Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Lord, I'm overwhelmed with the thought of You, Your love, Your tender care. Thankfulness runs free in my spirit - not thankfulness for my circumstances, but thankfulness for You. What peace I find when I think of You. My broken and wounded spirit can rest when I focus on You. My fears subside. My questions. My doubts. My confusion abates in Your Presence. In Your presence a glorious Light shines into my darkness consuming its power. Lord, I praise you for this remarkable gift of being with us always. Thank You. 

I bring my friends before your throne of grace. As we kneel before You I ask that You fill our hearts with the knowledge of Your love. Awaken our hearts to worship You. To trust You. To dare to take You at Your Word. You promise to provide for us. To protect us. To Deliver us from evil. And You do! You are not a man that You should lie. Cause faith to rise anew in our hearts. Restore a childlike trust in You as our Abba, Father - Daddy God.  Awaken the joy of our salvation that is buried beneath the struggles of the journey. Please pour out Your grace and mercy on my friends who need to know that You are near. Bless You, Lord. You are an amazing God. You alone are worthy of our praise.

Tweetables to Encourage Others

Where is God when the journey is hard? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (Click to Tweet)

How can I be thankful for this? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)

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Please do not carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com 

Finding God's Presence ~ And Yet I Stand

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I stood at the base of a tree looking straight up towards the heavens. The tree's bare branches, silvered with age, stood stark against the sapphire sky of fall. Sunlight glistened its reflection on these silvery branches standing bare. Exposed. Somewhat dead. In the reflection of sunlight I imagined the silvery, bare branches stretched wide in surrender to their Creator. 


Outstretched arms of trust and adoration. 

Outstretched arms grasping for the hand of the One who made them.

I feel like that tree. 

I'm a bit silvered around the edges now. My branches stand bare. Exposed. And yet I stand, sustained by the Vine. I stand with arms stretched wide, lifted up to the One who made me - the One who loves me. His Light reflects in my vulnerabilities, my complete dependence on Him. His love overflows into the broken crevices of my heart.

Yes, I'm like that tree.

I still stand.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me ...to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." ~ Isaiah 61:1,3

Sweet friend, the Lord God is with you also. He stands ready to pour the oil of His Holy Spirit over and through all of the broken places, to give you beauty for your ashes, to fill you with praise in spite of your circumstances.

When you don't know what else to do, just stand.

Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Stand in His Presence and offer Him praise.

Just stand.

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 A Tweetable to Encourage Others

How do I find God's Presence when I'm hurting? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)



If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring Kathryn Scott singing, "I Belong". Grab a cup of coffee, close your eyes, and soak up the faith-affirming words of this beautiful song. Hope you enjoy.

Finding God's Presence ~ And My Restless Heart Stilled

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I lay crumpled beneath my blanket. Still. Worn. Depleted. My spirit sighed with the agony of burdens, with the sorrow of brokenness. In my stillness I silently screamed to the Lord, Oh my God! Help me...help me, Lord.

I opened my eyes to face the window. Dawn burst forth with its glory. Magenta and tangerine ribbons waltzed across the sky proclaiming God's faithfulness. A cardinal's song broke through my silence, bringing remembrance that God is good and worthy to be praised.

From deep in my spirit arose a well-loved psalm. With tears sliding down my cheeks and dripping onto my pillow I spoke these words:

"Oh God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water."

I began to praise my Redeemer, to thank Him for who He is. I thanked Him for His mercy and faithfulness. I thanked Him for His precious Spirit that enfolds me and shelters me in my pain. 

And my restless heart stilled.

Psalm 63 goes on to say, "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name ... When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, because You have been my help. Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 63: 3,4,6-8

The Hebrew word for praise as used in this text is shabach (shah-vahch) meaning, not only to adore or to glory in something, but shabach means to still or to quiet. I love that! In Psalms 65:7 and 89:9, the Lord used shabach to calm the tumultuous seas. In Proverbs 29:11, the word shabach is used to refer to hushing things stirring within someone's heart.

When I choose to give the Lord praise, regardless of my circumstances, His peace settles upon me and calms my fears. Praising Him reminds me who He is and who I am not. Praising Him ushers me into His Presence where I am comforted and sheltered beneath the shadow of His wings. 

Will you praise Him with me? Will you glory in the Lord your God, thanking Him and cherishing His magnificent love? His love never fails. His mercy endures forever. 

I'm learning that when it seems my life has been cast onto a tumultuous sea that threatens to destroy me - I'm learning that if I will but praise the One who tells that sea how far it can go, I will find peace.

My restless heart will be stilled.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others 

What does praise have to do with it? @NanJonesAuthor shares personal stuff. (Click to Tweet)

When I choose to give God praise, regardless of my circumstances, His peace settles upon me & calms my fears. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to fill your heart with praise. I'm featuring an oldie, but goodie - "My Redeemer Lives", by Nicole C. Mullen.

Where is God? Sunday Glimpses

 by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Father, Your love amazes me. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, Your mercy and grace touches my heart. How can I thank You for caring for me so deeply? Who am I that the Creator of the Universe should know my name? And yet You do. Thank You for Your tender care and compassion for all that concerns me. I find my rest in You.

Many are the afflictions of Your children - You know this well. Encourage my friends who need to feel the embrace of Your Presence through the midnight of their soul. Remind them that it is always darkest before the dawn. You hold us in the palm of Your hand. Nothing comes to Your child without Your knowledge. Praise You, Lord for Your goodness. Cause praise to rise up within our spirits as we think of You and Your faithfulness. You have never failed us, Lord. Never. You are our constant. Our sure place. Give us courage to stand on Your Word for You are not a man that You should lie. Thank You for Your steadfast love. You are an awesome God. We love You and we give You praise.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others

Where is God in the midnight of my soul? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (Click to Tweet )

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Please do not carry your burden alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

Finding God's Presence ~ You are Still Good

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

The apricot-colored leaf swirled on the breeze as it drifted to the ground. I watched its gentle descent, marveling at the goodness of God. This leaf had once shared a blaze of glory on the trees of autumn, its color brilliant against the sapphire sky of October. 

