The Games of Life

The Games of Life 

 

I don’t believe I will ever get tired of trying to play the game of life, whether recreational, social, or work. As in any game, I find myself being competitive, enjoying being a winner at times. 

     In real life, I might say that I have played Checkers- having left the checkered past of my youth behind when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. But, as in Checkers, my moves often take me in the wrong direction, and I am captured either in Satan’s trap or blocked by my King who trumps and changes my direction.

     I have found that I need to let the Dominos fall, letting God’s will take over. I have also learned that, as in the fall of dominos, there is a chain reaction to thoughts and actions. My moves can have a cause and effect, hopefully a positive rather than a negative one.

     I never learned Chess where the players are either black or white. Nothing has ever seemed all that clear except that Christ is my Savior and I depend on Him. 

     Pitch is a card game I played a few times with my parents. I loved it! It is usually played with partners, each helping the other out to make the player’s bid and become the winner. Even in life, we need helpers ; a communication outlet. Of course, my greatest Helper is God, but He does place people in my life to encourage and guide. Should I gain a blessing, I need to pitch it forward, as well.

     In the end, I must say that life is really exciting when success jumps out at me, and I can shout, Bingo! In other words, “Praise to my Lord for His blessings.”

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." 

Proverbs 17:22 NIV 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith

The way I would describe my faith is total belief in God and in the way He works for good in my life. My faith gives me hope, peace, and joy because faith assures me that God is walking with me.  I developed my faith over time, but it began when I accepted the Truth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16) 

 

Faith

 

In the days of my troubles, God is there.

I have faith!

It is far more precious than gold.

Faith in God keeps me whole!

         By faith, I honor God’s name,

        And, His promises, I claim.

In the hour of trials, God stands near.

I rejoice in faith!

God’s my assurance;

My life’s insurance.

By faith, I give God devotion,

For He puts all things in motion.

In hard times, God gives strength.

He makes me rich through faith!

It’s my gold dust;

Because, in God, I trust! 

By faith God takes me to a greater height,

For He is my Light!

In the testing by fire, God brings me through.

I praise Him in faith!

I give Him honor and glory

And thank Him for my on-going story.

 

                Mary Crisp Jameson 9/29/2024

 

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 

1 Peter 1:8 NIV

  

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

Humble

There is a fun song, It’s Hard to Be Humble, written by Mac Davis. It goes something like: 

 

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord It's hard to be humble,
But I'm doing the best that I can

 

When I thought of being humble, this song came to mind, but I also thought, more seriously, about how I am instructed to be meek and humble. I am to think more of others and less of myself. Jesus gave many examples of being humble. 

 

Jesus humbled Himself when He, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, left His heavenly throne to come to earth and be born in a stable. 

Jesus humbled Himself by becoming a simply carpenter’s son who never took on an earthly title.

Jesus humbled Himself when He washed the feet of His disciples.

Jesus humbled Himself by being obedient to death-even death on the cross.

 

A few instructions good for me to remember and be encouraged by are:     

 

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

“And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him…”  2 Chronicles 12:12a

“Better to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God …humbleness of mind…” Colossians 3:12 

I end with, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble, but to be humble is my desire. I want to follow Your example. I want to be humble in Your sight. I want to be humble when I fall at the feet of my Savior."

A Story To Tell ...

I grew up singing the song, “We’ve A Story To Tell To The Nations,” written by H. Ernest Nichol.  I love the lyrics about “Turing hearts to the right-A story of truth and mercy- A story of peace and light…”

     Part of “my story to tell” is both doing and showing…

 

S ong in my heart

T elling others of Jesus’s love

O pen my heart to Jesus

R esting in my Lord

Y ears of joy with God

God is Faithful!

When I live by my own feelings instead of faith, I find life hard. I must remember that if I am rejected, God loves. If I feel lost, I have a Shepherd, If I feel lonely, I have a constant companion.

 

If my heart is troubled, am I living by faith?

  “Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.” 

 

If I don’t know which direction to take, am I living by trust?

   “And Jesus said, I am the way…”

 

If I walk my desired path, am I committed?

   “For we walk by faith not by sight.”

 

If I feel troubled and doubtful where do I turn?  

   “The Lord is good, a stronghold to the day of trouble. And He knows those who take refuge in Him."  

 

I simply cannot let circumstance determine my attitude in life. God is faithful!

