This morning as I began my day I looked out my study window and the sky was dark and the rain was pounding the patio. Moments later the sky began to clear and light was flooding my room. As I reflected on the contrasts of light and dark I was reminded of the light and refreshment God's Word can bring to our cloudy thinking and weary hearts. As I considered the parallels of the Lord's creative power in the universe to His spiritual power in the hearts and minds of those who follow Him; His Word, again, encouraged and strengthened this ordinary woman, one more time -
"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth"(Hosea 6:3)
I found myself poring over Psalm 119 and drank deeply from His well of refreshment as I sought him there -
"Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in Thy law " (Psalm 119:18) I prayed...and then read the words of the psalmist -
" The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I long for Thy commandments."(Psalm 119:130-131)
And I concluded - God, Himself....the God of the Bible....Creator God, only, is the satisfier of my soul!!
I'm Thanking Him today for the dark clouds and rainy days that teach me where to find The Light that lasts!
In His care,
Judy
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, FRIDAY!!!
It's been a busy week, - in ministry, in my personal life and in the world. The speed of the week and the events and circumstances that have filled it nearly take my breath away!
Some events we expect and others make us gasp. A reminder that nothing takes our Lord by surprise however!! That is good news!!
Today my thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones this week : a longtime Tampa Community Servant who left us unexpectantly; a movie star who inspired many with her courage as she fought and documented her battle with cancer and then a music icon whose talent from a very young age was legendary. The news channels are saturated with glimpses of people gathering in droves to pay tribute to the memories of these who lived in the spotlight!
Most of us live our lives out of the spotlight of the paparazzi and never make the daily news.
There are others watching however. What does your world see when they observe your everyday ordinary life? Does it line up with God's Word -
"Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. Above all, put on love-the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15
Questions I'm asking myself today.
Oh, dear ones, may HE find us faithful.
Love you, Judy
Some events we expect and others make us gasp. A reminder that nothing takes our Lord by surprise however!! That is good news!!
Today my thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones this week : a longtime Tampa Community Servant who left us unexpectantly; a movie star who inspired many with her courage as she fought and documented her battle with cancer and then a music icon whose talent from a very young age was legendary. The news channels are saturated with glimpses of people gathering in droves to pay tribute to the memories of these who lived in the spotlight!
Most of us live our lives out of the spotlight of the paparazzi and never make the daily news.
There are others watching however. What does your world see when they observe your everyday ordinary life? Does it line up with God's Word -
"Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. Above all, put on love-the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15
Questions I'm asking myself today.
Oh, dear ones, may HE find us faithful.
Love you, Judy
Monday, June 22, 2009
Strength for today
Another Monday has begun and as I see the last traces of the night sky making way for the light of a new day - I'm tempted to take up, again today, the worries and concerns of a world spinning out of control. Before the burden gets too heavy, I reach for my greatest comfort - God's Word, and I am strengthened as He pours Romans 8:35-39 into my heart one more time. In The Sanctuary Devotional Bible , New Living Translation, I read - going up one verse to 34
"Who then will condemn us? no one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or distitute, or in danger 0r threatened with death? (As the scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.")
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Oh dear ones, let His Word fall on you.....do you need hope today....do you need assurance of the Lord's love for you....do you need strength to press on in a culture that doesn't want to hear about Jesus....?? Drink deep of these words my friends...His Word will keep you upright, standing tall for the King of Kings!!
"Who then will condemn us? no one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or distitute, or in danger 0r threatened with death? (As the scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.")
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Oh dear ones, let His Word fall on you.....do you need hope today....do you need assurance of the Lord's love for you....do you need strength to press on in a culture that doesn't want to hear about Jesus....?? Drink deep of these words my friends...His Word will keep you upright, standing tall for the King of Kings!!
Standing with you, because Jesus lives!!!
Love you, Judy
Friday, June 19, 2009
Reminders
Amazing.....our God is amazing!!
Question - If He is so amazing, why when the threat of chaos or crisis sneaks up and appears, as the old expression - "out of left field" - why am I so quickly "undone"??
Am I operating in my own power? Have I reacted out of old hurts and memories rather than the truth of God's Word? Am I believing God? Questions I must ask myself.
Oh precious ones, the term "undone" is so perfect to describe how I felt yesterday during a "surprise" trial. When you see that word what comes to your mind? Buttons unfastened? Shoe laces not tied? Incomplete tasks? I'd be interested to hear your list.
As I meditate on God's Word this morning I see that in those moments yesterday like buttons unfastened and shoe laces untied I took my eyes off my Savior ... I pulled away from the truth of His Word .. all I could see was the circumstance -
This morning God is ministering to me as only He can - whispering His love through His Word and reminding me that when I fail He is my head lifter!
