This jewel might step on some toes so if I offend you, you must have needed it :) A few weeks ago I was having a really hard time with my emotions. I will confess to you that I’m guilty of not letting people know when I need someone. It makes me feel weak and maybe a bit embarrassed so apparently it’s a pride issue. It also goes against the very advice I give others that they need to reach out when they need a person to talk to. So here I was feeling pretty down and needing a friend. I finally decided I would put my pride aside and call someone. I made the first call and got voice mail. I decided to leave a message and even though I felt pathetic I said “I really need a friend, emphasis on need, and again need you to call me back so we can get together.” I took a deep breath, waited a little while and then decided to call another friend. Same thing, voice mail. I left yet another cry for help message that I needed a call back. I’m sorry to say that neither one of these friends called me back that day. It was actually days later before I got a return call. Too little too late.
I was so upset with the Lord because I blamed Him that no one called me back. I had a hissy fit and let him know that I understand He wants me to carry all my burdens to Him but sometimes I NEED a person with skin on to talk to and maybe even give me a hug. I had my tantrum and then before I went to sleep I told the Lord I was sorry and prayed that He would send me someone to talk to. The next morning the phone rang and God in deed answered my prayer. You never know how He’s going to do things. It was no one I would have expected actually it was a woman I had only met one time before and she told me the Holy Spirit told her to call me. We had a mutual friend and that’s how she got my number. She came to the house and we ministered to each other and I was so thankful to my sweet Jesus for taking care of me.
Weeks later I was getting ready to go somewhere and the Holy Spirit said to me “do you remember the night you were so upset with me because you couldn’t find a friend?” I said “yes.” He then went on to tell me that we have become a very self centered people. That we are so wrapped up in our own lives we don’t take time for the hurting people around us. He told me that we have become so selfish that we don’t take the opportunities God gives us to be Jesus for someone. That He sometimes drops an opportunity right into our lap to serve Him and we still don’t do it. He told me that’s what happened that night; He dropped me right into two people’s lives and gave them an opportunity to minister for Him. They didn’t even have to look for someone He provided the situation all they had to do was respond. The Holy Spirit said He was just as grieved as I was that neither one returned my call and He didn’t appreciate me blaming God for it.
Well I just stood there for a moment speechless. When I finally got the nerve to speak I asked the Lord to forgive me for not assuming the best of Him and for blaming Him.
I wondered how many times the Lord dropped someone in my lap and I missed it. How many times did I walk right by someone that was crying out for help and I didn’t hear them because I was too self absorbed.
We call ourselves Christians but do we really know what that means. Dictionary.com Christian definition: exhibiting a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ; Christlike.
There was an email that went around a long time ago. It asked if it were a crime to be a Christian and you were taken to court would there be enough evidence to convict you? I pray that if I have to stand before a judge and jury there will be more than circumstantial evidence to convict me of being a Christian.
The Christian walk is all about serving and loving. Jesus said it was the second most important commandment, that we love one another. It is impossible to love someone else if you’re completely absorbed in yourself.
1 Corinthians 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24 Amplified Bible Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but (rather) each one of the other let him seek the welfare of his neighbor.
Philippians 2:4, 21 each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. For everyone looks out for his own interest, not those of Jesus Christ.
There’s a story in Mark 2 about a paralytic man, his four friends cared so much for him and wanted him healed that they carried him on his mat to the house where Jesus was. When they got there it was so crowded they couldn’t get to Jesus so they cut a hole in the roof and lowered him down, can you believe that! Jesus saw their faith and healed him. The story doesn’t say how far a walk it was or how hard it must have been to carry the friend on the mat onto the roof without dropping him. It doesn’t say how long it took to dig the hole in the roof or how tired their arms were but it goes without saying that these were not selfish men.
Self centered and Christian should never be in the same sentence. Let’s all make an effort to exhibit a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ and bring back the true definition of a Christian.
