty God of the universe. We can diminish Him down to a spiritual Santa Clause or a genie in a lamp, only useful for fulfilling our needs and our wants.

He is GREAT, and worthy to be praised! Period.

But although God is due praise for who He is, He doesn't just sit on His throne, desiring affection from people, like a pompous glory-hog, doing nothing all day but having people fan Him with palm fronds, telling Him how great He is, amidst a shower of rose pedals. God's essential qualities spur Him to express Himself to His creation, to provide for them, to love them deeply, to rescue them, to teach them. His love, faithfulness, mercy, and justice compel Him to do, not just be. And for all that He does, we thank and praise Him, too.

I challenge you to spend time today honoring God with your praise for who He is...His divine qualities that only He can have. He is mighty and faithful. He is love and mercy. And He exhibits those qualities to you every day in tangible ways. Be mindful of Him and His working in your life and the lives of others...and may that be cause for your praise.

Who is like the Lord? No one. So praise Him...tell Him how much you honor His character and appreciate His deeds! No one deserves higher praise on earth or in heaven.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - John 12:46

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
~ John 12:46 (NLT)

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When someone is clueless about something, they're said to be "in the dark". When someone gets an idea, "a light bulb goes off in their head", because knowledge and understanding help people see things clearly.

Jesus says He's that light bulb. He's that streetlight. He's the sunrise that reveals color and clarity. So, what is it that He reveals to us that we're clueless about? How are we "in the dark"?

* Our own sinfulness. Although most wouldn't say they're perfect, alot of people think that their sinfulness is really on a graded scale. If I do more good than bad in my life, then I'm not sinful. I'm better than most...I don't murder, or steal, or sleep around. I'm not a sinner.

That is darkness, my friend. We need to get a clue here and understand that any sin makes us sinful. Anything that violates God's law gives us a spiritual criminal record. Jesus simply turns on the light and says You are a sinner. Your heart and mind convict you.

* Who Jesus is. We just can't grasp the idea that God could come to earth in human form. It just doesn't compute. So, because it's beyond the world's understanding, people say it just isn't true. A kind man, a good teacher...but not God.

Gee, it's dark in here! Jesus said He was one--equal--with the Almighty Father, sent from heaven. Fully God, fully man. He did miracles to prove it, restoring people's health, calming storms, and raising the dead. But in case people didn't get the light bulb with all of that, He demonstrated His divine nature by defeating that which terrifies the world, that which no one can conquer...death. He is God, as plain as day.

* Our way to heaven. In the Old Testament, the people made a tower to get to heaven, trying to reach the 4th dimension with a three-dimensional structure. More often, people work hard to be good, because goodness should count for something. It should garner points on that heavenly tally board, right? Or, they follow men, new and old, who seem wise and seem to make sense...Buddha, Mohammed, John Smith, even Dr. Phil. If we just do what they say, we should get to heaven, right? With such wise words, how could we go wrong?

Are we having a blackout, here? Jesus, at this point, flips on the bright stadium lights and says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me." Plain and simple.

See the difference between the dark, and the light?

The point is that we are in the dark, with our earthly understanding. We don't see things as they really are. We need God's light to shine on our world and our lives to reveal the truth...about everything! When we rely on our own thoughts and ideas, we leave ourselves open to many deceptions and lies. It's like walking through a mind field at midnight...not a good idea, if you want to live.

With all your heart
you must trust the LORD
and not your own judgment.
Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV)

You may not think you're in the dark at all. But the bottom line is if you're not listening to God and following His ways, you're in pitch blackness. What you think and how you live are inaccurate and dark. Jesus came to turn on the light and show us the truth of the matter. The question is: Will we keep our eyes closed tight, refusing to look at the Light? Or will we throw up the white flag in surrender to Him, and open our eyes to the brightness of His truth?

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. ~ Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

I pray we can daily turn to the Light of the world and experience joy and freedom as His spirit leads us from darkness into light.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day- John 3:17

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them! ~ John 3:17 (CEV)

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Jesus...

* The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...(John 1:29)

* The Good Shepherd who takes care of his sheep...(John 10)

* The One who lifts the fallen and does not condemn...(John 8:10-11)

And yet...how many people in the world don't really understand who Jesus is? How many think He's their judge, ready to slam them into spiritual prison, throwing away the key?

'Tis true, God's word says that He will judge the world...at His second coming (Matthew 25:31-46). But we are in the age of grace, where Jesus opens His arms out wide and says, Come. Be my people, and I will be your Good Shepherd. Believe in Me and My work on the cross, and you will be saved. I love you, and I want you to be with Me for eternity. Don't turn your back on Me now...turn to Me, and be forgiven.

If Jesus made it so clear that He was not about condemnation, but about love, mercy and forgiveness, why does the world feel condemned by Him? Is it possible that it's because His people condemn them? Is it possible that the world's skewed view of Jesus is based on those who call themselves His followers?

It is not for me to judge those outside the church. You are to judge those who belong to the church. God will judge those outside the church. ~ 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NLV)

I am so saddened when I see people, who claim to love God and follow Jesus, condemn the world in no uncertain terms.



