Words of Authority--Just Do It

Saint Anne de Beaupre Cathedral Quebec City -- I took this with my daughter Katie in June, 2011.

His mother said to the servants, Whatever he says to you, do it.  John 2:5 NASV

          My youngest son and I used to enjoy our popcorn and movie nights.  He liked the old war movies as much as I did.  One night we watched Back to Bataan, a WWII film, starring John Wayne as Colonel Madden, the courageous U.S. Marine.  The story takes place in the Philippines after the Japanese invasion.  Col. Madden instructs a Filipino resistance fighter regarding the new man in charge, saying "Do whatever he tells you to do."  His words brought to my remembrance the words of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee.

          Jesus and his disciples attended the wedding.  When the host ran out of wine for the guests, Mary said to Jesus, "They have no wine."  "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee:  mine hour is not yet come."  John 2:4 (KJV)

          Then his mother spoke to the servants.  "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."  Mary, who knew better than anyone the divinity of Jesus, demonstrated complete confidence--faith--in His power and authority.  Jesus turned the water into wine, the first of the miracles Christ performed on earth to manifest His glory.

          I don't know about you, but there are very few people whose words I would follow without question.  But we are all under a  higher authority.  Jesus spoke as one having authority, indeed having been given "all authority in heaven and on earth"  by God the Father.

          Mary's words call to action:  "Do it."  I wish I would remember her words to those servants every day of my life, and do without question whatever Jesus tells me to do.

May God bless all of you who are reading these words.  I hope my writing offers some encouragement to you.  Thank you for visiting my blog, and do come again.  Many thanks to my talented friends who allow me to use their pictures.  Thanks, Eileen.

 

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by Eileen DeCamp

 

 



That the Power of God May Rest upon Me

Jeanne Henriques beautiful photo -- see more at Collage of Life
 

And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

           I am working full-time in a beautiful high school teaching a subject I love.  Although I have enjoyed my teaching career, and I am grateful to have my position, I would prefer to retire at this time, slow down a bit, write full-time, and concentrate on my children and their children.  I'm not complaining.  I'm just speaking openly.

           However, the reality is that I need to continue working as I do now in order to have adequate income.  The reality doesn't quite add up to the ideal. With that being said, I believe God has blessed me with my job.  He knows exactly where I work, and He is more than able to change my circumstances if He so desires.  In the meantime, I know He gives me the grace I need not only to do what I need to do, but to glorify Him each day.

        The apostle Paul reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for us.  Taking his words to heart, I need to rely on God's strength rather than my own, and focus on God's will rather than mine.  "That the power of Christ may rest upon me."  What a wonderful promise.  It's no wonder Paul said he would "most gladly rather glory in his infirmities". 

          We can apply this Scripture to all of life's circumstances -- finances, health, family.  All our endeavors, every relationship and need, require God's grace.  In our weakness, His strength is made perfect. 

          "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 2:1

          May the power of God rest upon you.  His grace is more than sufficient for all your needs, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness.  Thank you for reading today.  You can leave a comment below if you'd like to share your thoughts, or you can email me privately at writemoments@gmail.com.



Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep -- plus Winner of Book Give-Away

Beautiful sunset courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet," Proverbs 3:24 (NIV).

 

          Friends and colleagues often comment about their inability to sleep well.  I am grateful to God that I sleep well now.  But I remember times when I didn't.  One time in particular comes to mind.

          When I was nineteen years old, I got married and within the week moved 3000 miles away from home.  I knew no one in this new place.  In addition, my husband's job took him away from home regularly for one to six weeks at a time.  Loneliness made the fears loom large at night.  Every little bump and creak brought imaged horrors that stole my sleep.

 

           One day as I read the Bible, I came across Psalm 4:8.  It became a companion and a promise of God's abiding care.  I reasoned with myself before my nightly prayers.  While I sleep, God is awake; so why not allow myself to rest in His arms and let Him take care of my world while I sleep.  My fears would subside.  Sleep was sweet.

 

           Today, Psalm 4:8 is literally written on my bedroom wall.

 

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

 

           My heart goes out to the many people who experience insomnia for whatever reasons. I hope these Scriptures minister peace to you as they did for me and offer you sweet sleep. 

 

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

        Congratulations to Joy Hannabass who will be receiving a copy of Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson.  I'm very pleased so many of you visited the blog and left comments.  Thank you so much for supporting my writing by visiting and leaving comments. Please visit often. Prayers and blessings to all of you who read these words.

 

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

 

My son Justin's 5th grade class--He's that well-behaved child in the blue stripped shirt on the front right.

"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat the rams" 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV).

          I am the mother of six children.  When one of my children listens to me and obeys my directions, I am delighted.  Simple obedience brings peace and contentment; whereas disobedience can bring much disappointment, confusion, and grief.  How many times as a parent have I lamented, "If only she had listened to me . . . if only he had listened."  So much heartache, so many troubles could have been avoided, if only they had listened and obeyed my voice.

          Our mature perspective shaped by life experiences allows us as parents to foresee the outcomes of some actions and decisions, giving us the wisdom to direct our children to make right choices.  When they don't obey, and the inevitable consequences follow, we endeavor to intervene to keep heartache from turning into heartbreak, setback into disaster, disaster into ruin.  We waste countless hours; we lose peace.  Simple obedience would have been better than all our efforts to make up for the disobedience.

          How much more so does God see all things?  He knows the beginning from the end.  How much more does God desire for His children to obey His voice?  God asks for our obedience.  He expects us to pay attention to His words.  In fact, He says that if we love Him, we will obey His commands (John 14:21). 

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

          Have you had the experience of wishing you had listened to the wise counsel of God found in the Scriptures?  Can you use that experience as a reminder to obey God in all things. 