Now it was falling, its time of glory over for a season.

The gentle breeze of God lowered it tenderly to the waiting earth where it would rest and blanket tender vegetation until the coming spring.

I see myself in the apricot-colored leaf...

I've shared the glory in prominent places reflecting the Light of Christ against the sapphire sky.

In my autumn season, I've felt the tenderness of the Lord cradling me as I drift from the spotlight to rest at the foot of the cross.

And I've learned that in all things God is good. He is faithful and true, merciful and kind.

YOU ARE GOOD

by Point of Grace
When the sun starts to rise and I open my eyes
You are good, so good
In the heat of the day with each stone that I lay
You are good, so good
With every breath I take in
I'll tell You I am grateful again
When the moon rises high before each kiss goodnight
You are good
When the road starts to turn around each bend I've learned
You are good, so good
And when somebody's hand holds me up, helps me stand
You are so good
With every breath I take in
I'll tell You I'm grateful again
'Cause it's more than enough just to know I am loved
And You are good
So how can I thank You and what can I bring?
What can a poor man lay at the feet of a King?
So I'll sing You a love song, it's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful for holding my life in Your hands
When it's dark and it's cold and I can't feel my soul
You are still good
When the world is gone gray and the rain's here to stay
You are still good
With every breath I take in
I'll tell You I am grateful again
And the storm may swell even then it is well
And You are good
So how can I thank You, what can I bring?
What can a poor man lay at the feet of a King?
I'll sing You this love song, it's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful for holding my life in Your hands
So I'll sing You a love song, it's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful for holding my life in Your hands
You are holding my life in Your hands

"Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble." ~ Psalm 143:9-11

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

If God is good, why am I in turmoil? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)

What does a falling apricot-colored leaf have to do with me? @NanJonesAuthor will inspire you. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to hear Point of Grace singing "You are Good." I know you will be blessed.

Finding God's Presence ~ Your Light Shall Break Forth

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

I pulled my jacket tighter around my face to ward off the chill. The meandering path led through a forest glen. Beauty surrounded me with leaves of burnished gold, persimmon, and burgundy velvet. The trail led into a valley deep with underbrush. The forest canopy grew thicker, preventing the sunlight's penetration. Dark, ominous shadows teased me with their lurking plan of demise. Briars stretched their thorny fingers across the ground beneath me, catching my jeans, causing me to stumble.

Fear called to me. I resisted, knowing I was not alone. Lord, I know You are with me, but where? I can't see You ... Lord?

My heart raced as the valley grew darker and the path succumbed to thorns and stones. My legs grew weak with fright and uncertainty. Out of the shadows came the sound of heavy breathing. Snorting. A bewitching howl sounded in the near distance. Screaming, I ran tearing my way through the underbrush.

I jerked awake, sitting upright in bed. My eyes darted around the room seeking orientation. My reality was not reality at all. It was a nightmare of epic proportions.

Or perhaps the nightmare was my reality. The reality of my spirit dimmed and frightened by the enemy's assault.

I lay my head against the pillow. A moonbeam streamed in through the bedroom window, illuminating the space around me - illuminating the space around my heart. I pulled the blanket of red up under my chin and willed the thumping in my chest to settle. The Presence of the Lord embraced me with His love. I was no longer afraid nor lost in the foreboding shadows that had fallen across my path.

Lord, how do I go forward? I want to glorify You in my life, not live in fear of the shadows hiding the briars and thorns that cause me to stumble. I want to please You, to walk with purpose and not be afraid.

This is how He responded:

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily and your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say 'Here I am.'" ~ Isaiah 58:6-9

The Lord is my Light and my salvation. I need not be afraid. And neither do you. He illuminates our darkness with the light of His Presence seeping into the emptiness of our broken places. Before our prayer escapes our lips He answers, "Here I am."

As we cling to the hand of Almighty God, rising to greet Him with thanksgiving in our hearts, our healing will spring forth, the shadows will flee.

Selah 

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A Tweetable to Encourage Others

God, where is Your Light in my darkness? @NanJonesAuthor offers answers. (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, "What Grace is Mine" sung to the tune of "Danny Boy." It will make your heart smile.

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Father, My heart rejoices in You - not in my circumstances, not in my broken heart, but in You. You are my sure place in the storm. You are my refuge. My Rock. My Friend. I place my heart in Your hands and trust You to care for it, to mend it, to completely restore and strengthen it. How wonderful it is to know that I can trust You with every part of me, especially with my heart. Thank You.

I lift up my friends to You who are weary and worn, those who are disillusioned with the turn their lives have taken. But, You know what Lord? You indeed are sovereign! You are El Roi, the God who sees and knows all about it. Nothing takes You by surprise. I'm learning to rest in that knowledge. Teach my friends to rest there too. 

I ask that You encourage them by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Open their eyes to see You working in their midst. Open their ears to hear Your sweet whispers of love and affirmation. Take our hands, Lord, and lead us. Help us climb the slippery slopes and keep us from stumbling. We are Yours and You belong to us. Thank You, Lord. We rejoice in You and in the knowledge of Your great love. You are worthy of our praise!

Tweetables to Encourage Others

Where is God in my pain? @NanJonesAuthor offers a glimpse. (Click to Tweet)

How can I praise God in the storm? @NanJonesAuthor shows you how. (Click to Tweet)

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