And unfortunately, the world looks at one bizarre sect from Kansas and thinks they're a picture of all Christians. We may want to shrink back from even speaking Jesus' name in public for fear of being linked to such ungodly fanaticism. But, then again, we must look at ourselves soberly, and ask, Am I like them, Lord? Do I condemn people in my heart? Do I judge them, and ridicule them to my other Christian friends? Do I glare at people on the street when they display worldly behavior, instead of my heart breaking for their need for You?

Oh, Lord, You are a God of love and mercy, and we ask your forgiveness when we have gone out in Your name bearing the flag of judgment and condemnation. Give us love for the world, and show them who You really are, the Savior of the world. Without You, all of us are unforgiven in our sins. Help us to be ever mindful of the grace You have given to us who believe, and to show that grace in tangible ways to those who don't know You. May love be our banner, because Your banner over us is love...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Mark 8:36

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” ~ Mark 8:36 (NIV)

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Jesus gets pretty pointed in this passage in Mark. Read this verse in context...

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." ~ Mark 8:34-38 (NIV)

He says Get your priorities straight, people. Living is about dying...dying to self, and living for Me. Your life axis must revolve around Me, not your own self-made existence. Until you understand that life without Me is spiritual death, you are building your castles in the sand, and you're gonna be ruined in the end. Flip your thinking upside down...give up your life and take hold of My life. That's where REAL LIVING begins and never ends!

Paul the Apostle echoed Jesus' words...

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

So, what--and who--are we living for? Ourselves, or God? Do we strive for that six-figure income, the big house in the exclusive neighborhood, those vacations to exotic resorts? Do we live for and rely on personal relationships as our everything, as if we will just die if we don't have so-and-so in our lives? Are we consumed with being in the spotlight and making a name for ourselves, so that everyone will clap their hands and praise us for the great people that we are?

...ourselves, or God?

God says we need to choose. Our way, or His way. Selfish ambition, or God ambition.

I think that most folks who claim to be followers of Jesus would say that they live for God...or try to. They understand the concept of denying oneself, taking up their cross, and following Jesus daily. But living that concept is tough. It's a radical way of life, where we lay down our selfish desires, our ego, our agenda, and are willing to completely exalt Jesus in all we do. He becomes the banner we carry, He becomes the Master we serve, He becomes our purpose for living. We die to self, and live for God. It's radical, but it's required for a real relationship with Him.

When we come to the decision that God has to be a part of our lives, He says Great! But I'm not going to be just a part of your life....I'm going to be your life.

Giving up what we want to do and be is really the crux of being a Christ follower. Give it up, and you get it all. Not the temporal things of this world that go up in smoke or get swept away in the wind, but the eternal stuff that really matters...a soul that is rescued from sin and death, a heart that can truly love and be loved, compassion for people and joy for the Lord.

This is the picture of someone who lays their life before God and picks up their cross of self-sacrifice. And in that sacrifice is real life. Eternal life. I pray that when you examine yourself, this is the picture you see in your spiritual mirror...

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
~ Living for Jesus, by Thomas Chisholm, 1917

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 143:6

I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. ~ Psalm 143:6

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Things are really heating up here in the West these days. It was in the high '90s this past weekend, and has kept it up this week, as well. But when I picked up a friend from the airport who'd just been to Las Vegas, she said, "This is nothing compared to what I just came from!", where it was 105-106 degrees. I stopped at the airport gas station before picking her up and bought a couple of cold drinks. Boy, did that taste good -- talk about thirsty!

But what about soul thirst? How often do we experience that? How often are we so needy for God's love and presence and comfort that we just cry out to Him, for the Living Water of our souls?

It's so easy to live on the horizontal plane of this earthly realm. We go to work, we eat, we play, we sleep...and every 24 hours, we go around the wheel and do it again. But are we conscious of the spiritual realm, of our soul and the wheel it spins on? Are we even aware that our soul has a thirst? Daily living is insufficient to touch the deepest parts of who you are, that spiritual part of you that connects with God. Just living will not satisfy soul thirst. We must drink from the Source of soul water.

Here's a thought: Which is better? A garden that has a good timed sprinkler system, so that it gets watered regularly without flooding, or a garden that only gets watered sporadically when the owner realizes it's dying, and then overwaters the daylights out of it? Which one does your soul look like?

It's easy to spread our hands out to God and cry to Him for our soul thirst when we're going through tough times. Tough times really open our eyes to our need for Him. But what about when our earthly lives are rolling along pretty well? How often are we spreading our hands out to God in thirst? Probably not so much, I'm thinking. What we don't realize is that our soul garden is getting dryer and dryer, and more parched and more parched with each passing day that we don't seek Him and His living water. And then one day, we examine our spirit, and we realize what a wasteland it's become....Why did I wait so long to get spiritual water? What was I thinking?

I pray that you can purpose in your heart to go to God, the Source of Living Water, daily...just like you water your earthly garden every day during the hot summer days. Don't neglect your spiritual life, but keep it watered through consistent communication with your Father. Let Him fill your spirit daily with His power, His love, His comfort, His peace, His joy. That's spiritual water for our heart, mind and soul! And when we drink from Him regularly, we won't get thirsty.

Our spirits can be green and alive like a lush garden...or they can be dry and cracked like the dry, desert floor. Which one are you? If you are thirsty, go to Jesus, the Living Water...and then, stay there and keep your spirit alive and well-watered.

