Jesus Christ is Lord!

I've done a lot of reading in the book of Acts this morning and the message that stood out to me the most was "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved!"  Acts 2:38 says, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Verse 40 says, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"

That day Peter was preaching the words of Christ, urging others to be saved from their sins. Those who believe that day alone were about 3,000 in all!  (verse 41)

Back up in verse 36 it says that we are to let EVERYONE know for certain that God has made this Jesus, the one we crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah! Even further back in Acts 1:8 "...And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere....even to the ends of the earth."

So go tell it!  Whether on the mountain top, over the hills, across the seas, next door, in the park or work place, to your family & friends....EVERYWHERE...that Jesus Christ is Lord and He alone can save your soul from your sins!!!!

If you, yourself, do not believe already, I urge you to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you too shall be saved from your sins! First you must repent and tell God you are sorry, then ask Him into your heart and to create in you a new one.  A clean heart. Psalms 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."  By doing so your old self and sins will be erased and God will create a new, clean heart within you.  (Acts 3:19) Beleive in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you too, shall be saved!

Outward vs. Inward.

Wow.  This weeks Bible studies have been so good!  Well, they are ALWAYS good!  I feel like I am learning so much through the Word of God.  I was thinking I'd like to share yesterday's & today's readings with you and things that stuck out to me. But I may only share yesterday's for now.  To me it is so much to take in and think about.  I don't want to overwhelm you!

Yesterday found us reading in Mark chapters 12 & 20, Matthew 22 & 23, & Luke 20 & 21.  Lots of great reading.  But what really stood out to me was Mark 12:29-31  "...you must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength.  And love your neighbor as your self."

At the end of yesterday's reading (Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4) Jesus brings out how the poor women gave more than the rich people gave when they entered the temple.  While the rich gave large sums of money, it was only a tiny portion of their surplus.  The poor woman only gave 2 coins, but it was ALL she had to live on!

How often do I give God my ALL in all areas of my life?  Do I really give Him my WHOLE heart?  Do I really give Him my WHOLE soul?  Do I really give Him my WHOLE mind?  Do I really give Him my WHOLE strength?  Or do I find myself only giving part?  I'll admit there are times I find myself only giving part.  But His Word plainly tells us He doesn't want just a part of me.  He wants ALL of me.  Am I willing to give it?

Something else that stood out to me was how Jesus warns the religious leaders in Matthew 23:1-36 & Luke 20: 45-47, & Mark 12:38-40.  Jesus tells the crowd and His disciples to practice and obey what was taught, but not to follow their ministers' examples.  "For they don't practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden." (Matt. 23:3-4)   Jesus goes on in verse 5 and says "Everything they do is for show. They were extra wide prayer boxes with Scriptures inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. They love to sit at the head of the table and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings in the market place, and be called 'Rabbi'."  He also goes on in Matthew 23:13 and warns not just the leaders, but the teachers too.  Christ talks about how they do all the right things, outwardly.  But inwardly they are hypocrites and Jesus calls them out on it!  Matthew 23:28 "Outwardly you look righteous, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness."  Scripture tells us that God made each of us equal in His eyes.  None of us are higher than the other.  So we shouldn't set ourselves up, nor should we put others on pedestals.  My take away from this was many things, but one thing I wrote down, and my prayer for myself is: "Please Lord, help me to not be like that!  Help me to not think or say 'Look at me.  Look what I have done.'  No.  Look at the God in me!  May others see Christ and may He be lifted up!" 

Something to think about:

• Do I give God my ALL?  My WHOLE?
• Do I lift God up higher than others?
• Do I do all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons?

Lord help me to be more like the poor widowed woman, giving you my ALL.  And help me to be a lot less like the religious leaders, ministers, and teachers who outwardly look righteous, but inwardly are a hypocrite. Make in me a clean heart and may others see You NOT me!

I'd Rather Have Jesus (by George Beverly Shea & Rhea F. Miller, 1922)

Verse 1
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I'd rather be His than have riches untold; I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Chorus
Than to be the king of a vast domain. Or be held in sin's dread sway. I'd rather have (my) Jesus than anything, this world affords today.

Verse 2
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause, I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause; I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I'd rather be true to His holy name.

