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Josephine Mary Schmidt

A Place of Refuge for the Soul

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Life in Christ

I went because I loved Him – Psalm 6 Verse 10.

I did not want to make myself an enemy of Christ.

“All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;

Psalm 6:10 NIV

We do not want to become an enemy of Christ and no longer a friend. I remember in Australia knowing if I did not do what the Lord Jesus was asking, I would make myself an enemy again. I had once not known Christ or Salvation – but I could not live in ignorance or denial. I knew that if I turned back and stopped following what Jesus’ will and desire was, He would no longer be pleased with me.

One day, this world and everyone who has either ignored the gospel’s message or turned back and stopped listening to the Savior – God will bring down His anger upon them. Suddenly, Psalm 6 verse 10 says it will happen. And Jesus said He will return like a thief in the night to those still living on the earth. And it will be to steal what life remains to them back from them. If we do not lose our life for Jesus, we won’t find it on the day of Christ. As Psalm 6 Verse 10 describes, fear, shame, and anguish will meet us.

Josephine Mary Schmidt feeding two wallabies in the South Australia bush in the Adelaide Hills where she lived with Leo and her three children before Jesus asked her to sell all and move to San Diego, California in 2008.
Josephine Mary Schmidt feeding two wallabies in the South Australia bush in the Adelaide Hills where she lived with Leo and her three children before Jesus asked her to sell all and move to San Diego, California in 2008.

Jesus wanted me to leave Australia in 2008, sell most of my things, and move to a place I was unfamiliar with. I had to pack up, move my three children, and go with my husband, Leo, to where the Lord Jesus was leading. I had to give up everything, and it was emotionally straining and challenging. And it happened rather quickly with not much else to think about. But I did it with Jesus’ help and encouragement because I love Him and everything He represents and has done!

My enemies put me to great shame. You can read about it on Josephine Mary Schmidt – About Page. (Link Here). But Jesus rescued and redeemed me. How can I not love the One who rescued me from death and utter torment and darkness for eternity? The offer of Salvation is still available today for all who want it. There are so many uncertainties, hardships, cruelties, betrayals, and lack of hope around the globe. But there is hope in Christ. 

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame” 1 Peter 2:6 ESV. 

That stone born in Jerusalem is Christ Jesus, God’s Son – the cornerstone holding all life together with the promise from God that ALL who put their trust in Him will NEVER come to shame! This Scripture is one of my favorite verses, and I pray that you hold onto it today in sincerity and truth. Amen.

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

matthew 10:39 NIV

Why I Hate Halloween!

“Stand on the side of what is good” – Romans 12:9. It doesn’t matter how you “swing the cat,” there is nothing good about Halloween!

Many churches hold trick-and-treat events. But it’s all rooted in the legend of witches and warlocks, goblins and thieves, evil spirits, and demons – all of which sent Jesus to the cross. The Devil, the prince of darkness, entered a man, Judas, to do what he desired – nail the Son of God, Jesus, to a tree in the hope of getting rid of Him. 

“Whoever is not with me is against me,” Jesus said, scattering His sheep and driving them away. 

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30 NIV)

Jeremiah the prophet also warned of Shepherds and leaders doing the same thing in Jeremiah 23:1: “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD.”

I hate Halloween because it is not for Jesus, despite its inclusion in many churches and assemblies.

I’ve tried to explain this view before but with no effect. But I think from someone whom Jesus delivered from demon-possession who knows the demonic world and its tricks and schemes and face of the Devil, his servants, and demons – I should know! 

Jesus has shown me that Judas sat at His table, and what was in his heart was not pure. He allowed the Devil to take a stand in him. Are you doing anything different by provoking jealousy aligned with such a debased tradition? I think not. Creeping and crawling creatures were found in the hearts of the leaders in the Jewish temple in Ezekiel Chapter 8. And today, I fear they have entered the hearts of many Pastors and leaders of churches across the United States and, I fear, other countries as well. Let us not be like them but serve the Lord with fear and reverence. The grace Jesus preached was clear – “come away” out of your sins, out of the demonic, fear, and death, and serve only Me! (Revelation 18:4) 

You cannot share the altar of your heart or your mantle sills in your homes with creatures you think might only be excused as fantasy! Unfortunately, you have forgotten we do not wrestle with flesh and blood. Our enemy, the Devil and his army and warriors of demons and evil spirits, are active in the hearts of children, in the media, in traditions and functions, all disguising themselves as a harmless “Boo” or a witch and a harmless ghost of fairy tales that most think cannot harm them or take place in their heart and homes. What a terrible day when they reveal themselves as so much more – an enemy you cannot slay without the blood of Christ as your warrior and friend.

Every Tear Will Be Wiped Away!

looking out the window at fluffy clouds in a plane
Heaven isn’t a made-up story!

Every tear will be wiped away in heaven!

