Learning to Lean

God’s Word:  Matthew 5:4  Jesus said “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.  Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”  

Jesus’ Message to Me: (My interpretation of what Jesus is saying to me through these verses)

It can’t be you say!  There is no blessing in losing what is most dear to you!  Blessings from Me come wrapped in a myriad of disguises.  The blessing is not in the losing but in what you will discover in your loss.  When the eyes of your heart are washed with tears a whole new vantage point in gained.  That is the gift of My embrace.  When you mourn I am near and holding you in My embrace. Lean on Me–pass it on!

Weeping may come for a night, but joy comes “through” the mourning!  The gift of life brings with it many losses.  This world. . .this life. . .it’s all temporary.   Only through loss are you able to clearly see what is most valuable in life—relationships with others and with Me.  This new insight you gain through loss will bring you a blessed peace and new appreciation for all you do have.  Lean on Me–pass it on!

I will never leave you or forsake you!   I stand always ready to embrace you once you turn to Me in your sorrow.  Even if you aren’t aware of My presence, I am there.  But once you acknowledge me you will realize how dearly I love you and want to bless you in the midst of your pain and loss.  There is blessing in My embrace for the one who turns to Me for comfort and peace.  Lean on Me–pass it on!

Jesus’ Question for Me: Will you simply trust Me and lean on Me through all your losses?

Jesus’ Promise to Me:  I am only a tear-drop away. Lean on Me!

My Song to Jesus:   LEARNING TO LEAN     Writer John Stallings

Chorus
I’m learning to lean, learning to lean,
Learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power than I’d ever dreamed,
I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

The joy I can’t explain fills my heart,
Since the day I made Jesus my King;
His blessed Holy Spirit is leading my way,
He’s teaching and I’m learning to lean.

Chorus
I’m learning to lean, learning to lean,
Learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power than I’d ever dreamed,
I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

There’s glorious vict’ry each day now for me,
Since I found His peace so serene;
He helps me with each task, if only I’ll ask;
Ev’ry day now I’m learning to lean.

Chorus
I’m learning to lean, learning to lean,
Learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power than I’d ever dreamed,
I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

End of Your Rope?

God’s Word:  Matthew 5: 1-3  When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside,  Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him.  Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.  This is what he said: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”

(A note from Ellen:  Today begins a closer examination of Jesus so-called “Sermon on the Mount” that is found in Matthew chapters 5, 6, 7.   When I was young my Bible had all the words of Jesus in red letters. That means these words were special because they came directly from Jesus. There are about 2000 words and 107 verses in this passage.   It has been said that the Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ fullest exposition of moral and ethical life.  Sounds like something we could use a refresher course in today.  I invite you to join me on this “Journey with Jesus,” reading between the lines of His teachings. I think you will find that in these 2000 words of Jesus they hold a vast amount of teaching to bless our lives.  I have changed the picture, colors and title of this blog to show I am making a change.)

Jesus’ Message to Me: (My interpretation of what Jesus is saying to me through these verses)

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”

No, I am not kidding!  When I am saying “blessed” a good translation for you today would be happy, or having a peaceful soul. Now I know that everyone wants to be happy.  No one purposely does things just to be unhappy.  However, when bad choices are made repeatedly, one ends up very unhappy and feeling “at the end of their rope.”  That is a terrible place to be.  I endured that Myself when I went through the torture of the crucifixion.  A person at the end of their rope feels they are out of options or alternative courses of action; they are simply stuck in a bad situation.

I recognize that many of you feel you are at the end of your rope many times in your life.  And it isn’t always because of your own bad choices.  It might be because of the bad choices of those closest to you.  Or it might be because of the economy and you lost your means of income and feel you have nowhere to turn.

Oh but you do!  Just let go of that rope and hold on to Me.  Lives have a way of crowding Me out of the picture when all is going well, everyone is happy, the bills are paid and everyone is healthy.  But seldom does a person’s life remain in this perfect picture long-term.  Everyone has their moments of short ropes.  But being at the end of your rope can open up to you a happiness you didn’t know existed when you let go of your self-sufficiency and reach out to Me.  I specialize in helping you out of bad situations.  There are alternative choices of action that I will lead you through.  When your life is going good it is all about you.  But at the end of the rope you are able to turn the focus off self and on to Me.  Then is when I will reveal to you a happiness you didn’t know existed. 

Jesus’ Question for Me: Will you turn to me before you get to the end of your rope and you may find that your rope just got longer?

Jesus’ Promise to Me:  I will show you a whole new world of happiness that exists just beyond the end of your rope.

My Song to Jesus:  We are More Than Conquerors    Ralph Carmichael

We are more than conquerors thru Him that loved us so—

The Christ who dwells within us is the greatest power we know!

