Morning Prayer

My Morning Prayer

 

O Lord,

You created me in your image.

I feel and reason,

But only You can change the season.

You wove my inward parts,

Then sent the Holy Spirit into my heart.

You made me limited in body,

But You have no limitations;

You rule the nations.

You made me Your living temple, but I am confined-

Only You can indwell 

Within every human body and cell.

My life is here for a term-

You, O Lord, always was, is now, and forever

Helping me with my endeavor.

I came to be when You molded me,

But You existed before and will always forever be.

I change in thought and time,

But You, O Lord, are constant, unchanging, steadfast-

The One I need first and last.

You created me, 

And I become weary, tired, and fearful,

But You are there to make me cheerful.

From Your creation, I grew into a sinful state

With ways and thoughts, so lowly,

While Yours are greater and holy.

I, O Lord, am just a common, living being,

But You are all-seeing.

Lord, I am only flesh-

You are Spirit, the joy of my soul,

And it is You who makes me whole. 

You made me to, one day, be gone in the blink of an eye,

But You will remain to govern the earth and the sky, 

By Your hand, I will be reborn to live again-

To dance across your rebuilt glenn.

I will praise Your Holy name in my rebirth, 

And rejoice to live upon Your restored earth.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/29/2025

“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above the earth.” Psalm 57;11 KJV 

Think on These Things

     I am sure God is very familiar with the term “delay” which is postponing Him. I believe we all do it; for instance: 

 

“God, wait just one moment. Let me review Facebook first.” This is not putting God first. That is delaying!

 

“God, I am really busy right now. I will talk with you when I go to bed.”  Then, I fall asleep in the middle of my conversation with Him. That is not putting God first. That is delaying too long!

 

“God, I really need to talk with You, and I will as soon as this movie or news broadcast goes off.” That is not putting God first! That is delaying!

 

     I really do not think God is pleased with “delaying”. We delay, then we whine about our unanswered prayers. 

Joint Adventure

     Life can be a joint adventure. Anyway, that is usually the way it is in our household. The question might be who does the most? Who labors more? Who is in control? 

     Any successful adventure needs to include the One Most High. Take for example the following: 

 

I plant the garden, but my husband waters it, but who makes it grow? 

 

On trips I drive halfway, and my husband drives the other half, but who gets us there safely? 

 

I cook, and my husband does the dishes, but who supplies the food? 

 

I dust, and my husband vacuums, but who puts the real joy into our home? 

 

I believe I found the answer in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. It is the joint-partner we hold tightly to in prayer and thanksgiving.

 

“I planted the seed, Apolios watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 

 

 

 

 

Love One Another

My “knee-jerk” reactions don’t always show how I prefer others to see me. I often wish I were slower in speech and action in order to consider what I want others to see in me. Is it:   

 

Rude or Polite

Unkind or Kind

Angry or Calm

Mad or Happy

Hurtful or Comforting

Ungrateful or Grateful

Unloving or Loving 

 

I only have to remember John 13:35 to know what needs to be instilled within.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples; if ye have love one to another.” 

 

What To Say

 What do I say to God when I awake to plan the day? 

If I can say "Your will - not mine,  Your timing- not mine, Your plans - not mine, Your way - not mine," then at the end of the day all will be right.

Insert "Me"

It helps me to make scripture more personal if I can sometimes take a scripture and insert “me” into it. Take the following, for instance: 

 

Psalm 67: 1 “God be gracious to us (me)  and bless us (me). And cause His  (Your) face to shine upon us (me). 

 

Or 

 

Psalm 67:3 “Let the Peoples (me) praise You, O God; Let all the peoples (me) praise You.”

Sweet Tea and Jesus

I’m a southern girl, so I like the quote” 

    “Raised on Sweet Tea 

         And Jesus”

I also like the summary given in my Sunday School lesson today which stated, “Christians possess confidence, light, love, and Jesus.” 

     What does this statement mean to me? It means that I have confidence that I belong to God because I believe in my Jesus. It means even as a sinner, I strive to walk in the Light, because God is Light. By walking in the Light, I strive to keep God’s laws in such a way that others see Him in me, and I love God and my fellow-man. 

