Lately I have been challenged to think about Trust. What does it mean exactly? I just looked up the meaning in the dictionary and this is what it says: "to believe in and rely on"
I am coming to see that trust and faith are similar in many ways, but for now, what has been on my heart is that as our faith seems to increase and
"deepen" so can our trust.
Proverbs 3:5&6 says to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... " - its not a suggestion, rather a command. We need to trust, we are asked and told to trust Him. But, it is one thing to trust in God who is loving and good in both His character and in all that He does; but what about trust in man? We read in the Bible to NOT put confidence in man, but I am not sure that means we shouldnt trust.
What about if you have been hurt before, how do you trust again? I think it is similar to when we learned to walk;we learned step by step. Kay Arthur once said that when we trust and know God, we are able to trust in people; because ultimately, when people let us down, we can rest in knowing we have a loving God who will walk with us in that hurt.
If I put up my walls so high that no one can get in, who loses out? I do.
If I reject you, so you don't reject me - who loses out on love? I do.
For those of you who have been hurt by people, let me leave you with this thought. We (who are in Christ) are equipped and able to do ALL things through HIM who gives us strength - and that includes trusting.
That's all for today.
In Him who is Trustworthy and Faithful
Jacqueline
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Imagine ...
Today's blog is more of me inviting you in to read a page of my journal. You are welcome to read my thoughts and prayers for today for I feel Father telling me that that there is someone who needs to read this today. Don't forget to send me a note or to comment. I would love to pray for and with you as you walk this journey. Bless you today as you read...
With school being officially over I have had some extra time to think. The word "IMAGINE" keeps coming to my mind, and of course with that comes all kinds of thoughts. Some good and some not so good. Satan of course would love for us all to continually "IMAGINE" and dwell on past mistakes and regets; but for me, this week is about being thankful and thinking about how much I have to be thankful.
I have recently been listening to the song "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns; oh what a neat song of celebration that is. With Easter coming, I have also stopped to "imagine" what life would be like if Jesus had not died? What if He didnt take me on himself and put to death the old me? Or even take that even further, imagine if Jesus had never rose from the dead?
I am so thankful for the cross, and I cannot wait to see my Savior face to face. I am so thankful that I do not do life alone; I am so thankful that I have this everlasting life source who lives in and through me.
Just imagine what it will be like to actually touch him? To see him face to face .. (Just like that song says, will I fall at his feet? or will I invite Him to dance with me? Will I sing, or will I have no words at all?)
IMAGINE what it would be like if all Christians everywhere came to know Jesus as their true life and identity.. just imagine.
Thank you Father that for those of us who are in you, are saved and can rest in knowing that we are one with you. Thank you that you loved us so much that you sent your son to die, so that we may live. Thank you that you are not finished with us yet and that you are constantly doing a good work in us. Thank you that we can experience you and that we don't have to imagine life without you or wait to experience you til we die. Thank you that you are here now.
I thank you also that the blood of your Son dealt with the issue of sin. That there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Thank you that we can offer that same forgiveness to those who have hurt us.
Thank you that I dont have to imagine life without you; that I have you living in me. Show me what it means to know you more. Amen
In Him,
Jacqueline
With school being officially over I have had some extra time to think. The word "IMAGINE" keeps coming to my mind, and of course with that comes all kinds of thoughts. Some good and some not so good. Satan of course would love for us all to continually "IMAGINE" and dwell on past mistakes and regets; but for me, this week is about being thankful and thinking about how much I have to be thankful.
I have recently been listening to the song "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns; oh what a neat song of celebration that is. With Easter coming, I have also stopped to "imagine" what life would be like if Jesus had not died? What if He didnt take me on himself and put to death the old me? Or even take that even further, imagine if Jesus had never rose from the dead?
I am so thankful for the cross, and I cannot wait to see my Savior face to face. I am so thankful that I do not do life alone; I am so thankful that I have this everlasting life source who lives in and through me.
Just imagine what it will be like to actually touch him? To see him face to face .. (Just like that song says, will I fall at his feet? or will I invite Him to dance with me? Will I sing, or will I have no words at all?)
IMAGINE what it would be like if all Christians everywhere came to know Jesus as their true life and identity.. just imagine.
Thank you Father that for those of us who are in you, are saved and can rest in knowing that we are one with you. Thank you that you loved us so much that you sent your son to die, so that we may live. Thank you that you are not finished with us yet and that you are constantly doing a good work in us. Thank you that we can experience you and that we don't have to imagine life without you or wait to experience you til we die. Thank you that you are here now.
I thank you also that the blood of your Son dealt with the issue of sin. That there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Thank you that we can offer that same forgiveness to those who have hurt us.
Thank you that I dont have to imagine life without you; that I have you living in me. Show me what it means to know you more. Amen
In Him,
Jacqueline
Friday, April 8, 2011
To My EBC Friends ...
