#50  NO MATTER

1.  No Matter: what country you are in, God's Word Will Work For You!

2.  No Matter What Language You Speak, God's Word Will Work For You!

3.  No Matter What Age You Are, God's Word Will Work For You!

4.  No Matter Your Financial Status, God's Word Will Work For You!

5.  No Matter The Color Of Your Skin, God's Word Will Work For You!

6.   No Matter Your Level Of Education, God's Word Will Work For You!

7.  No Matter Your Level Of Spiritual Maturity, God's Word Will Work For You! 

8.  No Matter Your Marital Status, God's Word Will Work For You!

9.  No Matter How Unsuccessful Your Past, God's Word Will Work For You!

10.  No Matter How Insignificant You Feel, God's Word Will Work For You!

GOD'S WORD...WILL WORK FOR THOSE WHO 'BELIEVE'.

"Can't Please God Without FAITH".  

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                       Glory To God

PS.45:1...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

   

#46.  Peace...Wonderful Peace Within

Peace.....peace within....is wonderful.

Peace within is my umpire.

Peace within is my prescription for permission.

Permission to continue as I have been.

When the Holy Spirit gives a new instruction

I will obey and follow through, until then though...

I stay sensitive to that wonderful peace within.

It is really not so hard....to do.

There will be times I do things different from the majority.

As long as I do so, and continue to have peace within

It really and truly is....okay.

Being led by the Holy Spirit requires sensitivity

To His Voice so soft, gentle, and sincere;

Yet strong and accurate always.

His voice I can clearly hear

Whether others are far or near.

The reason being....He is closer to me

Than anyone else in the room

Because He is within my heart always, forever.

So He is closer to me than any problem whatsoever.

Jesus stands between me any the entire world, it's true!

How could I help but feel protected, valued, secure...

Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit is with me

24/7 and that is why even in tough times I can endure.

So I praise God for the baptism in the Holy Spirit

Plus His instruction always lines up with the Word of God.

 His Words edify, comfort, encourage, and correct too.

He can calm a storm in seconds with five words so pure.

Such results are the reason I want to spend time with him regularly

Because after all He's done for me

I want to bless him by singing praise songs

And telling Him I love him...thankfully.  

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

                  Glory To God

PS.45:1 My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

#45 GO DEEPER TO DISCOVER OIL, DIAMONDS, GOLD

Why would it be any different when it comes to the Word of God?

To discover truths that are hidden below the surface one must dig deep.

Not just read the Bible at surface level.....as many do, unfortunately.

The mysteries are secrets to be revealed; not something for us to keep.

Original meaning of the word 'mystery' in Hebrew is 'the secret way

Iin which God governs the righteous but is hidden to carnal wicked men.

This tells us the condition for which one has access to the mysteries

Is not to be carnal or wicked; rather Godly, righteous; & not just now & then.

There is a price to pay to receive such revelation from the Holy Spirit.

It requires time, deep thought, meditation on God's Word;

Crucifixion of the flesh  and not leaning to your own understanding

Because it is the voice of the Holy Spirit that must be heard.

He will lead step by step and it will differ from the majority.

That is why you must be rooted and grounded in the Word & in love

Plus be committed to digging; going deeper to receive

Understanding of the mysteries via the Holy Spirit, the Dove.

Some think the word mystery means we are not to know what it is.

That is the meaning in the Websters dictionary.

The origin of the word in the Bible is in Hebrew.

That is where it started and is truth to me.

So I leave this little poem with you now

In hopes that I whets your appetite

Too dig deeper into the Word of God every day

And seek to get revelation from the Holy Spirit

In Jesus' Name I pray.

Another  time I will share revelation I received.

My spirit was so uplifted and my countenance showed

Because when it happened my mindset changed.

No wonder I absolutely glowed.

When the Holy Spirit quickens something to you

You know that you know, that you know

It was not empty words, not carnal thinking,

You were energized, quickened, and  knew God told you so!

