Centering our RELATIONSHIP around Jesus in our World

As I open to write this blog post, I have no idea what to say or pray or share except that in the recent blog posts I have been sharing from "Jesus Listens" and focused on "Centering RELATIONSHIPS around Jesus" and that most certainly encompasses other countries in our world, such as Ukraine (currently being invaded by Russian troops sent by Putin and finally today the 2 countries - Ukraine & Russia, are meeting in Peace talks, I pray that there is some peaceful resolution). I've read & heard that Ukraine is asking for immediate ceasefire and a withdrawal of all Russian troops. This photo above that has been circulating definitely depicts Jesus centering (and praying) over Ukraine, which means He is not only Listening but answering, at least to my pleas for Divine Intervention, because I trust with God all things are possible. His will. His deliverance from all evil. Isn't this what He taught us to pray in the Our Father?(Matthew 6:9-13) verse 13. Please keep Ukraine in your prayers; the country, their leaders, their families, their homes, their children, their faith, their refugees and the wonderful surrounding countries opening their arms and helping/assisting as best they can.

PRAY FOR UKRAINE

The next week in Jesus Listens would be "Week 24: Building Trust" (which would be really great for what is happening in the world) however, just like last week, I will be skipping ahead to the following week; Week 25: Pouring From and Refilling Your Cup - which you and I and Ukrainians all need! I cannot imagine what they are facing (or you in your own world) yet I also can't believe that Jesus wouldn't want us to pray and center our RELATIONSHIPS around Him (Jesus) AND our relationship to others - such as other countries in this world in peril, and other people outside our own personal relationships. Just like that first photo image, Jesus lays His life down & covers Ukraine as we pray, as we pour from ourselves to fill and be filled so that we might pour out to the many souls in Ukraine but we must (as they must) daily refill our cup to overflow on others. 

The scriptures referenced & prayer are from Jesus Listens the July 18th entry:

"Ephesians 2:8-9; Psalm 62:5 HCSB; Psalms 23:3 NKJV; Psalms 23:2 AMPC "

written to

My (Our) Shepherd

HE is the SHEPHERD for Ukrainians also

[the discussion guide question #3 follows]

"When we're deeply rooted in our RELATIONSHIP with God and have a restored soul, {which far too many of us truly need now} we are more effective messengers of His love. What are some ways you can relax in God's Presence now? How do you think that rest will benefit those you serve? {and my question: how can you be a more effective messenger of Jesus to/for the Ukrainians?} Please do it.

The Sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine!

Plant some seeds

PLEASE

PRAY

{I'm sure that you can find places that are helping, our local news even provided a list but this is one place I found: Convoy of Hope listening to prayer service}

STAND WITH UKRAINE

1. Pray for God’s peace to be a source of strength. Pray for the workers there — that they would have opportunities to share with others because they do not trust in governments, but in God.

2. Pray for God’s protection. Pray for the safety of people on both sides of this border. Ask God for their physical protection but also their spiritual protection — ask him to help people seek the truth during the conflict.

3. Ask God for comfort. As the war continues from the 2014 Russian invasion of the Crimea region, the thought of more intense war seems overwhelming to the many families who have already lost fathers and sons.

 4. Ask God to intervene. Pray for wisdom as world leaders maneuver, strategize and speak out. Pray that God would move in their hearts and guide their steps and plans.

 5. Pray that Ukraine and Russia would be places without corruption. Pray for leaders of both countries to know God’s truth and peace and be transformed by his Holy Spirit, that they would seek to lead their countries in the way of peace. Ask for repentance, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation throughout Ukraine and Russia. Pray not only for the leaders of these countries, but for the people — that they would not have animosity between them but be united in reconciliation.