Dear Friends, For the first time in three years I have no plans of future schooling; projects looming or books that I "have to" read. It is somewhat weird as I am cleaning up the living room from study notes; notes from many research papers and as I decide what text books I wish to keep and which ones I wish to sell; I am realizing that this is an ending but yet another beginning as well.
For some of you, you have lived in the "EBC bubble" for a few years and beginning in a couple short weeks, you will begin a new stage of your journey.
I am so thankful for the past few years at EBC. The instructors and students that I met there will always be a part of my memories. This morning I can't help but think of some of the men and women in the Bible and how we can learn from their life stories.
I think of Zaccheus and Elizabeth and how Zaccheus received back his voice when he declared to the world IN obedience to the world, that his son's name would be John.
I think of John who after spending years in the wilderness came with a message of hope and life to the world - what an incredible ministry!
I think of Moses and wonder how he must have felt being given the tremendous task of leading the children of Israel out of bondage; and delivering the Ten Commandments to the people.
And then I think of Mary, the woman who was chosen to give birth to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who in the beginning of her journey would have heard much redicule being an unwed pregnant woman. Who then married, raised the boy child Jesus and then watched her beloved Son being tortured and crucified.
In the coming couple of weeks, the movie Passion of the Christ will be watched in our home in preparation for Easter, and as a mother, my heart cries for her as she watched Him endure the sins; guilt and shame fo the entire world. What a calling she had.
I write all this today as I realize that in many ways, a new step in ministry begins for the graduates of EBC. Our callings and ministries all look differently, and yet all are a wonderful opportunity to let the life of Jesus live in and through us to others. Whether you are going on to further education, work in a church or ministry or to a place of employment; you HAVE A CALLING and MINISTRY from God!!!
Before I close, for those following the Weight journey: this week: down 5.
Blessings to you all my EBC friends. May you continually seek HIS face and direction in this time of transition.
In His Hands,
Jacqueline
For some of you, you have lived in the "EBC bubble" for a few years and beginning in a couple short weeks, you will begin a new stage of your journey.
I am so thankful for the past few years at EBC. The instructors and students that I met there will always be a part of my memories. This morning I can't help but think of some of the men and women in the Bible and how we can learn from their life stories.
I think of Zaccheus and Elizabeth and how Zaccheus received back his voice when he declared to the world IN obedience to the world, that his son's name would be John.
I think of John who after spending years in the wilderness came with a message of hope and life to the world - what an incredible ministry!
I think of Moses and wonder how he must have felt being given the tremendous task of leading the children of Israel out of bondage; and delivering the Ten Commandments to the people.
And then I think of Mary, the woman who was chosen to give birth to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who in the beginning of her journey would have heard much redicule being an unwed pregnant woman. Who then married, raised the boy child Jesus and then watched her beloved Son being tortured and crucified.
In the coming couple of weeks, the movie Passion of the Christ will be watched in our home in preparation for Easter, and as a mother, my heart cries for her as she watched Him endure the sins; guilt and shame fo the entire world. What a calling she had.
I write all this today as I realize that in many ways, a new step in ministry begins for the graduates of EBC. Our callings and ministries all look differently, and yet all are a wonderful opportunity to let the life of Jesus live in and through us to others. Whether you are going on to further education, work in a church or ministry or to a place of employment; you HAVE A CALLING and MINISTRY from God!!!
Before I close, for those following the Weight journey: this week: down 5.
Blessings to you all my EBC friends. May you continually seek HIS face and direction in this time of transition.
In His Hands,
Jacqueline
Monday, April 4, 2011
Peter ...
If I was to ask you what you know about the man called Peter in the Bible; chances are you may say something about walking on the water; the one with the big mouth; the one who questioned Jesus or perhaps the one who promised to never deny Jesus, and yet denied Him three times.
Do you know that Peter's name was first Simon. Simon meaning "tossed to and fro". Those of us who know the stories of Peter in the Bible know that there were times when Peter was tossed about; he wasn't resting; he questioned the Lord and yes, when pressured he did indeed deny Jesus.
One of the most well known stories with Peter is found in Matthew chapter 14 where Peter once again is the one to step out and declare his "bravery" and "boldness". He sees someone walking on the water to them, and after being encouraged that it is Jesus and not a ghost; Peter asks Jesus to invite him to walk on the water to come to Him.
(I often wonder why Peter gets such a bad reputation in some sermons? do we really think he is that different then some of us? or perhaps, some of you wish you were alittle more comfortable telling Jesus how you feel and asking Him your questions? Maybe you wish you were more like Peter?)
The story continues to say that Peter was walking on the water until he stopped looking at Jesus and began to look at the waves around him. It was then that he began to sink.
