...can understand the pain others are going through
...can know how to help when I can't
...can be the Rock to lean on
...can be the lap I climb up into
...can be the one who 'hears' my cry
...can know the answer when I'm all out of answers
Psalm 34: 7-8 The angel of the Lord encamps 'round about them that fear Him and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
I am a receptionist and answer phone calls coming into our main switchboard. I work at a company within the mortgage industry. At times I get overwhelmed by the 'cry' I hear within people's voices for help with their mortgage - they need someone to listen to them, to hear what their need is so they do not loose their homes. It seems they are at the end of their rope.
What is a little 'o receptionist to do?
A little 'o receptionist who knows - only You, Lord have the answers!
All I can do is offer them my ears to hear, my voice to soothe, point them in the direction that should help, and pray. Pray that the Lord, who answers all calls for help, would help get them to where they need to go. And as I release their phone call, I release them to You...
...only You, Lord.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I trust...
Psalm 119:45 I trust in your word.
Lord, do I really believe what you say is truth?
Until the other day, I thought I really believed His word as truth. Then something happened to cause my faith to falter. Circumstances brought questions of "why" and "how" to my God. Worry and unbelief started to come - it brought me to a place of almost being comatose. I tried to seek words of encouragement. Nothing seemed to satisfy. Then God intervened. It was a God moment. Nothing circumstantial. Because I open mail at my job and because we get a lot of junk mail that's thrown away and because a piece of junk mail came from a ministry I opened it before I was going to throw it. There it was - a CD titled, "He'll Lift You Up". I listened. My spirit soaked in God's word that says He will deliver me, He will rescue me, I will be lifted up.
His word is truth -- as if Jesus himself is right here in person speaking to you. He led me to these words...
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)
Psalm 113:7-9 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! (NASB)
...I was being lifted up from the pit I had been in. That evening our women's bible study group met. More words of truth came as they each shared scriptures on His rest, His peace, His patience, and His compassion. It was as if He had orchestrated each woman's specific word study for me. I was in awe of His love - for me.
My spirit was encouraged. My faith was built up. Yes, His word is true. His promises are for me. I am His daughter, whom He delights in!
The next morning I open my devotional, Streams in the Desert (L.B. Cowman), and God had this to share...
Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman
The strength of our faith is in direct proportion to our level of belief that God will do exactly what He has promised. Faith has nothing to do with feelings, impressions, outward appearances, nor the probability of improbability of an event. If we try to couple these things with faith, we are no longer resting on the Word of God, because faith is not dependent on them. Faith rests on the pure Word of God alone. And when we take Him at His Word, our hearts are at peace.
Trust brings us to a place of rest, peace, patience and freedom.
Today I choose to rest in the arms of my Heavenly Daddy, to trust. My heart is at peace and my spirit free!
Do you trust, really trust God's word? If you struggle, picture Jesus himself standing/sitting right there with you as you read His word - that adds a whole new dimension to devotional time. Ask the Holy Spirit to breath life into God's word as you're reading - He will. He wants us to trust, really trust.
Be blessed - be free today!
Jodie
Lord, do I really believe what you say is truth?
Until the other day, I thought I really believed His word as truth. Then something happened to cause my faith to falter. Circumstances brought questions of "why" and "how" to my God. Worry and unbelief started to come - it brought me to a place of almost being comatose. I tried to seek words of encouragement. Nothing seemed to satisfy. Then God intervened. It was a God moment. Nothing circumstantial. Because I open mail at my job and because we get a lot of junk mail that's thrown away and because a piece of junk mail came from a ministry I opened it before I was going to throw it. There it was - a CD titled, "He'll Lift You Up". I listened. My spirit soaked in God's word that says He will deliver me, He will rescue me, I will be lifted up.
His word is truth -- as if Jesus himself is right here in person speaking to you. He led me to these words...
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)
Psalm 113:7-9 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! (NASB)
...I was being lifted up from the pit I had been in. That evening our women's bible study group met. More words of truth came as they each shared scriptures on His rest, His peace, His patience, and His compassion. It was as if He had orchestrated each woman's specific word study for me. I was in awe of His love - for me.
