Content

Paul wrote in Philippians 4, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I have learned herein to be content.”

     Considering this, I put together some ways in which I can learn to be content: 

 

C ount my own blessings and not those of others  

O  pen my heart toward others, not self

N o comparison should take place 

T hings come from God not me

E  nter into praise for what I have 

N othing belongs to me; it is all God’s 

T hank God daily for my blessings and those of others

Ask In My Name

John 16:24 NIV  “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

     I have always gone right to part B of the above verse, “ask and you will receive.” However, this morning I took a close look at part A, “ask in my name.”  What immediately came to mind was God’s holy name which is to be honored. 

     Just about every non-religious book I read uses God’s name and not in a holy way. I also hear people all the time placing God in front of words that are not uplifting. Why would God send blessings if His name is being tossed around disrespectfully? The following are holy, precious, and to be respected: God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, and any reference to my Creator and Savior. 

    "Lord, I ask for nothing today other than to never use your holy name in vain. Amen!"

Sticks and Stones-Thistles and Thorns

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is a phrase I said often as a kid. I understand it dates back to the 1800’s. 

     I was reminded of this saying when I read what God told Ezekieh in Chapter 2, verse 6, “And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions, neither fear their words, nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house.”

     The “sticks and stones” saying was used a defense, and I believe God was saying, not only to Ezekiel but to me, that while “thistles and thorns may be thrown at me, I am to fear not and not be dismayed for He is with me.” 

Embarrassment

I hate when others witness an event that totally embarrasses me. I have yet to learn to laugh at myself, but I am trying. 

     I remember a winter day when there was ice on the ground, and the exit from my office was downhill. The pavement was frozen over. I looked around to see if there was anyone in the parking lot who might come to my rescue. Seeing none, I bent my knees to get low to the cement and inched down, duck-walk style,  practically on my rear, to prevent myself from falling. Totally ungraceful! Unknown to me, a friend was actually sitting in his truck watchful, and laughing. 

     Another time, I was in a meeting. I pushed my chair back to get up and got one foot tangled in the leg of the nearby chair and immediately landed on the floor. I bounced up so quickly that half of the people in the room did not even see the event, but the nearby ones did. I bet that was the quickly recovery for an old lady they had ever seen! 

     What brought all this telling of embarrassing moments on? It was two things. First, my daughter told me about something she did a few weeks ago which embarrassed her, and she was just now able to laugh and share it. The other was a scripture I read this morning in Hebrews 12:1. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

     Witnesses around me are watching! This encourages me to act in such a way as to please my Father. I do not want to embarrass Him or hinder His work here on earth. 

     

God Won't

I’ve written often of what God will and can do. I have never written about what He won’t do. So here goes! He won’t forsake me. He won’t stop loving me! He won’t abandon me. 

God Won’t 

 

He won’t!

He won’t!

He won’t abandon or desert,

though His words, I skirt.

He won’t fail when I am frail.

He won’t forsake, thou mistakes I make.

He won’t reject, thou sin I inject.

He won’t!

He won’t!

He won’t stop loving,

though I fail to pray, obey, 

or should I stray.

He won’t turn away through my day.

He won’t – He won’t!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/25/2024 

 

“For the Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance.” Psalm 91:14 

 

 

 

         

 

The Greatest!

 I have encountered a lot of GREATS in my life. However, there is always the GREATEST!

The greatest Love is from God.

The greatest Book written is the Bible.
The greatest Story ever told is about Jesus.

The greatest Mercy ever given is from God. 
The greatest Sacrifice ever made was from Jesus. 
The greatest Man who ever walked the earth was Jesus.

The greatest Direction in my life comes from the Holy Spirit.

The greatest of All is Three-In-One...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I love my GREATEST!

Rooted and Grounded

 I cannot tell anyone how deep my roots grow, but I can still say, "I am rooted and grounded by God's almighty love. His power goes before me, and for that I glorify His name." 

To God be the glory forever and ever.