He will fight beside us thou the enemy be great—

Who can stand against us?  He’s the Captain of our fate.

Then we will conquer, never fear—So let the battle rage!

He has promised to be near until the end of the age.

We are more than conquerors thru Him that loves us so—

The Christ who dwells within us is the greatest power we know!

Making God Happy

God’s Word:3 John

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

Nothing could make me happier than knowing My children continue diligently in the way of Truth.  Just as when you are overjoyed because of the good choices of your children, I too am overjoyed when you make good choices—mainly the choice to follow My Truth.  My Truth then becomes the wellspring for all other choices in life.

Kindness shown to others, on My behalf, makes me deeply happy.  Choose wisely those to whom you shower with kindness.  Some prey off the kindness of good people to satisfy their selfish desires rather than working to provide for themselves.  To give to these people you are enabling them to continue in their selfish manner of living.

When My children, offer hospitality to one another, it is as though you were offering hospitality to Me.  In going out of your way to be hospitable you are making the faith visible.  In making the faith visible others will see that you not only say you believe, but your actions display your belief.  Make wise choices in those you provide meals and a bed for, because you are partnering with them in their life’s work—helping them on their way.  Don’t welcome the evil into your home but model the good.  The person who does good does My work and this gives me great happiness.  Help My children on their way.

God’s Question for Me: Have you got the spare room ready for my visit?

God’s Promise to Me: Following My Truth always brings deep happiness—knowing you have made the right choice.

My Song to God:

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

Dr. John Faw­cett, the author of this song, was the pas­tor of a small church at Wains­gate, England and was called from there to a larg­er church in Lon­don in 1772. He ac­cept­ed the call and preached his fare­well ser­mon. The wa­gons were load­ed with his books and fur­ni­ture, and all was rea­dy for the de­part­ure, when his pa­rish­ion­ers gath­ered around him, and with tears in their eyes begged of him to stay. His wife said, “Oh John, John, I can­not bear this.” “Neither can I,” ex­claimed the good pas­tor, “and we will not go. Un­load the wa­gons and put ev­ery­thing as it was be­fore.” His de­ci­sion was hailed with great joy by his peo­ple, and he wrote the words of this hymn in com­mem­o­ra­tion of the event.

By-products of Truth

God’s Word: 2 John

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

The by-products of Truth are many.  Where My Truth abides love is the abiding presence.  Grace, mercy, peace, and joy flow from My heart to yours—into the heart of all who abide in My Truth, revealed through My Word, the Bible.  Ignore the Bible—ignore My Truth.  Read the Bible—live out My Truth and reap the blessed benefits I am eager to share with you.

When love is absent, Truth is absent.  When you know My Truth—it will set you free—to love others.  My love is not just something you give in order to get.  My love gives and gives and gives, regardless of what is received.  Jesus set the example for My love that gives until and even if it hurts.  My Truth, took on the flesh of Jesus Christ, and gave His all—for your salvation.

Loving others, on My behalf, elevates your service of love to the sacred.  Those who do not know My Truth still benefit from this fact.  Many offer incredible acts of service to others, because of the rush of the sacred that they receive.  But I am asking you to offer these acts of loving service not for the rush you receive, but for the honor of being My Ambassador of love. The by-products of living out My Truth flow from your life into the lives of countless others. When you understand My Truth you share My joy, My peace, My love, My concern for others; you step into My presence and the rush of the sacred you receive will give you a joy unspeakable and full of glory.

God’s Question for Me: How long has it been since you stepped into My presence through acts of unselfish love and service for another?

God’s Promise to Me: My Word is Truth.  Know My Truth and you will be set free!

My Song to God:    “Others”

Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for—Others.

Refrain

Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I’d do for You
Must needs be done for—Others.

Refrain

Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep: and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again,
Unless to live for—Others.

Refrain

And when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in Heav’n’s begun,
May I forget the crown I’ve won,
While thinking still of—Others.

Refrain

How to be God-Protected

God’s Word: 1 John 5:13-21

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

You who believe in Jesus can know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you have eternal life.  Your belief in Jesus, as having come from My presence, initiates you into the God-begotten family.  My family members can enter My presence with boldness and freely, asking according to My will and know that I am listening.  When my will and your will are in unity—it shall come to pass.

When you see a fellow believer sinning, pray, asking for Me to help them overcome and I am eager to respond to that prayer.  There is a difference between doing something wrong and making a practice of doing wrong.  My God-begotten do not make a practice of sinning—that is the fatal sin.  You who are God-begotten are also God-protected.  The Evil one can’t lay a hand on you.  I have you in My firm grip of safety.

