Monday, June 27, 2016

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


I'm so happy you've stopped by Morning Glory. I want to inform my visitors that I HAVE MOVED to my new website and blog at www.NanJones.com. I'm so excited and so thankful for the Lord's goodness. Please take a moment to come on over and check out my new home. I look forward to helping you find the nearness of God when you need Him the most. 

On the 30th of each month I will be giving away a free autographed copy of my book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, to one of my subscribers. Perils was selected as a 2016 Selah finalist. If you'd like to be entered in the monthly drawing, please subscribe at www.NanJones.com

You are loved by an awesome God -- the One who created you, the One who holds you in the palm of His hand, the One who longs to draw you closer to Him. Please join me at www.NanJones.com and we'll share His faithfulness together.

                                                              Sweet blessings to you,
                                                                             Nan

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Where is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


Oh Lord, I lift up my voice in praise to You for You alone are worthy of our praise. You are the One True God, Maker of heaven and earth. You are mighty, wonderful, faithful, merciful, and good. Your love astounds me. Your grace washes over me like a cool stream of refreshing water in a parched and weary land. 

And Your Presence comforts me when I am afraid or unsettled. Thank You Lord. Yes, Your Presence is my sure place in the storm.

I pray for those who are hurting today - for those who are discouraged and overwhelmed with anxiety. Life is hard, Lord. You know this well. But You also promised us that You would deliver us out of ALL our afflictions as we trust in You and take You at Your word. We choose to believe You, Lord. We choose a thankful heart in spite of our circumstances. 

Come, Lord. Come and inhabit the praises of Your people. Set us free to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. Grant Your children the wings of eagles to rise above the storms and soar with You on heavenly heights. Thank You. Thank You for Your Word that sets us free - if we will only believe. 

We love You Lord. We magnify Your Name and rest in the beauty of Your holiness.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when I have no hope? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)

****************************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. Many prayer warriors read my blog and would be honored to pray with you, if you'd like to share your need. You may also contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.

~#~ 

Are you in need of a quiet place to rest your thoughts from this crazy world? Do you feel the need to be reminded of how faithful and merciful the Lord is? That's why I created my facebook page, Seeing Beyond the Veil. It's like an oasis in the desert filled with scripture, worship songs, inspirational quotes ... things that will remind you that you belong to an awesome God. I'd love for you to stop by for a visit. Seeing Beyond the Veil.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Finding God's Presence ~ The Battle Between Faith and Sight

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


"And the child grew. Now it happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers, and he said to his father, 'My head, my head!' So the father said to a servant, 'Carry him to his mother.' When the servant had taken the child and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died" (2 Kings 4:18-20).

The Shunammite woman.

Elisha.

A miracle son now dead.

This promised child - promised like Isaac to Sara, and Joseph to Rachel, and Samuel to Hanna - this child died. Unexpectedly. Without reason. Faith and sight began its wrestling match in the broken heart of a mother.

The Shunammite woman carried her son to the upper room she had prepared for Elisha when he passed through Shunem. She gently lay her son with his blanket of death upon the prophet's bed, shut the door and went out to find her husband. Desperation fought to strangle her, but determination of faith kept her sane. She asked her husband for a donkey and a young male servant that she "may run to the man of God and come back."

Upon saddling the donkey, the woman said to the servant, "Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you."

From the heights of Mount Carmel, Elisha recognized the woman. He sent his servant, Gehazi, to run and meet her because he sensed something was wrong. Following Elisha's instructions, the servant reached the woman and said, "Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?"

And she answered, "It is well."

Although in the darkest corners of her mind, she knew her child was dead, her answer remained, "It is well."

The servant helped her ascend the heights to Elisha. As soon as she saw the man of God she fell to his feet and grabbed hold of his ankles, perhaps clutching to her faith. Her desperation was winning the battle, yet her faith, just moments earlier had declared that all is well.

The Shunammite woman poured out her heart to Elisha, "Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'?" Her frustration, fear, and disillusionment oozed out of the broken places as she pictured her beloved son lying dead back home. 

But her faith believed her son could and would live again.

As I read this story I thought about my dire circumstances. I thought about how many times I've run to the Lord, my robe of righteousness flapping about my ankles until I fell before Him, desperately clinging to His promises, desperately reaching for my faith that says, "It is well."

