Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Dehydrated Heart

Moonlight streaked through my bedroom window. I rolled over for the umpteenth time, fluffing my pillow and adjusting the covers...anything to get comfortable. But sleep eluded me. My mind was restless. Wandering. Traversing to places that would only cause more worry.

Photo Credit: www.visualforces.com

I rolled over again, this time staring out the window at the moon and stars. My mind had become an empty slate, the exact restless moment the Lord was waiting for.

There, in the heavens right next to a galaxy of stars, appeared the image of my pot of pansies on the porch steps. Yes, seriously. The image was clear as day.

Lord, what is this?

Just think about it, Nan. Just think about it.

So I did.

Earlier in the afternoon I had noticed my pansies were drooping, wilting in the sun. The other pots were fine. I hadn't watered them because of the spring showers we experienced two days earlier.

But while the other pansies flourished, this little bouquet wilted from dehydration. I was puzzled. Then I looked up. The eve of our porch jutted out to a sharp point just above this pot of pansies, just enough to block the refreshing rain. While the other pots were watered by God, these little flowers were dying of thirst. I got some water from the spicket and gave them a long drink. Within the hour the beautiful faces of my pansies were poised upward and winking at the sun. They were fully refreshed.

Still gazing out my window at the moonlit sky, I pondered the idea that the dehydration occurred because something blocked the flow of water falling generously from the heavens.

Is that why I'm so restless, Lord? Is my senseless worrying blocking the flow of Your Living Water? Forgive me, Lord. Open my eyes to see You working in my midst. Please apply Your perfect love to my life to remove all fear and doubt. Cause Your Living Water to seep into the crevices of my heart and roll the stone of worry away, that stone that blocks Your peace in all things. Wash me anew in Your grace so that my life will reflect Your glory.

I rolled over onto my side and snuggled the covers up under my chin. My body relaxed. My mind hushed, and my spirit rested by the quiet waters that flowed from within.

"The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, 

their tongues fail for thirst. 

I, the Lord, will hear them; 

I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. 

I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, 

and the dry land springs of water." 

~ Isaiah 41:17-18

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

My mind was restless. Wandering. Traversing to places that would only cause more worry. (Click to Tweet)

There, in the heavens right next to a galaxy of stars, appeared the image of my pot of pansies. (Click to Tweet)

Lord, cause Your Living Water to seep into the crevices of my heart & roll the stone of worry away. (Click to Tweet)

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Kari Jobe singing "The More I Seek You." It's sure to bless you today and help you rise above the storm.

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Lord, I lift my heart in praise to You. You are my center. You keep me grounded and secure. Train me to focus on You, to look for You in all things. You are faithful, Lord. You are mighty and good. Your ears are turned to the sound of my voice and for that I am forever grateful. I bring my friends before Your throne of grace. We come boldly, Lord. Expectantly. Some of us need a miracle. Some of us need Your strength, for we are weary. Some need the embrace of Your extraordinary love. Meet the needs of my friends, Lord. Open their eyes to see You. Fill them with hope as they wait on You. Anoint them with Your perfect peace as You uphold and sustain them. Thank You for Your amazing love and tender compassion towards Your children. We love You Father. We bless Your holy Name.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you weary? Looking for God? @NanJonesAuthor wants to help. (Click to Tweet)

We come boldly, Lord. Expectantly. Many need miracles, strength...the embrace of Your love. (Click to Tweet)

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

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ When Storm Clouds Rise

by Nan Jones
 
Some of my greatest lessons have occurred while hunkering down beneath the shadow of God's wing - that place of refuge reserved for His children, that place I run to when the storm clouds rise.

Photo Credit: frankkish.typepad,com

David learned the same lesson. In Psalm 57:1 he poured out his heart before the Lord, "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 by."

David wrote these words while hiding in a cave...in a CAVE! He was fleeing from a sure death at the hands of Saul - his body weary from the ongoing pursuit, his spirit heavy from the perpetual fear.

The verses that follow are wrought with anguish: "My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears and arrows ... They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me..." (verses 4 & 6). 

David begged God for mercy. He cried out for protection as fear threatened to overtake him.

But then things changed.

David began to declare his steadfast love and trust in his God.

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; 

I will sing and give praise. 

Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! 

I will awaken the dawn." 