Ask that this would open doors of opportunities for the gospel. God has a way of showing up when things are difficult. Pray that he would make his name known across Ukraine and Russia as the result of this conflict

JESUS LISTENS

HE IS LISTENING

Centering RELATIONSHIPS Around Jesus (part 2)

Last week I shared on Valentine's Day about JESUS LISENS and the discussion guide for 56 Weeks available to accompany the book. I skipped ahead to the 5th section on LOVE since it was Valentine's Day but also because it focuses on a key Word for 2022 for me: RELATIONSHIPS. I shared Week 21 discussion questions and an image of my book of the Jesus Listen devotion. Even though the guide calls each one a "week", if you have time, it can be done in a day or read the devotion the first day and then do one question each day, making it a 4 day week. I suggest that you use the 5th day to review and maybe write your own prayer like Sarah does in JESUS LISTENS. 

Week 22 is "Finding Confidence", which goes with the entry in the book JESUS LISTENS for August 24th and the scriptures given are Romans 8:31; Matthew 28:20 NLT; Numbers 6:26 AMPC; Romans 8:39 with the prayer written from these scriptures to "Triumphant God... starting out with "If You are for me, who can be against me? Please help me to grasp -- in the depths of my being ---" which is the first scripture given. That's what I like about her books that Sarah shows us how to take scripture and make it our prayer or Jesus Speaking to us. I'm only sharing this much of week 22 and not the 3 discussion guide questions because I plan on moving on to the next week for this week (or this day's blog post) BUT not because I don't need "Finding Confidence" ... since graduating from college & my experience right after graduation, I have struggled to regain my confidence. Some days are better than the others, however before as a teen & child, I would say that I was a pretty confident person. So on to ...

Week 23

Centering RELATIONSHIPS Around Jesus

Falling in Love with God

The Daily Devotion in the book JESUS LISTENS is the entry for October 8th to our

"Delightful Lord, ..."

The Scripture referenced are:

Psalm 37:4; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 118:28 HCSB; Psalm 62:8

1. Think of the people you most respect in life. What are the attributes they have that make them loveable? Do these characteristics make you want to draw closer to those who have them? Why? Now, think about God -- what are the things that delight you about Him? What keeps you close to Him? 2. When your life is God-centered, and you find yourself delighting in His Presence, do you notice a difference in the way you show up in life? How does receiving God's love in your own life strengthen your bond with others? 3. Psalm 37:4 says, delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. What do you desire in your RELATIONSHIP with God? What specific things can you do to keep that RELATIONSHIP vibrant and strong?

My RELATIONSHIP with God is the most important. My RELATIONSHIP with God started through my RELATIONSHIP with Jesus. I've learned throughout my entire life that the Father (God), Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit are One. Yet my RELATIONSHIP needed to grow with each entity separately. Perhaps many of you, won't understand this, since the 3 facets are One, why would I need to develop a RELATIONSHIP with each. Perhaps even I don't understand it completely, yet I know that my entire RELATIONSHIP became more intimate based on each person in the Trinity and the aspect and attributes I attribute to each identity. I find characteristics in each one that stand out more and since we have the New Testament to learn about Jesus, as Man and as God, it's easier to begin with Him.

Jesus Himself tells us, "No one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6 NIV) so this is where I began. However, doing this allowed me to close the gap between myself and God, the Father, who I love deeply and revere with a deep reverential respect (that has changed to more endearing in the latter part of my life) but at first it was a RELATIONSHIP kept at a distance. Of course, I am in awe of the entire Trinity, especially Jesus yet the Holy Spirit became the second person I drew near to ... and truly respect that person of God alive in me & to each of us in one another as believers. Perhaps, I am treading on dangerous ideas to some of you that may not understand my perspective (but trust me, it is/was not altered by "The Shack"). It just is how my RELATIONSHIP has deepened with God as I look at all of the aspects of each person in the Trinity. No, I don't believe in 3 different Gods, they are and always have been 3 in 1. I distinguish this, for myself, and with some when I attempt to explain our One God, by referring to a human example (it could be any human but I most often use my dad). He is my dad (father) biologically or adopted (in my case, it's biological) but he is also the son of my grandpa (and grandma) and he is also brother to his siblings, or uncle to their children, or many other roles to others, even Santa Claus (to some children; my cousins, our neighbors, some of his friend's or coworkers families, etc.) He is not a different person; he's the same person, just one, but has a different role or title for each RELATIONSHIP. 

