Jean Stockdale...

Finer Things Friday

We got to go on a mission trip to teach pastors and church leaders about discipleship and church planting. Wow. What an awesome privilege!! This picture was taken through a screen door of the sunrise (If you know me at all, you know I did not take this picture. I never see sunrise!) As the sun is coming up, you can see the slightest image of the cross. 

 

I just love it when God reminds me of His presence in the midst of my world!

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly: my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You. Psalm 63:1

For more Finer Things Friday click here and visit Amy's Finer Things.

Blog Hop Tuesday

Again, my internet connection is "iffy" due to the damaging storms that swept through Memphis on Saturday. We personally did not suffer any great damage but a lightening strike very near the house took out 2 computers, the phones, and the internet connection. DId I mention, it was very near the house.

Today's Blog Hop is your favorite verse or saying. That is easy. My life verse is:

"For I have determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."   

1 Corinthians 2:2

The only thing that matters in this life and in the next, is do you know Jesus Christ? I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 24 when I heard that God loved me and had a wonderful plan for my life. But sin separated me (and all mankind) from God. God loves us (all of sinful humanity) that He sent His Son to die in our place and pay our sin debt.The only way I (and sinful men, women, boys, or girls) could be reconciled with Holy God was by receiving Jesus Christ by grace through faith. I met God on His terms, repentance and faith, and prayerfully asked Him to forgive me of my sins and come into my life. From that moment nothing has ever been the same!! Because of what He has done for me, I have determined to know nothing . . . except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

 

Sunday Selections

The scourge of the Christian community is a casual attitude toward God and His Word. We can become complacent, gospel-saturated and satisfied. This leads to spiritual dullness. We slow to hear the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit and reluctant to obey. In the Book of James, the writer exhorts us to a belief that behaves. Don't be merely a hearer of the Word-someone who shows up at church to hear a sermon with no intention of incorporating the TRUTH of the message into practical application. Be a doer of the Word. That is one who lives according to the external control of the Word of God and the internal control of the Spirit of God. 

James 1:23-25 says, For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 

Precious Christian, the time is now. We must become doers of the Word. We must insist upon a belief that behaves! Blessings.

Sunday Selections

I don't know about you, but I have never seen such anything like this. We are living in a most unusual time. Everything seems to be coming apart at the seams. Everyday the news is filled with more and more bad news. Tragedy and terror scream at us from the headlines. Many institutions we have "banked on" have failed. Businesses we assumed would last forever have crumbled. Investments have evaporated. Retirements have disappeared. Loans have failed. Unemployment is escalating rapidly.  Crime is on the increase. Morality may be at an all-time low. Hope, for many, is fading. The future is, at best, uncertain. Foreclosures. Bankruptcies. Failures. The world-as we know it-seems to have gone mad. Completely mad, I tell you. Lately I have found myself oddly unsettled. Uneasy. Edgy. A bit anxious. 

And then I read this . . . 

Isaiah 28:16, "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed." 

He or she who believes in Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone, will NOT be disturbed. I have decided to follow Jesus. I will NOT be disturbed. Blessings for a glorious week ahead.

Aloha Friday

What is the one thing you have been putting off doing? As if there is only one thing! Procrastination has always been a issue with me. I am currently motivated to purge my belongings. My stuff. My possessions. My encumbrances. In this season of life, I am tired of dusting stuff! I want less stuff. So, now seems like a good time to purge. To simplify. To streamline.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In order to run well and finish strong, I need to lay aside some encumbrances. So I posted somethings on eBay, somethings on Craig's List, and somethings are headed to the Impact Center, while other is going to the trash. What one thing have you been putting off?

If you want to read some more answers to this question, click here to go to Island Life and participate in Aloha Friday. Blessings.

I Have Missed You

Months have slipped by without nary a peep from me. I apologize. I have missed you. It was not an intentional slight, I can assure you. Deadlines have been breathing down my neck and all my brain cells had to be quarantined and restricted to writing a Bible study and not musings for a blog.

I recently finished a Bible Study specifically for MOMS. I love me some moms. Someone's gotta help the poor things or they will spontaneously combust. I sensed the Lord leading me to write a study on the book of Ephesians. Frankly, it is my favorite book in the Bible. It is the first book God ever spoke directly to my spirit in my own personal Bible study time. I have been hooked on it ever since. When I read "I was accepted in the Beloved" (KJV Eph. 1:6), well-what can I say. My life was changed. Changed, I say. Not in things just might be a little bit different from now on, but in the OH MY SOUL, I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I JUST READ ABOUT MYSELF! kind of way.

My study is entitled, "High Stepping in Heavenly Places". It is about "Heavenly Living in an Earthbound World" and how to raise kiddos that know it! It should be out around the end of August and we will do a give away for those of you who might like to know how to live in this earthen vessel without springing a leak (in a bad way) while keeping your funnel filled up with heavenly thoughts and notions.

