Storm Preparations

We are glued to the weather reports today, watching and preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, a.k.a. Frankenstorm. We are not strangers to storm preparations. A year ago we lost power during a freak snow storm, Alfred. We also were affected by Hurricane Irene. So, we do what we can, prepare what we can and then ride it out, one day at a time.

Preparations are so important. We’ve taken heed of the warnings; we put away lawn chairs, set aside water, turned up the refrigerator and freezer, charged batteries for flashlights, and have some easy to heat meals made and MREs to get us through.

These physical preparations point us to the just as important spiritual preparations—heeding the warnings from those who know the impact of what’s coming…

There is a day when Jesus will return; Scripture says that every knee will bow. All our lives we get nudges to take spiritual things seriously. We hear of God’s love and what He did for us through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He created us and loves us enough to repair the brokenness in our lives—the broken relationship with Him. We are all separated from God because of sin but, by grace He grants us a lifetime to find Him faithful to forgive and accept His gift of eternal life through His Son. I’m praying that you heed the warnings—see the need to prepare your heart to receive Him.

For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory and holiness…  Romans 3:23

There is none righteous. Psalm 143:28, Romans 3:10

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”  John 14:6

There is salvation is no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.  Acts 4:12

By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to come children of God, even to those who believe in His name.  John 1:12

 

Jesus says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.”  Revelation 3:20

God said, “This is My Son, My chosen One; listen to Him”   Luke 9:35

This life on earth isn’t all there is. There is an eternity waiting for us—we just need to choose the destination, and the One we will follow. 

Have you made your spiritual preparations….

Praying for you,

Jeanne

 

PS, Visit my guest blog on Tuesday: Visit Vonda Skelton's website 

Here I Am, Send Me

As the Father has sent me, I AM sending you ~ John 20:21(NIV)

This passage in John’s gospel finds the disciples huddled behind locked doors after the crucifixion of Christ. They are fearful of their lives, hiding because of their association with Jesus. Suddenly Jesus is there with them, showing His scarred hands and feet, renewing their faith in the One Sent from God.

When I think of being sent, I think of missionaries, but according to Hans Franzen, Director of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship here in Connecticut, who brought forth this message during our mission week:

WE ARE ALL SENT

Jesus sent the disciples—twelve ordinary men into the world with the message of hope and life. They impacted the world, birthing the gospel into every culture they encountered. We also are given the message of hope and then sent into the world to make a difference—to be salt and light and to point others to Jesus.

When we encounter the Risen Christ in our most dark and fearful places, He gives us the bold confidence to carry His message; whether it’s into vocational ministry or ministry to your vocation, we are an arrow sent from God’s bow that brings Truth to a needy world.

During this time of recuperation (I see the orthopedic doctor this week) I have wondered whether God slowed me down for a reason. As I meditate on this passage, I’m more mindful that He is indeed sending me….somewhere.

 

Will you go?

 

Jeanne

 

Autumn Rest

Autumn leaves

Litter lawns

                 Flitting

                          Floating

Flying leaves

Trees bared as their

Outfits lie in a heap.

 

Pages rustle

Like leaves in the wind

Settle restlessly

At a new chapter

 

Heart flutters

Tachycardic beats

Unable to find rhythm

Till as an infant upon his mama's chest 

          Finds rest

My heart finds rest in You.

 

 

copyright 2012 Jeanne Doyon

Prep Work

As much as I love stir-fry and appreciate its healthiness, I dislike the prep work—all the chopping. Green pepper, red pepper, yellow pepper, onion, broccoli, celery…it takes forever. But, without the prep work there’s nothing to stir.

There’s a need for prep work in us too. It’s nothing new—Moses spent forty years in the desert. Jesus went forty days in the wilderness. Joseph spent time in prison. Paul was prepared in Tarsus. And, the Israelites wandered for forty years. It’s just that we don’t like the idea of a wilderness, of being set aside. Finding ourselves alone shakes us up a little—maybe a lot. But, anytime we face ourselves in solitude, we discover Christ in a fresh way. The wilderness experience gives us time to reassess our focus and draws us nearer to His heart and purpose.

The wilderness, or time on the shelf if you will, is often the prep work for His next step. It can be lonely or uncomfortable, but it’s never unfruitful. It has a way of burning away the dross so our hearts burn pure again.

Since breaking my foot on September 22^nd, I am facing some prep work. I assume it has something to do with how I move forward with writing and speaking. I left my job to pursue ministry “full-time” but not sure what it’ll look like. Instead of being home, ripping into fall cleaning, I am resting as my foot heals. I think God knows I’d fill my time with other projects—too busy to be still and listen. I don’t know. But, for whatever reason, He’s decided to slow me down—for some prep work. Now, to be honest, my feet may not be moving but my mind sure is.

So, my prayer has been to slow down my whirling thoughts so I can hear His whispers. I am confident. He will accomplish in me what He intends and prepare me for the work that’s coming next. Through the prep work, He’s getting ready to stir something new in me.

How about you? Share a time when you felt set aside…what prep work did He do in you?

Waiting to be stirred,

Jeanne

PS: It’s not lost on me that my six-week recovery time is about 40 days. I love God’s sense of humor!