What a promise! And Jesus can make this promise because His Words and fullness are absolute and current and holy and contain the richness of the authority of heaven. Jesus is eternal life – and there is a time coming when all our sorrows, difficulties, pain, and shortcomings will no longer exist because of our trust in Him today! We will reign with Jesus. And this future is worth living for now as we continue to follow and believe in our Lord and Savior, Jesus, despite what others my think. He has risen from the dead, and we have this assurance in our heart, mind, and soul. Jesus is the Lord of magnificence. 

 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4.

When we are having a hard time or in pain, remember this truth from our Lord Jesus. Allow it to help you and continue to choose to soldier on – trusting, hoping, and believing in the promises of Jesus. His Divine nature, it says in 2 Peter 1:4, works through us when we do; God’s power from heaven. It helps us gain strength for what we are facing, knowing deep in our hearts and minds that we are only encountering the temporary sufferings of this world. Something greater is coming that will dominate and wipe away our tears that Jesus won on the cross to give us – everlasting life.

“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” – 2 Peter 1:4.

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Are You Looking for Jesus?

Mary Magdalene went to the gravesite looking for the Messiah. She called Jesus Lord and knew that her life depended on Christ. In all the chaos and madness and confusion, Mary went to where she had last seen her Lord laid. Did Mary expect to find a risen Lord? We don’t know; the Scriptures don’t reveal this truth. But I relate to her as the Lord released many demons from my body as He did for Mary Magdalene. I never wanted to leave Jesus’ side, knowing His power, love, and kindness. She knew he was the Messiah, and regardless of the outcome and His death, she wanted to find Him.

Are you looking for Jesus? Do you want to maintain a personal relationship with Christ like Mary? Easter is a time to celebrate Jesus’ victory over the demonic forces of this world – the Devil and his angels that once served God’s side and rebelled. Satan entered a snake and deceived Adam and Eve to do something God told them would lead them to death. Jesus came, the promise of God in human flesh, to defeat this trickery of the Devil, the lying snake and take the power of death away from him. Mary came to the tomb, and even the angels knew why she had come – she was looking for Jesus. And Jesus met her, the risen Lord of all Kings, and entities. Mary Magdalene is the first person Jesus spoke to after He rose from the dead. Mary was persistent in her pursuit of her Lord. Are you? 

An Easter Scripture - "We know you are looking for Jesus"

People presume Mary was a prostitute, and that’s why demons had overpowered her. But I was not a prostitute when demons overthrew me. I had been looking for the truth, and the Devil had come to keep me from discovering it! 

So today, and every day, make it your mission to seek Jesus no matter the circumstances or what you might see with your eyes. He is the only one to break the power of death and destroy the Devil’s tactics and schemes in our lives to keep us from the truth and having a relationship with Jesus. Eternal life is found in pursuing and knowing Christ, who teaches us to say “No” to the tactics of the Devil and helps us live a new life in Him, the risen Lord from the dead.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12 NIV).

“You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:36).

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work: (1 John 3:8 NIV).

Believing in God’s Love for You

I was purging and tidying up my music studio, and I realized that I had begun to write a new song with the same name as another called “Your Lovingkindness.” It’s on my A Soul’s Worth album. And as I listened, the words to the bridge stuck out, and I thought about Easter.

“You died for me
You rose for me
You’re glorified in heaven for me
I believe
Now I see”

Bridge – “Your Lovingkindness.”

A hand holding a pottery cross and plaque with the word "Believe."

I remember fleeing our property in South Australia, demon-possessed with Leo and the girls. God showed me a vision of a giant wooden cross and said, “I died to help you with what is happening.” Jesus died for us. He rose from the grave for us, defeating our enemy, the Devil. And glorified above everything in heaven is Jesus with all authority in His hands.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:15 –

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—”

It has yet to be determined precisely when this will happen. But what I want to concentrate on is the word “desolation.” “The abomination that causes desolation” is the power of the spirit of the Devil. And it is what will bring the anger of God upon this earth when he stands in a place only meant for God. It is like my demon-possession. I was made for the glory of God, not for trickery and lies to overcome me. And Jesus died to help me receive my freedom from this spirit that causes desolation and give me a new and fulfilling life in Him that leads to eternal life.

The dictionary says desolation is “a state of complete emptiness or destruction.” It also describes it as “anguished misery or loneliness.” Here are some words the dictionary also uses to describe it – “barrenness, bleakness, starkness, bareness, misery, sadness, unhappiness, melancholy, gloom, grief, mournfulness, woe; broken-heartedness, wretchedness, dejection, discouragement, devastation, despair, anguish, distress.”

Jesus came to save us from these – Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”

I recall the emptiness, my complete anguish, and the distress I felt demon-possessed. I fought with all my strength to get free, but nothing worked until I cried out to the mercies of God. My heavenly father then led me to Jesus and the cross, and Jesus taught me how to have freedom and become new.