Gena’s Jewels
Gena's Jewels Keeper of The Testimony available on Amazon
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Four Wheelin
I had a dream the other night I want to share with you. I was driving a truck down a scenic road with woods on both sides. There were beautiful green trees and wild flowers growing effortlessly. I saw a dirt road to the right and was going to drive down it but the girl in the truck with me (I was alone in the truck) said “you can’t go down that road alone” and what once looked like a really cool road now looked scary to me. Then I was driving down the other side of the road and saw another cut out in the trees but this time I chose to take the detour. At first I was driving on hard dirt in the woods but gradually the ground became lose sand and eventually I went into a ditch. The wheels of the truck started to spin. I could see the whole scene as if I were looking at it from above. I was afraid that if I sunk too far in the sand I would be totally stuck. I got out of the truck grabbed the grill in front and pulled it out with my own hands. Again I’m watching from above and taking in the whole scene. Then I woke up.
The Holy Spirit told me the dream was an example of our life. We are all on a journey and for the most part we are on smooth pavement, on a road that someone else carved out so it’s pretty safe to just drive on auto pilot. You may hit an occasional pot hole here or there but for the most part no real danger exist. You don’t really need God on these roads so you feel secure in your own abilities. When you do come upon a side road/journey the people around you might tell you things like “you can’t go down that road alone it’s not safe.” The girl’s voice in my dream could have represented people or she could have been the voice in my own head that says I won’t make it. I think it was also interesting that it was a girl’s voice. What I mean is it was not the sound of a mature woman. At some point we need to stop having an adolescent relationship with the Lord, driving the safe roads others have traveled and grow up, pave out your own trail.
When we have everything in control we don’t need God, we don’t give Him an opportunity to show how majestic He is. I’m not saying you shouldn’t use good judgment or disregard wise counsel but I gotta tell you unless someone has done the giant leap of faith at some point in their life where is their reference point coming from? Are they using a 12 step program or have they experienced the true miracles of our living God.
Even if you take a road that ends up being a dead end and you have to turn around remember there is no detour or end of the road that will keep God’s plan from happening in your life.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
There are dirt roads waiting to be explored by you and the Lord and chances are you might get stuck but the beauty is If the Lord delights in a man’s way He makes his steps firm, though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
In the dream I got out of the truck and pulled it out of the sand with my own hands. Of course it wasn’t my strength that pulled out the truck it was God’s working through me. I had to give Him an opportunity to show me His strength.
To sum up the dream the Holy Spirit said to me “You don’t know if you can get out of something till you get in.” What a great quote, feel free to use it I’m sure He won’t mind.
So gems I’m hear to once again challenge you to go down one of those unpaved roads the Lord shows you.
Proverbs 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.
If you want to get stronger sometimes you have to take the road less travelled.
My advice, Jesus take the wheel, let’s go four wheelin!
Gena’s Jewels
The Holy Spirit told me the dream was an example of our life. We are all on a journey and for the most part we are on smooth pavement, on a road that someone else carved out so it’s pretty safe to just drive on auto pilot. You may hit an occasional pot hole here or there but for the most part no real danger exist. You don’t really need God on these roads so you feel secure in your own abilities. When you do come upon a side road/journey the people around you might tell you things like “you can’t go down that road alone it’s not safe.” The girl’s voice in my dream could have represented people or she could have been the voice in my own head that says I won’t make it. I think it was also interesting that it was a girl’s voice. What I mean is it was not the sound of a mature woman. At some point we need to stop having an adolescent relationship with the Lord, driving the safe roads others have traveled and grow up, pave out your own trail.
When we have everything in control we don’t need God, we don’t give Him an opportunity to show how majestic He is. I’m not saying you shouldn’t use good judgment or disregard wise counsel but I gotta tell you unless someone has done the giant leap of faith at some point in their life where is their reference point coming from? Are they using a 12 step program or have they experienced the true miracles of our living God.
Even if you take a road that ends up being a dead end and you have to turn around remember there is no detour or end of the road that will keep God’s plan from happening in your life.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
There are dirt roads waiting to be explored by you and the Lord and chances are you might get stuck but the beauty is If the Lord delights in a man’s way He makes his steps firm, though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
In the dream I got out of the truck and pulled it out of the sand with my own hands. Of course it wasn’t my strength that pulled out the truck it was God’s working through me. I had to give Him an opportunity to show me His strength.
To sum up the dream the Holy Spirit said to me “You don’t know if you can get out of something till you get in.” What a great quote, feel free to use it I’m sure He won’t mind.
So gems I’m hear to once again challenge you to go down one of those unpaved roads the Lord shows you.