Be blessed as you dig into the Word of God and I also pray

That the Holy Spirit will reveal something to you today

That will be quickened to your spirit, you will be energized

And you will be  joyfilled all day because He heard you pray.

He answered your prayer and now you want to receive more.

That pleases Jesus because he wants everyone to mature spiritually.

He hides diamonds, and oil, below the ground's surface so why not

Also hide what He so mysteriously calls......a 'Mystery'?!

Mystery:  The secret way in  which God governs the righteous

but is hidden to carnal, wicked, ungodly men.  

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                      Glory To God

PS.45:1 My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

#43.  HOW CAN ANYONE REALLY LOVE GOD...

1.  How can anyone really love God and not honor their word...whether it is to a Christian or not?


2.  How can anyone really love God and not honor their parents?


3.  How can anyone really love God and turn their back on Him...by keeping the Bible closed... Hello?


4.  How can anyone really love God and allow their mind to be defiled by watching trash on TV?

5.  How can anyone really love God yet enter a business relationship with the heathen? Light and darkness do not mix....

HOW????????????????????




6.  How can anyone really love God and ignore the lost?


7.  How can anyone really love God, yet panic with every bad report; rather than pray, stand on the Word with Confidence in Christ?


8.  How can anyone really love God yet never change within?Must renew the mind with the Word of God to change thinking.If not, #Carnality rules.


9.  How can anyone really love God yet refuse to 'serve'?


10.  How can anyone really love God yet flash the flesh like the world does?



HOW????????????????????


11.  How can anyone really love God yet be demeaning to others with their words? 


12.  How can anyone really love God yet have secrets from their mate?

13.  How can anyone really love God yet say a little white lie is okay, no harm...? Life and death is in the power of the tongue....

14.  How can anyone really love God yet choose to hang out in places where Jesus would not go?

15.  How can anyone really love God yet deny Jesus as Lord of their life? 

HOW????????????????????

BOTTOM LINE: Blessed are those who hear the word and obey...do it....(paraphrase). It Pays to Obey God. He #Rewards #Obedience. THINK...


WRITTEN BY:  Linda Lou Jones
                             Glory To God
                             PS. 45:1 My tongue is the pen
                             of a ready writer.

`#42.  What Is This World Coming To?

The longer I live the more I recognize God at work every single day.  Like last week when not once or twice, but several times the same thing happened.  I went to a special fish and chip restaurant after work on Friday.  While I ate my meal, I heard two people behind the counter speaking another language the entire time.  I think it was Italian.  

When I came home there were two people speaking Chinese, Cantonese, because that is their native tongue.  Then a third person later was on the phone speaking yet another language, Hindi.  

In the morning I was seated in the bus and three people, one on each side of me, plus one in front of me... were all using their cell phones and you guessed it:  none spoke English.  I have no clue what language they were speaking, but I quit trying to read.  I prayed instead.   

When I went to Shoppers Drug Mart I waited while someone spoke another language with a clerk.  In the clothing store it happened once again.  Two clerks speaking another language.  Next I stood in line at the bank and sure enough, listened to two people in line speaking yet another language. At work Filipino was spoken, and a dialect from the Islands.  After   about seven times in two days I began to feel like I was the only one that spoke English.  There was a tendency to feel isolated...It is a good thing I don't go by feelings.  
                       >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 We are creatures of 'habit' and 'familiarity'.  We are drawn to what is familiar.  Everyone wants to 'belong'.  I began to feel like I was the only one that did NOT speak at least two languages, although I do have my Heavenly Language and I use it diligently. 

It is one thing to feel alone in a crowd....yet another thing to feel alone in a crowd because it seems there are huge walls of language barriers.  Not only verbal barriers, but the whole scenario about texting has curbed conversations one on one.  It is robbing people of a healthy interaction socially, and hinders their ability to enhance verbal skills.  Especially the youth of today are falling into this trap.

