The Average Jane Journal #30
January 25, 2009
In the last entry I wrote about being attacked by the enemy. When I was telling a friend of mine this week about what I went through, she said that people forget about spiritual warfare. I agreed with her, I have to admit I don't always think about it going on-so many things we do not see. I forget that there is always a battle raging, a battle for our soul. Even after we give our soul to Jesus, the battle still rages on, a battle for our heart to be hardened to doing God's work and not helping to further the Kingdom.
I just saw a youtube video that was so amazing, it brought tears. It's used for youth groups (got it from my son's youth website); but the impact can be for us "old" ones also.
The link is www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
If the link does not work, go to www.youtube.com and type in Lifehouse's Everything Skit.
Keep your eyes on Jesus-we are all in a battle my friends.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Average Jane Journal #29 - Joy On The Other Side
The Average Jane Journal #29
January 19, 2009
I wanted to share a struggle I had for the past four or five days. I really believe it was an attack to pull me down and it worked for a few days. Almost two weeks ago I was telling so many people how awesome God is and how He healed my broken heart in such a quick time. I was so excited to have experienced that, even though it had been hard and emotional. But I was on fire for God, refueled at seeing Him work.
Well, almost immediately after that "high" experience and telling God I'm ready to move on to where He is leading me-bam!! I was hit pretty hard with questions/doubts, fears, depression-I was pretty down. So I wanted to share it with you in case you ever get hit with these questions or maybe you have some great advice to give me-leave me a comment on here.
DO you think it's possible to be thankful to God for something, but not like it at the same time? I was being crumbled by the enemy telling me that I was lying to God when I said I was thankful for something in my life, because I didn't like it. I felt like I had to force myself to like this gift, just so I could feel like I was being honest in my thankfulness and honoring God. Well, I couldn't make myself like it; and was getting pretty down.
After a day or two of tears and prayer, I starting wondering how I could be Christlike in this problem. I realized I could not make myself like this "something", but I knew I was truly thankful for it. When I started putting my mind on being Christlike, I started getting help quickly. I was reminded of some scripture from a sermon awhile back and that just started my mind opening up to how I was being attacked.
The scripture I remembered was Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I remembered how Jesus asked his Father if there was any other way to save us without having to go through death on a cross. But as the verse above says, He did it for the joy on the other side of the cross-salvation for us.
So God showed me that even though I do not like what I'm going through right now, there is joy on the other side of it. I also know for sure that He believes me when I say I'm thankful and He understands that I do not like it. He knows that my life is not what I thought it would be right now. I feel confident now that it is ok to be thankful for something and tell God you don't like it at the same time. It's all in the attitude of your heart, and I know God knows my heart's desire. Even when I don't understand or like what is going on in my life, I still need to worship and trust God. That is the best way to honor God.
Something else I learned in this struggle is I don't really look to Jesus for examples through hard times. Of course I pray for help, but I have realized that I do not feel worthy to compare my own struggles to anything Jesus may have went through.( I know what you're thinking-duh Ronda, that is why His struggles are in the Bible.) But when I first thought of the scripture above, my first instinct was "I can't compare that to my problem-that's Jesus dying on the cross-I'm too sinful to even put myself near that." But God (and my pastor) reminded me that Jesus struggled in His life, and can relate to our fears and problems. The only difference is He never sinned. But just as Christ asked His Father for another way, He always desired God's will. How much more Christlike can I be than just desiring GOd's will.
January 19, 2009
I wanted to share a struggle I had for the past four or five days. I really believe it was an attack to pull me down and it worked for a few days. Almost two weeks ago I was telling so many people how awesome God is and how He healed my broken heart in such a quick time. I was so excited to have experienced that, even though it had been hard and emotional. But I was on fire for God, refueled at seeing Him work.
Well, almost immediately after that "high" experience and telling God I'm ready to move on to where He is leading me-bam!! I was hit pretty hard with questions/doubts, fears, depression-I was pretty down. So I wanted to share it with you in case you ever get hit with these questions or maybe you have some great advice to give me-leave me a comment on here.
DO you think it's possible to be thankful to God for something, but not like it at the same time? I was being crumbled by the enemy telling me that I was lying to God when I said I was thankful for something in my life, because I didn't like it. I felt like I had to force myself to like this gift, just so I could feel like I was being honest in my thankfulness and honoring God. Well, I couldn't make myself like it; and was getting pretty down.
After a day or two of tears and prayer, I starting wondering how I could be Christlike in this problem. I realized I could not make myself like this "something", but I knew I was truly thankful for it. When I started putting my mind on being Christlike, I started getting help quickly. I was reminded of some scripture from a sermon awhile back and that just started my mind opening up to how I was being attacked.
