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Got Fear?

Through the years I’ve struggled with fear just like many of you. Could I really be the wife and mother my husband and children needed? Would anyone ever read the words I wrote?  Would God really want to use a broken vessel like me? Will disaster befall my family?

What Do You Fear?

What is it that you fear? That your spouse will divorce you? That your job will end? That your life will end in a terminal illness? That your children or grandchildren will be harmed?

The reality is that some of those things could happen to any of us. Our world is changing daily. But instead of living in fear, we can choose another option.

A Constant Fear

A fear that used to plague me constantly was that somehow I would get to the end of my life and not accomplish all God wanted me to. Then one day I read Philippians 1:6 in a new light:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (NLT).

A Constant Promise

When I looked at that passage closely, I discovered that it was God who began the “good’ work in me. It was God who would continue it. And it was God who would finish that work. When? On the day Christ Jesus returns. That says to me that long after my life has ended–if I die before Christ comes back–the work God began in me will keep on going. Yes, that means my salvation. But to me, it also spelled out everything God envisioned for my life. I can trust Him to finish it. That’s when I decided to trade my fear for something else.

Trade Your Fear

A few weeks ago I challenged some women to try what I had discovered: to trade their fear for something more…reliable. Instead of focusing on fear, I have learned (and am constantly learning) to trade my fear for God’s faithfulness.

My Job?

My job is to show up everyday and follow Christ’s leading, using the gifts God has given me, being thankful for opportunities to serve Him, and doing everything for His glory. But I don’t need to stress over what does or doesn’t get done. When we trade our fears for His faithfulness, He gets the job done well, on time, and in His time. God loves to work through His children.

I love these words from Psalm 91:

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4, NIV).

And this one from Psalm 26:

 …for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness (Psalm 26:3, NIV).

Will God’s Faithfulness Reduce Your Fear?

Only you can answer that. He will if you let Him. I do know this. There is no end to God’s faithfulness:

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4, NIV).

More Faithful Promises from God about Fear

If you’d like to find more faithful promises from God about fear, try your own search. You’ll be amazed at the encouragement God offers! You can also read this former blog I wrote about irrational fear that might help if you struggle with any fear of your own.

My Prayer for You

Lord, You never intended for fear to rule our lives. Teach us to trust You more, trading our fears for Your faithfulness. Year after year, You faithfully lead us, working out Your plan in each person. We come against fear in the name and through the precious blood of Jesus, and ask You to completely fill us with faith. You are trustworthy, Lord! Our lives are in Your hands. And no matter what happens to these earthly bodies, You will guard our relationship with You until the day we meet You face to face. You have never failed those who place their trust in You. And You never will.

Day-votedly Yours,

Rebecca

It’s Your Turn. What Do You Fear?

What fears have you struggled with? How has God helped you with those fears? Leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Got Fear? Trade Your Fear for This. appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

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Mothers deserve praise! What makes mothers so special? What would you say about mothers? According to our Mother’s Day poetry contest winners, mothers are truly gifts from God. Thanks to all of you who entered! As I promised, here are the three winners of our poetry contest and their tributes to mothers.

When the weight of the world

is on my shoulders,

I turn to my right

and realize I’m not alone,

because she’s helping me carry it.

The stars are written in her eyes,

sunlight in her smile,

and I know for sure,

when this barren earth falls behind me,

she’ll be an angel waiting for me at heaven’s gate.

-Caroline Aung

****

A mother’s love

is much like an arrow

and her precious child

is the bulls-eye.

Though she may not

be the best archer,

possess the steadiest hands,

or have precise aim,

she is persistent.

Even when the target is far off

or seems impossible to reach,

yes, she will persist.

- Kathy Jeffords

 ****

 My mom has her tasks and her faults, but she is the best mom I’ve ever known…

Good Lord knows I’ve tried her patience, more than once or twice…

her enduring love shines forth every day, in little things and big, in her own way…

she’ll never preach a sermon, and

usually not dust a pew at church…

but her and God are well known to each other, they sit at each other’s perch…

she shares His love with family and friends, and often helps people on the mends…

she’s the best Mom I’ve ever known!

-Dani S. Lacy

Biblical Praise for Mothers

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise (Proverbs 31:30, 31, NLT).