So of course I found myself saying....What is this world coming to?  The answer is:  AN END.  For sure, my thoughts turn to the Bible and the reason God did not allow us to all speak the same language.  He has a purpose for everything He does.  God says in Genesis 11:6, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." (NIV)

Online Dictionary states: God realizes that when people are unified in purpose they can accomplish impossible feats, both noble and ignoble.  This is why unity in the body of Christ is so important.

To build, the people used brick instead of stone and tar instead of mortar.  They used "man-made" materials, instead of more durable "God-made" materials.  The people were building a monument to themselves, to call attention to their own abilities and achievements, instead of giving glory to God.

Question for Reflection:
Are there any "towers" you are building in your life?

 

#40.  Who Controls Your Mind?

This puts the ball right back in your court...who controls your mind?  What determines the state of your mind?  How much has your thinking changed since you became a Christian?  Do you apply what you study and learn?  Do you flood your eye gates and ear gates with the Word of God and good teaching?  Do you continue to raise the bar higher, the standard for righteousness...do you raise it higher regularly?  Do you continue to stretch, reach, grow...?  Are you easily influenced by others?  Do you choose your friends carefully?  Do you influence them?  Are they teachable?  Are you teachable?  Do they honor you, and visa versa?  Do you recognize favor you have received?  Do you run a little checkpoint regularly in this area....same as if you have a car that needs to be checked.  If not...you set yourself up for ongoing increasing problems.  The old saying...a stitch in time saves nine...applies in our lives spiritually also.  To not deal with issues is only detrimental to self. 

It results in smothering life and productivity, not to mention hope.  Procrastination prolongs progress.  God is a mover.  Move forward with His help.  (See next blog....)   


Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                       Glory To God

                       PS. 45:1 My tongue is the pen

                       of a ready writer.  

#38 Depression VS NOT!  

The longer I know the Lord Jesus Christ, the more I want to know him better.  That is what happens when you are dealing with perfection.  He never sinned, never spoke a wrong word, was always accountable to His Father yet was hated by many.  So even though my sins are forgiven; I am accountable to the Lord; plus I am disliked...(I'll be nice and not say hated.) by many, I'm in good company. To not look at truth this way, I could become depressed but I do not take that route.  It is not an option.  Depression is a red flag and as soon as I see even discouragement try to raise its' ugly head in my direction, I take authority spiritually over it. To not do so is to become a powerless ineffective Christian.  Doing so results in rising above circumstances and walking in faith as God called me to.

Okay, that was about me and how I look at things and handle them.  What about you?  In your journey of life are you getting to know the Lord better?  Do you see self with sins forgiven, forgotten by the Lord, and you are washed in the water of the Word of God?  Are you accountable to the Lord for every word, action, thought, etc?  Do you nip it in the bud when depression comes your way?  Are you a powerful effective Christian?  Do you use the authority you have been given in Christ?  Do you rise above adverse circumstances?  Do you walk and live by faith?  

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                       Glory To God
                       PS.46:1 My tongue is the pen
                       of a ready writer.   

#37. A Few Possible Scenarios:

One household awakens to the sound of an alarm clock. One household awakens to the sound of a baby crying. One household awakens to the sound of the garbage truck collecting trash. One household awakens to the sound of a siren. One household awakens to the sound of praise and worship music. One household awakens to the sound of the dog barking. One household awakens to the sound of someone being slapped.... One household awakens to the sound of staggering feet...stumbling over things... 

One household awakens to the sound of someone being sick to their stomach... One household awakens to the sound of crying, grieving.... One household awakens to the sound of a bird singing. One household awakens to the sound of a guard unlocking the prison door. One household awakens to the sound of absolute silence! One household awakens to the sound of waterfalls flowing. One household awakens to the sound of a nurse by your bedside with medication. The possibilities are endless......

Meditate for a few minutes over these possibilities and your heart will be thankful that you do not awaken to the sound of abuse, grief, etc. If you do awaken to that, there is something you can do about it. Silence allows it to continue and it always increases, so open your mouth...speak up. The decision is yours, come out of denial and move forward with your life. The hand of the Lord is reaching out to you, encouraging you to do so.....he will help you. The Holy Spirit will lead you. He never pushes, he leads lovingly, gently, but with a purpose so trust Him though you may not understand His ways, know that God's ways are higher, right, best.