Like the Shulammite woman I've learned to say it is well because the Lord is who He says He is - my Redeemer, my Refuge, my Provider. In the midst of sorrow and fear and confusion and devastating loss - those things that will suffocate us when walking by sight - I can say, "It is well," because I know He is who He says He is.

And what about for you? Yes, you can say with me it is well because He is who He says He is to you - your Hope, your Peace, your God.

But that battle between faith and sight is real, isn't it?

When the Shulammite woman and Elisha arrived back at her home, Elisha went to the boy, praying, obeying, and effectively raising him from the dead. Elisha called for the woman to come and see for herself that the son she adored was alive.

Before the woman picked up her son, she fell at Elisha's feet and bowed to the ground in thanksgiving. The scripture doesn't tell us, but I can imagine this was a very emotional moment for her. 

The battle between faith and sight had been fierce. 

Faith had won.

But you know what else? In my heart of hearts I believe this woman could say, "It is well," no matter the outcome. When we come face to face with the Sovereign Lord, trust swells, faith deepens, and regardless of our circumstances we can say, "It is well."

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when I can't see past the battle? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)

****************************************************************

If God be for us, who can be against us? Riveting question, isn't it? My book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, will remind you of this truth and take you on a journey of healing from wounds inflicted in the lonely fires of ministry.

Available on Amazon




 

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Where is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


Father, I've thought a lot about the comfort of Your Presence today. The fact that You are always with us is such a miracle. May I never take You for granted. I find solace when I rest in You. I find strength when I walk with You. I find courage when I sit still with You and remember that You are God. That's amazing Lord. 

My humanness wants to reject the thought that the Most High God walks with me everyday, but my faith knows that I know that You are faithful to allow me to live within Your love every moment of every day, surrounded and protected by You. Thank You Lord. Thank You for the gift and privilege of knowing this Truth.

I pray for those who feel abandoned by You. I pray for those whose light has dimmed and faith has waned because life is so hard at times and the battles are so fierce. I ask that You would open their eyes to see You, to know that You are near to the brokenhearted just like You promised. Open their ears to hear Your sweet whispers of love and comfort and reassurance. Touch them in a tangible way Lord - in a way that nothing else can explain except that You, the Lord, are with them through it all. Open their hearts to receive Your love and to take hold of Your promises once again. Thank You Father. 

Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your grace that rains down upon Your children. We love You Lord, and we give You praise.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when life is hard? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)

******************************************************************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. If you need prayer, feel free to share in the comments below so others can pray for you. Or, if you prefer, you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

****************************************************************************************
Has life been coming at you hard? Do you want to step away from the chaos and focus on the Lord for just a few moments. I've created a facebook page for that purpose. Seeing Beyond the Veil will remind you of God's faithfulness through scripture, prayers, inspirational quotes and worship. I would love for you to visit Seeing Beyond the Veil. To join the community just "like" the page. Hope it will be a blessing to you.  

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Finding God's Presence ~ He Chose the Cross

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


The sun began its descent as the shadows of the cross stretched across those who watched. To hasten death, soldiers swung iron rods against the legs of those being crucified, shattering bones that could no longer support a body pushing up against the cross to breathe. With stench of breath, and flinging sweat, the soldiers pummeled the legs of those hanging beside Jesus.

But Jesus had already died. With His exclamation of, "It is finished," He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. He would remain whole - His legs would not be broken, fulfilling the Old Testament ordinances surrounding the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46) and prophetic words from Psalm 34:20.

Perhaps in frustration, perhaps to further mock the King of the Jews, one of the soldiers drew his sword and thrust it into Jesus' side. I've always pictured this penetrating blow being down around Jesus' waist, but Easter Sunday my preacher said something that grabbed my attention. He said to picture Jesus on the Cross, elevated above the earth. Because of the height, the sword would be thrust upward into Jesus' body, not from a level angle. Preacher Johnny said, "I believe the sword went through His rib cage and pierced His heart." 

And even though we have no way of actually knowing where the sword did its deed, what an incredible thought! His heart was pierced as the soldier made sure it was finished. His heart was pierced. For you. For me.

I think of the magnificent love the Father has for each of us. Our humanness cannot fathom its depth. I think of Him weeping as His son bled upon the cross. I think of His grief as our sin separated our Father God from His Son. And then to remember that Jesus did this willingly. 

He could have called down legions of angels to free Him. 

But He didn't.