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." ~ Jesus, to the woman at the well, in John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 11:9

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. ~ Proverbs 11:9 (NIV)

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This world is full of people who like to talk trash about other people. Why that is, I don't know, except that we are fallen creatures who get caught in the vortex of gossip, hatred, and malice. We get on our high-horse and judge people unfairly, and then slander them to others by spreading rumors and innuendos. You may be one who's done the slandering, or maybe you've been the one slandered...or both. But the bottom line is that it's so damaging to people, individually and corporately. We talk about wanting world peace, and yet we can't even get along with our neighbors. And often, we don't even seem to care...!

Let 'em go to the devil, for all I care....he's nothin' but a bum anyway...never waters his grass, and lets his kids run all over the neighborhood! He's just a no-good bum, I tell ya...I wonder how we could get rid of them...

Hmm...

Meanwhile, Mr. No-Good Bum is working 12-hr days at the local factory, while his wife works at the mall. True, his grass isn't getting watered as it should...he's been meaning to fix that sprinkler system, but he's just so tired on the weekends, he hasn't had the energy...or the money. Yes, his kids play outside, but they're not bad kids -- they're just kids, playing like kids do. He can tell some of the neighbors don't like him too well, and he can't figure it out. When he drives down the street and waves, some just act like he's invisible. And he can't help but sense hostility when he takes his kids door-to-door to sell magazines for their school fundraisers. Poor Mr. No-Good Bum...he's the victim of a malicious tongue, which spreads like wildfire to infect his whole block.

God says that the righteous are saved by knowledge. And it only takes one person to stand up for justice and defeat gossip and slander with knowledge. With truth. We, as believers in Jesus, need to be the ones who stand up for justice and slay the malicious and their awful words, to come alongside our neighbors who are being treated wrongly, and embrace them with the love of God! Please let us not be the ones dragging others down, but let us be the ones who defend righteousness and lift up the fallen. Let us be God's salt and light where we live, working toward peace through love, yet exposing gossip for what it is.

Satan would like nothing better than to divide people, so that they tear each other apart like a pack of hungry wolves. Christ followers are called to be a part of God's reconciliation, not one of the hungry pack. Let's examine our hearts and guard our tongue, asking God to give us love for our neighbors.

(read Luke 10:25-37 for Jesus' take on neighbors...)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:25-37;&version=31;


Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior... ~ Titus 3:1-6 (NIV)

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Philippians 3:9

I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law: rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. ~ Philippians 3:9 (NLT)

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Do you know someone who is a stickler for the law, who never seems to break the rules, who makes sure that they always stay within guidelines? Maybe you do. Maybe that's you.

Is there anything wrong with doing right? Of course not! It's very clear in God's word that He calls us to honorable and holy living. But our motive for "walking the line" is a spiritual issue, because many people believe that their good efforts, good works, and honest living are what make them acceptable to God, what earns them righteousness in God's eyes.

Wrong.

Paul, the apostle, had a lot going for him. He was in the upper echelon of the religious community and truly passionate about his job as a Jewish Pharisee. He devoted himself completely to the law, giving it everything he had...

I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. ~ Philippians 3:5-6 (NLT)

Anyone in the Jewish community would look at Paul and think He's in with God, for sure! Look at how righteous he is! Gee, I wish I could be like him...

Paul really thought he "had it goin' on" with God. He played by the book, and gave 110% in serving the Almighty. How could God not be pleased with him, huh? And isn't that how many people think and feel today?

Works make sense to people...faith makes no sense. We want to earn what we get in this life...gifts are hard, if not impossible, to receive because we somehow feel the need to pay, or repay, for it. Charity is for the weak...the strong work for what they get. But God says You have no idea how weak you really are. This law you try to keep? It can't save you, and it was never meant to. It was meant to show you your need for salvation. And I give that gift of salvation to you in my Son, Jesus Christ, by faith. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but that is My way. Faith, not works.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God... ~ Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

What I love about Paul's attitude is that, after Jesus confronted Paul with Himself on that road to Damascus and Paul turned to faith in Jesus, he completely disregarded all the hard work and trophies that he'd accumulated in the religious realm. Everything he'd done in his own effort to attain righteousness was considered worthless trash to him. What he chose to prize and value was Christ, and His righteousness. Alone. Paul didn't add any of his works to a righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus. Paul recognized that his heritage and his works, although valiant and noteworthy in earthly eyes, were insufficient for true righteousness and salvation. Who and what Jesus did was completely sufficient.

Do we prize our attention to the law, to our faithfulness to God's ways, somehow giving it weight on the scales of righteousness? If so, we are sadly misled, and are not giving Jesus the full credit He is due for the work on the cross.

For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God. It is not given to you because you worked for it. If you could work for it, you would be proud. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLV)

Paul was a proud man. Proud of his lineage, proud of his accomplishments, proud of his legalism. But God taught him that his pride in self must be laid down at the cross of Jesus Christ, believing that no matter what he did, it could never be enough to pay for his sins. But by believing...faith, that strange spiritual mechanism that doesn't make sense to us...in the Lord Jesus, he would be rescued from the bondage and penalty of sin.

If you have never made that choice to lay down your works and your pride, I pray you would choose Jesus today, because He is your only hope of salvation. If you have already placed your faith in Him, be reminded today that His work on the cross completely saves you. No amount of effort on your part adds to His grace.

