cupofjoe

Seeds of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Wisdom is imperative each and every day. We need to know how to properly apply wisdom in every decision we make. The Bible gives us a great description of what godly wisdom looks like. Lets take a look in the book of James...

James 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Pure, peace-loving, gentle and willing to yield to others puts us in the proper position to be blessed by the Lord. Our lives should be full of mercy and good deeds. Start your day today with a plan to use godly wisdom. Plant some seeds of peace and get ready for your harvest of righteousness!

The Best is Yet to Come!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

In Proverbs 16 we are told “God made everything with a place and purpose”. Many of those that I am connected to are going through a transition this month and graduating from one season of life into the next. Sometimes that move to the next part of life’s journey is a bit intimidating. It will serve you well to always remember that God has an amazing plan and that He will take everything that happens and turn it into something positive if you let Him.

At our church I am constantly encouraging people to believe in themselves, to trust in the Lord and to dream BIG! You are going to dream anyway so you might as well dream BIG! The BEST of your life is the REST of your life!

With God, ALL things are possible. You can do anything that He says you can do. This weekend, I will be encouraging our graduates to keep walking with the Lord and enjoy the journey that they are on. We all deserve to do something that makes us happy. So, let's go do it! We've got a special place and an incredible purpose right here and right now! The best is yet to come!

"By My Spirit..."

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zech 4:6

There are many lessons that I have felt the Lord has taught me over the years and the one in this little verse is perhaps one of the most meaningful. There are just some things that cannot be done except by the power of the Spirit of God. There are some opportunities that won’t come, some relationships that won’t survive and some incredible dreams that will never come to fruition without the Spirit of God breathing upon them.

Too often I think that if I can just learn enough, if I can simply train enough I can be everything that is necessary to succeed in every situation. When I start to think that way I realize that I am becoming more selfish and inward focused. I need to be self-less instead. My power and might are not as important as His Spirit.

Join me today and take a moment to surrender your plans, your relationships and your dreams to the Lord. Then say this powerful declaration out loud and watch the heavens open up as the Spirit of God comes upon you!

Those Who Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint.

Nobody likes to wait. My local McDonalds has 2 drive-thru lanes now which you would think could cut down on the wait time but NO! You wait twice as long! So now we can double the wait and double the weight at the same time!

Waiting is part of the journey. All the heroes of faith did it. Moses waited 40 years. Abraham waited 25 years and Joseph 13. Jesus waited 30 years before his ministry began. So keep your head up, you are in good company! Get ready for your strength to renew and your life to begin soaring. Power comes in the waiting.

Which Way Should I Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Psalm 107:4-6 Some wandered in desert wastelands,finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty,and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,and he delivered them from their distress.

Sometimes it seems that no matter what direction you go, you end up in a place you never intended to be. Its like every sign you see leads to a place that has nothing to do with your desired destination. The children of Israel experienced many years in the wilderness enroute to the place that God intended for them from the very beginning. So how did they get out of the rut?

They cried out to the Lord in their worst seasons and the Lord delivered them into their best ones. What happened for them can happen to you. If things are bad and there seems to be no good choice in front of you, just cry out to the Lord. He will make a way!

The Home Button

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The "home" button...the simple one touch secret to getting back to where you started. We have gotten used to this feature which shows up in many forms on today's devices. On my phone I have a few options to choose from to let my home button know where to take me. I set mine to call Siri so that when I am lost or in need of assistance, Siri and I can have a conversation. One click and Siri and I are talking about the closest sushi place! I just hit that button and asked Siri to take me home and she pulled up a map for how to get there!!!

Dorothy clicked her heels to go home. John Denver took the country road. On my phone I click this button. Oh that a simple button could take us to that place where we are safe, secure and comfortable. Imagine finding yourself in a place you don't want to be...click and you're home! Stuck in an uncomfortable situation? Just click and you're home! Want out of that negative relationship? Just hit the "home" button!

There may never be a simple "home" button for things like these. But in life, you can always find your way home if you follow what is in your heart. It's true, home is where the heart is. Your heart will guide you to that place where you are safe, secure and comfortable. For me home is not so much a place as it is a relationship. My heart belongs to Christ.

Give your heart to Jesus and you will find Him every time you want to come home:) You will have to talk to Jesus and find Him for yourself. I asked Siri "where is Jesus?" She said "its all a mystery to me". Hey Siri, Jesus is in MY heart!

Love You Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Sun, 12 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

There are some wonderful characteristics in Proverbs 31 that describe a capable, intelligent and virtuous woman.(vs10) To all of those strong and powerful women of God, we bless you in the name of the Lord!

