Tag Archives: Walk With Him Wednesday

Watchful Wednesdays – Opportunities

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Watchful Wednesdays – Opportunities

Twice this week I was offered an opportunity to guest post. I realized for the first time that I really like to write. I will write about anything where the Holy Spirit gives me a prompt.

Haiku

The first one Angelview Inspirations was about perseverance. Sharon Kirby wrote a comment on that post.

You know, most of the time when I hear that word, I think of trudging along in spite of circumstances – mostly with an exhausted spirit, and a disgruntled attitude. However, I think you’re right.

Perseverance is a process.

And rather than a destructive windstorm that serves only to erode us, it’s more like a chisel in the hand of a master sculptor. (tweetable)

God uses our perseverance to work on our character. And so, the longer we persevere, the more we’ll look like Him. That IS a lifelong process, but worth it for the joy that awaits.

Then another opportunity at Grace Thorson’s blog –

Grace reminded me that I love poetry and I shared one of the first poems that I wrote while questioning God about everything – and how He showed me exactly Who He is.

Follow the link to read my post called How Writing Changed My Life.

I love opportunities – to meet new people, to try new things, to stretch the mind God has given me.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord for opportunities. May I always move towards them when you give me a nudge. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

What opportunities has God been giving you? I would love to hear from you.

Watchful Wednesdays – #WhatDoesLoveRequireofme?

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Watchful Wednesdays – #WhatDoesLoveRequireofme?

whatdoestheLordrequireofme

Read 1 Corinthians 13

That’s a lot of reading. But it also tells us how to love.

Are you stuck in the law or living the gospel of grace?  (tweetable)

How often do we judge or criticize others? Last week I attended a writers conference. A speaker talked to us for a few moments – then stopped and said something like: “Okay I know some of you were asking yourselves why I chose a deep blue today, and whether I wore earrings, and I wonder how she can speak about this topic?” Then she answered those questions and said: “Okay, now that we have those judgments out of the way, let’s get on with learning about our topic”.

It is so true that we look, we criticize, we judge. Then we tell ourselves – Stop that. We know we shouldn’t be doing this. We do it silently in our heads. But you know what – God knows our hearts and minds. We can’t hide from him. I need to confess, do you?

We do have to stick to the Word of God. We do have to keep with what He tells us. But He also tells us to love others. So we reach out – without judgment, and love.

Jesus did not let any institution interfere with his love for individuals
~ Philip Yancey (tweetable).

Are your words building up or tearing down? Great song by Hawk Nelson – Words. You can find it down below.

In each of the following areas where do you need to extend grace?

        • family
        • friends
        • co-workers
        • neighbours
        • government leaders

Remember we are called to pray for all people – including government leaders. And we are called to love them too.

This week our church started a series called #whatdoesloverequireofme based on Micah 6:8.

Prayer:

Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Let us see people as You see them. Keep our hearts pure and loving.

Watchful Wednesdays – How to Meet Jesus

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Watchful Wednesdays – How to Meet Jesus

Jesus-Calling-August-16

 

Meet Me in early morning splendor. I eagerly await you there (Jesus Calling, August 16).

Yes, as I look through my windows the sun is draped in fog. I can see it trying to burn through. But it takes time.

Meeting Jesus is like that – it takes time for the Son to shine through. I read my Bible – I study His Word. I ask Him questions. I pray for others. But then just as the sun starts to shine through the fog, I sense His Presence in the room. A peace comes. In the stillness He is there.

When you see My Face in response to My love call, both of us are blessed (Jesus Calling, August 16). (tweet this)

Do you know Jesus? Have you asked Him to be Lord of your life? He will reveal Himself to you if you ask Him. That is all He is waiting for. He is waiting for you to ask Him. Do it now.

WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Perseverance

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Wednesday’s Word – Perseverance

Ant - Perseverance

The ant is always working. Never gives up.

 

This past week I had a wonderful Sabbath Rest from blogging. I did try to keep connected but I stayed away from the computer more than usual.

Study God and his strength,
seek his presence day and night; (1 Chronicles 16:11, The Message)

What did I learn this week? The word that kept coming to me was perseverance.

There are times when I feel overwhelmed with the ideas and jobs that God has put in front of me. If I look at the forest (the whole week ahead) I can get overwhelmed.

When my daughter first attended university she felt that way. Being her first time in a semester system she saw the end looming before it even came. She saw all her assignments that were due. She panicked. Everything seemed impossible.

I know how she felt. Do you feel this way sometimes?

You take a look at your calendar, your responsibilities, your commitments and you feel like crawling in a hole, burying your head in the sand or pulling your head inside your shell like Tadeo Turtle.

Enter Jesus.

Jesus certainly had commitments, crowds of people following Him, disciples questioning Him. But how did He react. Always calmly and with much patience and love. He only got angry with the Pharisees calling them, you brood of vipers, (Matthew 12:34, NIV) and the money changers. Jesus overturned their tables. (Matthew 21:12-13, NIV)

And Jesus also went away to pray. He sought the solace of God. He knew He got His strength from His Father. And so can we.