Winners of Poems for Mothers

Congratulations to Caroline, Kathy, and Dani! The three winners above will receive their choice of one of my devotional books: Day-votions® for Women, Day-votions® for Mothers, or Day-votions® for Grandmothers.

It’s Your Turn to Share Your Comments Below

What about you? The contest is over, but I’d still love to hear more tributes to mothers. What made (makes) your mom so special to you? In a brief sentence or two, tell us why mothers (in general or your own) are so special. Leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Tribute to Mothers appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

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Women and Stress

Is your life blessed or stressed?

Whether working inside or outside the home, today’s moms, grandmoms, and women of all ages deal with stress. Here are ten simple stress busters women can practice daily:

1. Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.

2. Plan your day the night before.

3. Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.

4. Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.

5. Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.

6. Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

7. Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.

8. Perfect the art of laughter.

9. Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.

10. Pray without ceasing (throughout the day).

“You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing” (Psalm 23:5, MSG).

What about You? It’s Your Turn

Scripture Stress Buster

What Scripture verse is your favorite stress buster? Share with us in the comment section below. You might encourage someone today!

Book Giveaway and Poetry Contest

You can still enter the poetry contest and book giveaway. Deadline is May 10, 2013. Read last week’s blog for full instructions. In a nutshell, just write your own, original poem about your mom, or about mothers in general. First leave a comment in the section below (or on last week’s blog), telling me one character trait you loved most about your mother or about mothers in general. Then send your original poem about mothers through the message form on my Contact Page. Then keep watching to see if you’re one of the winners! Each of three winners will win their choice of one of my Day-votions® books

Questions?

Send me a quick note, and I’ll answer any questions you might have about the contest. I know your comments and poetry will encourage many.

Share Your Comments Below

You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post 10 SIMPLE STRESS BUSTERS FOR WOMEN appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

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In Honor of Mother’s Day

Instead of a devotion today, in honor of Mother’s Day, we’re having a poetry contest. I’d love to feature one of your own poems about mothers. Send me a poem you’ve written about mothers, rhymed or prose, no longer than 100 words. It must be original, and make sure that you own all rights to your poem, even if it was previously published.

How Do I Enter?

To qualify for and to enter the contest, you’ll need to first leave a comment on today’s blog in the comments section below, telling me one character trait you love (d) most about your mother. Then send me your poem single-spaced in the message form on my website Contact Page. Please do not post your poem in the blog comments section below, or it will be removed. The deadline for your entry is Friday, May 10, 2013.

What Will I Win?

It’s book giveaway time again. I love to give away books! The winners of the best three poems will receive their choice of one of my Day-votions® books: Day-votions® for Women, Day-votions for Mothers®, or Day-votions for Grandmothers®. Anyone can submit a poem (one only), but I can only send books to those in the U.S.

Will the Poem Still Be Mine?

The poem belongs to you and will carry your byline. I will choose three winners and will post those poems on my blog in two weeks. Remember that my blogs are available for re-posting on facebook or other social media, only when the entire blog is used. My blogs in their entirety cannot be re-posted on another blog site without my permission. Your poem is yours to do with as you wish after it’s posted on my blog (or even if it’s not used).

Where Would We Be Without Mothers?

Have you ever thought about where we would be without our mothers? By birth or adoption, we owe so much to the mothers who prayed us through the years, loved us through our tears, and who gave us wings to fly. If you had (have) a Christian mom, you are blessed indeed!

My Poem about Mothers

In addition to inspirational books and devotions, I love writing poetry and greeting cards. But here is a simple poem I wrote a few years ago about mothers.

 Where Would We Be Without Mothers?

 By

 Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Where would we be

without mothers today

or their faithful prayers

that hedge up our way?

Where would we be

without their tender compassion?

Who would teach us that kindness

is always in fashion?

Where would we be

without our mothers?

Who would model the joy

of loving others?

What would we do

without angels like them—

these gifts from the Father

who remind us of Him?

Don’t…fail to bless your mother (Proverbs 30:11, MSG).