In my song, “Your Lovingkindness,” I sing about depression in Verse 2. I recall when recording this song and these lyrics, almost feeling embarrassed, ashamed that I was admitting depression sometimes came to attack my faith after everything Jesus had done for me to rescue me out of the darkness and the Devil’s hold.

Depression is completely opposite to God’s character and intent for our lives. Jesus reveals in Matthew 24:15 that Satan and his warriors bring the spirit of desolation. The Devil will attack our minds with fiery arrows of doubt, hopelessness, and fear. But it is what we do about these attacks that counts.

“YOU are where I come when the sadness around me is strong.
YOU are where I come when depression weighs down.”

Verse Two – “Your Lovingkindness.”

COME TO CHRIST JESUS!

So, as our minds think about the cross this Easter, let our thoughts be firmly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and His love and victory for us.

“You died for me
You rose for me
You’re glorified in heaven for me
I believe
Now I see”

Bridge – “Your Lovingkindness.”

Knowing Jesus Christ holds power.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 11:25-27 NIV

Nothing beats depression and the antics of desolation than God’s loving-kindness and the cross of Jesus Christ – His blood, His love, and His victory over the grave and the one who once held the power of death – that is, the Devil.  (Hebrews 2:14 – Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—)

Jesus has compassion for us. He holds relief and power to lift us above our thoughts and into His and the truth of His victory accomplished on the cross.

I hope this post is an encouragement to you, especially at Easter. Don’t get caught up just attending church, a tradition many follow. But be filled with the power of knowing Christ Jesus and a personal relationship with Him, victorious over the Devil and the spirit of desolation. Come to Jesus! Don’t let negative thoughts fester, breathe, and have life. Banish them with the hope of Christ, the love of God for you, and the truth of the gospel and your Salvation in Jesus and His love. Restore your faith, and the Devil with flee from you!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT

A drop of blood symbolizing the love of God to die for our souls

Your Loving-Kindness


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Christ Has Not Left Us as Orphans

Vulnerability and How I Overcame Fear

As you may or may not know, I shattered my big toe in Australia while filming a documentary with Leo about the incredible things Jesus has done for me. When in the doctor’s office back in San Diego, where we now live, I was told by the podiatrist to start walking without my air cast boot. It had now been 11 weeks without ever bearing weight on my injury or walking unassisted without my cast. The doctor in his office didn’t help me take my first steps. He merely told me what I was to do and went out the door. There was no personal service, no helping me, just these instructions to go home and walk without my boot, juggling between the pain and putting it back on until I could walk unassisted without it and my cane. And the whole idea was daunting.

As I squeezed my oversized foot into my sandshoe, trying to stretch the laces as far as possible to make it less painful, tears welled, and I knew I was emotionally weak. I was scared! And physically tired from wearing the boot for so long. And now, this new direction I needed to face. I felt vulnerable without the protection of my air boot cast and tried to see into the future and what lay ahead of me to full recovery.

As Leo watched, offering support, and I stood for the first time, it reminded me of when I first came home after Jesus had delivered me from demon-possession. Jesus had kept me safe at a holiday resort with cabins and a caravan park from the people who had done this to me. At the resort, Jesus taught me His gospel and how to be strong in Him before filling me with His Holy Spirit and leading me back home to live on our property where all this horror had happened. It had been extremely daunting, this new direction without the protection of the resort and haven where Jesus had acted so powerfully. It was a bit like this boot – it had allowed me to keep functioning, protecting my injury so I could heal. 

As I stood in my sandshoes and as Leo cheered me on, I knew I wasn’t alone like when I had returned home, taking my first steps unguarded by the resort to trust in the healing and knowledge Jesus had granted. He was here now to help me in this new direction and unknown weeks ahead to full recovery. Jesus was here in my frail body and insecurities and weakness to be strong. 

Air cast boot on the floor next to someone standing in sand shoes

The following day, I spent my whole day in my sandshoes before resting and putting my foot up for the evening. My recovery will be slow, learning to walk again and hopefully without pain. But so was returning home after such a horrendous ordeal and learning to live there with courage and faith.

But the most important thing is to know where our help comes from and to cry out and receive that help. Once I did not have the mercy of God. But now I am found and have experienced God’s great love and compassion in Christ Jesus. I need to walk worthy of what I have received every day and with that understanding. Jesus died so we could be friends and know Him and live with Him forever in paradise!

Vulnerability and fear can meet us in any situation where the unknown is the future. But Christ helps us through these battles. Remember the past and His previous victories, and the steps forward will be restful.

Shining the Light in a Faraway Land

Plane view of Denver coming in to land
Looking out the window of the plane coming into land in Denver.

