Israel's Hope is my Hope.

This caught my Spirit this morning:
Sammy Rhodes, a campus minister (Reformed University Fellowship, Presbyterian Church/America) in South Carolina, TWEETED: 
Culture:  “Be yourself”
Jesus:  “Find yourself in Me”

After reading this, I then started reading my devotion from the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah when he cried out to God, concerned God wasnt there with Israel. 

Jeremiah's calling out to God was desperate yet he continually restated faith, knowing in his heart God WAS there even IN the struggle. 

       Jer.14.8-9
        "You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress...You are among us, Lord , and we bear your name...!" (Bells & whistles... like the tweet said, "find yourself in me")

Dig further, my spirit prodded.

Sometimes do you have trouble being still?  Yeah, me, too!

So I asked God to put me IN His Word.
Duh, this literally is possible.  Putting my cries IN Jeremiah's outcry:

        "You are my Hope,  my Savior in my distress. ..you are with me, and I bear Your Name."

Then I questioned, "How do I bear God's name?"

Humanly speaking, bearing my family's name,  I receive respect and love, through the actions &/or past actions of my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather.  Their earthly legacy is such a blessing to me in so many ways.  In an even greater way than my worldly family, God is MY eternal Namesake...my Creator, teacher, provider.  (He knew me before I was born, and he counted every hair.)

His leading--making a straighter path for us, preveniently walking ahead of us and our circumstances shows His eternal love for His most-precious creation. 

As He quietly goes before us, could He be mis-perceived as abandoning us in some moments?

Pondering those words over and over, God's providence comes in many forms...obvious and during worldly struggles that may not be so clear.

My heart belief is "He wants 'the Best' for us, His believers, and is eager for our learning how to take on His character and actions. 

Seeking Him like Jeremiah and listening for His  voice, conveyed through His Holy Spirit in the quiet puts the world on hold while we spend time with Him.  (Which is why He sent Christ to reach us and have a personal relationship with Him.)

Yes, spending time in God's Living Word and listening for His voice is an active decision. 

He hasn't abandoned; let's listen,  watch, and wait.  The recognition will come in His time and He will share His love in very creative answers.

Where did Jesus, our Hope, meet you today?

SATURDAY SCRIPTURES & LENT

Pondering His leading me to His Cross. 

Approaching Golgatha...

Are my words & actions marked by humility? 

Are my actions during Lent honoring Christ for His sacrifices...

or boasting in my actions for self purposes?

Galatians 5 says "One can thus find in Christ strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits. And they are called true Christians who incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own life."
Let none of us boast...

Martin Luther understood and said:
Christ's Passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. — reading NIV.

John 8:31  "If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Blessings,

TOUCH STONE REMINDER

What is the WORD or the VERSE God'S 
giving your heart for this New Year?

Following Elaine at PEACE FOR THE JOURNEY where she said

because I need a touch stone of remembrance for the daily practicing of my faith… 

I am one who certainly needs to follow through as she is...it is also recommended in Touchstone Magazine's blog, "Mere Christianity"...

"...live consciously under the Name of Jesus should be the devout desire of every Christian, moment by moment; it is the Name by which we live.“

So, my touch stone will be "...continue in My word..." 


In its entirety...

John 8:31 "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

believing on Him, The eternal Word of God

continuing study on His Word for life guidance

choosing His knowing my narrow-er path...the 'world's path' too wide

pointing the way, calming tongues, storms in times of need...

going forward ... His Light on dark paths  

HE, the Word

my comfort, support, promise

Is HE your "everything"?

James 5:11 "What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail."

Blessings,

TUESDAY TAKEAWAY Friday's NOT Too Late

Having enjoyed sitting at Joyce Meyer's feet earlier today...I needed more of God's input after I got home.  So, I spent some time over at Elaine's...PEACE FOR THE JOURNEY...and God answered.

“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.’” 
(1 Chronicles 28:20-21).

Elaine was sharing the above scripture...and she asked some questions for herself...now I am asking myself.  
Her exerpt:

What’s my take-away? How can this be applied to my heart in my today when it’s obvious that these verses were meant for those who would build the temple of the Lord nearly 3000 years ago? Here are a few thoughts I’m thinking:

• God is still building his temple, and he’s using my life, alongside the lives of other believers, as his building blocks.

• There is work to be done. I have been assigned as a co-laborer in that work.

• The work will require my strength, my courage, and my faith in the face of fear.