     So, give me a whole lot of Jesus!

The Glory of God

The beauty of a sunset, a flowerbed in bloom, or something in nature excites us. Many snap a photo to share on Facebook, and I marvel at their glory. When I see these posts, I know that the majesty of them all comes from God. He is greater, more glorious, and the Ruler of all. 

 

As glorious as the stars and the rising and setting sun are, God is higher.

   “And the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.” Psalm 50;6

 

Jewels and diamonds have nothing on my Lord. 

     “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty: the Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength. Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.” Psalm 93:1

 

The excitement of catching a glimpse of racing wildlife or their slow grazing is nothing compared to my God.

     “For every beast of the forest is Mine.” The cattle on a thousand hills.”  Psalm 50:10

 

The birds in flight hold no comparison. He created and knows them all.

     “I know every bird of the mountains. And everything that moves in the field is Mine.” Psalm 50:11

 

When I consider the wonders of my God’s Almighty power, I must exclaim, 

“O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.” Psalm 51:15

 

The "Big" Baseball Game

I found one more humorous joke from scriptural events. The reason I chose this is because I have been watching the baseball world series. I am not usually into baseball, but my state team was playing. This was Big! However, they lost in the bottom of the 9^th last night. To say the least I was disappointed. 

      So, here’s to the baseball lover.

 

     It happened in the Big-inning. Eve stole first. Adam stole second. Cain struck out Abel. David struck out Goliath. Noah took a couple of bats, but was rained out. The Prodigal son took a home run.  

 

     The thing to remember is that there are always winners and losers. Even the loser can be a winner, and a winner can be a loser. It depends on how I choose to look at it. I might be “batting a hundred,” but if I do not have God in my life, I am certainly the loser. 

 

 

 

Prince Charming

I was raised with Prince Charming stories; those who came to rescue the damsel in distress like, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, and many more. I enjoyed reading all the fairy-tales.

     I was also raised with the Biblical story of Ruth. She was a damsel in distress. She left her hometown to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. They both had lost their husbands and were in need. Boaz was the Prince Charming who came to their rescue.

      There is a joke that asks, “What kind of man was Boaz before he got married? The answer was Ruth-less. 

     Actually, Boaz was a good guy. He was prosperous, kind and generous. He saw the need of the two women and provided. He also came to love Ruth and, as in the fairy-tales of old, they married and lived happily ever-after. However, this was no fairytale; it is a true-life story. Truth be told, Boaz was probably not a prince-charming to the full degree. He was just a man, like us, enduring but, yet, holding true to the promises of God. 

     The Bible was given to us as true-life events. It was given to show mankind how to live and who to look to for guidance, love, and direction. The writings are inspired to show how to be rescued. How to obtain our true needs. How to be saved and be able to live forever with the King on High. The true Prince is Jesus, who is the only begotten Son of God. 

     I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I believe in the death of Jesus on the cross to save anyone who will believe. And, I believe I will be rescued; taken up to live with God and His Son happily forevermore. 

 

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

     

Adam and Eve Short Version

I respect every scriptural reading, but I often enjoy good clean humor from what I have heard and read. I like to think in terms of what Sarah said in Genesis 21, “God hath made me to laugh…”

     Three humorous jokes I found about Adam and Eve follow. Although funny, if you know scripture, there is sadness in their disobedience just as there is in our disobedience today. 

 

How did Adam and Eve feel when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden? They were really put out.

 

What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? Your mother ate us out of house and home. 

 

What is one of the things that Adam and Eve did after they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden? They raised cain.

 

     The story of Adam and Eve can be found in Genesis. God created the first man, Adam, and placed him in the Garden of Eden. After that, God took a rib from Adam and created Eve as a helpmate. He gave them instructions not to eat of the fruit of just one tree of many in the Garden. Then along came the serpent, Satan, and deceived Eve into eating of the forbidden tree. She ate and then enticed Adam to do the same. When God asked what they had done and why? Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. God kicked them out of the Garden and told them to get a job; go work for a living. Afterward, they started a family. Cain was the firstborn, followed by Abel. Cain worked the field; Abel the sheep. Cain made an offering to God but his heart was not in it, so God did not approve or respect the offering. Abel made an offering out of love and desire, and God approved. It made Cain angry, so he killed his brother Abel. God then banished Cain to another place. 