I have spent many hours, many days, and many many many weeks sequestered with the Lord. I have been writing 6-7 days a week from around 8 am until my brain fell out of my head and I was forced to go to bed. The next day was a repeat and so on and so on until the book was done on Hallelujah Day which is known to most of you as May 27th. So you can see why I have been away from my beloved blog writing to darling people like you. For those of you who have patiently waited or kindly returned, may I say a big a "thanks" and for those of you who fell away, may I say "I do not blame you a bit."

I have also just recently returned from a round the world trip to Asia. Do you remember your mom telling you if you keep digging that hole, you would end up in China? Turns out she was right! Stories and pictures are forthcoming.

But I am back. And I have missed you. And I have a little window of time before I crank up teaching MOMS again and a tiny bit of time before I start writing another study (if the Lord so leads) so I intend to regularly write to you cuz I HAVE MISSED YOU Did I already say that? I HAVE MISSED YOU. Really I have. So, let's get reacquainted. Leave me a comment and I will comment you back. That is known in the bloggy world as giving some blog love and I am willing to share it. I HAVE MISSED YOU. I'm back. Welcome back to me!!

Around the World in 80 Days!

Craig and I arrived home from a 10-trip to Asia last night. It was glorious. Spectacular. Wonderful. Stunning. Shall I go on, or do you get the idea? It was quite a trip. The travel over there is an event in and of itself. It takes a flight to Atlanta and then a 13 hour trip to Tokyo and then a hop, skip and jump-if you consider 3.5 more hours in the air to be classified as such-into Beijing. Oh the adventure of it all! Here are some highlights.

Hugs and Hisses

Hugs to my husband who did the bulk of the packing to allow me to make some minor changes in the manuscript on "High Stepping in Heavenly Places" (my study on Ephesians for MOMS) to be made up until 12:30 AM before we left at 7.

Hugs to Roy Terrell for taking us to the airport on his way to work at 6:45 in the morning.

Hugs to the Delta/Northwest reservationist who worked diligently and very graciously on our ticket even though her records defiantly declared neither one of us had a ticket reserved. Double hugs to the kind lady behind the desk who took over and kept at it, convincing us that we would indeed get on that plane. Oh that all employees could be so kind and gracious. Hugs to you, Delta for training your people AND hiring great people to represent you. Keep it up.

Hugs to the precious folks we traveled with-the Hardees, the Morrisons, the Brawners, and their friend Laura. Sorry don't remember her last name but we liked her alot.

Hisses to the unpleasant lady in the security line who humiliated us over our lack of understanding her directions. We have never taken our laptop with us. Was it that hard to politely explain what you needed us to do? Is that much attitude necessary first thing in the morning? Now, don't get me wrong. I am ALL for security measures. I comply with them cheerfully although it has sucked all the fun out of air travel. But must we, the paying customers, be treated so rudely? Seriously people, where are your manners?

Hugs to Delta/Northwest for an on-time takeoff.

Hugs to Delta for a free cookie and a coke on board. Being asked to pay for a $3.00 bag of pretzels seems high to me. 

Hugs to everyone we encountered in the Tokyo airport. We met the kindest people there. Every employee was extremely helpful and gracious. The security guard that asked for my passport was in full dress uniform with white gloves and he bowed to me as he asked for my papers. Seriously people, that is some nice manners if you ask me!!

Hugs to everyone and everything about the Beijing airport. It is the most gorgeous complex I have ever seen. By far, it is the biggest building I have ever been in. The staff is gracious and it appears everyone wanted us to have a really great day!

Hugs to the van cab driver who offered great service, handled the luggage for a bunch of folks, negotiated a reasonable price, and followed through on our return trip. I like people you can count on-even if they cannot understand a word you say!

Hugs to our tour guide, Linder. We went to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. We made a couple of side trips but that a story for another day. 

Hugs to the good health we enjoyed. I usually get bronchitis while I am out of the country and return very ill-barking like a seal. I appreciate that did not happen this trip.

Hugs to Dr. Ashley Escue, a friend and sister in the Lord, who has treated me for the last 2 trips I have made. She begins a treatment before I leave and I have enjoyed good health while traveling. Thanks, sweet friend, for your interests in my good health and your prayers. You are a sweetheart and I may just kiss you on the forehead the next time I see YOU!!

Hisses to whoever packed fish oil (at least that is what we think it is) in their luggage, which broke and leaked all over ours and the Hardee's bags somewhere between Asia and LA. This is some funky stuff that poured over our bags!

Hugs to the kind custom agent who helped us clean up the bags and seal them in plastic before they were xrayed and sent to Memphis.

Hugs to Delta for offering food vouches for a meal when our plane was delayed a couple of hours in LA. This allowed us to have a real American hamburger and french fries. YUM-MO. Welcome home, weary travelers.