In our journey, when our eyes are focused on Jesus, we will not sink. When we have our eyes either focused on the waves or our own abilities we will sink. There will be results that are full of conflict and frustration.
I have to admit that this has been a weekend for me full of reminders of the times that I still attempt to walk in my own abilities. That the very thing I want to do, I Wasn't doing. And the very thing ( or being like the very person I didnt want to be like) I didn't want to do; I found myself doing.
Friends, we were never meant to live this life on our own resources; we are told over and over again to be plugged into the vine; to abide, rest and lean on Jesus.
Peter is a good lesson for me. Today as I write this, I am thinking about how I lost my patience this weekend and wishing I could turn back time.
How I struggled for answers, struggled to come up with a solution; when the whole time Father was waiting for me to sit, rest and ask Him what He wants to do in the situation.
Mark 4:16 tells us "and He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name PETER)." Do you know what Peter's new name was; As a chosen disciple of Jesus Christ? He was renamed by Jesus - His new name means ROCK - firm, solid (opposite to being tossed to and fro).
Are we living up to our new name? The new name the Lord has given us a new creations in Christ? Are we walking out of our new identity because of what was accomplished on the cross? or do we continue to walk in the old? The old way of doing things even though that old person was crucified with Christ? (Galatians 2:20)
It would appear, that like us, Peter sometimes struggled to always live in accordance to his new name; but take note; even when he did struggle, he continued to be a dear apostle of Jesus Christ. For it was Peter who confessed Jesus as Saviour (Matthew 16:16 - Peter says "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God".)
Father, Thank you that our acceptance is not based on how well we walk and behave. I thank you for your love and forgiveness. Father, I ask that you continue to remind us of our new identity and how we are to walk; that is how we are to live being fully devoted and plugged into you for our life in EVERY situation. For you are a way better parent, friend, spouse, sibling, boss, student, church member and employee then we could ever be. We invite you to come live in us and through us; that your life may be manifested in and through us. Amen
That's all for now,
In Him
Jacqueline
Do you know that Peter's name was first Simon. Simon meaning "tossed to and fro". Those of us who know the stories of Peter in the Bible know that there were times when Peter was tossed about; he wasn't resting; he questioned the Lord and yes, when pressured he did indeed deny Jesus.
One of the most well known stories with Peter is found in Matthew chapter 14 where Peter once again is the one to step out and declare his "bravery" and "boldness". He sees someone walking on the water to them, and after being encouraged that it is Jesus and not a ghost; Peter asks Jesus to invite him to walk on the water to come to Him.
(I often wonder why Peter gets such a bad reputation in some sermons? do we really think he is that different then some of us? or perhaps, some of you wish you were alittle more comfortable telling Jesus how you feel and asking Him your questions? Maybe you wish you were more like Peter?)
The story continues to say that Peter was walking on the water until he stopped looking at Jesus and began to look at the waves around him. It was then that he began to sink.
In our journey, when our eyes are focused on Jesus, we will not sink. When we have our eyes either focused on the waves or our own abilities we will sink. There will be results that are full of conflict and frustration.
I have to admit that this has been a weekend for me full of reminders of the times that I still attempt to walk in my own abilities. That the very thing I want to do, I Wasn't doing. And the very thing ( or being like the very person I didnt want to be like) I didn't want to do; I found myself doing.
Friends, we were never meant to live this life on our own resources; we are told over and over again to be plugged into the vine; to abide, rest and lean on Jesus.
Peter is a good lesson for me. Today as I write this, I am thinking about how I lost my patience this weekend and wishing I could turn back time.
How I struggled for answers, struggled to come up with a solution; when the whole time Father was waiting for me to sit, rest and ask Him what He wants to do in the situation.
Mark 4:16 tells us "and He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name PETER)." Do you know what Peter's new name was; As a chosen disciple of Jesus Christ? He was renamed by Jesus - His new name means ROCK - firm, solid (opposite to being tossed to and fro).
Are we living up to our new name? The new name the Lord has given us a new creations in Christ? Are we walking out of our new identity because of what was accomplished on the cross? or do we continue to walk in the old? The old way of doing things even though that old person was crucified with Christ? (Galatians 2:20)
It would appear, that like us, Peter sometimes struggled to always live in accordance to his new name; but take note; even when he did struggle, he continued to be a dear apostle of Jesus Christ. For it was Peter who confessed Jesus as Saviour (Matthew 16:16 - Peter says "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God".)
Father, Thank you that our acceptance is not based on how well we walk and behave. I thank you for your love and forgiveness. Father, I ask that you continue to remind us of our new identity and how we are to walk; that is how we are to live being fully devoted and plugged into you for our life in EVERY situation. For you are a way better parent, friend, spouse, sibling, boss, student, church member and employee then we could ever be. We invite you to come live in us and through us; that your life may be manifested in and through us. Amen
That's all for now,
In Him
Jacqueline
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