So, in your love for Jesus and what He's done for you, I pray you will obey Him in humble service and holy living. Not because it saves you, but because you just want to say 'thank you' to God...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 133:1

How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony!
~ Psalm 133:1

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This psalm of David was written for pilgrims trekking to Jerusalem for feast days, and if I understand sibling rivalry, I'm sure David was doing a little conflict management when he wrote this song! Can you hear the bickering going on as they traveled...?

Josiah, get your stickin' goat outta my way! Can't you see I'm walkin' here?!? You're always getting in my way...!

Who smells? Is that you, Benjamin! Dude, didn't you take a bath before we left? Walk at the back of the pack -- you're gross...!

Deborah, I saw you looking at Jonathan as we passed their family! Don't even think about it, sister -- he's MINE! Dad said so...(as she sticks out her tongue)...

Okay, so they're headed to worship, and the family fighting competes with the noise of the animals. Does this sound like your family as they get ready and then drive to worship services?!? (I know some of you are crackin' up, because it probably happened just this past weekend!)

It would be funny...if it weren't so sad. Family disharmony is frustrating and disheartening to parents, and can become a very large wedge between siblings. This wedge can get stuck for years, sometimes for a lifetime. And how sad when the people that God gives to us as our family are the ones we disregard, disrespect, and disharmonize with.

God says that when brothers and sisters are able to live in sync with each other, it's like the blessing of Aaron, the priest, being anointed with oil. [That might not sound very appealing, but the Bible says that the oil was precious and covered Aaron's head (even down his priestly clothes), symbolizing God's call on his life and His blessing for the work to be done.] God is pleased and gives His blessing when we can love our family members and work together in harmony. But is our "brother" just the guy who has the same parent(s) as us? Or is our call from God greater than our immediate family?

We are brothers and sisters with anyone we walk along side with, with anyone we share commonality. Many people feel as if they are family with groups they are a part of, whether that's a running club, a painting class, or the folks at the dog park that come every week. If they work together for pleasure or for profit, they will most likely come to feel like family. And family is a bond that glues us together, even whole societies together. We begin to care about each other, becoming involved in each other's lives. But when selfishness rears it's ugly head, there's bound to be trouble in the family -- whatever family you're speaking of.

Our God is a God of peace, of joy, of love. He is a self-sacrificing God for the sake of the whole world, and gave up His one and only Son, Jesus, so that we could be set free from the bonds of sin and self. So that we could be a part of His family. And He desires that we love one another with all kindness and forgiveness, because that is His character and the principles of His kingdom, of His family. When we walk in God's ways, we practice now on earth what we we will live out forever in heaven!

No one wants to be at odds with their fellow man. But we struggle with relationships...at home, in the workplace, even at church. We need to come to God and ask forgiveness when we let self get out of control, and then ask our brothers and sisters for forgiveness also. There is a mighty bridge between people that is forged when we lay down our selfishness and let God restore our family relationships.

May God bless you as you work toward harmony in your families!

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Lamentations 3:24

I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"
~ Lamentations 3:24 (NLT)

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I looked at pictures on the news this morning of the flooding in the Mid-West and am so saddened for these people's losses. Terrible devastation of homes and belongings...

Our possessions are often what we consider our inheritance...Grandma's china hutch, Great-Grandpa's rifle, the photo albums that hold the faces of our past. And in a moment, they can be gone. Fires raging in the West, tornados in the South, floods in the Mid-West. Our "inheritance" can be laid waste, gone in a flash. We realize these things are temporal, but they have value to our hearts. They connect us with our ancestors, with who we are, and how we're fabricated. They become a part of our identity, and we pass them down to future generations so that they, too, will be connected to the lineage called "our family".

Jeremiah suffered great loss and sadness on this earth (a job most of us would not want to sign up for in ministry!), and was forced to look outside of the earthly belongings that we often cling to for stability and identity. He had to look to God as His inheritance, as his hope. He realized that although things looked very grim, God could not be taken from him. God was his inheritance! And so he chose to trust God, to believe that His love does not diminish or die, to know that although times were hard, God had not forgotten him. His identity and lineage was safe and secure in the Almighty God -- his inheritance!

If we are followers of Jesus Christ and, therefore, a child of God, we have an inheritance in the Father that goes so far beyond our ancestor's linens and coin collections. We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, who can't be washed away by floods, or swept away by tornados, or burned away by fire. In fact, He is an eternal flame that burns within us, lighting our way, burning away the chaff of our sinful hearts for cleansing, and consuming our souls with a burning love. Our inheritance in God can never be removed. It is eternal...and that gives us HOPE!

Believer, whatever you're going through right now, know that you have hope in God, who is your eternal inheritance! His presence and love will never leave you, even if everything around you comes to ruin. Trust in the Lord, and in His loving heart for you. You are His child, and His heir. Take joy in the best inheritance you could ever have...a relationship with God, now and forever!

