Boy, do I have a treat for you today.
It would be best not to construe this post as a happy, happy, joy, joy kind of treat. Instead, it's a getcha thinkin', heart-shaping kind of treat. I promise it's a good one though.
Corrie ten Boom is one of my heroes of the faith. After surviving Hitler's death camps during the Holocaust, she spent the rest of her life traveling the world testifying to the goodness and faithfulness of her God. The following is an excerpt from her book, Tramp For The Lord:
"The old woman was lying on a small sofa, propped up by pillows. Her body was bent and twisted almost beyond recognition by the dread disease of multiple sclerosis. Her aged husband spent all his time caring for her since she was unable to move off the sofa.
"I walked across the room and kissed her wrinkled cheek. She tried to look up but the muscles in her neck were atrophied so she could only roll her eyes upward and smile. She raised her right hand, slowly, in jerks. It was the only part of her body she could control and with her gnarled and deformed knuckles she caressed my face. I reached over and kissed the index finger of that hand, for it was with this one finger that she had so long glorified God.
"Beside her couch was a vintage typewriter. Each morning her faithful husband would rise, praising the Lord. After caring for his wife's needs and feeding her a simple breakfast he would prop her into a sitting position on the couch, placing pillows all around her so she wouldn't topple over. Then he would move that ancient black typewriter in front of her on a small table. From an old cupboard he would remove a stack of cheap yellow paper. Then, with that blessed one finger, she would begin to type.
"All day and far into the night she would type. She translated Christian books into Russian, Latvian, and the language of her people. Always using just that one finger - peck...peck...peck - she typed out the pages. Portions of the Bible, the books of Billy Graham, Watchman Nee, and Corrie ten Boom - all came from her typewriter. That was why I was there - to thank her.
"'Not only does she translate their books,' her husband said as he hovered close by during our conversation, 'but she prays for these men every day while she types. Sometimes it takes a long time for her finger to hit the key, or for her to get the paper in the machine, but all the time she is praying for those whose books she is working on.'"*
Mark 12:42-44 (NIV) teaches us something similar. "But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.'"
So...I'll ask you the same thing I asked myself, "Are you giving your all for the glory of God? Is your life a living sacrifice for Him?"
SELAH.
*Corrie ten Boom, Tramp For The Lord (New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1974), p.175.
Father God, Open our ears that we might hear Your cry. Awaken our hearts to love You and serve You more - with all what we are, with all that we have. We love You, Lord. Seal this lesson deep in our spirits. Thank You Lord. You alone are worthy of our praise.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with Hillsong as they sing, "I Give You My Heart". What an amazingly powerful song of adoration!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Oh Brother, What a Morning!
The clock radio sounded the alarm. I punched it (with gusto, I might add), and rolled over. A new day was the last thing I wanted to see. Mounting unpaid bills were taking a toll. I was sick of pinto beans and cornbread. I wanted to bury my head and not wake up until we had employment. Let's just say I was not walking in faith and victory. In fact, I wasn't even crawling.
Can anyone say, "Pity-party?"
Do you know what bothered me the most? My lack of faith. My lack of trust. I realized that I can believe for the impossible for someone else...cancer? No problem. Financial blessing? No problem. Restored family? Don't worry, God's got this. So, what was my problem? I felt shame and frustration. I felt hopeless. That was the biggee - hopelessness. Me. The one who can always pour hope into others.
Hopeless. What an awful, foul-tasting reality, especially when that wasn't reality at all. And I knew it.
I cried out to God. I imagined myself resting beneath the shadow of His wing. I reminded myself that I belong to the Most High God, Maker of heaven and earth. And then I cried some more.
Oh brother, what a morning.
And then the phone rang.
A friend called saying she felt led to give us $100 to help us with groceries. Oh. My. Goodness. David spoke with a former employer who just happens to be good friends with a potential new employer and said she would make a phone call on his behalf. The Lord put us in the position to help a troubled youth and gave us favor when finding him the perfect place to work off community hours. This young man will be surrounded by Christians doing something he loves - working on cars. His sweet smile was worth a million bucks...what a kid. We were even able to get Subway's $5.00 footlong for dinner!