The scripture I remembered was Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I remembered how Jesus asked his Father if there was any other way to save us without having to go through death on a cross. But as the verse above says, He did it for the joy on the other side of the cross-salvation for us.
So God showed me that even though I do not like what I'm going through right now, there is joy on the other side of it. I also know for sure that He believes me when I say I'm thankful and He understands that I do not like it. He knows that my life is not what I thought it would be right now. I feel confident now that it is ok to be thankful for something and tell God you don't like it at the same time. It's all in the attitude of your heart, and I know God knows my heart's desire. Even when I don't understand or like what is going on in my life, I still need to worship and trust God. That is the best way to honor God.
Something else I learned in this struggle is I don't really look to Jesus for examples through hard times. Of course I pray for help, but I have realized that I do not feel worthy to compare my own struggles to anything Jesus may have went through.( I know what you're thinking-duh Ronda, that is why His struggles are in the Bible.) But when I first thought of the scripture above, my first instinct was "I can't compare that to my problem-that's Jesus dying on the cross-I'm too sinful to even put myself near that." But God (and my pastor) reminded me that Jesus struggled in His life, and can relate to our fears and problems. The only difference is He never sinned. But just as Christ asked His Father for another way, He always desired God's will. How much more Christlike can I be than just desiring GOd's will.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Average Jane Journal #28 - God Loves You
The Average Jane Journal #28
January 8, 2009
Do you ever get confused on your spiritual journey? Do you ever need to make a decision and just not sure which way God wants you to go? Or have you ever been following along on a journey that you felt like you were going the right way? Then something happens, and that journey does not go the way you thought God was leading it. You were sincere in your faith, and were seeking God's will in that particular journey, but then there was a change and you're confused about it all?
Well, I want to remind you, as I was reminded by God this week, that no matter what you are confused about there is always one thing you should never be confused about.
God loves you!!
We may not ever figure out some things in our life, and that is ok because God is in charge. But just remember as you're seeking God's will and trying your best-you can never be loved more by anyone else than our Creator. Just keep seeking Him, and desiring His will.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Average Jane Journal #27 - Letter To God
The Average Jane Journal
December 29, 2008 (27)
Wow, can you believe another year is ending? Does it make you look back? Does it make you look forward? When I think about a new year, I can’t help but think of how lots of people make new year resolutions. But I wanted to do more than just make meaningless resolutions, I keep thinking of all the things I would like to see in 2009. Then that made me think of a verse that I have come to love.
“Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
You have to be careful with that verse though, it’s not a magic wish list; it does not mean that God is going to give us everything we want. I encourage you to read the whole chapter to get the entire context. Think of what it means to “delight yourself in the Lord”; to be in God’s will and have a desire to glorify God with your life.
Have you ever written God a letter, expressing your desires to Him? Sure, He knows your desires already-but He still loves having that personal communication from you. So I would like to encourage you to write God a letter, expressing your desires. I have decided to be a bit vulnerable here and include part of my letter. Maybe it can help you get started on your own.
I hope you all have a great 2009, and my prayer would be for you(no matter what stage you are in spiritually) to dedicate just a bit more of yourself this year to God. If you are not already doing so, I suggest reading the Bible everyday. This is my second year to read the entire Bible. Sure, I don’t always understand what I read, and yes I admit there are days where I have to make myself do it. But I believe God blesses me for my dedication, and my desire to want to know His Word. If you feel like God is leading you to start a daily Bible reading plan, please try www.deliberatepeople.com for a schedule. You can purchase a journal or just print the plan out from your computer; look under resources. Enjoy writing those letters to our God, our Lord, our Rock, lover of our souls, the great I AM!!!
Dear Lord, I know you know my heart and know that this letter is not meant as a wish list or a magic wand. I’m prayerfully and respectfully writing you this letter just to share with you my heart’s desires; which I know you already know and have given me desires to match Your will. I have realized how much my desires have changed since I have tried to live a life dedicated to You. I only want Your will in my life, so I pray Your will in all these desires. Thank you for loving someone like me.
**I desire to have a fearless faith, to remember that You are faithful to me and have more power than anyone. I want to follow through fearlessly on whatever I feel like You have led me to do.
**I desire physical and spiritual rest for my husband. I am thankful for the strength You have given him during this season of our lives where he has had to work two jobs. But I desire for him to get back into church soon, not having to work on Sundays, and to find Your purpose for him within our church. To start relationships there and feel at home there like I do. I would love to see him maybe start a hiking small group someday. What do you desire for him to do?
