My Journey 7/21 - 7/24/2010

God's insight for me:

As I was reading various devotionals for my journey on these days, though they were good, I found God silent. He wasn't speaking to me or giving me His inspired poems. Today I came to this devotional by Katherine J Kehler. As she wrote about things changing all around us I thought how true. Then as I read on, God's message to me hit home. "Tell them about me!" As I go through my daily journey, though those around me can see a change from the old me, I must be more vocal for Christ! For all eyes that will read this blog please stop and ask yourself, "Is Jesus my friend?" All I can do is tell you how He changed my life. Tomorrow is Sunday. I am not sure what hymns or praise songs they will be singing but "What a friend we have in Jesus" I will be singing in my heart. Praise God!

My Eyes Gazed At The Cross

As I walked into church
and sat in my favorite pew,
my eyes gazed at the cross
and I didn't know what to do.

I envisioned Jesus nailed to it
and heard Him say to me,
"I am glad you came to my house
it is important for Me, you see!

Sometimes in your busy life
you never take time to understand.
See everything you hear, taste, touch and smell
was all created for you, by these nail pierced loving hands!

Remember Sunday is My day
to come learn, sing and give Praise.
For yes, it is I, Jesus,
that is with you each and every day.

So thank you for coming to My house,
this visit is always short and sweet.
I can't wait to thank you in person,
on the day we finally meet!"

E. P. Shagott
1/1/2007


To listen to this inspired hymn on YouTube click here.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************

A feature story from "Thoughts About God" website

What a Friend we have in Jesus
by Katherine J Kehler

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in Him” (Ephesians 3:12).

What a friend we have in Jesus! We sang that song in church yesterday. Wow, that song has meaningful words. Have you sung it recently? Just read the last two lines of the second verse:

“Can we find a friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrow bear?
Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

What an amazing friend! He is always there for us - caring, listening, loving. He never leaves us. He is always the same and He is always there. Our Stability (the Rock)!

Everyone and everything else around us changes constantly. Our bodies change. Our locations change. The seasons change. Children come and go - friends too. Parents leave. Of course, I don’t have to tell you about changes. You are well aware.

That is why, while we were singing, What a Friend we Have in Jesus yesterday, I thought of a very sad time in our lives when our five-month old grandson died suddenly from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It was the hardest time we had ever gone through. Not only were we grieving the loss of our grandson, we watched our children (which was so much worse) go through grief.

During the time I was grieving the death of Spencer, I would often wonder what could be more painful than losing our precious grandbaby? But one day the Holy Spirit told me what could be much, much worse. He reminded me that if Jesus would leave me that would be utterly horrible - total darkness. Can you imagine?

Who would I talk to hundreds of times a day if He weren’t there? Who would I send thoughts of praise to many times a day? Where would I go in times of emergency? Where would I receive Life and Light for the day?

How glad I am that He will never leave me - or you. No matter the changes that occur during our lifetime, He does not change. He does not leave us! He is our “forever friend.” What a friend we have in Jesus!

Father, thank You for living in us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that Your Word is truth - all Your promises are true. You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You so much. Amen.

Is Jesus your friend? Would you like a personal relationship with Him?

Giving your life to Jesus is an act of faith that you can express through prayer.

Praying is simply talking to God. He knows you . What matters is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest you pray the following prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I thank you for your love and that you came into the world to die for me. I confess that I have directed my own life and that I have therefore sinned against God. I now want to put my trust in you and receive you in my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Make me the person you want me to be. I thank you that you answered my prayer and that you are now in my life. Amen."

Is it the desire of your heart to make this prayer yours?

If yes, pray now and according to his promise, Jesus Christ will come into your life.