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 17:10

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. ~ Proverbs 17:10 (NLT)

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My kids are very different. When my son was little, a single stern look from either parent would bring him to tears! No spanking was generally necessary -- the fact that his parents were displeased with something was enough prompting to bring repentance and a change in behavior. My daughter, on the other hand, was another story. I always say that she got more spankings before she was two years old than my son got in his whole life! (She laughs 'cuz she knows it's true...even though she can't remember back that far) She always tested the limits and pushed the boundaries, and spankings did little to curb her penchant for rebellion. When she turned three, I told her the "terrible two's" were officially over and it was time to quit....(as if somehow one magical birthday makes all the difference, huh? :-)

There's a saying that goes You don't have to tell me twice! This applies well when someone says there's cake at the office kitchen area, or Baskin Robbins is having ".39-a-scoop" night! But what about other things, where we seem so hard-headed that we take "lashings" over and over again, and still don't get it? Repeated reprimands on annual evaluations for unwise behavior at work...chronic conflict in relationships over the same ol' thing...a stack of parking tickets bulging out of the glove box because you just think you can beat out the parking meter dude before he cites you...

We often don't learn from our mistakes and their consequences. We're like the defiant toddler that gets their hands spanked over and over again for playing in the toilet water, but keeps going back to play in the "baby pool" 'cause it's just so much fun! Wisdom says that negative consequences are undesirable, and learns from them. Foolishness forgets the consequences, or works on ways to get around the rules, ending up in the same boat time and again.

They say that crime doesn't pay...and it doesn't. Neither does rebellion and insubordination. Our God desires His people to obey--not only Him, but those in authority over us. It speaks highly of Him when we do, even when it's difficult, and it makes many things in life more peaceful. Working within established boundaries, whether in civil law or relational ground rules, is much less stressful and promotes peace, rather than conflict and painful consequences.

Wisdom says I've made a mistake, I accept the consequences, and I've learned my lesson. Moving on now...

Foolishness says Huh?!? What?!? Cookies from the cookie jar? I didn't do anything wrong...and pay no attention to the cookie crumbs on my face...I was framed, I tell ya, framed...!

We are wise to take a good look at our behavior and listen to wisdom, learning from negative consequences, and moving into the direction of obedience to established boundaries. Wisdom honors God and makes for much smoother sailing on the waters of your life!

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Acts 5:38-39

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.
~ Acts 5:38-39 (NIV)

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If you have never read through the book of Acts, I encourage you to do so! What an encouraging set of snapshots of the history of the early church! These people were on fire for Jesus, and persecution only seemed to spread the fire like a strong wind to a flame on dry brush.

If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men...

We in America don't face the persecution of our faith in Christ like many in other parts of the world. But we often feel pressed down when political action threatens to weaken the fabric of God's kingdom values. We want to fight back. We want to reclaim what we feel is being lost on Christ's behalf. But are we losing the vision for which we were called...that is, to preach Christ and His salvation? Has the flame of our fire for Him jumped the fire line and crossed into another field that may not be fueled by God?

We are called to be salt and light in the world, pointing people to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Sometimes, though, we can run with an agenda that doesn't point people to Jesus -- it just points them to the political boxing ring. And then the gloves are on, and we're sparring against our "enemies"... instead of sharing the good news with the world. I just don't see that example shown to us by those 1st century believers. Jesus said to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. Hmm...

Is it possible that one of Satan's tactics is to throw us off track, tempting us to throw our flame into a dry field where God's Spirit isn't blowing? Because where God is, His flame can't be extinguished. But where God isn't, the flame will simple burn out.

We worry and fret that if we don't take a stand against all the moral evil going on around us, somehow God's kingdom values will get flushed down the drain. But is God's kingdom so weak that He is not able to advance it amidst evil?

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. ~ Psalm 37:1-13 (NIV)

There's a saying that goes The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. So what is our main thing? Policies, or peace? Rules or reconciliation?

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message... ~ Jesus, in John 17:20 (NIV)

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ~ Acts 10:36 (NIV)

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

Jesus and salvation through Him is the main thing. His Spirit is the fire that can't be extinguished. And our responsibility and privilege is to share His good news to the world. I pray that we can seek the Lord's guidance as we live day by day in a world that seeks to throw us off track. We need to listen to Him and go where and when and how He sends us, always with the message of hope and peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
~ Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

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I just finished playing on a co-ed softball team, and although I'm not a softball player, I had a lot of fun. We were on a 'D' league, so things were supposed to be pretty relaxed and low-key. But when it came to the playoff and championship games, the gloves came off and teams seemed out for blood! (Mind you, this was a church league) Competitiveness was high and tempers got warm, to say the least. One of our players remarked that the song "They will know we are Christians by our love" came to their mind, and we even sang a few bars -- more than once -- from the dugout! :-) It was a challenge sometimes to keep from saying things that weren't nice or beneficial or loving, when bad calls were made or the score wasn't in our favor! All I can say is that playing a team sport is a wonderful training ground for Christian living...God will challenge you time and again to hone your character -- and hold your tongue.

Our mouths can get us into so much trouble, amen? Whether we are angry, think we know so much, or are a blabbermouth, we spill out things that can shed a bad light on ourselves and cause some real emotional damage for others.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ~ James 3:9-10 (NIV)

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ~ James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Our words are so powerful. They can build people up to greatness, or crush them into nothing. And words spoken can never be retrieved, once they find a listener. How many times have we wished we could take back something we said? And how often, in those times, did we think to ask God for wisdom before we spoke? Probably not many.

Wisdom say Think first, speak second. Or better yet--Pray first, think second, speak third.