For those who awaken to a peaceful situation, be thankful. Also, it would be an opportune time to say a prayer for others less fortunate. What better way to start your day than in prayer for someone else? Hopefully this seed is sown in good soil of a receptive heart that has a passion for the hurting and less fortunate. Perhaps your perception has broadened after reading these words and compassion is triggered. 

Let's do whatever the Holy Spirit leads us to do from the moment we awaken to the end of the day. Make each day count for Christ as you walk step by step in tune with Him. The most important thing is that your heart is a home for his presence and that he is welcome at all times. Then 'Home” becomes “Home Sweet Home” for Him, and when it is sweet for Him, it will be for you too. 

Regardless of circumstances you will have an ability to shine for Jesus and be an extension of his hand to others. I pray your heart is a “HOME” for Jesus Christ and that you are consciously aware of being “In His Presence” 24/7. 

Then you will have the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Not to mention the fact that your heart as a home where Jesus is not grieved, means your home will be full of righteousness as you raise a standard for Him. Is it?

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                      Glory To God

                      PS.45:1 "My tongue is the pen 

                                      of a ready writer."

#41 COLLAPSED WORLD

When is the last time you collapsed your world, so to speak, and said...I give it all to you Father...I only want your will for my life.  It does not matter if things seem to be gong well or not so well...I still want to know that I know I am in the center of your plan for my life.  If not, help me achieve that goal.  Doing this periodically will be much easier to make an adjustment if you get off track.  

Otherwise, to continue in err, is like driving for hours aimlessly and getting lost more and more....deeper and deeper away from destination point.  It is a good thing to 'think' about these things and seek the Holy Spirit for help.  He can give one quick direction in seconds and you have the answer you need.  I pray you do so today, right now in fact...have a little talk with the Lord and find out where you are at in the road map of your life...  on track...missed a direction...need to ask more questions to get clear direction...???

The Holy Spirit wants to help you.  Go pray now, I'll be here when you return.

                                       ................................

(Sigh.)  Guess what: I did the same thing.  I prayed accordingly.

Then the Holy Spirit told me to type what he is saying.  I said..."It is none of their business...!"  He said, "Type it."  So .......  here...::

"Yes your are growing...in leaps and bounds."  Then I saw my finger reach out and touch a pure heart...it was His heart and he said...."Your obedience touches MY heart."   That was a "WOW Moment"!!  One of those 'Spiritual Treasures" tucked inside my heart....to meditate on in days to come.  Even though I know God honors obedience, it meant a lot to hear these words from His heart of Love!  I found myself saying....He really DOES notice all the little things.... (It was so endearing.).

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones
                       Glory To God
                       PS. 45:1 My tongue is the pen
                       of a ready writer.

#36.  HOME

You have likely heard the saying, "Home Is Where The Heart Is".  Not to mention the words:  "Home Sweet Home".   That sounds all well and good, yet it is not necessarily truth with everyone.  Many homes are not "Nests Without A Thorn".  Many homes are not without great difficulties, whether known by others or not.  Consequently, the word "Sweet" is not an accurate adjective for many homes because the sweet is not there.  Not because it is not desired, but because "It is what it is." 

Christians are in the world, but not of it.  Speaking for the perspective of a Christian my home has proven to be many different addresses over the years.  Some homes were housing more happiness and peace than others.  In retrospect there was a pattern that inevitably managed to come full circle, again and again.   The pattern began with the excitement of 'new' as well as a new perspective upon entering a new beginning.  Sometimes alone, other times with a family or with friends, and always with a purpose.  As well as with challenges, opportunities to adapt, and challenges that required spiritual muscles to be developed in order to get promoted out of there to 'Next!'.  