May God's grace and mercy overwhelm you today as you enjoy the life He has carved out for you. You are loved and highly favored!

Proverbs 31:29“There are many virtuous and capable women in theworld, but YOU surpass them all!”

No Condemnation

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Romans 8:1-2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

To be condemned is to be pronounced wrong or morally deficient. People who feel this emotion never think that life can get any better and that no one approves of anything they do. It's very important to realize that when you follow Christ, your approval ratings goes off the charts. Jesus is a game changer! Those that ask Him to be Lord never carry the load of condemnation again...they are FREE!

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't rise up out of fear and despair. There is no condemnation when you serve the Lord. Let that life-giving power release you today! You are blessed and highly favored!

Lend a Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Phil 2:4 MSG

Some will say that we live in a dog eat dog world. In other words, if you don’t look out for yourself, you will get run over. Looking out for number one seems to be the counsel of those who want you to get ahead. Today I want to encourage all of us to be on the lookout for each other first and think of ways to make someone else’s life a bit better. What you and I make happen for someone else, God will make happen for us. We ourselves get ahead by lending a helping hand to another.

Take a moment today to write that note, send that card or make that call and lend a helping hand to someone connected to you. Helping others IS the best way to help yourselves. Be blessed!

Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Most of us arrive at the middle of each week in need of some rest. The labor force and the trials of life have already beat at us this week and we need a refresher...replenished in our spirit and our body. I love the midweek services at our church because they do that for me.

Yesterday I was given some lyrics that spoke to my heart and began to soothe my soul in the midst of this weeks chaos. They went like this:

Rest, the Lord is near
Refuse to fear, enjoy His love.
Trust, His mighty power fills every hour of all your days.

There is no need for needless worry with such a Savior.
You have no cause to ever doubt,
His perfect Word still reassures in any trial

There are a few more great lines of calming reassurance in this song, written by Phil McHugh and Greg Nelson many years ago. Take a moment today and let your mind be quieted and your spirit refreshed and replenished as you learn how to rest. The Lord is near!

Here's a link to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-W3B3OUkN0‎

Breaking Ground

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

Sow for you! Imagine that...the idea of planting something for YOUR life! YOU will reap fruit…however you may have to do some groundbreaking things! If you want something you have never had you are going to have to do something you have never done. Break up the ground that is unplowed. It’s the first thing we do before we build…groundbreaking. We are seeking something so we prepare the ground to accommodate what we are seeking. The instruction is to break up the ground and get it ready for what is coming. God is getting ready to bless you and you want that blessing to find a fertile spot to land in.

Some may ask how long do we seek the Lord? Hosea said it best…until He comes and showers righteousness on you. Seek Him until you find HIM. Until ALL these things are added unto you. Perhaps that is why we are always beating a path to Him. Maybe we never arrive, we just keep moving up a level until one day that level has a mansion of glory that has been prepared for us in eternity and has our name on it. Hebrews tells us that when we come to God we must believe that He is and that He rewards those that diligently SEEK Him.

Sow for yourself today. Do something for YOU. Make a right decision by being at the right place at the right time...for YOU. Break up the ground and get ready for something special!

Can You See It?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Acts 14:8 In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

Paul was sent out to minister by the Holy Spirit. He knew where he was going and who was sending him. I really love this miracle. One thing about Paul that I pray will also be in you and me is that ability, that divine ability to “see faith”. He was able to look upon a seemingly helpless and hopeless situation and see something that only God sees. He SAW that the man who had never walked had something that could be ignited, activated and bring about his deliverance and so he spoke to that faith…Stand UP! Not only did the man stand up, he jumped to his feet and began to do something that he had never done before.

When we are delivered we need this kind of response…to jump up and get out there and do what we have been prohibited from doing. It’s how we perpetuate the Gospel message and inspire others to follow Christ. Deliverance will bring about more deliverance…IF…we let others know about it. Paul was having great success because the people were not only becoming success stories; they were sharing their success stories!

Pray for an ability today to see faith in others. And when you see it, speak to it and watch the miracles that can come! Today you can be used to help someone else leap to their feet and do something they have never done before! Cool isn't it?

I Am Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

EPH 2:4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What a great scripture which gives us a wonderful picture of a "restored" life. With the variety of uncertainties in our world today and the numerous people that have seen devastation and felt heartache, restoration often seems out of reach. But God has a plan! We are prone to make mistakes but God is rich in mercy and because of mercy, because of grace that is all-sufficient, He has a process for taking that down and out believer and turning them into one that is up and coming.

He made us alive! Sin lost it's power because He forgave us and put a new heart in us...born again!

He raised us up!! Once you have a new outlook and a new heart, He lifts you back up on your feet again.