Proverbs 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.
If you want to get stronger sometimes you have to take the road less travelled.
My advice, Jesus take the wheel, let’s go four wheelin!
Gena’s Jewels
Monday, August 17, 2009
Talking To My Dad
When I pray with a group people often comment that I’m a good prayer. That use to bother me. Sometimes I would try not to pray too long if I was with people who are not comfortable praying out loud because I didn’t want them to feel more uncomfortable. I would get embarrassed when someone commented on my praying because I never wanted anyone to compare me to themselves as prayer is not a competition. The thing is, I love to pray. Now when a comment is made I say “I’m just talking to my dad.”
I want to tell you that is a miracle in itself. I use to say I’m talking to my father because saying my dad would remind me of my earthly father and even saying those words didn’t seem natural.
I never quite understood when someone referred to God as their dad. I could see them saying Father, it’s in the Bible, but dad… A “Father” kept him at a safe distance for me.
The Catholics call their priest Father and in most cases the congregation does not have a personal relationship with him. The Bible says Father when referring to God which to me made him sound Holy and not really touchable.
Daddy on the other hand is a term of endearment. It’s what we say to our new babies before they speak hoping they will make the sound of dad. It’s what a toddler yells when their dad comes home from work “daddy’s home!” It’s a word that gives you a good feeling inside, the feeling of love. I did not have that feeling.
For me “dad” did not conjor up such fond memories. I did not have a bad relationship with my dad I didn’t’ have any. One of the things that bothered me the most in our relationship was never hearing my father say my name. Whenever he did speak to me he called me stupid, now one of my pet peeves.
We had a phone mounted on the kitchen wall, remember those days, and if one of my friends called and my father answered the phone he would just hang it up, never say a word just hang up. That’s how I knew the call was for me. He didn’t speak to me and at times I wanted him to talk to me so bad it hurt. When he did finally speak I would have to find a place to heal my wounds from his words. I don’t know what hurt more the silence or the words. I’m not trying to bash my father here or make you feel sorry for me I just want to explain why it was hard for me to think of God as my dad.
Over time the Lord has shown me how He has always been my dad and He has healed the wounds of my earthly father. Now when I pray I truly am just talking to my dad.
It’s exciting to tell Him everything that’s going on in my life. I know this sounds corny but sometimes I imagine I’m sitting on his lap and He has His arms around me. We are in a rocking chair of course because I love rocking chairs. Some times we are in the car or at a park or just hanging out in my room and I’m telling Him everything.
There are times the Lord wakes me up really early in the morning and my mind is full of thoughts. I know then the Holy Spirit is calling so He can talk to me. The best part is I’m the one who answers the Spirit phone and I never hang up. I will get a piece of paper and pen and write down what I’m thinking so I won’t forget what He says. That’s how this jewel happened. God woke me up about 5 a.m. and my head was filled with things to write about.
If you’re a parent you know there’s nothing sweeter than hearing your child say mommy or daddy. If you have never had a child you know how sweet it is to hear the one you love call your name with a smile in their voice. If you’re on your own for a long time it’s great to hear some one speak to you and say your name in the conversation. There is something magical that happens when we hear our name. I guess that’s why God had the Third Commandment be, do not to use the name of the Lord in vain. Our name is precious.
So I encourage you the next time your in a group or with just one person and you feel weird about praying out loud, remember your just talking to your dad and He loves the sound of your voice. If you’re praying with someone say their name out loud for them to hear.
There were times in the Bible when Jesus said He was talking out loud, not for His Father to hear but for the people around Him. We all need to know and hear someone praying for us.
Even on the cross Jesus prayed out loud for us Luke 23:34 Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. One of the last things Jesus said on the cross was Luke 23:46”Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
I would like to think in His heart He was saying Daddy I’m coming home! Don’t let praying out loud intimidate you, just say to yourself “I’m talking to my dad.”
Gena’s Jewels
I want to tell you that is a miracle in itself. I use to say I’m talking to my father because saying my dad would remind me of my earthly father and even saying those words didn’t seem natural.
I never quite understood when someone referred to God as their dad. I could see them saying Father, it’s in the Bible, but dad… A “Father” kept him at a safe distance for me.
