Ps 3:1 Lord, how my foes increase! There are many who attack me. 2 Many say about me, “There is no help for him in God.”Selah 3 But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain.Selah
Psalm 33: 6 The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap;[a] He puts the depths into storehouses. 8 Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.
Psalm 63– One of my favorites – I’ll write more later.
I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
the Prayer for today,
Psalm 63:1-4
God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. 2 So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory.
3 My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. 4 So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands
Proverbs 3 begins with author crying out “My son, don’t forget my teaching”. It goes on to talk about wisdomm, and how to set oneself up for a happy life, a secure life. Here’s a bit that is familiar:
Proverbs 3: 5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.[b] 7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
I said I’d write more about Psalms 63. It is one of my favorite Psalms. It gave and gives me great comfort in times of struggle, with those with whom I interact.
So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. 3 My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. 4 So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands. 5 You satisfy me as with rich food;[a] my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.
There is then, a confession of belief: Psalm 63:6-8
When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches 7 because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. 8 I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me.
7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:9-11 is a profession of deliverance from these things that are disrupting, destroying, and causing despair. Ps 63:11(NIV)
11 But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Do you hear the release of the struggle? At least a momentary reprieve in the midst of the pain? Do you feel the strength being breathed into the soul that they have a deliverer on their side? Someone has their back. In times when I have felt that there is no way out of the intense despair that I am feeling, Psalm 63 is a life line for me.
This webpage has been a place where I have shared my history with suicide,depression, and such. Today, one of my lifelines is part of reading wisdom and praise. Reading the Word of God daily is a lifeline for me. If you are struggling, I hope that you can find your psalm or proverb that can be your lifeline or lifelineS.
Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings,~ChristiPs 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Hey, January is going to be easy to label the day of the year for the first 100 days.
One of the things that I am trying to do to keep me accountable and to have others join me is a live video each day at The WildBerry Patch facebook page. We are doing 5 psalms and 1 proverb each day for a month. Trying to build a habit.
I’m also trying to write something for each of the firsts 100 days.
As I read Psalm 2, it’s all about the angst of the enemies of God against Him. Isn’t that a foreshadowing or an analogy of our hearts raging against God when we have sinned against him?
With that thought in my head, I went on to Psalm 32.
1 How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!
I realized that this Psalm provides the steps to forgiveness:
Realizing the blessings of forgiveness
Psalm 32:1-2
above
The discomfort of unforgiveness
Psalm 32:3-4
3.When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained[a] as in the summer’s heat.Selah
The need for confession
Psalm 32:5
Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the guilt of my sin.Selah
The need to pray
Psalm 32:6
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found.[b] When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.
The need to abide
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.Selah
God promises counsel
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
Confession of faith
Psalm 32:10
Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him.
Rejoicing in the Lord
Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
This was a blessing to me today. Asking God to forgive us is letting go of the sinful actions, thoughts or desires. Admitting that you are in need of forgiveness is giving up your own path and choosing to walk on the path that God has chosen for you.
Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Yesterday, January day 1, I wrote a blog about something very painful to let go of. I’m waiting for some wisdom from others if this is something that I should share based on my promise to live life real.
sometimes God doesn’t decide to slowly ease you into His path. Sometimes it’s screeching brakes, quick look to see if there is anyone you are going to run over, and a turn before you crash into the exit barrier!
This is what January 1, 2023 had for me. Something that has been brewing for many years. Something that affects relationships that are over half of my age old.
And something I did not want to let go.
Is letting go giving up? No. sometimes letting go is letting God.
and sometimes you realize that the thing in God’s way is ME!
Maybe I will be given freedom to share that post – in the mean time, if God is asking you to let go of something extremely painful, maybe it’s because you are holding on too tight with both hands and need some freedom to see the situation with different eyes.
Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings,~ChristiPs 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Yesterday, I was organizing my Christmas ornaments, and there were many that were from before Jim’s passing, which is to be expected after 42 years!.. I was overcome with both nostalgia and grief.
I wanted to let go of the painful grief, but that is NOT what God would want.
When someone dies, if you are a believer in life after death, which as followers of Christ we are, they do not disappear, but rather “go into the next room”. There they wait(and celebrate with Jesus) until we come to meet them again.
3 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through[h] Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord:[i] We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over[j] those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout,[k] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage[l] one another with these words. 1 Thes 4:13-18 Holcom Christian Bible Study
As I look back on 2020, 20921 and 2022, I’ve been holding onto a lot of grief that I have not allowed God to process for me. On the other hand, I have had joy and peace because I have this hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
As I organize years of Christmas ornaments, and remember, joy comes, tears fall.
