In this issue of Java, Jammies, and Jesus, I wrote about the wise old strategic approach to investing: diversification.
But, when it comes to our salvation, not just eternal, but daily, is that really the best approach?
I’d love to read your comments! You know what to do!
Yes, now that you know that…. so what? As discussed in this edition of Java, Jammies, and Jesus – knowing that is meant to encourage us to….. drum roll please…. COME NEAR BEFORE HIM!
Please enter your comments, questions, or experiences below! Do you have regular face to face times with Him? Do you want to but feel thwarted?
What did you think of this morning’s edition of Java, Jammies, and Jesus? Did you get to meditate on those verses? Did you hear or feel anything? Has God shown you anything? Love to hear it! Comment below!
Good morning and welcome to another edition of Java, Jammies, and Jesus!
Often I will get a word from the Lord that is not just for me, but for others as well, a word that I am supposed to share.
But quite frankly, I don’t always do it.
Maybe I hesitate at times because I still have a little apprehension that you all might think that I’m a tad loony because I say God speaks to me.
Other times, I might drawback because I fear you thinking, “Who is she to say, ‘God told me'”?
And still other times, the message is so simple that, for a split second, I worry, “Well, Lord….. who doesn’t know that?”
This is one of those times.
But here it is, from God to you: “Life is simple. I have only 2 requirements. Love Me and love others as you love yourself.”
That’s it.
Now maybe you would like to have some insider info as to what the Lord and I were discussing before I received that reassuring message.
Why did He say that to me? You’d be right if you thought it didn’t just come out of nowhere.
Well, when I got up this morning, I came to our meeting spot with a number of concerns that had had their way with me over the past couple of nights, disturbing my sleep.
I call it the collision of the concerns … you know, when there are too many that they just collide with each other creating confusion and unwanted negative energy.
Some of the concerns were obvious, in your face ones, like what the heck is going on in our world and the economy? And Wall Street???
Arghhhh…!!
Others were related to some devastating tragedies that our friends are experiencing.
Still others were more personal related to self imposed deadlines and the feeling of too much to do with too little time, our youngest son, yes, the “baby”, being 3000 miles away at school, or financial demands being greater in this season than usual.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Just life, or so it seems.
In thinking about these concerns, I was tempted to think too much about what I should or could do about them.
I thought I needed wisdom, strategies, and an action plan. And maybe I do need them, but when concerns are colliding at a blinding speed, those precious things are hard to come by!
And so, I began to tell the Lord about it and affirm His majesty and glory for me and others.
And just then, making a path through the noise in my brain, the Lord with His words, carved a way deep into my heart and mind saying,”Life is simple. I have only 2 requirements. Love Me and love others as you love yourself.”
Somehow in that instant it was clear to me what I must do: Just sit back and Rest in His love. Fill up on His love. Bask in it, revel in it, appreciate it, and bathe in it. Don’t go anywhere, do anything, attend to anyone until I feel satisfied, at peace, and happy. When I feel the smile on my face, I know I’m there.
Yes, contrary to what is going on in the world and the people and situations with which I am involved, I feel deeply within, that all … is …. indeed …. well. The muscles in my neck relax, my breathing evens, and in the midst of the turmoil, I have found a restful pond in which to float, held up effortlessly by natural buoyancy.
The abundance I feel is tangible.
Don’t worry. Be happy. I couldn’t make that happen myself, but God can…. and did!
Like every other morning, all I had to do was show up, share, listen, agree, and receive.
I realized, once again, at that moment, that we are not victims of the circumstances. We are always meant to be victors.
I realized that while I feel helpless, in reality I can do something about Wall St. and even the economy at large, something powerful and effective:
I can pray, trusting Him to work all things together for good.
I realized that I can rest in His love and know that I and my family are well cared for and will continue to be. He will lead us in whatever personal decisions we need to make.
I realized that in His love I have an abundance of time, energy, and creativity to do whatever I really need to do.
In His love I can count on Him protecting, guiding, and enriching us, our son, and our friends.
In His love there is more financial provision than the vaults of Knoxville, and He delights in providing for us.
So, like old Alfred E. Neuman used to say, “What? Me worry????”
Have a great day! And oh, if you have a moment, I’d love to hear your comments!
Cheers!
Maryann
In an earlier issue of Java, Jammies, and Jesus, I wrote about that sneaky, deceptive, and often debilitating thing called DOUBT. As I said, I was unaware that it was doubt that I was battling. But yay, the Lord who knows me best, brought it to light with his laser like revelation, and so, armed with that warfare intelligence, I could give it the boot!