Double hugs to STARBUCKS. Craig and I sat in Starbucks and had glorious coffee. Oh yes we did. And HUGS to us for not missing our plane while drinking coffee and EATING a cookie!

Hugs for like-minded friends traveling with us, who share the same love for the LORD that we do. We rejoiced together, laughed together, ate together, exchanged crazy stories, and returned home together with our JOY intact and our commitment even stronger than when we left.

Hugs for all who prayed for a safe trip. All is well. Pictures to follow. God is good. And, by the way, our GOD is BIG. Yes, HE is. Blessings.

French Cuisine and Other Lovely Things

Craig and I, Roy and Renae Terrell, and Paul and Elesa Redmond have been privileged to be the cook team for Scott Benjamin's SS class for the last 3 marriage retreats. Both our guys and their sweet girls are in this class. God has used Scott and Gerri to develop a passion for the things of the Lord and Craig and I hold the Benjamins in very high regard. When someone teaches your child (children) spiritual truth they become a "forever hero" in your spiritual book. That is who the Benjs are to us. Anyays for 3 years we have acted as their cook time on their marriage retreat. We cook 3 meals a day for about 50 people for 4 days. Scott and Gerri take the group to a retreat center with no tv, cell service, or distractions. He pushes them to spend time with one another, with the group in Bible study, and with the Lord in prayer as a couple. He brings Biblical principles on marriage (a timely message if ever there was), does all sorts of activities so the couples will have time to pray, discuss some of the hard issues of marriage, verbally bless one another, praise Christlike character in each other, kneel at an altar to pray, write out past offenses and burn in the fireplace-praying over a renewed commitment to walk in all GOd's ways (this is some kinda holy moment I gotta tell you), nail offenses and unmet expecations to a cross and pray for a marriage that will stand the test of time and show the mystery of Christ and HIs church, and many other activities designed for the couples to have a fresh encounter with God.

We were able to free them from the responsibility of cooking and cleaning the kitchen. We plan huge meals to bless these young couples and to free them to focus on their marriage and what God has ordained it to be. It was an awesome privilege for us to stand on the sidelines and pray for these couples and cheer them on as they walk together with the Lord.

As a love gift, the Benj class sent the cook team of The Terrells. The Redmonds, and The Stockdales to Dinning with Sir Anthony. Jason and Patti, Scott and Geri, Besti and Jeremy, Eric and Ashley went with us. Sir Anthony is a British chef trained at the French Cordon Bleu school. He has been a chef for RIngo Starr and was under contract with the Bee Gees. He once owned a bakery in Pontatoc Ms. where his wife has family. For 4 years he has been cooking 7 course authentic French cuisine by reservation only in his home for groups of 12 or under. Sadly last night was their last night for a while. He is ready to hang up his apron for a while. Dinner started at 6:00 with the first course-3 meatballs in 3 sauces, then French onion soup (or snails for the more adventurous), then a salad with lettuce, fruit, and grilled shrimp that were not to be believed. Ravioli was the next course or parmesan cheese souffle which is what I opted for. Handmade lemon sorbet was served as a palate cleanser. Hurt me. Hurt me. My meal was a New York strip with fresh lobster tails in cream sauce. He served it with fabulous potatoes made with his homemade butter. Are you kidding me?? It was about 10:00 at this point. We had been up walking around, fellowshipping, and watching this master chef in action-lingering over our food and talking non-stop. Fabulous! Full! And oh so much fun! And then the dessert. Oh my soul-I had homemade bread pudding that was "lay your face in your plate" good. Other choices were chocolate fondue with his homemade marshmallows, sugar free cheese cake, apple crepes, creme brulee, and peppered strawberries. Now that was followed by cappuccino and homemade chocolate chip cookies!! At about 12:30 am we were sipping strong coffee and hugging our cookies to our chest in some sort of homage to the feast. Sir Anthony and his wife Betty are wildly entertaining, excellent hostesses, and his culinary skills are too wonderful to even believe!

I brought most of my meal home. Dawson, since you did not get to go, it all has your name on it. You will be stunned. Come and get it and prepare to be amazed! I may never eat again. Many thanks to the Benjamin SS class for the kind gift and the culinary experience of a lifetime. We giggled, we gorged, We groaned and best of all, we shared about what God is doing in our lives, and we spent 6.5 hours over one of the finest meals I have ever eaten.

I tell you, sweet body of Christ, I believe this was a harbinger of the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. After the church is raptured out of the world, and the 7-year tribulation is unleashed on the unbelieving world, the bride of Christ will be sequestered with her Heavenly Bridegroom. We will celebrate our betrothal and confess our love to our Bridegroom. We will celebrate our eternal union in glory. God will present the chruch, the bride of Christ without spot or wrinkle. Jesus, who has pai the ultimate dowry to redeem His bride, will seal the marriage vow with these words, "Well done. Welcome Home." The meal we had last night will pale in comparison but the fellowship cannot be much sweeter. I believe GOd is pleased to give us moments like last night, when believers who are sold out to God, are privileged to set together and fellowship over a lovely meal, urging one another to continue to press on in the Lord. Craig and I are more than blessed to be closely associated with so many people who love the Lord Jesus Christ and who are committed to following after Him.