God is Good.
Psalm 30:5Holman Christian Standard Bible 5 For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.
I can let go of pain, but embrace the love that left the grief in it’s place as I remain here. It does not mean it is gone, but I’m taking back the power it has over me.
Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings,~ChristiPs 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Hello 2019!
Good bye 2018.
But first, I tend to look over the past year, and see any mistakes, misunderstandings, mess ups so I can potentially change that for the next year.
One thing I have not normally done is look over the last year for successes! Hmmm, that goes along with my mental illness cognitive distortions…I’ve talked about those in other places. I think that the final days of 2018, I experienced a success. Let me tell you that story!
Last days of 2018 revelation
I had held my husband to a dream I called a vision that I had for us…and I held my children to one when they lived in our house. It was for our joy and the glory of God, so it’s all good, right?
Let me tell you the story.
We had just attended church where the pastor was talking about the mission statement for our church:
Loved
Life
Fulfill your purpose
Pastor talked about how after a very tragic event in he and his wife’s life, they were seeking God about what to do. They realized that they saw others hurting the same way they were, and they could minister to them, and give them hope. Out of that heart was born our church.
Now, this is the key to my purpose and ministry. Out of my wounds, I reach out to other wounded women, and lead them to the healing power and love of Jesus.
After Church, Jim and I went to dinner.
I like to discuss the message after church, it seems to help me settle it down in my heart.
I asked Jim what was his purpose in life.
“To be like Jesus”
Um, that is the general call of God to all those who believe upon Him. That is NOT a specific call.
Here’s what I have seen over the years.
He and I have had difficulties learning each other’s love languages.
He and I have separated and come back together, not with the heavenly music and angels, with the romantic nuances, but by hard work and determination to stay the course as a married couple(we both agree God called us to marry).
He and I have tools that we could share with other couples.
We have been told that we have a testimony that will change marriages.
We have been told that we are called to take what we’ve learned and share it with others.
I asked Jim what was his purpose in life.
“To Be Like Jesus”
Jim has no desire to be in couples ministry.
Jim has no desire to minister to other couples.
Let me clarify that last one.
Jim has no desire to minister to other couples AS A COUPLE.
In fact, we do not have the same point of view about how our marriage has been saved, nor about the testimony of the years, nor about how or what we’ve done, other than God.
My heart broke…Jim had no calling to minister with me to couples that were hurting.
This explained why he had no desire to give counsel to our children about the pit falls they were walking into in their relationships.
This explains why whenever I talk about marriage ministry I hear crickets.
So, I broke down, and spent a day in bed crying out to God.
What is wrong?
Why can’t he see his call?
“Is it his call?”
But Lord, it’s the focus of all things Bible…take the evil and turn it to good…take the wounded to bring healing…our marriage was broken, is broken, but we have tools that we can share to save other marriages!
“What is your call?”
To glean from my wounds to help the wounded seek Jesus and be healed, loved, and delivered.
And the Lord reminded me of one of my visions.
I was standing before women, with healing flowing from my hands as I spoke.
Jim wasn’t there.
The children weren’t there.
Only me.
THIS WAS MY CALL ALL ALONG!
The Revelation? HE DID NOT HAVE THIS CALL!
Do I?
Maybe, but not as a couple, if Jim doesn’t have the call!
It kind of takes a couple to be a couple in ministry to couples. I’m only half of the couple!
Another revelation as I looked at OUR calling…
I also felt that the fact that our children and we collectively represented all 7 motivational giftings, and could be an enormous powerhouse for God…we just had to die to self and learn to work together! A ministering family!
I wanted our family to enjoy the joy of being with Jesus that I enjoyed when I did street ministry, beach witnessing, discipleship, working with homeless, and crisis pregnancy and wounded women. I wanted them to be part of the same joy that I was experiencing.
Instead, I was projecting my dream upon them.
Was there anything wrong with my dream?
No. there are plenty of families that have similar ministries to what I dreamed of.
Was there anything wrong with my approach?
Yes – if God didn’t give them a call, then I was pushing them, and that is NOT the way God works.
Can I see their giftings?
Yes.
Can I make them walk in their giftings?
No.
Can I place a call upon their lives because of the one placed upon my life?
Only if I am God…and I am not…and everyone said or shouted “AMEN”
I repeat, I was projecting a form of my ministry calling upon them. It’s NOT MY JOB to tell them what their calling is!