• God is with me in my work. He will not fail me nor forsake me.

• The work will be completed.

• There are others who are ready to help me in my work—others with the necessary tools, craftsmanship, and commissioning from God to bring about a completed work through me… in me.

My discussion with Him:


God, You were busy building Your temple in our session today.  


You were reminding us of the responsibilities we have as Christians to stand up..be bold for our faith...in this environment of "leaving You out".

Lord, you've given me "special" God-given talents to be used in Your 'Heavenly' temple's completion.  Forgive me when I've not used them as You've desired.

I've let myself become more weary...finding excuses...You already knew what I needed to say. 

More time listening and obeying is what wanting me to do in this latest building phase.

Even though I moan my strength is less, You will provide a way in  my obedience.


You want to give me the BEST...You loves me, You know  me, and You understand EVERYTHING in me.

Why would I want to hinder Your 'steadily completing' each step as it rises toward You and God?

You will re-visit my lessons until my final transformation; and in my obedience of sitting with You, hearing You and then doing Your will, Your Living Word (You) jump off the page and into reality from my hands and in my heart.

Make radiant each temple is IN each of us, daily

As our Master Carpenter, continue leading us to complete our daily 'to-do' lists for Your Heavenly temple, for we are abiding in this foreign land.

Jer. 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." 

Blessings,

WEDNESDAY's THISnTHAT

There's something VERY SPECIAL about getting to spend time with Christian Women who love the Lord first.

We've studied,

cried,

laughed,

nibbled on snacks,

and greatly discussed His Words for the past 30 weeks.

Today we enjoyed a late-morning brunch at a member's home.

We're discussing how/when we will be getting together again.

...another Bible study?

...an on-going 'game/coffee' morning?

We haven't decided yet, but it will be SPECIAL and CHERISHED, whatever we decide.

Thank you, Lord,
for blessing me with their sweet smiles, spirits and company throughout our class this year.
Amen & Amen

NUMBERING ARIGHT?

Psalm 90:12  “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Summer is inching by like a little worm toward the next season and my focus turns to readying myself for the next class I will be facilitating.  My devotional Bible verse appropriately fits into my desires for my class...these new friends, old friends, younger and older, each seeking something ‘new’ from our Bibles, from the Holy Spirit’s counsel. 

Pondering further on this Psalm, in context I know the Israelites were in the desert ‘needing’ God’s knowledge, His bounty, and His provision for their daily survival.  Moses still had to remind them to daily seek and obey God’s guidance.  

Hey, Is Moses standing in the room?…Am I bumping elbows with the stiff-necked Israelites?  

God NEVER turns from teaching me in my own desert but MANY times I turn my heart away from His wisdom.  Are you like me?  Have you ever thought you knew better than God how to ‘handle’ a situation?  Well, for me...last year, or last week, ; no, yesterday; oh, I've got it, just a minute ago!  Duh!  

Why do I quickly forget God’s eternal omnipotence, His seeing before, during, and after me…seeing after all creation?  What would I do without God’s Word in print?  It is such a blessing. 

Dear God, I pray our class chooses to be still and listen for Your teachings.  You may ‘knock some of us down a notch’ along this year's study; but, show us the Preciousness residing in sharing Your Word with You, each new day.  You reminded us through James in his chapter 4 verse 13: “You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.” Please aright our minds for time with You before we begin studying each day...send Your Holy Spirit to discern and counsel, to bring any needed comfort from suffering along the way.  Your guidance is what I seek for this upcoming class.  Amen

Having referred to Mathew Henry’s commentary on this Psalm 90, I’ll finish with this…Henry states:

Those who would learn true wisdom, must pray for Divine instruction must beg to be taught by the Holy Spirit for comfort and joy in the returns of God's favor. His favor would be a full fountain of future joys, a sufficient balance to former griefs. Let the grace of God in us produce the light of good works. And let Divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances.

HOW WILL YOU SEEK A HEART OF WISDOM THIS WEEK?

THRONE TIME...the BEST plan

THRONE time...

TWO THINKS 2 SHARE sent an unexpected gift of a 365-day devotional entitled JESUS CALLING Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

While reading today's entry, thoughts began to roll and a heart began to change.

She referenced the following two scriptures:

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

What is the reaction when things seem wrong? The operative word here being SEEM. We sometimes don't understand what's happening...leaning toward thinking it couldn't possibly be His plan for me to suffer. Why do I not want to look for GROWTH opportunities instead of 'wanting my own way'?