My Prayer for You, as Mothers

Lord, where would we be without our mothers and grandmothers? Bless every mom and grandmom. Give them a special touch from heaven, and help them feel your love in amazing ways. For all the work they do, and all the time they spend making home a place where we are accepted and loved, we give You thanks, Lord. We honor them, not just at Mother’s Day, but throughout the year. May their days be filled with the peace of Your presence, and the joy of Your love daily.

Now It’s Your Turn

It’s your turn now to write your own, original poem about your mom, or about mothers in general. First leave a comment in the section below: tell me one character trait you loved most about your mother. Then send your original poem about mothers through the message form on my Contact Page. Then keep watching to see if you’re one of the winners!

Questions?

Send me a quick note, and I’ll answer any questions you might have about the contest. I know your comments and poetry will encourage many.

Share Your Comments Below

You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Where Would We Be Without Mothers? (Book Giveaway and Poetry Contest) appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Photo by Rebecca Barlow Jordan

“He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree.” (Job 19:10 NIV)

Some of you just read that and are asking, “Where is the hope in that verse?” In fact, right now some of you may be feeling like the one who spoke those words. Tested beyond imagination, finding no relief for the loss of his children, his possessions, and his health, Job felt like an uprooted tree whose hopes had been torn from him on every side.

Quotes about Hope

Through the years authors, poets, and leaders have tried to encourage us by defining and explaining hope:

Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless. – G. K Chesterton

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope. – Martin Luther King

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark. – from E. C. McKenzie, 14,000 Quips and Quotes, March 2000, Hendrickson Publishers

Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. – Ibid., E.C. McKenzie

Hope is the feather that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.  – Emily Dickinson

Hope itself is like a star–not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.  – Charles H. Spurgeon

In spite of all that Job lost through his time of severe testing, he refused to abandon hope:

Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him. (Job 13:15, NIV)

Do You Need Hope Today?

Where are you today? Do you need hope? Are you looking for a promise from God to sustain you?

Encouraging Bible Verses and Promises about Hope:

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. (Psalm 147:11 NIV)

We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. (Psalm 33:20, NLT)

Why am I discouraged ? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11, NLT)

I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. (Psalm 130:5, NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

“And his name will be the hope of all the world.” (Matthew 12:21, NLT)

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has give us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5, NLT)

…to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27, NASB)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12, Amplified Bible)

Today I couldn’t stop with one encouraging Bible verse or promise from God’s Word. There are so many! His Word brings so much more comfort, encouragement, and hope than any words I could add. And never has our world needed hope more than today. No matter what your circumstances are today, I pray these promises will encourage your heart and lift your spirits today.

My Prayer for You Today

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NLT)

(This is a repost from last Spring. In light of recent events in our country, I thought it was appropriate to post it again. So many are in need of fresh hope today!)

It’s Your Turn to Share Your Comments Below

What do these Bible promises mean to you? How has God encouraged you and given you hope? Would you share your comments below? Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

Book Giveaway Winner for Congo Dawn

The winner of our book giveaway for Congo Dawn is Janet McHenry. Thanks to all of you for entering. Keep watching for future giveaways. I’ll be doing more in the future.

The post Hope: Bible Promise for Today appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Those who know the Lover well.

That Lover has been pursuing you for a long time. And He wants you for His own.

His relationship is unlike any you’ll ever know or have ever known.

Faithfulness underlines all His actions.

And He, alone, created “forever.”

Bible Promise: Enduring Love

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 106:1, NIV).

Some Christians misunderstand God’s love. Fearful that He might retract it, they hoard blessings rather than use or enjoy them. But God’s fresh mercy is available to us for the asking. And goodness is His inherent character. He offers enduring love.

God’s love is not like the secular version on earth: “I will if you will.” It’s not based on a “falling in or out” kind of relationship. He loved us before we were ever born. And His love lasts forever.

God doesn’t wait until we jump through His religious hoops or meet His high standards to promise His affections.  He loves us just as we are.

I like the following passage in the Message translation:

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him (Romans 5:6-8 MSG).

His love isn’t stingy; it’s extravagant. He never acts in any way, but out of love toward us. He will never stop loving us. His love and His Bible promise are both enduring.

Our Part?

What’s our part? We don’t sign a written agreement: “I’ll never mess up. I’ll walk a perfect line. I’ll never fail You.” Impossible to do. Impossible to keep.