My spirit was encouraged. My faith was built up. Yes, His word is true. His promises are for me. I am His daughter, whom He delights in!
The next morning I open my devotional, Streams in the Desert (L.B. Cowman), and God had this to share...
Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman
The strength of our faith is in direct proportion to our level of belief that God will do exactly what He has promised. Faith has nothing to do with feelings, impressions, outward appearances, nor the probability of improbability of an event. If we try to couple these things with faith, we are no longer resting on the Word of God, because faith is not dependent on them. Faith rests on the pure Word of God alone. And when we take Him at His Word, our hearts are at peace.
Trust brings us to a place of rest, peace, patience and freedom.
Today I choose to rest in the arms of my Heavenly Daddy, to trust. My heart is at peace and my spirit free!
Do you trust, really trust God's word? If you struggle, picture Jesus himself standing/sitting right there with you as you read His word - that adds a whole new dimension to devotional time. Ask the Holy Spirit to breath life into God's word as you're reading - He will. He wants us to trust, really trust.
Be blessed - be free today!
Jodie
Thursday, January 28, 2010
He's just a phone call away....
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and show you many things...
This scripture keeps coming up in various places. So, I then say, ok, Lord what are You trying to say to me.
Call Me
Call you, Lord?
Yes, Me - I want you to call to Me.
And then...
I will answer you and I will show you many things...
I almost believe He is daring me. If not daring, then wooing me by His Spirit only because I so often forget to call Him, talk to Him - first. I usually call a good friend who knows God's word or who is a strong prayer warrior or who can bring comfort.
Why not call Him?
He longs for that simple call so He can listen, comfort, show me what He has to say, and cover me with His words of prayer. He is my Daddy - the one who has put His signature on my heart - my life. He looks with affection upon His daughter and He is jealous for my attention - my call.
He promises to pick up the phone and answer my call. He wants to talk my ear off - to tell me all sorts of stuff. Many things - many treasures. For me. Yes, me His daughter whom He loves.
Words from a song, "You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll coming running to see you again...".
If you haven't called Him in a while - call Him now. Just pick up the phone - He'll answer. He delights in hearing your voice.
Sweet conversations....Jodie
This scripture keeps coming up in various places. So, I then say, ok, Lord what are You trying to say to me.
Call Me
Call you, Lord?
Yes, Me - I want you to call to Me.
And then...
I will answer you and I will show you many things...
I almost believe He is daring me. If not daring, then wooing me by His Spirit only because I so often forget to call Him, talk to Him - first. I usually call a good friend who knows God's word or who is a strong prayer warrior or who can bring comfort.
Why not call Him?
He longs for that simple call so He can listen, comfort, show me what He has to say, and cover me with His words of prayer. He is my Daddy - the one who has put His signature on my heart - my life. He looks with affection upon His daughter and He is jealous for my attention - my call.
He promises to pick up the phone and answer my call. He wants to talk my ear off - to tell me all sorts of stuff. Many things - many treasures. For me. Yes, me His daughter whom He loves.
Words from a song, "You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll coming running to see you again...".
If you haven't called Him in a while - call Him now. Just pick up the phone - He'll answer. He delights in hearing your voice.
Sweet conversations....Jodie
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Part 2
Back to our activity filled days... the 31st ended with a movie and cheer to the new year. The next day we discovered our basement laundry area filled with backed up sewer water due to a huge clog caused by tree roots - surprise! We basically had a small pond in part of the basement. I didn't know whether to grab a paddle or run away. My next thought was, "oh Larry (cat) you probably need your cat box to go potty". So, I "swam" and saved the cat box and our weekend was literally "filled" to the brim with hours of cleanup, etc.