He has wonder working power every minute, every hour!

To Him be the glory, 

For He’s holy, holy, holy.  

         I’m loved, loved, loved, abundant and forever.

         I’m rooted and grounded in the name of the Lord.

I have guilt over sin, 

But I'm washed from within..

I’m clean, clean, clean-

Shiny and pristine. 

I’m loved, loved, loved, abundant and forever.

I’m rooted and grounded in the name of the Lord. 

From His throne up on high-

Up high in the sky-

When I enter His space,

Mercy cometh from His place. 

I’m loved, loved, loved, abundant and forever.

I’m rooted and grounded in the name of the Lord.

To God be the glory, 

And that is my story, 

For, He’ll never ever leave me.

No! Never, never, never.

I’m loved, loved, loved, abundant and forever.

I’m rooted and grounded in the name of the Lord.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson -8/23/2024 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8a

 

It's Okay!

     Throughout life, I have often had to tell myself, “It’s okay!” 

It’s okay to feel lonely. It brings me to God for companionship.

It’s okay to feel grieve over loss. “God blesses those who mourn. He comforts me.”

It’s okay to feel remorse. It helps me want to ask for forgiveness.

It’s okay to feel anger “in the right way” and for the “right reason.”

It’s okay to have feelings! Share them with God. Cry out to Him. 

“God I am lonely. I hurt. I grieve. Comfort me! Heal me! Walk with me!”

Praise God He loves and guides me.  

Life is just okay! 

"Trust in Him an all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8 NIV 

 

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

I woke this morning to a post shared of John Braddy performing Leaning On The Everlasting Arms through the various ways it might have been sung through different eras. Although, it made me laugh, I found the best way was the original way. It’s been too long since we sang this song in church, and the following words of the song uplifted my heart. 

What a fellowship, what a joy divine

Leaning on the everlasting arms
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Leaning, leaning
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning
Leaning on the everlasting arms

What have I to dread, what have I to fear
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Leaning, leaning
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning
Leaning on the everlasting arms

     Afterward, I turned to my In Touch devotional and Romans 12 answered some questions on how I can lean on the everlasting arms of my God. Some are: 

        Give honor

         Be diligent

         Be fervent in spirit

         Serve the Lord 

         Rejoice in hope

         Persevere in tribulation

         Be devoted in prayer

         

         

 

Gold Dust

There were several things I was not content with when I was growing up. One was my freckles. I remember Dad telling me he thought they were cute. I didn’t! What I like to think now is they are probably a sprinkling of gold dust from God. 

     Currently, I am not crazy about my gray hair, and unlike my freckles, I can hide it. However, God tells me, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory.” 

     Today, I realize that having freckles, gray hair, or even wrinkles does not matter. What matters is that, “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The Harvest

I am attempting to grow roots on a few shrub branches by placing the stems, first in a glass of water. So far, the roots have grown very little, but I am watching them daily. The growth is slow, and I am anxious to get them into a pot of dirt where the roots will take hold and spread. 

     As a newborn Christian, my roots were also slow to grow. Today, I wonder how deep they really are, but I know they are deeper than they were in the beginning; I draw strength from them being more deeply rooted in God’s Word. 

     I also am finding that each new sprout does not produce fruit in the season in which it is planted. Just as when I plant my garden in early spring, it takes patience to wait until summer or fall to reap the harvest- the end result! 

Life

When I obtained breath, I obtained life. When I believed I obtained eternal life. I became a child of God when He created me. I became an eternal child of God when I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  

God’s Child  

 

I was made and created

To be loved- not hated.

In His image I was molded;

By His hand I was knit and folded;

Each finger and toe-

Unique from out of the dough.

Before birth, I was made for Him to cherish,

With no thought I should perish.

I was not formed for human hand to abort

As in a wishful, gruesome sport. 

I was created to be loved as a child-

One undefiled,

Protected-

Not family rejected.

I was wonderfully made;

Even weighed.