Believing His Scriptures to be my guide, they tell us to be thankful IN ALL circumstances...reaching past my pain or selfishness; claiming His victory over the evils of life.

Do I believe thoroughly (and humbly) that His plan is BETTER than mine?

When I'm not looking for GROWTH in changing my perspective, she notes it is "deifying" my desires. THAT statement REALLY got my attention. "Deifying" my desires.

Synonyms for deify are: idolize, worship, exalt...idolizing my own wants, worshiping my choices, exalting my desires. Jesus, forgive me, please. Suddenly I'm being Job, hearing God's reprimand. Here's how it went:

Job 42:1 "Job replied to the LORD: "I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this obscuring my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,things too wonderful for me to know."

Dear Lord, When I am like Job, putting my desires before yours...gently remind me of your Majesty, Steadfastness and Love for me. Your Plan is THE BEST plan.

Amen

Blessings,

FRUITION OF A LONG-AGO DREAM

I'm joining many others in praying for Elaine over at Peace for the Journey on the day her new book is released!!

PEACE FOR THE JOURNEY in the pleasure of His Company: a collection of fifty-two meditations which will deepen your walk with our Lord. He's a constant, leading us to Eternity. Check out Elaine's site for an opportunity to win a signed book, watch the BEAUTIFUL trailer video on YouTube

WinePress
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD {shipping dates are longer here}

PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE SUCCESS OF THIS DEVOTION, ELAINE!

Jer. 33:3

"Call to me and I will answer you

and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Blessings,

90-DAY JOURNEY

FIRST...SHADY CREEK'S GOT A GIVE-AWAY 'TIL WEDNESDAY...r (1)blog about HER giveaway on your blog with a link back to HER blog

or (2)sign up to be HER follower.

Oh ya,(3) leave a comment and a way to BE contacted should you win.

Second, JOINING 'BLESSINGS AMID CHAOS'...WEEK 6

On to the QUESTIONS:

Are you enjoying reading the Bible this way, in 90 days, than other ways you may of read your Bible before?

IN PREPARING FOR OUR UPCOMING RETREAT, I've lost the entire week of reading...so disappointed in myself, yet I have been in Paul readying for our sessions.

Did you expect to feel this way? Why or why not?

It's easy to get overwhelmed...the

main thing is to remember to 'begin again'...it's ok. Just DON'T STOP.

Has it been overwhelming or easy-peezy lemon-squeezy, reading so much scripture each day?

BETWEEN ONE TO ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS is my norm for getting the reading completed. Some days not so easy, then I have to break it into two sessions :)

Have you had to cut out anything you normally do during the day to accomplish this goal?

If yes, what and how do you feel about it?

LIKE TO ENJOY MY COFFEE while I read and it encourages me...coffee with God!

Are you behind in your readings? If so, how do you feel about it? Do you plan on catching up, or just taking it one day at a ti

me?

CHANGING IT UP works

for me, adding some time in here and there when I've not completed a section or completely missed a day.

"B-A-C" noted learning more by reading larger amounts...(I think that speaks to understanding better the overall CONTEXT of each section :)

The verses for the week are to the right in my BOX!

Jer. 33:3

"Call to me and I will answer you

and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Blessings,

50% BACK IN FIVE YEARS?...& 90-DAY JOURNEY

FIRST,TALES OF THE TCKK FAMILY is hosting the fun carnival “I won... You win" ...a traveling book carnival, started by none other than Robin at Be Still and Know. I've signed up, and hope to get the book next :)

SECOND, Our 90-day journey continues...

• God's steadfastness, even with punishing David, touched me...it was even part of our study yesterday at youth...more God-incidences...it wasn't luck.
• Solomon's corruption reminded me of people today
• Man always has to "change it up"...he kings in this region have been no different

One must be careful when "wanting a king"...many speak a big game but are really blind. God's plans throughout this period of time didn't seem that He was very involved to the "non-Jewish" kings' kingdoms (In reality, how could He have been, they were believing in other gods and thought THEY were in control.)

What might happen if political leaders put God in control? My prayers go up daily for our leaders' hearts and minds be influence not only BY THEIR CONSTITUENCY's input but also firm morals and teachings from their own faith walks.

This week's application to my life? PRAYING God continually opens my ears to hear the "prophets around me" who may be bringing me God's perspective as Nathan brought to David.