I'm sure today will bring circumstances where you are challenged to hold your tongue, where you need to seek the Lord before giving your two cents' worth, where wisdom is crying out for you to seek God's words and not your own. I pray you can go to God first, and be willing to listen to Him, giving Him the right-of-way in the traffic of your daily conversation. Yielding to Him will keep you from having to back up and turn around, or from getting into a major collision! :-)

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 119:105

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. ~ Psalm 119:105

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Have you ever visited caverns, where the tour guide shuts off the lights?!? It is a darkness like you have never experienced! They even ask you to put your hand in front of your face, and you can't see a thing! Imagine trying to walk out of that cavern without the lights on, as the path winds and curves and slopes up and down, with ledges and outcroppings waiting to whack you in the head, or holes waiting to send you to who knows where.

That's what it's like to live without God in your life.

There are so many references in the Bible to the things of God being light in the darkness. Check out a few more . . .

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. ~ a prophesy about Jesus in Isaiah 9:2 and Matt. 4:16

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. ~ about Jesus in John 1:1-5

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. ~ Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. ~ Paul, in Ephesians 5:8-10

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ~ John, in 1 John 1:5

The point is that God and His ways are right and just and good. It's like walking in the daylight on a very clear day. If there are obstacles, you can see them clearly and go around them without injury. There is no fear of what lies ahead, because it is easily seen.

On the other hand, when we live apart from God, our clarity is lost. Like being in that dark cave. Either you will attempt to walk and stumble badly, causing injury, or you'll stand still, riveted in fear, not getting anywhere.

If we are running from God, the Bible isn't what we want to read, because we're confronted with the truth that we're not living; spiritual light exposes spiritual darkness.

When we humbly acknowledge our sin before God and accept what He has to say as the truth, the Word of God becomes a spotlight for our path, and one that we're happy to use because we know that it is for our good.

I pray that you can find joy and freedom in reading God's word, and that you can accept God's ways for your life today. A sunny sidewalk is far better than a dark cave!

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Isaiah 41:13

For I hold you by your right hand-- I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you...' ~ Isaiah 41:13 (NLT)

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I got an email yesterday from a friend, saying, "I was talking to God this morning, and as I was listening to Him, He said....", and I just had to smile! This is a person who is really latching onto the joy of an honest, open relationship with God. What a beautiful picture of the intimacy He desires with all of us! He says, I'm right here, my child. Hold my hand, 'cause I'm holding onto yours...

But how many times are we like the toddler who doesn't want to hold their parent's hand as they walk? My daughter was always trying to squirm out of my grasp and walk defiantly on her own when she was little. As a parent or guardian of a small child, we know that if we don't hold onto their hand, they are at risk -- they just don't know the dangers in a crowded mall, on a busy street, or on a steep hill. As they walk alongside us and experience the blessings in life, we teach them and develop a deeper relationship with them. They learn to trust us and enjoy the safety of the one in charge.

When we submit to walking with God, holding His hand, we enjoy safety and security in His presence. And that security goes far beyond the physical realm -- it's a spiritual and relational security that isn't shaken by physical trials -- or doesn't have to be. When you read God's word, you find all sorts of stories of people who walked with God, yet had terrible difficulties in this life. But we can be tempted to assume that God has let go of our hand when cancer comes, or we're involved in a bad car accident and left in a wheelchair. We can so easily think it's an indication or sign somehow of God's abandonment. Please be encouraged by the saints of old -- Joseph of the Old Testament, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Stephen, Paul, John... These men faced tremendous challenges in this life -- some even to the death -- yet, they knew God was at their right hand. And they didn't let go...

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. ~ Acts 7:54-60 (NIV)

I pray that today, as you go about your business, you can enjoy your walk with God, holding onto His hand, resting in His security, listening and learning from Him, knowing that you are never alone, with Him by your side. Even when you face hardships, know that God has not abandoned you. Just as Stephen was secure in his relationship with God even as the stones were being thrown at him, you can be sure that God is with you, holding your hand. And if you're resisting His hand, wanting to walk on your own like a defiant toddler, please know that we are fallen creatures with limited vision. Walking our own way will always end us up in trouble. Choose wisdom and hold onto God's hand. He'll never steer you wrong...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 51:7

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ~Psalm 51:7 (NLT)

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I had a dream the other night that I had a stained shirt, and I said to whoever was in my dream, "I'll take it to my mom -- she can get it out!" My mom is a master at getting out stains in clothing! Me, on the other hand? Well, let's just say that I'm not so talented in the laundry department (I scorched/ruined my white dress shirt yesterday right before church, after thinking I wanted the iron just a little hotter---ooohh, that burned me!...no pun intended :-(

Dirt and stains require attention to get out. I can't just hope and pray that my laundry will miraculously get clean, just sitting in the laundry basket. I can't just hang up a dirty shirt, hoping against hope that the next time I take it out, it'll be clean. It takes intervention...washing. So, too, do we. We are like a dirty shirt. Spiritually stained and, dare I say, stinky!

Our sinfulness, both from birth and as we daily live, gets our spirits dirty -- and it takes washing to get clean. The problem is that we can't clean our soul ourselves. No amount of religious rituals or good deeds can take away the uncleanness of our spirits. Many people try to "get clean" by working hard to be a better person, trying not to do wrong things, looking and acting religious on the outside, hoping it will somehow make their "dirty shirt" clean. But that's just like sitting in the laundry basket, dirty, and never getting in the washer -- they just won't get clean, until God does the washing. He is the only one who can clean a person's spirit from the dirt of sin. But praise God there is hope for us! We can get clean, if we go to Him in honesty and humility, desiring to be made clean by His power...

