A precious memory came to mind this morning. When my grandson Drew was 3 years old and His older brother Ryan 6 they often accompanied me to church on Sundays. Ryan sat with me during the Worship service and Drew was in the nursery.
One Sunday during the service the normal routine was interrupted by a loud knocking which was coming from the rear of the sanctuary. There was a large window into the nursery enabling parents to peek in on their children and nursery workers a view into the sanctuary in case the need to locate a parent arose.
I looked around saw a small child knocking on the window. It was Drew. He had pushed a chair up to the window, climbed up on it and with all the strength he could muster was expressing his unhappiness at being separated from his family .
Bless his heart he was not a happy camper. As I remembered that day I could see Drew with huge tears in his eyes. He was not satisfied being able to see us sitting in the pew. That glass was keeping him from the love and security he was in need of at that moment.
As I remembered the scene, I was reminded that I had similar feelings when I was seeking God. I heard about Jesus ; I read about Jesus; I witnessed Jesus in other people's lives but until I surrendered my heart and life unto Him "....who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think...." (Ephesians 3:20a) and entered into relationship with Jesus...I was separated from the only security that lasts!!
Question - Is there something separating you from security in Christ?? Is it time to receive ALL that the Lord wants to shower your life with? Run to Him dear one, run to Him!
Until next time,
Judy
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Let It Rain!!
It's nearly 5:00 PM here in Tampa and the rain is coming down strong amidst the sound of thunder in the distance. It has been another steamy day here and the rain is welcome. There is alot of "watering" coming down upon the dry and parched earth.
The down pour outside my study window brings my thoughts back to the last 48 hours as I sat among thousands of sister believers in Jesus amidst the majestic downpour of the Holy Spirit as we gathered at the Deeper Still Event sponsored by Lifeway worshipping our God and King as we joined together singing our hearts out to the Lord we love and then were revived by His powerful Word spoken through His anointed teachers, Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and priscilla Shirer.
How grateful I am that I was able to attend this time apart. A time that God planned for me, that He might confirm His words of direction to me and exhort and encourage me as I step out in faith on yet another leg of this ministry journey he put me on nearly ten years ago.
Friday night the message was fervent and strong; straight out of Hebrews and as our teacher taught through the entire book , we were challenged with these questions:
* Are you prepared for the days ahead?
* When persecution and heartache come, are you prepared to stand strong in your faith?
* Is your faith undergirded by the consistent reading and study of God's Word in order that your mind will be in accordance with the Word of God?
Oh Lord reveal yourself to me through your Word as I consider these questions.
My prayer is that you would do the same!
Til next time,
Judy
The down pour outside my study window brings my thoughts back to the last 48 hours as I sat among thousands of sister believers in Jesus amidst the majestic downpour of the Holy Spirit as we gathered at the Deeper Still Event sponsored by Lifeway worshipping our God and King as we joined together singing our hearts out to the Lord we love and then were revived by His powerful Word spoken through His anointed teachers, Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and priscilla Shirer.
How grateful I am that I was able to attend this time apart. A time that God planned for me, that He might confirm His words of direction to me and exhort and encourage me as I step out in faith on yet another leg of this ministry journey he put me on nearly ten years ago.
Friday night the message was fervent and strong; straight out of Hebrews and as our teacher taught through the entire book , we were challenged with these questions:
* Are you prepared for the days ahead?
* When persecution and heartache come, are you prepared to stand strong in your faith?
* Is your faith undergirded by the consistent reading and study of God's Word in order that your mind will be in accordance with the Word of God?
Oh Lord reveal yourself to me through your Word as I consider these questions.
My prayer is that you would do the same!
Til next time,
Judy
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sweet Sundays
A new week has begun here at the Laytons and I'm amazed at how quickly this day is running out.
Our day began early as is usual around here. First thing I do is get the coffee brewing! A ritual that produces a fragrance that sets my senses soaring. Back upstairs I picked up "Daily Light" and devoured God's Word to me for this particular day. Lord, your Word is a treasure to me. How it satisfies my heart and soul.
Today Jesus called to me from John 7:37 - "If anyone thirsts, let Him come to Me and drink" ! Oh, sweet Lord I am thirsty!! The psalmist's declaration in Ps, 84:2 describes my condition this day -" My soul longs, yes even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God!"
Aftr our traditional Sunday breakfast we readied ourselves for worship and at 8:45 were out the door. Our message from the Lord conveyed through our Pastor, Kevin James was from John 15. I have visions of grapevines and plump fruity grapes dancing in my head. I'm reminded of my continual need to "Be Connected".
My prayer for this week is that we who love Jesus will keep His Word ever before us and put His testimonies, His ordinances, and commandments into practice so that others might see the fruit that comes from abiding in Him.