Are you more focused on God being a God of Grace or a God of consequences? At this point it tends to bring me to understanding GOD never changes, his consequences are His decision and His being in control can make me uncomfortable but certainly teach us and give us wonderful assurance of His strength...even when we DON'T UNDERSTAND His plan at the moment.

WOOHOO to being past the half way point in the Old Testament!!! Hang in their everyboday! Striving to get ahead again, maybe tonight I can read what I missed yesterday. Thanks for your prayers...this week's verses are noted to the right.

THIRD,

In order to better wrap my head around DD heading for college soon, I bought and am reading a small book entitled "1001 THINGS EVERY TEEN SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THEY LEAVE HOME (OR ELSE THEY'LL COME BACK)" by Harry H. Harrison, Jr.

His back cover CAUGHT my attention: "...studies indicate a full 50 percent will move back home in five or six years."

DID YA GET THAT? 50%

Does this mean 50 percent of the parents aren't teaching them along the way to adulthood?...maybe the kids are not listening to what's being taught?

...maybe we've GIVEN them too much and not TAUGHT them how to BE WITHOUT ?

...have we attached enough REAL responsibility with consequences?

Here are a few "paraphrased" items to reiterate, write on her mirror, emblazon on her brain, make it taste good so she can digest it into her body to better understand reality...

• college is hard, time consuming and just a warm up for life.
• comparing yourself to anyone is comparing God's handiwork
• it's impossible to learn while talking
• graduating college without having earned any money may point to terminal laziness
• never planning ahead, "going with the flow", usually means "going down the drain".
• successful college students study sitting up(not lying down) at a desk(not in a bed) with the lights on (not off) and for extended periods of time (not during commercials).
• good manners stun people...favor, promotions and recommendations follow.

Maybe I'll cover a few more of these on another post by "situation"...In the meantime, will you excuse me? I have to find the dry erase marker so the mirror will have some wisdom before she gets home from school, maybe i'll write some on her car windows, too! hee hee

What wisdom can you share before our kids are OUT FROM UNDER us?

90-day-bible-journey (week 4)

So how is it going with this week's 90-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE? Half the week went great, then the flu hit me and 'WHAMMO'...I fell behind...will be working to read as I blow my nose, when I'm awake.

How is your perception of the Bible changing as you are doing the daily readings? I love reading the Old Testament lessons of God's steadfastness/providence...how Joshua stepped up to his leadership after Moses died without stepping foot into the promised land.

What questions evolved from your reading this week? I didn't keep notes of my questions this last week but will work on that this week.Hang in there, I fell a little behind this week ...keep praying for me! I continue appreciating your encouragement :)

I'VE ADDED THIS WEEK'S VERSES TO MY 'TO DO LIST' IN MY SIDEBAR...COME join us on this reading adventure (*update*: I finished today's reading...yeah!...it covered Saul and Jonathan's death after battle, David's lamenting over Saul, David's being named King of Judah, later fighting the Philistines and God going before him, God confirming David's eternal lineage, David's sons becoming priests and then his sinning with Bathsheba; setting up her husband's death and then hearing God's plan for David's punishment through David & Bathsheba's son's death...it read like a current screenplay.)

JER. 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Blessings,

90-DAY JOURNEY THRU THE BIBLE

Following are the weekly questions from

Blessings Amid Chaos.

Even though this is my first day o f participation, I'll answer to get started:

1. Are you reading the Bible instead of other things in your life or in addition to other things? I'm also facilitating a Disciple III Bible study...my role in that study is facilitating the time and curriculum for the others. I have been looking for a Bible reading program and this accountability will help me greatly.

2. If you are struggling with your reading, are there activities you can replace with Bible reading rather than reading in addition to your current activities? What activities can you eliminate? My blogging times will have to be cut...which is good...I'm spending too much time online.

3. What advice can others reading with us give to those still trying to find their Bible reading rhythm? Make it one of the first things you do in the day

The verses for the week:

Monday: Deuteronomy 23:12 through Deuteronomy 34:12

Tuesday: Joshua 1:1 through Joshua 14:15

Wednesday: Joshua 15:1 through Judges 3:27

Thursday: Judges 3:28 through Judges 15:12

Friday: Judges 15:13 through 1 Samuel 2:29

Saturday: 1 Samuel 2:30 through 1 Samuel 15:35

Sunday: 1 Samuel 16:1 through 1 Samuel 28:19

Jer. 33:3

"Call to me and I will answer you

and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Blessings,