But we do “write” an agreement with our heart, soul, and mind to accept His offer of love, grace, and forgiveness and commit to live for Him! Jesus’ love, Jesus’ death paid for everything! He offers a free gift!

I’ve heard others say, “I’m afraid if I ask God to forgive me, He’ll say no. I’ve sinned away my grace period.” As long as you have breath to cry out to Jesus, He’s ready to forgive, no matter what you’ve done. God cannot love you any more or any less than He already does. His love endures forever.

And if you choose to reject His love and live separated from Him? That’s a painful choice to make. He loved both thieves on the cross, even though only one would spend eternity with Him–the one who cried out to Him for mercy.

What about those who already belong to Jesus, who’ve already chosen to follow Him? What happens when they mess up? For a believer, sin may crimp the flow of God’s blessings temporarily, but it will never cut off the Father’s love for His child (I John 1:9). He promises enduring love.

Amazing Bible Promise: Enduring Love

I have never understood that kind of love. It has and always will amaze me. How about you? Is the Lord Jesus your Lover?

What About You?

Please share your comments below. How has the Lord shown enduring, forever love to you? You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list when you leave your comments. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to repost on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates through e-mail at the top of my website page/sidebar. That way you won’t miss a single post! 

You Can Still Enter Last Week’s Book Giveaway

You can read last week’s blog and leave your comments on that post to be automatically entered into the book giveaway for Congo Dawn, a great, suspenseful drama by Jeanette Kindle.

Only U.S. residents can qualify for the book giveaway.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Bible Promise for Today: Enduring Love appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Congo Dawn, by Jeanette Windle

In Congo Dawn, author Jeanette Windle weaves a suspenseful story in which those same questions emerge. But in this Ituri rainforest village of the Congo, another question arises in the heart of one of Jeanette’s major characters, Robin Duncan.

A former U.S. Marine lieutenant now serving as a translator for a global mining company, Robin has been hired as a team member to track down and root out an insurgent killer. In the midst of violence and an emerging struggle between good and evil, she faces a dilemma: “Who are the bad guys, anyway?” “And how can a people who have lost so much still retain a faith that conquers all?”

Robin has more than one reason to involve herself in this violent and questionable struggle–a beloved sister and niece whose well-being may depend on her success in this mission. Dr. Stewart, a “close,” former friend she rediscovers, adds to her confusion, but maybe to her solution as well. The plot definitely thickens with this underlying relationship.

“Things are not always as they seem,” is a theme to remember throughout this book. Windle successfully weaves a tale that will keep the reader turning pages until the end. As the child of missionary parents and living in “hot zones” for many years, Jeanette offers a knowledgeable and believable background to all her stories. And as with all her books, she is able to unveil the corruption, conspiracy, evil, and other unknown secrets behind what might appear as “legitimate” in the eyes of some.

I love Windle’s multi-dimensional characters, her suspenseful plots, and dramatic action. She skillfully draws us into the minds of each character, capturing our emotions and forcing us to ask those same universal questions in the struggle between good and evil. At the end of her book you’ll find applicable study questions with further helps.

Push through the first few pages to help introduce the characters and the complicated plot. Then be prepared for a few surprises–and an excellent read. Jeanette is a gifted storyteller!

Note About the Author

The post Book Giveaway: Congo Dawn appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Empty Tomb, Image Courtesy of www.HolyLandPhotos.org

Do you have stones stuck in deep ruts at the entrance of your heart—stones of fear, rebellion, despair, or discouragement? Do they loom so large, you surrender at the thought of even trying to remove them?

Easter is about removing stones.

When Mary and the other women approached the tomb after Jesus’ death, they saw an amazing sight. They expected to see the stone still hiding the tomb, and they needed a way to enter the resting place of their beloved Master. The stone represented a barrier to their goal: to anoint the body of their beloved Master with spices. I’m sure their hearts were still downcast as grief flooded their spirits. “Who will roll away the stone?” they asked one another.

These women were obviously not strong enough to remove it themselves. Some sources say the stone, which rolled along a carved-out “track” in front of the tomb could have weighed more than a ton. How could the women anoint Jesus’ body if the stone blocked the entrance? Imagine the women’s shock when they “looked up” and saw that the stone was gone. Who moved the stone? The gospel of Matthew answers with “an angel of the Lord.”