Recently, I accompanied Leo to Scottsbluff in Nebraska, USA. He needed to fix a cold head on an MRI medical machine. I went because I still have my foot in my air cast boot after shattering my big toe. When we arrived in Denver, we planned to drive the 3 ½ hours to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in the morning. But our booked hotel room messed us up. And we both felt the Lord Jesus wanted us to drive that night, despite the cold, icy, unfamiliar roads.

Dark night with full moon shining above freeway
Highway in Denver on our way to Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

We had this glorious full moon making the journey easier that lit our path. And we saw this superb nativity scene outside a church, which caused us to make a U-turn, turnaround to take it in and take this photo! It did encourage us; though no one saw us, no one knew how blessed and encouraged we felt! 

An erected nativity scene shine brightly outside church.
It was a dark, cold night as we drove on unfamiliar roads to a place never been before. But we had the company of this full moon’s reflection on the “sun” and this glorious message of truth shining bright reminding us of God’s love that Jesus, the Son of God came humbly to do the impossible – something we could never do ourselves – redeem us back to our Heavenly Father and God.

Leo and I were driving on unfamiliar roads to a place we had never been. But God gave us the company of this glorious full moon, making the journey easier on the dark, cold roads. We saw this message of truth shining brightly, reminding us of God’s love in sending Jesus and that Christ was now with us, leading us to make this journey safely tonight as we trusted His leading to drive.

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said these words to those gathered, listening to His teachings. Has Jesus taught you? Are you walking to what you’ve obtained and learned from Him? Or have you shrunk back? Have you stopped remembering? Have you allowed a distraction or another example to turn you away from the purity of this instruction?

Even if no one is looking, or if you don’t know if someone is being affected, we must walk worthy to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to save us and redeem us from death and destruction. No one saw us that night; no one that we know of, except our Heavenly Father, who had given us the full moon and led us this way during the night to see that Nativity scene shining brightly. The people who had put it there didn’t know how much comfort it gave us. We are passing people all the time on this journey of life, and often, we don’t see what our example is doing. 

Leo and I were blessed on our travels in a faraway land and place very different from San Diego. The moon reflects the sun, and God has sent His Son, and I hope this encourages you to shine His likeness to the world according to the Word and Holy Spirit.

Has someone done something like this for you?

Trials Continue, but Blessings Remain

Josephine sitting in a wheelchair looking out the window reflecting on the trials and battle ahead.
Sitting, reflecting on the trials and the battle ahead after returning from Australia.

When I came back from Australia, it was very difficult. My foot was badly broken, my big toe shattered, and weeks ahead in a boot, with the Podiatrist rather it be in a cast. I had hope – Jesus hadn’t forsaken me; He had allowed my injuries to show a picture to others. So often, God uses the lives of others to bring a picture so that we are aware of the truth, a reality that is hidden. The Devil roars – he threatens and attacks, but in Christ, we are safe. I may have fallen when filming a documentary. I fell, to show others on camera that the Devil’s attacks are real in stopping us finding Salvation and the knowledge of Christ our Savior.

The Devil keeps unbelievers in a prison they can’t escape without the knowledge of Christ and Jesus opening their eyes and ears. I am very much aware, now back in San Diego, to keep my eyes and ears on the truth. Christ is soon returning, and Satan does not want me to be about my Father’s business – allowing God to use my life to bring the message of Salvation, however, that may look. I’m still in this boot, and probably for weeks yet. My foot still hurts and is still swelling and uncomfortable. But I’m preparing with Leo to film the rest of the documentary and release it. I’m working on releasing a new album of songs and illustrating a children’s book with the message of Christ and hope of God’s love. I’m soldiering on – not shrinking back in fear, doubt, or unbelief that this is my calling, the leading of the Lord for my life.

There are fiery trials, but they do something. Firstly, they show our faith is real and that we have an undying love for our Lord and Savior. These fiery trials are to upset us, make us doubt, and stop speaking and living for Christ, our Lord. Show the picture that you belong in the family of God, and not allow the enemy to make you fall short of the grace God gives to endure. And Blessings will follow; it is a promise in God’s Word.

In the Battle

Filming a Documentary in Australia and an Accident that Occurred

During November, Leo and I were in Australia, filming part of a documentary to coincide with the book I’ve been writing. We were filming in Adelaide, South Australia, where we are from, and a terrible accident happened. I walked straight off a platform, fell down some steps, and utterly shattered the bone in my big toe, considerably hurting my foot. It happened only a week and a half into our trip and filming. Leo believes the Devil was responsible. In a moment, I was somehow blinded and forgot the steps that I had only seconds before walked down and up in the house we were staying. We believe it was to stop me from speaking and filming the documentary where I share the tactics of the Devil – the tactics that caused my demon-possessed in 2004.

“It was the Legion,” the demonic, the Lord Jesus, spoke to me. It is what the documentary is all about.

