Every day should be "Take Jesus to Work Day"

Okay, so much for writing everyday or at the very least more than the two times I have written this month. It isn’t because Jesus and I haven’t been busy or because we haven’t had anything to share, it is simply being too wrapped in other things together that we haven’t had a moment to write and post but trust me…He is still all over our lives.

My daughter is still in California and her boyfriend’s family is being tested in situations that need prayer (and they are getting it). I could not be more bummed that Baby moved but am reminded daily why Jesus let her go on this road trip “….for such a time is this.” Esther 4:14. She is able to help this family in a way they would never ask for but, because of Him, they don’t have to. It was great to be let in on this part of His plan this week and to share with the mom of this family…a bit of comfort in knowing they are not alone and despite never meeting, they are part of our family…tied together by our children. My husband is still unemployed but Jesus is giving us glimpses of His plan for us with each phone call, email, interview, or JobShop. Friends are being called for references and his diligence is unwavering. My husband is truly living the “Faith and Footwork” promise we made to Him for this year and I know that we will be let in on the full part of the employment plan he has for us soon. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD….” Jeremiah 29:11-14

As my husband was at an all day JobShop offered by our church, I “went to work” in my library/office; just me and Cardboard Jesus. I have been blessed to sew journal covers and scripture sleeves for an upcoming Women’s Conference that a fellow Lyla is presenting at next weekend. She has asked me to bring my ministry to the women attending that conference so they may have to opportunity to purchase something as a “marker” of the importance of the event or what they have gotten out of it. “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.”  Proverbs 31:13 (I don’t work with wool and flax but fabric. It just means that she is skilled in working with textiles to provide for the clothing needs of her household….. I can do that.) “She perceives that her merchandise is profitable, Her lamp does not go out at night.”  Proverbs 31:18 (Profitable indicates that she is able to realize economic gain from the diligence of her labor, which she uses to purchase a field and provide for her household. I am not looking to purchase a field anytime soon but helping to provide for my household while my husband is looking for work, is a great thing … simply by using my sewing machine from mom and my skills given to me by Him. My lamp does go out at night although some days it goes out a little later than others so I can meet my self-appointed quota for the day in order to make more products to sell at this conference or others; or craft shows at churches, etc.)   “She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.”  Proverbs 31:24 (This indicates skill in creating clothing of beauty and value. Such activity exemplifies a high degree of entrepreneurial skill and responsibility in making financial decisions and undertaking commercial activity. Wow…. I like to think that when Jesus and I are working in my library/office that we put out things of beauty with His word on them, that people want. Everything I do is for Him and he is giving me these opportunities to not just make this a “hobby” ministry but one that can sustain our family a bit while getting His word out there.)

During the Christmas services at our church, our pastor told a story. Two men pass in the hallway of a church; two men than have worked together for 10+ years. They both have this look as they approach each other and say “Hey, Tom, how’s it going? Wow… I didn’t know you went here.” The other replies “Yeah, awesome. So, you’re one of “us”, huh? I had NO idea.”

Can you imagine? Working with someone that long and not only did they not know that you were at the same church (which would be easy since our church is pretty big) BUT, they didn’t know that either were a Christian. Our pastor said that if your life is truly transformed and you have been changed IN HIM….you won’t have to tell a single person. They will know it by the way that you act and present yourself. Hence… I think that EVERYDAY should be “Take Jesus to Work Day.” Granted, it would be easier if everyone had their own personal Savior (Cardboard Jesus…like I do) but that isn’t what it is about. I know that people in my life KNOW that I have changed and been transformed because of the way I act and present myself. I don’t have to drag my Cardboard Cut-Out with me as proof. If we all had Jesus with us in our hearts and “took Him to work with us” everyday, imagine the lives that could be touched and possibly changed by simple actions; Christian actions, us being more like Him.

First I was the girl that was transparent in bible study; spilling her “stuff” out on the second week. Telling my story and where I came from just to give them a glimpse of what Jesus has done for me in my life. The result: Others following suit, being bold and telling their “stuff,” knowing that what “Happened in Bible Study….stayed in Bible Study.” A group of 10ish women bonding through the study (The Sacred Echo) but finding more than that in friendships, stronger relationships with Him….and each other. Now, secondly…since being home from California, I am the girl that is not just transparent but “silly” in a way. My relationship with Jesus is personal. More personal than I ever imagined and one I could not be more thankful for. My friends know that I am the one that talks to him like he is my imaginary friend, the one that I ask advice from, talk with as if he is in the room…no matter where that room is. I have never been one that is great at “praying” but He and I have THE best conversations ever because He listens.

When my husband and friends asked how this relationship evolved to what it is today, it sounds almost sad in its explanation, but I say simply… “I was lonely.” I had a lot of time to myself when in California and no matter how much my friends and family in Michigan connected with me…it just seemed like it wasn’t enough and I was missing out. I turned to the Word…His word. I found “friends” by reading the bible. It was like reading a novel and being sucked in, having these stories and letters become stories about people I passed on the street and letters that Paul wrote to me. (It is a bit like “The Bachelor” in that I know he was “talking” to others and forming relationships with other people but in my mind….it was all about me; advice that he was giving to me to pass along to others, and I couldn’t get enough).

But, my Lylas love me anyway…maybe even more since I have returned than before I left…if that is possible. And I know that I have come to be closer to them since my return and I can’t help but think it is all HIM and because WE are closer. Sure, I am the transparent, silly Lyla. I am the one that says it’s okay to talk about Jesus like you really had coffee with him that morning or you talked with him about a specific situation and “You know what Jesus had to say?  Oh my gosh…let me tell you.”

You don’t have to have a 6’2” Cardboard Jesus like I do, in order to take him to work with you; or to take him along to a hockey game like we just went to last night. He is with us always and others will see Him in us, no matter where we are…if we are truly transformed in Him and want to be more like him. My good friend Paul says it more perfectly than I could ever attempt….

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” Philippians 3:12-4:1

Now… I want to share links of a couple of my Lylas that DO take Jesus to work with them because they are His entrepreneurs and do His will every time they put together a talk or piece of jewelry in His name or write about Him for others to see his awesome will in their lives through their devotions.

Shameless plugs for the work we do in Jesus because He rocks and we can’t help but share that.