The Lord says,"Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool. ~Isaiah 1:18 (NCV)

But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. ~1 John 1:9 (NCV)

There's an old Maranatha chorus that I've always loved. It's simple, has a beautiful melody, and speaks from a humble and thankful spirit, blessed by being made clean in spirit by the power of God. May you know this cleansing as you go to Him with an honest heart...

White as snow, white as snow
Though my sins were as scarlet
Lord, I know, Lord, I know
That I'm clean and forgiven

Through the power of Your blood
Through the wonder of Your love
Through faith in You
I know that I can be
White as snow...
~ White as Snow, by Leon Alguin

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - James 1:3

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
~ James 1:3 (NLT)

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I watched a movie last night that I had resisted watching ever since it came out...Cast Away, with Tom Hanks. Before watching it, I just thought it seemed like a depressing film, full of trials and hardships, and I just couldn't bring myself to watch it. But yesterday, it came on and I allowed myself to just let it unfold on my TV screen. Boy, am I glad I did.

Tom Hanks plays a FedEx executive who washes ashore a deserted tropical island after his plane crashes into the ocean. Some four plus years goes by before he is able to set sail on a homemade raft, which because of the right time of year, gets him back into the shipping lanes, and he's rescued. But -- the time spent on the island was an amazing example of testing and endurance. His one constant hope was his girlfriend, Kelly, whose picture in his pocket watch kept him company (that, and his volleyball friend, Wilson -- I won't explain, you'll just have to watch the film :-). His desire to be with Kelly keeps his hope alive, and so begins the long journey of his survival...endurance in the midst of many difficult trials and tribulations.

As believers in Jesus, our desire is to be with Him -- in spirit now, but face to face for eternity. But our faith in Jesus is all or nothing. He says Either you're with Me, or you're not. There's no sitting on the fence. Either you understand Who I am and are willing to claim my name no matter what, or you're not. And life is gonna put you to the test. You're gonna face many hard things, potentially giving you the idea to give up on your faith in Me. You may even risk harm or death because of Me. But if you are committed to Me, I will help you endure. And in that endurance, you will become the person My Father desires you to be....mature and stable in your faith in Him, and strong and confident in His Spirit.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~ James 1:2-4 (NIV)

God can be trusted. Your faith in Him is not in vain. Although your life airplane may crash into the ocean, don't give up. Endure through hard times, forging your faith into steel from the fire of trials. The more you exercise your faith, the stronger you become. Faith begets faith. Why? Because God is faithful to build you up and strengthen you for one trial, which provides the encouragement for the next trial. He gives you tools and weapons to fight the battles and to survive...even to thrive! As you place your weight on Him -- your eternal life raft -- you realize that He is sea worthy and able to carry you safely to your rescue.

This life is a journey. But it is also a testing ground. We are challenged to discover how real our faith in God is. If you find that your faith is shallow when the trials come, don't despair. You are simply in an earlier phase of the testing ground than others who are farther along. Take heart -- you're being strengthened to increase your endurance so that you can become mature in your faith in God. Don't throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Be like the castaway...sharpen a tree limb and spear a fish! Survive in your faith and thrive in the Spirit.

When you enter the gates of heaven, will you feel mature and complete, not lacking anything? Or will you wish you had placed more faith in the God who loves you and rescued you from eternal death? Our testing ground is for a purpose -- don't waste it, my friend.

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Acts 17:24

The God Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. He does not live in buildings made by hands.
~ Acts 17:24 (NLV)

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I was listening to a Christian music radio station the other day where the DJ said something to the effect that when we pray to God with a need, He "shows up" by our side to help us. And I thought Shows up? Where was He when I prayed...grocery shopping?...busy watching TV?...We talk about God being with us all the time -- how does He "show up" if He's always there?

I pictured God with a Day-Timer or a PDA, checking His calendar. Transmission of Joe Smith's prayer comes in, and God says Hmm....that's gonna be a tough one, Joe. See, on Tuesday, I'll be flying with Sarah on Flight 2345 from Atlanta to L.A., because she's stressed out and really needs Me. Oh, and then there's Bob in Cairo who is under a lot of religious persecution right now, so I'm gonna jet over there after I meet with Sarah. So, you see, Joe...I'm a busy God...take a number, please...

LOL! That's ridiculous, of course. Paul told the Athenians in Acts 17 that the God of the universe, who made all we see, hear and know, is not limited by a building, or anything else for that matter. And one of the most amazing parts of God's qualities is omnipresence, which is being present everywhere simultaneously. If you really think about that concept, it could blow your mind, so watch out. :-)

When I pray to God, He doesn't need to "show up", like a magic genie that pops in when summoned, but leaves me to go back to his lamp when a job is finished. He is with me because I am His child, always.

The Lord is the One Who goes before you. He will be with you. He will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. Do not be afraid or troubled. ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLV)

. . . I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. ~ Jesus, in Matthew 28:20 (NLV)

God doesn't have a Day-Timer. He doesn't need a PDA to help Him keep track of His appointments. He meets every appointment with every person who calls on His name, every time, all the time, at the same time. Our God is a mighty God, and time and space are meaningless to Him! Wherever you are, whether flying over Atlanta or living in Cairo -- He is there! And He's also there for all of your other brothers and sisters in Christ, down the street and around the world! (here's a 'shout out' to my missionary friends in Russia -- Hey, Eric and Barbara! Be encouraged -- God is with you right now, just like He's with me right now! AMEN!)