Even so . . . come Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

Joy in the Journey-Trouble in Paradise! #9

A Fly in the Ointment

The Philippian church held a special place of affection the Paul’s heart. He wrote, It is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phi. 1:7-8). Throughout his letter, Paul affirmed his love for them and the spiritual delight he felt for their forward progress with the Lord. But Paul was aware of a problem in the assembly of believers in Philippi. Sadly, there was a fly in the ointment!

I. A Word of Affirmation-Philippians 4:1 Paul longed to see his Philippian friends and co-laborers in the faith. He was homesick for them. In his mind’s eye, he could picture his dear friends and recall sweet times of shared fellowship. John wrote, You too may have fellowship with us; indeed our fellowship is the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (I John 1:3). Sweet memories of the Philippian flock flood Paul’s soul, bringing joy to his heart and encouragement to his weary soul. Paul wrote, Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved (Phil. 4:1). Like a father proudly considering the godly maturity of his child, Paul reflected on the spiritual growth of the body of Christ in Philippi and it brought great delight to him. Paul writes, You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord. Paul knew God was at work among the Philippian believers. It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). But he also knew that they had chosen to cooperate with God’s purposes and plans in order for eternal work to be accomplished in their midst. It spoke to the maturity of the Philippian church and it produced joy in the apostle’s heart. Eternal rewards were laid up for Paul because of the Philippian congregation. They would prove to his crown in glory. A crown that the apostle would gladly cast at the nail-scarred feet of Jesus! So, Philippian church, keep standing firm in the Lord!

II. A Fly in the Ointment-Philippians 4:2-5 Solomon wrote, Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor (Ecc. 10:1). That is, when dead flies are discovered floating in a vat of perfumed oil, the whole batch is ruined! Dead flies give, even a vat of concentrated perfumer’s oil, a bad smell! And it only takes one or two flies in the ointment to spoil the sweet fragrance of the perfume and most is worthless. Likewise, in the body of Christ, one or two malcontents can spoil the fellowship and stink up the place! In the midst of the sweet aroma of a united fellowship, striving to fulfill the purposes and plans of God, a fly can spoil the ointment! Division among believers spoils intimacy in fellowship, shakes the faith of new converts, damages the cause of Christ to the unbelieving world, and breaks the heart of God. At the church of Philippi, Paul was aware of a fly in the ointment. Epaphroditus brought word to Paul of the conflict between two women in the congregation, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul urged the two women to reconcile their differences and live in harmony in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). Can you imagine what it felt like to be one of these two women? In a letter that contained no rebukes, no correction of doctrinal error, or reprimand for moral failure, in a letter that consists of positive encouragement to press on in the Lord, in a letter intended to be read publicly to the congregation, can you imagine? Can you imagine hearing your name announced as one of the two flies in the ointment that was spoiling the fragrance of Christian harmony? Just how much was holding on to that grudge worth to those two women? We do not know the details of the disagreement but I don’t think it was worth what it cost them. Mercifully, the reference to Euodia and Syntyche was brief. Much was left unsaid causing me to fear that the details were well known to the congregation. Paul’s gentle plea for unity is immediately tied to joy. These two women had lost the joy of Jesus. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near! (Phil. 4:4-5). The joy of the Lord produces a gentle spirit. Joy. Gentleness. Fruits of the Holy Spirit. That is the testimony the Christian world should be known for, not bickering and in-fighting!

III. A Plea for Peace-Philippians 4:6-9 Prayer and peace. There are two things every mom can use! Paul writes, Be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6). How do you avoid anxiety when children are involved? The answer is through prayer. Pryaer is a divine mystery. Why pray when God already knows our needs and requests? What’s the point? We do not know how prayer works but we do know that God designed it to encourage us to come to Him. He longs to hear from us. He delights to meet with us. He wants us to pour out our hearts in prayer and make our requests known to Him. The process of prayer allows us to formulate the cries of our heart into prayer requests, causes us to spend time developing a thankful heart, teaches us to praise the Lord, and invites us to participate in kingdom activity. While we cannot explain prayer, it is one of the loveliest of Christian disciplines and it moves us into a closer walk with the Lord. Prayer produces peace. How? Prayer brings the activity of the Almighty into play. It moves us from our earth-bound living and lifts our eyes to heavenlies places as we change our focus from our situation to our Savior. We begin to bring our circumstances in line with God’s heavenly perspective. Prayer produces confidence in God’s presence and power in our situation. It focuses our eyes on Jesus. Through prayer, we draw the courage to persevere, the ability to know God’s heart, the divine power to do God’s will, and the confidence to live in the audacity of faith based on the Word of God and made operational by the Spirit of God. Pure thoughts. Think on these things. Think on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise. Think on these things. Think on Jesus. When we do, the peace of God distills upon our souls, reminding us the God of peace is with us (Phil. 4:9). Oh the joy of knowing Jesus!! He produces Joy in the Journe

Watch us live at www.bellevue.org today at 10:45 CT or later in the Archived Messages for MOMS Spring 2009-"Joy in the Journey" A Joyeous Look at the Book of Philippians.

