Mountains of Responsibility

I can just imagine the stress I would feel if Jesus and His 12 best friends were to actually come to our house for dinner.  Especially some days...  of course I would want them to come - but where would my heart and mind really be?  I have to confess it would probably be on getting every"thing" ready...  that is, after I picked myself up from the ground at the opportunity.  Yes, the Martha clause serves as an ongoing reminder for me, not to worry and fret.

Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.                                         Luke 10:41-42

No doubt you, like me, have mountains of responsibilities.  Personally, I don't think that's all bad.  I like to make the most of life!  But, there are times when the burden of responsibility can affect my sensitivity and it causes me to mishandle situations.

Martha became obsessed, really all consumed with the task at hand.  She even indulged in an all out pity-party, becoming bossy - telling Jesus to urge Mary to help her.

Thankfully, like you and me, He guided her to change her focus.  He called her by name twice - WOW, he really wanted her complete attention!  Further, He showed He understood by acknowledging what was troubling her.  Then He patiently redirects her to choose the "good part" - peace, wisdom, refreshing - that which cannot be taken away. 

What if we were to choose Jesus instead of anxiety?  What if we were to allow Him to calm our mind and heart?  We can!  Simply by focusing on God.  Responsibilities will always to be part of our days; and doing those things well is essential in our Christian walk.  However, it is our relationship with our Saviour that will sustain us through everything - right to eternity.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you".

That's how I want to live my days - with God firmly at the centre, one day at a time, remembering that there is no need to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34

Join me?  Let Jesus calm your anxious heart.

Press in and press on!
Giselle

God's word

Mt. 28:18-20 says, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Many of us have spent the last number of days recounting and considering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, the crucifixion and the resurrection.

What a week it has been!

When I read those last few verses in Matthew 28 I am personally challenged with the words of Jesus.  Then I read the sentence; “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

“Teach these new disciples…”

Challenging words for me.  How am I doing with teaching new disciples?  Do I even know any new disciples?

I am challenged to get to know and obey God’s word.  But I can't forget it also says we are to teach God’s word to others so they too can obey His word.  There is freedom from sin and evil in our world when we obey the Lord.

As I spend time reading the Old Testament, I read what happened when the Israelites obeyed God.  He took them to the Promised Land and gave them victory over those living in the region, but when they refused to obey Him they were left suffering for their disobedience.

It makes me consider would I rather deal with the consequences of my disobedience or would I rather live in the freedom and promises of obeying God?

Our Bibles tell us over and over again God expects us to obey Him.  Let’s put into practice what the Bible says and intentionally make new disciples and obey God’s word. 

Jo-Ann

Rise up!

Have you had a chance to see some of the large "flash mob" events that have been making their rounds the last while?  It's amazing how creative folks can be.

I love this one from Houston, Texas just in time for Easter:

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FB1B9CNU

He's ALIVE and inside us, RISE UP!
Happy Easter! 

Press in and press on!
Giselle

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Serious pain is an interesting thing. It can be so consuming that it becomes difficult to breathe. Breathing, which is part of the autonomic nervous system, is the part of your nervous system that controls involuntary actions such as the beating of your heart or breathing. Typically we don't consciously control our breathing, but if we want or need to, we can. Sometimes pain can be so intense it is hard to breathe -- difficult enough that one has to concentrate on each breathe and intentionally think through the process of breathing.

breathe in... breathe out...

breathe in... breathe out...

Yesterday I was considering Palm Sunday and thinking what a difference a week can make.  From the triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, to the crucifixion, to the resurrection.

When Jesus was beaten before He was taken to be crucified did it take His breathe away? Did it catch Him off guard? I often wonder if Jesus found it hard to cope with the embarrassment and humiliation of being publicly beaten, mocked and stripped of His clothes in front of all those people. When we feel pain does that give us a glimpse into what it might have been like for Jesus when He was nailed to the cross? Was He able to breathe through the pain? Did it take all of His concentration to keep breathing?