I was amazed to see that ridding myself of doubt, at least in this particular area, was not so much like hand to hand combat, as it was simply drawing a line in the sand and shouting to my old nemesis, “You shall not cross!”
Since then it has been such a pleasure to live life without the added weight and fogginess of doubt! I love the increased clarity, energy, and focus!
So, would you like to hear God’s solution to doubt? I asked Him one day, and He gave it to me straight:
“Have faith in Me. Confidence is your key.”
Whoa. That’s it? Ah, yes. That’s it.
Every have one of those I should have had a V-8 moments?
Now, I don’t know about you, but when someone tells me to “Just have faith,” when I’m struggling with an issue, I am quite tempted to smack them. The words feel like platitudes, and not very helpful ones either.
But when God says it, there’s an accompanying ray of light, an elevation in my soul, a breath of fresh air that seems to come upon me. Is it that way with you, too?
So when He said, “Have faith in Me. Confidence is your key,” I felt immediately soothed and encouraged. I was reminded of a time in the past when I was stressing about one of my kids.
She had this thing she did that often got her in trouble with people and work against her and her desire for strong, close friendships. I would see her frustrated and upset on many occasions, and so, being the good mom that I tried to be, I would “help” her not do that thing. I would attempt to teach her better, more productive ways to respond and react.
And yet, here she was, in her teens, after years of my careful instruction, and STILL!!
In my anxiety, frustration, and deep sense of helplessness, I projected out a lonely, unhappy life for my dear child. (By the way, as understandable as that is, and I know you do it, too… it is definitely NOT FAITH!)
Eventually, I quit my stewing and made the wise decision to go to the Lord. “Lord, what more do you want me to do???” I whined.
Quietly, calmly, He simply stated, “Have faith in Me.”
Sigh. “Yes, Lord, I know and I do. BUT….. what do you want me to DO???”
To which He responded, with a cheerful smile on His face, “Maryann, the BEST thing you can DO, is have faith in Me.”
In a flash, I realized that having faith in Him, is a DOING. This was a pivotal point in my relationship with God and my relationship with my daughter. At once, I made a quality, wholehearted decision to do just that, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.
This decision thus opened the door to CONFIDENCE!
I became confident, rather than doubtful, about many things, especially as it relates to all my children. I am confident that He loves them more than I. I am confident that He is indeed working in them, even when I don’t see it, and even when I see evidence to the contrary.
I am confident that His plan for them is good and prosperous. I am confident that He is able to get through to them in ways I cannot. I am confident about that for which He has created them – love, acceptance, significance, purpose and meaning, success.
I am confident that they are sons and daughters of a King and will reign in life with Him. I am confident that He will protect them, even during times when they make mistakes and are choosing to not walk in concert with Him. (Yes, I know this is an especially hard one.)
Does that mean I am always confident? Heck, no! But when I fall off the rock of assurance, I know where to go and what to do…. Climb back on.
Since then I have had great peace about my children. I try and control them less (old habit die hard), and I enjoy them more.
When I see they are in a pickle, the Lord has taught me to speak favor, blessing, righteousness, love and honor over them instead of fret.
I have desired to see them with His eyes rather than through eyes of fear and worry, and the Father has honored my desire. It’s a much better way for us all to live together.
On top of that, I have even seen supernatural occurrences from doing so!
And yet, as confident as I am about our kids, I am not so confident in other areas. But like with my kids, I must decide to have faith in Him about these other things as well.
Listen, if you are struggling – there is a simple, yet powerful solution: Ask God. (You are spending quality time being with and seeking Him, right?) He will be more than happy to reveal a block for you. He’s all about your freedom!
Once you see it, toss it! Say NO! Stomp your foot and give it the boot!
Then embrace the truth (find out what it is if you don’t know!!), whether it is about God, yourself, or your circumstances. And remember, view all of life through the filter of Love!
In closing, I want to share with you a famous quote that the Lord gave me through my husband. This has definitely aided me in my commitment to have faith and doubt not and stand strong in the face of opposition. Here it is, a gift to you:
“DAMN THE TORPEDOS! FULL SPEED AHEAD!”
With great pleasure and cheer,
Maryann
PS
In our journey through this life, there is much we still do not know with certainty about God, His love for us, and what it means. Of some things, we are still ignorant. But there is much each of us does know, and yet, we still do not believe.
We may know that God is a healer, that He has the power to heal, and the word says that by His stripes we are healed. However, we may not think that healing is for US, for NOW, or in this situation or that.
We judge the word of God by our experiences or whatever the teaching is we are currently listening to. In my coaching practice, of the many reasons why a person may be stalled or hindered in their various callings, businesses, ministries, confusion as to what they can expect from God is one of the biggies.