I find that if I keep going in my own way without a thought of praying, I don’t get much done and I can feel overwhelmed. But if I ask God for help first – then He comes and His power, His Spirit and His passion can flow through me.

Seek His Presence day and night.

Each Wednesday we hold a Wednesday’s Word Community. Please check the rules of Wednesday’s Word if you are here for the first time. Feel free to add your link below about God’s Word. And we all love comments.

Remember when you feel everything closing in on you,
look to Jesus and He will help you through. (tweet this)

After you link please go to the blog that is in front of you and comment on their site. Words of encouragement mean so much to each of us. If you have time visit more of the writers.
Linking on Wednesdays to:
Winsome Wednesdays

 

Simply Helping Him Wisdom Wednesday
 



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Worship

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Wednesday’s Word – Worship

Worship by Janis Cox

Watercolour Painting by Janis Cox

Sunday was Ascension Sunday – and we heard a great sermon called “Home Again”. Some of the truths I learned about worship:

      • worship is not just singing to God
      • worship is exercising your spirit (your mind and feelings can be part of this)
      • one of the keys to spiritual power is worship
      • to exercise our spirits we need to work at it – it is like a muscle that needs to be stretched and toned
      • when we sing we need to listen and appreciate the words we are singing
      • we exist to tap into the power of the risen Christ
      • if Jesus is home again, then we are at home with Him
      • the age to study the Bible is now
      • Jesus is at home now preparing a place for us. 

That last one struck home as that is the first piece of Scripture I memorized as a child at a Bible camp:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:1-6, KJV).

As I worship – whether in prayer, in singing, in walking outside – every way I worship I am working at being aware of God, thanking Him and coming into His Presence.

W.O.R.S.H.I.P.

Willingly Offering Reverence Showing Him Intentional Praise

“Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – This is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

This week let’s try to exercise our spiritual muscle. (tweet this)

Each Wednesday we hold a Wednesday’s Word Community. Please check the rules of Wednesday’s Word if you are here for the first time. Feel free to add your link below about God’s Word. And we all love comments.

May you look at worship in a different way this week.

After you link please go to the blog that is in front of you and comment on their site. Words of encouragement mean so much to each of us. If you have time visit more of the writers.
Linking on Wednesdays to:

PROWESS AND PEARLS DEVOTIONALS BY MICHELL PULLIAM



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Now

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Wednesday’s Word – Now

Living in the Now

The other day I had a plan (my plan) to go to town for a couple of errands. Seemed like God had another plan – to allow me to pray for someone. So I offered and I did pray.

Sometimes I am led to do something that I believe I know the outcome but that is not always so.

God can take what I am doing and
make it something for His glory. (Tweet this)

That’s why this week’s word is NOW. We are living in the now – this moment. We are wholly present only at this time. So savour it; listen to it; watch for God in it.

I have to get to the implicit relationship that takes everything as it comes from Him. God never guides presently, but always now. Realize that the Lord is here now,and the emancipation is immediate. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, April 21).

I have read Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg and we will start our Bible study on this wonderful book tonight.

My word for the year is LIVE. Here are 3 ways that Margaret suggests to live a life Wonderstruck. (#livewonderstruck) All of these ideas are taken from Chapter 001 in Margaret’s book.

1.  Walk more upright with my eyes attentive to what God might do next.

2.  Maintain a childlike receptivity by simply being with Jesus, delighting in His presence, and humbly asking Him to pray for me.

3.  Look and see God’s Hand everywhere.

Do you see how everything written above is in the NOW?

So let’s try this week to live each day fully – watching, listening and waiting to see what God will do.

Each Wednesday we hold a Wednesday’s Word Community. Please check the rules of Wednesday’s Word  if you are here for the first time. Feel free to add your link below about God’s Word. And we all love comments.

Let us be aware this week as we watch where God leads us.

After you link please go to the blog that is in front of you and comment on their site. Words of encouragement mean so much to each of us.

Let us be aware and live in the now.
Watch for what God can do. (Tweet this)



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Transformed

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Wednesday’s Word – Transformed

Empty

As we head toward Easter I think back at the difference that Easter means to me now compared to earlier -before I understood who Jesus is.

I found a poem I had written a few years ago.

I thought I would share it with you today. It is based on Romans 12:1-2.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Inside Out

Dry, brittle
Easily hurt
Lifeless
Angry, unsure
Taking hold of life
By sheer will.

Exert control, demand
Expect everyone
To heed my call.
EMPTY

Jesus entered
Sensed my struggle
Asked me to lay it down.

Pierced my soul
With life-giving blood
And turned me inside out.

Released my fear
Sorrow and pain
Mercy washed over me.

Showed me love,
Patience and passion
And life with an Eternity.
 FULL

@Janis Cox 2008

Each Wednesday we hold a Wednesday’s Word Community. Please check the rules of Wednesday’s Word  if you are here for the first time. Feel free to add your link below about God’s Word. And I love comments.