So today dear ones, if you find yourself with a trial "out of left field"... rehearse God's promises and stand fast in your faith with His Word close at hand and in your heart. "Lord you are my portion and my cup of blessing.....I will praise the Lord who counsels me-even at night my conscience instructs me . I keep the LORD in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16: 5, 7 & 8)
Lifting my hands and pressing on in joy,
Judy
Question - If He is so amazing, why when the threat of chaos or crisis sneaks up and appears, as the old expression - "out of left field" - why am I so quickly "undone"??
Am I operating in my own power? Have I reacted out of old hurts and memories rather than the truth of God's Word? Am I believing God? Questions I must ask myself.
Oh precious ones, the term "undone" is so perfect to describe how I felt yesterday during a "surprise" trial. When you see that word what comes to your mind? Buttons unfastened? Shoe laces not tied? Incomplete tasks? I'd be interested to hear your list.
As I meditate on God's Word this morning I see that in those moments yesterday like buttons unfastened and shoe laces untied I took my eyes off my Savior ... I pulled away from the truth of His Word .. all I could see was the circumstance -
This morning God is ministering to me as only He can - whispering His love through His Word and reminding me that when I fail He is my head lifter!
So today dear ones, if you find yourself with a trial "out of left field"... rehearse God's promises and stand fast in your faith with His Word close at hand and in your heart. "Lord you are my portion and my cup of blessing.....I will praise the Lord who counsels me-even at night my conscience instructs me . I keep the LORD in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16: 5, 7 & 8)
Lifting my hands and pressing on in joy,
Judy
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Morning Musings
It's quiet ... the sound of praise music playing softly ..here in this special spot the Lord has been so gracious to give me - "my study".
If you could peer in the doorway you'd see a "busy" room. It is not a "neat" room but it is a cozy rooom where I spend intentional time. Amidst the clutter, it is a peaceful room. God's Word permeates every inch.
This precious space has gone through transformation over the years. It began with a couch, my daughter's hand-me-down desk, a small computer table and monitor for my very first computer! In those early years mornings in my study began with brief stops followed by prayer conversations in my car on the way to work at a local architectural firm. The evenings found me, sometimes into the wee hours, pouring over bible study materials..crying out to the Lord for His understanding. My hunger to know God increased as I drank deeply from His well that never goes dry!!
Much has transpired since those early days. One thing..the color of my hair..yikes! Who would have ever thought that I'd love this silver mop that identifies my countenance? Not only my physical countenance is in transformation. The inside (my heart, mind and soul) has been on what I can only call "The Lord's Wild Ride". When this journey began...my desire was to spend time getting to know God and His people...studying His Word..meeting other women. I was in desparate need of what only He could give. Sometimes I look back and hunger for those early days .... Jesus name was continually in my heart... I thought of Him continually throughout my day. The days of falling in love .. my life..changed forever.
As I type these memories this morning there is a lump in my throat and joy in my heart..."..You shine brighter than the brightest star...." playing in the background my head falls forward in submission, one more day, to Him who has captured me for all eternity!
"Oh, Jesus, thank you for giving your life that I might enjoy life with you now and forever. I confess to you my King that I have not loved and lived as I should, my heart breaks..and I turn, once more to you with a repentant heart and receive your foregiveness! Grace upon grace...thank you Jesus! Lead me on the narrow way this day! Bless my beloved family and friends in the faith (and those who haven't met you yet) this day and give us a deepening hunger to be the men and women you've created us to be! In your powerful name, Jesus, Amen!"
Thanking HIM for you,
Judy
If you could peer in the doorway you'd see a "busy" room. It is not a "neat" room but it is a cozy rooom where I spend intentional time. Amidst the clutter, it is a peaceful room. God's Word permeates every inch.
This precious space has gone through transformation over the years. It began with a couch, my daughter's hand-me-down desk, a small computer table and monitor for my very first computer! In those early years mornings in my study began with brief stops followed by prayer conversations in my car on the way to work at a local architectural firm. The evenings found me, sometimes into the wee hours, pouring over bible study materials..crying out to the Lord for His understanding. My hunger to know God increased as I drank deeply from His well that never goes dry!!
Much has transpired since those early days. One thing..the color of my hair..yikes! Who would have ever thought that I'd love this silver mop that identifies my countenance? Not only my physical countenance is in transformation. The inside (my heart, mind and soul) has been on what I can only call "The Lord's Wild Ride". When this journey began...my desire was to spend time getting to know God and His people...studying His Word..meeting other women. I was in desparate need of what only He could give. Sometimes I look back and hunger for those early days .... Jesus name was continually in my heart... I thought of Him continually throughout my day. The days of falling in love .. my life..changed forever.
As I type these memories this morning there is a lump in my throat and joy in my heart..."..You shine brighter than the brightest star...." playing in the background my head falls forward in submission, one more day, to Him who has captured me for all eternity!