But we must not be confused about this: We are meant to reign in this life, with Christ! And what does it take to reign? Rom 5:17 says we need to RECEIVE an abundance of grace AND the gift of righteousness. Grace is God’s enabling power, divine favor, and His divine influence in our hearts. Righteousness gives us the RIGHT to go before Him, ask of Him, and receive all He has for us. We need to know that, agree with it, believe it, and then say, “Yes! This is mine! You said it, Lord. I receive it!”
We may be confused about what we should be doing in life, about which direction to go, or how to handle a particular situation, but we need not be unsure that we are to reign in this life with Christ!
This belief and attitude carries great confidence. From that place we can go out and approach our lives with clarity, focus, and assurance, regardless of evidence to the contrary, people opposing you, or fiery darts thrown by the enemy. Raise us that shield of faith!
My husband and I were recently talking about famous quotes by war heroes that displayed greatness in the face of immense and terrible obstacles. One I particularly liked and has become my new mantra, “DAMN THE TORPEDOS! FULL STEAM AHEAD.”
I leave you with that!
Have an awesome day!
Welcome to Java, Jammies, and Jesus,#4, Your Morning ZING!!
Hey there,
Do you think God disappointed in you?
Do you think He wringing His hands, fretting about you and you choices?
Do you constantly feel like you aren’t doing enough….after all He has done for you???
Is “Guilt” your middle name?
Loaded questions! But I can’t tell you how many people I talk to who feel that way.
Maybe they know at some level that that is an inaccurate view of God – but at an operational, gut level. That is where they are. To think too much about God is …… scary!
Because they feel this way, they consciously or subconsciously stiff arm God, or hide away hoping He doesn’t see them.
Not the open and free relationship that God wants to have with them!
Maybe that doesn’t quite describe you…
Maybe you feel quite comfortable with God’s finger wagging and maybe even well deserving of it…. well would you like maybe another perspective?
Is 43:25-26 is awesome! Look it!
” I, even I, am He who blots out and cancels out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance – remind Me of your merits; let us plead and argue together. Set forth your case that you may be justified – proved in the right!”
Hmmmm….. God wants to remember my sins NO MORE for HIS sake??? He wants us to remind Him of our merits?
You know what…. rather than me saying anything more about this… how about taking this verse into your next Java, Jammies, and Jesus time and asking God what HE wants to say to you about this!
I’d love to hear what He tells you! Write it here!
Be blessed – and go tell God just how special you are…. after all, you’ll only be complimenting Him on His wonderful creation… YOU!
Maryann Ehmann
Welcome back!
As I said in this edition of Java, jammies, and Jesus, it is my passion and desire to assist you in taking your rightful place, in the magnificent throne room, where you belong, and in enjoying His presence as He richly pours blessing upon blessing on, in, and through you.
Will you join me?
Please let me know by commenting below!
To His and our glory!
Today is the day the Lord has made. Will you rejoice with me and be glad in it? (You know, it is a choice you can make!)
Here, this will help: Stop right now, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and think of 3 things for which you are grateful. Take another deep breath after each one.
So, is the desire to have that intimate connection with God getting stronger? If not, ask Him for it! God is more than happy to honor such a request!
Remember, He longs to reward you as you diligently seek Him!
When the kids were younger, we found the study of Ancient Egypt fascinating, particularly the importance of the Nile River.
The Nile was called the River of Life. It was and is a rich source of nutrients for Egypt, so much so, that the annual flooding of it was considered a high and holy religious event.
Once a year there was much to celebrate as the River left its gift of fertile silt deposits, causing the flood plain to flourish and thrive.
Click here to see a good picture or go to:
You can see the vegetation in the forefront.
But unless these living waters were pumped from the River or irrigation trenches were connected to the land beyond the flood plain, little could grow in the dry, parched desert lands. Notice the sandy terrain in the background of the picture.
I’m sure you see the parallel I am making. But think about it a minute. Reflect on this: How much do we try and do in a day without drinking deeply from our Living Water? Don’t you notice a feeling of dryness, staleness, and loss of joy? Does everything seem like it’s so much work and effort?
Yes, many are like that desert. Yes, the River is there, and available, but somehow, either it has to come to you, or you have to come to it, in order to truly benefit from its nutrients!
Why? Because He has something for you! Bread! Living Water!
Rest! Power! Come and get it!
Did you know that verse also means to come toward Him, and be by His side? (I cheated and looked it up in the Greek.)
In a week I will address the commonly held sentiment which keeps many from coming to Him…..
“I don’t come because I think He is disappointed in me. And He is disappointed in me because I don’t come. I don’t believe as I should, I don’t do what I should….” Note the vicious cycle!