A merciful, faithful God consumed our hopelessness.
Do you know what I thought of as we drove home from the grocery store? I thought of Peter. Peter loved Jesus with all of his heart. He knew Jesus was who He said He was. He followed Jesus everywhere, serving Him, loving Him. But then, Peter denied Him. He denied the Lord that he loved.
I felt like that's what I had done.
On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices. When they arrived at the burial site, the stone had been rolled away. The women entered the tomb and realized Jesus was gone. An angel was there instead. "But he [the Angel of the Lord] said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; (Mark 16:6,7).
...go tell His disciples - and Peter!
Jesus wanted to make sure Peter knew that he was forgiven and loved.
Jesus wanted to make sure I knew I was forgiven and loved. He turned my hopelessness into joy.
I love the tenderness of the Lord.
Father, You are a good God. Thank You for turning my hopelessness into joy, my ashes into beauty. And, especially Lord, I appreciate Your forgiveness. I love You, Lord.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to put a smile on your face. In fact, if I were a bettin' woman, I'd bet you'll be singing this little ditty the rest of the day. It's the Johnny Appleseed Song! Hope you enjoy.
Can anyone say, "Pity-party?"
Do you know what bothered me the most? My lack of faith. My lack of trust. I realized that I can believe for the impossible for someone else...cancer? No problem. Financial blessing? No problem. Restored family? Don't worry, God's got this. So, what was my problem? I felt shame and frustration. I felt hopeless. That was the biggee - hopelessness. Me. The one who can always pour hope into others.
Hopeless. What an awful, foul-tasting reality, especially when that wasn't reality at all. And I knew it.
I cried out to God. I imagined myself resting beneath the shadow of His wing. I reminded myself that I belong to the Most High God, Maker of heaven and earth. And then I cried some more.
Oh brother, what a morning.
And then the phone rang.
A friend called saying she felt led to give us $100 to help us with groceries. Oh. My. Goodness. David spoke with a former employer who just happens to be good friends with a potential new employer and said she would make a phone call on his behalf. The Lord put us in the position to help a troubled youth and gave us favor when finding him the perfect place to work off community hours. This young man will be surrounded by Christians doing something he loves - working on cars. His sweet smile was worth a million bucks...what a kid. We were even able to get Subway's $5.00 footlong for dinner!
A merciful, faithful God consumed our hopelessness.
Do you know what I thought of as we drove home from the grocery store? I thought of Peter. Peter loved Jesus with all of his heart. He knew Jesus was who He said He was. He followed Jesus everywhere, serving Him, loving Him. But then, Peter denied Him. He denied the Lord that he loved.
I felt like that's what I had done.
On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices. When they arrived at the burial site, the stone had been rolled away. The women entered the tomb and realized Jesus was gone. An angel was there instead. "But he [the Angel of the Lord] said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that He is going before you into Galilee; (Mark 16:6,7).
...go tell His disciples - and Peter!
Jesus wanted to make sure Peter knew that he was forgiven and loved.
Jesus wanted to make sure I knew I was forgiven and loved. He turned my hopelessness into joy.
I love the tenderness of the Lord.
Father, You are a good God. Thank You for turning my hopelessness into joy, my ashes into beauty. And, especially Lord, I appreciate Your forgiveness. I love You, Lord.
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to put a smile on your face. In fact, if I were a bettin' woman, I'd bet you'll be singing this little ditty the rest of the day. It's the Johnny Appleseed Song! Hope you enjoy.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Scriptures of Redemption ~ My Chains Are Gone, Unless...
I am brought to my knees by the knowledge of God's love. I look towards the snowcapped mountains and try to imagine how high His love reaches. I gaze into my grandson's startling blue eyes and try to imagine the depth of His love. But I've discovered it's impossible to contain the Father's love within human understanding. His love is beyond all imagination.
Did you know you are the Father's pride and joy? Yep! We all are. We have been chosen as God's special treasure, not because we are special, but merely because of His love. His love delivered us from the clutches of our enemies. His love lifted us out of the miry clay and set our feet on solid ground. His love redeemed us from the bondage of sin. We have been set free!
"The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than any other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh, King of Egypt." ~ Deuteronomy 7:7,8
It was because the Lord loved you...