 

     That is the short version, but does it sound familiar in terms of today? If so, be thankful for God’s grace and His plan of salvation through Jesus, his Son, because we do not deserve all His almighty blessings. 

 

To find more of my writings on humor view my Web page and look for 

  So! Whatever? and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Morgue 

  written by Mary Crisp and Charles Jones.

 

Through The Months

Every month "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1

Through The Months 

 

January hosts 31 days

When resolutions are just a phase

It can be weary,

Sometimes cheery.

February can be cold and dreary

Unless you look for a happy theory.

March creates winds of starch.

April brings a warming spell, so frail,

But it blows in Spring’s fling.

May finds children going out to play

While flowers pop up in early morning hours.

June is a month sublime

When the Clematis strives to bloom and climb.

July is usually dry,

But lovely butterflies still fly.

Summer has issued in 

And moisture drips from the skin.

August is sometimes filled with drought’s dust,

Or whatever prevails, you learn to adjust.

Then, there’s September

When the season begins to turn to fall,

And golden leaves come to call.

November is when all is dressed out for Thanksgiving

And blessings being given for healthy living.

December ends in a winter’s year

With coming months unclear.

Lights are all aglow

With thoughts of coming snow

And of new resolutions intending to make

And then to break.

Twelve months have come and gone

With God’s control in every dawn.

I will praise Him through the months He brought;

The months I got;

The months that change,

For He does not.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/16/2025 

 

“And God said, ‘’Let there be light 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 

 

My Salvation -A Personal Story

I am going to write something very personal this morning. It is about my salvation experience. 

     I was ten, but I had been attending church all my life. The day I decided, to give my life to Jesus was just a normal day. I was brough up to obey my parents, so I remember walking outside where Mother was washing clothes in an old wash pot. I asked her if I could join the church at our next Sunday service and she said it would be great. 

     As it happened, I was sitting with my parents when I decided to move during the invitation to go up-front. Mom had to tell Dad to step aside, because he was blocking my exit. 

     One other girl also accepted Christ that day, and I remember her well. I had my head bowed sitting on the front bench. She came down the aisle after me, and when she sit down, I looked up. She was grinning at me. I smiled back and then, again, bowed my head. 

     There were several who were baptized on the same day I was. I also remember that while others turned to the side when they entered the baptistry, I turned and looked to the front toward the crowd. 

     After the service, we simply went home as usual, but I felt different. I was excited and I knew I was new. I had been washed clean.

     Today, if someone asked me how I know I have Christ in my life, I would simply have to say, “The Holy Spirit lives within. I feel His joy, I feel when He leaps within my heart. I see the workings of God in my life. I have peace when I seek to follow God’s will. I carry a sadness and guilt when I disobey His Word. There is a movement within that makes me want to right the wrong, and a peaceful, calming assurance when I make all right. And I have a belief which no one can change, and that is, that Jesus died for me. He is my Living Breath!”

     There is also a song I adhere to, “Jesus Loves Me This I Know, For The Bible Tells Me So.”

     There is also one of the first verses in scripture I ever memorized, and it is this verse I must tell others about. It is the way to everlasting life.. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Consider

There are many “Considers” in scripture. I touch on just a few: 

 

Consider the generations long past

     How God cared for His people and gave them the nations

Consider what great things God has done

     How God has blessed

Consider the heavens

     Who created them and give God the glory

Consider all God’s works

     Meditate on them and praise Him

Consider the ways of the ant and be wise

     Work 

Consider what God has done

     How He makes straight the crooked

Consider the raven, they do not sow 

     God feeds them

Consider the wild flowers that do not labor or spin

     God clothes them in beauty 

Consider that we belong to God

     We are His children

Consider Christ who endured opposition 

     He endured it for all mankind

Consider how far you have fallen

     Repent and come to Jesus 

 

Consider and Praise

Psalm 8:3, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place…” I praise You!

 

Psalm 8:5, “You have made them (man/me) a little lower than the angels and crowned them (me) with glory and honor…” And, I give You all the praise and glory.