Anne Marie, Justin, and Robbie--Three of my children.

 

          Thank God for His mercy to forgive us when we have caused Him pain by our disobedience.  I pray for the strength and the will to be obedient to Him at all times.   

 

Note to my readers:  The book give-away continues through Friday, so read the previous post and follow the instructions to enter.  Blessings to you today.

Eva Marie Everson, featured author plus monthly book give-away

Eva Marie Everson at Maranatha Christian Writers Conference

Today I'd like to introduce to you Eva Marie Everson.  I was delighted to meet Eva Marie in June at the Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, near Chicago.  She had just given the opening key note address.  When I met her afterwards, we learned we had grown up less than twenty miles from each other, knowing many of the same people and local places.  We became fast friends as we entertained each other with stories of our parallel childhoods.

Eva Marie was born and brought up in Sylvania, Georgia. She says the best part of being from the South is the core values of its people.  A seminary graduate and former nurse turned award winning novelist, Eva Marie has published more than twenty-five books since signing her first contract with Barbour Publishing in 1999.

In her distinct voice with Southern charm, she endeavors to impart those values and her faith through her writing.  Eva Marie is a wife, mother, and grandmother.  She lives and works in her lakefront home in Florida.  If you would like to know more about Eva Marie and her work, please visit her website at www.evamarieeversonauthor.com.

Since I met Eva Marie, I've read three of her Christian novels.  In September, I read Unconditional, a novelization of the movie by the same title.  In my opinion, Mrs. Everson has created a significant piece of fiction, destined to be another enduring, award-winning novel.  With her authentic prose she weaves together the lives of memorable, endearing characters.  There is nothing contrived or predictable about their story.  Universal themes thread throughout, one in particular, man's search for purpose and meaning in life in spite of the rain that falls on everyone.

This story has a positive message of hope, without being preachy.  Samatha Crawford and Papa Joe Bradford create meaning in their everyday lives in spite of personal tragedy and heartache.  As Sam watches Joe love and care for the kids in his struggling neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter what life's circumstances may be, the love of God is always there for us.  She learns to love again and forgive in unexpected ways.  I laughed and cried as I read this moving story which flowed from the lives of its characters. I couldn't put it down.  Unconditional will be one of those rare novels I will read again and again.  I am looking forward to seeing the movie Unconditional by LifeWay Films which is playing in theatres now.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,"  Matthew 19:14.

Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Unconditional.

At least ten readers must comment in order for there to be a book give-away.  Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1.  Leave a comment on this blog which includes your name and email address.  (I will use your address to contact you if you win.)

2.  Share this blog post on Facebook or mention it on your own blog.  If you do not have a facebook, or a blog, become a follower of this site.

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 7th.  A winner will be announced on October 8th.

Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog.  Another devotion will be posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, so please come back.
Now, have a wonderful day.  God bless you.

Some Mistakes Time Can't Erase--Repentance is the Only Apology

Photo taken by Eva Marie Everson in Rutherfordton, NC

"Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. . .  " Luke 24:46-47 (KJV).

Some mistakes time can't erase

The chagrin just subsides

The millstone hangs heavy

Round the neck

Regret continually derides.

 

Stumbling blocks to others

No less so to ourselves

Indeed overcome

We've denied Him

Yea, three times, before the cock crowed.

 

No looking back! Endure

Until Thy Kingdom come,

God has graciously provided;

Confess and be ye cleansed

Repentance is the only apology.

 

This poem flowed from my heart during a time of personal trial and heartbreak.  Later I realized that my sentiments synthesized many Scriptures.  Of course, I had alluded to Peter's denial of Christ before the crucifixion.

 

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him.

 

"'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.'  And he said to him, 'Lord I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.'  He said, 'I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me.'" Luke 22:31-32.

 

Yes, Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, and He prayed for him, and told him what to do when he realized his sin and returned to Jesus.  God knew that we all would sin and fall short, and He provided a way to Him through Jesus.

 

Repentance is a part of God's merciful plan for our salvation: repentance and salvation go hand in hand.

 

I don't know that we Christians hear enough about repentance, the need to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness.  Last night I heard Anne Graham Lotz speak, and she told the wonderful story of Jesus and the Cross. One of the things she said in referring to all the suffering and chaos in the world--the "bottomline problem is sin"--and she told of the need for repentance.  Her message was well received.

 

"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he many send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old," Acts 3:19-20.

                                               Glorious sunrise courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

 

Praise God, He has provided a way of forgiveness for us, and salvation through Jesus Christ.  May you have His peace today as you embrace the cross and Jesus.  I pray for all of you who read these words.  May we look together for that "time of refreshing".  Blessings to you in Jesus' name.





Rest In His Peace--Don't Stress Over It



Beautiful Tiffany window in the Mary Willis Library founded 1888 in Washington, Georgia--First free library in the state.
 

One morning this week during my devotional time, I was journaling as I talked to the Lord.  So many thoughts were stirring in my mind; there were many things I was trying to plan and figure out for the day.

I picked up my pen and wrote these words--"Rest in His peace--don't stress over it."  Then, I picked up my Bible and opened it to Psalms where I often go to seek His peace.  Usually I start my Scripture reading with the 23rd Psalm, but that day I started reading Psalm 116.  I was not particularly familiar with it, but it seemed perfect for the time because it was all about His mercy.  When I read verse seven, I felt like He was right there with me. 

"Return unto thy rest, O my soul:  for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee," Psalm 116:7.

That was what I needed to hear from God.  So, I looked up other verses referenced there.

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. . . ." Jeremiah 6:16

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  Matthew 11:29

Thank you Lord.  I so need rest for my soul.  I will find my rest in YOU.

May you all find rest for your souls today as you turn to Him with all of your cares. 

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah, GA