In looking back at our New Year's surprise, I'm thinking, "ok, what can I learn from this?". I believe the Lord is saying we need to take care of the "roots". Whatever has taken root in your life, heart that could cause you to "run a muck", has to be cleaned out. We use drain cleaners to clean the small clogs, but, they can become huge clogs if we continue to put junk down the drain that shouldn't go down -- just like our hearts, our lives. If we continue to put the bad stuff - the sin stuff - in without washing it down and cleansing it out with the Word of God and his forgiveness, our hearts clog up, and, before you know it we've "run a muck" and our lives are a mess.
Our basement is clean - washed with bleach. If you are finding yourself "clogged up" and "in a mess" spiritually, emotionally, or with just life - turn to Jesus. He is waiting to wash you with His blood, forgive you, love you and make you whole. He loves you so.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Unclogged and free ~ Jodie
In looking back at our New Year's surprise, I'm thinking, "ok, what can I learn from this?". I believe the Lord is saying we need to take care of the "roots". Whatever has taken root in your life, heart that could cause you to "run a muck", has to be cleaned out. We use drain cleaners to clean the small clogs, but, they can become huge clogs if we continue to put junk down the drain that shouldn't go down -- just like our hearts, our lives. If we continue to put the bad stuff - the sin stuff - in without washing it down and cleansing it out with the Word of God and his forgiveness, our hearts clog up, and, before you know it we've "run a muck" and our lives are a mess.
Our basement is clean - washed with bleach. If you are finding yourself "clogged up" and "in a mess" spiritually, emotionally, or with just life - turn to Jesus. He is waiting to wash you with His blood, forgive you, love you and make you whole. He loves you so.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Unclogged and free ~ Jodie
Moving Forward...One Step at a Time
Welcome 2010 and Happy New Years Everyone!
Last year is history. Ahead of us is a new year...365 days of fun-filled, action-packed, why-is-this-happening, glory-filled, orchestrated-by-God kind of days!
We are already 5 days into the new year and, so far, it's been action-packed in my world. I'll get back to the action-packed activities tomorrow in part 2 of this post.
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
This is one of my favorite verses - the Lord keeps bringing it back to me to dwell on. The Lord is asking me to forget the former things - the good and the bad. He is asking me to not dwell on the heartaches and the "whys". He is asking me to not dwell on "how good" I thought our life was when we had two full incomes. Because, He, my God - my Daddy - the Lover of my soul, is doing a new thing.
Yes, He is. It is His Word. It is His Promise.
If I am consumed in the past how am I ever going to perceive the "new thing" that He is doing?
When I read, "do you not perceive it" I picture the side of a person's face turned, with their hand cocking their ear, listening for His voice. Then I picture scanning the horizon, looking for - expecting - the "new thing" God is bringing.
What is this "new thing"?
He is making "a way" in the desert and streams in the wasteland - my desert, my wasteland. Where I didn't think there was a way, or a road, my God is making one. Not only is it one road and one tiny stream, but it will be a river. Where I thought I was in this desert & wasteland with no way out and all by myself, He is making a way and bringing others to come along side me.
All things are possible in Christ.
I don't know what it all looks like today, but I do know His ways are higher than my ways.
I have faith. I have hope. I have Christ, my rock and foundation.
As long as my eyes & ears are expecting the "new things" I will move forward...one stream, one road, and one step at a time.
Last year is history. Ahead of us is a new year...365 days of fun-filled, action-packed, why-is-this-happening, glory-filled, orchestrated-by-God kind of days!
We are already 5 days into the new year and, so far, it's been action-packed in my world. I'll get back to the action-packed activities tomorrow in part 2 of this post.
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
This is one of my favorite verses - the Lord keeps bringing it back to me to dwell on. The Lord is asking me to forget the former things - the good and the bad. He is asking me to not dwell on the heartaches and the "whys". He is asking me to not dwell on "how good" I thought our life was when we had two full incomes. Because, He, my God - my Daddy - the Lover of my soul, is doing a new thing.
Yes, He is. It is His Word. It is His Promise.
If I am consumed in the past how am I ever going to perceive the "new thing" that He is doing?