 

What Christ Did

What Christ Did 

 

He descended and befriended 

He taught what His Father thought

He was tempted and enticed but remained a sinless Christ

He came to save, and He gave

He came to die for you and I

He died, was laid in the grave, and arose to save

He awoke to forgive my sinful yolk

He ascended as intended

He will come again and establish His earthly reign

                Mary Crisp Jameson 9/25/2024

 

“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more aboundantly.” John 10:10b KJV

 

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3 KJV 

 

 

Will I?

“Will I”? is a question but the answer comes by choice. 

 

Will

I

Live

Light

 

God is Light so how do I live light? 

 

Will I put God first? 

Will I pray?

Will I be kind?

Will I forgive?

Will I do good?

Will I praise God? 

Will I be positive? 

Will I read scripture?

Will I live God’s purpose?

Will I choose Light over darkness?

 

“Will I…”?

 

The Fist

There are rewards to the phrase "Let Go and Let God." God is faithful and will carry us through our troubles. Although we may not understand how it will be accomplished, we can trust Him! He cares!

The Fist  

My fist was clinched-my skin pinched.

My fingers held tight as if to fight.

Nothing said would make me let go;

This was my burden-my foe.

I was told, 

“You’re being held back by Satan’s attack;

God will work if willing to give it up;

Release it and let Him fill your cup.

Open your fingers, one by one and rely on the Son.”

I knew I should let go my hold and let new life unfold.

I had to open my fist-

Let my burden and sin disappear from my midst.

I took a deep breath!

If I let it go, I felt there’d be a sudden death.

But I knew I could, if only I would. 

One by one, I opened the fingers clutching my fist.

It was worth the risk.

With palms opened wide, I took pride;

I felt the mighty hand of God by my side.

With palms opened wide, I felt my slavery flee;

I felt free!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/24/2024

 

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV

 

Pray Non-stop

I am so thankful that I have an open line to my Father at all times. He sees me! He hears me! He loves me! And He tells me to talk with Him without ceasing.  

Pray Non-stop

 Pray without ceasing or delay;

God wants to know what you have to say. 

Tell it to the King-

Anytime, anywhere, about everything.

Whatever occurs, God’s ear is yours.

Be not burdened about how or what to say.

Just pray! 

Talk with Him like a friend.

God will comprehend.

Talk nonstop-

Tell Him what you think as you shop;

Share your thoughts as you drive;

Chat with Him at places you arrive.

He is there wherever you walk,

So just talk!

Never cease!

And you’ll gain a more perfect peace.

There’s no need for an ending “Amen”.

Just talk though the day, now and then.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/22/2024

 

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV 

The Message to Call

When I woke this morning, the first thing I did was pick up my phone to see if I had any text messages. Whaat I was missing was the first message of the day. It did not come in the way of a text. It did not come on my phone. It was the quiet voice of God saying, "Call Me!"

The Message To Call 

 

Call Me!

From home, work, or the shopping mall.

There is no phone needed;

Your voice is never left unheeded.

Nothing is stored in the cloud;

I hear immediately, your voice loud.

I am available all the time,

And never offline.

I wait 24/7

With no electric needed to break through to heaven.

I hear every call and visit made

That you have prayed.

You need no machine or fax;

The call is free with no tax-

There is no charge or interest rate.

I wait!

Please don’t ignore Me until too late.

 

Signed: God

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/21/2024 

 

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” Psalm 139:7 

Dirty vs Clean

^{My husband has been telling me for the past several days that the windows needed cleaning, so I decided to clean them while he was away this morning. I waited all day to hear his comment of praise on the clean windows. Needless to say, he never noticed until I pointed them out.
     Is that the way life works? The dirty is seen and talked about, but the clean ignored? I really don't think so. The clean wins out. It's in the self-knowing!}

     ^{Also, I agree with Hannah when she said in Genesis 16, I have a "God who sees me."  And again, in Psalm 121 which states, "The Lord watches over your coming and going." It is all seen.}

In The Beginning

 I have had many beginnings in life, work, service, and other events. They are all events that have made me what I am. I rejoice in all my beginnings, alhough I have had to depend on others with each one. There has always been God, my creator and maker. There has been a Mom who wanted me, who nourished me, and who taught me. There have been others on the job and other places who trained me. For all of this I am so very grateful.

In The Beginning

In the beginning, 

   I was just a seed in need of living breath.

Soon,

   I begin to breathe, looking forward to when I would teethe

Next,  

   came an infant squalling and bawling, not yet crawling.

As a child,

   I observed wonders that boggle the mind; I was blind.