Saturday Site Seeing

As I walk through the blogosphere I continue to be stunned at the wonderful posts that I encounter. Everyday I am exposed to godly women (and a few men) who are out there gettin' it done for the kingdom of God! Because being a part of the body of Christ also puts us into the family of God, I am delighted to connect with sisters (and brothers) in Christ. 

Each Saturday I try to connect you lovely readers with some of the precious folks I have encountered in my bloggy pilgrim's journey, picking my way through the minefield that is this world in which we live! While we live in this world, we are not of this world. However, we are continually assaulted by the lust of the flesh, the lies of the enemy and the lure of the world. What a blessing that we can daily connect with sisters (and brothers) who lift our earthbound eyes to the heavenlies.

Melanie over at Mel's World write an extraordinary blog about faith and family. I especially love this post about training up her children in the way they should go by taming the TV monster. Take time to read this post and then read over her blog. I promise you will be blessed by the life this sister is leading and the impact she is having for the Lord.

You simply must read both parts of Shannon's two-part post on jury duty at Rocks In My Dryer. It is poignant and personal. Go here for the first part. Then click here to read the second installment. Shannon has the ability to draw you and dramatically stir your emotions. Don't miss this one.

Not Me Monday!

 

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I DO NOT DO Mornings. I am a seriously committed night owl. Seriously. Is that not another way to start the day without having to pass through mornings? I cannot bear to get up. Not me! Sometimes I dread going to bed because I just hate to be forced to face the morning. 

My husband on the other hand is a morning person. In fact, he may be THE morning person. Arising at 4:00 am (on purpose I'm talking about), he springs out of bed and embraces the day. His life verse is "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Not me. I DO NOT do mornings, so keep it to yourself, buddy. I DID NOT quote Proverbs 27:14 to him, "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him."

Not Me. Seriously. No, Not Me!

For more fun, click here and go to My Charming Kids.

Sunday Selections

One of my favorite psalms is Psalm 91. Much like a faithful friend, this psalm has grown sweeter with time. I have it tucked in my heart to encourage and comfort me when life gets tough (which if often, isn't it?) 

We build strongholds of anger, fear, unbelief, etc. You fill in the black with your stronghold. Relying on sinful habit patterns of the past, we continue to run to these strong towers when life gets hard IF we have not renewed our mind with the Word of God and surrendered our soul to the Spirit of God. When we renew the mind with the Truth of the Word, we are able to replace the lies of the old life with the TRUTH of God's Word. By surrendering our will to the Spirit of God, we are able to walk in the truth. THEN when life gets hard, we learn run to the stronghold of the Lord, our refuge, our very present Help in times of trouble.

Psalm 91:1 says, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

The Lord is our stronghold. Blessings.

I Am Accepted in the Beloved

I recently met Kristen through her blog La Dolce Vita. Kristen, a wife and a mom, is also a jewelry designer. I was immediate taken with her unique jewelry designs which are available on Etsy at Kristen's Custom Designs. She has a large selection of designs and also does custom work. I ordered this custom made necklace from her and wanted to share how much I love it!

I chose this based on the truth in Ephesians 1:6. Ephesians 1:3-14 is my favorite passage in the Bible. Paul teaches the ABC's of our conversion. In Christ we are: Adopted. Accepted. Blessed. Chosen. Oh, how I love Jesus! And I love wearing this truth around my neck. The Jews took bits of Scripture and wore them on their foreheads and arms to remind them to think God's thoughts and obey God's commands (See Deut. 6:8-9). In the same fashion, I wear this truth to remind me of my position in Jesus Christ. I am Accepted in the Beloved.

I asked Kristen to share a bit about her story so that we might know more about her and her blog. Here is my interview with her.

Name: Kristen Andrews of La Dolce Vita  

Your Family: I have been married to my husband for 11 years, we have a 3 year old son named Will and a 9 year old rescued Greyhound named Kane. How did you start blogging? I started blogging as a way to connect with family and friends and also started blogging about my business and it turned into something that I really enjoy, much like a on-line journal.   

You will never find me without...... My cell phone and Will we do everything together! Also hand sanitizer, sad but true. 

How did you get into making jewelry? I am now a WAHM. I own and operate Kristen’s Custom Creations  at www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com I create hand-stamped keepsake jewelry that conveys a message. My hobby of jewelry making became a business after I decided to take a break from corporate America to spend some time with Will. I feel truly blessed to have a creative outlet and to be able to be home with Will. 

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it, what would it be? Live the life you love, Love the life you live!

Beloved readers, I cannot tell you how gorgeous my necklace is in real life! If you are interested in a unique piece of jewelry, please click here and go there to view all of Kristen's lovely designs or consider ordering a custom piece from her. I also ordered my initials and it looks similar to this.

One of the things I love about the blogosphere is the fascinating people God has crossed my path with. Kristen fits nicely into that group! Stop by Kristen's blog and leave her a note. Tell her Jean says, "Hey." 

Joy in the Journey-Lesson Six

Rejoice!

Paul’s undeniable faith was validated by his irrefutable testimony. Paul’s joy was not manufactured. It was not pretense or performance. It was not dependant on circumstance. Paul’s joy was genuine. Outrageous. Outlandish. Unspeakable joy. Deeply rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ, the joy of the Lord was Paul’s strength (Neh. 8:10).

I. The Sanctuary of Joy-Philippians 3:1

About joy, Paul wrote it is a safeguard for you (Phil. 3:1). A Sanctuary. Nothing places us out of the grasp of the enemy’s reach quite like the joy of the Lord. When the joy bells are ringing in the soul, the heart soars to the presence of the Lord seated in the heavenlies. The eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of the faith. The mind is renewed. The will is surrendered. The behavior is transformed. Joy flows out of the inner most being. In Colossians 3:16-17 Paul wrote, Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual sons, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Col. 3:16-17). Regardless of circumstances, Jesus is ruling and reigning. The sooner we realize we are not in control and have never been, the sooner we will relinquish the need to control our circumstances and relinquish ourselves to Him. This attitude in living produces a heightened sense to the move of God in our lives. As we develop an awareness of His presence and a hunger for the restoration He provides, we are progressively changed. The spiritual discipline of renewing our mind combined with the desire to walk in obedience and dependence produces a practice that reflects our position in Christ. The end produce is outrageous JOY. Rejoice in the Lord. It is a safeguard for you. There is Joy in the Journey!

II. The Worship of the Spirit –Philippians 3:2-3a

One sure joy-stealer is unbelievers who are intent on wrecking havoc among God’s people. While some unbelievers live by a lofty moral code, content with the pursuit of self-righteousness, others have set their face against God and His people. We can gather from Paul’s epistles that the early church was being troubled by false teachers, many of whom planted themselves inside the church. They feigned conversion in order to divide and destroy the body of Christ from within the church. Paul called them dogs, evil workers. In Paul’s day dogs roamed in packs and were regarded as dangerous mongrels, rending, tearing, and devouring. God refers to His people as sheep. Dogs disturb and destroy sheep. Beware of these evil men. The word translated “evil” literally means depraved, bad. Beware. A renewed mind that can rightly divide the truth is the best defense against false teachers. Paul referred to these unbelieving agitators as members of the false circumcision. The Bible forbids any type of heathenistic cutting of the flash (Lev. 21:5; I Kings 18:28) which is most vividly seen in the story of Elijah. The prophets of Baal cut themselves in a religious ritual of Baal worship. Paul regarded the Jewish ordinance of circumcision, when demanded of Gentile converts by Jewish zealots, to be no better than a heathenistic cutting of the flesh. Circumcision had come to distinguish the Jews from the Gentiles. It was an outward symbol for the nation of Israel that represented her unique covenant relationship with God. It was never intended to become a condition of salvation. Since salvation is wrought by the finished work of Christ on the cross, the insistence by some to add the rite of circumcision as a condition for genuine conversion nullified the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And frankly, it sickened Paul. To add the requirement of circumcision in order to be converted put the ritual in the same category as the heathen’s practice of cutting the flesh as an act of their worship. Paul denounced the practice and warned his readers to beware of the false circumcision. For any to preach the so-called addition of works of any kind to the once-for-all-time Sacrifice for sin, was to deny the sufficiency of the cross. Christ and the finished work of the cross is the basis for our worship. We worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:3). In John 4:24 Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” And for all who have met God on His terms of faith and repentance, there is Joy in the Journey!