He sits us in heavenly places!!! New heart, back on your feet and placed in the perfect place once again: now THAT'S RESTORATION! So take a deep breath, you are alive, lifted up and in the perfect place for success.

Simmer Down

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a "soft" answer can turn wrath away. Staying calm, cool and collected is a learned skill. It does not come naturally but super-naturally. Some time ago I bought my first Crock-Pot. I was looking for something that would cook for me and do it without very much attention and the Crock-Pot fit the bill. They even make dinners pre-assembled now that you just have to mix up in the morning and then in 8-10 hours your meal is waiting for you!

Now the interesting thing about this item is that it can be on all day and not burn up what is inside. The temperature that it cooks with is perfect! It made me think about this scripture in Proverbs and I realized that many times I am a microwave of angst and emotion when God would rather I be more like my Crock-Pot. If I could just allow myself to remain at an even temperature there would be no sudden outbursts or explosions that leave messes. At the end of the day I could enjoy the grace of God that has been cooking within me all day!

Is your temper like a microwave or a Crock-Pot? Try being quick to listen but slow to speak...simmer down and then stir up your thoughts in your head allowing yourself to remain at just the right temperature. At the end of the day, you too will enjoy what God's been cooking in you!

Is God With You?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

There is nothing better than being in the right place at the right time for the right reason. Everything seems to come together and it feels as if life was just set up for your benefit. As Moses was trying to prepare the children of Israel to get into the right place at the right time, it was important to him that they always had God with them. Nothing mattered as much as being in the company of God.

It seems that too often we more concerned with being in the right group or getting the right notoriety and we have little or no regard for God in the mix. When Moses was confused he talked to God. When he needed guidance he talked to God. You can read about one example of that in Exodus 33. He would go into the Tent of Meeting and a cloud of God's glory would come down and hover over the entrance. All of the people would watch and bow in reverence. When Moses came out of those private instruction sessions, he was visibly changed. When we have God walking with us and talking to us, we will be changed too. Things will start to work together for a positive outcome. The favor of God will be upon us.

So today, don't worry about whether you are in the right group or not. Don't allow yourselves to have to be noticed to be happy. Get right with the Lord. Here Him say to you today, "just trust me."He will make you feel special, just like He created you to be and move you at the right time, to the right place, for the right reason. Tell God what Moses told him in Exodus 33:15..."if you don't go with us personally, don't let us move a step from this place."

If God is for us, who can be against us!

Seven Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Today I was reading Psalm 34 in the Message Bible and as I read each of the first seven verses, my spirit began to be strengthened. Joy filled me up inside, I smiled and thanked the Lord for His divine protection and provision. Take a moment today and quiet the noise around you and read this out loud. I pray that it lifts you up like it did me!

Be blessed and share a cup with someone:)

PS 34:1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.

2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out.

4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.

5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.

6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.

7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.

That's Not What I Planned!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

1We can make our own plans,

but the Lord gives the right answer.

2People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

3Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16

That's not what I planned! I never thought that would happen! There have been so many times in my life when I made plans only to have them all change as the Lord took over. I thought that what I was doing was the right thing but my heart was not really “in it” and the heart is what is most important to Him. So now I am trying daily to surrender my plans, my choices, my thoughts and my words to Him so that He can make something good out of them.

What was your plan when you woke up today? Perhaps the Lord has already started to change it! If that’s the case, take a deep breath and know that He is about to turn everything around for you. The plan He has is good and success is guaranteed!

How Can I Make Sure I Never Miss a Cup?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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The book Transitions is a perfect resource for those changing seasons on their life(jobs, relationships, locations). And if you need more clarity regarding your purpose in life, choose Dreams2Destiny which documents Joe's journey from the nations largest music ministry into starting a church in the Bible belt. He also describes the many miracles that occurred in producing the largest Christian concert in history by a solo artist(CARMAN) at the former and legendary Texas Stadium.

Our mission is to be your rich blend of inspiration for the daily grind...to make you smile and think about things that are true, noble, pure and right. We thank you in advance for buying our products, using our resources and encouraging others to live the life that God designed them to live. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord and your plans will succeed!

Have a fantastic weekend and thank you for sharing a cup of joe!

Words

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

“Too much talk leads to sin.

Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19

I think this scripture ought to appear on the homepage of every person’s Facebook page! It really is amazing how we often use the social networks to vent and voice our opinion. You really start to notice just how callous and hard we can be when a nationwide incident comes up and these networks start buzzing. Some folks need to unwind so they can learn to be ind!

I have had my share of what I could only call “vocal vomiting” which is when I open my mouth and words come out that no one wants to hear because they are awful. I’ve learned that when my mind is not showing the right pictures, I need to turn the sound off!