What About Your Stones?

Have you tried to roll away your own stones, only to realize that no amount of heaving or shoving would budge them? The obstacles are not made of stone, but they seem just as massive and powerful—and you feel helpless to remove them.

Whatever those stones or circumstances are, your “enemy” has been closing the entrance of your heart and mind, until there is no light remaining. You cannot see a way out—or in. You speculate, “Who will roll this stone away?” You don’t know where to turn, but you know you want the stone removed.

Then you “look up” in faith, and what you see is truly amazing. You see  not stones, but pebbles, not darkness, but daylight. There is a huge opening, and maybe you hear a faint divine whisper in your spirit, “I have already rolled the stone away.”

Easter Is About Removing Stones

Easter is all about removing stones. When those barriers disappear, hope emerges from the other side—new life in Christ. But remember, it is God who specializes in stone removal. Whether you are looking for a way in or a way out, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door to new life. The “stones” that imprison us or block our path have no power to destroy us. There is only One who can roll away your stones and bring joy, new life, and freedom through Christ.

That’s part of the Easter message. And that’s where our hope lies. Keep looking up!

“Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?“ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away”  (Mark 16:2-4 NIV).

What stones are you dealing with? What stones has God already rolled away? What do you think?

It’s Your Turn: What About You?

Please leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to repost on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates through e-mail at the top of my website page/sidebar. That way you won’t miss a single post!

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Who Will Roll Away Your Stone? appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Most of us have heard that silence is golden. But sometimes silence can hurt.

We held one of those infamous garage sales at our home a couple of years ago–the kind where you clean out closets, drag out forgotten things from under beds, and purge the garage of stacked “stuff” that won’t fit into your house. It’s always fun to meet interesting people who stop by to view your wares. Occasionally, they’ll stay long enough to share personal stories.

This sale was no exception. An attractive boomer-age woman who came by told us of an experience that happened to her mother years earlier. This is my paraphrase of her story:

Her mom had just moved to a large metropolitan area and was hoping to meet and make friends in her new home. She joined several organizations, including a local church. But no one would befriend her. No one even spoke to her.

Is it my deodorant? My clothes? The way I talk? A hundred questions raced through her mind, but she found no answers. Women seemed to avoid her as if she had a contagious disease. No one spoke to her or invited her to their home.

What’s Wrong with Me?

Finally, her mother decided to confide in one woman whom she respected, one of the women leaders in the church women’s organization. “What’s wrong with me? Have I angered someone? Why is everyone avoiding me?”

The woman leader frowned slightly and looked around, then spoke in a hushed tone. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Of course, I do. Please, if you know something, tell me!”

The leader continued in a soft whisper-voice. “It’s–it’s the company you keep.”

“The company I keep? What do you mean?”

It’s Your Lifestyle

She took a deep breath and said, “It’s your lifestyle. You have police cars coming and going to your house, night and day. A woman of your reputation and your kind of company, um, doesn’t exactly paint a good, wholesome picture. The ladies are offended by this kind of activity.

Her mother’s eyes widened as a she tried to stifle a grin. “Would you do me a favor? Ask some of the ladies to come to my home this Tuesday for lunch. I’d like to show you something.”

“Well, um, I don’t know….” The woman stammered, shaking her head.

“Please, just ask. You and the ladies come at 12:00 Noon this Tuesday. I’ll have lunch waiting.”

The ladies decided to go together as a group and accept her mother’s invitation. But when they arrived at Noon on Tuesday, just as they expected, police cars surrounded her mother’s home. Her mom invited the women in and took them immediately to her kitchen where she had prepared lunch. Eight uniformed police officers sat at the kitchen table, eating lunch.

Meet the Special People in My Life

Turning to the women, then pointing to the policemen, her mother smiled and said, “I want you to meet some special people in my life: “This is my husband, my brother, my son, my son-in-law, my brother-in-law, my nephew…They’re all police officers.”

The mother had no problem with friendships from that point on.