When I read, "do you not perceive it" I picture the side of a person's face turned, with their hand cocking their ear, listening for His voice. Then I picture scanning the horizon, looking for - expecting - the "new thing" God is bringing.
What is this "new thing"?
He is making "a way" in the desert and streams in the wasteland - my desert, my wasteland. Where I didn't think there was a way, or a road, my God is making one. Not only is it one road and one tiny stream, but it will be a river. Where I thought I was in this desert & wasteland with no way out and all by myself, He is making a way and bringing others to come along side me.
All things are possible in Christ.
I don't know what it all looks like today, but I do know His ways are higher than my ways.
I have faith. I have hope. I have Christ, my rock and foundation.
As long as my eyes & ears are expecting the "new things" I will move forward...one stream, one road, and one step at a time.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
It's Friday, it's Christmas AND Jesus is Coming!
Hi Everyone - Merry Christmas!!
It's Christmas Eve and I am at work - yes, the company I work at is open all day, so, being at the reception desk I am duty-bound to be here. I have not been happy about this...pretty much talking & complaining about this for most of the week. Prior to the company's reorg, it would close at noon on Christmas Eve. So, how could a company expect employees to be here working when there are preparations to be done, and how am I going to fit church in, all this "stuff" to do, etc. Needless to say, I was not focused on Jesus and what I could do while I'm here, sitting at work, no one else around.
Until...God got a hold of my heart today....
Reading today's, Encouragement For Today, devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries put it back in focus for me. I really got excited -- something clicked for me! This is my time to focus on Jesus. We will be hosting Jesus in our home - it's Christmas!
We are celebrating His arrival!
He is coming...to our homes...to our hearts!!
Christmas is a party for Him, our King!
In the last minute "to dos" take time to not only usher Jesus in to His celebration, but, sit at His feet and allow yourself to be "wrapped" in His love-gift for you. Revel at Who He Is, dwell in His Presence, sense His Peace and proclaim His Joy. We are so honored -- our King is coming! Our King IS coming!! Let us not forget or ignore Him because of the days distractions.
Joy to the world the Lord has come!
Christmas blessings ~ Love, Jodie & Grant
It's Christmas Eve and I am at work - yes, the company I work at is open all day, so, being at the reception desk I am duty-bound to be here. I have not been happy about this...pretty much talking & complaining about this for most of the week. Prior to the company's reorg, it would close at noon on Christmas Eve. So, how could a company expect employees to be here working when there are preparations to be done, and how am I going to fit church in, all this "stuff" to do, etc. Needless to say, I was not focused on Jesus and what I could do while I'm here, sitting at work, no one else around.
Until...God got a hold of my heart today....
Reading today's, Encouragement For Today, devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries put it back in focus for me. I really got excited -- something clicked for me! This is my time to focus on Jesus. We will be hosting Jesus in our home - it's Christmas!
We are celebrating His arrival!
He is coming...to our homes...to our hearts!!
Christmas is a party for Him, our King!
In the last minute "to dos" take time to not only usher Jesus in to His celebration, but, sit at His feet and allow yourself to be "wrapped" in His love-gift for you. Revel at Who He Is, dwell in His Presence, sense His Peace and proclaim His Joy. We are so honored -- our King is coming! Our King IS coming!! Let us not forget or ignore Him because of the days distractions.
Joy to the world the Lord has come!
Christmas blessings ~ Love, Jodie & Grant
Friday, July 10, 2009
Freedom Friday
I do not know who wrote the following, but it was sent to me via email about two years ago when I was facing a possible layoff at the company I worked for. It said so much to me at the time, that I kept it and continue to read it, passing it on to others who could use some encouragement.
'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'
Peace, trust, contentment, and knowing you are loved by your "daddy" in heaven...these are the stuff that help us to be free...
Be blessed and be free today! ~Jodie
'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'
Peace, trust, contentment, and knowing you are loved by your "daddy" in heaven...these are the stuff that help us to be free...
Be blessed and be free today! ~Jodie
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