(Chorus)

Verse 3
He's fairer than the lilies of rarest bloom, He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb; He's all that my hungering spirit needs, I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

(Chorus)

I woke up Sat morning after having dreamed about this song during the night.  It was with me all through the day Saturday and again Sunday morning as I got ready for church.  Verse 2 really stands out to me as I think about some of the things I feel God has called me to do.  People around me, even fellow Christians, may not agree with stands that I have taken.  And I know the world will despise me b/c of my love for Jesus.  But in the end, what it all boils down to is this: I'd rather have Jesus.  I don't need your applause or approval, but I do need God's!  And that is what is more important to me than anything else.  As long as I've got King Jesus, I don't need anyone else. (As the song sung by Brian Free & Assurance says.) I don't mean that in a stuck up way or that I'm any better than you.  Only the simple fact that in the end of time Christ is going to ask me if I was faithful to Him.  If He finds that I was more faithful to my peers, I don't think the end would be too pretty for me. As I was looking through my Bible yesterday I came across and underlined scripture in Galatians that goes well with my train of thoughts.  This song and scripture are big part of my personal testimony.

Galatians 1:10
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

In the end of time, who will God find you to be faithful to? Him, or others?

Take My Life and Make it Yours, Lord.

My group study  brought me through parts of 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles this morning. At then end of each day, we are asked about our take aways. Something Old: Something we've heard before but maybe heard in a new way.  Something New: Something we've never heard before. Something To Do/Nugget:  Something we learned that we need to personally do, or maybe just a nugget of Truth that spoke to us.

My something old today was 2 Kings 10:31 "But he did not obey the Law of the Lord with his whole heart..."  We must give God our whole heart to fully follow Him. (In all aspects of our life!) He does not just want a  part of us.  He wants us all!

My something new: 2 Kings 9:22 "How can there be peace when there is idolatry and witchcraft all around us?"  The king in this chapter had asked another "Do  you come in peace?" and that was his reply.  I kind of felt like he was asking for peace from a man of God, when there was sin in his life and all around him.  I think some ppl ask for peace to hide from sin.  They don't seem to really deal with the sin or issue at hand...let's just have peace.  But how can there be true peace?

Something for me to do/my nugget:  Serve the Lord, my God, with my WHOLE heart, not just part of it.  Rev. 3:16 comes to mind. God doesn't want a lukewarm servant. He would rather we be either cold (dead spiritually) or hot (alive in Him and on fire). 

I then proceeded to read Rev. 3: 14-22. God was not only speaking to the Laodicea church, He spoke to me as well.  I encourage you to read this passage. Stop and pray first and ask God to speak to you through His Word.

I've had a lot of thoughts lately geared toward the voice of God and being able to hear Him speak to me (or us).  If we're not in His Word daily, how do expect Him to speak directly to us?  I know that we can pray and that His Holy Spirit can speak to our hearts in the Word or not.  But if we are never personally in His Word, how can we expect to have His guidance in our lives?  Just a thought.  Blessings to you this week. And may God be found first in your life as others watch your life.

Song that came to mind, by Selah: 

"Take my life and make it Yours' Lord.
Fill me with Your love.
You are all I need.
I surrender all of me!"

New Look/Design.

I worked hard on taking pictures today for my new header.  It took several tries, but I finally got the picture and look that I was aiming at.  It fits perfectly for the title that I chose.  I've had a lot going on in my life these past several months and that is why the posts on this blog are a hit and miss.  For that, I'm sorry. I hope to pick things back up soon.  But instead of finishing the book "Everyday Angels" (at least for now) I think I'm going to start sharing passages from a Bible Study I am in.  I had hoped to put more scripture thought along with this current book, but it only has a scripture with each chapter instead of each day.  Be in prayer with me as I seek what God would have me share as we grow together in Him.  Hope you enjoy the new design and look.  In Him, Jules

PS. Blog header template was one I bought a month or 2 ago from J.Sprague website.  The pictures were taken by Jules Photography. Color template was selected by me. 

Chapter 3- Be An Everyday Angel to Your Spouse.

Continueing on in our book "Every Day Angels" by Karon Phillips Goodman.  B/c this 3rd chapter gives so many examples on ways to be an every day angel to your spouse, I am just going to post just enough for a five day week before posting more next week.  Don't be shy, give it a try!  (Hey, I rhymned!)  :o)  Perhapes for the weekend, you can be creative on your own. 