But, how easily we forget. It's easy to walk in the glory of redemption when life is good, but where is redemption when we are bruised and battered by life's heartbreaks? Where is our redemption when the baby needs diapers and the bank account reads $1.50? Are we still God's special treasure when our attitude in tarnished with frustration?
The simple answer is yes. God's love knows no bounds. He has set us free from the chains that bind us. It is God who restores the bruised and battered life. It is God who makes a way when there seems to be no way. It is God who hides us beneath the shadow of His wing until the calamity passes by. I have learned that His redemption remains, regardless of how I feel. Why? Because of His extraordinary love! Always. I've had to learn to hold fast to the knowledge of my redemption. No longer am I chained to anxiety. No longer am I chained to low self-esteem. No longer am I chained to my sins, unless I forget my redemption. It's in my forgetting that Satan assails my vulnerabilities with doubt.
The chains of my past dangle before me, accusing me - threatening me. But, my Lord says, "Child, I have redeemed you. You are Mine. You have been set free by the Blood of the Lamb."
Father, what would we do without Your grace and mercy? Thank You for Your redeeming love. Help us walk in the freedom You have given us and to never forget that we are Your children. You have paid a great price for us and for that we give You praise. You are awesome, Lord!
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to put a spring in your step as you listen to Nicole Mullen sing, "My Redeemer Lives". What a great way to start your day!
Did you know you are the Father's pride and joy? Yep! We all are. We have been chosen as God's special treasure, not because we are special, but merely because of His love. His love delivered us from the clutches of our enemies. His love lifted us out of the miry clay and set our feet on solid ground. His love redeemed us from the bondage of sin. We have been set free!
"The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than any other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh, King of Egypt." ~ Deuteronomy 7:7,8
It was because the Lord loved you...
But, how easily we forget. It's easy to walk in the glory of redemption when life is good, but where is redemption when we are bruised and battered by life's heartbreaks? Where is our redemption when the baby needs diapers and the bank account reads $1.50? Are we still God's special treasure when our attitude in tarnished with frustration?
The simple answer is yes. God's love knows no bounds. He has set us free from the chains that bind us. It is God who restores the bruised and battered life. It is God who makes a way when there seems to be no way. It is God who hides us beneath the shadow of His wing until the calamity passes by. I have learned that His redemption remains, regardless of how I feel. Why? Because of His extraordinary love! Always. I've had to learn to hold fast to the knowledge of my redemption. No longer am I chained to anxiety. No longer am I chained to low self-esteem. No longer am I chained to my sins, unless I forget my redemption. It's in my forgetting that Satan assails my vulnerabilities with doubt.
The chains of my past dangle before me, accusing me - threatening me. But, my Lord says, "Child, I have redeemed you. You are Mine. You have been set free by the Blood of the Lamb."
Father, what would we do without Your grace and mercy? Thank You for Your redeeming love. Help us walk in the freedom You have given us and to never forget that we are Your children. You have paid a great price for us and for that we give You praise. You are awesome, Lord!
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to put a spring in your step as you listen to Nicole Mullen sing, "My Redeemer Lives". What a great way to start your day!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Scriptures of Encouragemente~ Look Out For That Tree!
The young child skipped along the rocky trail. Frequently during the afternoon walk she turned her face upward to steal a glance at her Father. Their eyes met. They shared a secret joy. He squeezed her tiny hand securely and she squeezed back. Such was the act of trust born of love.
The trail made a steady climb. Shadows lengthened in the afternoon sun. Overhead, bluejays chattered as they flitted from branch to branch on the evergreen canopy. The child giggled. She let loose of her Father's hand and began to dance with abandon. Spinning and twirling, twirling and laughing, she threw back her head, closed her eyes, and thrust her hands high into the air. Her bliss filled the forest stage.
"Look out for that fallen stump," her Father called.
But the child was caught up in her world of celebration and did not heed her Father's call. Her feet became tangled in the unexpected branches blocking the path. Down she went. She sprawled across the joy-stopper, pine needles poking at her face. Her Father ran to her. He scooped her up, lifting her high above the rocky path and the place of stumbling.