The Catholics call their priest Father and in most cases the congregation does not have a personal relationship with him. The Bible says Father when referring to God which to me made him sound Holy and not really touchable.
Daddy on the other hand is a term of endearment. It’s what we say to our new babies before they speak hoping they will make the sound of dad. It’s what a toddler yells when their dad comes home from work “daddy’s home!” It’s a word that gives you a good feeling inside, the feeling of love. I did not have that feeling.
For me “dad” did not conjor up such fond memories. I did not have a bad relationship with my dad I didn’t’ have any. One of the things that bothered me the most in our relationship was never hearing my father say my name. Whenever he did speak to me he called me stupid, now one of my pet peeves.
We had a phone mounted on the kitchen wall, remember those days, and if one of my friends called and my father answered the phone he would just hang it up, never say a word just hang up. That’s how I knew the call was for me. He didn’t speak to me and at times I wanted him to talk to me so bad it hurt. When he did finally speak I would have to find a place to heal my wounds from his words. I don’t know what hurt more the silence or the words. I’m not trying to bash my father here or make you feel sorry for me I just want to explain why it was hard for me to think of God as my dad.
Over time the Lord has shown me how He has always been my dad and He has healed the wounds of my earthly father. Now when I pray I truly am just talking to my dad.
It’s exciting to tell Him everything that’s going on in my life. I know this sounds corny but sometimes I imagine I’m sitting on his lap and He has His arms around me. We are in a rocking chair of course because I love rocking chairs. Some times we are in the car or at a park or just hanging out in my room and I’m telling Him everything.
There are times the Lord wakes me up really early in the morning and my mind is full of thoughts. I know then the Holy Spirit is calling so He can talk to me. The best part is I’m the one who answers the Spirit phone and I never hang up. I will get a piece of paper and pen and write down what I’m thinking so I won’t forget what He says. That’s how this jewel happened. God woke me up about 5 a.m. and my head was filled with things to write about.
If you’re a parent you know there’s nothing sweeter than hearing your child say mommy or daddy. If you have never had a child you know how sweet it is to hear the one you love call your name with a smile in their voice. If you’re on your own for a long time it’s great to hear some one speak to you and say your name in the conversation. There is something magical that happens when we hear our name. I guess that’s why God had the Third Commandment be, do not to use the name of the Lord in vain. Our name is precious.
So I encourage you the next time your in a group or with just one person and you feel weird about praying out loud, remember your just talking to your dad and He loves the sound of your voice. If you’re praying with someone say their name out loud for them to hear.
There were times in the Bible when Jesus said He was talking out loud, not for His Father to hear but for the people around Him. We all need to know and hear someone praying for us.
Even on the cross Jesus prayed out loud for us Luke 23:34 Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. One of the last things Jesus said on the cross was Luke 23:46”Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
I would like to think in His heart He was saying Daddy I’m coming home! Don’t let praying out loud intimidate you, just say to yourself “I’m talking to my dad.”
Gena’s Jewels
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wind Beneath My Wings
I was reading Matthew 14 from the New International Version Bible. It’s a familiar story for most of you but for those who are not familiar here’s the Gena version. Jesus had just finished feeding thousands of people with 5 fish and 2 loaves of bread. You think that would be enough of a miracle but He tops that. They are all getting ready to leave and go to the other side of the lake. Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him in their boat; the Bible doesn’t mention anyone asking how He will catch up to them. The disciples are quite a ways out and a storm flares up. If you have ever been on a boat you know storms can come up out of no where and if you’re not a regular boat person like myself it can be quite scary. The disciples are freaking out so it must have been a pretty big storm and all of a sudden they see Jesus walking on the water towards them. The Bible says they saw Jesus and were terrified, they thought it was a ghost. Jesus assures them it’s Him and Peter says “if it really is you, tell me to come to you and I will.” Jesus tells him “come on” and Peter gets out of the boat and is walking on the water too. The story goes on to say that Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. Peter yells out “Lord save me” which of course Jesus did immediately and then He says to Peter “you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Now most times when you hear about this story there are two major points brought up. The first one is, there were 12 guys on the boat why did Jesus give Peter grief about his faith? At least Peter got out of the boat the rest of the disciples didn’t even do that.
The other point that is often talked about is the fact that Peter didn’t start to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus. These are both really good points but the thing that really hit me was in verse 30 “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me!”