Before

   I became of age, sin took center stage

Until,

   I found Good News, a victory when I accepted Godly views.

In the beginning,

   there was me in Mom; my life in her palm.

I was 

   dependent but a living child only wanting to grow, laugh, and smile.

Mom 

   Was to be my caretaken as declared by my Maker.

In the beginning,

   there was breath, life, a sinning, and then a winning.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/20/2024 

 

“In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Hebrews 1:10 NIV 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Story To Tell

I am not good at telling stories, but God gave me a story to tell. It is not a fairytale, but a true event that really happened. The end sounds sad but, in reality, the ending is all about love. As I think about it, the story if not true could be made into a fairytale of how a Prince came to save me, a lowly ugly duckling, who He turned into a beautiful living soul. 

A Story To Tell 

 

Come and sit a spell

And listen to what I have to tell.

You’ll be amazed and dazed

With this story

Of a King reigning in glory.

It’s not a story where people die for the King,

Or where the people must bow and kiss his ring.

This is a story of a King coming to die for the masses;

All people -all classes.

This is a story of a King who puts His people first;

A King who comes to quinch their thirst.

The story I have to tell

Is one about heaven and hell;

One of a King coming to give his people hope;

To offer assurance as they cope.

My story is of a King who left his throne

To put the people’s good above His own.

It sounds like a fairytale

Until I get to where the people hammered the nail.

Those He came to save

Put Him in the grave,

But they could not keep Him there.

He arose to forgive, love and care.

He arose, His people’s cross, to bear. 

The people He came to save hammered the nails,

But His love prevails.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/19/2024

 

“He that spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” Romans 8:32 KJV 

A Lamp and A Light

 I remember memorizing verses in GA's growing up. One of my favorites was found in Psalm 119:105; "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  
     If I had to describe God's word, it would be that His Word guides me; it directs my path and lights my life. In any situation, I have God's word to tell me how to think, act, and do.  

     I envision a large beam shining all around me, but yet as I focus on His Word, the beam narrows ever so small toward the right path to follow.  

God Speaks

Nothing makes me happier than when I feel God's presence and when my heart leaps for joy because He is with me. So many times I long to pick up the phone and call but that is not the way God works; that is not the way God communicates with me. I have to find a quiet place to talk with Him in order to hear Him, and I know He listens. 

God Speaks

 

Come, and sat a while, my child.

Talk with me.

Let’s start!

Tell me what is on your heart.

As you draw near, I will hear.

Share, with me, your concern and care?

Tell me what sets your heart on fire?

Tell me your desire!

I want to hear you speak your thoughts;

What you are about and your doubt,

For I can direct your route. 

I am with you all the day long,

So, share your sorrow, your troubles, your song.

I want to hear, comfort, and cheer.

Come to me so troubling thoughts will flee.

Come to me on fallen knee.

I listen as your tears glisten.

Embrace my presence and strength,

For I do not hold you at arm’s length.

As you enter my kingly space,

I hold you in the glory of my embrace.

I can release your woes and fear,

Because I love and hear.

Come to me, my child!

Let us talk a while.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson – 9/14/2024 

 

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14

 

 

 

 

 

One Another

I need people! I believe God intended for me to be among people and to love them. They are placed in my life for a reason. God also gave a command I am to obey, and He gave me instructions on how to do that.  

 

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have you so you must love one another.”  John 13: 34 

 

I have found many scriptures telling me what goes with loving others. Some are listed below: 

 

“…show mercy and compassion to one another.” Zechariah 7:9

“…honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

“Live in harmony with one another…” Romans 12:16

“Accept one another…” Romans 15:7 

“…instruct one another.” Romans 15:14 

“Greet one another…” Romans 16:16

“…encourage one another.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

“…serve one another…” Galatians 5:13 

“…bear with one another…” Ephesians 4:2

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Ephesians 4:32

“Submit to one another…” Ephesians 5:21

“…have the same mindset as Christ with one another…” Philippians 2:5

“…forgive one another…” Colossians 3:13

“…admonish one another with wisdom…” Colossians 3:16 

“Offer hospitality to one another…” 1 Peter 4:9

“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” 1 Peter 5:5 

 

Then, there are some do nots…

“Do not slander one another…” James 4:11

“Do not grumble against one another…” James 5:9

 

All of the above should be easy, but as a weak sinful person, it takes a lot of thoughtful, mindset energy. Therefore, being loving might be summed up as: 

 Living

 On

 Victorious 

 Energy                 

 

Exercise

Whether walking or doing a more extensive activity, exercise is important in order to keep my body active and moving. It is a key tool! 