I was formed and perfected

To be connected-

The Father and I;

You know- 

The Big Guy in the sky!

He is the One who watches over me,

For He knows all, and all He can see.

In His time, 

Not yours or mine,

He’ll carry me away- 

A Lamb, of His, one day.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/12/2024 

 

“For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 NIV 

 

The Nails and Instructions

You know, I honestly do not know why anyone that is a billionaire would want to run for President of the United States of America. There is just too much drama for me. I guess, if I were rich, I would simply relax in luxury, and that is probably why I am not wealthy. 

     Regardless, as President Trump said, “I took a bullet for this country.” That being said, what is much more striking and memorable than Jesus taking the nails for me? Nothing compares to the blood pooled around His feet! Nothing compares to His sacrifice! Nothing compares to the pain He endured! There was not even one to help Him off the world’s stage. Why did He do this for me? He did not do it for power or gain. He already had that!

     There is even more to be learned from the nails and the Cross. With the grace (salvation) Jesus gave me, hanging there on the cross, He also gave me learning instructions. He is saying as He hangs on the Cross, “Believe in me”, and He is also saying, “Deny ungodliness and worldly desires. Live sensibly and righteously.” 

     I find this in Titus 2”11-12, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.”

     To take this post one step further, Jesus sat on the throne. He did not have to come to earth to be persecuted, and killing Jesus was not to be. He arose to fight for me. With the calm command of His voice, Satan will flee. 

Itching Ears

I often only realize how much my ears, which were provided to aid the body, can affect my health until they get infected. Admittedly, I also ignore the health of my walk with Jesus when I use them wrongly? In 2 Timothy, Chapter 4, I am warned about my itching ears. 

Itching Ears 

 

My itching ears

Leave me in tears

With unlimited fears.

The itch tingling my ear wants to hear

What makes me feel good, 

But, maybe, not what I should; 

Like, disguising lies

And what’s pleasing to the eyes.

My ears itch and twitch-

Listening to sin’s sales-pitch.

They deceive; 

And are naïve.

They hear what I desire and crave-

Not what Jesus gave. 

They don’t listen to sound advice; 

Only hearing what’s deceptively nice-

So, I pay the price,

With untruth

And little wisdom as in my youth.

My itching ears hear myths and fables-

Whatever enables! 

What more can I say in my dismay?

My itching ears

Leave me in tears 

With unlimited fears.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/12/2024

 

 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV 

 

 

 

Doing As Told

 My day started off with an interesting question, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?'" 
     I am having a hard time answering. It is not that I do not know the answer but it is that the question is so "on target" and I absolutely cannot make excuses to my Lord because He see my words, actions, and heart. He knows WHY already. 

Cell Phone

Occasionally, I will forget and leave home without my cell phone. When I do, I feel lost, for with all the apps, it has replaced my way of communication, my calendar, watch, alarm clock, Bible, dictionary, flash light, GPS, and many more I could name. However, I never ever, ever leave home without God. I can communicate with Him whenever and wherever. I need no hand-held device, and He is not replaceable! 

"Your have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence?" Psalm 139:5,7 

Water Me!

“The Lord says, “I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortals, who are no more enduring than grass?”  Isaiah 51:12 GNT

     When I read the above scripture, my first thought was, “Lord, there is a  drought going on here. I need rain or my grass is surely going to die. It needs watering.” That was, indeed, my selfish material desire at work. What is more important? My grass getting watered or my soul being watered? 

     My first thought should have been, “Lord, water me! Strengthen me! Nourish me! Feed me with Your word.” 

NOW

Scarlet O’hara in Gone With The Wind made a comment that became famous, “After all, tomorrow is another day.”  Then, there is the saying, “But, what if tomorrow never comes?”  Therefore, I have decided my quote will be, “The hourglass of time is NOW!.”  

 

N ot tomorrow

O n it today

W hen? is today

 

I will strive to seek God today. I will strive to please God today. I will strive to put God first, today-(in the NOW).

