Goals

      It's that time when we talk about developing resolutions for the new year.  I prefer goals over resolutions because my resolutions usually just go by the wayside.  Most would argue that a goal and a resolution are the same but, by definition, they are different.  I firmly believe in setting goals.  A goal gives me hope and something to work toward, and it may take me a number of years or even a lifetime.  Because I classify myself as a dreamer,  I am far less likely to give up on a goal.  In setting goals, I need to rely on what is important: 

     Proverbs 3:21 tell us about two goals.  "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense.  Don't let them slip away."  Then in 1 Corinthians 9:25 we find, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I fight to win.  I'm not just shadow boxing or playing around." Then in 2 Corinthians 10:13, "...Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us..."  

     With all this in mind, I haven't decided to add to the goals I have already set or just be more determined than ever to work harder on my existing ones.  Whatever the case, "Happy New Year" to all this coming 2022.  

     

      

Christmas -Who and Why

    The Christmas Season is one for making memories with family, but most importantly, it is a time for remembering Who made Christmas.  2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us that there was One who became poor to make us rich.  "You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was: though He was so very rich, yet to help you He became so very poor, so that by being poor He could make you rich."  Matthew 1 tells us why and renames who He was,  "And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins."  
    So, as we give our loved one gifts this season, let us remember the greatest gift of all.  Let us worship the One great Giver by the example of the wise men: "And when they were come unto the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

    

Baby or Giant Steps

     Sometimes, when I start the day I really don't want to adult.  It takes baby steps to build into giant steps. It takes a few more cups of coffee and a lot longer to get out of my pajamas.    When I compare this to beginning the day with the Lord, I also often just want to take baby steps.  But that does not work for me.  When I start the day with the Lord, I take a leap of faith- I trust, I give Him my burdens, I acknowledge my weaknesses and my unforgiving heart.  That is a simple step but also a giant step.  When I talk to God, love flows, peace and joy comes.  That is GIANT, leading into a good day with the Lord.   

  

The Christmas Star

How do people describe the Star that shown brightly announcing the Savior's birth?  In Scripture, it brought wise men was afar.  They did not come to see a simple star; they came to see the Light-the King-the Son of the Master of the Universe-the Son who chose to leave His Heavenly throne to come and live among a wicked people so He could die for them in order to save their souls and provide eternal life.  My description is weak, at best.  

 The Christmas Star-The Light

The Christmas star, 

Shining through the night,

Brought people from afar. 

It shone to proclaim new birth upon the earth- 

A star, shining bright, announcing the Light. 

 

The Light of the World,

A soft glow, igniting the heart;

Brightly illuminating, never intimidating.

A blazing fire- 

A Light that will never expire. 

A flame of love which all desire.  

 

The Light of the World, 

Drawing, pulling, calling, healing; 

Shining around every corner, down every mile-

A delightful joy painting an outward smile. 

 

The Light-

He reigns causing the earth to rejoice;

Out of the brightness rings His voice.

Before Him the mountains tremble;

Darkness crumbles.

New sight is given- 

Eyes to gaze in measured ways.    

A new hope, restoration, life, preservation; 

The Light- leading toward Heaven’s destination. 

 

The Light of the World 

For all to see;

Perfect, righteous, glorious;

Always victorious!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/2021 

 

“Fire goes forth before Him and burns up all His foes.  His lightning flashes out across the world.  The earth sees and trembles.  The heavens declare His perfect righteousness; every nation sees His glory.”  Psalm 97:3-4,6 NIV

 

 

Christmas in the Flesh

      Christmas is just around the corner.  Storefronts host signs of "I Believe".   Hopefully we will stop our busy pace and really think about what Jesus did for us and appreciate the life He gave and truly "Believe".   In our warm cozy homes with heat, air conditioning, soft beds and ease of transportation we have much to be thankful for, but Jesus "had no place to lay His head."  

Luke 8:58 "And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."

     When Jesus left His own Father in Heaven with its streets of gold and became flesh He was laid in a manger for "there was no room for Him in the Inn."  I imagine that manger was, more than likely, a carved out stone, not even a wooden trough.  It was rough, cold, and hard.  There was no heat in the stable.  Life as a carpenter's son was probably not easy.  I imagine the carpenter did more carving of stone with a chisel than with hammer and nail.  I have been to Israel and seen the mountains and stones.  We would have much complaining to do should we have to travel those terrains on foot, and in roughly made sandals, at best.  However,  nowhere in Scripture have I read that Jesus complained over giving up His heavenly comforts.  Jesus became flesh for us.  He desired it.  He came to be sacrificed so we could live and so we could "Believe!"

Who

There are a lot of “who’s” in life.  One famous skit was Who’s On First with Abbott and Costello:

 

Abbott: Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third.

Costello: You know the fellows’ names?

Abbott:  Yes

Costello: Well, then who’s playing first?

Abbott: Who

Costello: I mean the fellow’s name on first base.

Abbott: Who

Costello: The fellow playing first base?

Abbott: Who

Costello: The guy on first base.

Abbott: Who is on first.

Costello: Well, what are you are asking me for?

Abbott: I’m not asking you – I’m telling you. Who is on first.

Costello: I’’m asking you – who’s on first?

Abbott: That’s the man’s name.

 

Actually, “Who” can get pretty confusing depending on Who you are talking about or in trying to figure out "who" someone really is.   

 

Who? 

 

Who am I?

An enemy of one or apple of another’s eye! 

Often sweet with a dash of conceit;

Sour as lemon juice for which some have no use!

Sensible, considerate, then cruel and acting a fool;

Obedient but with a rebellious ingredient. 

Happy then sad, living both good and bad!

Who?

Forgiving, but bitter-cold as winter! 

In the living, broken with wicked thoughts unspoken!

Sometimes caring, then in a moment gossip airing!  

Sin within this flesh renews each day afresh.

Absorbed in misery of self and ego, 

Who? 

Is what most wish to know.

Who could love one such as I?

Who will stop and not pass on by?

Who? 

One with a heart set on me;

One observing what no one else can see;

One full of mercy and grace

ready to love my ever-changing face;

One holding nothing back- 

On track, 

Ready to die.

That’s who will love one such as I.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/5/2021

 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”  Ephesians 2:4-5

 

 

 

 

Bodily Harmful Habits

For anyone who reads my blog, just know that my writings are a form of diary written to myself as a reminder of what I need to think about concerning scripture.  It is not meant as a preachy, preachy to anyone else.  

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  tells me, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. "

When I read this, I was reminded that I need to attempt to control certain habits I have developed that could actually harm my body, at least according to research.  I love sweets, but know that too much sugar really does effect the way my body feels.  When I eat too much I have more body aches.  What does that tell me?  Don't do it.  I also know that I am beginning to show signs of a weight issue.  I could blame it on advancing age, but to be honest, I would have to say it is because I am eating too much at meals and snacking too often (which I love to do).  Also, I have basically stopped exercising as I did a few years ago.  My body needs some form of daily workout or walking routine.  It not only helps me feel better, but it also keeps my body toned.   

If I apply 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 and truly remember that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, maybe, just maybe, I will control the habits I have formed over the years which harm my body.  I need to change my focus - make it more on God and His ways rather than on my fleshy desires.

Life's A Story

      With the Thanksgiving holiday over, the Christmas season is upon us.  Soon it will be a new year; a year to continue our the story of our life; a story in which we will be remembered or a story in which we fulfilled our purpose. 

Life's A Story 

All have a story with a beginning and end

Along the way, there is an enemy and a friend.

From young to old, we are weak, and we are bold.

We either follow or we lead.

We plant a seed or we plant a weed.

There is always a need. 

At times, we are weak or we are strong;

Often, right or wrong. 

We host feelings and thoughts,

Struggling with should or shouldn’t oughts.

From young to white-haired in age, 

We turn each page.  

Our hearts are warm or cold.  

We remain infants or sprout and grow;

There is much to show.

From the old, down to the young, 

We speak when we should hold the tongue, 

We are either meek or high-strung.

From beginning to end, life’ a stage;

Every day a new age,

A play to be written;

A life that is fittin,

And a God in which to be smitten.

From beginning to end God transcends, 

Giving life by His power in His hour.

The path in the middle, our riddle.

What do we build?

A house of frills or one God-filled? 

A purpose to tell or a path to hell? 

A house in which God can dwell 

Or one, corrupt, and messed up?

From beginning to end, life’s a story

In which to give God His glory. 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  11/28/2021

 

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”  Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14

 

God's Creation

 When I came in from church today and looked out my window, I noticed brown fallen leaves on the ground.  Then I looked at all the leaves yet to fall.  What I saw was beauty, even though I knew there were be a mountain of leaves for me to rake.  But, even with future work ahead, what remains in my vision is the amazing paradise God created.  

                         God's Creation 

I see God’s work in all of nature- in every feature.

The clouds that dazzle in circular motion awe my emotion;

The sunset stirs imagination and heightens tingling sensation.

I see God’s beauty in the rainbow arched across the sky,

Sometimes colorfully bright, sometimes hazy up so high.

All of creation is a wonder to the eye;

The trees budding in early spring,

The robins popping out to sing,

Flowers springing up across the meadow

In the glow of sun’s rays or even in its shadow.

I see God’s creative hand all across the land.

In the turning of fall leaves, God continually weaves.

I see the hand of favor from my Savior

As He sends the welcome rains across dried-up plains.

The sun, moon, and stars are a paradise; 

God’s day and night devise.

Within His creation, 

There are snowed-capped mountains, 

trickling streams, and smooth flowing fountains.

Whether sunny fields or snowy places,

Whether weedy gardens or well-groomed grounds,

Beauty is all-around.

There are no desert places.

 God’s touch is in all the spaces.

Each and every expression is in His Almighty possession.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson. 11/21/2021 

 

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good…”  Genesis 1:1, 31a KJV

 

 

 

 

 .  

Freedom

 I must enjoy doing acronyms, since I seem to do them a lot.  This morning I was thinking of what keeps a person from feeling free and how to obtain that free feeling.  My acronyms are two-fold.  One shows what keeps us from being free and the other on how to obtain freedom.  

Being in bondage:  

F ear, Feeling unworthy
R epeating the same sinful ways
E establishing negative thoughts, Entering into wrong living habits
E rroneously allowing the wrong people into your life

Breaking the chains to freedom:

F orgive - Feed on positive thoughts, First, is God!

R oll with what God gives

E ase into the day with prayer - Expect good things to happen - Enjoy the blessings God gives

E nter into positive thinking - Enter into thanksgiving - Examine your ways and your friends- Extend love

Not Now

 I believe God answers prayer.  He may not answer in the way I think He should, and He may not answer right away.  Often He says, "Not Now."  What does that teach me?  Patience and/or Perseverance! So how do I  gain this?   The question certainly cannot be answered with one word, so I tried to think of a good acronym.  The best I could do was "Press On".

P ray often
R est in God's love 

E nvy not 

S how forgiveness

S mile regardless

O ne step at a time

N ever abandon God's Word

Separation

In the world we live, there is much talk of the government trying to separate the people.  There is much division in thought and behavior.  Yet, God is always and foremost in control.  It is God who has the first and final say:   

 

In the beginning…. God separated the light from darkness

In the beginning…  God separated the waters from the dry land

In the beginning…. God separated the heaven from the earth 

 

Early on… God separated man from the Garden of Eden

In life… God separates the living from the dead 

Through His power… God separates the Seasons in His timely manner

 

In the end … God will separate His people from those who are not His.  

In the end…I believe, His people will hear Him say, “It is good.”

Hello God!

I have found that there is nothing I can't take to God and feel better about it, so here goes: 

“Hello God!”

I am just popping in to say “Hi!”

I really don’t need a thing,

But wanted to draw nigh.

I hope it’s no bother.

I just needed to talk to my Father.

I was sitting here, feeling bored and lonely,

And, there’s only One who makes me feel complete, Lord.

 It’s you, and you only. 

I don’t have a lot to say,

Other than "I love you" and "Thank you for today". 

There is just something about talking to you.

I’m suddenly no longer blue,

But feel at peace and serene,

Even though your face I have never seen.

Your heartfelt presence is simple enough

As you listen to my rambling, meaningless stuff.

So, I’ll let you go

Though I know you won’t say, “Goodbye or Farewell!”

For, with me, you continually dwell.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson. 11/11/2021

 

Faith

 Quotes are a fun way of communicating ideas. I found the following quotes about faith in a book called The Treasure Chest so I thought I would post a few here as a reminder to myself for the times I struggle with letting God be in control and the times I forget that my joy lies in my faith in God to handle all.  

"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations." Elton Trueblood  

"Faith is a boomerang; begin using what you have and it comes back to you in greater measure."  Charles L. Allen 

"Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable - and, most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God."  Harry Emerson Fosdick 

"We shall be made truly wise if we be made content; content, too, not only with what we can understand, but content with what we do not understand - the habit of mind which theologians call, and rightly, faith in God."  Charles Kingsley

The above was all a fun and meaningful read, but more importantly is what Scripture tells us about faith:

Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

2 Corinthians 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Catch The Season

Catch the Season!

 

When seasons change, most people rotate the clothes in their closet and dress with the season.  However, the way we dress can be seen in a different light.  With God, we don’t have to rotate our seasonal clothes.  How we dress for life events is a choice, not a seasonal expectation.

 

In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado says, “We can wear our hurt or wear our hope.”  Maybe, we could even adorn ourselves with self-control.  When David went out to meet Goliath, he refused the King’s armor, but he clothed himself in faith.  Dressing from head to toe in the right apparel for living will determine our attitude and joy.  

 

Aside from how we adorn ourselves in hope and faith, what would be other ways to look at God’s dress code?  Colossians 3:12 NLT tells us, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  

 

I look at the above dress code ideas as a year-round code that does not require a rotation of sorts to keep up with season changes.  

Certainty of Death

 We have been studying Solomon's research in Ecclesiastes in Sunday school.  This morning we discussed death, the only certainty in life.  Based on the lesson, I put together the following: 

                                       Certainty of Death 

One thing I can certify is that all must die,

Yet, men know not when;

Not the time nor the hour;

That’s within God’s knowledge and power.

Under the sun,

There may be wealth, prosperity, or popularity,

But none will follow in death.

Within riches or possessions, there is no breath.

Woe to those who covet evil, enjoying upheaval.

Woe to teachers of lies, blinding eyes.

Blessed are the wise;

Those who seek Christ first, satisfying their thirst.

Blessed are those who enjoy the simple things

And what God’s blessings bring.

Blessed are those among the living-

not taking but giving.

Under the sun, death comes to all, 

But Jesus calls!

Accept! Live your years in hope-

Of life ascending toward heaven’s slope.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson.    11/7/2021

 

“For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.”   Ecclesiastes 9:5

 

 

 

 

Quality vs Quantity

  There is much to be said about the difference between quality (a measure of excellence) versus quantity (a numerical value, such as time).  In discussing which God prefers, I believe He would say, "Quality! But don't stop there.   Give me quantity, as well." 

    Quality does not mean a quick on the run prayer.  It means stopping and being sincere.  It means praise in bad times as well as good.  Quantity means taking time.  When I put them both together it means an earnest pursue to seek God.  In order to give both quality and quantity, I asked myself,  "What am I willing to give up?  Am I willing to give up a movie, the reading of a good novel, a phone conversation to pass the time with a friend, and so on?  What will give me more joy and more peace?  What does God prefer I do?"

     So, I ask,  "Am I willing to give both quality and quantity to God?  Am I willing to give both the time and energy to do what it takes to sincerely pursue Christ."

 

Change the Focus

Being content in the midst of trouble is hard.  Paul told us how to do that in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Also we can change our focus.  Get the focus off the problem, off self,  and focus on God and His Word.  It all comes back to God.  He is the One who gets us through the problems of life.  

Goals

 I am a firm believer in setting goals, although they often may change or never get accomplished, but when they do I find fulfillment.

     My devotion with "In Touch" stated that goals are a part of the Christian life: "First is salvation.  Next God gives us an opportunity to serve.  Then comes frustrated inadequacy which  leads into dependence on Jesus and brings us closer to our ultimate goal: becoming a reflection of Christ."

    The inadequacy part hit home.  Many times when I crawl into bed, I get this sensation of restlessness.  "What have I missed today?" or "What have I left undone?"  Maybe my thoughts on missing the mark for the day should go something like:  

                                                        G oing
                                                        O n
                                                        A ltered
                                                        L ongings

     And my prayer should be: What goals should I have changed to meet God's intended purpose.  Let me find and seek to fulfill them.  

Follow Me!

      When Jesus started His ministry and called His first disciples, He said, "Follow me!"  We are told in Matthew 4:22, "Immediately they left their boat and father and followed Him."  I question, "Is my faith great enough to do the same."

     "Follow me!" comes a voice, giving a choice.
     The excuse comes in a whiny hum, "I do not have the skill."
     "Follow me.  You will.  Walk my way, this day."
     I question what I will continue to say?  

     Will I be brave or in weakness remain a worldly slave?

     Am I convicted that Jesus is not limited or restricted?
     "Follow me!" again comes the voice, so small.
     Will I say with joyful sigh, "Here am I" as Jesus stands waiting while I am hesitating? 

     

     

     

     

The Clothes We Wear

 I have a closet full of clothes to choose from each day.  Some actually need to be tossed out because I have not chosen to wear them in quite a few years which brings me to my early morning point.  What will I wear today?  Will it be delight, mercy, thankfulness, hope, and /or repentance?  What I decide to wear really does make a difference not only to me but to those around me.  I believe Max Lucado in his book, Anxious for Nothing, made a good point, "We can wear our hurt or wear our hope."  To add to that, we can: 

Wear our resentment or our forgiveness.
Wear our discouragement or our hope, 
Wear our thankfulness or our ingratitude.
Wear our happiness and joy or our sad, grumbling one.

What do you plan to wear today?  

Rejoice Always

 1 Thessalonians 5:6 tells us to "Rejoice Always."  As humans, we know the hardship of rejoicing in the midst of trials.  Always means at all times and in all occasions.  Rejoice, to me, means a heart filled and overflowing with joy.   So how do we "Rejoice Always"?  First we have to know God.  We have to have Jesus.  No other way can we do what scripture tells us.  

Rejoice

A-pply God's truth
L-inger not in our own understanding
W-aiver not in self-pity
A-lter not from faith
Y-ield to hope in Christ
S-tand firm in the facts of scripture 

Trust and Prayer

 Trusting God seems easy as long as all is going well but when trouble comes along, where do we find our help?  Certainly, not within ourselves, we still have to trust and rely on God.  Never let your faith waiver.   God walks with us through our trials. 

My prayer:  Strengthen my belief within my grief.  Fix my eyes, O Lord, on you and, in troubling times, bring me through.  Within life's bumps, twists, and turns, I've much to learn.  When temptation burns, turn my attention to your concerns.  When my trust falters, weaken my knees to fall before your kingly alter.  Your love never fails; it prevails.  It's never altered.  Fill me Lord, so my thoughts and mind have so space to keep me in anxiety entwined.  My trust and faith remain in you as each new day I am made anew.  Amen 

SOAP

In reading the Baptist Trumpet, I came across a section about Making Mary Moments.  In it was given a method to make time for Jesus.  It was a SOAP method- Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.    However, it reminded me of when I was growing up and my mother used her own SOAP method.  It was very memorable.  The taste of that soap washing my mouth out from speaking an ugly word stayed with me a very long time.  That's how mother's taught in my day.  

My mother continued her SOAP method throughout my life in other ways, as well.  I was taught:

S cripture 

O pt out of wrong doing

A pply the Ten Commandments

P ray about everything

Belonging

     When I was growing up, we often had special get-togethers at my grandparent's house, and all the aunts, uncles, and cousins came.  We got to know each other.  As a family, we had a sense of belonging.  Then when the grandparent's passed away, the family gatherings stopped.  We no longer had the foundational structure of our grandparents.  Although aunts, uncles, and cousins knew each other and had  causal meetings, we slowly drifted apart never getting to know their children or their grandchildren.

     It can be the same in the Church family.  Although our Savior, remains the Foundation, never dies, and continues to call His children, many of God's children "choose" to drift away from the Church, never getting to know its existing members or the new ones.  Drifting away from the Church, we often even drift  further.  We drift away from God's Word.  What happens then to the sense of belonging?  What happens to getting to know the needs of others or them knowing ours?  How can we pray for each other?  

     As God's children, we need to remember that God chose us to "belong".  He created us to fit together as one with Him.  If we fail to attend His Church by choice, one of the pieces of His puzzle is missing!

     

Life

The definition of life (on earth) is the existence of...it is the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. 

     We are given life on earth by God for a purpose.  So, let's break down a few Godly elements about life according to the above definition:

Growth...comes through the reading of the book of life.  The Bible writings are inspired by God for our growth in the knowledge of Him.  

   "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:17-17

    "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.  These are the very Scriptures that testify about me."  John 5:39 

Reproduction...We reproduce Godly people by continuing to share God's message and the saving knowledge of Jesus, God's Son.
   "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation."  Joel 1:3

Functional activity...is meant for good.  Doing good deeds, loving others, and seeking God and His ways in all our activities.
   "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.:  Hebrews 13:16 

Continual change...comes about by staying in God's Word in order to learn more about God and grow in perseverance and godliness as we continually seek God in every avenue.
   "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.  Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, mutual affection, and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:3-8

  

Prayer and Why?

God is in control of all things.  If I do not pray, God's plans still do not change.  He is omniscient and knows all.  Yet,  God does give us a chance, through prayer. to be a part of His plans.  Prayer motivates us to seek His will and make requests to change situations.  May men in Biblical days sought God and asked Him to change His judgment plans.  So, if God already knows the outcome and what His true plans are, why should I pray?  Some highlights on this were given to me in my "In Touch" devotional and I have added a few more: 

1.  Prayer allows us the privilege of being involved in God's work.
2.  It teaches us to depend on God.
3.  It allows us to have communication with the Father.
4.  It gives us an opportunity to "Ask" for what we want. "We don't receive because we do not ask."
5.  It gives us an opportunity to bear fruit. (Align our will with His.)
6.  It gives us an opportunity to show love toward others by praying for others.
7.  Prayer strengthens our faith.
8.  Prayer helps us rely on God more and more.
9.  Prayer helps us seek God's guidance and protection.
10. Prayer deepens our relationship with God.
11. Prayer helps us grow in strength and wisdom.
12. Prayer gives us peace and comfort.

We are never alone in this journey; It is shared by the Father- the Master - the Creator of all. 

A Zombie

      Some people like to watch zombie movies, but just what is a zombie?  I googled it and found that it is  "someone who moves around as if unconscious, who has no energy, seems to act without thinking, and does not notice what is happening."  I guess you might say they are just dead men walking.  Spiritually, I would say they are void of Spirit, living without Christ in their life.  In other words I would define them as: 

Z ipping through life without meaning

O utwardly like everyone, but inwardly empty and spiritually dead

M en and women living without Christ 

B eings who have no communication line to God

I ndulging in meaningless actions with immoral qualities

E mpty souls

However, there is hope for a zombie.  God's grace covers it all and His Spirit can fill the soul and make it whole. 

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience...But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved:)"  Ephesians 2:2, 4-5

   

Turn Around

     When I ask my husband, "How do I look?"  he always says, "turn around."  He is wanting to get the full picture of how my outfit looks from all directions.  However, he is only looking at the outer appearance.  
     Rest assured that when God says, "Turn around", He already knows what the outer and the inner appearance looks like.  If God says, "Turn around", we need to be ready to go back, wash, redress, and change the heart.    

How To Listen

     I know I am not always a good listener, especially when it comes to what God wants and how He wants me to listen so that I can actually "hear Him."  It is something I have to work on, so I came up with certain traits I need to develop in order to listen to God.  

Reader- I need to read and consult God's Word and remember His commandments 
Consultant- I have to consult the Scriptures
Good Eater- I have to feast on and consume the Word.  Every verse is inspired by God.
Meditator- I need to meditate on God's Word
Prayer- I need to talk to God and stay in-tune to the Father
Obeyer- I need to obey the Word and God's commandments
Submitter- I need to be submissive to God's desire and submit my heart to His ways.
Priority Setter: I need to make God and His Word my priority - let it become a habit

In Summary: Feed-Read-Remember-Submit

and finally: Learn the Word
                   I-n tune to the Father
                   S-ubmit
                   T-hink the Word
                   E-nter into prayer
                   N-otice priorities   

Life

      Life has kept me busy, and I have failed to post on my blog site in quite a while.  So I am using the busyness of life as an excuse.  That being said, I want to write about LIFE  in a different light - Real Life!

What is Life?  God is Life, and life comes from Him.  We are His creation, molded and formed by Him.

 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."  Psalm 139:13 

Eternal life is provided to us through God's Son, Jesus.  Jesus died for us so we might have life.

"This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11

Life is provided here on this earth to give us an opportunity to choose to accept Jesus and to witness to others.  The Holy Spirit is provided to guide us through our earthly life.    

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  John 14:26 

L = Light (God is the Light) 

I = I Am  (God is the Great I Am)

F= aith (If we have faith and believe, we gain eternal life)

E=ternal Life (Belief and trusting in Jesus gives us eternal life)  

To gain Life is simple.  Just believe and accept!

Comfort in God's Presence

      In celebrating my husband's birthday of many years, we have to count our blessings.  But most of all we take great comfort in knowing God is in charge of how many birthdays we have.  He knows all and plans all.  

Comfort in God’s Presence

 You know…
You know all that goes to and fro.
You know the present, future, and from years ago.
You know when it will rain or snow;
What will die or grow.
You know the winds that blow.
You know every sunset, every rainbow;
Every blessing you will bestow.
You know…
You know words before they flow.
You know deeds we will undergo.
You know every heart down here below;
Every tear and every woe;
Every heartache, every blow;
Every high and every low.
Lord! You know…
You know every sadness, every happy glow;
Every enemy and every foe.
You know every path we choose to go;
Every action we have to show.
You know…
You know who will answer “Yes” or “No”.
You know who will say, “I love you, so.”
Lord! You know.
 
Mary Crisp Jameson  7/10/2021
 
“You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”  Psalm 139:2-4 NIV 

Well-Pleased

 

     God said about His Son, Jesus, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”  What a day that will be when we, as believers, enter God’s presence and hear Him say about  us, “I am well-pleased.”

      It will give us much, much more joy than when we hear our parents, children, or friends proudly state to others about our lives that we lived in such a way that “they were well-pleased.”

     Therefore,  I hope to be an example by following scriptural direction, letting the Bible and it words be a shining light in my life.    

    

Waiting On God

      When we become sick, really sick, we usually resort to going to a doctor.  How often and how long do we sit in the waiting room?  One of the most dreaded things in going to the doctor is the wait.  It can turn into hours, and I always get impatient and frustrated.  There have been a few times, I walked out and left thinking that "I can get better on my own."
     Is that the way we are with God?  We expect Him to answer every prayer of hope and desire and within our time frame.  We just do not like or enjoy sitting in God's waiting room.  So, we strike out on our own determined to do it ourselves.  And, what a mess we can make!  We just become sicker and more unhappy. 

     Waiting often means: 

Meditating
Seeking Where God is
Drawing close
Changing Attitudes
Staying in the Work
Deepening Trust
Building Endurance

     

The Blackboard

     I am sure most of us remember the old green or black chalkboards in school, and still cringe  at  the thought of the sound made when a nail scrapes across it.  Not only that, but I remember how it was never clean.  Even with the eraser, there was chalk residue remaining until a special cleaner was used to restore the clean look.  Even the dry erase boards are the same.  Unless a special cleaner is used, there remains smears and streaks.  
     It is the same in our lives.  Unless we use the awesome cleaning power of the blood of Jesus we will continue to have streaks, smears, and smudges.  There is no way, under our own power, to purify ourselves without believing in Jesus and accept the fact that He died on the cross for us.  Only then will our sin be wiped away, leaving no trace of residue.  Only then will our slate be clean.  

     

God's Will

      I pray for God's will over my life in events, relationships, etc.  But, what is truly God's will?  And, how do I know?  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells me.  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." 
     So, I am to pray without ceasing.  Instead of being concerned about people relationships, first and foremost, I should center on my relationship with God. 
     In my public service work, I was instructed how to communicate with customers, but it is up to me train myself to communicate with God.  

     I have to:

Seek God first 

Make it a habit

Be diligent

Determine to make it a goal

Become dependent on Him

Be thankful

Be joyful

Become intimate

     These are "God's will" for my life.

God's Will!

Sit and Be Still;

Communicate;

Let His presence enter your state.

Be mindful of Him,

Not utterances on a breathless whim.

Talk two-way when you pray.

Regularly, daily, laugh gaily.

Find intimacy, draw near.

Be sincere. 

His will is clear.

Give thanks and gratitude

With happy attitude. 

Praise, 

And be blessed all your days.

God's will, fills. 

Mary Crisp Jameson 

 

Is Anyone Listening?

     In recent times, we have heard pros and cons of the proposed implementation of the “Green New Deal” and the opinion of some that “if something is not done, the world will cease to exist.”   That is certainly not a statement I would agree with.  If the world ceases, it will because God chooses for it to end.   I believe in doing what we can to protect God’s creation and appreciate what He has provided man, but God is the One in control.

     Just this year most every place had an abundance of snow and cold even in the South where it snows very little.  Is anyone listening?  During the snow and freeze, Texas lost power due to the “Green Deal” windmills that froze leaving many people with no heat for themselves and their homes.  Is anyone listening?  Recently there was a cyber attack on a gas industry leaving many without gas for transportation.  That certainly goes against sound judgment of shutting down construction of a pipeline.  Is anyone listening? 

     In the way of Socialism, the government is providing so much unemployment benefits that people do not want to work.  Jobs are being posted with no one accepting. God intended for people to work. Is anyone listening? 

     In the way of beef, we are hearing that cows are bad for the environment.  We need to eat artificial man-made food rather than beef.  I am sure God would not have created cows if they were going to destroy the earth.  Is anyone listening? 

      Is anyone reading God’s Word?   Who created the world?  Who is in control of all things? Is anyone listening? 

 Creation:

Genesis 1:14 “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years”:

Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

Psalm 104:19  “He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.”

Daniel 2:21a  “And he changeth the times and the seasons:” 

 Even God worked and He expects us to do so, as well:

Genesis 2:2a  “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made;”

Exodus 34:21a  “Six days thou shalt work…”

Deuteronomy 5:13 “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:”

2 Thessalonians 3:10  “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

Meat for Food:

Genesis 1:24 "And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so." 

Genesis 9:3  “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”

Is anyone listening?  

   

 

 

Mother's Day

      Mother's day is a time of remembering our Mothers.  Mine instilled so many good principles of living while teaching me about Christ and faith.  I remember her smile, laughter, and love.  I remember how she embraced God into her life.  
     What we should never forget is that we, as mothers, need to continue to pass on through each generation our  Biblical knowledge and faith so it will go forth and be passed on to future children.  In 2 Timothy 1:5 NIV Paul remembers mothers: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois  and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in your also."    
     The role of the mother is important.  We find what should be a description of a good Mom in Psalms.  "She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household...Her children arise up, and call here blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  

     How can we look well to the ways of the household if we do not share Christ and faith with our children?   

A Mom

 A mom is a mom all of her life.

          What do Moms do?  They love their children.  They pray and trust God for the well-being of their children.  We are given many examples of praying mothers in scripture.  
     Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, prayed.  She was barren but trusted God to do with her life what was best.  Mary, mother of Jesus, prayed.   She became a willing vessel for God’s cause.  Sarah, mother of Isaac, prayed and was provided a child in her old age.  Hannah, mother of Samuel, prayed and gave thanks to God for the blessing of a son.  We are given many other examples of Mothers who prayed and trusted God.    
     Prayer is needed by Moms as they raise their children.  Prayer is an example children should be learning from their Moms.  Prayer is a life-line of communication. 
 
M othering with love
O pening lines of communication with children and God 
M urturing and teaching with Godly faith 

Four H's for Life

    A hybrid is made up of a combination of at least two elements.  I like to think that everyone has the ability to create their very own unique "hybrid" character.  The following four H's are what I want grafted into my character to create a God perfected personality:  

H appiness for a joyful heart

H opefulness for expectant living

H umanness with less judgmental thinking

Humbleness for prevention of prideful actions 

Respond

      While reading my devotional regarding John 3:7, "You must be born again", the author stated, "The new birth requires both the work of God and the response of man.   The Father took the initiative by sending His Son."
     That being said, I wondered what do we need to do to respond?  My thoughts are as follows: 

R ecognize that Jesus is our only hope

E nter God's presence daily

S eek God in faith

P our over God's Word

O ffer ourselves up as God's children

N o longer live for self

D ecide to follow Jesus