This particular translation says he SAW the wind. Why do you think it says, saw? We can feel the wind or see things blowing around from the wind but we don’t see the wind.
A while ago I went with some friends to see a ship that was docked out in the water. I am not a boat person so in my mind I thought I would just be walking down a dock and onto the ship. Not the case… All four of us had to get in a blow up raft and motor out to the ship. The water was choppy and the wind was blowing and I gotta tell you it was God Himself that got me in that boat. When I tell people about this experience I never say “I saw the wind.”
This of course got me thinking and I came to the conclusion it wasn’t an accident it was written this way. When you decide to take a step in faith the following things may happen. First you know what God is asking you to do. He may have asked others too, but like the other disciples in the boat they may not be ready for the challenge, so you may have to go alone. Next you know you see Jesus in it and you are secure with the fact that He will catch you should you begin to sink. But what is it that actually makes you take your eyes off Jesus and start to sink? What do you see in the wind? What caused the doubt or fear?
Could it be people not understanding your walk and suggesting you may need a therapist :)? Is it your fear of the unknown? Are you afraid to fail? Could it be you start putting faith in your abilities and not God’s?
Like many of you I am seeking employment. Every company wants a copy of your resume so they can decide if you’re qualified for the job. If not you get one of those thanks but no thanks letters. The beauty of a Jesus job is the only qualification you need is to get out of the boat. God will always equip you with the rest.
I don’t know what you see when you look at the wind but I want to encourage you today, you’re not the only one who sees it. Seeing the “wind” is not the problem, it’s seeing only the wind that will cause you to stay put.
What did I see in the wind that day? My fear of deep water, fear of sharks, fear of not being a good swimmer, If I would have let fear control me I would have missed an awesome experience on the ship that day.
Don’t be afraid to see the wind, let it blow you on whatever course the Lord has for you. Even if you get off track the Lord will put you back on course. I don’t want to hear the Lord say to me “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” and I know you don’t either. Jesus truly is “The wind beneath your wings!” and He will immediately reach out His hand and catch you when you need Him.
Gena’s Jewels
Now most times when you hear about this story there are two major points brought up. The first one is, there were 12 guys on the boat why did Jesus give Peter grief about his faith? At least Peter got out of the boat the rest of the disciples didn’t even do that.
The other point that is often talked about is the fact that Peter didn’t start to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus. These are both really good points but the thing that really hit me was in verse 30 “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me!”
This particular translation says he SAW the wind. Why do you think it says, saw? We can feel the wind or see things blowing around from the wind but we don’t see the wind.
A while ago I went with some friends to see a ship that was docked out in the water. I am not a boat person so in my mind I thought I would just be walking down a dock and onto the ship. Not the case… All four of us had to get in a blow up raft and motor out to the ship. The water was choppy and the wind was blowing and I gotta tell you it was God Himself that got me in that boat. When I tell people about this experience I never say “I saw the wind.”
This of course got me thinking and I came to the conclusion it wasn’t an accident it was written this way. When you decide to take a step in faith the following things may happen. First you know what God is asking you to do. He may have asked others too, but like the other disciples in the boat they may not be ready for the challenge, so you may have to go alone. Next you know you see Jesus in it and you are secure with the fact that He will catch you should you begin to sink. But what is it that actually makes you take your eyes off Jesus and start to sink? What do you see in the wind? What caused the doubt or fear?
Could it be people not understanding your walk and suggesting you may need a therapist :)? Is it your fear of the unknown? Are you afraid to fail? Could it be you start putting faith in your abilities and not God’s?
Like many of you I am seeking employment. Every company wants a copy of your resume so they can decide if you’re qualified for the job. If not you get one of those thanks but no thanks letters. The beauty of a Jesus job is the only qualification you need is to get out of the boat. God will always equip you with the rest.
I don’t know what you see when you look at the wind but I want to encourage you today, you’re not the only one who sees it. Seeing the “wind” is not the problem, it’s seeing only the wind that will cause you to stay put.
What did I see in the wind that day? My fear of deep water, fear of sharks, fear of not being a good swimmer, If I would have let fear control me I would have missed an awesome experience on the ship that day.