~ Psalm 57:7,8, NKJV

Matthew Henry writes this, "David's prayers are, all of a sudden, turned into praise and thanksgiving; his sackcloth is loosed, he is girded with gladness, and his hallelujahs are as fervent as his hosannas. This should make us in love with prayer, that sooner or later, it will be swallowed up in praise." (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary of the Bible)

Isn't that powerful? "...his hallelujahs are as fervent as his hosannas." I love that. Thorough praise. Steadfast heart. Complete trust.

Can you hear the confident assurance that rose to the surface and swallowed David's fears? David's heart was steadfast. Firm. He was not overcome by the harsh reality of his enemy's pursuit. He was, instead, focused on God and overcome with praise.

As David entered into praise, he made a profound statement: "I will awaken the dawn."

When I read these words, I thought of how dark it is right before the dawn. Some say the moments before the dawning of the sun are the darkest of the night.

The moments before our breakthroughs are often the darkest of our night.

But David said, "I will awaken the dawn." Think about it. In his darkest moments he declared his allegiance to Almighty God. It is this steadfastness of heart - of trust, of faith - that awakened hope within him. His praise ushered in the glorious light of a new tomorrow. His unwavering, childlike faith turned his mourning into dancing, his despair into hope, his fear into confident assurance of deliverance.

I want to declare His glorious praise, "God, You are my God! I will trust in You and will not be shaken! With my praise, I will awaken the dawn."

Yes, I will awaken the dawn and watch it rise.

I'll be peeking out from beneath the feathers, of course. Want me to scoot over?

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

WHEN STORM CLOUDS RISE. @NanJonesAuthor shares why praise makes a difference when your world falls apart. (Click to Tweet)
 
The moments before our breakthroughs are often the darkest of our night. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page for a huge blessing! I'm featuring a music video of Hezekiah Walker singing, "Every Praise." I learned about this song through a news article. A nine year old boy was kidnapped recently. As his captor drove around, the boy sang this song over and over. And guess what happened? The kidnapper let him go!! The boy's praise subdued the enemy. Wow!!!!

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Perseverance. The Perfect Gift

by Nan Jones

I imagined myself as a small child wandering along a mountain trail listening to the melody of the birds. Trees swayed to the rhythm of the wind and drank from the stream that ribboned its way through the natural paradise. All along the creek bank wildflowers grew - daisies, blue chicory, larkspur. As I journeyed along the path, I searched for the perfect gift to bring my Father. He loved the beauty of creation, the splendor of nature. I soon realized these flowers were the perfect gift.

Photo Credit: www.brookhavenretreat.com

Tiny hands gathered a delicate bouquet. Excitement grew in my heart because I loved to bring special gifts to my Father. But as I started to make my way home, the path grew steep. There were stones in the way. Tree roots criss-crossed the trail and thorny briars crept in on both sides. The perfect path had become difficult, wrought with danger and full of obstacles. It was hard to hang on to the special gift I was bringing my Father. Very difficult. But I was determined to make it to the top of the mountain where he lived. 

So I pressed on.

Finally, I crested a hill where I could see the path clearly again, but the beauty of my gift was now spoiled. Some of the flower stems were broken. Daisy petals scattered with the wind. Ruined! The gift to my Father was ruined. My shoulders sagged with disappointment and my excited steps slowed as I dragged my feet with sudden fatigue.

Father saw me climbing up the steep mountain trail. He could see my frustration, my tears. He ran to me with open arms.

"Child, why are you so distraught?" Father said as I crumpled into his embrace.

"I brought you a special gift to show you how much I love you and now it's ruined."

"No, no," said my Father. "It's not ruined. Your tears have caused it to glisten in the sunshine. The broken stems and blossoms reflect your effort to please me, to persevere regardless of the obstacles you encounter. You may think your gift is tarnished, but I see it as a love offering - an expression of your heart - regardless of how hard your journey has become. Thank you for your gift. Thank you for your love and your desire to please me. The road has been long and steep, but look around you. Look how far you have come. Please don't look at the broken bouquet. Look at the view. See what I see. See how far you've climbed to be with me. That is the perfect gift."

Sweet friend, sometimes the road becomes almost unbearable. We see only our skinned knees and broken stems, but the Father looks on the heart. He is honored by our perseverance. He cheers us on as we get up, dust ourselves off and continue on our journey. And He delights in our gifts. Though tattered and torn, He sees the heart that is fixed on Him and He responds.

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, 

I also will keep you from the hour of trial 

which shall come upon the whole world, 

to test those who dwell on the earth. 