I’M NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Again, let’s all say AMEN! and THANK GOD!
I apologized to Jim, and asked him to give me grace because i do see the greatness in him, and I see the potential for his story to help heal others, and I know that he is doing so, but not with me.
With me.
Hmmm.
Therein lies one of the lies I have embraced, or the fears that I have allowed to lead me.
I don’t want to be alone.
I will be all alone.
I will fail all alone.
I am alone.
One of the mental illnesses causes me fear when I meet new people that they will not like me or that they will hurt me.
It’s something that by God’s grace, I fight with His word, and when I am on His mission, fear is gone, and I can only love and reach out in Jesus’ name.
Before being anointed in an outing, I am fully human, and fully fighting for fear to leave and love to replace it.
Jim has been a rock for me here on earth – Jesus with skin on, if you will. He has the ability to ground me in an instant…not in the grounding like punishment, but in the grounding like mental peace.
My love languages are words…
Words of affirmation
Quality time
His are not.
Therefore, why would I think that he would be called to speak? Or write? Or do anything with words?
Now, to be honest, his current job has seen him grow in word usage tremendously, and his favorite game is words with friends.
His main language is acts of service…and he has an amazingly generous heart! Two very wonderful giftings!
When we were first married, he thought I was offended that he wasn’t as exuberant as I with worship. I didn’t understand, but I wasn’t offended or judging. Once we discussed it, I understood…he’s very quiet. When he lifts his hand in praise, he is moved tremendously!
I have spent much of our married life expecting a dream to come true if only…
If only I was more submissive
If only Jim was more open
If only I was more prayerful
If only Jim would learn to share(with me)
If only I was more reserved
If only Jim was more If only I were more…
THIS IS NOT FAIR TO EITHER OF US!
Jim’s call may very well be to be like Jesus.
He may have a more specific call.
I may have muddied the waters by putting out there the “call” I dreamed of…and for that, I am eternally sorry.
Our marriage has suffered because of my actions.
Our family has suffered because of my actions.
Our ministries have suffered because of me.
I’ve been learning about recognizing MY CALL for a little while…I mean a SHORT while!
The Associate pastor at church asked me to consider working with the children, because there was a great need. In the split second before I answered, I asked the Lord what to say. Here’s what He told me to say.
“Children’s ministry is where I hide out from doing my actual ministry. It’s an excuse not to work with wounded women”
Pastor Bob got it.
So did I.
Don’t project your call upon someone else!
And don’t let someone else project the need upon you as a call!
Pastor Keith said something else.
If you are not called to this church, I don’t want you here. Go where God wants you!
I’m not sure what that means about Jim and his choice for a church, but I cannot let go that I was called to this church.
That brings up another sticky situation in our marriage, doesn’t it?
But that’s something for us to work on in 2019.
You may be asking how is this a success?
I REALIZED THE SOURCE OF HUGE STRESS IN OUR MARRIAGE AND MY WALK WITH THE LORD!
Once you find the problem, you can find a solution.
Jim was very gracious in accepting my apology.
I’ve apologized for the pressures I put on our children before…and they have to walk in their healing, as all children have to walk in healing towards their human parents for being imperfect. That walk, in each of them, is taking different turns and ups and downs, but, we are so proud of our children.
No, non are in ministry.
No, non are in the super professions like doctor, lawyer, king.
All are functioning members of US society, providing for themselves, and in a couple cases, for their children.
All are ethical, moral, and can create an excellent argument from scripture, and some are even influencing social media for good in ways we’d never have expected.
And, we love them all.
So, to rehash “Be Like Jesus” I’m going to post some of the blogs.
My word for last year didn’t come gently. I started 2018 in pain.
Emotional and Physical.
On January 3, 2018, I didn’t like the phrase God was giving me, nor did I like the application thereof! My first writing as on learning the priority to love – like Jesus. It’s convicting, even a year later! I’m still not doing it so well, but I think the testimony at the beginning of this blog, as in, the end of 2018, says I’m learning something!
Midnight Musings are usually poetic, but the points that God gave me in the night, January 6, 2018, were these:
Glorify God in my struggles
Empathy
Do Good
Love
Joy
Peace
.
My first blog about my one word is also review of the Star Trek series Discovery. I discussed the pros and cons for this show, but, in light of “Be Like Jesus”, I came to this conclusion:
MY views…….
While they are encouraging and inspirational – they do not fill me with the love of Jesus that is MY healing power.
