Went to a small group Tues. night with my sister. We were directed toward these new devo's from the Life Recovery Bible, they are GOOD.
This one is REALLY GOOD, i thought i would share.
Bible Reading Job 6:2-13
Step 1 : We admitted that we were powerless over our problems-that our lives had become unmanageable.
There are times when we are so confused and overwhelmed by the pain in our life that we wish we could die. No matter what we do, we are powerless to change things for the better. The weight of the pain and sadness seems too heavy to bear. We can't see why our heart doesn't break and allow death to free us.
Job felt that way. He'd lost everything, even though HE HAD ALWAYS DONE WHAT WAS RIGHT. His ten children were dead. He had lost his business, his riches, and his health. And all this happened in a matter of days! He was left with a sharp-tongued wife and three friends who blamed him for his own misfortune. Job cried out, "if my misery could be wieighd and my troubles be put on the scales, they would outweigh all the Sands of the sea....Oh, that i might have my request, that God would grant my desire. I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me....I don't have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for. Do i have the strength of a stone? Is my body made of bronze? No , I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success"(job 6:2-3, 8-9, 11-13)
Job didn't know that the END OF HIS LIFE WOULD BE EVEN BETTER THAN THE BEGINNING. God eventually restored everything Job had lost, and then some. "Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life" (job 42:17) Even when we're pressed to the point of death, there is STILL HOPE that our life will change. Our recovery could be so complete that the finaly lines written about us might read: "At last he or she died, after living a long, full life." We must remember: LIFE CAN BE GOOD AGAIN!
Friday, April 9, 2010
April Virtue: FRIENDSHIP
FRIENDSHIP!
Spending Time with Someone you Trust and Enjoy
I LOVE new virtues to work on every month. This one should be good! There's something to be said for the old saying, "Friendships make the world go round" :) I don't know what i'd do without mine.
We have been spending the week this week visiting family and friends, cultivating some of the relationships that mean the most to us.
"A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes." Proverbs 17:17
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Difficult Balance
This was good for me to read/hear today. As i struggle with the balance of giving too much or not giving enough. How do you strike the balance concerning this issue?
HEARTINESS V. HEARTLESSNESS TOWARDS OTHERS
"It is Christ . . . who also maketh intercession for us." "The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints." Romans 8:34, 27
Do we need any more argument than this to become intercessors - that Christ "ever liveth to make intercession;" that the Holy Spirit "maketh intercession for the saints"? Are we living in such a vital relationship to our fellow men that we do the work of intercession as the Spirit-taught children of God?
Begin with the circumstances we are in - our homes, our business, our country, the present crisis as it touches us and others - are these things crushing us? Are they badgering us out of the presence of God and leaving us no time for worship? Then let us call a halt, and get into such living relationship with God that our relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works His marvels.
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls.
God continually introduces us to people for whom we have no affinity, and unless we are worshipping God, the most natural thing to do is to treat them heartlessly, to give them a text like the jab of a spear, or leave them with a rapped-out counsel of God and go.
A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.
Are we in the direct line of the intercession of our Lord and of the Holy Spirit?
HEARTINESS V. HEARTLESSNESS TOWARDS OTHERS
"It is Christ . . . who also maketh intercession for us." "The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints." Romans 8:34, 27
Do we need any more argument than this to become intercessors - that Christ "ever liveth to make intercession;" that the Holy Spirit "maketh intercession for the saints"? Are we living in such a vital relationship to our fellow men that we do the work of intercession as the Spirit-taught children of God?
Begin with the circumstances we are in - our homes, our business, our country, the present crisis as it touches us and others - are these things crushing us? Are they badgering us out of the presence of God and leaving us no time for worship? Then let us call a halt, and get into such living relationship with God that our relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works His marvels.
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls.
God continually introduces us to people for whom we have no affinity, and unless we are worshipping God, the most natural thing to do is to treat them heartlessly, to give them a text like the jab of a spear, or leave them with a rapped-out counsel of God and go.
A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.
Are we in the direct line of the intercession of our Lord and of the Holy Spirit?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
When i first began my journey toward Christ as a woman, then wife and mom, this is who i looked to. I read everything she wrote that i could get my hands on. Here's her devo for today.
Title: Pick Up Your Cross
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Jesus invites us to be his disciples. If we choose to accept his loving invitation, we must understand that there are certain conditions to be fulfilled. One of them is a willingness to accept the cross. Is this a once-for-all taking up of one particular burden? I don't think so. It seems to me that my "cross" is each particular occasion when I am given the chance to "die"--that is, to offer up my own will whenever it crosses Christ's. This happens very often. A disagreement with my husband can cause an argument and harsh words, even if the matter is ridiculously small--"When are you going to get that dashboard light fixed in the car?" I have already mentioned the light three times. It may be time to keep my mouth shut, but I don't want to keep my mouth shut. Here, then, is a chance to die. A decision which affects both of us may be a fairly big one, but we find ourselves on two sides of the fence. One of us, then, must "die." It is never easy for me. Shall I make excuses for myself (that's the way I am; it's my personality; it's the way I was raised; I'm tired; I can't hack it; it doesn't turn me on; you don't understand)--or shall I pick up this cross?
Perhaps my illustration seems to trivialize the cross of Christ. His was so unimaginably greater. What cross could I possibly take up which would be analogous? Just here is the lesson for me: when Jesus took up his cross, He was saying yes with all his being to the will of the Father. If I am unwilling to say yes in even a very little thing, how shall I accept a more painful thing? What sort of practice does it take for a disciple to learn to follow the Crucified? A friend hurts us, a plan goes awry, an effort fails--small things indeed. But then cancer strikes, a daughter marries unwisely, a business folds, a wife abandons her home and family. The call still comes to us: Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will You give me strength and show me the way? That was my promise--is it my custom to break promises?
Title: Pick Up Your Cross
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Jesus invites us to be his disciples. If we choose to accept his loving invitation, we must understand that there are certain conditions to be fulfilled. One of them is a willingness to accept the cross. Is this a once-for-all taking up of one particular burden? I don't think so. It seems to me that my "cross" is each particular occasion when I am given the chance to "die"--that is, to offer up my own will whenever it crosses Christ's. This happens very often. A disagreement with my husband can cause an argument and harsh words, even if the matter is ridiculously small--"When are you going to get that dashboard light fixed in the car?" I have already mentioned the light three times. It may be time to keep my mouth shut, but I don't want to keep my mouth shut. Here, then, is a chance to die. A decision which affects both of us may be a fairly big one, but we find ourselves on two sides of the fence. One of us, then, must "die." It is never easy for me. Shall I make excuses for myself (that's the way I am; it's my personality; it's the way I was raised; I'm tired; I can't hack it; it doesn't turn me on; you don't understand)--or shall I pick up this cross?
Perhaps my illustration seems to trivialize the cross of Christ. His was so unimaginably greater. What cross could I possibly take up which would be analogous? Just here is the lesson for me: when Jesus took up his cross, He was saying yes with all his being to the will of the Father. If I am unwilling to say yes in even a very little thing, how shall I accept a more painful thing? What sort of practice does it take for a disciple to learn to follow the Crucified? A friend hurts us, a plan goes awry, an effort fails--small things indeed. But then cancer strikes, a daughter marries unwisely, a business folds, a wife abandons her home and family. The call still comes to us: Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will You give me strength and show me the way? That was my promise--is it my custom to break promises?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Jewish Passover
I checked the calendar again this morning, as i like to do at the start of each new day. I trudged to it wondering, "what will today hold"? I noticed right away that typed in black on my calendar it said JEWISH PASSOVER. I immediately thought "something we should celebrate". The family talked quickly over Jewish Passover as everyone was preparing to embark on the day. I'm thankful Matt and James are alive and here! They are both first borns and the Jews celebrate Passover each year to commemorate the angel of death PASSING OVER their homes and sparing the first born sons of those who painted blood on their doorposts thousands of years ago.
WOW. How times change and if we are not careful our thinking shallows over time. Can you imagine something like that happening today in the world we live in here in America? What would the response and the reactions be?
I've had a most meaningful Lenten Season this year. I'm thankful God has allowed me to experience new things and gain some new perspectives. I'm thankful i still have a blog, though fb has caused me to neglect it more and more. For me, giving up facebook, for the most part, during this Lenten Season has helped me communicate more with others in other ways.
I pray this Season that God will reveal Himself, His Ways and His plans for you, to you, in a new way this coming week and weekend, especially.
WOW. How times change and if we are not careful our thinking shallows over time. Can you imagine something like that happening today in the world we live in here in America? What would the response and the reactions be?
I've had a most meaningful Lenten Season this year. I'm thankful God has allowed me to experience new things and gain some new perspectives. I'm thankful i still have a blog, though fb has caused me to neglect it more and more. For me, giving up facebook, for the most part, during this Lenten Season has helped me communicate more with others in other ways.
I pray this Season that God will reveal Himself, His Ways and His plans for you, to you, in a new way this coming week and weekend, especially.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Looks Like ONE day is NOW
I have always said that I would LOVE to run a marathon one day. I have always hoped to accomplish that dream and see if i could train and put my love and gift of running to good use. Well this year, I've finally been successful in training all year for the Nashville Marathon next month!
I am "Running for Life" on behalf of Relay for Life and MMerge Ministries, Inc.
Would you be interested in sponsoring me?
I'm "Running for Life" on April 24th in The Music City Marathon, Nashville, Tn. Proceeds go to Relay For Life and MMerge Ministries(75% of proceeds to Relay for Life). Donations of any amount are now being taken. If you sponsor me more than $2.00 per mile you recieve a t-shirt with your business name on the back that runners from McMinnville will wear on race day. The T-shirt designs are being finished up this week and will be posted soon. If interested you may donate here or make checks payable to MMerge Ministries and send to 138 Club Dr. McMinnville, Tn. 37110
It would be awesome if you would give to a great cause and help me achieve a dream! If you don't feel led to give please pray for me as i continue this last month of training. That i would be wise in my eating, training and preparation. Also, that my body(especially my knees) would carry me through!
Thanks!
Myra
I am "Running for Life" on behalf of Relay for Life and MMerge Ministries, Inc.
Would you be interested in sponsoring me?
I'm "Running for Life" on April 24th in The Music City Marathon, Nashville, Tn. Proceeds go to Relay For Life and MMerge Ministries(75% of proceeds to Relay for Life). Donations of any amount are now being taken. If you sponsor me more than $2.00 per mile you recieve a t-shirt with your business name on the back that runners from McMinnville will wear on race day. The T-shirt designs are being finished up this week and will be posted soon. If interested you may donate here or make checks payable to MMerge Ministries and send to 138 Club Dr. McMinnville, Tn. 37110
It would be awesome if you would give to a great cause and help me achieve a dream! If you don't feel led to give please pray for me as i continue this last month of training. That i would be wise in my eating, training and preparation. Also, that my body(especially my knees) would carry me through!
Thanks!
Myra
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March: HONESTY!
Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22
This month we will be focusing on the virtue of HONESTY, one of my favorites!
Why is HONESTY one of my favorites? I think because it was a virtue I REALLY had to WORK on growing up :)
As most of us have probably learned in one way or another, HONESTY is VERY important in life. It’s a building block to so many other things, like a brick in a wall that when taken out can crumble the whole wall.
Here’s something we’ll be discussing with our kids this month:Richard Nixon has almost completed his first term as president when members of the team working on his re-election broke into the opposing political party’s headquarters to spy on them. Nixon and his staff attempted to cover up the break-in. Then Nixon denied knowing anything about it. When people found out what had happened, they started a process to have Nixon removed from the presidency.
What do you think?
How was Nixon dishonest?
How might things have been different if President Nixon hadn’t tried to cover up the break-in?
Have you ever had a hard time trusting someone because of a lie they told you?
If you chose to tell a lie, what might it do to the way people think about you?
Taken from March Family Times Pact www.familytimes.org
Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22
This month we will be focusing on the virtue of HONESTY, one of my favorites!
Why is HONESTY one of my favorites? I think because it was a virtue I REALLY had to WORK on growing up :)
As most of us have probably learned in one way or another, HONESTY is VERY important in life. It’s a building block to so many other things, like a brick in a wall that when taken out can crumble the whole wall.
Here’s something we’ll be discussing with our kids this month:Richard Nixon has almost completed his first term as president when members of the team working on his re-election broke into the opposing political party’s headquarters to spy on them. Nixon and his staff attempted to cover up the break-in. Then Nixon denied knowing anything about it. When people found out what had happened, they started a process to have Nixon removed from the presidency.
What do you think?
How was Nixon dishonest?
How might things have been different if President Nixon hadn’t tried to cover up the break-in?
Have you ever had a hard time trusting someone because of a lie they told you?
If you chose to tell a lie, what might it do to the way people think about you?
Taken from March Family Times Pact www.familytimes.org
Monday, March 1, 2010
No Reservations
"For all that has been, thanks. For that shall be, yes" Prayer of Dag Hammarskjold
B. Manning says "Reckless confidence for me is the unshakable conviction that Jesus and the Father love me in a way that defies imagination. It means to accept without reservations all that the Abba of Jesus has ordained for my life, to have the attitued of Jesus when he prayed in the Garden, "Not my wil but yours be done."
Now that is living by faith = no reservations!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I Fight Like a Girl Breast Cancer Shirt from Zazzle.com
I Fight Like a Girl Breast Cancer Shirt from Zazzle.com
how cute are these t-shirts! what girl wouldn't look good in one or want one for VALENTINE'S DAY!? yes guys, it's comin up soon and you can buy all the girls in your life one of these "fight like a girl" shirts and support a good cause! Come on, nows the time! don't wait, you might forget and then not have a good gift!... No man should wanna be in that boat :)
your purchase of a shirt and your donation go to help Relay For Life. MMerge Ministries is joining efforts to help support and sponsor a friend of ours whose husband passed away. MMerge Ministries does not recieve anything on your purchase, it all goes to Relay For Life, helping to fight and find a cure for cancer!
To place an order go to our fb page at MMerge Inc. or Myra Jackson on fb. on just give me a call at 931-273-5802
Thanks for your support!!
how cute are these t-shirts! what girl wouldn't look good in one or want one for VALENTINE'S DAY!? yes guys, it's comin up soon and you can buy all the girls in your life one of these "fight like a girl" shirts and support a good cause! Come on, nows the time! don't wait, you might forget and then not have a good gift!... No man should wanna be in that boat :)
your purchase of a shirt and your donation go to help Relay For Life. MMerge Ministries is joining efforts to help support and sponsor a friend of ours whose husband passed away. MMerge Ministries does not recieve anything on your purchase, it all goes to Relay For Life, helping to fight and find a cure for cancer!
To place an order go to our fb page at MMerge Inc. or Myra Jackson on fb. on just give me a call at 931-273-5802
Thanks for your support!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
February Virtue
HONOR
a small word with profound meaning and action
"Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are." Honor.
Love each other deeply. Honor one another more than yourselves. Romans 12:10
Wow. What does that LOOK like?
We will be studying Honor this month at home and with your church family. We will work on in our home and in our community loving deeply, honoring others and letting them know how valuable they really are.
John-John got us off to a good start last week by writing a thank you note to our postal carrier. Letting him know that we appreciated him and his service to us and others. The kids also wanted to thank the snow plows and the trash men! I second that! Since moving into the city limits that has been one of the biggest blessings, having my trash picked up! I just love it!
Think of others in your life and around you that make like "easier" for you and show them HONOR!
a small word with profound meaning and action
"Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are." Honor.
Love each other deeply. Honor one another more than yourselves. Romans 12:10
Wow. What does that LOOK like?
We will be studying Honor this month at home and with your church family. We will work on in our home and in our community loving deeply, honoring others and letting them know how valuable they really are.
John-John got us off to a good start last week by writing a thank you note to our postal carrier. Letting him know that we appreciated him and his service to us and others. The kids also wanted to thank the snow plows and the trash men! I second that! Since moving into the city limits that has been one of the biggest blessings, having my trash picked up! I just love it!
Think of others in your life and around you that make like "easier" for you and show them HONOR!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Crazy Love
Friends,
This is not a new book but relatively new. Crazy Love by Francis Chan. i read it in 3 days so i know if you don't have time to read it you could at least watch the short videos on www.crazylovebook.com if you haven't already. Wow! it will get you thinking and leave you wondering!
Abundant Blessings and Eternal Hope,
Myra
This is not a new book but relatively new. Crazy Love by Francis Chan. i read it in 3 days so i know if you don't have time to read it you could at least watch the short videos on www.crazylovebook.com if you haven't already. Wow! it will get you thinking and leave you wondering!
Abundant Blessings and Eternal Hope,
Myra
Monday, January 11, 2010
Spiritual Discipline
Our Virtue for the month is Discipline. We are studying spiritual disciplines with our family and with the kids and youth at Liberty. Last night we talked about scripture memorization with the kids and it was amazing how quickly they can memorize scripture, if only we parents would take more time and help them with that. I am constantly looking for and thinking about ways to do more family ministry and less kids or youth ministry, but constantly come back to the fact that the parents must want to do it and be doing it at home. What will it take for the messed up situation in our churches to change. Discipleship starting with the Parents!
I got this email this morning from Chip Kirk and he has some great thoughts about reading the bible. What if parents would read the bible more? that would help...
I got this email this morning from Chip Kirk and he has some great thoughts about reading the bible. What if parents would read the bible more? that would help...
Soul Food: Reading the Bible
It’s no surprise that the Bible, as the saying goes, is the best selling, but least-read
book in the world. Even among committed Christians the Bible is a neglected book:
nibbled, but rarely eaten, acknowledged but unabsorbed.—R.N. Frost
Unless we discipline ourselves to get up earlier to read our Bibles, we probably won’t.
Unless we discipline ourselves to read our Bibles instead of watch TV, we probably
won’t. Unless we discipline ourselves to read our Bibles instead of surf the web, we
probably won’t. Will we, then, discipline ourselves to read our Bibles? Our answer to
that question reveals a lot about us.—Chip Kirk
Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous
and successful.—Joshua 1:8
Soul Food is a side dish of www.chipkirk.com
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