Behold, I am coming quickly! 

Hold fast what you have, 

that no one may take your crown." 

~ Revelation 3:10-11

Persevere, dear ones. Persevere. Love, laugh and rejoice in the Lord your God. 

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Do you want to give up? Please don't. @NanJonesAuthor offers encouragement today. (Click to Tweet)

Though tattered & torn, God sees the heart that is fixed on Him & He responds. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Selah singing, "Press On." This just might be what the doctor ordered, **wink, wink**

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones  

Lord, I choose You. I choose to walk in the redemptive work of the cross, to live by faith, immersed in Your grace. You are an awesome God, full of wonder and might. What You did for us is beyond our comprehension! Open the eyes of our hearts to know and understand how wonderful You are. I ask that You grant us understanding of the miracle of Your love. We cannot grasp its height, its depth, its width. It astounds us. Thank You for the price You paid that we might know you. I pray for my friends who feel unworthy of Your great love. I ask that You open their ears to hear Your gentle voice calling them to come back home to You. Open their eyes to see the image of You standing with arms opened wide to receive them in Your embrace. Shake up the head knowledge, the analysis, the debate, and awaken the tender places of the heart to see and know You. Forgive us for turning You into an argument. You are the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by You, Jesus. We may not understand its simplicity, but the power is undeniable. You are faithful and true. You are good and merciful. Thank You, Lord. We love You and we give You praise.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Lord, I choose You. I choose to walk in the redemptive work of the cross, to live by faith, immersed in Your grace. (Click to Tweet)
 
Do you feel unworthy of God's love? @NanJonesAuthor may be able to help. (Click to Tweet)

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Do you need someone to pray with you? I would be honored. You may contact me at  nan@jubilantlight.com

Scriptures of Easter ~ A Familiar Veil

by Nan Jones

Sitting quietly, I closed my eyes. With unveiled face I called on the Name of Jesus and beheld His glory - not the expected brilliant light and mesmerizing colors that transfuse beyond description. No. I beheld the quiet glory of His love.

"If only we knew the love of God and rested in it, our whole lives would be different."
~Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Photo Credit: imgarcade.com

The Lord is teaching me to rest in His Presence, to quiet myself in His love. He is teaching me this Truth that sets me free from anxieties and fears. He is teaching me to see Him in my midst - to understand that Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe is with me every moment of every day.

Jesus is the One who made that possible.

We know that, right? But can it be that we become so familiar with the tenets of our faith that we lose its power? Can it be that our familiarity becomes a veil that keeps us from beholding the Presence of the One who loves us?

I think so.

Jesus' death and resurrection removed the veil from our eyes and introduced us to our Father God.

"And we all, 

who with unveiled faces 

contemplate the Lord’s glory, 

are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, 

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

~ 2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV

In His Presence is fullness of Joy.

In His Presence is peace beyond understanding.

In His Presence is acceptance, affirmation, and love.

His Presence is a tangible place. We need only remove the veil once more.

SELAH 

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

With unveiled face I beheld the quiet glory of His love. (Click to Tweet)

His Presence is a tangible place. We need only remove the veil once more. (Click to Tweet)

 

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring one of my favorite people, Mark Lowry singing "Rest In The Arms." Before the song he gives a brief testimony of learning to take God of the proverbial box. You will be blessed.

Scriptures of Easter ~ The World Has Gone After Him!

 by Nan Jones

"He's coming! He's coming!" Shouts of excitement rang across the Jerusalem countryside. Children ran alongside their parents filling the air with laughter. "There. Over there! Gather the palm branches. We must make a carpet for our King."

Palm branches were laid carefully along the road. People took off their robes and cushioned the path for their Messiah. It wasn't much, but they wanted to honor Him. Anticipation was building. The buzz of conversation traveled far and wide. "Have you seen Lazarus? Yes! Jesus raised him from the dead. I saw it with my own eyes." Another man clasped his heart and said, "I once was blind, but now I see. Jesus touched me and opened my eyes." A fisherman called to the crowd, "We were on the sea tossed about by a terrible storm. I knew we were all going to die. But Jesus was with us and He spoke to the storm and said, 'Peace, be still' and the wind and the waves obeyed His command. Surely, He is the Son of God."

"Look! There. Over the hill. He's coming over the hill." Throngs of people surrounded the lowly donkey on which Jesus rode. The crowd swelled and began to cry out, "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!" 

