For the month of December, these are the next 4 One Words for us to "FOCUS" on:
SURRENDER
WORDS
SIMPLICITY
OBEDIENCE
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However
In our devotional book,
there are still 4 more One Words to FOCUS on:
WITH
p. 188
FAMILY
p. 191
WAIT
p. 194
JESUS
THIS WEDNESDAY
CHRISTMAS DAY
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
" ... there's just something about that Name ..."
These last 4 seem to be more appropriate to me for DECEMBER.
<><><>
Perhaps we have enough One Words
with our FOCUS on the themes of
ADVENT:
HOPE, JOY, PEACE, LOVE
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{I may be adding more to this blog post during each week}
{week of December 1}
this is linked to Bible Study Tools
Bible Hub for Topical search
[certainly seems like a good One Word for the first Sunday of Advent]
| But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV |
| James 4:7 ESV; Mark 14:36 ESV; Proverbs 23:26; Galatians 2:20 ESV |
one of my resources shows that there are
[image credit: Bible (dot) com (YV)]l
{possibly midweek Weds. pm December 4}
or else week of December 8 depending
on your choice
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 119:14 ESV |
| Proverbs 12:18 NIV; Proverbs 16:24 NIV; Matthew 15:11 NLT; Ephesians 4:29 NIV |
| "Jesus, help my WORDS to reflect Your Word" |
🙏
[image credit: KJVBibleDaily]
"... God is not a God of confusion but of peace."... 1 Corinthians 14:33 a |
| Proverbs 23:4 MSG; 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NLT; Psalm 51:10 ESV; 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV |
[image credit: Pastor Rick's Daily Hope]
| But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. |
| Luke 11:28 NIV; 1 John 5:3 ESV; Psalm 112:1 ESV; Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV |
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Matthew 28:20 ESV
| ... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. |
| Isaiah 41:10 ESV; Exodus 4:12 NLT; Deuteronomy 20:4 NLT; Joshua 1:5 NLT |
[image credit: Jesus Calling 📧]
Romans 12:10 ESV
| Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. |
| John 15:12-13 ESV; Galatians 6:10 ESV; 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV; Ephesians 4:25 ESV |
Lamentations 3:25 ESV
| The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. |
| Micah 7:7 ESV; James 5:11 ESV; Habakkuk 2:3 ESV; Psalm 27:13-14 ESV |
Psalm 27:14
JESUS
| The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. |
| John 15:7 ESV; Matthew 5:8 ESV; Acts 1:8 ESV; 2 Corinthians 13:4 ESV |
JESUS
Starting out today (a difficult day in my memories of my dearly departed mom-oh so many years ago?38?) I begin our One Word FOCUS reading on SURRENDER and get a fresh perspective. I guess when I think of my SURRENDER to Jesus/God/Holy Spirit, I don't often think of it as CCR starts out with examples of defeat or losing - I see it as a way to victory (the best way)
ReplyDeletealthough I do remember times when I did just hold on & hold out before giving it all to Him. How foolish! But yet we struggle at times to let go & trust, knowing full well, He's in control. He's got this! He's got me! He loves me, so why not? Anyways, there are a few places that struck a cord in me - or actually it's the paragraph that begins "But like so many things in the kingdom of God, SURRENDER has never been synonymous with defeat." 🙏🏼🙌🏼 "It is precisely how we enter into victory." (which supports my opening thoughts) ... but CCR goes on and her ending is the clincher (last sentence of this paragraph) ... "He was simply waiting on us to release - to let go - to trust that His plans for our lives do not end the second we SURRENDER; rather they begin." Yes, yes, YES!🙌🏼 ... later "SURRENDER is the only pathway to peace, joy and transformation. ..." (the concluding paragraph's 1st sentence) ending with "... only found in the hands of the King."
As I anticipate the end of 2024 and the dread (in my head) of 2025, I need to constantly remind myself of these words, and trust God with whatever is to come & not fear; because He is near & will keep me in His Everlasting, Fatherly, loving care until I meet Him in that final SURRENDER of this life to an eternal life with Him, that I must remain steady & calm; faithful & prepared to stand & believe strongly that He's got this covered too! Only to Him, will I - or do I - need to SURRENDER! Thank You, Father for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who ultimately SURRENDERED ALL to redeem our lives so we could be free to live as Your Children forever. Help us & save us each time we forget & try on our own when we know only Jesus is the Way, ... as we SURRENDER give us the courage to let go & truly let God (especially in the most difficult moments) to recall that we only need to trust You & obey. May we hear & follow only You & Your Voice in the uncertainty of this earthly journey, guide us! Thank You for SURRENDERING so that by Your example we too can ...