There’s much scripture about how I am trying to apply choices in my life. Because, being like Jesus IS a choice!
January 15th, I started unraveling some human aspects to what was keeping me from being like Jesus. Sin.
THIS IS OUR CHOICE! But if we remain afraid…if we continue lying…we will not know this freedom.
It includes one of my favorite songs by Keith Green:
Another huge thing I had to learn is that resting is being like Jesus! Say What? Yes. January 23, 2018, God cleared up the whole be Super Christian mentality for me, and let me know that HE knows that I need rest, and that HE even exemplified it for me, and created it for me! You also get a nice photo of my spoon collection!
How does this tell me to be like Jesus? REST
1. Recognize my limitations. I am finite. I am NOT GOD-Man!
2. Embrace the YOKE of HIS calling, not MY want to. Make sure I’m doing the Father’s will.
3. Remember that REST is a holy gift from my Father God. It honors God for me to rest.
The rest of the year, I wrote about preparation, recouperation, and recovery from Kidney Cancer in the Surgery Scuttlebutt series. It really was about how I learned how to be like Jesus going through a tremendous trial.
My praise in that time is that Jim said that I was always polite to the staff, no matter what their position, always thanking and always apologizing, no matter how many drugs I was on. I hope the two friends that came to stay with me afterwards can say the same. I was actively learning to be like Jesus!
I wrote several Bible studies, Lent Series, Itty Bitty Bible study, all of which you can search for on this blog. Each one, each insight into scripture, and scripture is how I learn to be like Jesus.
The huge thing(no, kidney cancer and surgery were not the most huge thing in my life this year) was shared in The End is Near… This is a play on my one word, but it is the testimony of how Jesus orchestrated our life change. It goes right up to the kidney surgery, which is then picked up in Surgery Scuttlebutt.
There are so many verses that can lead one to be like Jesus.
I can’t list them all.
There are many listed in the above blogs.
This year, I’m starting out doing Itty Bitty Bible Study in Titus – and the first few verses are about the qualities that should be evident in those that lead.
Titus 1:6-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 one who is blameless,
the husband of one wife,
having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.
7 For an overseer, as God’s administrator,
must be blameless,
not arrogant,
not hot-tempered,
not addicted to wine,
not a bully,
not greedy for money,
8 but hospitable,
loving what is good,
sensible,
righteous,
holy,
self-controlled,
9 holding to the faithful message as taught,
so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching
and to refute those who contradict it.
That is a huge order.
But with God, nothing is impossible.
The fruit of the Spirit are evident in that list.
And, while I am not the husband of one wife…I can be committed to my one husband, and non of the others can be argued against, can they?
I guess, even though the phrase has changed….the concept is still the same!
Jesus kept his heart with all diligence, and we can agree that out of His heart flows springs of life.
Happy New year!
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
What does this mean?
Is Paul wanting to die?
Is Paul suicidal, but just deciding to live?
Is he being a living martyr for us?
Is he complaining?
I don’t think so. I think he’s just stating the fact that in this world, we have tribulations(John 16:33) – and the only complete deliverance from them is in the presence of Christ, after earthly death.
I also think he’s talking about how amazing it is to be with Christ, but now, we see through a glass darkly – but then we will see clearly, and know clearly (1 Corinthians 13:12 ).
I had a time when I was close to death and I had a conversation with Jesus. I call it, a glimpse of Jesus.
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
It’s not martyrdom mentality.
We’ve all met them.
“sigh – I would rather be doing this but I am called to be here, suffering for you, and it’s too God’s glory – sigh” followed by the hand swipe of the imagined sweat on the brow.
Paul is explaining what it is to be in Christ – to minister the gospel – to disciple others.
He’s admitting that it ain’t easy!
22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
He calls the work for the Lord IN the flesh as fruitful labor…sounding like a husbandman of a vineyard, that loves the vines, and willing works and toils in order to nurture them to fruitfulness.
He knows his calling.
His calling is to teach.
The shepherd looks after his sheep, and gives his life for his sheep, if necessary. (John 10:11)
Paul is only imitating HIS Shepherd – Jesus, the good Shepherd. (John 10)
He’s doing it for the sheep – he’s living his life for the sheep that Christ has given him!
A servant heart!
Phil 1:25-26
Here is where I had to stop and do some research into the life and ministry of Paul.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
I am ashamed to admit that I did not realize that Paul was in Rome twice.
He was released, and he did return to minister to the Philippians.