Leo and I kept filming, though I was in considerable pain and the difficulties. 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair,” 2 Corinthians 4:8.

Though the bone in my large toe was utterly shattered and in multiple pieces like pebbles, we kept going, not crushed. But more than conquerors in Christ. 

What the Devil meant for evil, God uses for good.

The hypnotic powers of the Devil and demons to blind and make us forget danger in order to hurt us is real. In a split moment, I was blinded from seeing the steps and forgot the danger ahead of me. As Christians, it is so important to remember not to do the same with God’s word and the message of Christ.

My broken toe now features in the documentary, like evidence, a physical representation of the Devil’s attacks. 

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

God is using us; our lives are His to use. But it will mean suffering at times.

There were considerable costs associated with this accident other than the pain and physical discomfort it caused me. Leo and I had to delay our flights back to San Diego, missing out on the fellowship of our three daughters all being together at one time in San Diego. We missed out on the fellowship of our three sons in-laws and our grandchildren because we were doing the work of the Lord that brings suffering at times.

So, what are the main points of this post?

  • A Target – We are a Target!
  • But More than Conquerors in Christ
  • God wants to use our lives as a witness to others to help them
  • It might mean suffering, but God promises us His glory!

A Target

We are a target for the Devil’s attacks when we serve the Lord Jesus as His friend.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV).

Filming a Message at Port Elliot, South Australia.

More than Conquerors in Christ.

God’s gift of Salvation is a gift of Himself. To take us out of darkness and blindness and enable us to see and understand everlasting life. Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil, break his power, and transform the way we think, which enables us to become a new creation in Christ Jesus and known by Him.

“As it is written:

‘For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’” (Romans 8:36-39).

It isn’t an easy path serving and believing in Jesus. But His love never departs and we are more than conquerors in Christ to overcome evil and it’s methods to destroy us eternally.

God wants to use our lives as a witness to others to help them.

We are the light of the world, Jesus said.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

It is our purpose.

People Need to See Disciples!

People need to see the evidence of the power of Christ in us! It was the reason I had not believed; Jesus told me. The people around me did not live like they believed in the cross of Christ and all He had accomplished. People need help with their belief in the gospel because our faith must endure until the end, Jesus said, for us to be saved. They need encouragement with their faith because the lie is fierce. The forces of confusion are great, and the road to destruction is all around us, pulling people along with it.

It might mean suffering, but God promises us His glory!

            “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17).

So, here I am with a broken toe, back in San Diego, soldiering on. Paul said his imprisonment for preaching the gospel caused people to preach the gospel with boldness. It increased their faith. They saw his suffering as evidence of the attacks of the Devil, the enemy of our soul and Christ. I pray this helps you rise above the Devil and his efforts to stop your belief. Or stop you from serving and being a light to others, living the life Jesus modeled and taught, written down, and preserved in God’s Word that will endure forever!

Let what Jesus has done for you be a light to someone else on the road to Salvation. And let God use the sufferings that might come to increase others’ faith and belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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A Voice Crying Out!

While in the hair salon, waiting for my appointment, I gazed around at the items for sale, SHOCKED at what I found. I took a photograph because I wanted to write a post. Before my eyes was a necklace with the number “666” with the interpretation below: – “Angel Numbers – 666: Reflect: Look deep for your higher truth.”

As Christians, we know what this number represents, and it takes wisdom from God to understand. 

A gold necklace with the numbers 666
I am shocked the Devil has become so bold to place this in public eye not fearing exposure!

On the drive home with Leo, I saw another sign, blazing as a banner across the front of a church building, that read, “Trick or Treat.” It’s that time of year, Halloween, and I am shocked, yet again this year, that Christian organizations are leading the community astray! And by doing so, are advertising their ignorance and lack of no power.

The Devil, I’m sure, is laughing!

A Trick or Treat banner hanging across the front of a church!
What do you think Jesus would say about a Trick or Treat banner hanging across the front of a church!

We must remember that if we are born-again Christians, filled with the Spirit of God and Christ, He has called us out of the kingdom of darkness. The realm of “ghosts and spirits,” which are actually demons, evil spirits; fallen angels that left God’s heaven and became part of Satan’s rebellion, and Anti-Christ’s power. It isn’t a fantasy. We have an adversary, the Devil, whose army of evil spirits and demons have the world fooled. But can we be ignorant? Or play this down?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

Every year, Christians dress up or go to trick-and-treat “family” events at churches, so they have a safe place to celebrate this festival, Halloween, saying, “It’s just a bit of fun!”

It leaves a confusing message in our communities.

A poster for a church inviting people to a family trick or treat!
According to Wikipedia – Jack-o’-lanterns – represent either spirits or supernatural beings, or were used to ward off evil spirits. A definite compromise in witnessing Christ Jesus as the defeater of this evil, and Satan!

Let us be a Voice in the Wilderness crying out!

Behind these myths and legends hides a very real adversary that Jesus Christ defeated on the cross for us to stand and run free! Let us be a voice in the wilderness, crying out, “Make straight paths for the Lord” (Mark 1:3/Isaiah 40:4), and not a confusing message.

As a demon possessed person who praises Jesus for calling me out, I am not ashamed of the gospel that frees! Satan has the whole world deceived; let us not join in the deception!

“The righteous are as bold as lions!” (Proverbs 28:1).

When I first came to this country, I was not prepared for Halloween and was shocked that Christians wanted to join in with this celebration of ghosts, spirits, and death, as if nonconsequential, and do something they considered “safe and harmless,” as not to miss out! Is there such a thing in the kingdom of darkness and death and the spirits of the dead?

Let us not be ignorant but show our power and knowledge! 

Don’t you know it isn’t a fantasy to be called out of the kingdom of darkness? Yet Christians are behaving as if it never happened to them!

Let us not be ignorant but go on to better things, not snared by these things but spreading the gospel as we should with power and belief – our savior and Jesus who rose from the dead to make a public spectacle of these spirits and has called us out! Halloween isn’t a time to celebrate but declare!

Suffering for the Gospel

I haven’t written a post for a while. I’ve been deeply committed to finishing the book I have poured my life into to reveal God’s glory and might. I wanted to take a moment to reach out, speak the message of hope and life, and put it up on the website. I recall the Lord Jesus saying to me that it makes it look like I am alive and active. And I haven’t grown weary in doing good and the faithful work of the Lord that we are all called into when we receive Him as our Lord. So, I want to encourage you – as the world around us reveals its unbelief in our Savior more and more, let us not go in that direction!

My husband and I often enjoy sitting in the car and eating In and Out. It is the only takeaway meal that I can eat to avoid migraines. Sometimes we go to the cliffside in Carlsbad. Other times, when we don’t have the time to drive this far, we enjoy each other and our meal in the local parking lot – or as we Aussies say, “car park!” We have been living in San Diego for fourteen years now! And we have noticed the change – more and more loud, rowdy cars, screaming down the streets seemingly without a care and no one to stop them. It is astounding the number of times when drivers “cut in on the line” we are waiting in to order our meal. And it’s blatant, intentional, and bold, caring nothing for those before them but wanting to be first!

These are only small examples of the lawless world we are living in that is becoming bolder to be lawless! In the last days before the Lord’s return, Jesus warned that people’s hearts would grow cold because of society’s growing lawlessness. People want to be first, with the desire to be greedy and get all they can. To get away with things, make excuses as if it is their right, and trample on others ahead of them as if it was somehow their good fortune. The compass of love is all wrong because love for self has increased. And it is as others follow more and more the example of lawlessness around them. The hearts of people grow cold!

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (Matthew 24:12 NIV).

What’s the cause? Why is this happening? Who’s to blame – the culprit?

Persecution to righteousness, and the desire of people not to want to suffer for doing right!  – this is the reason.

False prophets have risen against the gospel and have turned many away from the faith!

Listen to Jesus’ warning; it is evident today if you want to see!

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come,

Matthew 24:9-14 NIV).

It is easy to get annoyed; Leo often puts his gentle hand on my knee as I gasp when someone blatantly cuts in on us in the line. It’s easy to think we are better than someone else. But know that this is happening. And let us get on with what we, as Christians, are to do. And don’t follow along and “drop your game,” so to speak!

But persevere!

Our perseverance in following Jesus’ example is why Christ spoke these words and warnings to His disciples in Matthew – God’s prediction and foresight of knowledge and awareness of what it would be like for us today! And we must stand firm to the end and not allow ourselves to turn from the faith written about in the gospels and the epistles and spoken about by God’s faithful servants of the faith, according to God’s Word. We must be willing to suffer in the body and be done with sin!

The book of 1 Peter in the Bible is wonderful to study to learn about the suffering life of a Christian following Christ’s example. Jesus often instructs me to read it – because it’s hard and often lonely to be the only one who knows what’s going on, the wisdom of Christ, and the need to suffer in doing what is right when there is a world around going in the wrong direction thinking it is correct.

“Take heart for I have overcome the world,” lyric – “Walk in the Light,” album – Nothing Less than All of My Heart.
Walk in the Light

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 

1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV
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Fear of the Lord Jesus Leads to Good

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” – Proverbs 14:27.

“Turning a person,” I noted this today in my Quiet Time with the Lord Jesus. To have a fear of the Lord Jesus turns us in the direction of “a fountain of life.”

The book of Proverbs is full of reminders to possess the fear of the Lord. To fear the Lord Jesus in conflict with others, in peace of mind, in all circumstances because we steer ourselves a miss. Our human compass leads to destruction. And, it is weak against the Devil’s divisive tactics, leading us to stay on his path. But to have a fear of the Lord Jesus turns us away and is a fountain of life.