Oh, beautiful, beautiful words in the midst of your grief! I like what you shared much more than the book! Victorious prayer🙏🏻❤️
DeleteFrom CCR's devo on WORDS: "... WORDS matter in every space we sit". This was her concluding statement, yet every word written in this one, flowed & tied together from the opening "WORDS - a daily, integral part of every person's existence..." to this very ending. However interesting it all was/is - this part about THE WORD of GOD stood out to me: "... The Bible was always meant to be the manual for the WORDS we receive and those we release." Alive & Active -"the Word of God IS the only WORD that is ..." even to those who don't believe. Profound. Powerful. "“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 1:1 NLT
indeed, "it's only WORDS, and WORDS are all I have ..." to affect even ones' heart & surely their mind; influence; "power to defeat the enemy; speak life into dry bones; bring confidence ...", encouragement; hope; "turn on the lights..." in any darkness SO we must guard our hearts & our mouths; to only speak life over ourselves & to others; to "absorb the Living Word" and allow it to flow from us; & how it comes out of us to others who need the Truth & Love. For God is Love & Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life. "Words cannot be unsaid or unheard." Guard & discard - wise words to keep us from unnecessary hurts & deception & all ...
Delete🙏🏻🙌🏻❤️
DeleteA few quotes on WORDS:
ReplyDelete“Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten.”
“Words are free. It’s how you use them, that may cost.”
“Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.”
“Our words have power. They impact others, but they also impact us.” — Michael Hyatt
From the book on SURRENDER, I liked how she pointed out how different surrendering to the Lord is from our usual understanding of surrendering in our everyday life. Defeat versus victory! And “10 times out of ten, He is on the winning team.” “Jesus, in my surrender, I find my victory. Amen.” Yes!! Praise the Lord!!
ReplyDeleteThe section on WORDS just reminded me of how much I fail on reigning in my words sometimes, and how much hurt they can cause when I’m not mindful. Also, what hurtful or unkind words from others do I allow into my heart. “Discard the ones that don’t speak truth and love”. Good advice!
Yes, most certainly! Harder on our own selves about poor choice of words than those spoken to us & that we weren't guarding ourselves from their hurtful, misspoken ones!
DeleteAnd AMEN to SURRENDER - the comment & the 🙏🏼. 🙌🏼{2 for 1 with wise & well thought out words on both}
Moving on to SIMPLICITY! Ahhh the SIMPLE things in life - it's been quite some time for me in enjoying SIMPLE, or allow myself to not make everything more complex then it needs to be. To de-clutter or rid myself of so much stuff, but lots less than I use to have. But even the stuff in my mind. I SIMPLY do not have enough time, energy or any reason to complicate (make life complex). The main verse from 1 Corinthians however is one that I use often to decide if it's good - if I have peace, it's OK with God & any bit of confusion, I need to hold back, wait or forget about it. I'm thinking that there won't be too many verses that contain SIMPLICITY (more likely SIMPLE or implied in the verse).
ReplyDeletePerhaps my mind is too boggled with too much other stuff. It looks like I'll have to reread the devotion a few times. {ouch throughout} The best & most true part that stuck out for my 1st brief read is about Jesus (when CCR said "Think about Jesus") so I did - beyond her declaration of "Jesus was a SIMPLE man." 🤔 "... it was actually the SIMPLICITY of His life that allowed His message to be even clearer". True. But when I was thinking about Jesus, I was wondering & thinking about the "red letter" WORDS & parables & how He spoke profound & deep things but made them seem SIMPLE so we might understand.