Don’t be afraid to see the wind, let it blow you on whatever course the Lord has for you. Even if you get off track the Lord will put you back on course. I don’t want to hear the Lord say to me “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” and I know you don’t either. Jesus truly is “The wind beneath your wings!” and He will immediately reach out His hand and catch you when you need Him.
Gena’s Jewels
Monday, August 3, 2009
Walk INS Welcome
I had an embarrassing thing happen to me (again) it was a long time ago so apparently I’m consistent in this area. I had an appointment with a woman who was coming to my home in hopes of selling me something I didn’t need. Being in sales all my life I am a sucker for a fellow salesperson and on this particular day did not have the heart to just say no. The day of our appointment was a terrible day for me and the last thing I wanted to do was listen to this woman and her sales pitch for a product I didn’t need or want. The problem was it was too late to cancel so I was going with plan B. I left work early and headed for home. I was living in a duplex at the time so when I got home I yelled into the neighbors screen door, as we often did, and said “a woman is coming over to sell me something and I’m not going to answer the door so please don’t let her know I’m home.” An unfamiliar voice yelled back “too late, I was early and your neighbor said I could sit in here and wait for you.” Talk about embarrassing, the possibility of her showing up early had not crossed my devious mind. I thought I had outsmarted her by coming home early myself and working out my plan of deception. You know what they say “he who laughs last laughs best” or something like that.
I tell you this story because in life there are many appointments we can reschedule that you might be inconvenienced but no one will be seriously injured. However, there is one appointment that if we miss can cost us everything not just a moment of embarrassment or humiliation.
Jesus talks about an unknown appointment date He wants us to be ready for.
Matthew 24:27, 36-44 For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angles of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The Lord is reminding us that in the days of Noah people were busy with life just like we are. Noah was was telling them that a flood was on its way and if they weren’t on the boat they would die. Even if they didn’t hear directly about the flood I’m sure they heard about the crazy man building an ark no where near water. That alone should have made people stop and ask “why?” Noah could not tell them what time or day the flood was coming only that God said it was going to happen. The people were unconcerned with Noah’s message and were swept away unexpectedly right in the middle of their work day. Maybe they were sleeping, vacationing, getting a manicure, paying a bill; they were in the middle of their busy life and missed an appointment that caused them their life.
Jesus is using this example so history won’t repeat itself. We don’t have any idea when Jesus is coming back for His children. Not even the angels know the day or time but just like the flood He is coming!
Listen my gems, we have no idea when the Lord is coming and we have this mindset that there’s always tomorrow. What if there is no tomorrow for you? It may not be that Jesus returns tomorrow but that your life unexpectedly ends. We don’t know the day or time of that event either do we? I’m sharing God’s words with you because the Bible says the God doesn’t want anyone to perish. You don’t need to schedule an appointment with the Father. He is always available.
If you have not asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life I implore you to do it today. Just say “Jesus I need you, I know you died for me and there is nothing I need to do but accept you and your forgiveness.” Don’t be left behind, get on the Heavenly ark, Walk INS are welcome.
Gena’s Jewels
I tell you this story because in life there are many appointments we can reschedule that you might be inconvenienced but no one will be seriously injured. However, there is one appointment that if we miss can cost us everything not just a moment of embarrassment or humiliation.
Jesus talks about an unknown appointment date He wants us to be ready for.
Matthew 24:27, 36-44 For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angles of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The Lord is reminding us that in the days of Noah people were busy with life just like we are. Noah was was telling them that a flood was on its way and if they weren’t on the boat they would die. Even if they didn’t hear directly about the flood I’m sure they heard about the crazy man building an ark no where near water. That alone should have made people stop and ask “why?” Noah could not tell them what time or day the flood was coming only that God said it was going to happen. The people were unconcerned with Noah’s message and were swept away unexpectedly right in the middle of their work day. Maybe they were sleeping, vacationing, getting a manicure, paying a bill; they were in the middle of their busy life and missed an appointment that caused them their life.
Jesus is using this example so history won’t repeat itself. We don’t have any idea when Jesus is coming back for His children. Not even the angels know the day or time but just like the flood He is coming!
