Training - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Training

"...train yourself to be godly."        1 Timothy 4:7
 
I once owned a horse who was a great jumper. For an entire summer, we cleaned up ribbons at the horse shows. On the trail, I could ask him to sail over fence after fence, all the while keeping a steady gallop. This horse was trained for endurance. When I returned to school in the fall, I put him out to pasture. After a month or so, and before it got cold, I saddled him up for one more joy-ride before the first snows came. After three fences and less than half a mile, he was wheezing and lathered. I asked him for more, but it just wasn't there. His head drooped and his pace slowed. My horse was out of training.
 
I occasionally think of my old horse when I come up against a temptation and seem to have no resources, no strength to say "no." At those times (and I know when they are) I shouldn't be surprised. I've been out of training. I have no endurance.
 
We're all the same. We fiddle and faddle, meandering through life, ignoring spiritual disciplines like fasting, praying, and regular Bible reading. Then suddenly, when temptation broadsides us, or we get hit with a heavy trial, we wonder why we lack faith, the power to say "no," or that we succumb easily to discouragement or depression. We plead for help from God, but it's just not there; so we fume that God's grace isn't sufficient or that He's abandoned us.
 
Not so. The strength isn't there because we're out of training. We can't expect to exhibit godliness - especially at the snap of a finger when temptation strikes - if we've been out of training.
 
First Timothy 6:11-12 says, "But you, man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
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Pursue. Fight. Take hold of. In other words, stay in training.
 
Lord, often in a trial I have faulted Your grace as being "not enough," when actually I haven't had the strength to be godly because I've been out of training. Help me to pursue and take hold of today every spiritual discipline.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Thursday, September 12th

Another beautiful morning!
This morning I have bloodshot eyes and matter...
Cracking joints and swelling
Along with the swelling comes the pain. :-(

Today we are going back up to the lake...I will only be there a couple of days but I'm looking forward to seeing my brothers and sister and spending time with their families.

So thankful for what I can do...

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Today's Bible Study

Why We Lose Our Peace

Read | Romans 12:3-10

One of the greatest enemies to peace is the entitlement mentality that’s widespread in our land today. Too few people are satisfied with their portion in life. Underlying this discontent is the false assumption that society owes them something or that their rights are being overlooked. This type of self-centered thinking can creep into businesses, marriages, churches, and other institutions, generating all kinds of discord and causing far-reaching consequences.

This is the type of situation that was developing in the 13th chapter of Genesis, when Abram and his nephew Lot were attempting to dwell in an area that was too small for the abundant holdings of both men. The pressure became so great that there was enormous strife between Abram’s herdsmen and those working for Lot. Something had to be done.

Abram in his wisdom eased the tension by offering Lot his choice of pasturelands (Gen. 13:9). Instead of fighting for his so-called rights, Abram chose the way of peace. He did what the apostle Paul advised centuries later when he wrote, “Give preference to one another in honor” (Rom. 12:10).

Did Abram lose out by being generous to Lot? Not at all. Take note of God’s words to the patriarch after he had willingly relinquished the prime territory to his nephew and departed (Gen. 13:14-15)—the Lord saw fit to promise all that land and beyond to Abram and his descendants. Our God blesses peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).

Another great day!

Aspen Leaves - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Aspen Leaves

"As you do not know the path of the wind... so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."          Ecclesiastes 11:5
 
It may be too early for Fall where you live, but not if you're in Colorado. Right now the aspen groves along the front range of the Rockies are turning from green to golden. Nothing lifts the soul like the sight of a hillside of yellow aspen leaves quivering in a brisk mountain breeze. I've seen aspens in the wind. The leaves are so delicate, so small, their stems so fragile, that they flutter in the slightest of breezes. Aspen leaves seem to tremble even when the air is barely moving - this is how sensitive they are.
 
I want to be that sensitive to the Spirit's touch, don't you? A soul that is sensitive to sin, that resonates at the slightest movement of the Spirit. A soul that quivers when the breath of God all but touches it. How do we become this sensitive? Simple: be ready, stretch out your branches, unfurl your heart to God, for you never know when His wind will rise your way. After all, like the wind, the Spirit is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Who can harness the wind or the Spirit? "...His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet" (Nahum 1:3).
 