"Daddy, why did you let me fall? You could have stopped me! Why did you let go of my hand?" the young girl said. Her accusations stormed the heart of her adoring Father.
"But, child, you let go of my hand. You ran ahead of me. I called out a warning, but you were too far ahead of me to hear."
The young girl scrunched her face. Her bottom lip protruded and a single tear escaped her hazel eyes. "I'm sorry, " she said. "I know you didn't make me fall. You were right there to pick me up and make sure I was okay." She sneaked a peak into her Father's eyes and caught her own reflection. "I see...me," she said. Her brows furrowed as she cocked her head slightly to the right. "You always told me I was the apple of your eye." Biting her bottom lip, she said, "I love you."
As always, her Father's eyes were upon her. His presence beside her. Watching. Caring. Loving.
As always, His eyes are upon you. His presence beside you. Watching. Caring, Loving.
Psalm 73:22-26, "I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Father, Your promises are sure, Your love unfailing. Thank You for ALWAYS being beside us, holding our hand, calling out warnings when we run ahead of You. Open our eyes to see You with us. Your Spirit dwells within us. We know this because of Jesus. But awaken our understanding to realize that, just as You are in us, we are IN You - Your Presence. Praise Your Name Lord. You will NEVER leave us, nor forsake us. You are with us always, even to the ends of the earth. Bless Your Holy Name! We love You, Lord.
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I'm filling up my speaking calendar for spring. Wouldn't it be fun to get together to share God's Word and His amazing love? No group is too small. No group is too large. Every heart is precious to the Lord. Please visit my website at Nan Jones for more information, or you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I discovered a new recording artist and worship leader, Aaron Keyes. You will be blessed and encouraged as he sings, "Sovereign Over Us".
The trail made a steady climb. Shadows lengthened in the afternoon sun. Overhead, bluejays chattered as they flitted from branch to branch on the evergreen canopy. The child giggled. She let loose of her Father's hand and began to dance with abandon. Spinning and twirling, twirling and laughing, she threw back her head, closed her eyes, and thrust her hands high into the air. Her bliss filled the forest stage.
"Look out for that fallen stump," her Father called.
But the child was caught up in her world of celebration and did not heed her Father's call. Her feet became tangled in the unexpected branches blocking the path. Down she went. She sprawled across the joy-stopper, pine needles poking at her face. Her Father ran to her. He scooped her up, lifting her high above the rocky path and the place of stumbling.
"Daddy, why did you let me fall? You could have stopped me! Why did you let go of my hand?" the young girl said. Her accusations stormed the heart of her adoring Father.
"But, child, you let go of my hand. You ran ahead of me. I called out a warning, but you were too far ahead of me to hear."
The young girl scrunched her face. Her bottom lip protruded and a single tear escaped her hazel eyes. "I'm sorry, " she said. "I know you didn't make me fall. You were right there to pick me up and make sure I was okay." She sneaked a peak into her Father's eyes and caught her own reflection. "I see...me," she said. Her brows furrowed as she cocked her head slightly to the right. "You always told me I was the apple of your eye." Biting her bottom lip, she said, "I love you."
As always, her Father's eyes were upon her. His presence beside her. Watching. Caring. Loving.
As always, His eyes are upon you. His presence beside you. Watching. Caring, Loving.
Psalm 73:22-26, "I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Father, Your promises are sure, Your love unfailing. Thank You for ALWAYS being beside us, holding our hand, calling out warnings when we run ahead of You. Open our eyes to see You with us. Your Spirit dwells within us. We know this because of Jesus. But awaken our understanding to realize that, just as You are in us, we are IN You - Your Presence. Praise Your Name Lord. You will NEVER leave us, nor forsake us. You are with us always, even to the ends of the earth. Bless Your Holy Name! We love You, Lord.
*********************************************************
I'm filling up my speaking calendar for spring. Wouldn't it be fun to get together to share God's Word and His amazing love? No group is too small. No group is too large. Every heart is precious to the Lord. Please visit my website at Nan Jones for more information, or you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I discovered a new recording artist and worship leader, Aaron Keyes. You will be blessed and encouraged as he sings, "Sovereign Over Us".