I love The Blue Letter Bible site! It’s there that I was able to look up the apostle Paul’s timeline!
His ministry at or around this time is explained in Acts 28, in his missionary works after the first Rome experience are indicated in 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus.
His second trip to Rome was under Nero – and he was imprisoned and martyred.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
How did Paul know that he was going to be released the first time, and not the second?
Amos 3:7
Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
The Angel of the Lord said a similar thing when meeting with Abraham before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:16-21)
Have you ever had a time when you just knew what God was going to do in your life?
You had asked for wisdom, you had asked for guidance – Just like James 1 says to do.
Somehow, in your time of meditating and praying, all of the sudden, you just KNEW what God was going to do in your situation.
As I read through this, I notice Paul, the ever consummate teacher! The Papa to these young Christians – wanting to not waste any time in his letter.
Why is he going to be returned to them?
This would get my attention…that the reason that he is going to be continuing here on the earth, and even returning to see us is for OUR PROGRESS…and OUR JOY in the FAITH!
I’d sit up and take notice! This is for MY joy? MY progress? Woo Hoo!
Phil 1:27
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
ZING! OUCH! THAT’S PERSONAL!
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
so that whether I come and see you or am absent,
I may hear of you that you are standing firm
in one spirit,
with one mind
striving side by side
for the faith of the gospel,
I don’t know about you, but, while this seems to be spoken to the church at Philipi…no group of Christians can be bound together in unity without the individuals choosing to live their lives worthy of the gospel of Christ!
A church cannot stand firm, unless the indivduals are choosing to stand firm.
A body cannot be in one spirit, in one mind unless each part chooses to be in unity with the others, or at least harmony, and in unity with Christ.
Only THEN, can they stand side by side!
Because they are focused individually and together on the faith of the gospel!
It’s the living out of the Body of Christ, as he wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
At the end of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul points to 1 Corinthians 13 by saying
“And I will show you a still more excellent way.”
That is the way of Love!
Paul also addresses that something is going on that is causing fear…well, in this time, HE’s in prison for the gospel, Christ has been crucified, Stephen was stoned(this he knew of very well). The culture was not very pro Christian.
Phil 1:28
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Stand fast together side by side…in LOVE.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
14 Do everything in love.
Paul encourages them NOT to be terrified…that the persecution is to their(the enemies) damnation, but will work to salvation in the Christians. Romans 8:28 again, only this time, it’s applying to the believers..not to Paul’s circumstances!
I believe he’s pointing back to Jesus’s great sermon!
Matthew 5:10-12
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
If we walk as Christ walked, we can expect persecution. The keys here are FALSELY and on CHRIST’s account!
Paul started out this section with let your conversation(also translated as life) be as it becomes the gospel of CHRIST!
I’ve been ‘persecuted’ for my attitude – as in BAD.
I’ve been ‘persecuted’ for my rudeness, or inappropriateness, or my lack of respect for someone’s time.
That’s not being persecuted for my life reflecting the gospel or Christ.
I’ve heard of folks that have called their reprimands at work as being persecution. Unfortunately, when I questioned them, they were not doing their job, and were preventing others from getting their work done, and offending customers. That was NOT persecution. Maybe for their naivete, but not for Christ.
Then, again – as if Paul MUST drive this home…after letting us know that he would rather die and be with Jesus, but had chosen to stay here, in order to help us grow…into the fullness of Christ…and that we will have opponents….
Phil 1:29 – 30
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
WAIT!!! HOLD ON!!! I DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THIS!!!
I thought it was all going to ask and ye shall receive…seek and ye shall find, life more abundantly, my father owns the cattle on a thousand hills…open the windows of heaven and pour out the blessings…Abraham’s blessings are mine!!!!
This type of Christianity just does not line up with the fullness of scripture.
Are those things true?
Of course. They are Bible.
Is this persecution and suffering thing true?
Again, Yes – they are Bible.
The best way I can explain it is to share this: 1 Peter 4
YES, the WHOLE chapter.
But here’s the main poit I want to make:
1 Peter 4:12-17
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
In this section, Phil 1:20-30, I see Paul stating why he is remaining here, and then, going ahead and teaching, challenging, encouraging, and maybe convicting the believers.
For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.
Do we really have a choice? technically, yes…but, if I want to be like Jesus…I don’t have a choice.
Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 16:24-26
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
A very wise man, who did give his life for Christ, said this:
I’m going to end this chapter with a link to a poem I was given last night, The Pain of Night. I think it goes well with this study.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission. The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.