John 3:8 reminds us that "'The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'" Just as the wind cannot be controlled or predicted, yet its effects can be witnessed; also it is with the Holy Spirit. He cannot be controlled, but the proof of His work is always there.
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To be "an aspen leaf" is to be sensitive to the movement of God in your life. Ask God for a soul sensitive to sin. Pray that God will make your soul tremble at the slightest stirring of the Spirit in your life. You may not be able to control the wind of God's workings, but you can control the degree to which you are sensitive to good and evil, or right and wrong.
 
I stretch out my branches to You today, Lord. Let me catch the movement of Your Spirit. May I be sensitive to Your touch.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Wednesday, September 11th

Another beautiful morning!

Yesterday afternoon I thought I'd try some of the salsa Paul made...I love salsa.  I will wait to see what affect it will have on my body. :-(  Tomatoes are from the night shade family and they cause swelling... :-(

I woke up with swelling and a head ache this morning...I plan on taking it easy this morning.

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Today's Bible Study

The Source of Peace

Read | Philippians 4:6-7

It is one of modern culture’s great tragedies: what many people seek and work so hard to achieve is, contrary to what they believe, not a product of all their accomplishments and effort. Millions of people are turning the world upside down looking for peace, while never realizing that the “genuine article” is simply not of this world. Money can’t buy it; success and fame can never guarantee it. Until you have peace with God, you will never experience inner serenity at all.

But here’s the good news: Since genuine peace is not dependent upon outward circumstances, it is possible to experience a tranquility beyond our comprehension, even in the midst of life’s most difficult trials. But this real peace isn’t possible unless there exists absolutely no impediment between us and God—and the only way the barrier of sin and self can be removed is by means of the cross of Jesus Christ.

If we’d simply bring our struggles and needs to the foot of the cross, we would find an abundant source of peace. A heart at rest is not rooted in some worldly principle or philosophy; it can be realized only through an intimate relationship with the person of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:14-16).

The Devil will take every opportunity to destroy our calm by drawing attention away from Christ to things that may seem important at the time but in reality have no purpose other than to distract. Don’t waste your life looking for peace in all the wrong places—just remember, the Prince of Peace is its only true source.

Another beautiful day!

Choosing Your Identity - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Choosing Your Identity

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."    
Ephesians 5:6-8
 
A young teen cried out to her dad after a hard day of school and family life with that age-old question, "Who am I?" Caught between her identity as a child of the family and as a friend of peers, she felt confused.
 
Answering the question is not as easy as you might think. It's easy to answer 'what' we are or 'where' we are or even 'why' we are. But beyond one's name, there is little to claim as something that is uniquely our identity. No wonder the dad answered the question in quite different terms. He said, "Jessica, you are the choices you make and the friends you keep. That is how people will know you. And oddly enough, that is how you will come to know yourself as well."
 
A Christian's place as a child of light sets the stage for our identity. But it is in the day-to-day, nitty gritty choices of life through which we craft our ultimate identity. And not only do our decisions define us, so do our friends. Children of light can stand down front and center with those who love Jesus, or they can hide in the faint shadows upstage with empty, vain conversations of those who do not believe.
 
Just as Jessica can go to her father for lessons in her identify, so too can you and I ask our Father for answers. "Make choices that show well in the light," he will tell us. "And have you seen my Son? Spend time with Him and you will be like Him."
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God knows who you are. And He has destined you to be like His Son. We don't need to doubt our identity. If we simply live as he asks, we will find it.
 
Fashion me by Your Holy Spirit, Father, to become like Your Son. Grant me friends who love You and the will to choose that which is lovely in Your sight.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Tuesday, September 10th

Another beautiful morning! Still waiting on the rain.