Use your words to build up people and promote growth rather than destroy. Faith comes by “hearing”. Well hurt does too so choose wisely what you say. Too much talk can take you to the wrong place. Be sensible and use words to win people:)

“When words keep you from feeling good,

use them as firewood and let em’ burn” TRAIN

Inner Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

1 Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

I have always been the type of person that can get ready very quickly for the day. Picking out clothes is not tough and taking care of my hair, well, you know that can't be hard as there is not too much of it left!

I love the lesson that the Lord wants us to get here: outward beauty comes from letting inner beauty out! In other words when we have the right spirit, we will always glow with the love and peace that only comes from knowing Christ.

So grab your Bible first and pump up your heart by feeding your spirit. That gentle spirit is so precious to God and so important for you. Inner beauty never needs makeup:)

Now, go get em gorgeous!

It Won't Be Long

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

How long, Lord, must I call for help,

but you do not listen?

Or cry out to you, “Violence!”

but you do not save?

3Why do you make me look at injustice?

Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

Destruction and violence are before me;

there is strife, and conflict abounds.

4Therefore the law is paralyzed,

and justice never prevails.

The wicked hem in the righteous,

so that justice is perverted.

Habakkuk 1:2-4

Ever felt like this? Like all of your prayers are bouncing off the walls and God can’t hear them? Discouraged by the fact that so many wrongs seem to be tolerated and justice seems distant?

I think we all have. Seasons come and go and though we face times when “darkness” would seem to prevail, it wont be long until JOY returns! It did not take long for the Lord to answer and He said,

“For I am going to do something in your days

that you would not believe,

even if you were told.”

Are you ready to see and experience something unbelievable? Then just hold on, hope on and get ready! It won’t be long!

Set Free

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 1:10-11 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

There is no doubt that evil is present in our world and bad things happen all the time. In this chapter Paul talks about some of the troubles he had while trying to share his faith and persuade people to follow Christ. Many times, circumstances and situations beyond his control occurred. But every time, God was in control and deliverance was the outcome. Deliverance means to be set free.

I like this scripture because it assures us that this help in my difficulties is not simply a one time thing. I can attest to that in my life too. I have seen and felt God's rescue in the past. I am experiencing that help right now in the present. And because of this pattern of behavior, I know that He will continue to bring me through what I am going through! And because of this ever-present help in times of trouble, I am thankful each and every day.

Set your hope today by resting in the understanding that God loves you and wants to help get you through your season of trouble. He has, He will and He will continue to set you free! Enjoy your freedom!

No Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Fear has been defined as False Evidence Appearing Real. It feels real, it sounds real, but in reality, it cannot hurt you. Things in the dark are like that. That is why its time for all of us to come out of the darkness and walk in this marvelous light: Christ has set us free…NO FEAR!

1 John 4:18 tells us that “perfect love casts out fear”. In other words, when we fall in love with Jesus, we become connected to the One who is able to turn fear into faith, doubt into certainty and to make victors out of people that were once victims. You and I have a purpose…to share our faith and experiences with Christ in a world that wants to stop being afraid all the time. We have the keys that unlock the answers that they need. No weapon that tries to rise up against you can win…NO FEAR!

Overcome Evil

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

This has been a long, hard week for so many. From the East Coast through the Midwest, trying times and difficult seasons have come. It takes this kind of adversity to show each of us just how resilient we can be and how much our dependency needs to be on something or someone greater than ourselves.

Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. Our faith would be tested, our beliefs challenged and our convictions pushed to the limit. Evil is present in this world and it is not going away. So, together, with the God's help, we march forward doing good for each other and showing why this is the greatest country in the world.

Boston has led the way this week and shown us that there is no limit to the power of love and kindness. Texas would need to know that too. And as we enter storm season here in Oklahoma, we know that God is in control and that no matter how bad things get, we have the power of the human spirit and the love of our friends and family fueled by our faith in our Creator.

Keep your head up, lend a helping hand and show a world that's watching just how blessed we are in these UNITED States of America. We ARE one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. May God bless all those that are growing in their faith and overcoming evil with good:)

Love can...

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Jones) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

There is an amazing power in love. Love can calm you down when you are on edge. Love can change your focus when you are looking in the wrong direction. Love can usher in humility to keep pride from rising up. Love looks to benefit others and chooses to not engage in quarrels and dissension. Love smiles when goodness prevails. Love leaps when honesty surfaces.

Love covers all. Love never fails. Today, choose love in EVERY situation, and EVERY relationship. Love will ALWAYS protect you. Let your words bring life and your actions bring help to those around you. Pour your heart into people. Let LOVE be your greatest aim!