Stop signs mean STOP!

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:20

I love this picture of Jesus declaring the prophecy from Isaiah 61 about himself and then He sat down. His job was done and so He sat down!  I wish that God would just hold up a stop sign for me to tell me when I need to sit down. To stop talking, to stop striving, worrying ect.!

Stop talking-Listen to my voice

Stop striving-I will give you rest

Stop Worrying- I am big enough to handle it

Stop! Because, I AM!

I AM means I will be~can be~may be~keep on being 

Father, with every stop sign, may we be reminded that you are "I AM" to our every need. 

Praying Mantis

Ewww! What is that green thing flying through the air? Wings rotating, it looks almost clumsy. I wonder if there two of them? Is it a dragonfly or two insects mating? I had no idea until it landed on the side of Qdoba. Upon closer look I could see clearly that it was a praying mantis.

They are very cool looking. Not as cool as the one in Kung Fu Panda, but cool. Perched there on the side of the wall, It appeared so elegant, graceful, and yet most definitely insecty.


Did you know?

• That the praying mantis was named after the way it stands. It has a "prayer like" stance.

• The word mantis comes from a Greek word that means prophet or fortune teller.

• They can turn their head 180 degrees!

They have a large field of vision. On top of their triangular head are large eyes. This helps them detect any movement that their prey may have. Having a large field of vision increases their hearing and sense of smell which increases their ability to hunt successfully.

What is your field of vision like?

Do you see the large field ready for harvest?

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:37

Jesus reminded us of His purpose. 

I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43

This purpose was not just for Him, but for us also! We also must be sharing His good news! 

Do you see with human eyes, or with Kingdom perspective?

What is impeding your Kingdom vision today?

Father, may we be more like the preying mantis, looking around us to see the harvest, to be fruitful to be ready with a kingdom perspective.  Remove from us anything that is impeding our vision. 

A lesson in Worship

This morning in church during an incredible time of worship I kept hearing someone behind me. We were all singing, "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest" by Hillsong United. Somewhere behind me was someone who was praising God with all they had inside of them.

Unfortunately for me it was a little distracting. I had a hard time concentrating, because this voice was rather shrill and off key. It took everything inside of me not to turn around. I wanted to see who it was. After the song was over and we sat down, I slyly, secretly turned and scanned the faces. A cute little girl, a woman who was a friend of mine, an older women and her husband. None of them seemed like the person that I heard declaring their praises to the Lord.

Why am I sharing my little secret with you?

The rest of the song has these lyrics;

Heal my heart and make it clean 

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

As I go from nothing to 

Eternity

When I turned back around I remembered, "Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord."  It doesn't say, "let everyone who can sing beautifully, or in key, praise the Lord".  For that matter, it doesn't say, "if Jann approves of their voice they may worship me".  

I was secretly embarrassed by my thoughts and God had quickly reminded me that he loves every praise that is lifted to him.

At that moment , my heart was broken at my own sinfulness. When Lord, will I be a grownup Christian?

Father, may the words of this song become true in my life.

There's a Hole

There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza,
There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza,
There’s a hole.

Then fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry,
Then fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, fix it.

With what should I fix it, dear Liza, dear Liza,
With what should I fix it, dear Liza, with what?

Read more at my guest post at http://christianwomenonline.net/

Homeless

On any night in America, approximately 750,000 men, women, and children are homeless in the US. According to National Alliance to End Homelessness.

• 56% live in shelters and transitional housing
• 41% are persons living in families.  
• 44% are unsheltered. 
• 59% are single adults
• 98,452 are homeless families 

In one year, approximately 3.5 million people will live in an emergency shelter   or on the streets. 

Recently, one Saturday morning in Downtown Grand Rapids a group of friends and I visited with some men and women who have also found themselves homeless.  

Our team went straight to work in the kitchen. Emily was directing our team, Stephanie and Kevin expertly flipped pancakes and browned sausages, Laura and Jeff feverishly mixed the pancake batter, Dawn and Nancy were greeting the guests with a smile as they served breakfast and Beth and I were out doing what we love to do, meet people! As our group was preparing breakfast, men and women, young and old came in and found their spot. For some it was a booth along the wall, for others it meant finding a table big enough to meet up with friends and for these men it was a table set up for dominoes. 

These brothers were playing a mean game of dominoes. While my friend Beth and I stood there talking with them, I was a filled with great joy!  These brothers, who God has created and who He loves, were enjoying fellowship together. They allowed us the great honor to join in with them. It was a blessing to be there.

Although these men and women have found themselves in need, requiring the assistance of food, they were not lacking spunk and energy! Their joy and playfulness was infectious.

I was so blessed by my time with these brothers and sisters. I went to bless them, but I was the one who received the blessing.

  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, 

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, 

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

 I needed clothes and you clothed me, 

I was sick and you looked after me, 

I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-36

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

Where can you get involved in serving others in the name of Christ?

Thank you Father for demonstrating your love for us, that while we were yet sinners you sent your son to die for us and to offer us the opportunity to no longer be strangers, homeless and wandering.  We now have a home with you. Remind us to share this home with everyone.  