 

Psalm 8:6, “You made them (man/me) rulers over the works of your hands; You put everything under their (man’s) feet.”  I thank You for Your power to do all things under Your guidance, and I thank You for Your grace when I fail.

 

Psalm 8:9, “Lord, our (my) Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” Lord, You deserve all my honor, glory, thankfulness, and praise.

 

 

 

The Shadow

As I read my Daily Hope devotional which talked about walking through the Valley of the Shadow and looking to the Light, I was inspired to write the following.

 

The Shadow

 

Should I walk through the shadow of death,

There is still breath,

And I will not fear,

For God is there to steer.

Should I walk through the shadow of debt,

I can overcome the threat.

Through the shadow of conflict,

I will stand strong and not be licked.

In the shadow of depression,

There is still intercession.

When I walk through the shadow of dismay,

I will overcome when I pray.

In the shadow of what is unclear,

I know Jesus stands near.

Should I see a shadow looming

I know it is not all-consuming.

A shadow can disappear from my sight

When I look to the Light,

For He says, “Do not fear,

For I am near.”

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/11/2025

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 KJV 

 

 

 

 

 

Come-Take-Learn

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

 

I find three verbs of meaning within this scripture. Jesus says to Come-Take-Learn. These words are simple in definition, but within this scripture they have a powerful meaning.

 

It is really simple to come to Jesus. When I come to Him in prayer and thanksgiving, He has the power to solve my problems and relieve my burdens. I just need to release them to Him. 

 

When I take up my yoke and share it with the Lord, He carries the main load. We move together as one and in the same direction.

 

When I begin to learn about Jesus and His loving ways, my burdens are lifted; they become lighter and life is easier and more restful.

Naked

I was born to this world and clothed by my parents, but I was clothed in righteousness when I was reborn by accepting Jesus. My earthly deeds had meaning, but when I leave this world and meet my Savior face to face, I will take nothing with me.  

 

Naked

 

Naked, I came in birth. 

Naked, I died to this world,

What was my worth? 

What was seen in between?

Were my deeds full or lean? 

What did others glean?

Hopefully, a life washed clean!

 

Naked I came.

Naked I left.

What was my gain?

What did I leave undone?

What was my sum?

How was my life’s run?

Hopefully, others saw my love for the Son! 

 

Naked I was born.

Naked I died. 

Coming quickly is my reward?

I will be clothed and restored.

I will be adorned;

Made one with my Lord.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  6/6/2025

 

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12 

 

 

 

 

 

Never Alone

It is always a comfort knowing I am never alone because I know I have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always with me. 

Jesus is There 

 

No matter what…

When I cannot see ahead

Or where I must tread,

Jesus is there!

 

When I simply cannot conform

And must weather the storm,

Jesus is there!

 

When I stand alone

And groan,

Jesus is there!

 

When I am in grief,  

I find relief.

Jesus is there!

 

No matter what…

 When I walk through the day, 

I find a way.

‘Cause Jesus is there!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/6/2025  

 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God; to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 

The Manual of Life

When I have to assemble a product, I read the instructions first. That is not the way some folks do it, however. They try to assemble the product and when all else fails, they read the manual.

    On another note, I have a family member who often calls and says, “There is something wrong with ‘such and such’ appliance.” I usually response with, “Have you pulled the manual?” 

     I thought of these issues when I read my Daily Hope devotional this morning.  In it was the following: 

 

“The Bible is the owner’s manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be.” 

My morning words of advice: Read the Manual! Follow the Writer's instructions! 

 

Joshua 1:8 NIV  "Keep this Book of the law always on your lips; meditate of it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." 

The Prince

Growing up, I enjoyed fairy tale stories. They usually started with “Once Upon A Time…”  This morning, I decided to create my own story placing myself as the main character and comparing it with the real Prince of Peace. 

 

Once upon a time, I was a Prince. From the beginning of my days, I was constantly beside my father. We did everything together, hand-in-hand. My home was elaborate and beautiful. All my needs and much more were provided. I was well protected and did not have to live among people who lied, cheated, murdered, and stole.