As for right now, (but don't be surprised if I come back & expound or share more) - the part that's my favorite part doesn't have SIMPLE or SIMPLICITY at all - just hits home & part of my blog title too (can't imagine how great the concluding paragraph is that follows this):
"Addressing the MESS {and I am & have had plenty throughout a long life} around us {oh my, don't look too closely or much} to sit down with Jesus {any chance I get} as He addresses the MESS within us." {ouch!} {I should have waited for the conclusion - usually is the best & my favorite}. "Simplifying our lives ..." never is easy or simple {any day Lord!} but yep, I was right - it's the ending that's the best & ever so wise! I'll wait & let you read it instead of spoil the ending! 😉🙌🏼
OBEDIENCE - Encouraging verse chosen by CCR to start off our Focus this midweek because OBEDIENCE (though preferred, is not always our immediate action, response or mindset) as she starts out explaining.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had 2 quotes from CCR for today but when I got to the end & the Focus Tip, I decided to go with this: "Being OBEDIENT isn't hard - it's a response to the love He wraps us in daily." (of course, her preceding words to this & the devotion back this up) ... "... think through all the kindness, all the love, all the care, all the forgiveness that Jesus has freely given you" and one of my prior choices "God never asks for our OBEDIENCE to hold us back; He commands it because He wants us to run forth." I briefly reflected on this as regards parenting; how I was as a parent & how my parents were with me and decided that as I hope as a parent that I required obedience for that reason "to run forth"; I think my focus was more to help them see that the consequences for not obeying would be greater; and from my own parents - I know that the consequences were. And the first quote I had chosen supports all this:
"... The hard part is that OBEDIENCE continually requires us to deny ourselves and what we visibly see."(and often what we don't, because we can't see beyond our immediate fleshly stubborn desire) - [this next part should be in bold CAPITAL letters as CCR continues with...]
"It asks us to forgo our pride and self-preservation and to trust the heart of the Father. OBEDIENCE asks us to base our perspective on His Promise and trust His process to arrive there."
By processing all that I shared above, I guess my choice really is/was the very last part I landed on for OBEDIENCE.
Thank You Father, for this lesson on "trust & obey" and Your heart for us as a loving Father that desires the best for us.
Today I should be sharing WITH here - "... behold I am WITH you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 ESV - which is one of the best & most consistent Promise of God that I have found throughout my life, especially at CHRISTMAS WITH "Emmanuel" - God WITH us to be consistently true and brings Jesus' CALM reassurance to me whenever & whatever I face on a daily or nightly basis, whether it's trouble or a wonderful miracle or a CALM season in the midst of chaos or peace; "... However, He also promises this, when we do, He is WITH us."
ReplyDeleteThat is the truth & the only quote that sticks from CCR WITH me & speaks truth for me & reminds me of the importance of this promise from this devotion. Somehow, not much else, except perhaps the 2nd paragraph from the end:
"Because He is WITH us ..." - not because WITH isn't an exceptional One Word, but I didn't see anything that helped me connect to the actual depth of WITH & the profound meaning of God WITH us, but it might just be me & the lack of internet, which makes me so aware of how much we should be more WITH Jesus & less dependent on tech stuff for our connection WITH Him, His Word (nothing like holding the real Bible - & I have so many, when there still are people without any) and WITH one another. When or how did we move into this era of such a technical society that we've forgotten how important it really is to be WITH ... Him! And that He is always WITH us, (even without our mobile phone or internet connection to You Version 😉 l, all the apps and online services, etc) we need more time WITH then WITHOUT and how do I search for verses that contain WITH without google or the search feature in the Bible versions; just page by page & taking notice of each word as you read. It's an insurmountable task. Imagine how it might have been for 400 years between Old & New Testament WITH nothing from God. I can't imagine my life without one second of God WITH me. How sad & tragic for so many perishing because they are not WITH God & some who choose not to be WITH God! Makes me even more thankful that He's always WITH me (us) in the good & the bad! WITH love ❤️ 💙💚🙏🏼🙌🏼 (but still no 🛜really is trouble)
Encouraging words as usual, sis! I'm so far behind now that I fear I won't catch up until year end! Much going on here but we all are dealing with "things". Please have patience with me! YV is still working ok for me so my daily spiritual nourishment comes from there. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and your "hugs" refresh me multiple times a day. Take care and know I love you!