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Strength

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Wednesday’s Word – Strength

 

Rock - Psalm 18

Picture taken in Czech Republic

Oh I have not had any of my own strength in the past week. With allergy season kicking in; with my head filled with ideas and keeping me awake; with my hubby snoring – well sometimes I feel rather blah.

But – and there is a big but.

I don’t have to do anything in my own strength. Tweet this.

Here are three examples from the past week.

Last Tuesday I had an interview with Robert White on FaithFM Radio. The call was at  at 6:15 am (time change made it 1 hour earlier than I had expected). And I had not slept that night – allergies and snoring husband. I arose at 5am. A prayed and studied. I had a shower to wake me up a little more.

I am not sure how I did but I know I felt God’s spirit strongly as I spoke. The prayers of my prayer team were also holding me up. God is able even though I am not.

The Results:

1. I had my first interview and got through it.
2. I actually enjoyed it even though I felt nervous.
3. Someone on Facebook said he heard “an awesome interview from Janis Cox”.

On Saturday I had a table at a small Arts and Crafts Fair in my community – to sell Tadeo Turtle. I did not sleep the night before (allergy and snoring of hubby; excitement and too much on my mind). However, I got up at 6am as I always do – studied and prayed. I felt the Lord’s presence and an infusion of energy. Off to the show I went:

The Results:

1. My nose seemed okay the whole time. (allergies under control)
2. I stood for 6 hours and was able to smile, laugh and sell lots of books.
3. When I returned home – I had a nap. Yes I was tired but elated that God had pulled off this miracle.

On Sunday I was to be the storyteller for 2 services at Sunday School. Of course with these allergies I did not sleep well once again. Up again at 6am I prayed and studied. Renewed with His Presence I went off to church. My hubby was praying for me.

The Results:

1. The kids were very attentive.
2. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
3. I had lots of energy to sing and dance with them as well as tell the story and have them act the story out in a play.

So I know for sure – for sure – that God is my strength. Tweet this.

“I love you, Lord, my strength.

 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1-2, NIV).

Here is Chris Tomlin singing one of my favourites. Everlasting God.

These words speak to me:

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

 



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Wonder

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Wednesday’s Word – Wonder

“God invites us to look up, open our eyes to the wonder all around us, and seize every opportunity to encounter Him” (Wonderstruck, Margaret Feinberg). Tweet this.

Sunset by Jake Jakobsen

Photo is courtesy of Jake Jakobsen.

Wonderstruck – what an excellent book. I am being inspired by Margaret’s words.

When a painter, photographer friend handed me his poem “Good Morning, Lord”, I couldn’t help but see that he had been moved to see the wonder all around us.

I give you the poem today to help you to see God’s wonder in all parts of your day.

Good Morning, Lord

Good morning, Lord.
I look at the sunrise and I see you there,
The sun behind the clouds, light shining through the air.
Above the mountain in all its glory,
I see You there; I hear Your words, Your story.
I look at the ground and you’re there, I know.
I see Your wonders in the trees, in the flowers that grow.
I look in my heart and I feel Your love,
Shining in me as the sun shines above.

Good morning, Lord.
I look at the sky and see You in the new day.
I know if I need You, You’re never far away.
I see You in the animals, the fish, and birds that fly.
It brings joy to my heart and a tear to my eye.
I feel Your touch, Lord; I feel it in the breeze
As it touches my face, as it sings through the trees.
Know me, Lord, and let me know You.
Show me, Lord, what I should do.

Good evening, Lord
I see You there in the picture painted by the setting sun;
Your light shining through the clouds when day is done;
The sky glowing pink and yellow, turning the clouds’ edges gold;
In the beauty You’ve created, Your story being told.
Wherever I turn, whatever is still to be,
It is there, Lord; it is there wherever I look.
Your words are written before me like the Words in Your Book.

Good evening, Lord
I see You there as the evening falls before night;
Through the darkness I see You; I still see Your light.
It shines in the moon and the stars high above.
It shines through the dark; it shines with Your love.
I feel Your Presence as though near me You stand.
I feel You near me like the touch of a hand.
I look through the night; I look for Your face,
And in the wonder of Your love, I’ve found my place.

Written by James Amodeo 2002

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, NIV). (my emphasis)



WEDNESDAY’S WORD – Word

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Wednesday’s Word – Word

Word - the Word of the Week - Wednesday's Word

The word of this week is Word – God’s Word.

 God has impressed on me many times this week
that it is His Word that I am to be listening to. Tweet this.

We are bombarded by words every day – man’s words. They can change us, pull us away from God, hurt us, bring us into fights, sadness, despair. They can change us in good ways as well – but words that build up come from God.

Are you building others up? Or are you tearing them down?

“One word from God has the potential of an open-ended experience with God” (Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby). Tweet this.

Take the time and read God’s Word. His Words have the power to change you.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

KLove played this song on the way home from my Bible study and it says so much about why I write about the Word of God.

Words by Hawk Nelson

You can see all the lyrics on this website:  Words.

Here is a sample

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart
Or put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t want to say a word
Unless it points the world back to You