My ministry for bible covers, scripture sleeves, and ideas we chat about while Jesus and I work together. (My website is still a work in progress….but so am I. I promise to have it functioning by the end of the week and look forward to any feedback you have to give.)

http://www.watercolorministries.com/

Lynnette and her amazing insight into jewelry and His word. I would love to be more like her when I grow up and thank Jesus for the friendship that he brought to me in her every day. And you know what? He NEVER gets tired of hearing it OR about her when we chat over coffee.

http://www.gemsfromhiscrown.com/

http://www.wellspringoflivingwater.blogspot.com/

Heather and the gift she has for wanting to show other women the vision He has given her for their lives and the encouragement she extends to others on their path to find their destiny He always intended for them; through her blog and through her ministry at HBMinistries.

http://www.heatherbaxterblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.heatherbaxter.com/

Hanging out with Britt, Lincoln, Matthew....and Jesus

….and Lynnette and Heather; to round out my week.  This has been an exhausting, productive, inspiring, and amazing week. During my “Coffee with Jesus” time on more than one occasion, I scolded myself for not writing more. I feel guilty and selfish for not sharing all that He has done for me lately; the good, the bad, the reminders, the praises, the time, and the friends. The tagline scripture in the banner of my blog should be a constant reminder …. “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1Peter 3:15. I am not only prepared but welcome any opportunity (or make my own) to let people know where the joy in my heart comes from…even when, to others in the world, I have every reason to not be joyful. Oh, if only they knew. Hey…they can because I can’t keep quiet about it; until recently. I have no reason for not writing more often and have pinky promised with my new Cardboard Jesus that the writing will be much more frequent and I will not just share His praises with those I see, but those that will “SEE” Him in me by writing this blog.

First the exhausting and productive parts. I was elated to begin volunteering at my church again this week. You are now “looking at” the self-proclaimed Vacuum Queen of Northridge Church. I get to don my cape and grab the super powered German machine three days a week for four hours each day (and still not get it all done). I am embarrassed to admit that after vacuuming six hours straight on Monday that Monday night left me sore and unable to move from my couch that greeted me at the top of my entryway stairs. I couldn’t believe how physically drained I was but laid there with a smile on my face. Throughout my vacuuming I was encouraged in Him via my pink headphones attached to my pink iTouch; my good friends Britt (Nicole), Lincoln (Brewster), and Matthew (West) singing His praises literally ….as loud as my musical machine would go. I was thankful that the din of the vacuum drowned out just how loud it was as people passed me in the hallways with a smile and/or a wave.

I started my day with Britt blaring in both ears. To think I didn’t even “know” her until a couple months ago when Janet shared a song that “was so me.” She told me that she thought of me when hearing it and had to share how she saw me and give me hope to never stop sharing my story or what He has done for me because that’s “…How the Lost get Found.”

Don't let your lights go down, Don't let your fire burn out....'cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe. Why don't you rise up now? Don't be afraid to stand out. That's how the lost get found. The lost get found.

I think all of us hear music and are inspired or reminded, blessed and touched, or just made happier; especially anything that has to do with Him….at least that is how I see it. After Britt sang I played Matthew and loved being taken in by his praises to Jesus; stories put to music to make our relationships even more real than they already are. My husband and I have a song that is “our song” and when I hear others I am reminded of one friend or another. But…if I were asked to pick just one song that was mine and Jesus’ song I could never pick just one. I probably have three or four just from my good friend Matthew. This week it was “You Are Everything.” This is the song that brings me back to my testimony shared at church where I met Janet for the first time.

I’m the one with big mistakes, big regrets - And bigger breaks than I’d ever care to confess.  Oh, but You’re the one who looks at me and sees what I was meant to be...more than just a beautiful mess.

You are everything that I live for....Everything that I can't believe is happening - You're standing right in front of me with arms wide open - All I know is everyday is filled with hope.

Then I ended my day, for the last hour, I vacuumed happily and joy filled to the same song. Lincoln singing “Today is the Day.” THIS was the song that if I were forced to pick just ONE….would be in the top five. This is how I feel for Him everyday, no matter the situation. I wake up singing this to Him and live it to the fullest. But, regardless of how many times I have heard and sang this song…Today WAS the Day.

I'm casting my cares aside. I'm leaving my past behind. I'm setting my heart and mind on you....Jesus. I'm reaching my hand to yours. Believing there's so much more. Knowing that all you have in store for me is good. - Today is the day you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it....and I won’t worry about tomorrow. I’m trusting in what you say - Today is the day.

Today was the day that my heart sang to Him even if my lips weren’t moving and sound did not escape my mouth. Because for some reason I thought of Him like I hadn’t before. I truly believe that there is a party in Heaven every time someone repents and finds their own relationship with Jesus and I know that there is singing going on and arms wide open each time someone “comes back to Him.” BUT today I wondered… does He sing for us as we do for Him? Of course He does. At least that is how I saw Jesus today. Instead of me hearing a song and saying to myself “Yeah, that is totally something I would, and do, sing to Him.” I imagined Jesus singing it about me; about us. Him singing to me “This is how the lost get found” or Jesus telling me “You are my everything” and definitely Him reminding me every day that “Today is the Day” that He made and gave to me to do His work for His glory and tell anyone that will listen.

The inspiring and amazing parts of my week are the ones I never get tired of but feel blessed and surprised each time I think about them; my family and my friends. Everything is in His timing and it seems to take forever when I am constantly just sitting and waiting for an answer to this prayer or that one but…every once in a while I have glimpses of what he needs from me; to be patient and satisfied with knowing He has it all under control. AND it is sooo much better to be surprised when the UPS truck shows up outside with a brightly colored, wrapped present from Him than to be waiting on the porch, anxious for every truck sound that rounds the corner….expecting something that may or may not come. I waited for two years for a hopeful, renewed relationship with my oldest daughter and I had given up hope more than once until one day….there it was; my brightly colored package in the form of an email and then another, and another. It was like Christmas, my birthday, and Mother’s Day ALL rolled into one and it is a gift I cherish with each email I receive from her. I love that He gave this gift to me and in finding me, has given a gift to my mom as well. THAT is the true Circle of Life and one I am very grateful for.

The friends he has given me are incredible and inspiring and are cheerleaders in their own rite. There are many examples of friendships throughout the bible and He leaves it up to us to find the friendship we most want to emulate…and that goes beyond the kind of relationship we have with Him but to one we are encouraged to have with others. I am blessed to have many friends but the friendship I am most blessed to have is one with Lynnette. She is my Barnabas and one that is Barnabas to others as well. Let me back up just a bit….

When I went to my first bible study at Northridge Church I was anxious about the kind of people that Jesus would put in my path. I hadn’t been to a bible study before, and being a new Christian, could only imagine what the others in the study would be like. I worried they were closer to God because they had been Christians longer. I didn’t think I would fit in because I had a sketchy past to be rescued from and couldn’t possibly imagine others from a church with that kind of story. Lynnette sat beside me and in her quiet acceptance, welcomed me not only to the church and study, but to be her friend outside of that setting.