ReplyDelete🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🤗🎄🫶🏼☔️🤲🏻💚💙
ReplyDeleteThank you - just start on the One Word that's up when you can come here or have a moment to read the devo in between all that's surrounding you & life currently & come back later & reply under whichever One Word you read whenever - later or even in January 2025 (when I'm not online, which is kinda like my lack of wi-fi currently). Keep on at YV & know we're still together 💙💚🤗; I'm concerned for you & what you're facing, but patience about this ... no problem - not an issue. Much Love & Blessings,
ReplyDeletePerfect time in the year for the One Word to be FAMILY! As many get together with FAMILY to celebrate the Holy FAMILY: (WITH Jesus, "the babe in the manger"(who grew up to bring us all back into God's FAMILY; to deliver, redeem & save us from the destruction of FAMILY; to make us His One FAMILY), Mary & Joseph; and then there are some missing so much FAMILY (no longer with us, but hopefully awaiting us in a great FAMILY reunion & celebration) and others, who distance themselves from FAMILY or are searching for being part of a real FAMILY again; so many variations & different kinds of FAMILY - and special people, who become better than ones' biological family, whether as a foster FAMILY or ADOPTING FAMILY, or simple a brother or sister in Christ, who are really more like a real sister (brother) because of the unique FAMILY like behavior, attitude, treatment (way they interact), or genuine relationship of caring & being FAMILY to you through their loving care, concern & continual encouragement & prayer, much more real & likable sometimes than the actual FAMILY; CCR begins her devo pointing all this out in her distinctive way. Of course, the entire last paragraph is what stands out to me:
ReplyDelete"May we take this same family ap-proach, allowing only one thing to determine how we love: "Are you looking to follow my Father?" If yes, they are family. And if not, may we love them so they know what true family really, truly looks like."
especially after all she writes about FAMILY. But a very close second for me is when CCR writes about Jesus & "extending His FAMILY & building the Kingdom" ending with this powerful FAMILY statement in that paragraph: "...His goal (as ours should be) was always to extend the FAMILY of His Father, and He knew the only method was offering love & lavish grace to those who felt alone." Which brings me back to my opening of this time of year meant to draw FAMILY together yet many are sad, lonely or worse at a JOYous time of celebrating, they are hurting or remembering or without much to celebrate. So we lift each other & all individuals up in prayer & give them hope, joy, love & peace as we all prepare our hearts to be FAMILY and more like FAMILY to one another as Jesus would want & make His goal our goal, especially in this season. Merry CHRISTmas FAMILY of God (to one & all) may you find Jesus & become part of His extended FAMILY & may we be One FAMILY that truly loves like Him all as our FAMILY.
Tonight, I'm reiterating what I started with in my previous comment on FAMILY as I am a bit melancholic as I ponder my own FAMILY (my mom in particular, almost all of our FAMILY are no longer this side of eternity)
Deleteand as we end with this One Word FAMILY, I can't help but think of how special my mom made Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter for FAMILY time together and how festive & great food we shared. My youngest cousin, on my mom's side, invites & includes me as FAMILY often, especially on Christmas, carrying on in her own new festive way, the traditions of FAMILY & fun and a beautiful home with special rooms decorated with unique themes of collection, like Nutcrackers (so many & such a variety). Of course, during these days reflecting on FAMILY she extended her sweet invitation to join her FAMILY & her brother (my cousin) & his wife & 2 of her 4 kids; but due to responsibilities here plus driving time & earlier sundown, it really isn't possible, which makes me think of my remaining older sister & how I should have spent more time with her since we are the last two in our FAMILY & I haven't seen her since pre-covid, although I did try & travel to her home last Christmas Eve to personally bring card & gift of cookies (not at all like our mom's variety & great taste) but she & her husband had left to his remaining FAMILY so we missed each other & I do miss FAMILY. Many at my last church have gone now and some just moved to other places, special people that I considered FAMILY, especially when our 2 children were growing up & church FAMILY were the very best to us. Yes, this time of year, has become bittersweet & I long for FAMILY & miss so much of mine!
Yes, this entire section on FAMILY encompasses ALL types different groups that are FAMILY. The two parts you quoted stood out to me as well, especially “offering love and lavish grace to those who felt alone.” One can be in a room with many people and yet feel alone. Jesus knows this and is the only One who can truly comfort a hurting heart.
DeletePS I’m way behind in commenting so please bear with me as I start with the oldest posts first. I don’t want to miss a thing!