     Then one day, my father said, “My son, I want you to set aside your crown, riches, and princely ways and go out from this protected home and environment to live among those evil people you watch, from upon this hill, every day. I want you to go out, meet them, and teach them the right way to live.”

      “What! No way!” was my response. “I am not giving up my wealth. Have you lost your mind?” was my final question.

     My father just looked at me with firmness and pushed me out the door. 

     I stood there crying, feeling abandoned. What just happened? I did not want to live with these evil, disobedient people. I wanted my luxury. They surely would not listen to what I had to tell them. I was feeling…well, really, I did not know all my feelings or emotions. My father had just told me to do something I had no desire to do. I thought my father had completely lost his mind, and I would just sit on his doorstep and cry, groan, and disobey his instructions until he decided he was wrong or until a beautiful Princess came along to rescue me. 

     I could continue this story and make up some “happy ending” but I am just one of those sinful people who the true Prince of Peace came willingly to rescue. 

     The true Prince of Peace, Jesus, lovingly obeyed His Father. He left his home and Father willingly. He came bringing love to those doing wrong. He walked among the people and provided healing and teaching.  

     If my father had said, “Now it is time. Get upon that cross and let people hammer nails into your hands to save these wretched people,” I would have said “No!” 

     Jesus did not say “No!” He did it of His own free will. He did the will of His Father, and by doing so, I am saved!

     

 

Left Behind One Day

I have been reading the Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye, and I was inspired to write the following:  

Left Behind One Day 

One day, I’ll fly away.

I do not know the hour or the day.

I will simply be gone.

It could happen day, night, or at the breaking of dawn.

Who will go with me,

When, from this life, I am set free? 

In the twinkling of an eye

I’ll disappear without a moment to say good-bye. 

I’ll be quickly taken,

But the left-behind will be shaken. 

They will live and stay

Through days that are grey.

Their circle will not be complete;

Some friends and family will not be there to greet.

One day God’s people will be taken away

In the twinkling of the day.

One day there will be joy in raptured men

But those left will find gloom and mayhem.  

Who will fly away with me when Jesus calls?

Who will, that day, enter His walls? 

Who will go and who will stay?

Who will be left-behind to find their way? 

Oh! Turn to Jesus, I plea,

And go with me.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/1/2025

 

“…So shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”  Matthew 24: 39b-42 KJV

 

 

Lord, I Pray!

Lord, 

 

          You know my life, because You created it. 

          You know my worries and how I feel.

          You know what I think and what I long for.

          You know what I lack, my failures, and my desires.

          You know my needs even when I don’t.

 

     I pray to place my worries in your hands. 

     I pray to replace my stinking thinking with Your holy thinking. 

     I pray that my desires will be Your desires.    

     I pray forgiveness over my sins and failures. 

     I pray to trust you with my needs. 

     I pray for protection by Your almighty All-Knowing. 

     I thank You and praise Your Holy Name!

                                              Amen!

Choose

One of my devotionals this morning talked about love and how “Jesus spent his life around people in homes, in the marketplace, in the temple, in the country, on the sea, and on the road, and He loved people wherever He met them, just as they were.”

     This got me to thinking about everyday life. I meet people everywhere and sometimes even have to deal with occasional mishaps, but it is up to me to make choices on how I react.   

 

Do I: 

 Choose to accept others just as they are and show love

 Choose to forgive offenses and show grace 

 Choose to accept unchangeable mishaps and laugh instead of cry

 Choose to see the positive instead of the negative 

 Choose to smile instead of frown

 Choose good over evil

 Choose God’s way over Satan’s way 

 

Having said all this, I remember a quote often said which is actually taken from Joshua 24.

 

“Choose you this day whom you will serve,

but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” 

 

 

 

In Need Of Prayer

Life gives me opportunities, if I take the time to look for them. Just this week I discovered at least 2 if not more. 

     I was busy and had projects at home I wanted to do, but I also needed to meet with an advisor. I really did not want to make the drive and could have initialed it by a phone call from home, but I do believe the best results are gained by face-to-face contact. During the visit we both took time sharing personal information. He did not say as much, but his family stories and life told me he was a Christian. What was most important was that his wife struggled with an illness. This is my main point. Because I listened, I picked up the fact that here was a lady who needed prayers. I Could Do That! 