It is no secret that I have a crush on the apostle Paul. Aside from being completely smitten by everything he and Jesus says, I use him as an example of what I want my life to be like; finding joy in the strangest of places and encouraging others to find that joy and live it as I try to. One of my favorite books is by Beth Moore: “To Live Is Christ” and it is ALL about Paul. She writes:

“God had issued Saul an undeniable apostolic calling. He probably assumed his place was with the other apostles. But when he arrived in Jerusalem and tried to associate with them, “they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.” (Acts 9:26)

Two wonderful words begin the next verse: “But Barnabas.” Without a doubt Barnabas was a hero. Few things touch my heart more than Christian men who risk vulnerability in obedience to Christ. Barnabas reached out a helping hand to a discouraged man. Saul took that hand. Two lives bonded n that moment.

God use Barnabas to give others the courage to be the people He had called before the other apostles, they may have remembered how each of them had been the focus of his encouragement at one time or another. Now he encouraged them to accept a new brother.

Many probably criticized Barnabas for being gullible concerning Saul. Barnabas was willing to give people a chance even when others weren’t. Let’s look for ways to be a Barnabas in another’s life.

“I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 7”

Just as Paul had his own writing style and spoke from his heart encouraging others and telling anyone who would listen…what kind of person Barnabas was, it is only fitting that I try and emulate by showing everyone the kind of friend I have in Lynnette. No…it wasn’t as dramatic a scenario as Paul and Barnabas encountered but I did wonder if Lynnette’s husband would think she was crazy for wanting to befriend “someone like me.” But… in that moment and in many that have followed, Jesus bonded two lives for which I am eternally grateful. I only hope that I can give her the same encouragement in what she encounters and be a cheerleader for her as she is for the other “Lylas” we are blessed to cross paths with.  “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

This has truly been a week of things that others may not be joyful about; my husband is still unemployed and my youngest still moved 2500 miles away. There are still more bills than income and the glass vase near our door is getting filled with worries we give to Him because they are out of our control. But, no matter what happens in my life… I am forever reminded through friends, family, the bible, books, and music that He has been there and will continue to be there no matter what happens. We just need to put our faith in Him and know that he will provide. We are not alone but have Him and those he gives to us. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Going For a Boat Ride...."You Comin' Jesus?"

Part of realizing your destiny is knowing how to constantly be making progress. Progress requires going through lots of things that may be uncertain to us while doing it but, in hindsight, we know it was what had to happen; as we come out of the old and into the new person we are becoming.

Everyone thinks that there has to be some life-changing transformation when you become a Christian….and for some of us that is true. BUT, there are others that just know they want a relationship with Him and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. I went to a church service recently where our pastor talked briefly of transformations and how, if we are truly transformed, it should be noticeable to everyone. The excitement we feel, the joy we experience, the grace given to us and want to share with others; a true “Cheerleader for Jesus.”

John 6:15-21 tells of a story where the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee on their way to Capernaum. Any crossing from one place to another requires a transition that begins with an ending and ends with a new beginning. Leaving the shore represented an ending, catapulting the disciples into a transition – that limbo period between the ending and a new beginning. Limbo….just like the boat at sea. The disciples weren’t where they started and they hadn’t made it to where they were going. They had been cut loose to cross the Sea of Galilee and were vulnerable to the elements. The wind came up and they were even more unstable, threatening to capsize their boat; never getting them to their new destination.

I think; more dramatic than the transformations….are the series of transitions that we go through and what becomes of us because of them; or in spite of them. Before I was a Christian, when something would go wrong I would wonder: “If there is a God, how can he allow something like this to happen?” ….Having breast cancer at the age of 30 with three small daughters and a precarious marriage. I blamed God for that and “to show him”… I refused any kind of relationship with him for a long time. Then when I was a Christian and things wouldn’t go as I hoped they would (because let’s face it… just having a relationship with Jesus doesn’t make our lives all peaches, even though that would be pretty great), I say things like “Satan is really working overtime these days.”

But…in reading this passage from John, I realized that I was giving Satan too much credit.

The story goes on….

“A strong wind was blowing and waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” John 6:18-21

In that unstable place, the disciples were confronted with contrary winds that threatened to capsize their boat and keep them from arriving at their destination. “Contrary” means antagonistic, against, or opposing. The wind was trying to keep the disciples from reaching their destiny.

In the middle of everything the disciples faced, Jesus came to them. They didn’t recognize him at first and were hesitant in asking him into the boat; just as I put him off so many times before the BIG transformation. But…when they did recognize him and they let him into the boat….it was a decision that saved their lives and allowed them to get to the new place that God intended. If God sent them, then he was also committed to their destiny and would release all of the resources necessary for them to get to the other side. When God directs us in a way that leads us into transition, He has already committed Himself to come to us when we reach unstable waters.

Since having Jesus as my BFF, I have had LOTS of contrary things come my way and I realize that my story is so much more than my transformation. My story is one that is lived everyday in the transitions that are put in my path; not giving Satan the credit but knowing that God is putting me to a test of faith as he did the disciples that night crossing the Sea of Galilee. Satan has nothing to do with any part of my transitions I live through now. The peaches and the peas of my life are only driven by Jesus and I will do my best to walk with the faith that is expected of me.

No….I guess this isn’t the typical “Welcome to the New Year” blog. But it was definitely one put on my heart by the one that matters….Jesus. My husband found out that his position was no longer needed just two days before Christmas. My youngest daughter I welcomed home just a few months ago, has decided that she wants to move back to California and leaves on Friday; less than two weeks after she told us the news. My middle daughter had car troubles and didn’t get to come home this Christmas after all. The amount of our bills outnumber the amount of our income. But in the middle of this “contrary” time… my oldest daughter responded to one of my countless emails I sent just last week and we are now emailing back and forth, sometimes twice a day; and we haven’t spoken in two years.

Jesus got into my boat back in October of 2009 but that was just the beginning. Without the relationship that I have with him, the everyday transitions that are part of my life, would go unanswered; worried about, and stressed over. The clear glass vase that we had by our door to leave our troubles in over the holiday; is still there. We decided to leave it there and continue to fill it with things we can’t control but know He can.

2011 is a year of Faith and Footwork. We have faith in Him to get us through our “Sea of Galilee” trip no matter how many waves come crashing into our boat. God has given us the resources to handle whatever comes our way. When my husband was unemployed last time, it was seventeen months. We had just accepted Christ as our savior but had no idea what that meant or what to do next. Those resources?? Yeah. We have friends; a lot of them. We have a church family that is like no other. We have bible studies and small groups. We have a prayer network and we have Jesus…in our boat. We have faith in Him and want to show him the faith we are going to live by. The footwork part? That’s easy. We will apply for the jobs, fill our vessels in church and bible study and small groups. We will volunteer at church in whatever capacity is needed (I start vacuuming again next Monday…. and can’t wait). We will NOT sit idly by and dwell on our circumstances because we know that He has gotten us through things before with a lot less faith and a lot less friends and resources; imagine what He can do now. Woohoo.