Listen my gems, we have no idea when the Lord is coming and we have this mindset that there’s always tomorrow. What if there is no tomorrow for you? It may not be that Jesus returns tomorrow but that your life unexpectedly ends. We don’t know the day or time of that event either do we? I’m sharing God’s words with you because the Bible says the God doesn’t want anyone to perish. You don’t need to schedule an appointment with the Father. He is always available.
If you have not asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life I implore you to do it today. Just say “Jesus I need you, I know you died for me and there is nothing I need to do but accept you and your forgiveness.” Don’t be left behind, get on the Heavenly ark, Walk INS are welcome.
Gena’s Jewels
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Right Card Wrong Company
I was going to get my hair cut and I put my ATM card in my back pocket so I wouldn’t have to carry a purse. After the haircut I went to the counter to pay and handed the girl my card. She looked at me kind of funny and said “we don’t take library cards here.” I had grabbed the wrong card out of my purse. At a quick glance they looked the same, they were the same color and size but what they were able to do was quite different. One only borrowed, the other one bought.
I started thinking about my relationship with Jesus and all the things I borrow from Him when I need it. If I’m depressed I might say I have the joy of the Lord. If I’m scared I say, perfect love cast out fear. If I’m lonely, I say He will never leave or forsake me. All of these things are true and I can borrow (believe) them when ever I want to. The truth is unless I truly buy (know) these things; the feeling of comfort is only temporary.
I was listening to an interview Jessie Duplantis did and he said most people go though their whole Christian walk believing but never knowing the truths of God. He actually used my favorite verse:
2ndTimothy 1:12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Paul was stating here that not only did he believe, he knew that he could trust God. Many of us say we believe in God, in miracles, in healing, in Heaven in…. The key is to KNOW. It’s an action word not a noun.
I am going through some life changes that are dramatically affecting my life and the other night I had my own little melt down. I did what I believed was right, I got out my Bible and read God’s word and encouraged myself but I still had a good crying session till I fell asleep. When I woke the next morning I turned on the TV and that’s when I heard Jessie Duplantis saying my favorite verse and emphasizing the “know” part. I sat up in bed and said out loud “I do know. I have seen God work in my life. I know the strength I find is supernatural and can only come from God and I KNOW He is faithful!” I didn’t just believe (borrow) I reminded myself that I knew (bought).
The best way for you and I to know God will be there is to trust Him (another action word) and no matter what the circumstances look like or what people are saying remind ourselves that we aren’t using a library card that just believes we are using a debit card that bought us outright. Read the small print, there is no credit limit!
Gena’s Jewels
I started thinking about my relationship with Jesus and all the things I borrow from Him when I need it. If I’m depressed I might say I have the joy of the Lord. If I’m scared I say, perfect love cast out fear. If I’m lonely, I say He will never leave or forsake me. All of these things are true and I can borrow (believe) them when ever I want to. The truth is unless I truly buy (know) these things; the feeling of comfort is only temporary.
I was listening to an interview Jessie Duplantis did and he said most people go though their whole Christian walk believing but never knowing the truths of God. He actually used my favorite verse:
2ndTimothy 1:12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Paul was stating here that not only did he believe, he knew that he could trust God. Many of us say we believe in God, in miracles, in healing, in Heaven in…. The key is to KNOW. It’s an action word not a noun.
I am going through some life changes that are dramatically affecting my life and the other night I had my own little melt down. I did what I believed was right, I got out my Bible and read God’s word and encouraged myself but I still had a good crying session till I fell asleep. When I woke the next morning I turned on the TV and that’s when I heard Jessie Duplantis saying my favorite verse and emphasizing the “know” part. I sat up in bed and said out loud “I do know. I have seen God work in my life. I know the strength I find is supernatural and can only come from God and I KNOW He is faithful!” I didn’t just believe (borrow) I reminded myself that I knew (bought).
The best way for you and I to know God will be there is to trust Him (another action word) and no matter what the circumstances look like or what people are saying remind ourselves that we aren’t using a library card that just believes we are using a debit card that bought us outright. Read the small print, there is no credit limit!
Gena’s Jewels
Monday, July 20, 2009
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Home is ultimately not about a place to live but about the people with whom you are most fully alive. Home is about love, relationship, community and belonging, and we are all searching for home.