A constant prayer was to successfully pass every test that day so I could get promoted to the next home God had for me.  In answering God's call on my life I said, "Here I am..Send me."  and He did.  Thus, many moves have been necessary as the Holy Spirit positioned me where He wanted me, and with whom.  Laying down my life, my desires to have my own home, was a sacrifice, yet obedience is not without rewards.  God always rewards obedience.  So with my confidence in Him...I have moved almost 50 times over the years, and am now facing another move.  Not my favorite word.... but "His grace is sufficient".  

Moving so much means there is a possibility that if you wake up in the middle of the night you might want to take time to turn the light on or you just may run into a wall.  Not to mention find the right room if you are headed for the restroom...  So you can see this is only one result that requires adaptation.  There are many more that I won't go into, yet you can imagine there are many different standards that people raise, or do not raise, in their homes.  Yet they call themselves Christians...and live so differently.  

Jesus through His Word is my standard to raise.  The better I get to know him the more clear my perception of what a "Home" should be.  Not be like, "Be!"  To achieve having a nest without thorns first hinges on if one or more people live there.  If only one, less likely to have thorns, though it is possible.  Such as if the a/c is faulty, or the water heater leaks, or the neighbors are loud late at night, etc.   

More than one person in the home requires individuals to be of like mind as believers and raise a standard for righteousness.  To not do so, is already defeating the purpose of a home.  A home should be a safe haven where you can live, rest your head at night, and do so  in total security and safety.  
Written By:  Linda Lou Jones
                     Glory To God
                     PS. 45:1 My tongue is the         
                     pen of a ready writer.

    

                                         

33.  IN THE WORLD`..... BUT NOT OF IT 

God`s love for each person on the bus is one reason the Holy Spirit leads me to pray for the salvation of each one every day, and for opportunities to sow seeds as He prepares their hearts.  You know, it is one thing to evangelize, it is another thing to be a witness by appearance, attitude, actions, expressions.  I say that because I don`t get a lot of chances to speak English with someone.  Simply because much of the time I hear two and three languages being spoken simultaneously, and  80% of the people are talking on cell phones.

I have wondered what this world is coming to, then I begin to think this IS the WORLD!  I am IN it, but thank God I am not OF it.  No offense to anyone, because that is scripture.  Only those who know Jesus as their Savior  will understand the meaning.  Suffice to say I am with others as I travel this world, but I am not a part of them...I am part of the Kingdom of God.  God has called me out....separated me, and I am truly thankful.  

First He called me out, set me apart, taught me some things, then set me right back in the world, but not of it.  I am here to make a difference.  Being different because of being white and having long natural platinum hair, is not the same as "making a difference".  I am an Ambassador for Jesus Christ and I want my witness to be effective.  Though I am quite conspicuous in a world of individuals with medium to dark skin, as well as dark hair, it is their heart I am concerned about.  I may feel alone in the crowd even though I am sure some are Christians, but I am aware Jesus will never leave me.  He was there by the power of the Holy Spirit when one man caused a scene because he had been drinking.  Everyone else has been kind, polite and shown me respect.  God has been faithful to protect me.  I apply Psalms 91 daily and wear the armor of God.  It is wonderful to not be bound with fear.

                                                               

************************************ Take a Little Breather ***********************************

One more little encounter:  I was talking to a black man on the bus, I know him from church.  A white lady stared at me and with such hatred......it was obvious my communicating with him angered her greatly.  I kept smiling and chatting with him and refused to be intimidated.  She is the one losing out because no matter the color of skin, the spirit has much to offer to those that are open to receive.  No wonder I am so blessed.  Now my friends are so without color sometimes I have to stop and think what color they are if someone asks me!  Praise the Lord....that kind of  "color blind" is "good", and brings glory to God. I daresay it "Pleases Jesus!"

                                                             
                                                       *************************

One more little story from my journey of life.  I was about to walk past a store when I felt a strong nudge to go inside.  Once inside I found myself surrounded with clothes from India, jewellery display cases, lots of fabrics also.  I did not see a clerk though I was in center of he small storefront, but I heard a voice.  I turned to see a woman seated with fabric on her knees.  She asked if she could help me.