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Where Two Worlds Collide
1872. The publishing date for a book of poems titled, The Shadow of the Rock*. Listen for your spirit to resonate - look for it to connect - with these long ago words of a fellow Believer.
HE KNOWETH ALL
The twilight falls, the night is near,
I fold my work away,
And kneel to One who bends to hear
The story of the day.
The old, old story; yet I kneel
To tell it at Thy call;
And cares grow lighter as I feel
That Jesus knows them all.
Yes, all! The morning and the night,
The joy, the grief, the loss,
The roughened path, the sunbeam bright,
The hourly thorn and cross.
Thou knowest all - I lean my head,
My weary eyelids close;
Content and glad while to tread
This path, since Jesus knows!
And He has loved me! All my heart
With answering love is stirred,
And every anguished pain and smart
Finds healing in the Word.
So here I lay me down to rest,
As nightly shadows fall,
And lean, confiding, on His breast,
Who knows and pities all!
1872...Something very special happens to me when I consider the longevity of faith's journey. Throughout the ages folks have knelt with burdened hearts and bowed in humble adoration. For thousands of years.
My grandfather taught me to kneel before the Lord. He taught by example. He taught with humility. He didn't instruct with words; he showed me on bended knee. Countless nights I peered at him through the eyes of a young child, sneaking a peek at this Godly man as he met with his Savior at the close of the day. He didn't know I was standing at the door. Watching. Learning.
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:14-16).
On bended knee.
Where two worlds collide in a beautiful lovestory...from generation to generation.
*The Shadow of the Cross, (New York: Anson D.F Randolph and Co.), 1872.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to sing a beautiful proclamation of faith with Jeremy Camp, "Give Me Jesus".
HE KNOWETH ALL
The twilight falls, the night is near,
I fold my work away,
And kneel to One who bends to hear
The story of the day.
The old, old story; yet I kneel
To tell it at Thy call;
And cares grow lighter as I feel
That Jesus knows them all.
Yes, all! The morning and the night,
The joy, the grief, the loss,
The roughened path, the sunbeam bright,
The hourly thorn and cross.
Thou knowest all - I lean my head,
My weary eyelids close;
Content and glad while to tread
This path, since Jesus knows!
And He has loved me! All my heart
With answering love is stirred,
And every anguished pain and smart
Finds healing in the Word.
So here I lay me down to rest,
As nightly shadows fall,
And lean, confiding, on His breast,
Who knows and pities all!
1872...Something very special happens to me when I consider the longevity of faith's journey. Throughout the ages folks have knelt with burdened hearts and bowed in humble adoration. For thousands of years.
My grandfather taught me to kneel before the Lord. He taught by example. He taught with humility. He didn't instruct with words; he showed me on bended knee. Countless nights I peered at him through the eyes of a young child, sneaking a peek at this Godly man as he met with his Savior at the close of the day. He didn't know I was standing at the door. Watching. Learning.
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:14-16).
On bended knee.
Where two worlds collide in a beautiful lovestory...from generation to generation.
*The Shadow of the Cross, (New York: Anson D.F Randolph and Co.), 1872.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to sing a beautiful proclamation of faith with Jeremy Camp, "Give Me Jesus".
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Scriptures of Joy ~ The God of the Dawning
"What?? What was that?" I said.
Something hit the top of my head as I sat totally alone on the loveseat in my writing office. There were no cats in the room. There was no one jumping up and down - not even walking. There was only me and Jesus.
But something hit my head.
I began to search for the culprit. There, lying on the floor next to me, was the enormous pheasant feather I keep on the top shelf of my bookcase. It's been there for two years. This feather tumbled from the shelf and hit me in the head. The timing was perfect. (I know. You're dying for the backstory, right? Right?? Get ready, you're not going to believe it.)
My morning had been wrought with anxiety, accentuated with gut-wrenching sobs. Seriously. We were overdrawn at the bank. Our pantry was almost bare and don't even think there was food in the freezer. Nope. That was long gone. Two years of unemployment is definitely a challenge in the food department. The overdrawn notice in our bank account broke me. Totally.