To recognize Jesus as God’s Son means you recognize and understand the truth of God.  What a gift that is.  To believe in Jesus is to live in truth because Jesus is both true God and real life.  These people are My God-begotten children and live under My God-protection.  But never take this honor for granted, always be on guard against all clever facsimiles The evil one is as a wolf in sheep’s clothing—always trying to turn you away from My truth.

God’s Question for Me: Does your life serve as a testimony to the benefits of being God-begotten?

God’s Promise to Me: The God-begotten are also the God-protected.

My Song to God:  I know whom I have believed   Daniel Whittle 1883

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

 

The Reality Test

God’s Word: 1 John 5:1-12

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten.  Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways.  The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is your faith in Jesus as Messiah—the promised one. If you fail to believe in the One I sent to redeem you then you fail to believe in Me.

This is the reality test—the one that truly loves Me, loves the One I sent, and busies their life following the commands in My Word.  My commands do not trouble you but free you to really live in deep joy and peace.  The benefit of passing the reality test is “out of this world.”  I have provided you with eternal life; that life comes through belief in Jesus.  Whoever has Jesus has life—whoever rejects Jesus—rejects life eternal.

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by believing in Jesus.  He gave his life to redeem you.  Now I ask that you simply live your life to redeem others.  Pass on to others what was passed on to you through Christ Jesus.  Love—the supreme concern for the well-being of another with no regards as to what you receive for yourself.  That was the love Jesus lived out—and the reality test for all of humanity.  The one who loves Me, loves Jesus, and gives their life in sharing this love with others.

God’s Question for Me: Who will you share My love with this day?

God’s Promise to Me: Jesus died for you so that you could live eternally with Me.

My Song to God:  Jesus is All the World to Me     Will L Thompson 1904

Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad,
He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to Him I’ll be;
Oh, how could I this Friend deny,
When He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night,
He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He’s my Friend.

 

Love in Everyday Clothes

God’s Word: 1 John 4:17-21

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

Love in any language is demonstrated the same way.  So wherever you are, wherever you live, whatever language you speak, take up permanent residence in a life of love.  Love is a choice!  Let love have the run of your house—of your life.  Love, fully matured, casts out fear.  There is no room for fear when you have accepted My love for you and are passing it on to all others.  Fear is crippling—love is freeing.  Fear is overcome by love.

What does love look like in everyday clothes?  Love is not agreeing with everyone or never condemning anything—instead is it disagreeing but not being disagreeable.  Love does not react hatefully to anything said or done to it.  Even if the hatefulness is undeserved!  Follow the example of Jesus when treated hatefully.  He said not a word.  He realized that this life, this body, is not the ultimate life of the soul.  There is a better world, far better, beyond this life.

Do not boast “I love God,” and then lash out hatefully to another.  That would make you a liar.  You cannot love the God you have not seen and hate the person you have seen—no matter how evil or vile you feel they are.  Your words “I love God” and your actions toward others must be in agreement.  Never forget, for even one moment, that I take your treatment of others personally—all others.  Your neighbor that drives you crazy, the rude person that just took your parking spot, your cruel co-worker—all are opportunities for you to show My love and in doing so you are actually loving Me.  You do not have to agree with another person to demonstrate love.   Love is My choice—make it your choice too!

God’s Question for Me: Will you serve as my ambassador of love to a hurting world?

God’s Promise to Me: Nothing can separate you from My love.

My Song to God:    Fredrick M Lehmen  1917

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Refrain:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Refrain

Verse 3 was penciled on the wall of a narrow room in an insane asylum by a man said to have been demented. The profound lines were discovered when they laid him in his coffin.

 

Perfect Love

God’s Word: 1 John 4:6-16

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

Perfect Love!  Now who wouldn’t want to receive that?

What does perfect love look like?  It’s dressed in the everyday clothing of the servant, of sacrificing yourself, your own pleasures and fancies, to benefit the needs of another.  Unlike the servants of old who served because they were forced—perfect love serves out of gratitude for My forgiving love that first gave to them.

What did I give you?  I have created this world as the perfect habitat for your life to exist.  I gave you life and have provided for you from day one.  I have loved you with an unquenchable love that loves no matter the condition of the loved one.  I demonstrated this love by coming to earth as Christ, living the life of a servant, and dying in your place, so that you could be reunited with My Spirit—through forgiveness.

What do I want from you?  You—just you—with all your faults and hang-ups!  As a parent your heart aches to have a chasm between your love and your child.  Sin, rebellion against Me and My Word, creates a chasm between Me and you.  My love, demonstrated through the death of Christ, spans the chasm—but only you can cross over to Me.  Should you choose to accept My forgiveness, I give you My perfect love and simply ask you to pass it on to all those around you.