So, whatever decision you need to make today, sieve it through the fear of the Lord Jesus. Will your responses or actions contain a fear of the Lord? The fear of disobeying His commands to turn the other cheek, take the insults or be a servant of all; a slave to God. We, as Christians, don’t belong to ourselves. The blood of Christ purchased us to be “a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). That kingdom and service in that reign is in reflection of Him! – the new life that sets us apart, governed by the fear of the Lord producing a fountain of life. But if people are experiencing bickering, fighting, hate, criticism, and resentment, there is no love of God flowing forth. No fountain of life. Or if we are running around pursuing our dreams and hopes, we also have lost focus.

Where is Jesus turning us away from? Proverbs 14:27 reveals the answer – from “the snares of death.” To have a fear of the Lord Jesus leads to a reliance on Jesus Christ, which, my friend, is a friendship with eternal life.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

Proverbs 14:27 NIV
A Pottery Tree – Symbolizing Longevity and Blessings

I chose this image for this post because trees are a great picture of the longevity of life and blessings. A tree stands against the changing seasons. And a gift because it gives shade and provides refuge for birds and animals. Its roots aerate the soil and provide a place for animals to shelter underground from rain. A tree represents the picture of a person in love with God’s ways and abiding by His word. Psalm 1 gives this picture.

A Mother’s Day Message You might Not Want to Hear!

When I first came to receive Jesus as Lord into my heart, I told the girls that they didn’t need to celebrate Mother’s Day. I told them this because it’s a forced event set out by the world that doesn’t know God. Jesus doesn’t force us to love Him. It’s a willing action from a thankful heart to hear and do what He says to honor Him. I wanted the girls to do the same – if they wanted to give me a Mother’s Day card or something special to show me their love, they could. But I didn’t want them to feel compelled to do it because a day on the calendar told them it was what they were to do.

The Lord Jesus said to me when I was new in the Lord was – “Don’t teach them how to love you. Teach them how to love Me!” It was a sobering thought – opposite to the world’s ideas. Most people want others to love them. It’s a practice pushed everywhere – self-love, self-promotion, self, self, and more self, positive thoughts, positive reflections all centered around yourself, to feel good about self! But it is not helpful to be full of self before the Almighty God. Humility is valued.

I had tried to teach my children that having a relationship with Jesus and loving Him above everything else is the most crucial aspiration to have. He is our protection above all the storms and troubles of life. I can’t help my children all the time. And there is a greater war that I can’t win – the battle over sin and the tactics of the Devil to make me fall. I must continue my relationship with Jesus just as firmly as I started. It’s that relationship where I sit with Christ every day and read His Word for myself, learning and growing in what righteousness looks like in the real world. I walk out of that room and take the knowledge I’ve learned with me to show it to the world, to show my children, and progress down this path until my life here is over.

armchair with bible open
Sitting with the Lord Jesus every morning and reading His word, to me is a must!

It might not always be a popular message, my reflection of Christ. Or one my children won’t to easily comply with. But it’s my duty. I am not teaching others to love me, but Christ, and to follow eternal life, rather than short-term gains here.

One of the last things Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount to the crowds gathered to hear Him was –

“So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

This morning, after I read this Scripture, I started thinking about what it is that I don’t like people doing to me. And the first thing that came to my mind was “selfishness.” Then I listed a few more in my journal – 

  • Thinking yourself better than others (Philippians 2:3)
  • The proud, arrogant
  • Aggressive
  • Bully

I could have kept going but soon realized I was listing the characteristics of our human nature – the human nature that needs to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and be “reckoned dead!” (Romans 6:11) And just like this Mother’s Day message where I have told you I didn’t want my children to feel compelled to buy me a card or give me flowers, Jesus doesn’t want us to feel obligated to obey Him – He wants You to see it from His point of view and love Him for His incredible love for us! Jesus laid down His life for us. And as mothers, we do it every day. We lay down our lives for the well-being of our children. But above it all, we must remember. Our job isn’t to get our children to love us, but to love the higher calling – to love and willingly obey the Lord of their Life – Jesus Christ!

The natural person, if they keep living to please “self,” God will not raise them on the Last Day to eternal life, but to face destruction. It is a sobering warning, but one we must heed and understand. (Galatians 6:8).

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

-	Psalm 73:26-28 NIV

Self

“Self” is a big enemy, and the Devil is right there to justify our needs to “look out for self!” But, on the end day, self can’t save our souls, the price was too high for us to pay, and Jesus did it for us. In my song, “A Soul’s Worth,” it talks about the incredible sacrifice of Christ, and ends with the lyrics – 

“Teach me to get them to love You
In this world, for it is nothing
Teach me to take no praise
For it’s by Your grace
The gospel of Jesus Christ” – Lyrics, “A Soul’s Worth by Josephine Mary Schmidt.