My immediate thought was she will have to drop the fabric to serve me, and come over here...but it was hot so I overlooked her lack of public relations skills.  (Meaning if you want to have a customer purchase something, you serve them by showing interest, not by staying seated.)  I walked to her and started visiting with her.  She was so surprised her mouth dropped open and she almost dropped the fabric as she stood up quickly.  From that moment on she could not do enough for me.  She was sincere, too.  She made eye contact and showed respect.  I appreciated her new found efforts.  Her whole demeanor changed and she blossomed with skills as she served me.

Her quick change was reflected in her countenance.  I sought the Lord and He revealed some things to me that helped me understand.  He revealed to me that this woman`s slowness to rise and serve me, a customer, was because she did not view me initially as a customer.  She viewed me as someone who would show ignorance by being demeaning, and had no intention of purchasing anything.  This is because of past experiences she encountered with white women.  Yet when she saw I was friendly, approached her without any offense, but with respect, she arose and could not do enough for me.

My spirit was grieved to think she had been so hurt in the past.  I tried on a top and said, "But there is only one problem....I do not speak your language...."  (yet I was wearing a pretty cream colored top from India).  "...Is it okay?"  She looked at me and smiled from ear to ear...... to even think of me learning her language to fit in...so to speak.  Nothing was said about religion...but we both knew there were differences.  She saw the little cross I

wore with a shroud on it.  I saw the religious figures in her store.

I came to show love, not to condemn.  I came to show love.  God helped me.  The Holy Spirit taught me. When I left we both were happy.  Since then I have been back and purchased another top.  But that is not the end of the witness.  When I walk from the bus to the office I see many women from all countries and they see this white woman wearing their top.  Now... the women that before would not hardly make eye contact if we met outside, look at me and smile and even greet me.  I call that Breakthrough.  
                                                                
                                                       **********************   
The same thing has happened with women who keep their head covered, but not their face and we meet in the parking lot.  I smile at them...... and now after many times....they are smiling back.  Recently one lady wiggled her fingers to wave at me when we greeted.  Yet another breakthrough though we do not speak the same language. Little is much when GOD...is in it!!

There IS such a thing as body language, acceptance, respect, etc.  I think that is what Jesus would have me do because "love never fails."  He is pulling down walls and knows who to use and when; so I do not worry about the language barrier.  He`s preparing someone and in due season that person will have a word in season, glory to God.  I do pray that what I have shared, though very simple little incidents, helps you to see how easy it is to show someone love,  acceptance, respect, and to communicate regardless of language barriers.  Sometimes it starts simply with a smile.  Make a `Smile`......Your `Style`!  :-)))  But first, please ask yourself this question:     

How about you....do all your friends have the same color skin...... if so...who has the problem....THINK.  I did not write this as a reminder of messing up.  It is for you to do some soul searching.....and I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to you right now any incidents you need to deal with in a more effective manner.  Be willing to yield...so you can be used more effectively by God.  The decision is yours.  I pray you make a wise decision.  Blessings.....are waiting if you do.  Hindsight:  I don`t know which is worse: recognizing racism on my part, or not recognizing it at all.  I do not want to be guilty of either.  So deal with any racism, so we can get on to the next blog about a new perspective.  (Thanks for taking time to read....I appreciate you and pray my words result in changes that are beneficial for you and for others.) 

32.  I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE I DID THAT 

Today I shared a few personal experiences with some of the youth at church and their reaction stirred me to write.  We only had a few minutes to visit because they were preparing to leave on a trip, yet the Holy Spirit got in on the conversation.  Next thing I knew I was sharing something I hardly had time to think about, let alone share publicly, because it only happened the night before!  BUT GOD... knows how to pull those words up from deep inside my well and much to my amazement I found myself talking about `Racism` to a group of black students.   