III. The Fallacy of the Flesh-Philippians 3:3b

The Judaizers were deluded into thinking righteousness could be achieved through works of the flesh. In Romans 3:28 Paul wrote, For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law. Religious activity, no matter how sincerely believed and sacrificially followed, is never a substitute for righteousness. God created man to be inhabited by God. Indwelling the human spirit, the Holy Spirit had access to the soul (the mind, the will, and the emotions). When Adam sinned, the Holy Spirit vacated the human spirit and man was left with a sin principle in control of his soul – teaching his mind, controlling his emotions, directing his will and ultimately determining his behavior. This principle of indwelling sin is referred to as the flesh (Rom. 7). At conversion, we are given the power to crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit. However, this is not automatically achieved in the Christian life. Apart from the renewing of the mind and the conscious surrendering the will in obedience to the Spirit of God, it will never be realized. Paul wrote, Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lust of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Eph. 4:22-24). Put off the sinful habit patterns of the old man, which is corrupted by the flesh, trained in depravity prior to conversion. Put on the new man, which is progressively being formed in you by the righteousness of Christ. Do not attempt to control your flesh with the flesh. Do not put any confidence in the flesh. Do not attempt to reform the flesh. View it as your enemy. Crucify it. Exalt Christ and live to His honor and glory. And beloved, have Joy in the Journey! Outrageous. Outlandish. Unspeakable joy. Unshakable joy. Undeniable joy. Unparalleled joy. In the midst of your circumstances, joy. Joy in the Journey!

Sunday Selections

Bread of life. Feed us 'til we want no more.  Philippians 2:25 Paul wrote of the character of Ephaproditus. Paul referred to him as a brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow solider. The church at Philippi had sent Epaphroditus with a financial gift to aid the beloved apostle who was under house arrest for preaching the gospel. Paul considered the man to be a true brother in the family of God. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are placed into the body of Christ AND the family of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Heirs of God. Joint-heirs with Jesus. Redeemed. Reconciled. Ransomed. Access granted to the throne of God.  Privileged. Protected by the power of God. Indwelt by the Spirit of God. Pilgrims. Many are the benefits of so great a salvation.

Salvation is a free gift offered by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. However, the Christian life requires us to work to develop the disciplines of faith. Ephaphroditus was a worker. We are to work faithfully. Study diligently. Aggressively pursue the things of the Lord to develop personal holiness and practical righteousness.

Ephaproditus was a worker in the kingdom of God and a warrior in the army of God. He worked faithfully. He warred fearlessly. If we are going to be used of the Lord, we must adopt the same single-minded determination to work for the kingdom and to war in spiritual warfare to glorify Jesus Christ. Work faithfully. War fearlessly. Blessings.

Finer Things Friday

Amy over at Amy's Finer Things is hosting a wonderful carnival called Finer Things Friday. Click here to go there and read more Finer Things Friday. Consider writing your own post and join in the fun.There is nothing finer than God's Word. I am studying and teaching the Book of Philippians to my MOMS Bible Study. We are working our way through this series called Joy in the Journey. I have been pondering Paul's admonition, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as light in the world" (Phil. 2:14-15).

Don't grumble. Don't argue or be drawn into a dispute. Seriously? Can you imagine how many homes would be transformed if we implemented just this one small fragment of the Word of God?!?!? Some people would not have anything else to say if it weren't for murmuring and grumbling! Obviously, if we would consciously choose to carefully guard our words we could consistently be lights in the dark world for the glory of God! There is no greater joy than living a life that is well-pleasing to the Father. There is nothing finer!

Joy in the Journey-Philippians-Lesson Five

The Marks of Maturity!

God created man to be inhabited by God. Indwelling the human spirit, the Holy Spirit had access to the soul (the mind, the will, and the emotions). He was able to supply man’s code of behavior from the inner most part of his being (his human spirit). Man was created to manifest his invisible Creator God to the world. When Adam sinned, the Holy Spirit vacated the human spirit and man was left with a sin principle in control of his soul – teaching his mind, controlling his emotions, directing his will and ultimately determining his behavior. His body became subject to disease and death. His soul was governed by depravity as he become subject to the lusts of his flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind (See Eph. 2:1-3). Man in sin was not what God had in mind for His creation. Sin marred the image of God. What did man do? In a vain effort to cover his sin without confessing it, Adam took fig leaves and made a covering with the work of his own hands – a pathetic testament to the best a man without God can do to deal with his sin problem. A man without God can be quite creative. He can invent systems of religious ritual and, using the power of persuasion, convince thousands to join up. He can be financially successful, socially savvy, and intellectually brilliant. Engaging his own willpower he can turn over a new leaf, employ positive thinking, live an outwardly moral lifestyle, follow a 12-step program to deal with his addictions, pull himself up by his own bootstraps, and make New Year’s resolutions. But a man without God cannot win the approval of God. His sin separates him from God. He must be born again (John 3:7). The only solution to sin is Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s remedy for man’s ruin. On the cross, Jesus Christ paid for the sin debt of the whole world (See 1 John 2:1-2; 1 Tim. 2:3-5). When we meet God on His terms – faith and repentance – we are reconciled to a holy God and gloriously saved. Our conversion ushers us into a process known as sanctification. Sanctification involves our cooperation in order for it to produce a holy life pleasing to God. This is the slow process accomplished as we renew our minds with the Word of God and surrender ourselves to Holy Spirit, but we are progressively conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote about three benchmarks that identify our forward progress in the process of sanctification.