This isn’t a New Year’s Resolution but a pinky promise to show others what he is capable of. A real life “Oh yeah… well look what Jesus did for me today” moment.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”  2Corinthians 1:3-5

Had to throw a scripture from Paul in there because it was so appropriate and....it is Paul…lol.

Bibles and Black Shoes...You Can Never Have Too Many

Having one bible is never enough; not for me anyway. There are different translations, covers, titles, stories, red letter versions, devotions, concordances, reading plans, study or not study; the list is endless….and I couldn’t be happier.

Though some may wonder…. “Isn’t having one enough, since a bible is a bible and they’re all the same?” There are still others of us that could get a new bible each week and find something fabulous and new in each one; being quick to share the differences with anyone that asks.

I like to use the reasoning that women through the ages have used with their husbands to justify the number of black shoes that live in their walk-in closets. “Yes, I do already own a pair of black shoes; maybe even a dozen, but they all have a purpose and should be treated with the utmost respect.” Okay…perhaps respect is the wrong word in this scenario but each does have a story to tell and holds a place in her heart; even if it is merely to be the perfect shoe worn with her favorite outfit. You have your most comfortable black ballerina flats or another pair with just enough heel to keep those jeans from dragging the pavement. Then there are the boots that go from day to night with just the change of a top and the far from reasonable pumps worm maybe once a year that are high on a shelf in a shoebox waiting patiently to make their appearance.

Bibles are more than 66 books in one to me. It is God’s love letter to us. It is a history book; our history. It is a book that can be picked up at any time, opened to any page and make complete sense. I have an ESV study bible that was picked out by my mommy; a family bible of sorts. No it wasn’t handed down from generation to generation but each member of my family; mom, dad, sisters and their families own the same one. We each have different covers but my mom and dad were like spokespersons for this bible and sold each of us on it quickly and easily. My burgundy leather cover opens up to vellum pages that my pink book index tabs are attached to. Each “chapter” gives a synopsis of what the book is about; who wrote it and when, the theme, and the purpose, occasion, and background; key themes, literary features, and an outline. There are shaded areas that have further explanation below each verse, and maps for further clarification. It even has an online study feature that reads scripture to me as I complete one bible study or another; looking for answers. This bible is my “leave at home, always wide open, online-at-the-ready, truly studying and digging deeper” bible. Because of the weight, thickness, and fragility of the pages it is the only one of my bibles that does not continually get a change of “clothes” and is dragged with me to one class, study, or event but constantly within arm’s reach when sewing or writing in my ministry. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving and my first “real” bible that sparked the interest and “hobby” of adding to my collection; each having their own place “in my heart” but not taken “out” as often just as those special occasion, less than practical pumps in the top of my closet. (Not taken out but definitely much more accessible than those shoes).

 I also have several NIV translations, but just like my collection of black shoes; they all have their own specific purpose. Two of them are Women’s Devotionals but each with different stories and formats that make them specifically unique as well. These are my favorite bibles; both for the translations as well as what they offer inside (aside from the obvious). I love to read the excerpts that are just a page; a story that bring the bible to present life, full of scripture that further illustrates the similarities of today and thousands of years ago. These stories are written by normal everyday women and in one of the bibles always ends with “Women of Destiny……” and a one liner to walk away with. This obviously is my Women of Destiny bible. My other devotional bible also offers a one page story but in the margin has thought provoking questions and additional scriptures to read for diving into the topic further (love that part). My Celebrate Recovery bible is another NIV and my first hardcover (which I have decided I like better….for no specific reason). I love that this one was given to me by mom and the only one that boasts a dedication and signature from her too; a date and personal scripture; “Jesus said to her “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34  As an extra gift, the publishers included a scripture of their own that I loooove too; “He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (No surprise that this was spoken/written by Paul whom I didn’t know or follow when I received this gift but one whom I have come to have a secret crush on and, next to Jesus, follow him anywhere). This Celebrate Recovery edition was written specifically for the program started at Saddleback Church in California by pastors Rick Warren and John Baker. It is based on the Beatitudes and “the goal is not simply to recover from past sins and hurts. The goal is to become Christlike in our character.” What’s not to love about that piece of Foreword from Rick Warren? This bible isn’t just about recovery for drug addicts and alcoholics but people whose lives seem out of control. “He knows where we came from, where we stand today, and where we’re going to be tomorrow. And he says: 

-  If you’ve been hurt, “I want to heal you.”
-  If you’re confused, “I want to lead you.”
- If you’ve ever felt helpless to change anything, “I want to help you.”
- If you feel worried or afraid, “I want to offer peace to you.”

Isaiah 57:18-19

My NIV translations are my fave, always looked for black shoes; the three or four pair that are reached for every day, that go with anything and are comfortable and always fashionable. These bibles are the ones that are constantly being recovered in my newest style bible covers I make and the scriptures attached always reflect my current “season.” I can’t fathom how many different “outfits” I have for these but between covers and scripture sleeves, I am able to change quickly to match what I may be wearing that day. Love it.

My good friend Lynnette was blessed enough to get out and “bible shop” yesterday. She invited me along and I was so excited to be a part of it but something came up to keep me homebound instead…so I lived vicariously through her. She got to go alone; no hubby or kids. She was able to spend an entire hour in the local Family Christian Bookstore and take her time to pick out the “Bible of her current season.” Listening to her recount her hour long adventure was like being there and to anyone hearing our conversation, I can imagine them wondering what could be so exciting about picking out a book. I love that she got as excited telling me about her exploits as I was to hear them. She found one and then another; amassing a collection of four or five to choose from…various translations and styles but all geared towards women (we happen to share that season right now and I love that too). She opened each one carefully, feeling the weight of the pages, reading introductions and concordances, reading plans and writing style of devotions. She found a spot to sit quietly and pray for guidance… “Is it this one Jesus? Is this the bible for this season?” And, just like walking out of a shoe store with a new pair of black shoes; having the feeling that you “know” you got the right ones with no second thoughts…she found the bible in a new translation, perfect for her season…not knowing how long it will last but knowing that this bible will be THE one to get her through it no matter the length.

 Her afternoon of “bible perusing” made me want to run out and replace the Women of Faith NIV Study Bible that was lost in shipment from California to Michigan. I had to ship home many items I had collected while away for six months; a box weighing 34 pounds and filled to the rim with books and a handmade quilted tote I received from Lynnette for my birthday was among them. The box arrived in perfect condition but weighing just 2 pounds and carrying my precious tote but NONE of my precious books. But apparently these books and tote were not precious enough to purchase a very inexpensive insurance and the USPS is apologetic but not refunding the shipping charge or doing much to find any one of the 15 books that were also inside; two bibles and countless titles ALL relating to Jesus, God, Christ, or Girlfriends. <wink>

Needless to say, the books will be replaced and the bibles when re-purchased will be re-indexed with pink bible tabs (the preferred color of choice) and re-highlighted and re-postited (um…I like colored post-its throughout too). But according to mom I can use this for an opportunity to replace with a new bible from my current season and I already look forward to making my own trip to the Christian bookstore to select my own “new” bible; sure to make a stop at Starbucks before settling in for a while to make more than a purchase of a new bible…but, like Lynnette, make an experience out of it. She took Jesus to the store with her that day and just like a perfect husband would sit beside me in the chair at the shoe store and tell me all of the black shoes I try on are fabulous and understand my need for “just one more pair” – Jesus was with her…telling her that all of the bibles were good but it was up to her to make the decision; Him merely offering his advice on one over another based on the questions she asked him. “Do you think this one fits me best right now?” “Is this one “my color” for the path you have me going on this season?”

Yes… I love my black shoes but give me a choice at shoe shopping or spending an hour with Jesus picking out a new bible and there is no hesitation. It just means we get to stop for Starbucks on the way in addition to our normal coffee time at home – “Yes, please.”

Circle of Friends; Center of Attention (Episode 2 of 2)

In our first episode we saw how a Circle of Friends is supposed to work, however, in my efforts to be as transparent as possible, I felt it only fair to show how my Circle of Friends operated in my PJ era…(Pre-Jesus).

After finding Jesus I knew that I never had real friends before; not to anyone’s fault but my own but it wasn’t something I thought I missed. The friends I had were only defined by 1s and 2s and how I could be benefitted from those relationships.

As you recall the 1s in our “Circle of Friends” are strangers; “these are the people we may never see again. Our lives intersect only for an instant. We don’t know them and they don’t know us. We may never know the impact we have on their life, but there is the potential to change them forever. We may be the only Christ this person ever sees. This stranger may never set foot in a church and we must represent Him well.”

The 2s in our “Circle of Friends” represented acquaintances. “These are people that we happen to know from various places. Perhaps we sit near them at church, or we see them when we check in at the dentist office. We may know their faces and names, but we don’t share any personal information. We usually see these people by coincidence, not because we plan to see them.”

Circle of Friends

In my PJ era circle; no further numbers are required because the next set of numbers began the sharing phase and let’s face it…I didn’t share too many personal facts with anyone. Mind you; I said “facts”. Let me explain.

The PJ era was very one-sided; constantly asking the question “How will this benefit me?” Needless to say….it wasn’t a mentality I am proud of yet it is exactly how my life was lived. I didn’t complain of course because it was always “All about me.” I am shocked that my ex-husband and daughters put up with me as long as they did because it couldn’t have been easy to be around me as selfish as I was.

Center of Attention

In my “Center of Attention” circle I was, as the name describes….the center of attention. Unlike my current circle of friends, the one thing everyone had in common was me.

1s were still strangers but 2s were everybody else; even my own family. There was plenty of room for a relationship with Jesus and more meaningful relationships with others, but there was no desire. Any numbers closer to me meant opening up and disclosing truths and feelings I was unwilling to share.

Let’s call the purple dot, coworkers. Where I was perfectly at home and personable at work; I was not sharing personal information…unless it was something that made me look better. “Hey, I’m doing a breast cancer walk”….which would purely be to prove I was doing something charitable and, oh yeah, “Would you like to sponsor me?” I didn’t accept invitations to lunch or offers to attend Happy Hours after work on Fridays. I wasn’t interested in stepping outside of my comfort zone or doing anything that was going to benefit them or try to facilitate any kind of real friendship.

The red dot could represent one pub, the green another, and the yellow…yet another. At each location I had the ability to wear different masks; no one knowing what was under the mask or if one of them was really me…including myself. When I stopped living the party lifestyle I wondered who I really was without the overindulgence of alcohol; would I even be fun? I was used to being the life of the party, the center of attention, the person that walked in and the party stopped…only to restart again with me being the ringleader. Why would I ever want to share personal information with anyone and give up the mysterious persona I was able to recreate every weekend?

My light blue dot represented my family. I strayed further and further from them and had no intentions of trying to mend any relationships or build new ones. My mom knew what I wanted her to know IF I decided to call her. I rarely spoke to my dad unless it was a holiday or mom said “Hang on a second; I know your dad would like to talk to you.” I wasn’t sharing any personal information with her, good or bad, and really just counted the minutes until I got to hang up and then looked at a calendar to see if any “must call home” holidays were fast approaching.

I would shy away from many, lie to most, and mislead them all if given the opportunity. If someone said something I didn’t like, I could easily move on and decide to find a new group of “friends;” where I got to start all over again; reinventing myself to be whatever I wanted or whoever I thought they would like.

It was a sad existence but not one I complained about because I didn’t realize how sad it was until I finally accepted the one true friendship that could turn my life around; the one where Jesus was my BFF. He was like a friend that shows up at your house everyday with a new present; some days it would be a scripture He thought I would like or a song that would be my new favorite for a few days; blaring through my surround sound. Other days the present would be a new friend he brought into my life through a bible study or sitting beside in a church the size of the Grand Ole Opry. The greatest gifts He has given me were the gift of grace, the renewed relationships with my family, and my husband that grows more and more each day in his own relationship with Him.

There is a saying: “You don’t know what ya got ‘til it’s gone.” But in my case, I didn’t realize what I was missing until I was given it ten times over by Jesus. I had no idea all that was available to me in friendships until He continued putting people in my path; people that I never thought I would be friends with and are now my very best friends; my 3s, 4s, and 5s…. all of us having at least one thing in common; a relationship with Jesus. Individually we are all different; some work where others are stay-at-home moms or housewives, some have small children while others of us are empty nesters, some are married where others are divorced or single and looking. But we all have Jesus in the center of our circle. We appreciate what we have in each other and look forward to sharing what He has rescued us from or share in faith all He is doing now.

I no longer worry about people meeting each other for fear of them comparing stories I may have told; all of them are the same. I don’t have to try and remember which mask I wore to which location because Jesus has shown me I don’t need a mask when He is in my heart. I am thrilled to have many rings in my Circle of Friends and love the closeness and purpose for them all. Putting Jesus at the center of all of my activities has been the answer to everything I needed help in solving and the gift of friendships that He blesses me with everyday is one I welcome and look forward to sharing.

Circle of Friends; Coffee with Lynnette and Jesus (Episode 1 of 2)

This is what happens when two Lylas get together to discuss friendship; specifically as it relates to each other and generally as it relates to all those we have known and have yet to know; sitting around a dining room table with devotionals, books about friendship in Him, our bibles, coffee, and Jesus taking the third of four seats.