"Jesus, He is our King! The Anointed One!" 

On the edge of the crowd, standing in the shadows of an olive grove, a group of Pharisees whispered and balked at the sight before them. Their eyes squinted with disdain and their jaws jutted out as they spewed their disgust.

"The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, 

'You see that you are accomplishing nothing. 

Look, the world has gone after Him!'" 

~ John 12:19

... Look, the world has gone after Him!

Wow! Have you ever seen that sentence before? I know. Me, either. 

This verse leaped off the page Sunday as I focused on the difference Jesus has made in my life. The Pharisees - the religious, self-righteous ones - could do nothing to stop the work of God. And yes, the world embraced the love of their Savior! They believed. They stood in awe at the work of the Lord. 

The people opened their eyes to see. They found the heart of God, His Son Jesus.

Have you embraced Him? Have you allowed Him to love you and repair the broken places?

Jesus came not into the world to condemn the world, but to bring us life. To bring us hope. To introduce us to our Father God. 

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you searching for Jesus? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)

Jesus came to introduce us to our Father God. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to watch the music video, "I've Just Seen Jesus" sung by Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty. This is perfect as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Bless you!

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Father, I need the Light of Your countenance to light my way. I want to bask in the warmth of Your Light - Your presence. I find joy in Your presence. I find strength and peace. I stand amazed at the knowledge that You loved us so much You made a way for us to know You - a way for us to abide in Your presence. If only we would open the eyes of our hearts to walk in that knowledge. You Lord - the author and finisher of our faith, the Creator of the Universe made a way for us to know You. Thank You, Lord. You are an amazing God. Full of power. Full of mercy. Thank You for pursuing us with Your love. I pray for my friends who need to be reminded of who You are and how much You love them. Your love covers all things. It negates the places we have strayed from You. It draws us to Your side bringing comfort and acceptance. I ask that You repair the broken places, fill the empty places. Make a way where there seems to be no way. Awaken the hearts of my friends to see You anew. Anoint them with a fresh anointing to do Your work. Give them courage to move forward, holding Your hand, trusting Your guidance. Thank You Lord. You are the Mighty God, our Prince of Peace. We love You, Lord.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Do you know how much you are loved? @NanJonesAuthor might help. WHERE IS GOD? SUNDAY GLIMPSES (Click to Tweet)

Lord, I want to bask in the Light of Your presence. (Click to Tweet)

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Would you like someone to pray with you? I would be honored. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ The Works of God

by Nan Jones

The stiff breeze rustled through the treetops. The evergreens swayed in rhythm to the strong bursts of air while, from a distance, it appeared that the oaks and locusts of the forest stood still in their nakedness. It appeared they had no response to the presence of the wind.

But the pines and hemlocks ... oh my! They were "clapping their hands with joy" as the bible says. Boldly. Loudly. Obviously.

As Blue and I walked closer to the forest edge, my eyes followed the jubilee in the treetops. Part of me wanted to scorn the bare branches that stood idle, the ones missing the joy of dancing with the wind. 

But then I looked closer.

The oaks and locusts were swaying gently, quietly in the breeze. Not only that, but on their spindly fingertips were tiny buds preparing to pop with the breath of spring. New life stood at the edge of a stark winter, hailing its demise. They recognized the wind and bowed to its presence. A soft stirring filtered through the naked branches - the ones baring their vulnerabilities before the piercing blue sky.

Perhaps the quiet praise of the oaks and locusts rose to the heavens as a sweet aroma of sacrifice.

Perhaps my quiet praise to a faithful God rises to the heavens on the wisps of sweet fragrance before Him. As I stand vulnerable before the Lord, surrounded by the exuberant praise of those who have not suffered the harsh winter season, I wonder if my praise is enough - if my thankfulness honors my God. 

"As you do not know what is the way of the wind, 

or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, 

so you do not know the works of God who makes everything." 

~ Ecclesiastes 11:5

The works of God.

The works responding in quiet, heartfelt praise.

The works responding with the fragile buds born of winter endurance.

The works responding with a deep knowing between Almighty God and me.

Selah

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

New life stood at the edge of a stark winter, hailing its demise. (Click to Tweet)

My quiet praise to a faithful God rises on the wisps of sweet fragrance before Him. (Click to Tweet)

The work of God in me responds like the fragile buds born of winter endurance that bring new life. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring Kristyn Getty singing "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God." I LOVE to hear this girl sing. She carries me straight to the throne room of God.