     The next day I wanted to stay at home and do “my thing,” but I also felt the need to support a family member who was committed to helping a friend with a “minor medical” procedure which did not turn out to be so minor. Instead of a few hours in the hospital, it turned into an all-day process. Also, we had to deal with unexpected car issues. Without telling the whole story, the one having the procedure stated, “I am scared.”  It was then I realized that, here again, this was someone that needed prayers.  

     Life can be busy- life can get hectic---but there is always someone who needs prayers.  I just have to take the time and look for them. It can be a part of "running the race that is set before us (me)."  

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1 KJV 

Tempted

I am tempted everyday. Jesus understands the tempting because He was tempted too. Yet, He resisted!

The Tempting 

 

Forty days and forty nights-

Living in barren sights.

No human voice around-

No vocal sound-

Until Satan passed His way;

A tempter coming to Jesus that day.

 

Satan said, 

“Turn these stones to bread.”

Jesus’s stomach must have rolled, and He was probably cold.

He was tempted cause his stomach was empty.

But Jesus spoke, “Man does not live on bread alone,

But on the Word of God, not food from a stone.”

He did not play Satan’s game.

I wonder if I could have done the same.

 

Satan then took Jesus to the temple’s highest point,

And said, 

“Jump! Prove the angels will protect every limb and joint.”

Jesus shook His head;

Held God’s Word to His breast and did not put His Father to the test.

Yet, Satan was not done. He was having fun.

 

The Tempter led Jesus to the top of the highest mount 

And promised Kingdoms of splendor-more riches than He could count. 

Jesus was not enticed at what was priced.

 

Hunger did not get to Jesus.

He was not like us.

Satan’s testing was ignored. 

Jesus used God’s Word as His sword. 

Riches did not entice my Christ.

He did not play Satan’s game.

I wonder if I could have done the same.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/27/2025 

 

“Jesus answered him, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” … “Away from me, Satan! For It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:7, 10 NIV 

Road Signs

When I learned to drive, I had to know the road signs. Stop and Yield, as well as, Dead End, and Do Not Enter are important driving communication tools offering safe driving warnings. 
     As I continually study and learn about God, I find He gives me road signs too, and it is for my safety that I observe them. Because of my human weakness, stubbornness, or even self-centeredness, the visual signs on the highway are much easier to follow than the silent road signs given by God. It is up to me not only to study scripture but to stay in willing communication with God in order to know the signs set before me by God.  Just as in driving, I need to heed God’s warnings, especially when He tells me to Stop, to Yield, to Turn Around, and Do Not Enter. On the other hand, I also have to listen for when He says, “Go Forth,” and I need to be ready

Not My Job!

I don’t know how many times I have heard people say, “That’s not my job!” In all honesty I have said it, as well. The question is that if it is not my job, whose is it, and what is my job?  

     In the office place, I could have answered it pretty quickly, but what about in the frailty of everyday living. Take worry, for instant! I have to remind myself often that “it is not my job” to worry, and I need to be told “it is not my job.” Let me summarize.

 

     Worry—I might thing it is my job, but “it is not my job.”

     Whose job is it? God’s

     What is my job? My job is to pray; make my request and be thankful. 

     What’s in it for me? My reward? By letting God do His job and me performing mine, my reward is the peace of God. 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 answers all my questions. 

      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

 

Holy, Holy, Holy!

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…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.” 

God’s love for me is so great He gave me a pathway to eternal life, so why would I ever think to use His name in vain but rather to praise and uplift His Holy name!

My Lord,

I uplift your Holy name;

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, 

You’re the same.

Holy, Holy, Holy are You!

Almighty through and through.

You are “I Am”, 

“He That Is”; 

Yahweh-

The God to whom I pray!

You are the God who sees all: 

El Shaddai-

The One who lives on high;

The God whom I trust;

The God who is just.

You are the Prince of Peace

Whose power will never cease.

You are Alpha and Omega-

The Beginning and the End-

You are my Friend!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/24/2025

 

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.” Psalm 8:9 KJV

 

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee.” Psalm 9:10a