Some artwork is from FreeClipArt Library. copyrights belong to them.
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
The pain of night has no Delight
And to the Lord, I set my sights
My heart is filled with joy and fear
Because I know that He is near.
Then why the fear if He is near?
Will He choose to hear my tears?
My heart is sad because of pain
It’s nothing, I look to the blood-soaked stains
Of what He suffered for me on the cross
And I think of my life and count it for loss.
But still my flesh does scream and cry,
I know for me He chose to die,
And by His stripes I’m told I’m Healed.
Why this pain still do I feel?
What lesson in this for me to learn?
I really pray that I discern
I want to learn my lessons well
I want to hear Him to me tell,
“Peace my child and do be still!”
“I will do the work in you until
My fullness in you does dwell
And you are set free from this Earthly hell.
“So tell your story far and wide
How I was ever by your side
When darkness threatened to settle in
And the demons try to do you in.
“But to My face you turned to seek
And in My light you knew we’d meet
The day will come, this flesh will die.
You with me, to be glorified.
“So do the work on Earth for now.
I give you Grace and make a vow.
I’ll be beside you until the end
And you reach heaven with Me, amen.”
What can I say, Lord, when you speak like this?
When your words are gentle like a butterfly kiss.
When I know what you suffered on the cross for me
What else can I do, but to learn to be –
Be still
Be patient
Be loving and kind
I know that my God is in charge of all time
To be more like Jesus is my prayer
And to share His love everywhere.
And if my suffering in faith and peace
Is what the Lord desires of me,
Then I pray that I will suffer well
And that I can go and tell
Others about the Amazing peace
Of knowing that he died for me!
My prayer was that He’d speak to me
My prayer was so that I would see!
If He chooses not to heal
My soul declares Peace, be still.
(c) 2018 MCWildman
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
James 1:2-5
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Jim & Christi 2017
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission. The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.
Some artwork is from FreeClipArt Library. copyrights belong to them.
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
To catch up, the links are at the end of the blog, or all the Itty Bitty Bible Studies are listed on this page.
Philippians 1:18b – 26
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
First, focus on what Paul is saying here:
Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
This sounds very familiar!!!!!
Maybe because Paul wrote ROMANS!!!
He’s in Jail.
He’s chained to a guard. Or possibly on house arrest.
Blue Letter Bible provides a very nice Timeline of Paul’s Life and Ministry
He’s had so many things happen to him…and he’s still looking at these things from the point of view that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to HIS purposes! Romans 8:28
The whole chapter of Romans 8 could be written, and summarized in this thought…that no matter how badly things look, we can know that it is bringing about OUR salvation. Not in the sense that we get saved again and again, but more in the sense that we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, that this is a walk, a journey, and the fullness of Christ is to be worked out in us.
In Philippians 1:12 he is pointing out to everyone that is concerned that this is all for the furtherance of the gospel! This is his first and foremost concern.
In Philippians 4, we’ll hear about how it’s not about him having his needs met.
It’s to comfort those that are concerned, and to speak of HIS confidence in Christ.
I started that part with verse 18b – and yes, I will rejoice!
It reminds me of the letter that James wrote:
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James knew Paul, Paul knew James – James was the head of the church at Jerusalem. Bible Odyssey goes into much more detail.
It makes sense that James and Paul were thinking alike!
To understand a little bit more of verse 20, we have to read it with verse 19.
Phil 1:19-20
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
I will not be at all ashamed,
but that with full courage now
as always
Christ will be honored
in my body,
whether by life
or by death.
He’s not talking about him being ashamed of the gospel. To confirm this, read
Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
He’s talking about being ashamed of himself – because his first love is Christ Jesus, and he wants to glorify Him in all that he does, whether by living, or by dying.
And, with that, we will stop here. There’s too much to consider with the next 5 verses!
I pray that this will bless you.
Have you ever had to choose joy in the face of a “prison” surrounding you?
Have you every been “trapped” because of your faith?
Have you ever been concerned about YOUR behavior – ashamed of Your behavior as an ambassador of Christ?
Do you know that we have an advocate with the Father?
1 John 2:1-2
2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
disclaimer – I’m not saying that I WENT to heaven. I’m not saying that THIS is what heaven looks like. This is MY experience in response to a situation for which I was seeking God. My intent is to offer comfort.