In this hurry up world, the person we're closest to is sometimes the easiest one to forget.  When that happens, it's a loss for both you and your spose.  take a few minutes each day to grasp the angel opportunitites your marriage presents, and you'll both be blessed.

The suggestions here are simple.  few require much time or money.  All of them are worthwhile.  your own unique situation may offer many opportunities not listed here.  Whatever you do, seize the moment, and be an everyday angel to your spouse.

1. Put a short note in your spouse's lunch bag or briefcase.  It doesn't have to be long or involved.  A simple "I love you, and I appreciate you" is priceless.

2. When you see your spouse getting ready for a special evening, take the time to say, "You look great!"  Give your undivided attention for just a mement--really watching him with a look that says, "I noticed you.  I'm proud of you."  It'll do wonders.

3. If you're independently wealthy, this suggestion may not apply to you!  If not...think of what your spouse wants but can't afford--that big something that he talks about all the time, even if it takes months.  When you've got the money saved, surprise him.  Your love and thoughtfulness will mean more than the item itself.

4. Before a special show or the big game, clean the television screen.

5. Wash and clean out your spouse's car.  Empty all the trash, wash the floor mats, clean the windows.  Leave a favorite piece of candy in the console. 

Chapter 2 - (Continued)

See the big picture...

Sometimes it's hard to be angelic to those we distrust or dislike. Even if the opportunity comes with fireworks and trumpets, we're inclined to ignore it and invest our energies elsewhere. But the spiritual part of you will always look for the bigger picture, that aerial view above the pettiness and ego. Follow it.

A mother was enjoying Mother's Day with her 2 sons.  She was a good mother, and the boys were blessed to have her. But they had a stepmother too, who loved them very much.  Did the children mention their stepmother that day, or did their mother? It doesn't matter.

About midafternoon, they went to the stepmother's house. The boys each took her a plant that she could place in her flower garden.  They hugged her and told her they loved her. They were only there a minute. The mother and stepmother never talked, but they didn't have to.

The mother didn't take the boys there out of obligation or some misguided effort to score points. She was simply an earthly angel that day. The stepmother knew it, and they were both blessed.

Realize you are not alone...

We're proud of our differences these days.  We like doing things our own way, but deep down we're all very much alike--and we all need help from time to time. The needs vary, but the response doesn't have to. Reach out with your heart.  You may not be able to save an entire city, but you can be an angel to one person at a time, somehow, everyday.

A newspaper story told of a woman in a county south of town. She was in her late thirties, but she looked so much older.  She had many health problems. Her 2 teenage sons had each been diagnosed with incurable diseases. She was raising her daughter's son--though she hadn't even seen her daughter since the boy was born 6 yrs. earlier. She couldn't work, and she was about to be evicted from her apartment.

The day the story ran, a gentleman appeared at the apartment complex and anonymously paid that month's rent.  Another person appeared to pay the next month's rent. Donations made to a bank account covered the cost of the medicine she and her sons needed. The everyday angels had appeared. The anonymous "attendant spirits" were alive and well here on earth, practicing what they had learned. Let no one doubt them. Let them multiply.

Matthew 25:40  "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Just a reminder about the current book we are going through. I am not sharing this book for any glory on my part, nor did I write the words.  Full credit for "Everyday Angels" goes to Karon Phillips Goodman.  I will be quoting her entire book in hopes to help each of us be more of an everyday angel in our every day lives.  I will put my own thoughts down below each post and encourage each of you to comment in the comment section so we can discuss each chapter together.  :o)  I am also going to start trying to put my thoughts in "italic" writing and her book in "normal" type, as well as scriptures that I use.  Thanks for joining us!

Chapter 2- How to Be an Everyday Angel

I'm sure you noticed its not "later this week" b/c Feb. has come and gone!  I went to get this book, this morning, only to realize I had moved it to a new location and I couldn't remember where!  So I said a prayer and found it.  "Thank You Lord!" 