I told them about coming to Toronto a year ago, moving into a multicultural home with women from Brazil, Vietnam, Jamaica, and Canada.  Then I joined a multicultural church with people of every color from many different countries.  (It has been proven to be very educational for me, thankfully.)  Since I get the bus home it just so happens that 90% of the time I am the only white lady on the bus. By now I was getting used to it; at least I thought I was until a certain incident occurred yesterday.  

The bus started once again and when I looked up I saw a white lady with short blonde hair seated near me.  She was wearing a long black skirt and I found myself looking at her bare feet because they were so white!  The pink sandals were pretty, but her feet were sooooo white!!  I looked up after thinking these thoughts and got convicted for staring at her feet!  I could hardly believe I did it.  But she was the first white person I saw on the bus in weeks, or so it seemed at that moment anyway.  There was nothing wrong with her.  She was attractive, nicely dressed, poised.


I stared because she was so different from everyone else.  I was so engrossed in wondering what she was doing on that bus and if she was wondering the same thing about me; that it took a moment before I got convicted by the Holy Spirit.  He reminded me that my feet are sooooo white...too!  I hardly knew where to look after that because it is so true.  (I don`t think there is anyone in the world that really likes everything... about their body.) FYI: Feel free to laugh....I can`t hear you so it won`t bother me a bit. 

As the bus proceeded down the street I found myself having a little talk with Jesus.  I said silently...."Lord, what is the matter with me, I can not believe I was staring at that lady like she was from Mars...or somewhere...!"` He said...."You stared because she was different from the majority; not because something was wrong with her.  The same has happened to you so remember that.  If you see eleven roses of one particular color and one white rose, what will the majority look at?"  I said, "The white rose."  I got the message.

When I told those students I caught myself staring at a white woman on the bus they thought that was so funny.  They really got tickled.  I have to believe the Lord was doing a little work on their hearts... as well as mine.  In all honesty, there have been times when I look around that bus and I almost wonder what country I am in.  So many faces of all nationalities, yet rarely white.


As I sit there it is so easy to imagine seeing Jesus and hearing the song...."Jesus loves the little children....all the children of the world....red and yellow, black and white...they are precious in his sight....Jesus loves the little children of the world!"  It brings tears to my eyes because in my heart I know he dearly loves each and every person on that bus.  My next blog will reveal how he moves on my heart because of his love for everyone.


 Written By:  Linda L. Jones
                     Glory To God
                     PS.45:1 My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

#35.  DOODALEE, DOODALEE, DO DO DO!!

Doodalee, doodalee, do do do!  My feet want to dance because of this breakthrough!!!  Why?  Because I serve a problem solving God who uses people.  When I turned my computer on this morning it did not participate with the command.  The battery was not dead.  Yet the screen remained black.  Not good.  

I prayed, phoned a tech friend and followed his instruction to no avail.  Prayed more.  Phoned another friend not to talk about it, but to have a little Saturday fellowship.  I was determined not to let this problem pull my spirit down. 

It was definitely not a coincidence that the friend I phoned had company.  Someone was visiting that knows a lot more about computers than I do!  We connected by phone and I followed one instruction.  Success....the power connected and restoration was the result.  Immediately I had a surge of anointing and desire to pray for that person.  It was so exhilarating to pray knowing God was at work and more than willing to bless EVERY person involved.  We prayed in the Name of Jesus and know He touched each heart and moved some mountains too.  

So this is my fresh testimony today.  I just had to tell you because THIS is a classic example of how to recognize the hand of God at work.  It did not matter that we were 1600 miles apart, geographically.  Perhaps I should point out that listening to the Holy Spirit and following His instructions first is a must.  Step by step he led me and problems were solved many miles away because of computer technology, not to mention the fact that there is no distance in prayer.  

Plus as stated in Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.  Nothing is too hard for me."  No wonder I love Jesus so much...every day is exciting when you recognize his hand at work on your behalf.  EVERY DAY!  Glory to God!!!  