I knelt in my office and wept. I poured my heart and frustration and fear and despair out before the Lord, asking Him to refill me with His perfect peace. My body shook with emotion. My spirit clung desperately to the One I trust.
And then He whispered to my broken spirit:
Nan, do you not know that I hold you in the palm of My hand? Have you not heard? I love you with an everlasting love. I have never failed you and I will not fail you now. I will make a way in the desert places. Even now I am making the crooked places straight. Even now. Do not fear my little one. I AM sovereign. I AM merciful. Do not fear. Take each moment with Me. Walk with Me. Talk with Me in the cool of the evening. Do not let the cold of the midnight scare you, for after the midnight comes the dawn. I AM the God of the dawning. You are blessed, child. Do not fear. I will make a way.
"Do not let the cold of the midnight scare you, for after the midnight comes the dawn. I AM the God of the dawning."
Wow! I began to rest in His secret place.
I curled up on the loveseat with my bible. I read from the psalms and then a cross-reference took me to Job 8:21, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing."
I sat for a moment pondering these words, and then it happened.
Out of nowhere the feather hit me on the head! At first I giggled, but that quickly morphed into hysterical laughter. I laughed healing, belly aching laughs. Cleansing tears flowed freely down my cheeks. Those of you who know me personally know that I encourage folks all the time to hide beneath the shadow of God's wing. Psalm 57:1 reads, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge until these calamities have passed me by."
Beneath the shadow of His wing...
I'm listening, Lord.
Father, Yes, your love is extravagant! I believe I will always stand amazed at how the Creator of the Universe - the One True God - knows me personally. Thank You for that knowledge. And you know what else? I love that You have a sense of humor. Thank You for helping me laugh last week when I surrendered to the fiery darts of the enemy and melted in despair. You could have told me You were disappointed in my lack of faith, but instead, You made me laugh. Wow! I love You, Lord. And, although I don't know how you're going to sustain us, I know You will because that's the kind of God You are. I love You, Lord. With all my heart, I love you.
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I'm getting my speaking engagements on the calendar for spring. I would absolutely love to spend time with your ladies, sharing laughter and tears as we seek the Lord together. My website, Nan Jones, has all the info or you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to sing about God's extravagant love with Casting Crowns.
Something hit the top of my head as I sat totally alone on the loveseat in my writing office. There were no cats in the room. There was no one jumping up and down - not even walking. There was only me and Jesus.
But something hit my head.
I began to search for the culprit. There, lying on the floor next to me, was the enormous pheasant feather I keep on the top shelf of my bookcase. It's been there for two years. This feather tumbled from the shelf and hit me in the head. The timing was perfect. (I know. You're dying for the backstory, right? Right?? Get ready, you're not going to believe it.)
My morning had been wrought with anxiety, accentuated with gut-wrenching sobs. Seriously. We were overdrawn at the bank. Our pantry was almost bare and don't even think there was food in the freezer. Nope. That was long gone. Two years of unemployment is definitely a challenge in the food department. The overdrawn notice in our bank account broke me. Totally.
I knelt in my office and wept. I poured my heart and frustration and fear and despair out before the Lord, asking Him to refill me with His perfect peace. My body shook with emotion. My spirit clung desperately to the One I trust.
And then He whispered to my broken spirit:
Nan, do you not know that I hold you in the palm of My hand? Have you not heard? I love you with an everlasting love. I have never failed you and I will not fail you now. I will make a way in the desert places. Even now I am making the crooked places straight. Even now. Do not fear my little one. I AM sovereign. I AM merciful. Do not fear. Take each moment with Me. Walk with Me. Talk with Me in the cool of the evening. Do not let the cold of the midnight scare you, for after the midnight comes the dawn. I AM the God of the dawning. You are blessed, child. Do not fear. I will make a way.
"Do not let the cold of the midnight scare you, for after the midnight comes the dawn. I AM the God of the dawning."
Wow! I began to rest in His secret place.
I curled up on the loveseat with my bible. I read from the psalms and then a cross-reference took me to Job 8:21, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing."
I sat for a moment pondering these words, and then it happened.
Out of nowhere the feather hit me on the head! At first I giggled, but that quickly morphed into hysterical laughter. I laughed healing, belly aching laughs. Cleansing tears flowed freely down my cheeks. Those of you who know me personally know that I encourage folks all the time to hide beneath the shadow of God's wing. Psalm 57:1 reads, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge until these calamities have passed me by."
Beneath the shadow of His wing...
I'm listening, Lord.
Father, Yes, your love is extravagant! I believe I will always stand amazed at how the Creator of the Universe - the One True God - knows me personally. Thank You for that knowledge. And you know what else? I love that You have a sense of humor. Thank You for helping me laugh last week when I surrendered to the fiery darts of the enemy and melted in despair. You could have told me You were disappointed in my lack of faith, but instead, You made me laugh. Wow! I love You, Lord. And, although I don't know how you're going to sustain us, I know You will because that's the kind of God You are. I love You, Lord. With all my heart, I love you.
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I'm getting my speaking engagements on the calendar for spring. I would absolutely love to spend time with your ladies, sharing laughter and tears as we seek the Lord together. My website, Nan Jones, has all the info or you may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to sing about God's extravagant love with Casting Crowns.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Just Because
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I gain an understanding of Who He is and who I am not. I'm very thankful for this insight - I see it as a gift from the One I seek.
This morning I read something I must share with you. The words on the page resonated within me, lifting me up to a higher plain in my understanding of God. The words come from God Calling, a book compiled by A.J. Russell. Its content is derived from the prayer journal of two woman who wish to remain anonymous. In 1932, these two friends joined hands in prayer, daily seeking God for guidance, comfort, and wisdom. They stepped out in faith to receive the promise of Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them."
God met them there with His sweet whispers of love.
"To the listening ear I speak, to the waiting heart I come. Sometimes, I may not speak. I may ask you merely to wait in My Presence, to know that I am with you.
"Think of the multitudes, who thronged Me, when I was on earth, all eager for something. Eager to be healed, or taught, or fed.
"Think as I supplied their many wants, and granted their manifold requests, what it meant to Me, to find amid the crowd, some one or two who followed Me just to be near Me, just to dwell in my Presence. How some longing of the Eternal heart was satisfied thereby.
"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me. The longing of the human heart to be loved for itself is a something caught from the Great Divine Heart.
"I bless you. Bow your heads."*
Oh. My. Goodness. The God of the Universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth wants to spend time with us. Just because.
Take this thought with you today:
"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me."
SELAH.
*A.J. Russell, God Calling (New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1945), p. 38-39.
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If you have received this Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship along with Rita Springer as she sings, "Fragrant Offering".
This morning I read something I must share with you. The words on the page resonated within me, lifting me up to a higher plain in my understanding of God. The words come from God Calling, a book compiled by A.J. Russell. Its content is derived from the prayer journal of two woman who wish to remain anonymous. In 1932, these two friends joined hands in prayer, daily seeking God for guidance, comfort, and wisdom. They stepped out in faith to receive the promise of Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them."
God met them there with His sweet whispers of love.
"To the listening ear I speak, to the waiting heart I come. Sometimes, I may not speak. I may ask you merely to wait in My Presence, to know that I am with you.
"Think of the multitudes, who thronged Me, when I was on earth, all eager for something. Eager to be healed, or taught, or fed.
"Think as I supplied their many wants, and granted their manifold requests, what it meant to Me, to find amid the crowd, some one or two who followed Me just to be near Me, just to dwell in my Presence. How some longing of the Eternal heart was satisfied thereby.
"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me. The longing of the human heart to be loved for itself is a something caught from the Great Divine Heart.
"I bless you. Bow your heads."*
Oh. My. Goodness. The God of the Universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth wants to spend time with us. Just because.
Take this thought with you today:
"Comfort Me, awhile, by letting Me know that you would seek Me just to dwell in My Presence, to be near Me, not even for teaching, not for material gain, not even for a message - but for Me."
SELAH.
*A.J. Russell, God Calling (New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1945), p. 38-39.
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If you have received this Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship along with Rita Springer as she sings, "Fragrant Offering".
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Always
Secure.
Secure?
Yes, secure.
Friday morning I woke to discover the earth cuddled in a downy comforter of fresh snow. Chimney smoke trailed through the mountain hollars, tinging the air with burnt locust and oak. A glorious hush settled upon God's creation as...