"Oh, Jesus, thank you for giving your life that I might enjoy life with you now and forever. I confess to you my King that I have not loved and lived as I should, my heart breaks..and I turn, once more to you with a repentant heart and receive your foregiveness! Grace upon grace...thank you Jesus! Lead me on the narrow way this day! Bless my beloved family and friends in the faith (and those who haven't met you yet) this day and give us a deepening hunger to be the men and women you've created us to be! In your powerful name, Jesus, Amen!"
Thanking HIM for you,
Judy
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What's your heart rate??
I wonder, how many of you have a fitness routine? Since January I have been struggling to keep at mine. Life just seems to interrupt me at every turn. I have to admit it doesn't take much to dissuade me. I dislike exercise sooo much that I even found a verse that somewhat agrees with my point of view.... 1 Timothy 4:8 - "For, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come". You should have been a bug on the wall when I found that verse! (See how easy it is to take a verse out of context?) Suffice to say that this verse is not telling me its ok to not exercise...but there was a time I was hoping it was!! My heart rate wasn't what it should be for optimum health.
Can anyone identify?
Maybe there is something in your life that is threatening to become a stumbling block for you. Something you really would rather not spend your "precious" time doing. Something you know you should do even though you'd rather not. You procrastinate and put it off time and again. Maybe it has to do with your family, your health, your work, or your Lord. Your heart rate isn't what it should be for optimum health.
God wants our hearts dear ones. He wants us to seek Him with all our hearts in every area of our lives...whether it concerns taking care of our physical health or our spiritual health..His Word holds the answers. Let us seek His will and His way together heart to heart, with His Word before us and His grace spurring us forward.
It's my prayer,
Judy
Can anyone identify?
Maybe there is something in your life that is threatening to become a stumbling block for you. Something you really would rather not spend your "precious" time doing. Something you know you should do even though you'd rather not. You procrastinate and put it off time and again. Maybe it has to do with your family, your health, your work, or your Lord. Your heart rate isn't what it should be for optimum health.
God wants our hearts dear ones. He wants us to seek Him with all our hearts in every area of our lives...whether it concerns taking care of our physical health or our spiritual health..His Word holds the answers. Let us seek His will and His way together heart to heart, with His Word before us and His grace spurring us forward.
It's my prayer,
Judy
Monday, June 15, 2009
Up and Running!!!
It's Monday afternoon and with the help of our volunteer webmaster (Bless you Deb!) my blog is now accessible..for this nontechnical woman it has been quite an event. Whew!
As I think back on our beginning and how God has brought the programs and volunteer staff of The Sanctuary together I can only stand with mouth hanging open at the awesomeness of HIM..the One who hung the moon, sun & stars in the sky..with loving intention; the One who made man and woman in His image; the ONE who sent Jesus to live and then die for the sins of you and me; this awesome God- Elohim: The Creator; El Elyon: The God Most High; El Shaddai: The All-Sufficient One - HE is working ALL things together for good .... for those who love HIM, for those who are called; according to HIS purpose. (the B-I-B-L-E tells me so - Romans 8:28)
I'm encouraged today when I consider the foregoing Truth! No matter the struggles around us...the wars raging....we have a God who loves us and walks with us wherever we go!!
My prayer is this Heartstring will keep us connected - one to another and heart to heart with our Lord!
Judy
As I think back on our beginning and how God has brought the programs and volunteer staff of The Sanctuary together I can only stand with mouth hanging open at the awesomeness of HIM..the One who hung the moon, sun & stars in the sky..with loving intention; the One who made man and woman in His image; the ONE who sent Jesus to live and then die for the sins of you and me; this awesome God- Elohim: The Creator; El Elyon: The God Most High; El Shaddai: The All-Sufficient One - HE is working ALL things together for good .... for those who love HIM, for those who are called; according to HIS purpose. (the B-I-B-L-E tells me so - Romans 8:28)
I'm encouraged today when I consider the foregoing Truth! No matter the struggles around us...the wars raging....we have a God who loves us and walks with us wherever we go!!
My prayer is this Heartstring will keep us connected - one to another and heart to heart with our Lord!
Judy
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A New Journey
Dear ones,
A new way to stay connected ...thanking God today for technology. May each moment this day give you joy that resides deep within you..the joy that comes from our King of Kings, Lord of Lords...the Living Word! May the cries of our hearts be - "Teach me Lord, the meaning of your Statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand Your instruction and I will obey it." Psalm 119:33-34
Press on,
Judy
A new way to stay connected ...thanking God today for technology. May each moment this day give you joy that resides deep within you..the joy that comes from our King of Kings, Lord of Lords...the Living Word! May the cries of our hearts be - "Teach me Lord, the meaning of your Statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand Your instruction and I will obey it." Psalm 119:33-34
Press on,
Judy
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