Courage

My 7 year old daughter Sadie stood trembling, on the top landing of a 425 step trail that descended to the base of  a breathtaking waterfall.  We arrived after completing a rigorous 1.5 mile hike up the mountain. We decided to return to our starting point a different way. This included the 425 stairs next to the rushing waterfall. Frightened, Sadie clenched my hand tighter.  With her face buried in the side of my coat, she refused to budge. My own stomach lurched as I gazed through the metal slats of the massive stairway as it spiraled downward.  It was going to take a lot of encouragement to persuade Sadie to take the first step. (Not to mention me-- finding inner courage for myself!)  I was hoping we would make it to our car before sundown.  My husband stood behind us as we took our first step.  He reassured Sadie that he wasn't going to let her go.  He took her left hand, as her right hand already had a death grip on mine. We started our journey down the mountain.  Each step we took was accompanied with a word of encouragement and a whispered prayer. ("Lord please get us through this!")

"You can do this, Sadie!"

"We've come halfway."

"Just a little bit further."

As we approached the last step, she relaxed her grip. She made it! We made it!

On my way back to the car, God started speaking to my heart.  Sometimes we are in a spiritual mountain climb--going up or coming down.  Fearful, we view the crisis before us. Moments of despair leave us clinging to the rail of life, desperate for answers and rescue. We falter. Our stomachs churn with fear, doubt and hopelessness. It is at these moments Jesus wants to come beside us and take our hand. He wants to give us hope and courage.

I don't know what crisis you have faced or are facing today. Foreclosure papers served? Sickness surrounding you? Have loved ones passed away or left your side? Is depression or loneliness covering you like a dark cloud that won't go away? How do you brave the storm and have courage to live? It's easier to pull the covers over your head...and give up.  However, defeat is NOT God's plan for your life. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He wants you to have hope and courage. Remember--one step at a time. One day at a time. Let God hold your hand. Give this day to Him. Talk to Him. Let Him talk to you. He loves and cares for you. Have courage. With God's help YOU can make it! ---J.Jones

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9 KJV

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

"What time I am afraid , I will trust in thee." Psalm 56:3

                                                                  

Hide...

Psalm 62: 1-2 KJV
1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Hide in Me    

 by Jo Alice Walker

Let our God of Strength uplift your soul,

Let Him roll all Darkness away.

Let the Light of Grace shine out through you,

And let His Word become your stay.

Let Him speak to Sorrow, "Be no more",

Let Him shout to Desperation---Flee!"

Let Him rock you, cradled in His Hope,

Let Him whisper, "Come, now, hide in Me."

A Glimpse of Christmas...

Blazing limelight from heaven's throne penetrates space and time,
Shining, illuminating dusty Bethlehem's stable-manger.
King's halls bright torch lights-- dim compared with THIS LIGHT.
Hillside stars hover reverently exalting His humble hiding place.

Unto us a CHILD is born,
Unto US a son is GIVEN...

Cows moan, sheep bow, keenly aware...
Their lowly feeding trough, HIS kingly bed.
Eternal miracle swaddling wrapped,
Heaven's breath on Earth.

His NAME shall be called...
WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR...

Adoring Angelic thousands proclaim "GOOD NEWS" birthed in silent stable...
Where are the adoring millions?
Where are the fan filled stadiums shouting for Earth's Redeemer King?
No fireworks? No thunderous applause? No standing ovation?

The Mighty GOD, 
EVERLASTING FATHER...

Shepherd's souls worship, looking on the tiny babe, AMAZED.
Hope's cradle, Golgotha's GRACE shadow eternity's BRIDGE for mankind.
Earth's famous King's, Composers, Conqueror's---fade in the LIGHT of Jesus MESSIAH!
Welcome LIGHT of HEAVEN! Please abide in my heart's humble home.

PRINCE of PEACE, EMMANUEL,
God with US!       
                                       
----Jennifer Jones 12/10/13

Merry Christmas to You!   

Monday Inspiration: Pure Worship

I crept quietly through the empty courtyard.  My hands trembled.  The ornate box of extravagant fragrance, shifted uneasily.  I tried to calm my racing heart.  I saw Simon at the head of the table.  I prayed silently that I would not be seen and sent away.  Looking through the columns I saw the room crowded with Pharisees, disciples and other men. Some were seated on lavish cushions around the large table, others stood listening.  Where was Jesus? Someone on the street told me He was here. Ah...there He was, in the middle of the room, next to Simon.

I was beyond caring what people thought. I didn't care what the men had to say. I had to get to Jesus. I needed to worship. I knew Jesus was HIM! The Messiah. The Almighty. The King of Glory robed in flesh.

I ran as fast as I could and knelt behind Him at His feet. My face was wet with tears.  I couldn't stop crying.  In His presence I realized my brokenness. I knew that I, a sinner, didn't deserve to be in the presence of the HOLY ONE, but yet I was. It was at that moment I shattered my treasured perfume box. The room was filled with sweet incense, and silence. Jesus' feet were now wet with my tears.  I anointed His clay caked feet with the precious contents of my box. Tears fell with the worship and adoration of my heart.  I could feel the glares of the men in the room.  I didn't care. I was desperately longing to worship. Aching for forgiveness.  Seeking earnestly for Jesus' touch of mercy. 

No one spoke for several minutes. The whispers, like daggers, pierced the silence  as the men gawked at me. It was obvious they were appalled and embarrassed at my display of affection. Jesus turned and gazed on me with compassion, not caring what the men said or thought. He didn't send me away.  I cleared my mind when I heard Simon snidely make a remark about Jesus not knowing what kind of woman I was. Yet somehow I knew Jesus knew everything about me.  He accepted my feeble attempt of honor. It was as if He already knew I would be there.

I kissed His feet. Wiped them with my hair.
Me. A sinner. Accepted.
Worshipper of God. Unworthy, I knew, yet completely loved.

How could these men sit here? How could their knees refuse to bend? How could their eyes not weep?  Why would their hands not serve? Why was their perfume still in their jars?  How could they not Worship...HIM?  As for me, I could not stop...     

               --Jennifer Jones




Like oil upon your feet,
Like wine for you to drink,
Like water from my heart, I pour my love on YOU, (Jesus)
With praises like perfume, I lavish mine on You,
Till every drop is gone, I pour my Love on YOU.---song writer unknown