What a beautiful world this could be if My people, who accept my perfect love, would pass it on.

God’s Question for Me: What will you do today to demonstrate My perfect love?

God’s Promise to Me: I dwell deeply within the one who loves others sacrificially, thus making my love a full and complete circle—perfect love.

My Song to God:  All He Wants Is You      By: Audrey Mieir

Something more than gold for the Master
Something more than gifts to appease
There is only one thing that you alone can bring
There is only one gift that will please.

All He wants is you, No one else will do
Not just a part He wants all of your heart.
All He wants is all of you,
All He wants is you.

Nothing less than this can you offer;
Nothing less than this can you bring,
It is not just your songs,
But for you alone He longs,
Nothing less can you give to your King.

All He wants is me, Unreservedly,
Not just a part, He wants all of my heart.
All He wants is all of me,
All He wants is me.

 

Truth

God’s Word: 1 John 4:1-6

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

Choose wisely your model for living!  The world offers all kinds of people, or so-called gods, to follow.  Some of them have done many good things and share many good ideas.  But what is the foundation of their teaching.  Is it built on rock or sand?  What about this teacher would be worthy of emulating?  What did he, or she, ever do for you?  What do they promise their followers?  Did they live a sacrificial life, above reproach, to show you the path to life?

Seek truth that endures the test of time and eternity.  Examine carefully what others tell you.  Don’t believe everything you hear.  By picking and choosing the teachings that give you comfort from this god or that god, or wise teachers, and putting together your own version of truth—you are standing on sandy ground.

My Word openly shares the truth that withstands all the storms of life. Mankind was on a downward spiral when I took on the form of a human, in flesh called Jesus, and personally visited planet earth.  I endured the same temptations and trials that you experience yet avoided sin at all costs—even to the point of death.  I endured what I didn’t deserve in order to provide you with what you don’t deserve—forgiveness and eternal life.  Let My love for you be your model for living.

God’s Question for Me: Are you seeking truth or simply looking for the easy path through life?

God’s Promise to Me: My Spirit, that abides with those who accept My truth, is stronger than anything in the world.  I am with you and give you strength whatever storms you may face.

My Song to God:

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

 

Love’s Great Benefits

God’s Word: 1 John 3:18-24

God’s Message to Me: (My interpretation of what God is saying to me through these verses)

The world spends millions on self-help resources trying to help humanity get over their self-criticism—their feelings of guilt or inadequacy.  It is all so unnecessary—even if there is good reason for their self-criticism.  That is one of the benefits of My Word—helping a person realize their great value—to Me.  Jesus died for you—while you were still sinners—you are that valuable to Me.  And if you are okay with Me, then don’t you dare condemn yourself!

And how is a person to feel self-confidence instead of self-criticism?  Simple—practice love in all your relationships.  True love, My love is the SUPREME CONCERN FOR THE WELL BEING OF OTHERS WITH NO REGARDS AS TO WHAT YOU RECEIVE FOR YOURSELF.  “What”—you may respond—“with NO regards as to what I receive myself?  I don’t think so.”  But wait—look at what Jesus did for you?

Remember how you like to quote the Golden Rule of relationships?    Well, that is it!  Treat others as you wish to be treated.  You surely wish everyone would treat you with no regards as to what they receive for themselves don’t you?  Then that is the secret to building your self-confidence and getting rid of your self-criticism—have a supreme concern for the well-being of others with no regards as to what you receive for yourself.  Love others as you are loved by ME and you will be blessed with a peace that passes understanding and a joy unspeakable.  My Spirit dwells with the person who loves unselfishly.

God’s Question for Me: Will you willingly give pure, unselfish love, to all who surround your life?

God’s Promise to Me: To those who love Christ, accept his forgiveness, and pass that love and forgiveness on to others—I have reserved a place in heaven just for you.

God’s Word to me in Song:

So send I you to labor unrewarded
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown
To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing
So send I you to toil for Me alone

So send I you to bind the bruised and broken
Over wandering souls to work, to weep, to wake
To bear the burdens of a world a-weary
So send I you to suffer for My sake

So send I you to loneliness and longing
With heart a-hungering for the loved and known
Forsaking kin and kindred, friend and dear one
So send I you to know My love alone

So send I you to leave your life’s ambition
To die to dear desire, self-will resign
To labor long, and love where men revile you
So send I you to lose your life in Mine

So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred
To eyes made blind because they will not see
To spend, though it be blood to spend and spare not
So send I you to taste of Calvary

“As the Father hath sent me, so send I you”