**I desire to see my son take more steps on his journey to finding You and starting a real relationship with You. I desire for him to be a great man for You someday. What great plans do You have for him? Thank you that he is going to church and youth group; I know we are where You want us to be.
**I desire a job that I will love and that fulfills me.
**I desire that the rest of my parents’ lives be the happiest they have ever had-in their personal lives, their spiritual lives, and their ministry work. I desire for them to be loved, cherished and respected; and to see fruit in their work for You. Thank You for always providing for them.
**I desire to win a few battles every once in awhile in the war against those sins that have a hold of me.
**I desire for my life to bring You glory.
**I desire to be a better steward with all blessings you have given me. I don’t want to hold any possession more important in my life than You. I want to become better with the mind set that everything belongs to You, and if You want it-then take it.
**I desire to be a Godly counsel-not only have the knowledge to do so but take away fear and unworthy feelings that I could ever help someone.
**I desire to be closer to my brother and his wife. I desire for them to see You in great ways in their lives together. Thank you for their happiness and protection; and for giving me a brother 28 years ago.
**I desire to see great things in this country-a healing, a revival, people desiring righteousness, people coming back to love this country for what it stood for so many years ago. I desire protection for Your people in a country where so many are against us.
**I desire the continued growth of my church, to see great things this next year that can only be explained as being Your hand. I desire to find Your purpose for me there, and to do it fearlessly and with excitement.
**I desire for my son to start looking toward his future a little bit; start exploring what he likes and making goals for college, etc.
**I desire to be a better wife and mom.
**I desire to keep writing.
**I desire a Godly woman for my son, the perfect woman to match God's plan for my son.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Average Jane Journal #26 - Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all!!
Dear Jesus Christ our Lord, thank you for coming to Earth and being born for someone like me. Thank you for the hope that you have given me through your birth, death, and resurrection. Thank you for Christmas, not the retail holiday, but true Christmas. Amen.
I just wanted to pass along this song because it talks about Jesus' birth all the way through to the cross-the whole story of what Jesus did for us. I love you all. As some of you know I lost my whole personal journal from 2008, so I'm feeling thankful right now for this jane journal that I felt led to start. At least I have something left, thanks for letting me write. Happy New Year.
"Natalie Grant - I Believe"
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman with child
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
Foretelling it too
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us Sent to earth Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that God’s great plan
For his story
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That you would come
For one like me
I believe In a cross
I believe he came For one, he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
Dear Jesus Christ our Lord, thank you for coming to Earth and being born for someone like me. Thank you for the hope that you have given me through your birth, death, and resurrection. Thank you for Christmas, not the retail holiday, but true Christmas. Amen.
I just wanted to pass along this song because it talks about Jesus' birth all the way through to the cross-the whole story of what Jesus did for us. I love you all. As some of you know I lost my whole personal journal from 2008, so I'm feeling thankful right now for this jane journal that I felt led to start. At least I have something left, thanks for letting me write. Happy New Year.
"Natalie Grant - I Believe"
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman with child
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
Foretelling it too
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us Sent to earth Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that God’s great plan
For his story
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That you would come
For one like me
I believe In a cross
I believe he came For one, he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Average Jane Journal #25 - How Well Do You Know God?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
What are you thankful for today? Did you make a list the last few days? One of the things that I'm so thankful for right now is my growing relationship with God. I am so thankful that because I have sought God, I am finding Him. I am getting to know God more and more everyday. I love the fact that God is everywhere but He is also so personal and is right beside me all the time.
How well do you know God? That can be answered by what name you call Him, which shows the experiences you have had with God and how intimate your relationship with Him is.
Think of it like this: All the people in your life may call you by different names. Those that have only heard of you may call you by your first and last name, or by Mr or Mrs last name. As they meet you and spend a little time with you, they start calling you by your first name. As the relationship grows, they may call you by a nickname-something that shows their familarity with you. Through the years of that relationship, knowing each other deeper and deeper, they may come to think of you as friend, sister, blessing, listener, always there, etc.
If you have children, they call you mom or mommy. An endearing name from someone that loves and trusts you. You could also be daughter, sister, granddaughter-all names given because of the relationship.
Then you have your spouse. What a perfect example of a daily growing relationship. You start out by meeting, not knowing each other very well-calling each other by first names. You spend more and more time together, the relationship growing with each experience together. Through years together and knowing each other deeply and intimately you could be called honey, babe, lover, etc.
See how your name can change when you are known more intimately? God wants you to call Him by many names, He has many. Study His many names, and cling to those that define your experiences with Him. The more intimately you know God, you will find different names for Him. Is He your Provider, Savior, Rock, Father, Lord of your life?
For more study on God's names, just google names of God. I had so many sites pop up that I decided to just let you find the one that you like the best. I have read a bit of the titus2menandwomen.org site. But this is a personal study, so you find what speaks to you most. I encourage you to find 4-5 names that you can cling to and define your relationship with God.
A great song to help you learn 4 or 5 names of God is "I Love to Say Your Name" by John Waller. Memorization is so easy when it is set to music, so this could be a start to learning some of God's names.
A cool video to watch about what all God is-go to www.youtube.com and type in "that's my king". A lot of different options will pop up. It's all the same words, but different backgrounds and pictures. The one that is called (rock mix edit), has pictures from The Passion movie. I saw a version of this at Leadership Summit and it was so awesome and powerful, especially with a church full of people. I wish I could find the version I saw. Enjoy!!
Have a great Thanksgving!! Seek God and you WILL find Him!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Average Jane Journal #24 - Thanks List
Psalm 118:28-29 "You are my God, and I will give You thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
I'm sure some of you have seen the youtube video going around about the parents that filmed clips of their lives with their baby that they knew chances of survival were slim. I watched it this morning, and with that on my mind-then my daily Bible reading and then listening to one of my favorite groups, this journal entry formed.
After watching that video I thought to myself "who am I to complain about anything going on in my life?" Sure, my life is not perfect but I SEE God in my life-what more can I ask for? Yes, things are happening that I did not anticipate but where else would I want to be but in God's will? Who else would I want to be in charge of my life? my future?
The verse above was part of my daily reading and I thought it fit perfectly. The video, Bible verse and the song(below) has inspired me to start a list of all things I'm thankful for. I know, it is a small thing but I feel it is something I'm to do. I would like to encourage you also to start a list, write on it everyday-maybe give yourself a goal to write on it everyday till Thanksgiving then read over it. Maybe read it with family on Thanksgiving. Continue after Thanksgiving if you feel you are meant to-hold onto it for those days when you need to remember what God is doing in your life.
When I thought about what music I wanted to listen to today, my mood chose Selah; one of my favorite groups. The very first song was "It Is Well With My Soul". I told myself that I want to live my life that way. Yes, I'm going to have hardships-but I want to hold onto God and the future He has prepared for me.
If you want to see the video I mentioned earlier, I have included the link. Grab your tissues. Basically I just want to say that we can always find things to be thankful for, no matter what is going on. I desire that remembering that will help you through whatever you're going through. Thankfulness changes us and triggers faith!! (thanks for that thought Pastor John)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkqo&feature=related
If the link does not work, go to youtube.com and type in 99 balloons.
It Is Well With My Soul Words and Music by Horatio Spafford
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul
It is well, It is well with my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Has been nailed to the cross
So I bear it no more
Praise The Lord, praise The Lord, oh my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and The Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.
I'm sure some of you have seen the youtube video going around about the parents that filmed clips of their lives with their baby that they knew chances of survival were slim. I watched it this morning, and with that on my mind-then my daily Bible reading and then listening to one of my favorite groups, this journal entry formed.
After watching that video I thought to myself "who am I to complain about anything going on in my life?" Sure, my life is not perfect but I SEE God in my life-what more can I ask for? Yes, things are happening that I did not anticipate but where else would I want to be but in God's will? Who else would I want to be in charge of my life? my future?
The verse above was part of my daily reading and I thought it fit perfectly. The video, Bible verse and the song(below) has inspired me to start a list of all things I'm thankful for. I know, it is a small thing but I feel it is something I'm to do. I would like to encourage you also to start a list, write on it everyday-maybe give yourself a goal to write on it everyday till Thanksgiving then read over it. Maybe read it with family on Thanksgiving. Continue after Thanksgiving if you feel you are meant to-hold onto it for those days when you need to remember what God is doing in your life.
When I thought about what music I wanted to listen to today, my mood chose Selah; one of my favorite groups. The very first song was "It Is Well With My Soul". I told myself that I want to live my life that way. Yes, I'm going to have hardships-but I want to hold onto God and the future He has prepared for me.
If you want to see the video I mentioned earlier, I have included the link. Grab your tissues. Basically I just want to say that we can always find things to be thankful for, no matter what is going on. I desire that remembering that will help you through whatever you're going through. Thankfulness changes us and triggers faith!! (thanks for that thought Pastor John)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkqo&feature=related
If the link does not work, go to youtube.com and type in 99 balloons.
It Is Well With My Soul Words and Music by Horatio Spafford
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul
It is well, It is well with my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Has been nailed to the cross
So I bear it no more
Praise The Lord, praise The Lord, oh my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and The Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.
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