Silence Is Not Always Golden

Silence is not always golden. And the absence of words can do just as much damage as speaking harmful ones. We may not start a juicy morsel of gossip. But saying nothing is just as bad, especially if we believe without checking out the truth for ourselves.

Words originate with thoughts. And God knows the thoughts of our hearts. Things are not always as they seem. Judging–or jumping–to the wrong conclusions can discourage the hearer. And who hasn’t been the victim growing up at one time or another with the powerful effects of “the silent treatment?” To “ice” others by refusing to acknowledge their presence or to express our disapproval of them may prove a point, but it won’t win friends. Both of these methods involve an intentional withdrawal of affection. It’s so–pharisaical and just plain, mean-spirited.

We All Need Encouragement

God knows our need for encouragement. “Encourage one another daily,” (Hebrews 3:13). Encouraging words are like warm blankets that ward off hurtful, icy blasts. And in the wintertime moments of our lives, we all need a warm blanket.

Have you ever misjudged someone? Or been the object of someone’s hurtful gossip? How has someone been a “warm blanket” for you with their encouraging words? Remembering how it feels may help you go searching in your spiritual closet for some spare blankets. Those kind should never be sold in a garage sale. Instead, dispense them freely to everyone you meet.

It’s Your Turn: What About You?

Please leave your comments below. Your words might encourage another today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to repost on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates through e-mail at the top of my website page/sidebar. That way you won’t miss a single post!

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

Winner of The Moses Quilt Book Giveaway

The winner of the Moses Quilt Book Giveaway is Susan Barlow (no relation). Hope you enjoy the book, Susan!

The post When Can Silence Hurt? The Power of Encouragement appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I had just read the familiar passage in Mark 10:46-52 where a blind beggar was calling out to Jesus on the outskirts of Jericho. The question Jesus asked the beggar suddenly became personal to me: “What do you want me to do for you?”

So I began this imaginary conversation with Jesus, as if He were asking me that question.

Notice the beggar’s simple but desperate plea: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And when Jesus asked him the above question, the blind man replied, “I want to see!”

My imaginary conversation with Jesus went something like this:

“What do you want me to do for you?

“What do you want me to do for You?”

“I asked you first.”

“But I want to do something for You, Jesus!” After all, He had already done it…all…for me.

But I tried to imagine Jesus asking me again, “What do you want me to do for you?”

And then I thought of all the things my fleshy heart could desire:

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A large home in the country with a wrap around porch 

and a gazebo…

a quiet stream running by…

near the mountains…

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Or good health so I could live to a ripe old age…

Maybe a book on the New York Times Bestseller list…

Time to travel to my heart’s content…

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Absence of stress…

and abundance of wealth…

a lime-green convertible (it wouldn’t have to be a convertible)…

But that’s not what I told Jesus.

Maybe, like the king Solomon, I would just ask for wisdom:

Wisdom to handle pain as my friend, teaching me patience and grace within…

Wisdom to use the resources well You’ve given me…

Wisdom to finish the work You started in me…

Wisdom to love like You with heart bowed and hands outstretched…

Wisdom to know when to act and when to pray…

Wisdom to share Your words effectively so others can know You, too…

Wisdom to even know what to ask for…

My list could have gone on. But then I thought about adding something else:

To feel the breath of Your presence on my life…

The warmth of Your Spirit blowing through my heart daily…

The encouragement of your hand on my back pushing me forward…

And to See…

courtesy of SEPpics at http://www.sxc.hu

To see for myself…and to help others want

To see You close-up, Your smile...

To finally see, without a doubt…

It was all worthwhile.

But in my heart, the closer Jesus came, I felt that beggar’s cry welling up and spilling out:

Jesus, Son of David, Have mercy on me!”

And He did. And He does. And He will.

For me. For you. For everyone who calls on His name.

But, I asked again, “Isn’t there something I can do for You?”

I found a simple answer–a good place to start–in that same passage:

“Go,” said Jesus.

And the blind man followed Jesus.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (Mark 10:52, NIV). 

It’s Your Turn: What Would You Like Jesus to Do for You?

How would you answer that question? Please leave your comments below. You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates through e-mail at the top of my website page/sidebar. That way you won’t miss a single post!

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post What Do You Want Jesus to Do for You? appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.