Thank you Lynnette for being my Number 5.  =D

* * * * * * * * * * * 

We all have a circle of friends. Some have been around a life time, others have been around for what seems like minutes. C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival." Friends are not necessary for living, but they make living so much sweeter. Our friends, enrich our lives, they pick us up when we are down and they expect the best from us.

Jesus had a circle of friends. He is a great teacher and we can learn from his friendships.

Within our circle of friends, at level 1, these are the strangers. These are the people we may never see again. Our lives intersect only for an instant. We don’t know them and they don’t know us. We may never know the impact we have on their life, but there is the potential to change them forever. We may be the only Christ this person ever sees. This stranger may never set foot in a church and we must represent Him well.

Jesus impacted many strangers.

Luke 6:6-11 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Jesus always represented His Father well. He did the right thing, even at his own expense.

Within the Friendship Circle, at Level 2, we have acquaintances. These are people that we happen to know from various places. Perhaps we sit near them at church, or we see them when we check in at the dentist office. We may know their faces and names, but we don’t share any personal information.We usually see these people by coincidence, not because we plan to see them.

There were people who had heard about Jesus and his ability to heal.

John 4:43-54  After the two days he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.

 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 

“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”

This royal official didn’t want to know Jesus, he only wanted what Jesus could do for him.

In our circle, Level 1 and 2 are in the Comfort Zone. There is nothing scary about Level 1 and 2 friends. We never actually have to give anything of ourselves to these friends. The relationships are superficial at best.

At Level 3, we move into the Sharing Zone. Within this zone, there is give and take in the relationships. In order to move to level 3, we have to begin sharing and giving ourselves.

Level 3, is our Peers. These are the people we see on a regular basis. We often have something in common with these people, maybe working in the same office, maybe our kids play on the same team. We have a bond with these people and we see them more often because of our common work, activities or lifestyles, not because of a specific plan to meet.

There were people who had religion in common with Jesus.

Luke 2: 41-47 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

The people in the courts were beginning to know Jesus. They shared a common interest that gave them a peek into one another’s lives.

Level 4, are friends. These are people who we know and care about. This group may consist of parents, siblings, Bible study or small group members. There is sincere sharing of ourselves and our stories, but not complete exposure of our true selves.

Jesus had the disciples, but He also had Mary, Martha and Lazarus, whom he considered friends.

John 11: 1-5 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Jesus had a history with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He loved them. They probably prayed together and we know from scripture they ate together. But they probably were not aware of Jesus’ true inner feelings and his plans.

Finally, we get to Level 5, our Companions. These are the few people who know all about us and love us anyway. They accept us in spite of our failures. They call us out privately and say, “I’m still on your side, but that wasn’t the best choice”. They love us enough to ask the tough questions, to keep us honest and encourage us to keep trying. They never give up on us. They cry with us. They lift us up. They hear us. They are the ones who will lay down their lives, and put things on hold, when we need them most. But, we have to be willing to do the same for them.

Jesus was surrounded by people, but there were three he chose as His companions.

Matthew 26:36-46 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

There is so much we can learn about a Circle of Friends from this story. First, Jesus asked his Companions for help. He knew what was coming. He needed his closest friends to keep watch and pray with him. It is not easy to ask for help, but being truthful about our needs is good for us as well as our friends. Asking for help allows our friends to minister to us in our time of need.

The second lesson we can take from Gethsemane, is to be there for a friend whenever they call. Jesus asked for help and his Companions let him down. They didn’t stay awake and pray in his most desperate final hours. This is where forgiveness comes in. Our friends are human and they will make mistakes. We forgive because we are forgiven (Eph. 4:32). When we are hurt by someone, it is easy to shut down and turn away from that person, but Jesus teaches us to forgive and to love others above all else.

The final part of the Circle of Friends and the final lesson we can take from the Garden of Gethsemane is that Jesus knew who was at his core. God. When the three Companions were sleeping, Jesus went to his ultimate friend. At that moment, his Father was the only one he could turn to. He is the only one who could provide the wisdom, strength and love that Jesus needed.

We have to be careful to seek God first in all of our relationships. We need to keep Him at our core and rely on Him for the things that only He can provide. He will guide us in all of our relationships and He will show us how to love others. He is the glue that keeps us together.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

(One of my personal fave scriptures and completely perfect as a Lylas description)

Lord, I thank you for your friendship. Thank you for sending your son to teach me how to truly be a friend. I know that it will not always be easy to be friends with other people. Please help me to be kind, loving, forgiving, generous and patient. Help me to reach out of my comfort zone and connect with other people. Show me where I am looking to the wrong person for friendship and please help me love the 4’s and 5’s in my life (or bring more if needed). I know that you will always be my very best friend and no one can take your place at the center of my Circle of Friends. I love you and look forward to our future together. Amen.

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken

….Everything Jesus said about your life, and everything else. A book by Steven K. Scott.

I saw this book while literally looking over my dad’s shoulder and eavesdropping on the Glen Beck Show on Fox. I saw none of the context or even knew the before and after conversation but when I learned what the book was about, I knew it had to be part of my library. I ordered it and JUST received it yesterday with my mail delivery; I have only read the Introduction and had to run to my blog to share with anyone looking for answers; the true “What would Jesus do?” resource.

Below is the introduction for this book in its entirety. More than enough to make you want to follow the link to order your own; to be used for a bible study or personally to get advice directly from the source….like none other available anywhere.

INTRODUCTION

I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man…

Between Him and whoever else in the world,

there is no possible term of comparison.

Napoleon Bonaparte

“The greatest words ever spoken.” How could such a claim be made about any collection of statements? With all the life-changing words spoken by so many great men and women throughout history, how could the words of one person rise above all the others?

     To qualify as the greatest words every spoken, they would have to reveal incredible truths that would otherwise go undiscovered. They would have to bring extraordinary, perhaps even near-miraculous benefit to the hearts, minds, and lives of those who read them. Certainly, to qualify as the greatest words ever spoken, they would have to produce life-altering changes not just for a few people but for millions. They would have to impart hope to those in despair, joy to those whose hearts are broken, and peace that subdues even the most paralyzing fears.

     To earn the ranking of the greatest words ever spoken, the words would have to exert enough power to transform a hateful heart into a loving one, a mind driven by greed into one overflowing with generosity, a life ruled by arrogance into one that is driven by the desire to serve others. And if they were truly the greatest words ever spoken, they would have the power to give sight to the blind, deliverance to the captive, forgiveness to the wrongdoer, and life to the dead. If anyone’s words could accomplish these things, they would certainly rise above all other words in history. They would deserve to be called the greatest words ever spoken.

     These words exist; they have been spoken and recorded. And, yes, they have accomplished remarkable, miraculous results. The greatest words ever spoken are the words of Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed to be the Son of the living God.