God created....

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Growing up our family often took long car rides through the countryside.  My favorite place to be was laying in the back of the station wagon looking up through the back window at the clouds. This was before seatbelts were required! Laying there, I never saw "just clouds". There were dinosaurs, beautiful princesses, birds, flowers, dogs, bears, giants, and hearts. It was a wonderland of creativity. I was happy to just stare out that window and look for just one more thing in the clouds.  My family quickly tired of the question. "what do you see in the clouds?" They never seemed to visualize exactly what I saw. 

God created those beautiful clouds and He created the heavens and the Earth and He created you!

He created

you

in the image 

of Him!

I wonder if he lays back as he looks at you and delights in His creation?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Father may we believe what you tell us in Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Is everything permissible, beneficial?

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. I Corinthians 10:23-24

There is freedom in Christ! I love that I am not constricted by rules and regulations, but then I read this verse and I think, "Oh I have to think about others and how my choices may have an effect on them".  

If we are trying to be a witness then we must consider if what we do or say will impede others in knowing Jesus.

If we are trying to build one another up, then we might need to refrain from something because we know that it could cause our brother or sister to stumble.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty.

Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial.

• The bible does not forbid us to drink- Do you drink around someone who struggles with it? 

• The bible does not forbid us to smoke- Do you smoke around someone who is trying to be healthier? 

• The bible does not forbid us eat good food- Do you overindulge in food around someone who is trying to lose weight? 

Here is the point, just because you can make a choice, should you make that choice?

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

What is the effect that it will have on others and on the kingdom of God?

Father, Reveal to me how I may be a stumbling block to others. Examine my speech, habits and lifestyle.  Show me anything that is not beneficial and help me to change it. 

Emmy awards

Tonight I watched the Emmy's.  My favorite part by far was the Best actress in a Comedy category.  As each woman nominee was announced, they ran up to the stage and stood in line as if it was a pageant.

When they announced that the Emmy was won by Melissa McCarthy,  the star of "Mike & Molly" all of the women huddled around her and gave her lots of hugs!

Then they did what I have always dreamed of! They put a tiara on her head and placed roses in one of her hands and an Emmy in the other! 

"Holy Smokes", Melissa exclaimed as she stood with tears streaming down her face.

What must it feel like;

• To be recognized by your peers and community for a job well done?
• To be given a place of honor and prestige?
• To be treated like royalty complete with a tiara?

There will come a day when we will receive our heavenly EMMY award!


We will receive a place with the King!

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3

We will receive recognition for a life of faithfulness!

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

We will receive the crown of life! Our own Tiara!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Father, help us to live a life worthy of your recognition. Focus our attention to your work and your plans for us. Remind us that earthly recognition is fleeting but heavenly recognition is eternal! 

Jesus Use Me Please!

When you think about everything that has happened in your life there may be some things that you think have been wasted experiences.

I disagree!

God can and will use you to further His kingdom. God isn't looking for super spiritual Christians or those who seem to have it all together, He wants to use you! 

God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips those He calls! (The hole in our gospel)

I know that this may be hard to comprehend, but the truth is God wants to use you now, wherever you are. It begins with saying; Jesus Use Me Please! 

It changes how we view each day! God wants to use you as a vessel, a chosen instrument.

this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. Acts 9:15 

Paul was God's instrument. What was true of Paul is also true of you!

The dictionary describes a vessel as a hollow or conclave utensil, as a cup, bowl, pitcher, or vase, used for holding liquids or other contents. The word “vessel” always means a container.

A vessel is empty until it is filled.

Every vessel has a purpose no matter what size, shape, color, condition, beauty or design it is.

some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” II Timothy 2:20-21 

What type of vessel are you?

A chipped vessel: Bitterness, jealousy, pride and painful experiences have began to chip away at you.

A broken vessel: You feel broken, hurt and unfixable. A life hurt and crushed by things of this world; needing the touch of the Master to make it whole. God can help this vessel overcome the hurt and pain.

An unclean vessel: Stained by sin and in need of cleansing

An unfinished vessel: A life yet in need of God’s great love and salvation. A simple prayer of forgiveness can be the start to transforming a life from unfinished to finished.

A clean, full vessel: A life that is filled with the life giving Spirit of God.

What type of vessel are you?

So often we don't see ourselves as instruments.

I know that you may be thinking, "Jann, you have absolutely no clue. God cannot use me because of my shyness. or my lack of abilities, or family circumstances or __________ (fill in the blank)."

There is no way that I would have ever thought that God would choose me. Me, a stained, broken vessel, to serve Him. But as soon as I stepped out and started trusting Him and serving Him, those things that had kept me afraid and in fear for so long, no longer mattered because it was then that God recreated me to be the instrument that he had chosen.

My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.

So no matter where you are today let me encourage you to not be afraid to let God use you. He can take anyone and recreate them!

It starts with asking; Jesus Use me Please!

Why Pray?

     We were created by God 

for Connection!

  

Why Pray?

We must! Prayer connects us to the one who gives us life!

James 5:16- The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

 Why pray?

  It helps us see better

We see more clearly after spending some time with God in prayer.

I am me and God is God. Prayer reminds me of this!

      I see the small                  He sees the bigger picture

      I see with feelings             He sees reality

      I see a corner of it            He sees the whole

Watch how David’s perspective changed during prayer in Psalm 13.

In the first part he shares his feelings of sorrow.

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? 

How long will you hide your face from me? 

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts 

and day after day have sorrow in my heart? 

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Next he begins to request a change from God.

Look on me and answer, LORD my God. 

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 

and my enemy will say, 

“I have overcome him,” 

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

 Starting in verse 5 you can see a change happen

But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation. 

 I will sing the LORD’s praise,

for he has been good to me.

Why Pray?

Prayer changes how we view the situation, ourselves and God.

When we allow the power of the silence to quiet our hearts, the Holy Spirit can speak, we can listen and a change can occur.

Father, why do I spend anytime trying to figure things out by myself? Thank you for creating a way for us to communicate, connect and change.  Prayer is such a gift. Thank you for it.

Bystanders Rescue Motorcyclist

Wow! When an accident happened in Salt Lake City, Utah and a young man was pinned underneath a burning car a remarkable event occurred. Ten strangers both men and women came running into action. 

Without regard to their own;

Safety 

Strength 

Time

 Appearance

 These normal every day people worked together as a team to lift a car and pull the man from certain death!

 I love watching this. It reminds me of what we can do every day. We are called to rush into action to share the life-giving, saving love of Christ.

Who do you know who needs your immediate assistance? 

Who is facing a certain death, or separation from God? 

Who can you pull from danger? 

Don"t wait,

 Don't hesitate.

Rush in to action Someone needs you!

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

Do Something!

Don't let them steal your fruit!

"In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feel like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another." Andy Stanley 

When I read this I knew what God was trying to tell me.  I had unforgiveness in my heart.  Like a growing root it had taken residence. Each time I remembered it, the thought fed and nourished the disdain.


The bible has warned us over and over again about not loving, not forgiving, not sharing grace.  The effects of this lifestyle are evident!  These things rob us of the joy that God wants us to experience!


What lurks in us can be revolting, unlikable, stinky! Not exactly reflecting
the glory of God!

Have you ever had ants infiltrate your home?  It seems as though there is no way to get rid of them.  They are on your counters, in your trash, in the walls, everywhere! These creatures find a way in and continue to come as long as there is something there to nourish them.  If there is no food, they go somewhere else.


Ants are like an unforgiving spirit. It hovers around us looking for something to take away. Eventually, robbing us of the fruit of the Spirit. We must clean up the mess, so that those "thoughts" have nothing to feed on!


But what are we to do with thoughts like these? 

Give them up!

Stop holding onto them. 

Make it right if there is a wrong.

Ask God to bless the person, business, church, family, agency that you have 

bad feelings toward.

Yes, I said to ask God to bless them!

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you 

 Matthew 5:43-44

When you offer this to God, and ask Him to bless. Slowly the hold of this hurt begins to let go.  As if one finger at a time is being unpeeled from the situation. You can feel the building anger and deep hurt slowly begin to fade.  

This is NOT easy and it takes some time.  Each time the angry, accusing thought about that person infiltrates you heart and mind, try uttering these words, "Bless them Lord".

We are to follow in our Father's ways. 

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

Father, the ugly truth is that I have unforgiveness in my heart!  Bless those that I have felt hurt from. Release the hold that this has had on me. Restore to me your joy. I want to live in you freedom and love.  Growing in showing your grace. 

Guest Blog- Stefanie Brown

The Right Way.....

During my first trip to the UK, adjusting to the differences in transportation proved challenging. 

Cars travel on the opposite side of the road (opposite of side of what I’m used to, anyway).

The driver is on the right side of the car instead of the left. (I wish I had a dollar for every time I went to the right side of the car to hop in as the passenger).

Stop signs are present, yet rare, while roundabouts are bountiful (If you miss your turn, motion sickness is inevitable).

As far as parking… If your car fits ~ park (seriously…).

Less adjustment accompanied me during my second visit while my third trip over found me both familiar and comfortable riding along with anyone anywhere.

I simply had to get used to the British transportation system.  My way of thinking had to change.  I had to purposefully think each and every time I got into a car.  Enter left.  Stay on the left side of the road.  Count roundabout exits so not to miss the one we needed.  When I’m driving in the states, those thoughts don’t even cross my mind. 

Similarly, when we welcome Him into our lives, a new way of thinking accompanies His presence.  We change from driving life on the left side to the right.  We hop in the right side of the car, allowing Him to enter the left.  We allow Him to choose the “exits” for our lives, directing and “parking” us exactly as He designed.  For He promises…

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Having the opportunity to tour England and Wales would not have been possible if I refused to welcome the differences in transportation.  I would have really missed out on an amazing experience.  In comparison, if we don’t submit and allow Him to lead and direct us, we’ll miss out on an amazing life, one specifically created for us.

Because of Him,

Stefanie

You can read more about Stefanie's story and ministry at Uplifting Words