He could have smote the soldiers with just one word as they nailed Him to the cross.

But He didn't. 

He chose, instead, to complete the sacrificial work of Redemption. 

He chose the cross. 

And in that moment of history, Jesus' heart was pierced because of His love.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when I feel separated from Him? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)


Sunday, March 27, 2016

Where is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor


Father, was it a morning like this when a burst of resurrection power - power beyond our imagination - surged through Your Son, awakening Him to life eternal? Was it a morning like this that You rolled back the stone covering Jesus' tomb so that we could behold our miracle? Was it Lord? 

I can  imagine Your strong voice speaking, "Son, come forth!" I can imagine You tenderly wiping the sleep from His eyes as His lids fluttered open. Immersed in radiant light surging with power, I imagine You lifting Him to His feet and watching Him fold the cloth that covered His face. And then I can see Jesus stepping over the shroud cloth, placing His hands on either side of the tomb opening, and waiting as You roll the stone away that held Him captive in death's tomb. What a glorious morning! 

Thank You Lord. Thank You for Your amazing love played out in Your perfect plan for us. You are wonderful, Lord. Thank You for pursuing us with Your love.

I pray for those who need You today. Many are discouraged, hopeless, hurting. Many feel abandoned by You. But, Lord, You promised to never leave us. For these, Your children, I ask that You show Yourself strong in their lives. Let them see Your hand of provision, let them know Your touch of healing. Let them know that You are for them, and if You be for them, who can dare to be against them. 

You, Lord, are faithful. You are kind, compassionate, merciful, and true. You are mighty in power. You are tender in love. We love You Lord. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Thank You for making a way for us to know You. We bless Your holy Name!

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God on this Easter morning when I need Him so much? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet) 

****************************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray with you. You may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

**********************************************************
Do you want to step away from the chaos for a few minutes and focus on the Presence and faithfulness of God? I've created a facebook page just for that. Seeing Beyond the Veil will refresh you and give you strength for the journey. 


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Finding God's Presence ~ How I Found My Pearl Of Great Price

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I stepped onto the porch. Chilly morning air whooshed around me, rippling the small puddle at the edge of the steps. Rimming the perimeter of the porch were dozens of daylilies bursting through the fallow ground, daring the lingering winter chill to stifle their new beginning.

Rain showers the night before left the earth moist. Morning sun lit up the tiny droplets like a sprinkling of diamond dust scattered across my yard. Taking notice of the brave young daylilies challenging the cold morning, I gasped. A clump of the newborns appeared to be laden with pearls. It was so odd. The water droplets on the fragile leaves were large, and rather than glistening clear like diamonds, they appeared milky white in their reflection of the sun. Milky white like pearls.

I recognized a stirring in my spirit.

This was a God-moment. 

In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" (NIV).

I have been seeking the Lord with all my heart lately - even more than usual. I've been asking for clear direction, abundant grace to heal my broken heart, and miraculous provision as I take a step of faith into full-time ministry through my writing and speaking. When the Lord shone His heavenly light on these pearls of raindrops I knew that I knew I had listened to His direction in my life. I had found a pearl of great value - Jesus, Himself. I knew that He was confirming my faith-walk to pick up my cross and follow Him wherever that may lead and regardless of how frightened I might feel at times. I knew I had blessed the Lord with my decisions. 

A pearl is formed of an irritant - a tiny sandstone that finds its way under the oyster shell.To avoid irritation, the oyster produces a protective coating called nacre. Nacre is the same substance as the mantle, or part of the shell that covers the oyster's organs. 

I thought of my own shell. My own irritants. 

As I looked closely at the white "pearl" drops on the daylilies I realized that  what Satan meant for evil, the Lord promised to use for good. The irritant - the brokenness and betrayal and utter loss of life as I knew it was becoming a pearl. Layer upon layer of God's grace smoothed out the rough edges. Layer upon layer of my walls of self-preservation were beginning to take on an iridescent glow as my life began to reflect Jesus once again.

A pearl of great price. 

I've given everything I have to purchase it and follow Jesus.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others
Where is God when my life as I know it is changing? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (click to tweet)

****************************************************************
Are you looking for a speaker for your next ladies' event? I would love to chat with you about it. My website is www.NanJones.com where you can find out more. Feel free to contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com. Here's a glimpse at how I can help your ladies find the nearness of God when they need Him the most: