God Wakens Me

I never know how many mornings God will waken me, but I know when He does, it is for a purpose. It is within His plans, and I rejoice. 

God Wakens Me

God wakens me,

But not just to be.

He wakens my eyes to see His beauty,

To see a need, 

To plant a righteous seed.

He wakens my ears to hear;

To listen, for He is near.

He wakens me morning by morning.

He wakens my thoughts to set the day;

To think to pray,

To prepare for, “come what may!”

To encourage a contentful day.

He wakens me in every way.

God wakens me, 

But not just to be.

He wakens my tongue for speech;

Giving words for outreach

And actions that teach.

God wakens me,

But not just to be.

He sets my face

And my pace.

He wakens and helps me stand,

He holds my hand through what He has planned.

God wakens me to trust in Him

And to sing a praiseful hymn. 

God wakens me morning by morning.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/30/2024 

 

“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”  Isaiah 50: 4 NIV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Walking Stick

 As I walk into today and every day in the new year of 2025,  I want to remember verse 20 of Exodus in the ERV version, Moses "carried the walking stick with the power of God."
     I can also carry the walking stick with the power of God if I keep my heart centered on God.

Instruction Book

When I have a project to do, I like to try and figure it out myself although wise advice from others does often help if I am willing to accept it.  I hope I can listen more in 2025. It might make my life much easier. 

     In fact, being willing to take instruction is one thing but seeking it out is something else. Seeking instruction will be my 2025 goal. That is, seeking instruction through Scripture! 

     2 Timothy 3 tells me, “Scripture is for teaching, reproof, correction and training,” and I need this in my life! I need God ‘s instruction and advice daily!

School of Faith

We all have to go to school. Some graduate, get a job, and never look back for additional schooling. I have done the same. Yet, in reality, I am still schooling myself. I am in a life-long process of being in the “school of faith,” and it is built and developed by studying and reading God’s inspired Scripture. 

     Simon understood faith when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

     True, Jesus was there in flesh and blood as He talked with the disciples, but there was more to the question.

     Jesus replied to Simon, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” 

     I have never seen my Jesus in flesh and blood, but my "school of faith" declares he is my Savior, the only Son of God, who died on the cross and took my sins upon Himself to give me eternal life. 

     

The Birth of My Savior

Imagine, if you will in the world today, your daughter, unmarried and pregnant. It surely would not cause the embarrassment now as in the days of long ago, but I would still be concerned. 

     Perhaps the daughter wanted the child, then perhaps she did not. There are alternatives, some of which I would not agree upon. Here we have a living child inside, hopefully, a loving mother's womb. The child deserves a chance at life, a life planned by God. The daughter needs much courage to carry the child and raise it alone, but the rewards of motherhood far out-weight her difficulties along the way. 

     What would have happened in days of old had Mary chosen not to have the child that God placed in her womb? We would not have a Savior.

     Tonight, on Christmas Eve, I look forward to celebrating my Savior’s birth, and I am so glad and thankful Mary was a brave woman. She was a woman who deeply loved her child and never once thought of putting away the great blessing God gave her.  Jesus was planned, He had a purpose; He fulfilled that purpose not only to me but to everyone. 

     Jesus came to die for my sins. Alone the way as He grew and walked the land, He taught, healed, and witnessed. When the time was right He died and took on my sins, and then came to life again. His purpose was to save! My purpose is to believe and share the Good News!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Becoming Wise/Gaining Wisdom

As I was preparing for the Christmas Eve event, I thought about the Wise Men who sought Jesus. They were wise because they sought the Baby Jesus, traveling many miles over many days and nights. 

 

Webster says the meaning of WISE is “characterized by wisdom, marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.” 

 

Scripture gives many scriptures on WISDOM. (being Wise) Some of which are: 

 

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

 

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." 

 

Proverbs 3: 13 “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.”

 

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

 

I desire to be wise. I desire wisdom. So how do I get it? 

 

W- ise relates to gaining wisdom from God

I – nsight comes from God

S- eek God first

E- nter into a faithful relationship with God

The Circle

According to AI overview, “A circle is a two-dimensional shape where all points on the curve are the same distance away from a fixed center point, creating a closed curve with no sides or vertices; essentially a round shape with a constant radius around a central point. “

 

According to Webster, “A circle is a closed plane curve, every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within a curve. 

 

I like to think about my circle as unbroken with God arms around me, protecting, loving, and guiding with no way of escape to a world where Satan reigns. But, I also like to think about my circle as one day it will be; like, Johnny Cash sang, “Will the circle be unbroken. By and by Lord, by and by. There’s a better home awaiting. In the sky, Lord, in the sky.”

The Seven Dwarfs

The Seven Dwarfs are little cute, funny-looking men who befriended Snow White. I do not even know why I thought about them last night, but they were in a fairy story book with a copyright of 1972 from which I used to read to my daughter many, many years ago. I still had the book although it is frail and the pages are brittle. I looked up the story and, to my disappoint, the dwarfs were not named. 
     I know there are more important things in life to remember, but I wanted their names because I could not call them off.  I tried several ways to set their names to mind. One was putting them in alphabetical order, the next was by association, and finally by writing a silly little sentence: 

Alphabetical Order 
Bashful

Doc: The leader of the pack 

Dopey. 

Grumpy

Happy

Sleepy 

Sneezy 

 

By Association

Bashful                          (a B )

Doc and Dopey                (2 D’s or Opposites)

Grumpy and Happy          (Opposites)

Sleepy and Sneezy          (2 S’s)

 

Silly Sentence

I woke up both Grumpy and Happy; too Bashful to call 

the Doc and too Dopey to explain while Sleepy and Sneezy.

Hopefully, the next time I wish to recall their names I can. 

                  

Christmas Love

Christmas is about love!

 

     Love did not just start at Christmas, “for God is love,” (1 John 4:8), and God has always been. 

 

    Yet, God showed me His love even more so at Christmas when my Savior was born. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us (me), because that God sent His only begotton Son into the world, that we (I) might live through Him.”

(1 John 4:9)

 

     Again, when Jesus was born God had a loving plan for me. He planned the Cross! “Herein is love, not that we (I) loved God, but that He loved us (me), and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our (my) sins.” (1 John 4:10)

 

The Christmas Gingerbread Man

There is nothing better than the scent of ginger and nutmeg at Christmas, and nothing says Christmas better than a delicious sugary gingerbread cookie. 

The Gingerbread Man

 

It’s Christmas! Bah Hum Bug! What was this all about? I rolled under the sheets and gave them a tug. I was just a ball of dough with nothing much to show. 

 

Then something magical happened! First one hand rolled out, then another began to sprout. I soon found two feet that kicked me out of bed. 

 

Eyes appeared upon a small round head. I was all smooth and flat with a beautiful tan- just like a gingerbread man. 

 

Wow! Look at me!” I exploded in glee. Christmas! It’s Christmas! I had to rush! 

 

My scent filled the air with not a second to spare. I grabbed for my vest and began to get dressed. There was a classroom of girls and boys choosing me over bright red toys. 

 

They had put me on their list and sealed it with a kiss. They all had shouted, “Send a gingerbread man our way.” So many children were looking forward to a spicy Christmas day.

 

I did a happy jig and proudly stretched into a backward bend, knowing I was just their right, spicy blend, but I couldn’t forget the teacher who caught my eye with her attractive feature. 

 

She had requested a cinnamon and nutmeg scent, and I wanted her content. Maybe she’d use me in her gingerbread house. I’d surprise her! Slip in quiet as a mouse.

 

Excitement overtook me as I sent myself a kiss. I was thrilled to be at the top of their list. I dashed on some ginger and added more sugar and spice. Hmmm, I smelled really nice. 

 

In my haste, I snuck a taste. Yes! I was all sweet from my head to my feet. 

 

Next, I buttoned my vest, which fit tight across my dark tan chest. I fumbled with its buttons of red as the scent of ginger filled my head, Then, l looked in the mirror, but something was a’miss! 

 

“Oh my! Where was my sugar coat?” I quickly sprinkled more sugar around my arms and my throat, and then grabbed my beads and pearls, for that would be missed by those curly-lock girls. But what about the boys? Oh, not to worry! They’d be too busy with their games and their noise. 

 

As magic swirled through the air, I tapped my heels with a flair. I had much to do, no doubt, as I hurried about. 

 

I’m spicy, all sugar and sweet! Just right for sampling and oohh – so sweet to eat. I’d fill out those stockings – just right! All eyes would be happy and bright. 

 

“Oh yes1 It’s Christmas!” A smile hit my lips as I sucked in my hips. What a cute cookie I would be- just the key for creating glee in the classroom’s gingerbread fam’ily.                            

 

Mary Crisp Jameson -Revised 12/19/2024 

 

Winter's Season

I believe I can learn something new every day if I just put my heart and mind to it. There is always an adventure ahead coming with the change of the seasons in my life. 

Winter’s Season

 

With nothing special to do, I took a mid-afternoon winter walk, away from any buzzing, distracting talk.

I heard only the crunch of my feet across the leaf-ladened ground. That was the only sound.

Looking down, I observed the vibrance of browns and tans in darks and light, all glistening bright.

Raindrops hung upon the sea of leaves which covered the ground like thieves.

No dirt was found, no grass was seen. There was no longer any green.

Summer was past, and winter had ushered in with a mighty blast,

Leaving fall behind but not off my mind.

Seasons come and seasons go; 

With winter, there are no yards to mow.

There are no gardens to hoe;

There are no leaves that glow;

The flowers do not grow.

With winter, time seems slow.

There may or may not be snow.

There are reasons for the seasons, 

And always there is something new to see, learn, and know.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/17/2024

 

“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 1:14 KJV

 

 

Cure For The Heart

I think of doctors as those who know the cure for my ailments. I have never wanted to be one! 

     However, I do know a cure that needs to be passed on. It is the cure for the human heart. Therefore, I need to pass this information on, and I need to pass it on in love.  

     The cure is Jesus! 

JOY

 Christmas is just around the corner, and I have joy! 

Joy

I may frown.

I may groan.

But in my heart, 

There is joy. 

I may mourn,

Be worn,

Feel torn,

But deep, deep down

I won’t drown

Cause I’ve got joy.

I may be sad,

And I may cry,

But I know why

I still have joy.

It’s ‘cause I believe,

And to Him I cleave.

He lives in me, 

Gives me glee,

And will not flee,

My life is Spirit-filled,

God willed,

Sin killed-

And that’s my joy!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/15/2024 

 

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NIV 

In Advance

With my prayer and hope for something, I know that faith in God doing it is believing. But I read something in Daily Hope that reminded me that faith is “thanking God in advance.” Normally, I thank God after, in gratitude. 

     To quote what Rick Warren stated in Daily Hope, “Faith is not just believing God can do something. Faith is not just hoping He will do something. Faith is thanking God in advance.” 

     Thanking God in advance – not after… I like that!

 

 

Feelings and Moods

I have a horrible confession to make. I do not always feel like being nice or doing the right thing. I don’t always feel like stopping what I am doing to help someone else or use my time for anything or anyone except what I am focused on.  

     Does this make me a bad person? It just means that I am allowing my moods to control me. I am living a life guided by my feelings. I am making Satan very happy. 

     If I live my life by my feeling, I will be a very sad and unhappy person. My standards give me no worth, no joy, and no true fulfilment. God’s standards are the ones that fulfill. I don't always need to feel it as “it is” but rather I need to feel it as “it should be.” I need to feel it and act it as God wants it to be. 

     Reflecting on my own moods and acting on my own feelings make me feel like Jonah who ran from the Lord because he did not feel like doing what the Lord requested. And where did that get Jonah? 

     

The Snowball Effect

For some reason I was thinking about snow and snowballs. I don’t know why! It is a far cry from snowball weather where I live. However, I thought about how a snowball grows. The more snow you roll it in, the larger it gets. This might be called the snowball effect.

     That is why I would hate to create a snowball effect with envy, jealously, anxiety, and bitterness. I would hope to create a snowball effect with delight, commitment, and trust in God and what He chooses to give me. 

     I want my snowball effect to come from Psalm 37:4-5, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit you way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” 

Christmas Hassle

Christmas Hassle

 

It seems like only yesterday I was storing away my Christmas tree,

And, now putting it back in its place with a happy, cheerful glee.

As I began to decorate, I found some garland had begun to shed.

I used it anyway, for to buy new I would really dread.

Some of my Christmas balls have gotten broken through the years,

But I re-fluffed a spot or two, not letting it bring me to tears.

A Santa pillow had gotten a little frayed,

But it can be patched with just a little aid.

Christmas is a time for joy and delight

Not for struggling with a spending plight

Or making the budget tight.

Christmas is to enjoy the Savior’s birth;

Let the home be filled with laughter and mirth.

It’s not for stressing through the Holiday season,

But for Jesus, who is the reason!

Christmas is a time to reflect upon the Cross; 

More so than decking the table with dressing, and cranberry sauce.

Christmas is a time for Jesus; 

A time to praise Him for loving us!

It’s not a time for hurry and stress 

But, rather, a time to know we are blessed.

It’s a time to envision the wise men seeking the new-born child,

Although it took a while. 

Christmas is not, so much, presents under the tree

But worshiping Jesus, who was born to die and set us free.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/8/2024

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV 

 

 

Fruit of the Spirit

 I do not do well speaking in front of a group. I have no musical ability. I cannot sing or play the piano. Actually, there are a lot of things I cannot do. Some things I can do, although I have to work at it. What I strive for is to live by the "Fruit of the Spirit" which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Some are harder than others to develop. However, these are the things I wish for others to witness in me. 

Destiny

As I was studying about my Prince of Peace, God's Son, I thought about the legendary children's story about Cinderella and her Prince Charming. Then there was Snow White and the Prince who appeared to kiss and awaken her. 
     My Prince (Jesus) rescued me at a young age, and He awakens me each morning to a new day to praise Him for His love and protection until He returns to take me to a place where I will "live happily" ever-after.

     Thinking about Cinderella and Snow White, I wrote my own story; one about Destiny. It follows.

Destiny

Once upon a time there was a girl, name Destiny. She lived in a dark world. There was no light, only shadows in which to move around. 

 

She had been told there was a path leading to a bright new world. Some had found it and escaped to a sunshiny place. 

 

She dreamed about that world at night and, by day, sought and sought to find it. She took every path found but was unable to locate one that led to the bright new life she had been told about.

 

There was also a tyrant living in the land. He constantly told Destiny that this place was much better than the bright one she sought to find. 

 

He laughed and made fun of Destiny and often even bullied her, making her sit in ashes for hours at a time as punishment for seeking to escape. 

 

One day as Destiny sat weeping and crying in despair, a tiny light broke through the darkness.  

 

Her eyes blinked! She did not know what to think, but a new hope broke through to her heart. 

 

As a single tear fell down her cheek, she saw a hand reach out from a glowing light. The hand wiped her tear away. Then it reached out for her to take. 

 

When she placed her hand into its palm, she was instantly pulled into a bright new world; one filled with sunshine, rainbows, bright streets, riches and gold. She was no longer in a world of darkness or gloomy shadows.

 

Destiny had finally escaped. She had found the Light, the Prince, the King of Kings, and He took her into a new world and a new life. 

 

Her joy was filled that day. Her heart sang in every way, and Destiny knew she would live happily ever after. 

                                          …not The End… but The Beginning!

 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” 

 

 

 

  

Past, Present, Future

 Past, Present, Future...I am blessed!

     "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgression, made us alive together with Christ -by grace you have been saved- and raised up with Him, and seated up with Him in the heavenly place in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-6

     In the past He loved me. In the present I still loved, made rich in mercy, made alive, and saved. In the future I will be raised up in Christ Jesus.  

The Unchanging!

The Unchanging... 

God tells us we will always have seasons, and I look forward to each one but never know what kind of season it will be or when it will arrive. One thing I do know is that I never have to wonder when God will arrive or what He will be like. He is with me at all times, and Malachi 3:6 tells me, "I, the Lord, do not change."  

     

The Bucket Game

Life is a Game: If I had to draw out of a bucket of items; like, joy or sadness, kindness or ungratefulness, good or bad, love or hate, giving or getting, self-control or lack thereof, sharing or not sharing, I would hope to draw the good versions and mature in them. Yet, should I draw one of the bad ones, I would desire to be able to turn them into good versions.  

     I always want the joy, kindness, love and all the good, but I constantly deal with the bad - lack of control, hate, selfishness, etc. but the choice is mine to mature it into something good- change it! The Bucket Game of Life is on every single day! 

 

The Carpenter

I seldom watch television in the afternoon, but when I do, the channel is usually on a remodeling home show. What starts out as a simple redo usually turns into something major when rotten flooring or even termite damage is found. A few times busy little bees have invaded the space. It is disheartening when something simple turns into a major overhaul. 

     Often, I think that I, too, need a major overhaul. In Romans 8, I find that God foreknew, predestined, conformed, called, justified and glorified me. I believe this has happened or will happen over time. I am being remodeled everyday by God’s special tools. It often takes a major remodeling tear out. 

     I am still waiting on the finished product, but I have confidence that the finished product will be beautiful. I have the best and greatest Carpenter of all time! As in the home show, I just need to step aside and let the Expert do His work. 

Soar with the Eagles and Walk with the Wise

I started my day with a little Daily Hope. It started out with Proverbs 13:20 (NCV), “Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer.” I don’t usually read from this version, so I went to my fall-back King James version. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

     This was serious stuff until I read Daily Hope’s next comment from an old saying, “If you want to soar with the eagles, you can’t run with the turkeys.” This made me “laugh out loud.” 

     Of course, I could not stop there! I had to look up one of my favorite verses in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

     Wishing all my readers an "enjoyable day!" So, SOAR and don't run with the turkeys. (LOL)

He Hears, Sees, Saves

God always goes the extra mile. After He saved me-freed me from slavery- He has continually walked with me through my heartaches, fears, and pain. He has given me joy and laughter in a troubled world.

He Hears, Sees, Saves

 

The tears are mine,

And God recognizes the heartbroken sign.

My trembling voice echoes loud,

And God hears as it penetrates the cloud.

My teetering gait over rocky terrain

Shows God my human pain.

He hears it- sees it-feels it!

He soothes as together we sit.

He walks hand-in-hand

To help me stand.

He will nourish!

And, though it all, I will flourish.

Poor or well-to-do;

Gentile or Jew;

Unlearned or educated;

For all, 

God has protected and waited.

He sees!

And gives a heartfelt squeeze.

He hears!

Together we walk through my fears.

For all, He hears and sees, 

And sends a gentle breeze.

He protects!

Though we reject.

He cares!

He bears!

He saves!

He frees  

The earthly slaves.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 11/19/2024

 

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again, rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”  Romans 8:15 NIV 

 

Praise

For me, praise is to glorify, and God is who I need to glorify.

Psalm 150 tells us:

1.     Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary- praise Him in the firmament of His power.

2.    Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

3.    Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

4.    Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. 

5.    Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the hight sounding cymbals. 

6.    Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

 

For someone like me who has no musical ability I will praise Him in my way: 

 

Praise Him in                 Prayer

Praise Him when I         Rise

Praise Him by               Abiding in Him

Praise Him                    In all things

Praise Him by what I    Say

Praise Him                    Every day 

 

Instruction Manual

I remember one Christmas when my first husband was tasked with the job of assembling a Christmas item.  He tried it one way and then another, but nothing seemed to fit.

     I soon stepped in and asked, “Have you read the instructions?” I knew the answer before I even asked. The manual was lying near his feet neatly folded and still in its original zipped, tight bag!

     That is the way a messy life can happen for me. I am given a set of instructions. It is printed step by step in correct order, but I fail to read it, memorize it and let it soak in before I charge forward. Charging forward without reading the plan only makes me have to assemble and re-assemble, never getting it right. 

     It would be good for me to dwell in Psalm 119.

 

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin again You. 

I rejoice in following Your statues as one rejoices in great riches.’

I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways.

I delight in Your decrees. I will not neglect Your ways.” 

 

     

Accountability

Accountability

 

I’m not accountable to others or even my pastor

But to God, my master!

I’m not molded by how some will sway,

But by what God wants me to do and say.

Living lies or doing pleasing to others’ eyes,

That’s not me or being free.

Living lies is not wise.

Living lies is a compromise.

Living lies gives the stomach butterflies.

Living lies is a worldly disguise.

I want to be what God desires.

Pleasing God, not the masses or wealthy classes,

Is what my day is all about.

So, His Holy Name, let me shout!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 11/15/2024

 

“We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” 

1 Thessalonians 2:4b NIV 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foolish

 Being foolish is no fun. I wish I could say that I have never been foolish, but I can't. So, what can I do when I have done something foolish? 

 

F orego any more of the same

O wn the deed

O ffer up a request for forgiveness

L isten and accept forgiveness

I dentify and Image the problem and the solution 

S in no more

H eal by God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace

"Then David said to God, " I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." 1 Chronicles 21:18 

Fork in the Road

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

     My sense of direction has always been lacking. I do not know how I ever traveled without the modern-day GPS; however, even the GPS can get it wrong. When I come to a fork in the road, my best GPS is patience to know God’s direction.

Roses and Thorns!

My roses are no longer blooming, but if I went to cut the stems back, I would still find thorns. The thorns would still prick my fingers and make me say, “Ouch!”  

     Thorns are not just seasonal. I suppose that even though I am a Christian, I still carry thorns that will prick from time to time. Christians are not perfect people. I still sin. I still disappoint loved ones and others. I still get pricked with life events. 

     As great as Paul was after his conversion, he still got pricked in life. He had hardships. He was imprisoned, beaten, threatened, stoned, shipwrecked, and robbed. During his trials, he asked God that Satan, his thorn, leave him. God’s answer is found in 2 Corinthians 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 

     I have to remember that when I am weak, I am strong in my Lord, Jesus Christ! I can still do amazing work with a “thorn in my side” as long as I have Jesus. 

     I continue to praise God for His Son, Jesus, and for forgiveness of my sin and the courage to carry on in life. 

Joy within the Trial

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.”

     Trials are not necessarily hardships; they can just be new, scary adventures in life. I know when I retired, I was scared of what lay ahead. Would I be able to live on reduced income? Would I find something I would enjoy doing and being constructive? Would I be lonely? Would I just hobble along and get into a rut with no happy expectations? 

     All this kind of thinking was a trial. A "test" as I looked for a new door of opportunity to open. I never want to miss out on, “Consider it all joy!” I also have to fall back to the following verse of scripture which comes afterward. “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

An Intimate Fellowship

I strive to seek God first as it says in Psalm 63:1, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You. My flesh longs for You in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” 

Seeking God’s Face…An Intimate Fellowship

 

Seeking God’s face does not happen over a weekend;

It takes a commitment, day by day,

To make Him your special friend. 

The pursuit can be shallow-rooted

Or absorbed skin-deep where it cannot be looted.

His face can be found in any place you roam

Or just by resting with Him at home.

 

Paul sought God’s face from a prison cell.

He prayed; He witnessed-

From where he dwelled.

 

Jonah rebelled and delayed. 

From an unhappy place,

He sought God’s face from the belly of a whale

Oh, what a story He had to tell!

 

Seeking God’s face cannot be hurried through;

It cannot be just a casual approach.

There is a cost to being made new.

It’s a lifetime ritual-

Not done in a moment or an hour to seek the spiritual.

 

O Lord, for You, my soul must thirst,

And I must seek Your face first;

In my time-in my prime-

Day by day- in every way;

Week by week I seek, year by year, to keep God near.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 11/7/2024 

 

“When You said, “Seek My face”, my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” Psalm 27:8 NKJV