Yesterday at Christine's Dr appointment we listened to the babies heart beat and we saw the baby on the ultra sound...she is very active :-) only a few months left to go and we will have another granddaughter.  Baby is due in December... We have two grandsons on Oklahoma and one granddaughter in Minnesota.  I think being a grandparent brings everything full circle...they are so much fun...
Kaylee had her check up yesterday also...everything looks good.  She had her booster shot. I don't see Kaylee cry a lot but after the shot she did... :-(

Last night I took all my meds but still really sore...tingling in my left leg and foot and on my buttocks.

One of the many problems that go along with taking so much medication is irregular bowl movements...something you really don't talk about.  Last night I finally had a regular movement....hopefully they will continue...:-)

This morning I continue to be sore with drainage from my eyes.  I've been having trouble swallowing.    :-(

So thankful for my many blessings...
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Today's Bible Study

Seeking God’s Favor

Read | Proverbs 3:3-4

Were you ever tempted to think that the Lord plays favorites? Some stories in the Bible give that impression. Take Mary, for instance. When the angel Gabriel saw her, he said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Then think about Moses—God used to speak with him face-to-face as a man speaks with his friend (Ex. 33:11). And of course there’s Samuel, who grew in favor with God and man (1 Sam. 2:26). The Bible says that God let none of his words fall to the ground (3:19 niv). Wouldn’t these be considered examples of favoritism?

In spite of appearances, it really is not. As we learned in yesterday’s lesson, God can bestow or withdraw favor, but it does not happen arbitrarily. God’s favor is available to everyone.

How, then, is the favor of the Lord obtained? First of all, by asking for it. The psalmist says, “I sought Your favor with all my heart” (Ps. 119:58). And then in today’s passage from Proverbs, we learn that we can embrace kindness and truth, and they will lead to favor in the sight of God and men.

An especially helpful scripture is found in Psalm 25. Here we are told that “the secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (v. 14). The word “secret” in this context refers to a sweet and private closeness. It is available to those who fear God, which means that it is not just for a few favorites. On the contrary, His precious “secrets” are for everyone who chooses to walk in kindness, obedience, and the fear of the Lord.

Another beautiful day!

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Monday, September 9th

It's another beautiful morning! :-)
We may have to do a rain dance...anyone know how?  No rain yet..this is the second summer in a row we've had drought conditions...so dry :-)

Yesterday, we had a good time at Grandparents Day.  Kaylee liked the clown but would only get so close.  It was funny watching how excited she was but when I tried to walk her over by him...she ran the other way. 

Today, I'm going to take it easy and maybe get some things done around the house...I need to get back to cleaning and tossing or giving away some of the stuff...
I'm going to continue to go through our things and grandma Gloria's things.  I am so close to getting it all sorted...:-) so happy...
I thought I might get another dumpster and continue to get rid of what we don't need or things no-one would want.

At 2:30 today I'm going with Christine and Kaylee to their Dr appointments. :-)

I am so thankful for all I can do?

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Today's Bible Study

The Favorable Hand of the Lord

Read | Proverbs 8

It is hard to think of Jesus as ever needing improvement or growth of any kind, but the Word of God tells us that He “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). As God, He was complete and had everything, but as a human being, He had to grow in wisdom and favor. So do we.

When we become children of God by placing our faith in Jesus, we are fully accepted and deeply loved, regardless of our behavior. It’s not possible for the Lord to love us more at some times than at others, because He is love (1 John 4:16) and cannot stop loving.

But favor is a different story: it can be conferred or withdrawn by our Father. The believer’s responsibility is to choose a path that leads to His favor, according to guidelines laid out in the Word of God.

Some of the Lord’s preferred paths are specifically described in Proverbs 8, in which wisdom is personified: she is calling in the streets and inviting the simple to come. She finishes her discourse by saying that “he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord” (v. 35).

From this passage, we learn that obtaining wisdom and favor is not a one-time event but, rather, a growing process that includes specific steps. First, we must listen and keep wisdom’s ways. Then we are advised to heed instruction and not neglect it. Finally, we are exhorted to watch daily and wait at her doorposts. (vv. 32-34). God is pleased when His children act wisely.

Another great day!