I am not answering any of the above discussion questions, however my explanation is an expansion with hopes that you might be able to tell how my God-centered life revolves around Jesus, centered on Him, yet He has deepened my RELATIONSHIP by showing me through His life how He communicated with the Father, as I should. How He came into His Presence, as I can. How He promised that the Father will send in His name, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. (John 14:25---) Staying in His Word, listening to Him speak and teach and living out His Word in my life, spending time with Him, first & last part of my day & throughout my day, deepens our RELATIONSHIP, keeping me walking with Him closer every day, surrounding myself with All that He is in me, for me & through me to others (but I'm working on this, it's a continual process to keep the RELATIONSHIP alive & well; close & personal). More important to me than most other human RELATIONSHIPS because I can depend & trust (have confidence) that HE is who He says HE is & will do ALL that HE says He will do. This RELATIONSHIP is key to my entire life for more than 60 some years. And I pray it will be fresh & new every day until my last.

RELATIONSHIP

is defined as

"the way in which two or more concepts, objects or people

are connected, or the state of being connected"

"An INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP is an *interpersonal relationship that involves

physical or emotional intimacy. Humans have a general desire to belong and to love."

I do BELONG to GOD, He LOVES me and I love Him!

*An interpersonal relationship

is a social connection or affiliation

between two or more people.

{To me, it does not need to be only people, but also spiritual beings.}

There are four basic types of RELATIONSHIPS given in a search:

Family

Friendships

Acquaintances

Romantic

I believe my RELATIONSHIP with God should be listed

especially since it the most important one

and

I believe our RELATIONSHIP is one of all four types

it encompasses being part of a family;

knowing Him as an acquaintance that develops into a friendship

and our intimacy certainly makes it romantic

We have a Divine RELATIONSHIP with our Creator!

My RELATIONSHIP has grown & changed with God from the beginning but I remember when it began (before I even knew for myself the Bible scripture which says this) I prayed: Lord God, I want to know You and love You with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength. (Luke 10:27) and to serve You through whatever I do in my life. My love for God must be shown in and through love for people. This is my continual prayer as I build my RELATIONSHIP with God. To have a personal RELATIONSHIP with God (it's like any other human one), it takes fellowship (communication), love and trust. He knows the depths of my being and so I too desire to know Him and be known by Him, which is more than just going to Church or even reading the Bible. I want our RELATIONSHIP to be strengthened.

Perhaps you may not have a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, so I offer you this Link (one of so many) that can get you started. I do not know this "foundation" nor am I affiliated with it but if you want to find out more, their website has an ABOUT tab which drops to a menu giving a Statement of Faith & more. It's worth a start.

I pray that whatever your RELATIONSHIP status is with God that you would understand that HE is waiting to start one, start over or go deeper with you & HE will meet you right where you are so that you can start a fresh RELATIONSHIP unlike any other human one that will grow day by day, step by step, breath by breath ... He so desires to have a RELATIONSHIP with you, His Creation, His Child. He created you to be one with Him and desires that today be your first day of a new beginning. 

That's what having a RELATIONSHIP with God can be - one on one, not just a Church (though they can become your "family" of support & if not keep looking) relationship; but a REAL, Personal RELATIONSHIP with HIM, God alone or first! It's a spiritual connection ... a RELATIONSHIP meant to be & become! I fell in love with God at a very young age & I fall in love with God more and more every day! In fact, I choose to love God but He loved me first! (1 John 4:19) God is Love!