Chapter 2

Do you know how to be an angel?  I think that God told us all how, naturally.  Some ppl are just more practiced at it than other.  You know who they are--those ppl who always seem to know the right thing to do or say.   They're always the same:  calm & secure, giving & thoughtful.  They're not perfect or immune from pain.  They're still very human, but their attendant spirit is as visible as the color of their eyes.  They know how to be everyday angels.  They never miss a chance.

Recognize the opportunity...

Rarely does the angel opportunity knock briskly on your heart & say, "Here I am."  But it might, if you'll just learn to listen.  Sometimes the opportunities may seem unusual or inconvenient, but you'll know when it's right.  The mother in the following story knew it instinctively.

A young girl of 13 or 14 wasn't sleepy, though it was late at night.  She doesn't remember how it started, & she probably didn't think much of it at the time, but now she recalls it often.  She loved mushrooms--anything mushroom on it was an instant fav., especially that printed contact paper her mother had found.  It was covered with tiny pictures of mushrooms, the prettiest ones she'd ever seen.  She loved them, and wanted them everywhere.

Was it her idea or her mother's?  She doesn't remember, but that night, until well past her bedtime, she & her mom sat cross-legged on her bed & cut out hundreds of the mushrooms from the contact paper.  They carefully peeled off the backing & decorated the entire headboard & footboard of her bed.

Her mother never complained or asked how she'd remove them when she grew tired of mushrooms.  The girl doesn't recall their conversation, but she remembers sitting there, talking & laughing with her mother, for hours into the night.  She knows that the angel that appeared to her that night was very human, very familiar, and very loved.

Reach out to those who serve you...

The Sunday school teacher was feeling overwhelmed as Christmastime approached. Pressures from home, family, job, & church were weighing on her mind. She had very little help. On the Sunday before Christmas, when her class of 4 yr olds would be expecting a special treat, she was totally unprepared.  She grabbed her lesson materials & hurried to church, her mind & body too tired to plan the big party she always had for the children.

When one of her little charges came through the door, he was followed by his mom.  The mom didn't contribute a lot to the class, & she & the teacher weren't especially close. But for some reason that day, the mom provided what the teacher couldn't. She had made cupcakes & party bags for the entire class, & had bought plates & napkins, & offered to stay & help.

"You're a godsend."  The teacher almost cried.  An angel had walked into her classroom that day, an "attendant spirit" of human flesh & bone sent by God, just like the teacher had said.

To Be Continued....

B/c chapter 2 seems to be lengthy, I promise to post the rest of it one day this week.  Think about what we read today and pray for God to lay something on your heart that you could do for someone else. 

Matthew 25:40  "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Thanks for stopping by. Comments are welcomed & encouraged! 

Gone Public.

This blog was originally designed for a private group, but has now gone public.  If you are joining us for the first time, then welcome to the table!  Here is a place where women can gather to learn more of Jesus, be a help to others, learn more about God, to encourage and to grow in His Word.  So pull up a chair and have a cup of hot tea (or maybe you prefer coffee) and enjoy the fellowship of others.

Currently we have been trying to make our way through a book called "Everyday Angels".  In this book we are learning of more ways that we can be an angel (or a help) to others in simple everyday things.  So feel free to read below and get caught up as I will be posting Chapter 2 later this week.

Comments are welcome!  :o)

Refresher.

Good afternoon ladies!  I hope after 2 major holidays and then bringing in the New Year, that you are well rested and getting back to a "normal" schedule.  (Whatever you consider normal anyway.)  As you may or may not remember, our last chapter was back in Oct. and then I "passed out" some homework regarding it. 

Since it has been so long since our last chapter, I would like to encourage you to go back to the site and re-read it as a refresher.  Look over the homework and see if you remember doing it.  If not, think about doing it again this week.  I would then like you to come back to this post and leave me/us a comment about your thoughts regarding Chapter 1 and maybe even how the homework asignment made you feel. 

I would like to pick back up with Chapter 2 next week.  It will show us "How to be an Everday Angel" to those around us.

Until then, I want to leave you with this thought that is on my mind today.  If God called you to leave where you are now and go some place else, would you follow His call? The scripture that brought this thought on was Gen. 12:1-4.  Abram obeyed God at the age of 75 and left all that he knew.  Why?  B/c he knew following God's call was more important to him than any ties that he left behind.  What is God calling you to do, and will you obey, no matter the cost?