Yet in spite of all this, while Jesus was hanging on the cross, He was still able to care for His mother. Jn. 19:26-27 says, “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, 'Dear woman, here is your son.' And he said to this disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” Also, while Jesus was on the cross He had this short conversation with the criminal hanging next to Him. Lk. 23:42-43 says, “Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”. In the midst of Jesus' physical pain he still loved and cared for those around Him.

In moments like these I find it rather difficult to comprehend the love of my Heavenly Father. Jesus willingly and intentionally suffered huge pain and public humiliation for a crime He did not commit... because He loves each one of us... because He loves you... because He loves me.

You matter so much to God that He made a way for you to spend eternity with Him. Wow!  This is certainly worth pondering and taking the time to really consider the cost.

It kind of takes my breath away...

breathe in... breathe out...

breathe in... breathe out...

Jo-Ann

He knows your name

Indulge me, and listen to this link would you?  Enjoy a moment in His presence as you read...

Yes, He knows your name - and now, we have had a glimpse of your faces and tender spirit and so ~you~ are now engraved upon our hearts, Kenora ladies!

What a glorious weekend of refreshing, firmly in His embrace!  Comforted, challenged and commissioned to leave the old behind and walk in His love as salt and light - not striving but "being" extraordinary - just whom He created.  We are daughters of the Most High.  He created us with a plan and a purpose to reach the world with the greatest message of all time. He wants us to do so, complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10)

You are called to be radical!  Outrageous!  Contagious for Christ!  Forsaking all I trust him - a fabulous acronym for FAITH.  Rise up, rise up!  With God at the center and no matter what you face; the truth is that He Who lives in you is greater than he that lives in the world.  (1John 4:4)  A beautiful life is lived with arms wide open, no wasted emotion, practicing contentment, choosing joy, and living life passionately, consumed with enthusiastic purpose.

And, when, all this seems to be asking too much - sit at His feet and lift up your face.  After all, He knows your name, every thought and hears you when you call!  Where are you at in your relationship with Him really?  How well do you know Him? 

When we, as ministry team, reflected upon the opportunity of having connected with some of you ladies, we marvelled at how much more personal our blogging would become - simply because we had a chance for a more intimate connection.  My, how our Heavenly Father must long for that too....

Press in, press on!
Giselle

Trusting and a busy weekend

I had an opportunity this past weekend to put into practice the following verse. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

I was at a ladies retreat in Kenora, ON and was supposed to be speaking Sunday morning during the morning service. Just before I crawled into bed Saturday night I thought I would read through my notes again before I went to sleep. However I could not find my notes, nor could I remember where I had put them. I looked in all of the spots they could be in the motel room and then tried to mentally re-treace my steps to when I last remembered having them. While I was searching the room (...and my mind) I was also praying; “Lord, please help me find those notes... SOON, or give me your words for the service tomorrow morning.” Like most individuals on the Saturday night of a ladies retreats, I was tired and spent from a busy day with the many great ladies I had a chance to meet with and minister to. I decided there was one spot those notes could be and I couldn't do anything about it at 11:00 at night so I might as well go to sleep and deal with it in the morning. I got up early, made a few adjustments to the start of my day and went looking in the only place I could think of where I put the notes. Praise The Lord! there they were in the purple folder where I had quickly put them the day before.  Note: big sigh of relief here!

I am so thankful the Lord is concerned about the big things, as well as the little things, in our lives. I learned Proverbs 3:5 many, many years ago and yesterday was another opportunity to put into practice what I had learned.

There is a point in time, during whatever the situation you find yourself in, that we need to conscieniously and intentionally decide to trust the Lord and put it into practice. We serve a trustworthy God and He can be trusted! Bless you today as you take your Heavenly Father's hand and trust Him with the day ahead of you.