Til' next time, I'm praying for you.
Judy
Our day began early as is usual around here. First thing I do is get the coffee brewing! A ritual that produces a fragrance that sets my senses soaring. Back upstairs I picked up "Daily Light" and devoured God's Word to me for this particular day. Lord, your Word is a treasure to me. How it satisfies my heart and soul.
Today Jesus called to me from John 7:37 - "If anyone thirsts, let Him come to Me and drink" ! Oh, sweet Lord I am thirsty!! The psalmist's declaration in Ps, 84:2 describes my condition this day -" My soul longs, yes even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God!"
Aftr our traditional Sunday breakfast we readied ourselves for worship and at 8:45 were out the door. Our message from the Lord conveyed through our Pastor, Kevin James was from John 15. I have visions of grapevines and plump fruity grapes dancing in my head. I'm reminded of my continual need to "Be Connected".
My prayer for this week is that we who love Jesus will keep His Word ever before us and put His testimonies, His ordinances, and commandments into practice so that others might see the fruit that comes from abiding in Him.
Til' next time, I'm praying for you.
Judy
Monday, September 7, 2009
Friday Football and Jesus
It was a warm evening in Tampa on Friday. The traffic was fairly light going toward South Tampa compared to the bumper to bumper parade heading home for a long weekend.
Ron and I were on our way to Plant High School's football game and hopes were high. Hoping for a victory and hoping our man, Drew might get in the game. We knew it was a long shot. We had watched this young man we love give it all he has (and then some) over the past 8 months. Hours and hours of practice, weight training and soaking up the teaching from the Coach. Thursday we received the news Drew would dress out.
In the midst of the sights and sounds - the 89 strong team (31 not dressed out), the band, the dancers and cheerleaders, and a packed stadium filled with students, parents, grandparents and community supporters it was an exhilarating atmosphere. And this gram, stretching her neck and straining to get a glimpse of "D". He'd been rewarded for his commitment, and perseverance (both emotional and physical) and stood alongside his team mates and I knew that his heart was pounding and his mind was looking toward the goal.
The Panthers didn't win Friday night..the score was 30-32 (most of their opponents points put on the Board in the 4) and D didn't get to play but I walked out of the stands and into the night inspired by my grandson's example of commitment, perseverance and training and my life in Christ took on a fresh meaning.
I wondered, can others see my commitment to Jesus? Have I given him all I am and all I have? Am I willing to follow His lead, listen to His voice, study His Word and then "wait" on Him? That is the key question isn't it?
In Isaiah 40: 28-31 I am encouraged anew by His Word -
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly. Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Oh Lord, as the psalmist prayed, "Incline my heart to your testimonies..turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in your ways. Establish Your Word to your servant, as that which produces reverence for You. I shall run the way of Your commendments, for You will enlarge my Heart." (Psalm 119: 36 - 38; 32) I will gain new strength as I "wait for you"....that others might see Jesus.
It's my prayer.
Judy
Ron and I were on our way to Plant High School's football game and hopes were high. Hoping for a victory and hoping our man, Drew might get in the game. We knew it was a long shot. We had watched this young man we love give it all he has (and then some) over the past 8 months. Hours and hours of practice, weight training and soaking up the teaching from the Coach. Thursday we received the news Drew would dress out.
In the midst of the sights and sounds - the 89 strong team (31 not dressed out), the band, the dancers and cheerleaders, and a packed stadium filled with students, parents, grandparents and community supporters it was an exhilarating atmosphere. And this gram, stretching her neck and straining to get a glimpse of "D". He'd been rewarded for his commitment, and perseverance (both emotional and physical) and stood alongside his team mates and I knew that his heart was pounding and his mind was looking toward the goal.
The Panthers didn't win Friday night..the score was 30-32 (most of their opponents points put on the Board in the 4) and D didn't get to play but I walked out of the stands and into the night inspired by my grandson's example of commitment, perseverance and training and my life in Christ took on a fresh meaning.
I wondered, can others see my commitment to Jesus? Have I given him all I am and all I have? Am I willing to follow His lead, listen to His voice, study His Word and then "wait" on Him? That is the key question isn't it?
In Isaiah 40: 28-31 I am encouraged anew by His Word -
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly. Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Oh Lord, as the psalmist prayed, "Incline my heart to your testimonies..turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in your ways. Establish Your Word to your servant, as that which produces reverence for You. I shall run the way of Your commendments, for You will enlarge my Heart." (Psalm 119: 36 - 38; 32) I will gain new strength as I "wait for you"....that others might see Jesus.
It's my prayer.
Judy
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