Back in the 1980’s, when we had five children, and didn’t know what we were doing. One night, our oldest son got sick. The ugly, throw up down the side of the bed, kind of sick. I’m not sure what happened to me, but I was having difficulties breathing, and I was lying down in my bed, on the other side of the house. I couldn’t move to help Jim with our son. Things kept coming into and out of view.
All of the sudden, I realized that I was walking on this beautiful green hill, with a beautiful blue sky above my head. The grass was the greenest green I’d ever seen. The river below me was babbling along, with that sweet sound of water just lazily flowing over round rocks, a musical sound that nothing can replicate. In the far distance were purple mountains rising up to meet the blue sky, with bits of white on the tops, mixing in with the white clouds so that it wasn’t obvious where the mountains ended and the clouds began.
“Hello, Christi” a warm, friendly voice spoke. The voice sounded familiar, but it almost didn’t sound at all. It was if everything, including me, resonated with this voice. I turned around.
“Jesus!” I exclaimed! “Where am I?”
“With me, child”
We seemed to take a walk, though we seemed to stay in one place. I thought I was moving, and yet, there was no effort, just a flowing, being, kind of movement. As we walked, I told Him of my concerns for my children, and them growing up to serve him. I told Him of my concerns about being good enough to be their mom. I told Him how I felt worthless as a woman, a wife, a mom and a child of God. I told Him how I felt I was failing Jim and Him.
He listened to all I said, and would interject loving words that seemed to wash away all of my concerns.
“Jesus – I have a question, please.”
“Yes…” He replied, looking me in the eyes, with more love that any mother ever had for her child.
“Am I dead? Is this heaven?”
“Almost, my dear. You are almost dead, but this is just outside of heaven.”
I started asking him questions, and I wasn’t bothered at all that I was mostly dead. I just loved hearing his voice, and feeling that love roll over me like a wave of the ocean on a warm summer day. I wanted to lie down in that green grass, feel the breeze flow over me, and enjoy the musical melody of the water. I don’t remember all that He told me, but for that period of time, nothing matter, except that I was with Jesus. I knew everything I needed to know, I feared nothing, and I was so full of love and joy that I thought I was going to burst!
As I was listening to Jesus, there came a buzz in my ear…like a mosquito that just won’t let you fall asleep. I started waving it off, and it got louder and louder. I didn’t even stop to grasp, why are there mosquitoes in heaven? I just kept swatting it away. I was getting annoyed!
I looked up at Jesus, about to ask why, and saw that He had this interesting, understanding grin on his face.
“christi” – I heard, as if it was far away, as if it were from someone on those mountains…someone yelling my name. The voice was pulling me away from standing there with Jesus. The voice was taking my attention away from focusing on Jesus and this beautiful place. It was if a pull that I could not control were trying to drag me away. I just wanted to be right there, in the sweet green grass, beside the still waters, and enjoy the restoring of my soul!
“Go away”
“Christi”
“Be Quiet!” I said…trying to wave off that pesky voice.
“Christi” – I heard it again, even louder. NOOOOOOooooooooo!
“Jesus, it’s Jim’s voice…why is he interrupting us? Doesn’t he know I’m with you? How dare he interrupt my time with You!”
“Yes, dear, he does. But he’s calling you back.”
“Jesus, NO – I don’t want to go back there…it’s beautiful here, YOU are here,” and I fell on my knees and begged him…tears falling down my cheeks.
“We agreed a long ago that if you called one of us home, we would not demand that they come back…doesn’t he remember that?”
Jesus took my hands in his, and smiled into my face. I could feel the warmth of His glory fall upon me.
“I haven’t call you home yet, my dear.”
As he wiped away my tears, He said,
“My child, you have to go back, he can’t raise the five children without you. He can’t make it without you.”
“Oh, Jesus – sure he can…he’s got the Bible, family and You…just let me stay here. They’ll be fine!”
“CHRistiiiii” – Jim’s voice was getting louder. I turned to see if he was walking up the hill to meet us.
“Lord – I want to stay here with you…please”
“I’m sorry, my child – it’s not your time to come here yet. You have work to do”
As Jim’s voice pulled me closer and closer…I realized that I was being pulled away from the presence of Jesus. It was like one of those sci-fi vortex things from which you cannot escape – crossing dimensions. I reached out for Jesus’ hands, but he was far, far away now, and was disappearing into the vision. The hills were just faded green, I could not smell the grass anymore. I couldn’t make out the mountains from the clouds anymore. The water was so distant, and so soft now that I could barely hear it. I was being pulled back, back to…..
“CHRISTIIII – COME BACK!”
