Mary Crisp Jameson - copyright material







Sunday, August 27, 2017

A Good Boss

     There is much to be said about being a boss.  Bosses are different in desires, demands, and attitudes.  And admit it!  We all want to be a boss. 
     When I think about the boss over me, I have to appreciate the fact that there is only one true boss.  He is loving, kind, and willing to sacrifice His very own life for me.  Yet Jesus gives us the freedom to make choices, allowing us to be the boss over ourselves; however, with guiding words on how to be a good boss.  Therefore, even though you may think you will never be a boss, in the real world you actually are. 
     The Word of God is filled with words of wisdom on what it takes to make a good boss in attitude, selflessness, responsibility, respectfulness, and in humility.  Below are just a few scriptures, but a full study of the Bible will yield a host of good leadership skills.

Galatians 6:9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

James 1:12  "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."

Matthew 7:12 "So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and Prophets."

1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."

Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

Proverbs 13:4 "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper."

      

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Calming Anxiety

     Mark 4:39  "And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became calm."
     What do you do when you have anxious moments?  It does not matter whether it is a physical, financial, relational, or any simple issue in life.  We all have anxious moments.  As Christians, we have a Holy Spirit living inside of us.  We have the power to use that force to quiet the soul.
     "Hush, be still."  God, the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three in one protecting, leading, sheltering.  Seek Him first.   He can calm the waves, the sea, and the storm building within us.
    

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Abundantly More

     In moments when our faith wavers, it would be good to remember Ephesians 3:20.  Because God is omnipotent,  he can do all things and more abundantly than we can ever do on our own.  Then verse 21 helps us remember to give Him the glory for the work He has chosen to do in our lives.  
     When I look back on the events of my life, I can truly say that I have been blessed through God amazing works. 
     To add to my own understanding of the meaning of verses 20-21, I read it in several versions:

Ephesians 3:20-21 King James Version (KJV)

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Living Bible (TLB)

20 Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. 21 May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:20-21 The Message (MSG)
20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!