"Oh my goodness!" I screeched. "No! Not snow. Not today." Obviously, my hysteria interrupted God's quiet interlude. Friday was the day of my long anticipated trip to the Writer's ADVANCE! Boot Camp at The Cove, Billy Graham's remarkable conference center in Asheville, NC. Traveling through snow-covered mountain passes was, is, and never will be my idea of a romp on the playground.
This beautiful morning quickly morphed into a conflict of the soul.
And then God spoke.
Nan, everywhere you go, you remind people that I am with them. Always. You remind them that my perfect love casts away all fear. Always. And you remind them that my faithfulness never ends. Do you think you are somehow exempt from these promises?
Well, folks. That got my attention. Either I believe God is who He says He is, or I don't. Either I believe I walk in the Presence of the Lord, or I don't. I had a choice to make.
I chose to walk - or drive **grin** - in His Presence.
In Deuteronomy 33:12 Moses says, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders."
Safety. Betach (beh-tahch): Confidently, in peace, trustingly, secure.
I squared my shoulders, kissed my precious husband goodbye, and tackled the snow with betach.
Of course, I geared down to second. God did give me a sound mind, don'tcha know?
Father, What a tender, simply amazing God You are. Thank You for being You. Thank You for being constant in the midst of our roller-coaster fears and doubts. You are Truth. You are not a man that You should lie. What you say You will do...You will do. I praise You for Your faithfulness. I praise You for Your Presence in our lives. Open our eyes that we might see. You are awesome, God. I love you.
*********************************************************
Many of you prayed for me this past weekend as I attended the Writer's ADVANCE! Boot Camp sponsored by Christian Devotions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God did something amazing for me. I submitted a manuscript in a book contest and...I WON! Yay God! I am now an author with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. If you'd like to see a hysterical picture of my first reaction to winning, visit my facebook page. I promise it will crack you up!
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with John Michael Talbot as he sings, "Only in God".
Secure?
Yes, secure.
Friday morning I woke to discover the earth cuddled in a downy comforter of fresh snow. Chimney smoke trailed through the mountain hollars, tinging the air with burnt locust and oak. A glorious hush settled upon God's creation as...
"Oh my goodness!" I screeched. "No! Not snow. Not today." Obviously, my hysteria interrupted God's quiet interlude. Friday was the day of my long anticipated trip to the Writer's ADVANCE! Boot Camp at The Cove, Billy Graham's remarkable conference center in Asheville, NC. Traveling through snow-covered mountain passes was, is, and never will be my idea of a romp on the playground.
This beautiful morning quickly morphed into a conflict of the soul.
And then God spoke.
Nan, everywhere you go, you remind people that I am with them. Always. You remind them that my perfect love casts away all fear. Always. And you remind them that my faithfulness never ends. Do you think you are somehow exempt from these promises?
Well, folks. That got my attention. Either I believe God is who He says He is, or I don't. Either I believe I walk in the Presence of the Lord, or I don't. I had a choice to make.
I chose to walk - or drive **grin** - in His Presence.
In Deuteronomy 33:12 Moses says, "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders."
Safety. Betach (beh-tahch): Confidently, in peace, trustingly, secure.
I squared my shoulders, kissed my precious husband goodbye, and tackled the snow with betach.
Of course, I geared down to second. God did give me a sound mind, don'tcha know?
Father, What a tender, simply amazing God You are. Thank You for being You. Thank You for being constant in the midst of our roller-coaster fears and doubts. You are Truth. You are not a man that You should lie. What you say You will do...You will do. I praise You for Your faithfulness. I praise You for Your Presence in our lives. Open our eyes that we might see. You are awesome, God. I love you.
*********************************************************
Many of you prayed for me this past weekend as I attended the Writer's ADVANCE! Boot Camp sponsored by Christian Devotions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God did something amazing for me. I submitted a manuscript in a book contest and...I WON! Yay God! I am now an author with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. If you'd like to see a hysterical picture of my first reaction to winning, visit my facebook page. I promise it will crack you up!
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with John Michael Talbot as he sings, "Only in God".
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