As my bio says.....I am a Happy, Healthy, Christian Lady.  Now you know the Reason 'Why'.  His Name is JESUS CHRIST!!!  :-)))  Do YOU....know Jesus...my Savior? 

Written By: Linda L. Jones
                      Glory To God
                      PS.45:1 "My tongue is the pen
                      of a ready writer."

#31.  THE BEST IS YET TO COME

After rereading a few recent blogs I noticed this phrase kept resurfacing.  Undoubtedly it is something you have heard numerous times.  What is your immediate thought when you hear those words:  "The Best Is Yet To Come"?  Selah....pause...and think about it a moment.  

Do you think to yourself...."Yes, I Believe it!"?  Do you say to self, "Yeah right...nothing good ever happens to me..."?  Do you react positively or negatively?  Check fruit from within....time for a little introspection.  We need to be fruit inspectors in our own lives, not just in the lives of others.  To choose friends carefully, it is necessary to check the fruit in lives of certain individuals.  Now is time to do so on the inside...where Christ does abide.  Or does he...  does he abide within, or is your body a home for his presence only on certain days of the week?  Do you house his presence Sunday and do your own thing the rest of the week?  Is your body like a hotel where the presence of the Lord comes and departs frequently?  The Holy Spirit will not dwell in an unclean vessel. 

When it comes to dedication and commitment where do you stand?  Have you decided to follow Jesus....wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost?  Have you  counted the cost?  Are you willing to lay down your will and submit to whatever he calls you to do....go where he sends you...say what he tells you to say...etc.?  Are you willing to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?  That means you abide in him and he in you, and you will also be in his Word.  There are conditions to the promises of God that must be met.  Saying yes, to Jesus, and making a decision to become a Christian is great.  However, as when a baby is born.....what follows is changes daily from that moment on.  Growth is expected physically and Christians must grow and mature spiritually....on a daily basis.  If not, is Jesus really Lord of your life?       

After meditating a bit on these few paragraphs, you are best suited to answer whether or not you truly believe the Best IS... Yet To Come.  You know better than anyone if you are walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit or not.  You know if there is faith in your heart, not fantasy.  You know if you have heard from God and are living a life that lines up with the Word of God.  You know if you are wavering in any area, (at least you should know...because the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you and bring correction.) as well as whether joy is a prominent fruit released regularly.  If condemnation is evident, not good.  I am not even going to list the bad fruit possibilities.  The Holy Spirit is revealing as you read if there are any and he will help you to remove such fruit if you are willing.  Pruning is not done in the fall season only.  

On a scale of one to ten, (ten being the best mark possible)....ask the Holy Spirit to grade you with regard to your progress in achieving a spirit of excellence.  You DO... want a spirit of Excellence, right?  The higher the bar you reach for the more you are stretched yet the greater the benefits.  For sure...continuing with that kind of thinking the Best IS Yet To Come!  Don't kick yourself too hard if you found a few weak areas or a few clogs in the river.  Just make the necessary changes and continue to move forward.  Even in faltering, God can apply Romans 8:28 so magnificently that you will be amazed.  Keep your trust in him, your focus on Him, and I pray for all of us we will know that we know...The BEST IS.... YET TO COME!

I proclaim that we are excited, expectant, energetic, enthusiastic, and exuberant over the future because we are fast forwarding into our fantastic future filled with fun, favor, faith, finesse, and flare!  Yesterday is gone.  WE are not looking back. "It is a new season, it is a new day, a fresh anointing, coming our way.  It's a season of power and prosperity.  It is a new season coming to me ." (and you!!! ) FYI:  Within quotes are Lyrics to song sung at The Wisdom Center.  You do not have to know the melody to proclaim the message.  Grab hold of it and run with the truth:  "THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!"    Smile...it is True!!!  

P.S. Since my blogs are not a mere "Spiritual Vitamin"....but do have some meat in them....they are usually more than one or two paragraphs.  Please  feed your spirit and digest accordingly.  Enjoy.

Written By: Linda Lou Jones
                      Glory to God
                      PS:45:1"My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."