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ What Does Faithfulness Look Like?

by Nan Jones

Sunbeams streamed through the sanctuary windows while friendly chatter filled the room. I found my seat on the first pew, anticipating the beginning of our worship service.

Movement seen through the glass panes of the side door caught my attention. Slowly the door opened.  Bent over from years of toil, supported by a cane in one hand and her daughter on the other, the elderly woman shuffled into the house of the Lord. Her smile creased the wrinkles around her twinkling eyes that emitted the glorious reflection of Jesus.

Miss Mattie*. Ninety-three years young. Amazing woman of God.

Miss Mattie has attended this small mountain church for eighty years. Her years of service are marked by lives touched, hearts warmed, and the love of a Savior glorified. Just four days earlier she suffered a light stroke. The strokes have been coming more frequently lately. She felt weak Sunday morning - still not quite right.

But she prayed. Miss Mattie asked the Lord for strength to go to worship.

And He answered.

A divine light shone in my heart. I felt ashamed. I thought of how many times I wanted to stay in bed on a Sunday morning. I thought of how many times I needed an attitude adjustment when I just wanted to stay home and rest and basically do nothing. I thought of how many times I wanted to give up on "church" because it had been such a source of hurt for me over the years.

I thought a lot.

And I prayed.

Lord, forgive me for my complacency and my selfishness. Forgive me for letting Satan destroy my joy of coming to Your sanctuary to join in corporate worship of You. You clearly tell us that we need each other - to not forsake the assembling together of one another in Your Name. Thank You for Miss Mattie's example of faithfulness. Thank You for her life. Her love. Her joy. And thank You for Your mercy in teaching me today. I ask that You give me the wings of eagles to rise above the fatigue that seemingly multiplies on Sundays. I ask that You strengthen me to lift up my shield of faith to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy that tempts me to surrender to selfish thoughts. I ask that You make me more like Miss Mattie.

I raised my head, my heart cleansed by the mercy of God, refreshed by His loving touch.

Thank you Miss Mattie for your testament of faithfulness.

"I have been young, and now am old; 

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, 

Nor his descendants begging bread. 

He is ever merciful, and lends; 

And his descendants are blessed." 

~ Psalm 37:25-26

*Name changed

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

I wanted to give up on "church" because of the many hurts there. (Click to Tweet)

Do you struggle wanting to go to church? @NanJonesAuthor knows & understands. (Click to Tweet)

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to listen to a beautiful song by Steve Green, "Find Us Faithful." This version is sung by a choir. It's beautiful!

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Lord, I stand in awe of Your love - how it encompasses me and all that concerns me. I'm learning that, because of Your great love, nothing comes into my life without Your knowledge. Nothing can supersede Your love. Nothing can separate me from Your love. And for that I am so thankful. Thank You for teaching me to trust You. Thank You for teaching me to rest in You, to stop trying to figure everything out and to just be...be in Your Presence. Thank You for teaching me this Truth even though it was born of great pain in the Refiner's fire. I pray the same for my friends. Trials and disappointments burn away the dross and prove our faith to be more precious than gold. Our faith. Your gift. Open the eyes of our hearts to know and understand that anything that draws us into Your Presence is good, even though it seems to be unpleasant at the time. I ask that You make that knowledge secure in the hearts of my friends. Cause it to be a sure place they can return to time and time again when the winds of adversity blow. The world can't take our faith away. The world can't take Your love away. Thank You, Lord. Blessed be Your Holy Name.
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Tweetable to Encourage Others

Are you facing disappointment? Questioning God? @NanJonesAuthor might help you navigate thru the troubled waters. (Click to Tweet)

Lord, I stand in awe of Your love - how it encompasses me & all that concerns me. (Click to Tweet)

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

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Dormant Praise

by Nan Jones

I strolled along our country road needing a few moments alone with Jesus. You know...clear my mind, roll some burdens over on Him. I wanted to remind myself of His faithfulness. I needed to press in.

And then the most amazing thing caught my attention. On the side of the road, broken limbs and huge branches littered the edge of the woods. A few months back we had a horrific snowstorm. Branches snapped in yards and forests like rapid pops of gunfire. The damage was mind-boggling. Although most of the yards have been cleaned up, the forest remains a visual reminder of the destruction left in the wake of this massive storm.