I jerked, and looked up, and a female EMT was on top of me with her hands on my sternum. Her face was white, but a glimmer came across her face and she exclaimed
“We got her!”
I looked to my left, and Jim’s mouth was right at my ear – he’d been shouting in my ear the whole time.
I looked to my right, and saw another EMT, just as white as the first one, taking deep breaths.
“Good – “ and started rattling off those things EMT’s rattle off in emergencies.
I closed my eyes and tried to see the hills, the meadows, the mountains, the river…and Jesus.
They were gone.
The colors had faded.
The touch was gone.
The warmth of His glory was gone.
The peace of that quiet hillside was crashed with the noise of people, children, instructions, machines…and I don’t know what else. It was just loud.
“We thought we’d lost you” Jim said.
I don’t remember right now if I told him, or if I was even able to speak.
All I remember is that I had met with Jesus, seen a glimpse of heaven, and knew that heaven was my home.
All I knew was that I wanted to get back there.
And I knew that Jesus had told me that I was supposed to finish raising my five children.
But He left me with a memory:
Ps 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Phil 3:20
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
My heart was filled with a song that my husband, Jim, taught me:
This World is not My Home, three ways.
Have you felt His presence in YOUR life in times of struggle, or times of joy?
Have you been near death, and known that Jesus was with you?
please share your comments with me!
Jim & Christi 2017
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission. The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.
Some artwork is from FreeClipArt Library. copyrights belong to them.
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
disclaimer – I’m not saying that I WENT to heaven. I’m not saying that THIS is what heaven looks like. This is MY experience in response to a situation for which I was seeking God. My intent is to offer comfort.
Many years ago while I was struggling with various things, I was having a conversation with the Lord. It seems like I was climbing up the stairway and just as I would get to the top stair of what I could see, that step would fall down and before me would be even more steps that I needed to climb. Each step seemed to start out way over my head where I could just barely reach with my hands, and then as I struggled my way up I could get to where I could see a little bit over and eventually I could pull myself up and be on that next step. Before there was much time to rest or relax, the step I was on would seemingly drop from beneath my feet, and I would be facing another step, reaching up above me, almost higher than I could reach. For each step, I had to claw, pull, and drag myself up and over that step. Today it seems a little like American Ninja Warrior and that curved wall thing.
I told the Lord that I was getting a little bit discouraged about how whenever I made it to the top of a step, the step I was on would fall or that next step would fall suddenly down and the step before me would be so overwhelmingly tall. As I was praying for encouragement the Lord said look over the next step and as I did I got a glimpse of Heaven.
There was a wall before me, but in the center of the wall, I saw the throne, at least what looked to be the throne. The wall was made out of stones that seemed to breathe, they were unlike any stones I’ve seen on earth. The thrown was made of a white material that glistened. Out of the foot of the throne flowed water that was crystal clear and pure. It looked like molten silver that had no impurities, and you could see right through it.
The water flowed down and into a basin flowing out from the foot of the throne. The basin had a fountain like the Fountain of Youth. As the water sprayed up in the fountain it was as if there were diamonds and pearls mixed in with the water spray. As the water was sprayed up, or spashed down, the glistening and gleaming and sparkling water drops danced with joy.
On either side of this water basin were roads that were paved in Gold. This gold shown with such intensity that our own sun was darkness in comparison. The gleam seemed to eb and flow as if undulating with life. I could not comprehend walking on those streets!
As I gazed upon the beauty that I could barely comprehend, I heard the Lord’s voice say, in a way that seemed to emanate from the gold, the stones, the water…
“this is the joy that is set before you.
This is the table that is set on the other side of the Valley of the shadow of death,
this is the blessing that comes from enduring to the end.”
Hebrews 12:2
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
I pray that I am always reminded that by enduring the trials of today, we can see the joy of tomorrow. James 1:2-4 says to
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When I do see Jesus face to face…on that final day…I want to hear him say “well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Have you ever wondered what heaven looked like?
If so, can you describe it?
Are you going to heaven? If you think so, here is a little quiz that can help you confirm it.
Please share your thoughts with me in the comments!
Jim & Christi 2017
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission. The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.
Some artwork is from FreeClipArt Library. copyrights belong to them.
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up! Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Hey, January is going to be easy to label the day of the year for the first 100 days.
This was a blessing to me today. Asking God to forgive us is letting go of the sinful actions, thoughts or desires. Admitting that you are in need of forgiveness is giving up your own path and choosing to walk on the path that God has chosen for you.