The If-Then Statement That Can Change Your Life

If Jesus is who He claimed to be, then everything He said must be fully, absolutely true. If He is the Son of God, He would never speak in error. Think of the implications. First, if Jesus’ words are absolute truth, they are the standard by which all other purported truths must be measured. Second, everything Jesus said about you, your life, and your circumstances is true. His words describe your life and reveal your immediate and long-term future. To succeed in life, to understand yourself, and to gain wisdom about your present and your future, you need to learn everything Jesus said about you. In that way you will discover what He wants for you and from you.

     And then there are the promises Jesus made. If you choose to follow Him, then all of his 108 promises are promises you can count on – promises that will produce peace in a troubled heart, joy in the midst of tragedy, success in place of failure, and most important, a glorified life that lasts for eternity.

     And this leads to the most important question you will ever face. Is Jesus of Nazareth the person He claimed to be, or was He a mere man?

     Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor or France and one of the greatest military geniuses who ever lived, concluded that Jesus was no mere man. Once when Napoleon was discussing various emperors and their empires with his most trusted advisors, the name of Jesus came up. To the surprise of his generals, Napoleon exclaimed:

I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, and the gods of other religions. That resemblance does not exist….Everything in Christ astonishes me. His spirit overawes me, and His will confounds me. Between Him and whoever else in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. He is truly a being by Himself. His ideas and sentiments, the truth which He announces, His manner of convincing, are not explained either by human organization or by the nature of things…The nearer I approach, the more carefully I examine, everything is above me – everything remains grand, of a grandeur which overpowers…One can absolutely find nowhere, but in Him alone, the imitation or the example of His life…I search in vain in history to find the similar to Jesus Christ…Neither history, nor humanity, nor the ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or explain it. 
Here everything is extraordinary.

Jesus of Nazareth

What did Napoleon know that some of us do not? He was a student of history and a student of men, and he had diligently studied the life and words of Christ. In light of this, he believed that no one in history could compare to Jesus of Nazareth. Think about it: how could one man from an obscure village in the Middle East have changed so many millions of lives as well as the course of history? If ever a man should have been overlooked by history, it was Jesus.

     Consider the facts:

     Jesus was born to a peasant couple in a village in the middle of nowhere. He lived in a country occupied by foreign conquerors. His only means of transportation was His legs.

     He was a carpenter until He turned thirty, and only then did He begin to teach and speak in public. For three short years He proclaimed His message, mostly in small villages.

     After being falsely accused and then convicted in a rigged trial, He was sentenced to death by an official who believed Him to be innocent. He died the death of a criminal and was executed on a cross between two convicted criminals. Only His mother and a few of His close followers were present at His execution. The rest of His disciples had fled, hiding from the mob and the Roman officials.

     It was only after Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His followers that His disciples were transformed from distraught cowards into confident, fearless believers and preachers of Jesus’ message. But they had no means to spread His story and teachings to a mass audience. There were no radios, televisions, or printing presses. In fact, paper as we know it had not yet been invented. Every papyrus scroll had to be painstakingly written by hand. The only way to make a copy was to read the original and laboriously copy it word by word. (Much like I am doing now in copying this introduction to this amazing, must have book)

     In first-century Palestine, the thought that Jesus’ life might make a significant impact on anyone beyond the Judean countryside was laughable. Any history of this itinerant rabbi who appeared in public for only three years should have been lost – either burned or buried – in the rubble when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman legions less than forty years after Jesus walked the earth. Against such a background, you can begin to understand the miracle of His life and words. Jesus’ short early life – far from being lost to the generations who have followed – became the focal point of history.

     How could one man’s life impact humanity to a greater extent than any other person or any series of events in history? As you read The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, you will get to know this man who changed everything…forever. Jesus did it all, not with money, armies, science, or politics, but with the witness of His life and the power of His words. His life and the miracles He performed attracted the attention of the crowds, but it was what He said that melted their hearts and transformed their lives. The apostle John said, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

   

The Tragedy of the Information Age

Today we have more information about everything than any past generation had, yet most people know less of what Jesus said. Countless people are so unaware of first- century history that they are swayed by baseless myths perpetuated by works of fiction such as The Da Vinci Code. Many Christians have built their beliefs and values on the words of Bible teachers, authors, and television and radio preachers rather than on the words of Christ. As wonderful as the words of preachers and writers may be, they can’t begin to compare in wonder and power to the pure, undiluted words of Jesus Christ. After all, He alone claimed to be embodiment of all truth when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). He made incredible promises to the those who would build their lives on His words.

     It’s important to realize that Jesus did not make these promises to people who followed the words of any other teacher, prophet, or leader. The words of Jesus stand alone in truth, power, and authority. For example, He promised, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32, NASB). And that was just the beginning. Here are a few of the many promises Jesus made to those who choose to abide in His Word:

·         You will receive eternal life.

·         Your desires will be fulfilled in answer to your prayers.

·         God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will be your constant companion, both with you and within you.

·         You will receive a level of peace and joy, direct from God, that is otherwise unattainable.

·         You will impact the lives of others in ways that can’t be achieved strictly by human effort.

·         You will be loved by God in a unique way.

·         You will avoid God’s ultimate judgment.

·         You will see miracles in your life that others can’t understand or explain.

·         You will learn eternal truths that will set you free from all that holds you captive.

Jesus Was Not a Religious Leader!

Jesus Christ did not come to earth to start a new religion. In fact, He leveled His harshest criticisms at the religious leaders of His day. He accused them of not knowing God and said they had used religion to bind people to a life of misery, frustration, and failure. He claimed they were blind and had blinded the “spiritual eyes” of their followers (see Matthew 15:13-14; 23:13-24)

     When He described Himself, Jesus claimed that He had come from God and that His mission was to reveal who God was and what God wanted. Most important, Jesus claimed that He could lead anyone into an intimate relationship with the only true God and that in doing so He would lead them into eternal life. In His final prayer before His crucifixion, Jesus state, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

     Think about getting to know the God who created the universe. What would it be like to know Him on a first-name basis – or, even better to know Him so intimately that you could call Him your best friend, even your dad? Imagine what it would be like if you could consistently experience His presence and a level of peace and joy that no adversity could vanquish. That’s exactly what will happen as you begin to focus on the words of Christ.

     The words of Jesus have changed the course of history by changing millions of lives, one life at a time. His words were first believed by those who witnessed His miracles. He turned water into wine and caused the blind to receive their sight, the lame to walk, and the dead to rise. Fortunately for us, He promised even greater blessings to those in later generations who would believe in Him without seeing Him in person. For two thousand years Jesus has kept that promise. He extends the same promise to you. As you begin to store up His words in your mind and heart, you will discover their life-changing power in ways you never thought possible.