The branches that caught my attention have been lying broken on the side of the road for over two months. They were torn away from an ancient apple tree that grows on a meadow's edge. They are not in the ground, but on top of it. There are no roots attached. The branches lie in a jumbled pile of brokenness.

Popping out of the tips of the branches are APPLE BLOSSOMS! Yep. That's what I said. The only thing I can figure is that, although the branches were broken and left for dead, there was enough sap within them to produce new life when the spring sunshine began to bathe them in its warmth. I stood there dumbfounded and then raised my head towards heaven. My face relaxed into a bright smile.

And then I thought about the goodness of God.

I experienced a lot of brokenness over the past few years. I know I am not alone. I know a young family evicted from their home while the mom battles cancer. I know an abuse victim who walks on eggshells to avoid a beating. I know a cancer patient who just discovered the beast is back and invading her body. Many, many of my Christian brothers and sisters are facing desperate situations.

And yet they praise their God.

This kind of praise goes much deeper than a happy dance. Their praise is born of pain. It's born of understanding the suffering of Christ. Their praise flows from the rivers of Living Water itself. It's rich and has substance. Their praise is surrounded with groanings too deep for words.

How do they do that? How do I do that? I think the apple tree holds the answer. Just as the broken branches contained the dormant sap necessary to produce blossoms, the Spirit of God remains strong within His children, flowing through their veins, maintaining life within. In our brokenness, when we need Him the most, His Presence gives way to praise. How? Why? Because in our brokenness He reveals His tenderness and opens our eyes to see and know Him.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 reads, "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

Beloved, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He will never leave you to suffer alone. Never. His Spirit dwells within. In due season this, too, shall pass and you will behold the glory and the power of the Lord.
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Praise born of pain flows from the deep recesses of the heart. (Click to Tweet)

I think the apple tree holds the answer. @NanJonesAuthor shares DORMANT PRAISE (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to worship along with Kari Jobe as she sings, "What Love is This."

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Spanning the Treacherous Waters

by Nan Jones

"What of a man walking through a glorious glade who fretted because ahead there lay a river and he might not be able to cross it, when all the time, that river was spanned by a bridge? And what if that man had a friend who knew the way - had planned it - and assured him that at no part of the journey would any unforeseen contingency arise, and that all was well?" (A.J. Russell, God Calling)

These words leaped from the page as I rocked back and forth on our porch swing, mesmerized by the gentle rhythm, searching for the Lord's counsel.

I was that "man" walking through the glade worrying about the river that was up ahead, not remembering that my Abba Father had carefully placed a bridge to span the treacherous waters. Me! The one who forevermore counsels others that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. I was the one doubting and walking in fear. I was the one not trusting in the goodness and sovereignty of God.

Lord, please forgive me. How could I possibly be surrendering to these fearful thoughts from the enemy? Thank You for opening my eyes to realize the limitations I placed on You. I'm so sorry. Thank You for always making a way for me long before I arrive at the treacherous waters.

Isn't it wonderful to realize that God always has a plan - that He is never taken by surprise as we journey through this life? This past week, as He so lovingly gave me these encouraging words, my treacherous water consisted of facing my husband's emergency surgery with no insurance and limited income. But God's grace covered us at the hospital, giving us favor with the financial counselors. His bridge was already in place before we arrived at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The expansive bridge also gave my sweet husband favor with the supervisor of his new job who repeatedly reassured us of job security, even though he hasn't been there long enough to obtain sick days.

As I "walked" step by step across this bridge of grace, I looked upon the treacherous waters beneath us. I knew we could have drowned had it not been for the love of an amazing God.

Are you fearing the river ahead, not knowing how you will cross it? Perhaps the Lord Himself is the bridge - His Presence strong and mighty. As we press into Him we are safe and sound. As we press into Him we need only rest upon His love, knowing that He works all things together for our good, knowing that nothing takes Him by surprise.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you; 

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. 

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, 

your Savior..." 

~ Isaiah 43:1-3

He is able.
He is faithful.
He is our God, and we belong to Him.

Dear one, do not be afraid. 

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

I knew we could have drowned had it not been for the love of an amazing God. (Click to Tweet)

Are you fearing the river ahead, not knowing how you will cross it? (Click to Tweet)

He is able. He is faithful. He is our God & we belong to Him. Dear one, do not be afraid. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. The featured video is "Oceans" by Hillsong. This is an amazing song.