Quote from Soul Cravings written by Erwin McManus
In a day when homes are being foreclosed as quick as they were getting sold when the market was hot, many people are finding themselves homeless. We know as believers we have an eternal home in Heaven where we will be accepted and loved but what about while we’re still here?
One of the definitions of home I found on dictionary. Com, really hit me “reaching the mark aimed at” Reaching the mark aimed at. If we go back to our quote, home is the place where you feel most alive, where you feel loved accepted and have relationships, where there is community; then is it safe to say that since there are healthy and unhealthy relationships, there are healthy and unhealthy communities? I had never thought about that but this book has made me wonder about my own community. Is it what I’m aiming for? Is where I’m trying to “belong” a healthy or unhealthy place? We are all striving to belong somewhere. God is described as love and He tells us to love one another but how do you do that if you don’t feel like you belong to any one community?
“Jesus called to all who were weary and who found their soul exhausted to come to him and find rest. He is telling us that God will be for us our place called home.” Quote from Soul Cravings
We are affected good or bad by the opinion of those who are closest to us. What happens if you find out their opinion of you isn’t very good? If you don’t know who you are in Christ your whole identity will begin to shatter, you may begin to feel “homeless.” So if you’re living in a home/community where people are not thinking the best or encouraging the best in you this could be a sign that you’re in an unhealthy community. You may need to move your “home” or what your aiming at.
I think the common courtesies of life have been affected by our society. Things like not responding when someone reaches out to you. It could be an email, snail mail, phone message or even something as simple as a smile. We have become so self consumed that we have stopped caring about our community and our community is suffering. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:1-2 is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another and working together with one mind and purpose.It sounds like Jesus is giving a blueprint for building a loving home in a desired community.
I’m not talking about Pleasantville. I know we all have our issues we are working through myself included but I’m thinking maybe God is trying to get our attention here, I know He has mine. I think He’s reminding us to take a good look at ourselves as children of the King.
Romans 15:5-7 May God who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
There are so many hurting people out there, believers and nonbelievers. Lets try and make a healthy community where all are accepted and loved. Lets figure out how to have harmony and let the one voice be the voice of love. Home truly is where the heart is!
Gena’s Jewels
Quote from Soul Cravings written by Erwin McManus
In a day when homes are being foreclosed as quick as they were getting sold when the market was hot, many people are finding themselves homeless. We know as believers we have an eternal home in Heaven where we will be accepted and loved but what about while we’re still here?
One of the definitions of home I found on dictionary. Com, really hit me “reaching the mark aimed at” Reaching the mark aimed at. If we go back to our quote, home is the place where you feel most alive, where you feel loved accepted and have relationships, where there is community; then is it safe to say that since there are healthy and unhealthy relationships, there are healthy and unhealthy communities? I had never thought about that but this book has made me wonder about my own community. Is it what I’m aiming for? Is where I’m trying to “belong” a healthy or unhealthy place? We are all striving to belong somewhere. God is described as love and He tells us to love one another but how do you do that if you don’t feel like you belong to any one community?
“Jesus called to all who were weary and who found their soul exhausted to come to him and find rest. He is telling us that God will be for us our place called home.” Quote from Soul Cravings
We are affected good or bad by the opinion of those who are closest to us. What happens if you find out their opinion of you isn’t very good? If you don’t know who you are in Christ your whole identity will begin to shatter, you may begin to feel “homeless.” So if you’re living in a home/community where people are not thinking the best or encouraging the best in you this could be a sign that you’re in an unhealthy community. You may need to move your “home” or what your aiming at.
I think the common courtesies of life have been affected by our society. Things like not responding when someone reaches out to you. It could be an email, snail mail, phone message or even something as simple as a smile. We have become so self consumed that we have stopped caring about our community and our community is suffering. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:1-2 is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another and working together with one mind and purpose.It sounds like Jesus is giving a blueprint for building a loving home in a desired community.
I’m not talking about Pleasantville. I know we all have our issues we are working through myself included but I’m thinking maybe God is trying to get our attention here, I know He has mine. I think He’s reminding us to take a good look at ourselves as children of the King.
Romans 15:5-7 May God who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
There are so many hurting people out there, believers and nonbelievers. Lets try and make a healthy community where all are accepted and loved. Lets figure out how to have harmony and let the one voice be the voice of love. Home truly is where the heart is!
Gena’s Jewels
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