All Things Possible!

January 3, 2013

As Jesus sets His mind towards Jerusalem, knowing full well that crucifixion awaits Him there, He is not detoured from the purposes of God.  Even when the Pharisees tried to dissuade Him, saying “’Get away from here if you want to live!’”, Jesus’ life, work, and death would not be determined by Herod or the Pharisees!!  As my LASB comments, “His life was planned and directed by God Himself, and His mission would unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan.”

My heart is comforted by those words this morning.   As today could be the day we receive a call regarding my dad's  care, we can rest knowing that if Herod, the Pharisees and satan himself could not interfere with the plan of Jesus going to Jerusalem, then, the power that controlled all details then continues to rest in the hands of the only One who still holds each moment, directs each breath, and guards each heart committed to Him.  And He not only controls our hearts… He is the one opening doors, closing doors and specifically mapping out the plan for daddy’s care.  Perhaps a specific nurse needs to be in place for daddy’s arrival and she/he has been on holidays.  Perhaps a specific room is best suited… or roommate ….  Just because God seems inactive from our perspective at times, He is making all things possible!  His plan for salvation was greater than a symbol of a man on a cross …. His plan had the power to save then and now throughout every generation.  We rest in the power of our resurrected Lord!  We wait for His best for daddy to unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan with thankful anticipation today!

"I will call on Your name

For there's always a way

When You lead me.

And when life knocks me down

I am not counted out

For You're with me

And You're with me.

I know mountains can move

I've seen what You can do

In my weakness.

So my heart will believe

If I wait I will see

My God doing

What only He can do!!

Even when it feels like the light is fading

And I've lost my way

Still I'm holding on to the One who's making

All things possible!

Even when it feels like my heart is breaking

Hold on!  There is strength!

Knowing I belong to the One who's making

All things possible!

My God is strong and mighty!

My God is faithful!

My hope is in the Lord

For He is able!"

(All Things Possible; Mark Schultz)

Close Enough

January 2, 2013

This morning I am considering how much Jesus gives us, even when we don’t know our need or are afraid to ask. I love that God notices me!!!

The account I read this morning is of a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit, bent double for eighteen years, and unable to stand up straight.  “When Jesus saw her, He called her over …” (Luke 13:12) That so struck me this morning.  Maybe eighteen years ago she had been asking for help.  Maybe she never assumed it was her right to ask …. Maybe she felt unworthy ….. But for some reason, she was in the synagogue, near to Jesus, near enough that He could see her, yet not seeking His personal intervention or help.  She was not pleading with Him, she was not doing the initiating .... she was not approaching Him in any way, but He still saw her, and HE called her over saying, “’Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!’  Then He touched her, and instantly she could stand straight.” (vs.12,13)

He noticed … He called …. He healed ….. and she responded ….. “How she praised God!” (vs. 13)

There was nothing left for her to do but praise!!  None of the story was about her – all God!!!

Today Lord I rest in the fact that You notice …. and because You do, You will speak and You will act …. and I will praise!!!!!  GREAT IS THEY FAITHFULNESS!!  It is enough for me to stay close enough to hear Your voice, so that when You turn to me and say, "Dear woman" .... I will embrace all You have to offer me today.

Garden of Grace

January 1, 2013

’Sir, give it one more chance.  Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.  If we get figs next year, fine.  If not, then you can cut it down.’” (vs. 8,9)

I wonder, as I begin the first day of a new year, if this is how Jesus sees me.  Does He, with the fresh new start, look, and say, “Give her yet one more chance.  Leave her for another year, and I’ll give close personal attention to her, everything she could possible need to produce fruit …. and let’s see what happens.”

Choosing Jesus today ...... this moment, .... and every moment.  I have a "one more chance" from the God of  second, third and fourth chances.  I have another opportunity, with all the resources of heaven, to be today who God has designed me to be.  He has turned His "special attention" to me, and is providing me with all I need for healthy growth through His Word and His unlimited resources!!  If I fail to bear fruit, it will not be the fault of the Gardener ......  Oh Lord, I surrender my heart and life to You afresh this morning.  Longing to respond to the Gardener's patient care and special attention to the details of my life and then to bear the fruit God has created me to produce - one more chance - one more year.  May today and tomorrow and this year bear His imprint on the soil of my life, that at the end of 2013 my garden will be full of the fragrance of His presence.

Choosing Living!

No real time at the moment to be updating or writing posts - too busy embracing life - or having it tackle me to the ground at times!!! But heh - need to save that energy for living! So, only keeping the account alive for the purpose of having an account for the "odd" time I comment elsewhere! Some day, I'd love to pour my heart into writing, but right now, I'm pouring my heart into living!!! To all of you that can find the time to do both - wow!

Cornerstone Ladies Bible Fellowship

Cornerstone Ladies Bible Fellowship

Cornerstone Ladies Bible Fellowship is a growing group of faithful women, dedicated to the study of God’s Word, desiring to follow Christ by example, and grow in faith and fellowship with other women.  Tuesday mornings are a time of great friendships, refreshments, and fun, culminating in an in-depth study of God’s Word. 

 

Arrival and Refreshments: 
Tuesday Mornings     9:30 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.     
Study:   9:45 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

 

In addition, special event mornings/days are scheduled to enhance both our fellowship and study times together.  Stay in touch with our church website to be notified of any upcoming opportunities.

 

This year we are offering two different studies, one on the Book of James, "Growing in Wisdom and Faith" by Elizabeth George, and one on the Book of Proverbs, "Ancient Wisdom for a Postmodern World" by Sue Edwards.  Both studies provide an interactive way to connect with other women, and learn and grow together from week to week. 

 

The year began September 17th with a evening "Cornerstone Cafe", featuring decadent desserts, and special speaker Jenny Boot, wife of Joe Boot, pastor/apologist/author and former Executive Director of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Canada.

 

If you love God's Word and are looking to go deeper in your walk with Him, come join us for fellowship and a fresh look at His Word together.  All are welcome!! 

 

 

 

KICK-OFF EVENT

presented by:

CORNERSTONE CAFE

 

Pictures from Thursday, September 17^th, at 7:00 p.m.

Special Guest Speaker: Jenny Boot

Sing, Mountain! Sing!!!!!

I recognize it's been a long time since I've posted a note ...... for many reasons .... but today I am prompted to supply just one little reflection.

Last night, Joy, Joyce, Lois and I went to see "The Sound of Music", a birthday "exchange" treat for Joy and I. It was a marvellous evening from the time we met until a joyful sleep whisked me off over the hills of slumber once more.

Most prominent, however, became one line at the end of the musical ... that touched my heart profoundly. The von Trapp family was in the Abbey, seeking sanctuary, as they are about to embark on their journey to freedom over the mountains of Austria to Switzerland. The Mother Abbess is speaking in a spirit of prayer as she blesses them and says, "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth before you into singing." ( Psalm 121:1, Isaiah 55:12)

My heart gasped~! "The mountains and the hills will break forth before you into singing."!!

WOW!! You see, my family is on a journey to freedom over the mountain before us .... freedom from concerns and burdens that lay heavy on our hearts. We have a mountain in our lives right now .... one that does not look like it is offerring any help ... or joy..... or peace. In fact, it seems unsurpassable. Yet, all of a sudden my heart grasped that not only can God MOVE this mountain, with less effort than it took last night on stage!... but, He can even cause the mountain - the very thing that hinders us now - to break forth into singing!!! A place of JOY!!! And maybe, God isn't as interested in MOVING the mountain, as He is in TRANSFORMING this mountain ..... from a place of pain, to a place of JOY! GREAT JOY!!!

I love the idea of my place of fear and devastation becoming my place of refuge and song! I love the idea that the terror of silence now, so much still hidden in the crevices of the mountain ... that these places of disbelief will become the well-spring of joyous song!!!!!

An unwritten song, ...... an unpenned melody as yet, but, knowing that if God is putting the harmonies together....... It will be a song worth singing!!!And so, I turn to face this mountain this morning ..... and wait for the Conductor to lift His baton .... and turn discord into song! I'm waiting to hear this mountain sing!!!

Simply an update. I have found that posting items regarding the journey for my dad has been easier to track quickly through "notes" on Facebook. Those who wish to join the journey, may check the link out over under "Japhia Dale Scott". Many thanks.