I. Walk Blamelessly-Philippians 2:14-16

Sin moved God out of man. Salvation gets God back in man. Deity is once again clothed in humanity. We become His ambassadors. Our representation of God is marred at best, but as the body of Christ is conformed to the image of Christ we show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:7).The church, having been built on the Chief Cornerstone, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22). Christians are to strive to maintain a living testimony above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15).We are to renew our minds with the Word of God in order to transform our behavior. Paul wrote, Appear as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16). As we saturate our souls with the Word of God and surrender our wills to the Spirit of God, we appear as lights in the world. Paul saw the Philippians as a living sacrifice being consumed on the altar of sacrifice and service. In Old Testament times, when a person brought an animal sacrifice to God, he also brought wine to be poured out as a libation. Since wine is symbolic of joy and exhilaration, the message implied was the way of sacrifice is the way of joy. Paul considered his life to be an accompanying drink offering on the burnt offering of the Philippians’ consecration. Would you like to experience Joy in the Journey? Live sacrificially. Walk blamelessly.

II. Work Faithfully-Philippians 2:17-24

Sacrifice leads to joy. Service leads to joy. Paul referred to his beloved true child in the faith, Timothy, as an example of a servant. Paul was hoping to send Timothy to Philippi so he could bring the apostle news of that flock. Timothy’s reputation of care and concern for the apostle, as well of the fledging church, was well known. Timothy was a faithful companion, a compassionate servant, and a devoted co-laborer in the gospel ministry. Timothy had the heart of a servant and the love a son towards Paul. He was a faithful worker. Timothy was heavily invested in kingdom work – edifying those within the body and evangelizing those without a personal relationship with Christ. Paul’s use of Timothy’s example as a kingdom worker illustrated the presence of the joy of Jesus, which bubbled up and overflowed from the heart of Timothy. Would you like to have Joy in the Journey? Develop the heart of a servant. Work faithfully for the kingdom of God.

III. War Tirelessly-Philippians 2:25-30

Timothy was a worker; Epaphroditus was a warrior. If Paul considered Timothy to be his true son in the faith, he saw Epaphroditus as his true brother in the family of God. Paul called him my brother, and fellow worker and fellow soldier (Phil. 2:25). Epaphroditus had brought a love gift from the congregation at Philippi to invest in Paul’s ministry and support him during his time of incarceration. Paul intended to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians to deliver his letter and give a report of the apostle’s well-being. Shortly after arriving Epaphroditus become seriously ill, close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life (Phil. 2:30) to serve the Lord and minister to Paul. Epaphroditus put himself in harm’s way in order to minister to Paul. Travel was difficult and could be quite hazardous. Associating with a prisoner considered an enemy of the state could potentially label Epaphroditus as a traitor to the Roman government. Of Epaphroditus Paul wrote, Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard (Phil. 2:30). Indeed. Men of the caliper of Epaphroditus and Timothy are rare and worthy of honor and respect.

Servants. Soldiers. Workers. Warriors. Benchmarks in maturity. Blessings in the kingdom of God. Do you want to know outrageous Joy in the Jorunery? Saturate your soul with the Word of God. Surrender yourself to the Spirit of God. Walk blamelessly. Work faithfully. War tirelessly. Live for the glory of God!

To watch the live video stream on Thursday morning at 10:45 CT, click here. Then chose today's date from the drop down menu (Moms Spring 2009 Joy in the Journey) The message will be archived afterwards at the same location.

Wordless Wednesday

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Memphis, TN. March 1, 2009

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here and go there. Thanks to 5 Minutes for Moms for hosting.

Sunday Selections

In Philippians 1:27 Paul wrote, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm." Christ died to redeem His lost creation. He rose again, and having finished His work on the cross, sat down at the right hand of the Father. Because of what Christ has done for us, is it so much for Him to ask me to live for Him? Is this not our reasonable sacrifice of service? 

Christ died for us. Now, in the person of the Holy Spirit, He lives in us. He desires to live His life through us. It is Christ in us, the hope of glory. Blessings.

Joy in the Journey

Could you use more joy in your life? The secret to experiencing real joy is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Beyond knowing Jesus for salvation, we need to "get to know Jesus" in the process of sanctification. Having once met the Lord on His terms of faith and repentance, we are required to grow in grace and knowledge of Him in order to become conformed to His image. That is when the joy bells start ringing!

Join me for a live video feed on a practical look at Philippians on Thursday, Feb. 26th at 10:45 CT by clicking here and following the prompts. The message will be archived if you need to join us later. The notes to this lesson will be posted on this blog later in the day.  Join me for Joy in the Journey. Blessings.