Have I missed anything?
Until next time! May God bless you with rich times with Him! Email
me with questions, if you like! maryann@AgreewithGod.com
Maryann Ehmann
AgreewithGod.com
Thoughts…
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it
and agree with it! But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life,
and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty,
sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to
light… this is His mission for you, too.
As you know, I love my time with the Lord each morning. He clears my head of the debris I’ve unintentionally collected during the previous day. If we are out there working in the world, walking our neighborhoods, watching tv, or engaged in any activity that involves people, there are plenty of opportunities to get a little slime on us, or pick up some trash along the way.
Opportunities show themselves in everyday life! Sometimes when I work with a woman about her issues, her spouse may not understand that her confidence will lead to his benefit, and so he feels threatened and hurls a piece of trash at me. Other times I’m in the marketplace amongst people who are complaining left and right about how bad the economy is, or all the ailments they are suffering, or how rotten their marriage it — and I may buy on to the negativity myself and walk away saying, “yeah, that’s right… things are going to hell in a hand basket…” And still other times, the things I am hoping for are so delayed in getting to me, that I let doubt pollute my faith.
I know I’m not alone about this. We all collect trash throughout the day that wears us down, keeps us low, fogs our vision, or adds weight to our load.
Well, I know of no better remedy than to go before the Lord each and every day and express gratitude for any and everything I can. The bigger the clog in the drain, the more gratitude I need.
Then I ask the Lord to bring to the surface any negative thought that I have collected and show it to me, so He and I together can dissolve it, kick it out, whatever it takes… I don’t want it.
We live in the realm of the unseen Kingdom, but it is more relevant, real, and practical than the seen world. Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:3, that we have EVERY spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Now you may be struggling with your health, or your finances, or your marriage, or your job… and spiritual blessings may seem insignificant to your relief.
But I am here to say, that every thing real begins in the spirit realm. Peace is a spiritual blessing. A huge spiritual blessing! Our peace, or lack of it, will flow into our bodies and contribute to our health, good or bad. It will flow into our finances. At its ultimate end, a person who has no peace about finances will often lie, cheat, and steal… and even murder! So the appropriation of spiritual blessing is key to living life well.
Well, debris from the day before litters our path to peace.
Express gratitude, worship the Lord, and get rid of the trash with Him, and then….
listen to His delight in you just for showing up. Let Him, by His Spirit fill your heart and mind with love, and goodness, and appreciation for you! Feel His peace, and then… move through your day, taking periodic breaths of fresh air, knowing in your heart, that you are loved and well cared for.
This is Maryann Ehmann with another morning edition of Java, Jammies, and Jesus! Have a great day!
What kind of images spring into your mind when you hear the word, “Cheers!”
Well, if you have a background like mine, you might think of people at a party, maybe a little inebriated, clinking glasses in robust celebration.
Or maybe it causes you to think about the reserved Brits, that stoically maintain their excellent posture, adding a “Pip! Pip!” to their “Cheerio!”
How about the famed “Cheers” television show… wasn’t the by-line, “Where everyone knows your name and you’re always glad you came”?
How ever you view it, the word “cheers” summons thoughts of inviting lightness, fun, and comfort. There is something enlivening and pleasant about the word. When we “cheer” someone on, we are encouraging and strengthening them with our support. It’s like our energies combine and produce a zest for living, the extra steam we need to make it to the finish line, or just the sheer joy of knowing someone really cares.
I am blessed to have such an infinite reservoir of cheer so readily available to me. Sometimes it flows from my amazing husband. Sometimes through kind and generous friends. Sometimes it even flows through my kids! But it always, always, always flows through the Lord. I come regularly to Him to get my dose of cheer, and He is always happy to dole it out. In His often quiet way, He calls me when I am distressed or sad, and says, “Come. Come to Me….” I don’t always know why, but I come because He has proven to me that whatever it is I come for, it will be good. I may enter His presence feeling downcast, but I always leave it glad, satisfied, and filled with new hope and courage.
As I have studied and meditated on “cheer,” my idea about how the Lord “cheers me up” has exploded! Consider this: to brighten up, to be made blithe, light, merry, or gleesome; to be made glad and joyful; to have courage, to be daring and bold. Think what life would be like with more courage, lightness and merriment?
Cheer infuses energy! It imparts strength! It feels…. Good!!
The Lord has that for me!!! The Lord has that for you! We just need to go and get it!
The Lord has revealed to me the power behind this word, and so, today’s entry will be the first in a series. To further your appreciation of this word and how and why God wants us to appropriate it, check these out when you are having your “Java, Jammies, and Jesus” times! Matthew 9:2; Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 16:33