Yes, family memories, especially at holidays can be bittersweet….but hopefully we can dwell on the “sweet” more than the “bitter”. It sounds like your mom gave you some very special memories of Christmas past to hold in your heart forever. My mother did as well and it makes me wish sometimes I could travel like Charles Dickens “Scrooge “ with the ghost of Christmas past to my childhood and just see them one more time!
DeleteOh thank you sis! Such beautiful sentiments in both of your FAMILY replies! I was/am so delighted when I opened and saw one comment, then another and then more! Can't even count them all so you must have come and spent all your spare time on Dec 26 and who knows the others (but I saw in gmail at least 8 I think and then I came to computer to check & respond & started at the most recent and saw none, so I should have known where they were all shared here on are FOCUS but I forgot to "refresh" page from who knows when & it kept showing me nothing new until I figured it out (duh?) anyways I knew you'd get here and it's well worth the wait each or any time because your words once again touch my heart about our moms - sharing what we only hope for and you brought tears to my eyes with our Bitter and sweet memories at this time. And what totally delighted me unexpectantly and brought tears to a smile quickly - your good ole recollection of Charles Dickens "Scrooge" but so very heart-warmingly true - the gift of Christmas past ghost or just the fondest recollection of seeing all of them once more! Thank you so much! For the day after Christmas visit that I am finally catching up on & such beautiful heart-felt words you pen. How I miss your writing & love the glimpses I get in encouraging comments here or there (YV)! You are such a one of a kind sister with a one-of-a-kind heart and gift of such appropriate words always. A definite treasure to cherish and hold like "neighbors next door" - at least the kind from back in our childhood days. Out in the country, not quite the same, and old as can be now, not getting around to spend time or exchange kindness much with anyone, except one neighbor visitor a couple of houses away brought "rosettes" to Sam (but since he * T are diabetic, guess who has been blessed with one a day)?
DeleteI have not read CCR's devotion on WAIT ... but this song keeps playing in my mind meanwhile:
ReplyDelete...And so I wait for You
So I wait for You
I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for
Broken, I run to You, for Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know your touch restores my life
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st part: Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You (above)
So I WAIT for You
Song: Hungry (Falling On My Knees)
Artist: Vineyard Worship ft. Kathryn Scott
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zkEL2_Ir8&si=xj-ZfS0ayWljjlQB
I love the Lamentations verse 3:25 and as I read that with the opening question & answer being "Yes", knowing that my daughter Tracy seems to always be in a WAIT ... which puts me WAITING but I don't ask "where is Jesus?" for me, I believe His Promises, which is where I go for HOPE, PEACE, LOVE and COMFORT (yes, I know it's suppose to be JOY but as you'll see post Christmas why I didn't list this one ... however, I do ask "where is Jesus for her and her children?" Advent is a time as we WAIT for Jesus but we need to engage while WAITing ... I hesitate to continue with the devotion right now. I have been in a WAIT state too often like my WAIT for S. to come to Jesus... it's been too many years. I'd much rather FOCUS on WAIT for JESUS' Return - for Jesus coming yet far too often I find myself in a "conundrum" with this because of the many that will perish or may have perished. I can't WAIT to see Jesus or sit at His feet! (and meet some special 💚). So without reading this devo ...I skipped to the end & choose that as my favorite (because it usually is): "... Our MIRACLE (special word in my blog title makes this an easy choice too) was never in arriving at the shoreline {I have a story for that part of my near death experience or at least thinking it could have been; in the Pacific Ocean, off Mazatlán, when I got caught in an undercurrent that kept pulling me further out and I ran out of strength swimming but learned later that you need to swim sideways not against, and by God's miracle (when no one would rescue or come for me) I made it to that shoreline, I continue with the CCR quote} BUT in trusting and believing that He could get us there." {and clearly HE did, in my story too}.
Not sure when or if I will get to the full devotion reading of WAIT or when or how long? I'm a bit vulnerable right now about some stuff and the WAIT so I only am reading "good stuff" with HOPE, no lament or more sad or depressive - for right now, I've have enough & am guarding my heart & mind as I WAIT (as Tracy WAITS) but sincerely I am so done with "drama" and "crisis" and want to see more JESUS & uplifting words like JOY!
I can't WAIT for Wednesday's One WORD - JESUS!
So not finished yet with CCR's devo but this part struck me so I stopped to come & share:
Delete"... when our heart trusts in Him,
when we develop heavenly patience that believes His time line is worth believing in, seeking and WAITING for."
I do believe. It is so worth it. Help me with my patience & any lack while I WAIT. I need an attitude adjustment & a bit more Jesus Joy. I was sure You would speak to me Lord, while "I WAIT for You"
"Yes, I'll WAIT for You!" - all else aside Lord, let me forget about myself (actually all else & that means others) "concentrate on You & worship You" ... Come Holy Spirit, rise up & fill me overflowingly as I WAIT & WAIT & keep on Waiting ...
Much better than I anticipated! So glad I read & it was different than the opening question made me think or where my own thoughts went (at that moment) - "... The revelation made possible only because of the WAIT ..."
DeleteOh , sis, you’ll have to share that under current story at some point. I don’t remember hearing about that one!
DeleteThat exact part in WAIT stopped me in my tracks, too. God’s divine timeline.,..so many lessons learned from this throughout my lifetime. Looking back in retrospect, testimonies of His love, goodness and provision when I thought I was alone, bring me to tears! Our awesome Lord!
DeleteThe MIRACLE in the WAIT!
DeleteWell sis, I don't think that's an undercurrent story that you really want to hear, or one that I should share. It was before we knew each other and not a good time in my frazzled state of mind after believing the lie from back home here (when I first went to stay there) and was told & believed that I was the problem & despair had taken over. No WAIT there. But definitely there is a MIRACLE in the WAIT! I love when we connect on the same part and then you write so eloquently of God's divine timeline ... & goodness, etc. like footprints in the sand even (yes, from that same "undercurrent" time) and the poem by that name when yes, Jesus carried me and let me know there was something more and I was NOT the problem. That I had a purpose-driven life given by Him! So wake up Peggy & live it! Depressed but not pressed down when the Savior steps in and walks with you & even carries you through it & saves you from a stupid, foolish act of giving up. The next day, is when I met Pajaro (Enrique) and yet fell once again into the lies of deception, ready to believe that this was my answer from God, to find out that the enemy listens to our battles just as much, ready to pounce & etch away 13 years of my life to end in his end from this life. I'm ashamed that I was so weak & sin filled weaknesses robbed me; and also him & his family. Yet here I am. Saved, delivered and redeemed by the Love of our awesome Lord that picks us up & carries us when we're weak. Sometimes it takes a log in our eye or a brick on our head to wake up & catch the right wave or perhaps just count "wave after wave" for the biggest one to take you out. And like a prodigal WAITING for forgiveness or just a chance to come home again to something different, but not yet ... no change in sight or maybe just a small hidden one in a pearl necklace, we really never know but God does - I'm still looking back in retrospect but looking forward with much more hope than back at the time of the "undercurrent" pulling me out into the Pacific - meaning CALM, right. Only Jesus can bring crashing, powerful waves to a still CALM & save a 'wretch' like me. I thought I was alone and no one would notice one less washed up soul and this 'problem' would be solved while creating yet another one. I know this 'story' is swirling around and not clear cut (on purpose kinda) yet maybe God can fill in the rest of the story. {plus you're pretty smart, and know me almost as if we were neighbors all our lives}
Delete"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name.
ReplyDeleteMaster, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name."
~Bill Gaither
This is the perfect Word of all One Words to end our FOCUS and continue to focus on into eternity forever & ever! JESUS!
I'm not so sure however about the verse & story in CCR's devotion (although of course the healing of a blind by Peter & John "in the Name of Jesus" being more than silver & gold - to say "get up & walk" is an aMazing Miracle) yet how does one truly culminate the greatness & summarize the life story of JESUS & the miraculous power in His Name; Jesus the Word, the precious Lamb of God, the blessed Son of God, son of man - Jesus
(John 1:1-5) probably comes closer for me. But where CCR takes the choice of this story in Acts 3-4 to asking us:
"Do our lives look like we have been with Jesus?"
and the questions that follow are really good ones and very pertinent to evaluate where we are in our journey with Jesus.
Little did I know (lol) that CCR would focus on that very question as her conclusion (which has been in most of her devotions my favorite part/quote) and so is the entire concluding paragraph once again (worth sharing in full, if I can type all of it with my eyes filled with early morning fog & thankful tears):
[I am changing the "HE" to JESUS]
"He (JESUS) is the name above all names and the only One capable of saving our souls. JESUS empowers us through His Word, positions us with His Hand, and ushers peace through His heart. May our lives be full of boldness, grace, and truth as we let the extraordinary meet our ordinary.
May others look at us and know that we have been with JESUS."CCR
Thank you CCR and sis💚 for sharing & being JESUS to me through your words!
Each FOCUS One Word not only points to JESUS as I wrote in the blog post yet woven through these last 8 One Words is a beautiful thread from Surrender to Wait. There's a beautiful connection between them all & it's summarized in JESUS! [Surrender, Words, Simplicity, Obedience, With, Family, Wait, Jesus] Yes, Jesus - What a beautiful Name it is!
What a wonderful Name it is! What a powerful Name it is! - this babe born in a manger, came to us as the Son of God & man, to free us & give us life eternally; not only His Name but the beautiful, wonderful, powerful, merciful... person of JESUS, His Spirit ... alive & able to breathe life into each one of us - new every morning; great is His faithfulness; this precious being shows us how to live fully, completely, compassionately, gracefully through love to one another - IF ONLY ...
Let's celebrate CHRIST in CHRISTmas all year long until Jesus Christ comes in all His Glory! Our Redeemer! Our Savior! Our Lord! Our Messiah! Our JESUS!
Merry & blessed Christmas to you & all your loved ones! ~Peggy
“Something About That Name” was one of my favorite songs and “The King is Coming” during my teen years. Your words of praise glorify that precious Name and I join with you as the final chapter exclaims “JESUS, JESUS, JESUS “. Not just something about but everything!! Glory🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻
DeleteOh yes Karen! EVERYTHING!!! there's just EVERYTHING about that NAME - JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!! Hallelujah Anyhow (no emoticons on this keyboard, have to do those only from my phone) I just love that you shared those were your favorites as a teen! Thank you. And also for joining me not just in the final chapter exclaiming JESUS but all the way through 52 weeks of One Word FOCUS sharing JESUS & His Word & you, my dear sis living Jesus before me, each day from way down south to freezing cold north now we've shared a One Word journey together! And I'm so thankful our journeys blend and crossed & continued. Glory Hallelujah! Amen - let it be so Kings and Kingdoms - let His Kingdom come!
Delete{are you reading a bit of that one yet?} {no, you're over here reading mine jibberish or jabber wocky}
*tears - because of the update from Tracy that her oldest daughter had the breathing tube removed & she's breathing on her own.
ReplyDelete🙌🏻🙌🏻
Deleteeven here you rejoice with me & praise God!
Deletefrom CCR - "Dear Jesus, thank You that there is nowhere I go that You are not present. Give me courage and peace as I step forward, holding Your hand and trusting Your heart. You are always with me. Please continue to show me what it means to love like our Father. Help me be inclusive and generous, never letting my comfort zone determine my reach.
ReplyDeleteJesus, thank You for never letting my preferences determine Your plan. You are always on time and Your ways are perfect. Help me trust that. Show me how to wait in wisdom and in grace.
I cannot count the many ways You've radically changed my life. Help me truly believe in You and help me to stand firm, boldly searching for opportunities to tap into Your extraordinary power in Me. You are the game-changer. In Jesus' name, amen."
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Deleteand again with sweet Amens to our book's ending prayer
Delete🎶🎄
ReplyDelete" :Be exalted now in the heavens
As Your glory fills this place
You alone deserve our praise
You're the name above all names
Worthy is Your name, Jesus
You deserve the praise
Worthy is Your name
Worthy is Your name, Jesus
You deserve the praise
Worthy is Your name: " 🎶🎁
❤️🎶❤️🎶
Deletesometimes you just can't help but sing and exalt JESUS because He is worthy & deserves the praise, glory & honor and so much more. (sigh) thanks for your emoji's and heart, love & lyrics to worship Him
Delete🎶 Your presence, your glory, you’re welcome in
ReplyDeleteAll honour, dominion
Lord please come, near
We want you, we need you
We live to glorify
Your name
Chorus:
Glorify, your name
Glorify, your name
Glorify, your name, above all names🎶
And so we sing & sing & glorify His Name and all the wonderful CAROLS that you shared with scripture on YV but this is a beautiful note to finish and sing as we glorify our King and the Name above all names!
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