The Life Issues That Jesus Addressed

In this book you will find every word of Jesus that is recorded in the New Testament, organized in more than two hundred topics. This will enable you to read everything Jesus said without the interruption of commentary, transitional scenes, and details about the activities of the people who surrounded Him. As you read this book, you can immerse yourself in Jesus’ words. You can reflect on every statement He made about things that are important to you.  You’ll see everything the Lord said on such subjects as prayer, faith, eternal life, fear, your life priorities, His incredible promises, and the claims He made about Himself.

     Because Jesus’ words are organized by topic, you can easily grasp the breadth of what He said on each one. In a matter of minutes, you can read everything He said about a topic, which will help you gain a deeper understanding of His teachings. People who have read Jesus’ words as they are organized in this book say they gained a depth of wisdom and experienced a life-changing power far greater than they could have imagined.

     The two hundred-plus topics have been grouped into nine chapters, each addressing a general category. At the beginning of every chapter, I added a few thoughts about the topics addressed inn that chapter. The chapters are:

1.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About Jesus

2.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About God the Father

3.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About the Holy Spirit

4.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About Eternity

5.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken to Jesus’ Followers

6.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About Humanity

7.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About God Reaching Out to Us

8.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About How to Know God

9.    The Greatest Words Ever Spoken About Personal Relationships

The Only Foundation That Is Truly Secure

Jesus made a number of incredible promises to men and women who learn, embrace, and follow His words. He said we should base all our values, beliefs, and behaviors on the foundation of His words. Unfortunately, most of us base our lives on a mixture of things we’ve learned from every source we’ve been exposed to. As a result, the foundation of our beliefs is a combination of truth and falsehood, including contradictory information and false assumptions. My hope is that as you study the words of Christ, any weaknesses in your current foundation will be revealed, and you will replace them with the undiluted, indestructible concrete of Jesus’ words. May He bless you in your pursuit of intimacy with God and the eternal truths revealed by His incomparable words.

How to Get the Most Out of This Book

This is not a book you will read cover to cover in a few sittings. You won’t find even one of the chapters to be a quick read. Instead, this book is a resource you can use for the rest of your life. The two hundred-plus topics offer great variety. If you’re seeking an answer to a specific question, a quick reading of Jesus’ words on that topic will meet that need. If you’re wrestling with an important decision, the wisdom and inspiration you seek can be found by reading His words on the appropriate topics. At the same time, a focused study of a topic can provide a rock-solid foundation for your faith. It will deepen your love for God and will provide an anchor in the greatest trials of life.

     This book can easily be adapted to the need of the moment. Depending on the topic and how you approach it, the spiritual meal can range from quick-energy bar to an entire buffet. Because of the wisdom offered on each topic comes solely from the undiluted statements of Christ, their breadth, depth, and power are enlightening, faith building, and life-changing.

Here are two suggestions that will help you get the most out of reading this book.

Use it as a Quick Reference

Whenever you are studying a biblical subject, considering a spiritual question, or seeking guidance for a decision, the first question you should ask is “What did Jesus say?” His words will provide the foundation for all your values, beliefs, and doctrines.

     To locate a topic, check the book’s table of contents, which lists the nine general categories (one per chapter) and the specific topics within each of the nine categories. You can also go to the back of the book and search the two hundred-plus topics in alphabetical order. Once located, each topic includes every direct statement Christ made on that topic and most of the implied references. Because context is so important, the verses surrounding the key points are usually provided.

     As you begin to read Jesus’ statements, underline the key points. For example, in Chapter 5 under the heading “The Promises of Christ,” you will find more than one hundred promises that Jesus made to His followers. Here is one of the crucial promises Jesus made:

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. (John 5:24-25, NKJV)

In this promise, I underlined the condition to be met so the promise can be fulfilled. The condition is you must hear (follow) Christ’s words and truly believe in the God who sent Him. The promised benefits, set in boldface type, are you’ll receive eternal life and you won’t be subject to God’s judgment.

     When you underline or highlight key points of every statement of Jesus as you study them, something wonderful happens. Each statement becomes like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. As you read all of Christ’s statements on a given topic and underline or highlight the key points, you’ll see the pieces of the puzzle come together to create a clear picture of what He is teaching. Any other Bible verses you read on that subject will serve as additional pieces for the picture.

Use It for Topical Studies for You and Your Family

One of the greatest values of this book is that it will enable you to quickly and effectively study any subject that Christ spoke about. Individuals, couples, and families can select topics to study during morning or evening devotions, in-depth individual Bible studies, or group Bible studies. I suggest going through the table of contents and placing a check by the topics that interest you the most. One of my friends asked his wife and his children to put their initials beside each topic they wanted to study. This helped them to prioritize the subjects they wanted to study first. They decided not only to study the topics individually but to use that list for selecting topics for family devotions.

     As you study the words of Christ, you will receive the benefits He promised in John 16:13 and John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth, He will tell you things to come, and He will glorify Christ. Jesus also promises that the Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all the things that Christ as spoken to you.

     You will notice that most of the Scripture sections begin with verses from the gospel of John, followed by verses from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and sometimes Acts, 1 or 2 Corinthians, or Revelation, in that order. I begin the topical sections with verses from John because his gospel is more direct and more intimate. John referred to himself as “the disciple….Jesus loved” (John 21:20). John’s account of Jesus’ life conveys unmistakable warmth and a sense of immediacy. Reading his gospel is like receiving an invitation from an old friend. I hope you will accept his invitation as you read Jesus’ words addressing various subjects in this book.

     Jesus’ greatest promises were made to those who will hear His words and do them. His words will provide abundant light and perfect wisdom for any decision you face and all the power you will need to overcome any adversity. But the promises He makes and the power He offers will never be known by those who refuse to hear His words. In my forty-three years of discovering and relying on His words, I have experienced miraculous outcomes in every area of my life. What His words have done for me, I know they will also do for you. May you learn their meaning and experience their power as never before.

Whew…. Finished. The entire Introduction of a book that is sure to change the way I address every day. I already consider Jesus my B.F.F. but I love that this book puts it plainly and simply and “dummies it down” for me. I can literally say “What would Jesus do?”

Amazing…awesome… Yet another gift from Him that I couldn’t be more thankful for and MUST share with those most important to me; ANY and ALL reading this blog.

Thank you Steven K. Scott for taking the time to put The Greatest Words Ever Spoken into a succinct 500ish pages including various ways to look up EVERY topic imagined; I am sure Jesus covered them all in His perfectness.

I thought I knew my B.F.F. pretty well but I appreciate this opportunity to get to know Him even better and to spread the word with my closest friends….a.k.a. ANYONE He puts in my path. <wink>

http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Words-Ever-Spoken-Everything/dp/B003Z2P5MI/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292455559&sr=1-3