Jo-Ann

Restored to Completion

There is anticipation growing as I am preparing with the rest of our District Women's Leadership for our women's conference happening in Kenora this weekend. I remember as a youth attending so many youth retreats and conferences, each one shaped and challenged me on my journey with Christ. Theres something about getting away from the business of life and setting aside time to grow in knowing Christ more and connecting with other believers.
One thing that the Lord laid on my heart to share is the description of Ez. 37, (the valley of dry bones). When I was in Colombia last year, I was traveling by bus along the coast and I was asking the Lord for His heart for the people of the region I was going to preach in. As I kept looking out the window I was amazed by the green, lushness of the area....trees and grass and flowers blooming...LIFE. Suddenly it all came to an end we began to drive through what appeared to be a once lush and life filled meadow, which was now a dried up desert. There were huge trees with massive roots on their sides and the ground was so dry. In that moment God spoke a word to me regarding the desert and how His heart is going to bring up new life to the region...to restore the LIFE!! Amen. I later found out that 2 prophets with in the month I was there had already prophesied the same thing to that specific region.
The Lord has put this same message deeply in my heart to share this weekend....and for you as well if you won't be joining us. There are seasons in life where things are stolen, emptied and not filled, lost and not found.......but HE has COME to BRING LIFE! and LIFE TO THE FULL!!!!! Amen!! HE WILL RESTORE!!!!!!!!
Ez. 37, at the end of what the prophet saw...its says regarding the army that was created from the breath of God and dry long dead bones.....that "and they stood to their FEET........a VAST army."
When God restores, He brings it to completion....not to their knees, to their FEET!!! He never goes halfway....He never just sort of does things, He never does random. He sees the bigger picture, He restores FULLY and MUCH.
Receive this dear friend and LOVED ONE for your life today!! We hope to see you in Kenora this weekend, wherever you find yourself this weekend, take a few moments and let Christ’s restoring power transform your life again*

Mary

Love. Serve. More.

Recently, with the new addition of a grandbaby to the family, I have delighted in hearing my daughter marvel at how she, "Feels truly blessed to be a mom to 2 wonderful children and is amazed by how much your heart grows to love another blessing!!"

I've been thinking about that in light of our Church - globally, not just in our community. :-)

My precious granddaughter's very security and life are completely vested in her mother's service to her.    Are our hearts as Christians, ready to serve our community with this same kind of devotion? 

We need little, but have so much to offer others - security for an eternity, love and grace.

During my personal blog readings, I was reminded that it was the self-sacrificing love for others that grew the Church during the Roman empire, not the extent of their ambition nor the strength of their social network. 

So, why do you do what you do?  Where is your focus?  Is it so that, " In the same way, (you can) let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. "?  (Matthew 5:16)

What if we renewed our commitment to service?  Service done in love?  Love for our brothers and sisters, saved and not yet saved?

I too, stand amazed at how much my heart continues to grow with love and compassion and in putting my self in His service, am pleased to say, I have seen and felt the fullness of God.  I pray the same for all of you.

Press in and press on!
Giselle

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.   (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Not just thinking but doing

I've been wrestling with a question for awhile now and since the recent disasters in Japan I've personally wrestled with it even more. What does it take to move me from thinking about it to doing it – whatever “it” is? Whether it's giving towards the disasters in Japan, the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles in the malls, supporting missionaries or any other worthy cause; what does it take to move me from thinking about it to acting on it? My question isn't so much about how much to give but whether I actually give at all? Sitting in front of my TV or computer screen seeing and hearing about the worthy cause isn't the same as putting my money where my mouth is. Thinking about it isn't the action needed to change the outcome. The action comes from getting up and doing. My money, however much or little, will only help someone else if I make a conscienious and intentional decision to give it away. The following verse personally challenges me on how much that should be.

2 Cor. 9:6-8

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

I absolutely believe we need to investigate the legitimacy of those asking for money, but I also believe we need to step up to the plate and be people of action. I pray we would move beyond just thinking and being stirred by what we see and hear, but we would become generous people of action. I pray we would not just think about it but do it.

(If you're looking for a place to give this is a legitimate organization helping people around the world. ERDO – emergency relief and development overseas http://paoc.org/missions/emergency-relief)

The fullness of Him for YOU

This week I have been praying for each and everyone of you. This block of scripture is something I pray over myself and my family so often. Receive it today for yourself!!!!!!!!! God's LIVING Word for you!!!!

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for those of us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1. 17-23

Amen!!! We stand from the point of victory because of HIM. Receive His truth today for every moment of your life. "Woman of influence....walk FULLY and confidently in every good thing He has given you today" *

Mary