 

The Gift

A gift is something given willingly without an expected repayment. For me, gifts are mostly surprises and meant to show love and support. I love giving gift! In fact, I ordered my first Christmas gift today. In all honesty, I also love getting gifts, especially God’s gifts. 

     God has always been the best gift giver. He has given me gifts of healing and miracles. He has given me the gift of hope and of grace. He has given me truth, wisdom, and love. 

     When God wraps a package and ties a bow around it, I am assured that gift is special! 

 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift come from above, coming down from the Father.” 

 

“By grace I am saved, and it is the gift of God.” 

The Ways of Love

Scripture gives me many verses about love. The first that comes to mind is “God is love.” The next comes from 1^st Corinthians 13, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice of wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Then there is the one I found in Isaiah 49 which says, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

     So when I think about God and love, I know that I have: 

...a God of love- a God of kindness-a God of truth-a God of patience-a God of compassion-a God of grace-a God of understanding-and a God who has me engraved upon the palms of His hands...

     These are all examples of love in which I should strive for, as well. 

P.S. One other thing I know about God's love is that He loves me enough to say, "No!" He loves me enough to close a door. And, I should continue to love Him, regardless, for He has a better plan than what was behind that closed door.  Amen!

 

 

Time

There is a lot that can be said about time, but this morning I only know that another day is dawning and "Time marches on!"

    Within time, the eye of the Lord is on me.

    Within time, my heart rejoices because of Jesus.
    Within time, I am loved.
    Within time, there is delay for a reason.
    Within time, there is a predestined purpose.

    Within time I move forward.

    Within time, I wait patiently or in frustration-the choice mine to make. 

Closed Doors,, Detours, and Roadblocks 2

 Several days ago I read something about Closed Doors, Detours, and Roadblocks and thought what a great name for a movie. Later, I thought maybe that would also be a good title for one of poetry creations. So here goes...

Closed Doors, Detours, and Roadblocks

 

By my own design I am naught,

But by Jesus, I am bought

And taught.

He has prepared a toolbox

Of closed doors, detours, and roadblocks

But no chains or locks; 

He whispers His voice,

While I apply my choice.

Come what may!

Closed doors are for my benefit-

Detours to show a better path-

Roadblocks to keep me straight-

His plan is for  

Building strength,

Dependence,

And a willing mind and heart.

From the very start 

Closed doors, detours, and roadblocks have a reason

Within my established season;

Closed doors are set in place

To slow my pace; 

To correct and to protect.

He created the detours

And sent godly mentors;

The detours to help me navigate-

To establish my fate.

He set roadblocks to steer me straight;

To set my gait;

To find strength within the wait. 

Closed doors, detours, and roadblocks

Are treasures found in my life’s toolbox.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 8/3/2024 

 

“He said, Be still, and know that I am God.” 

Psalm 46:10a NIV

Drifting and Restoration

I have a fleshy problem with forgetting and ignoring the One who gives  me life, joy, and protection. I often find that I listen to the wrong whisper because of my own desires. I have a daily choice to make.

Drifting and Restoration

 

Yesterday, I drifted a tad-

The day, not as good as some I’d had. 

Today, I drifted slightly more

From even the day before.  

A gradual change, so hard to detect-

With bible reading and prayer left unchecked.

I didn’t talk to the Father today,

And my life felt empty and grey. 

It was time to take pause;

Reconsider my cause. 

I was missing my desire;

Losing my fire;

Losing my joy

As I played into Satan’s decoy.

It was time to take note-

Not allow Satan’s gloat,

With his evil draw

And gripping claw. 

I needed restoration!

I needed to be Godly seeded;

Pray more for what He had in store;

Bible read - and take heed;

Care for others who are my brothers;

Seek the Father who takes me farther.

I had to restore my desire;

Move away from Satan’s fire

And avoid his whispering voice.

I had a choice!

I had to give glory to the One who makes life transpire-

The God who gives me reason to aspire.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 7/30/2024

 

“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.” Ephesians 3:20 KJV