     Keeping my mind active is also a key tool to staying alert. Therefore, I read, attempt Sudoko, color, and do other puzzle activities. 

     However, the most important key tool to use daily for a good active lifestyle is my exercise of faith; it helps me mature spiritually. My exercise of faith keeps me motivated and gives me strength. It feels good to hear the quiet whisper, "Yes, you can, because I am here!" 

Hebrews 13:5b "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

Soul Food

I was raised on “good ole soul food.” I cannot go many days without my peas, potatoes, and turnip greens which are all brought together by a large slice of onion and cornbread. Junk food is desired occasionally, but it just will not sustain me.

     It is the same with my spiritual “soul food.” I need God in my life, but to sustain me I need His Word, as well. I have to take up my Bible; read it, study it, memorize it, and apply it. 

     That being said, my Bible study begins today, after having a summer break, and I am excited to once again delve more deeply into God’s word. 

Walk Away

When is it time to walk away? When do I make that call? Leave behind the ones who pull me down! Leave behind what keeps me from receiving God's blessings! 

Walk Away 

 

One glad minute before this day is o’er

I’ll walk away;

Away...will be my happy chore.

I’ll walk away from gossip spread around,

Where I’ll be hate-free bound,

 

One glad minute before this day is o’er

I’ll walk away;

Away…when I open another door.

I’ll walk away from those who disrespect,

Where I’ll just try, in love, to connect.

 

One glad minute before this day is o’er

I’ll walk away;

Away…where I can soar.

I’ll walk away from Satan’s view,

Where I’ll rejoice in the One who made me new.

 

Just a few more minutes and another day

And I’ll walk away.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/9/2024

 

“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” Proverbs 9:11 NIV 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare

 I am taking Ezekiel 1:7 out of context here, but if I only look at the 1st part, "Get ready;  be prepared" and use it to apply to myself, I find instruction, as well. For me, it is saying: 

"Prepare; Prepare Yourself."
To do that, 

I cannot leave my Bible on the shelf.

Understanding

 One of my devotionals this morning pointed out a saying I do not remember reading before. "Seek to understand before you seek to be understood."  Actually that is just a good interpretation of Philippians 2:3b-4, "...Value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of the others." 
     This reminds me of people who are always grumpy. It is my place to consider what is behind it. Are they a happy soul? Rather than me taking offense, which is my nature to do, I should, instead, consider their need and return to them a happy reply or smile. I may never know what is going on in their lives, but it is my place to be cheerful toward them. 

Weary

Life has its ups and downs; its cycles of life; some good, some bad.  I rejoice because I live in the midst of a godly world. I complain, “Woe is me,” because I live in the midst of an ungodly world. Yet, even in my weariness and the “woe is me” moments, I have endurance because I God. 

Weary 

 In life’s weariness

I am:

Willing through Your instilling,

Earnest though tarnished,

Able and stable,

Ready and steady,

Yearning and still learning.

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/5/2024 

 

“Woe to me…” Psalm 120:5a

 

Fall in the Air

I just saw a friend post which stated, “The ber months have arrived! September, October, November, and December.” She was looking forward to fall. Actually, I have seen quite a few posts where my friends are looking forward to fall. With fall upon us, the geese are changing locations, birds are migrating, leaves will soon be changing colors, and mums are bursting open in color. There is a fresh fall smell in the air!

     I can honestly say that it is exciting to have something to look forward to, and with God in my heart, there is always something to look forward to. 

     God not only sends different seasons - a change of pace with weather change- but He sends me peace, joy, and hope. 

Faith vs Doubt

I have complete faith in knowing that Jesus is my Savior. However, faith does not stop there. Faith is knowing, without a doubt, that God is in control of all in my life. In my human frail state, I often allow faith to wavier, but why? 

Faith

 

Faith is the certainty of things hoped for;

A proof of things not seen! 

Oh, to know what is in store-

Before doubt creeps in -

Before the wayward sin;

But faith wavers 

When we see no Godly favors.

Pride is applied-

Doubt becomes the guide. 

There’s unblinking, human thinking,

Daily dealings and feelings,

Setbacks to the max;

All which hinder faith

And the listening to what God has saith.

Like the ocean’s ebb and flow;

Like the back and forth of the wind that doth blow;

Like the to and fro of life;

We only see the strife.

Oh, where is the constancy of faith?

The staying power before we cower?

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 9/1/2024 

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV