Soar like a bird, seek to go higher;
Possibilities are endless when it’s God you desire.
You must leave the nest to reach full potential;
Step from your comfort zone, don’t be so doubtful.
The Lord will show you just where to land;
Then you must listen & take your stand.
God will never, ever let you fall.
He even holds the sparrow, so dainty & small.
So, soar like a bird – don’t be afraid;
The Lord will protect you, He’ll come to your aid.
He’s there as your guide, to lead & direct;
Just stop, look & listen, don’t be circumspect.
Like the bird, He has given us a natural instinct;
To draw nigh to Him, through our prayers we are linked.
We are His children – we are His treasure;
God’s love for us is way beyond measure.
So, soar like a bird, go higher & higher;
Possibilities are endless when it’s God you desire!
© Angela M. Jackson 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Patient Endurance
Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) “Patient endurance is what you need now so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
This has been a recurring theme in my life over the last few weeks – almost a month now. Such a hard lesson to learn, but so important to realize. This is what the Lord gave me yesterday while dwelling on this verse.
Patient endurance is what it takes
For you to find strength to run the race.
This life is full of ups and downs,
But in life with Me you’ll wear a crown.
Focus on Me, give Me your attention.
It’s only My Name that you need to mention.
I’m all you need to make it through,
Just trust in Me for I am the Truth;
I am the Way and I am the Life,
Living with Me does not bring strife
This doesn’t mean you won’t climb a hill -
But I’m always with you – just be still.
Know that I’m God and I’ll carry you through
Whatever storm is attacking you
You must be in My will to receive
The promises I have – simply believe.
You have the strength to run this race,
But patient endurance is what it takes!
© Copyright Angela M. Jackson, 2011
I did a devotional on a call this morning on this very subject. The call is an amazing time to hear the Word and deliver any prayer requests you might have. I urge and encourage you to check it out when you get a chance. If you are unable to call in to participate you can always call in on a playback number and listen to the devotional. It is called “It’s a New Thing” based on the scripture Isaiah 43:18-19. The hours for participation are 6 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday of each week. The number for participation is 209.647.1000 the pin will be 355106#. The playback number is 209.647.1999 pin 355106#. For today’s call (June 29, 2011) you can enter reference #35 at the prompting. Again, I encourage you to listen to any of the calls, but if you are dealing with things in your life that call for endurance and perseverance, today is for YOU!!
I pray God’s blessings on you all! :)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Two-Faced Christian
My daughter said “Mom, will you pray with me?”
I said, “I will, just wait and see!”
”I have a test that’s hard, today”
”I’ll be there in just a minute, okay?”
Off to school to start the day…
”Oh, we almost forgot to pray,
Just give me your hand, we’ll do it real quick.
’Thank you, Jesus, make all knowledge stick’”
”There you go, my sweet little girl.
Now get in there and give it a whirl”
My son comes home and says “Hey Mom,
I don’t feel so good, something is wrong.
Will you pray for me to take it away?”
I said “Of course, but in a minute, okay?”
Off to the Doctor – why is it happening this way?
Once again, we forgot to pray.
”Give me your hand, lets say a quick prayer.
I know the Lord can meet us there.
’Lord, help my son, don’t let him be sick
And thank You for hearing my prayer, real quick’”
My husband comes home and says “bad day.
Would you mind – let’s just pray?”
I said “No problem! You know I will;
But in a minute, I’m busy still.”
So, we wait to pray and along goes the day
An argument comes and I don’t know what to say.
”Where did this come from? Why so mad?”
”Because you’re always too busy… it makes me sad”
I realize now, we forgot to pray
And ask the Lord for a better day.
”Give me your hand, we’ll do it real quick”
Then, maybe the anger won’t stick.
Off to church now as a family
To sing praise and worship to our King.
I lift my hands and begin to pray.
How am I doing? Is this the right way?
My husband and children look and see
The preacher preach and they look at me.
What is she doing when he asks her to pray?
She gets up and does it…. right away!
But what about us? Can’t she do that at home?
Why do we have to plead and moan?
A TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN – she is just that!
Out there she can… but at home, she can’t.
I said, “I will, just wait and see!”
”I have a test that’s hard, today”
”I’ll be there in just a minute, okay?”
Off to school to start the day…
”Oh, we almost forgot to pray,
Just give me your hand, we’ll do it real quick.
’Thank you, Jesus, make all knowledge stick’”
”There you go, my sweet little girl.
Now get in there and give it a whirl”
My son comes home and says “Hey Mom,
I don’t feel so good, something is wrong.
Will you pray for me to take it away?”
I said “Of course, but in a minute, okay?”
Off to the Doctor – why is it happening this way?
Once again, we forgot to pray.
”Give me your hand, lets say a quick prayer.
I know the Lord can meet us there.
’Lord, help my son, don’t let him be sick
And thank You for hearing my prayer, real quick’”
My husband comes home and says “bad day.
Would you mind – let’s just pray?”
I said “No problem! You know I will;
But in a minute, I’m busy still.”
So, we wait to pray and along goes the day
An argument comes and I don’t know what to say.
”Where did this come from? Why so mad?”
”Because you’re always too busy… it makes me sad”
I realize now, we forgot to pray
And ask the Lord for a better day.
”Give me your hand, we’ll do it real quick”
Then, maybe the anger won’t stick.
Off to church now as a family
To sing praise and worship to our King.
I lift my hands and begin to pray.
How am I doing? Is this the right way?
My husband and children look and see
The preacher preach and they look at me.
What is she doing when he asks her to pray?
She gets up and does it…. right away!
But what about us? Can’t she do that at home?
Why do we have to plead and moan?
A TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN – she is just that!
Out there she can… but at home, she can’t.
Dear Lord, help me today to be what you have called me to be. A Godly wife and mother. I don’t ever want to be too busy that I don’t show my husband and children that church is the only place to pray with fervency or that the world’s problems are more important than theirs. I want them to see me as a woman who seeks after YOU at all times and is never too busy to stop what I am doing to pray for a need they have, right now! Lord, let me be the light that shines for YOU – not just in the world or at church, but to my family first and foremost. Don’t let them view me as a “Christian” out there, but not at home. Don’t let me be a TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN.
Now, please do NOT misunderstand what I am saying about “quick” prayers. Those are definitely necessary at times. This is all about the business of life… we, I, do not take the time at home I should to minister to my family first… God, husband, children…. others. This is how HE called us to prioritize our relationships. When this is in the right order, things fall into place as they should and your family doesn't feel you are too busy to see and hear them. BUSY = Being Under Satan's Yoke
"TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN" is a poem by Angela M. Jackson, owner of this blog. All rights reserved.
"TWO-FACED CHRISTIAN" is a poem by Angela M. Jackson, owner of this blog. All rights reserved.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Do Not Worry! Be Joyful in trials. :)
Let me help you through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone. You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. This awareness opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence. Actually, this choice is continually before you, but difficulties highlight the decision making process. So consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped in various trials. These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely on Me alone.
Psalm 63:7-8; James 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
(This passage is from the book Jesus Calling)
After the question, “who or what shall separate us from the love of God” & several suggestions of hardships & difficulties were listed – Paul says Romans 8:37-39 this: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced – persuaded – am not backing up from, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons – or anyone on this earth in between, neither the present nor the future – or worrying about either one, nor ANY powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us – deter us – make our thinking sway – or stop us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (I added words for emphasis so that we clearly know how deep our commitment must be for Him and His love for us! He makes us “super victors” in all things – helping us overcome all obstacles as we hand them off to Him – realizing that the perfecting of another ones faith is NOT IN OUR POWER!!!)
(This is from ANGIE KNIGHT, giving my Word for the day)
(The following is from Tiffany Stuart, precious soul! From Tea with Tiffany… a word given to her a few days before now… Actually on March 3rd)
The Stop, Look and Listen Girl is at it again. For those of you who don’t know that’s my nickname. God speaks to me through what I see and hear, if and when I look and listen. I often capture a picture of His message and share it online. This week’s message was loud and clear.
On Tuesday while I ran errands, I felt compelled to turn around and drove a mile in the opposite direction to find this semi truck. I needed a picture of this rocking chair because God was speaking.
First I remembered this quote: “Worry is like a rocking chair–it gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”
Back n’ forth. Back n’ forth. Back n’ forth.
My worry wasn’t getting me anyway, except more stressed.
Then God gently reminded me of His Word.
Do not worry…
(The following was a text from my dear friend, Vanessa… sent to my cell phone on March 3rd… sound familiar??)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
Has God ever spoken to you through various sources all at the same time? Maybe HE was trying to get your attention… I certainly know he was getting mine!! I have never had a tendency toward worry… but God showed me differently! He pointed it out to me over & over & over & over again. I am learning, slowly but surely, that I can’t depend on anyone or anything but HIM!!!! He will always take care of me, no matter what the situation.
How about you?? Are you putting your full faith and trust in HIM? Or are you spending your days rocking with worry??
Psalm 63:7-8; James 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
(This passage is from the book Jesus Calling)
After the question, “who or what shall separate us from the love of God” & several suggestions of hardships & difficulties were listed – Paul says Romans 8:37-39 this: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced – persuaded – am not backing up from, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons – or anyone on this earth in between, neither the present nor the future – or worrying about either one, nor ANY powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us – deter us – make our thinking sway – or stop us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (I added words for emphasis so that we clearly know how deep our commitment must be for Him and His love for us! He makes us “super victors” in all things – helping us overcome all obstacles as we hand them off to Him – realizing that the perfecting of another ones faith is NOT IN OUR POWER!!!)
(This is from ANGIE KNIGHT, giving my Word for the day)
(The following is from Tiffany Stuart, precious soul! From Tea with Tiffany… a word given to her a few days before now… Actually on March 3rd)
The Stop, Look and Listen Girl is at it again. For those of you who don’t know that’s my nickname. God speaks to me through what I see and hear, if and when I look and listen. I often capture a picture of His message and share it online. This week’s message was loud and clear.
On Tuesday while I ran errands, I felt compelled to turn around and drove a mile in the opposite direction to find this semi truck. I needed a picture of this rocking chair because God was speaking.
First I remembered this quote: “Worry is like a rocking chair–it gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”
Back n’ forth. Back n’ forth. Back n’ forth.
My worry wasn’t getting me anyway, except more stressed.
Then God gently reminded me of His Word.
Do not worry…
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)To read more of this post from Tiffany click here
(The following was a text from my dear friend, Vanessa… sent to my cell phone on March 3rd… sound familiar??)
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
Has God ever spoken to you through various sources all at the same time? Maybe HE was trying to get your attention… I certainly know he was getting mine!! I have never had a tendency toward worry… but God showed me differently! He pointed it out to me over & over & over & over again. I am learning, slowly but surely, that I can’t depend on anyone or anything but HIM!!!! He will always take care of me, no matter what the situation.
How about you?? Are you putting your full faith and trust in HIM? Or are you spending your days rocking with worry??
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Third Strand
I was in the bedroom, just cleaning up a bit. It pushed me. I didn’t fall, but I was definitely caught off guard – lost my balance even. I didn’t see anything there – I was alone. Or was I? Not then, not now. I continued cleaning up, still a little rattled at what had just occurred. It pushed me again. This time a little harder with a little more force. “What are you doing? Leave me alone!” I almost fell to the floor. Darkness. Heaviness. Evil. Pure evil. I left the bedroom. I was astounded at my experience, baffled. My friend came over for a visit. She sat waiting on the couch while I returned to the bedroom for a moment. An all out attack. It came at me FULL FORCE. It pulled my feet right out from under me. I was hanging – in mid air – upside down. My head was almost touching the floor. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t fight back. Not from this position. I was completely helpless. “Scream, call out for help”, I thought. SHE will hear you and help. I started to call out… but only for a second. It took my voice away. I couldn’t even scream for help. But she heard me… for that split second, she heard me. She came running. Walking in to find my predicament. She fought for me – I couldn’t fight – so she fought for me!! Calling on the Almighty Name of JESUS…. HE fought for me.
I have another friend, the three of us have been woven together, by the hand of our Mighty Maker. Woven together for such a time as THIS!! We are each one of three strands. Together we have the power of 3. We can fight anything as long as we are together (with Christ in the center)! Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The power of 3… The FATHER, the SON, the, HOLY SPIRIT. This cord won’t be broken! Darkness can never live where there is light!!!
Do you have the power of THREE??
(This was actually a dream I had several nights ago…)
Friday, January 28, 2011
YOU'RE EVERYWHERE
When I look up, I see You...
When I look below, I see You, too.
You're everywhere.
You're in the trees blowing in the wind,
You're in a card received from a friend.
You're everywhere.
You're in the smile on a stranger's face,
You're in the church - a holy place.
You're everywhere.
You're in the butterfly taking flight,
You are peace on a dark and scary night.
You're everywhere.
You're in a child's innocent song,
You're in the tough guy - big and strong.
You're everywhere.
You're in a mother's gentle touch,
You're in the elderly as death they clutch.
You're everywhere.
You're in the animals playing in the forest,
You're in the choir's boastful chorus.
You're everywhere.
You're found in nature - listen and hear
All I have to do is lend my ear.
You're everywhere.
You're in the colors of the art on the wall,
You're in a bunny on the shelf at the mall.
You're everywhere.
You're in the heart carved into my eye shadow,
You fill a life that seems so hollow.
You're everywhere.
What about you? Have you seen HIM too?
Just look around, He's not far from you.... because
HE'S EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!
When I look below, I see You, too.
You're everywhere.
You're in the trees blowing in the wind,
You're in a card received from a friend.
You're everywhere.
You're in the smile on a stranger's face,
You're in the church - a holy place.
You're everywhere.
You're in the butterfly taking flight,
You are peace on a dark and scary night.
You're everywhere.
You're in a child's innocent song,
You're in the tough guy - big and strong.
You're everywhere.
You're in a mother's gentle touch,
You're in the elderly as death they clutch.
You're everywhere.
You're in the animals playing in the forest,
You're in the choir's boastful chorus.
You're everywhere.
You're found in nature - listen and hear
All I have to do is lend my ear.
You're everywhere.
You're in the colors of the art on the wall,
You're in a bunny on the shelf at the mall.
You're everywhere.
You're in the heart carved into my eye shadow,
You fill a life that seems so hollow.
You're everywhere.
What about you? Have you seen HIM too?
Just look around, He's not far from you.... because
HE'S EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Self Discipline... The Lesson
Have you ever been given a lesson in self discipline? I am on the journey now to understand what that really means. I have been following the Living Proof Ministries blog, by Beth Moore, for a while now. Just now getting really into it... I love her. She is so vibrant, full of energy and the best part, so in love with GOD!!! Her heart is for women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicity... doesn't matter. She just loves women and wants women to love God and experience HIM the way she does! She is doing the Siesta's Scripture Memorization Team... it is a "team" of of ladies who follow her blog and if you choose you can jump on board and memorize 24 verses in the following year... that is going to take discipline! Click on the Living Proof Ministries blog link to find out more...
Anyway... back to self discipline. I have to say this is NOT a strong point in my life! I do NOT practice it on a daily basis to very much extent. I tend to blame everything around me for the CHAOS in my life. It is crazy, lazy & just plain ridiculous. I constantly feel completely overwhelmed with daily tasks that should just come so easy to me. Work is my refuge from cleaning my house and my house is my refuge from work, but who wants to be in a house that is a mess?! I get so overwhelmed just walking in my door that I give up before I even get started. So, the cycle continues!!
My weaknesses... I do not clean my house the way it should be done. (Therefore, if any of you were planning a visit, please call first. Let me at least throw it all in a closet so it appears to be clean and it appears that I have it all together! *grin*) I do not tend to my family in the proper way. Don't get me wrong here... my family is well fed, well clothed and well taken care of. What I mean by this is that I do not give them my undivided attention in the time they need it. I am usually too busy stressing over what needs to be done that I snap at them to leave me alone for now... we will talk about it later. This will lead to no talking at all in the days, months, years to come! I definitely don't want that!! The last I will mention is (well, not, by any means, the last weakness I have, just the last I will mention today) my walk with Christ. I am so BUSY (Being Under Satan's Yolk) with life and the stresses of life that I forget to take the time where it is needed most... in daily reading of God's Word and in appointed prayer time.
Really, if I could just remember that it is God who gave me this life (although it is I who has messed it up), He will be faithful to me if I will be faithful to HIM. I must spend that appointed time with God and hear what He has to say to me today (and it must be appointed, otherwise you will lose your day and realize that you didn't have "time" to spend today). I must listen and not do all of the talking. I must put that FIRST in my life, then allow HIM to work the rest of it out. When I show self discipline in my relationship with Him, then self discipline will follow in the other areas of my life.
This is not an easy lesson to learn. It hurts and it's not fun, by any means!! But, for life to run smoothly, even in the midst of a bumpy ride, self discipline is a MUST!! Christ in your life is a MUST!! Otherwise, it's just a world of chaos.
Dear Lord, I pray for self discipline for this coming year. I have practiced laziness far too long. I want to be dependent solely on YOU, Lord. I need the energy to complete daily tasks without feeling completely overwhelmed. Help me take it step by step and not feel that it has to ALL be completed RIGHT NOW. I am asking You for self discipline in my walk with You, daily reading Your Word & spending appointed time in prayer. Self discipline in my eating habits, I want to live a healthier lifestyle. Self discipline in keeping my house clean, Lord… You know how much I struggle with this one!! Self discipline in tending to my family when and how they need tending to. I thank You, Precious Lord, right now for giving me the mind strength I need to accomplish great things in the coming year & not to feel completely overwhelmed. I love You, Sweet Lord!! In Your name I pray. Amen
On a side note, it is good to be back! I have been gone from posting far too long. I hope to continue to listen as God speaks to me and share with you the words He gives me!!
Oh and if you are one of those who throws things in the closet when company is coming, please don't live in CHAOS anymore. Click here and find out how!!
Anyway... back to self discipline. I have to say this is NOT a strong point in my life! I do NOT practice it on a daily basis to very much extent. I tend to blame everything around me for the CHAOS in my life. It is crazy, lazy & just plain ridiculous. I constantly feel completely overwhelmed with daily tasks that should just come so easy to me. Work is my refuge from cleaning my house and my house is my refuge from work, but who wants to be in a house that is a mess?! I get so overwhelmed just walking in my door that I give up before I even get started. So, the cycle continues!!
My weaknesses... I do not clean my house the way it should be done. (Therefore, if any of you were planning a visit, please call first. Let me at least throw it all in a closet so it appears to be clean and it appears that I have it all together! *grin*) I do not tend to my family in the proper way. Don't get me wrong here... my family is well fed, well clothed and well taken care of. What I mean by this is that I do not give them my undivided attention in the time they need it. I am usually too busy stressing over what needs to be done that I snap at them to leave me alone for now... we will talk about it later. This will lead to no talking at all in the days, months, years to come! I definitely don't want that!! The last I will mention is (well, not, by any means, the last weakness I have, just the last I will mention today) my walk with Christ. I am so BUSY (Being Under Satan's Yolk) with life and the stresses of life that I forget to take the time where it is needed most... in daily reading of God's Word and in appointed prayer time.
Really, if I could just remember that it is God who gave me this life (although it is I who has messed it up), He will be faithful to me if I will be faithful to HIM. I must spend that appointed time with God and hear what He has to say to me today (and it must be appointed, otherwise you will lose your day and realize that you didn't have "time" to spend today). I must listen and not do all of the talking. I must put that FIRST in my life, then allow HIM to work the rest of it out. When I show self discipline in my relationship with Him, then self discipline will follow in the other areas of my life.
This is not an easy lesson to learn. It hurts and it's not fun, by any means!! But, for life to run smoothly, even in the midst of a bumpy ride, self discipline is a MUST!! Christ in your life is a MUST!! Otherwise, it's just a world of chaos.
Dear Lord, I pray for self discipline for this coming year. I have practiced laziness far too long. I want to be dependent solely on YOU, Lord. I need the energy to complete daily tasks without feeling completely overwhelmed. Help me take it step by step and not feel that it has to ALL be completed RIGHT NOW. I am asking You for self discipline in my walk with You, daily reading Your Word & spending appointed time in prayer. Self discipline in my eating habits, I want to live a healthier lifestyle. Self discipline in keeping my house clean, Lord… You know how much I struggle with this one!! Self discipline in tending to my family when and how they need tending to. I thank You, Precious Lord, right now for giving me the mind strength I need to accomplish great things in the coming year & not to feel completely overwhelmed. I love You, Sweet Lord!! In Your name I pray. Amen
On a side note, it is good to be back! I have been gone from posting far too long. I hope to continue to listen as God speaks to me and share with you the words He gives me!!
Oh and if you are one of those who throws things in the closet when company is coming, please don't live in CHAOS anymore. Click here and find out how!!
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