The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Friday, February 17, 2012

SANCTUARY

I am safe and protected in the sanctuary of God's care.

Jesus reminded us of the importance of having a sanctuary--a place for retreat. He withdrew often to spend quiet time with God and to rest and pray.

In the busyness of my everyday life, I, too, need a place to call my sanctuary, a place where I feel safe and protected, and able to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with Spirit.

My sanctuary might be a physical space, such as a special room in my home, a church I attend, or a park I like to visit. Or my sanctuary might be a state of mind and heart, where I retreat in prayer and meditation.

In my sanctuary, I release my innermost feelings and concerns to God. I visit it often, and when I'm there, I rest in God's love, safety and support.

He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."--Mark 6:31

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Joy of Jesus (Church Online): Daily Word Dr. James A. Lee

Psalm 27:14
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Psalm 37:9
"For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth."

Psalm 40:1
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."

Psalm 62:5
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

Daniel 10:3, 12-13
"I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

The Way to Go

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GUIDANCE

Prompted by inner guidance, I move forward with courage and poise.

When pressed to make a tough decision, I may seek advice from friends, prayer partners or family members, until there are so many opinions I feel more confused than ever. The truth is: The answer I seek is within me.

Others may help tease it out of me, yet the best way to find guidance is to step away from the problem and create space for my inner wisdom to express and be heard. Time spent in nature, at play, or focused on simple tasks allows the answer to quietly but clearly slip into my awareness.

This intuitive prompt is so certain, I feel energized, at peace and confident that the guidance received is God-inspired.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. --Psalm 32:8

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

To be Your Best

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TRUSTWORTHY

I speak the truth and I give my best.

Our world is a network of interdependence. I rely on others to do their part just as others rely on me. I feel good about myself when I am able to speak the truth and give my best effort.

I give my best even when I am trying something new or I am unsure how others might regard me. I give generously from all that is mine to give, knowing I am a channel for God's infinite good in the world.

I speak words that are true and kind. With quiet courage, I speak respectfully of all others. I apologize if I have failed to be my best self or do what I committed to do.

At the end of the day, I celebrate my accomplishments and forgive any missteps, committing to do my best again tomorrow.

You have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.--Matthew 25:23

What is God trying to Trying to Tell Us

FaithWriters.com-Christian Christian Living - What is God trying to Trying to Tell Us:

by Dr.James A. Lee
02/15/12
Free to Share
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Have you ever wondered what God was thinking and why? Do you ever take the time and think about the current events and ask Lord what does this mean? Often the affairs of this world can be rather baffling at best. War; hatred, poverty, social economics and death have all been called into question as to what the future may hold. Have you ever prayed about what can happen next?

The Christian living is one of faith. We walk in the believe that the will of God is perfect. However, there are situations that can occur that can give one, a moment of pause. For instance, when a celebrity dies in a tragic fashion. People become shocked and outraged. Then they move on with their daily affairs. Yet, at some point: have you ever asked God for meaning or direction?

The message that God gave us is clear to the household of faith. God so loved the world that he gave His Son, so that we who believe; will not walk in darkness, but in the light of The Lord. Jesus said, let not your heart be troubled, believe in God and believe also in Me.

Jesus gave His life on the the cross for all the sins of the world. God raised Him with all power and glory on the third day. This is our faith. Jesus will return one day. The question is: will you be ready? We must stay in pray for this day. All that we may experience is just to make us ready. The Holy Spirit has provide this message. Please feel free to share it: we pray in Jesus name.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Our Daily Bread

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. —Philippians 4:11

Now that my daughter is learning to talk, she has adopted a favorite word: more. She will say “more” and point to toast with jam. She held out her palm and said “More!” when my husband gave her some coins for her piggy bank. She even exclaimed, “More Daddy!” one morning after her father left for work.

Like my little one, many of us look around and call for “more.” Unfortunately, enough is never enough. We need the power of Christ to break the cycle so that we can say with Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

The phrase “I have learned” tells me that Paul did not meet every situation with a smile. Learning contentment required practice. His testimony included ups and downs ranging from snake bites to soul-saving; false accusations to founding churches. Yet he claimed that Jesus was the answer to soul-level satisfaction. He said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v.13). Jesus had given him the spiritual muscle to endure lean times and to avoid the pitfalls of abundance.

If you find yourself angling for “more, more, more,” remember that contentment comes when you have “more” of Christ. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Fret not for want of earthly things;
They’ll never satisfy.
The secret of contentment is
To let the Lord supply. —D. De Haan