Centering RELATIONSHIPS Around Jesus Today

One of my books for the year 2022 is "JESUS LISTENS" and after only a month or so following along daily, it's one of my favorites by Sarah Young. I'm pretty sure I either have them all or have read most of her books, but because I love Prayer, this one, by far, is my favorite (however, this blog post is not intended as a book review). I recently received an email that promoted an accompanying discussion guide for this book and so I downloaded it, but have not used it yet. As I was preparing for this post, I wanted to link you to the Jesus Calling website where you can also download it, but I found out that currently on Amazon Kindle it is available for 0.00 also. You can't beat that! Whether you have the book yet or not, I recommend that you download this discussion guide while you can at this unbeatable price, before it changes, because that way, I can share with you on my blog by pointing you to that section of the 56 Week guide. That is the reason I am here sharing this today ... because I'm skipping ahead to Weeks 21-25 in honor of this day ... Valentine's Day (also known as Day of Love and Friendship in most Latin American countries) so we can share the discussion on 

LOVE!  

There are 5 weeks (or 5 pages) which could actually be done one a day (5 days) whatever time you have to fit this in for the LOVE Discussion divided as follows: 

Week 21: Relationships Week 22: Finding Confidence Week 23: Centering Relationships Around Jesus Week 24: Building Trust Week 25: Pouring From & Refilling Your Cup

{some of you will understand why I chose this section out of this Discussion Guide}
Week 21 - RELATIONSHIPS
[based on the devotion and Scripture passages from April 19th in Jesus Listens]

photo from my book of Jesus Listens -April 19th

Scripture Passages (used in the prayer devotion above):

Psalm 139:1-3 NASB; 1 Corinthians 13:12 HCSB; Romans 3:22; Psalm 21:6

Reflect or Share any of your responses in the Comments:
[Questions taken directly from the Discussion Guide for Week 21]

1. Think about your RELATIONSHIPS - family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances. Do you believe that they are all accepted and loved by God? If you know that God loves them, how does this inspire you to treat each RELATIONSHIP (even the difficult ones) with that "love lens" in place? 2. Each of us has a unique identity as one of God's beloved children. Do you or anyone you know struggle with feeling known by God? What are some ways you can remind yourself and others of the depth of love God has for each of us and how He longs for us to know and be known by Him? 3. When a problem arises in your RELATIONSHIPS, is it your natural inclination to bring it to God in prayer? If not, how would your problem solving change if you had God's love at the core of how you respond to problems?

The following box has which devotion entry is used for each week from the Jesus Listens book:

Week 21: Jesus Listen entry dated April 19th Week 22: Jesus Listen entry dated August 24th Week 23: Jesus Listen entry dated October 8th Week 24: Jesus Listen entry dated October 22nd Week 25: Jesus Listen entry dated July 18th

The Discussion Guide has sections for these topics with 3 questions like above: PEACE (Weeks 1-5); HEALTH (Weeks 6-10); DISCIPLINE (Weeks 11-15); JOY (Weeks 16-20); LOVE (above); FREEDOM (Weeks 26-30); HEALING (Weeks 31-35); HUMILITY (Weeks 36-40); COMMUNITY (Weeks 41-46); OBEDIENCE (Weeks 47-51); RESPONSIBILITY (Weeks 52-56)

Each of these topics are wonderful, but I chose the one on RELATIONSHIPS - the one for Week 23 focuses on our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus and reads "Falling in Love with God" on the Discussion Question page. For me, this is the perfect LOVE for this Day of LOVE & Friendship! So I'll be turning to the Prayer (devotion) for October 8th and reading Psalm 37:4; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 118: 28 HCSB; and Psalm 62:8 as I LISTEN to Jesus and sing some LOVE songs back to God because there is no Greater LOVE to celebrate on this day then JOHN 3:16!

[various versions of this image have been around for quite some time, 

although many have it on Pinterest now; it didn't originate there]

I don't do Pinterest but had this image saved from previous blog posts

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I am so thankful for God's LOVE for each one of us and that JESUS LISTENS & demonstrated this Great LOVE willingly & sacrificially at Calvary! Please remember to thank God for His LOVE on this day celebrating LOVE!