I hope that God's omnipresence is an encouragement to you today. Believe in His power to be with you in all that you face, whenever and wherever you face it. He is the God of the universe, without limitations of any kind. And He loves His children -- wherever they are. Call on Him day or night -- He's not asleep or tied up with another appointment. He's at your side 24/7!

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Psalm 40:2

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. ~ Psalm 40:2 (NASB)

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Quicksand has always had a horrifying mystique to it, for most people. And our concepts of quicksand may be more myth than fact, I'm sure. No one I know has ever seen it in real life, but we see it on fictional TV and film, and it is scary! Once you're in quicksand, the idea is not to move or squirm, 'cuz it'll just dig you deeper, more stuck than before. Your only hope is for someone to come along and rescue you before you sink into deathly oblivion, a pit of destruction, never to be seen again -- Yikes!

Before we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we are stuck in an eternal pit of destruction with no way out on our own. In our journey of life, some are oblivious to their predicament, perfectly content in the mire of a self-driven life. They don't even know they're stuck in the mud. But God has a beautifully divine way of opening our eyes to the futility of our dead-end quicksand habitat. And when we recognize our need for rescue and our inability to get out on our own, Jesus is there...with a mighty arm, to lift us out of sin's death grip. Out of the eternal quicksand that would swallow us up forever. And He sets our feet on a rock...The Rock, Himself...and guides our steps as we walk firmly with Him.

Soul salvation is an amazing rescue from spiritual bondage to the evil one, and I, for one, am so thankful Jesus rescued me! I hope you also know from experience the awesome blessings of your soul rescue. But do believers in Jesus suffer from other pits of destruction along the path of salvation? Once rescued from sinking eternally, can we fall into the quicksand of despair and depression?

That seems to have been David's issue in Psalm 40. He knew His God intimately. He had tasted the Lord's salvation and was secure in His relationship with God. That wasn't David's problem. But life has a way of revealing the hidden pits of quicksand, sometimes too little too late -- and we just get stuck. I know you know what I'm talking about.

Sometimes circumstances hit us broadside...

~ Mr. Jackson, the tests reveal Stage 4 cancer.

Sometimes they just stack up...

~ What am I going to do, Janie? It's bad enough that Frank up and left me 3 weeks ago, and now I get laid off?

And the quicksand grabs us. Despair, depression, thoughts of suicide or just wishing we were dead. Death often seems an oasis of relief when the pit of destruction sucks us into its grip. Sometimes emotional pits can be much more destructive than any physical wounds.

So, do we cry out for help, or just resign ourselves to a life of misery in the pit? Or, equally as futile, struggle on our own, thinking we can get ourselves out if we just work hard enough at it?

David cried out to God for help, and waited...believing that help would come from His Father. And help did come! God was faithful to pull him out of the destructive emotional mire that held him captive.

God is our source of rescue, for every pit we fall into. I pray you can turn to Him, and believe in His power to save you when life sucks you in. When God grabs you, your feet will know the solid Rock again, and you'll be back on the path of hope and life!

God bless you today, as you walk your path...

Love,
Joelene

Verse of the Day - Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
~ Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

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My mom has macular degeneration, which is a degeneration of the central portion of the retina. It has diminished her vision greatly in the last few years, with no firm cure for the "dry" form of this disease. One of the interesting (no, I'm not morbid) quirks about how this disease manifests itself is that part of the image viewed can be distorted, or swerved, like this (called the Amsler Grid, which is used to screen for this disease):





The distortion she lives with would drive me to distraction! She said sometimes when she looks at people, their faces are rather contorted and squiggly -- maybe for her, it's comic relief, I don't know! :-)

The hope we profess as believers in Jesus Christ is our reliance on who He is -- the Son of the Living God -- and what He did for us when He died in our place for our sins so that we could be restored to right relationship with God. Swerving from this hope will lead us to all manner of deception.

Oprah, for example, has swerved from the Bible-based beliefs she was brought up with in the Baptist church she was raised in. When you listen to her, you realize that her Jesus is distorted from the One that God presents to us in Scriptures. His image gets very squiggly when you listen to the New Age influence that she has embraced. No longer is Jesus the only way, and our spiritual target is no longer the Creator God but some spiritual "light", or whatever you want to call "it". (I only highlight Oprah because she is visible. She is only one of many in this world who have not held unswervingly to the hope that is clearly defined in the Bible.)

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except by Me." (John 14:6) He also said that if we trust in His sacrifice for our sins, we will have forgiveness and right relationship with God throughout eternity (John 3:16). These are the straight lines on God's Amsler Grid. When we skew His gospel with half-truths and distorted theology, we get a very different image of Jesus, and our hope becomes rooted in pop theology rather than absolute truth.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (NIV)

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:6-7 (NIV)

If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. ~ Deuteronomy 13:1-4 (NIV)

It is easy to see Jesus with a skewed image if we do not know and understand the truth God lays out in the Bible. I pray you can be challenged to dig into His Word and grasp with a tight grip the straight line of Jesus Christ. He is our hope, and our only salvation!

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is "the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone." Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. ~ Paul, speaking to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, in Acts 4:10-12


Love,
Joelene