So, on Mother’s Day, a day when we could think – “It’s all about us!” Let us remember life is about pleasing Jesus and loving Him by representing Him to others, especially our children, teaching them to love Christ above our desire and need to be loved by them.

But before closing, my mind thinks of Proverbs 31:28-30 –

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

dishes of a mother
Our work is never finished in our households

This post talks about a woman who fears and has her confidence in the Lord. And this woman should be praised and highly valued in her household. I want to encourage you. God sees, but we are not to force this praise. God’s Word declares that she “is to be praised.” But let our words and actions bring this praise, not a day on a calendar! Let our children learn to value the godly woman who deserves respect and praise continually.

This world will praise every mother on Mother’s Day, regardless. Many will go into church establishments and have their photos taken. And again, regardless of how they are acting in their households. But it is the godly woman who fears the Lord that God will make sure gets praised. God might not do it this day, but He will. So be blessed today as you soldier on doing the work of the Lord, if not silently, bringing Christ’s sweet-smelling aroma to your children.

A Soul’s Worth

“Sweetness,” a rose my husband gave me with a message of faithfulness.

Life in Christ – Finish a Task

Sweetness Rose in Vase on Kitchen Bench
The rose, “Sweetness” that my husband, Leo gave me.

Before Leo and I sold everything and moved our family to San Diego, Jesus told me that I would write my book in California. It’s a project I’ve worked on for many years – thirteen, in fact! But I’ve been faithful to His calling, through thick and thin, times of struggles and anguish, and times where the Holy Spirit has flourished my words and moved the writing along speedily. It’s been a journey of ups and downs, hills and valleys, sorry and grief. But great excitement and joy when I see the project and this book taking shape for the Lord’s glory and my relief. 

I say relief because it hasn’t been easy. Nothing we do by faith is smooth sailing. Faith in Jesus and sticking to His plan and desire for our lives have fierce opposition. It has often taken me ages to finish a section in the book – weeks of prayer and fighting, waring in the Spirit. And I think to myself, “Why can’t you just write this! Why don’t you just put it down plainly on paper?” But you see, it is a battle. 

It is what Paul asked for in Ephesians 6:19 – “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” In Colossians 4:4, Paul asks for prayer to speak the message plainly – “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” This book is about the great things Jesus did for me, miraculously teaching me His gospel when no one around could or with the ability to cast out the many demons inside my body. It is a much-needed book that clearly explains the way of salvation, and like for the Israelites, God performed many signs and wonders so they would believe and know He was the LORD. Miracles to tell the next generation so that they would believe in the Living God and Salvation, knowing God and what pleases Him.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord’” (Exodus 10  :1-2 NIV).

We are not to seek miracles. Miracles will just happen and with the purpose of belief. Only an evil generation, Jesus said, would seek miracles because they have forgotten why God performs them (Matthew 12:38-40/Matthew 16:4).

So, back to the roses. Recently, Leo bought me a beautiful variety called “Sweetness.” I put them in the kitchen next to the sink, and as I looked at them, I thought about how the Lord Jesus always gives me a message through the various names of the roses Leo buys. “Sweetness,” I thought. “It is a sweet victory – that I have almost finished this book!” Receiving these roses was like another encouragement from the Lord Jesus that the end is near! It was like a kiss, cheering me on to the finish line.

I think of our Lord Jesus and how He is a sweet-smelling fragrance pleasing the Father and doing His will – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). We are that pleasing aroma of Christ when we are obedient and suffer for Jesus, doing His will above our own. Or, as the Bible states, lose our life to find it, spreading the aroma of His knowledge everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). And my book is certainly going to do this! 

So, Jesus brings me flowers named “Sweetness” so that I dig deep into His power and strength with confidence to finish. And I can’t’ wait! I can’t wait to hand this book out to others. What a powerful story He’s given me to tell. Pray that I will finish with boldness and clarity that those who read it will run from their sin and the devil’s snares and into the glorious arms of our King Jesus and Lord. Amen.

And I pray for you too, dear reader, whoever you might be, that you are encouraged to believe what the Lord Jesus is pressing on your heart to do. And that you will not shrink back but boldly proclaim the gospel and the way of Salvation. Amen!

OH, THE SWEETNESS TO FINISH A TASK THE LORD JESUS HAS GIVEN!

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No Lasting Peace in This World

A Picnic Table with Stolen Chairs

As Leo and I walked along the Santa Fe Valley Trail in the San Dieguito River Park in San Diego, we came to a rest area. But the seats had been stolen, and there was no way to rest. What a picture! People are always looking for a place of rest in this world – a lovely holiday, a great weekend, a cozy spot at the end of a long day. But it doesn’t last.

There is only one lasting peace, and it is found in the prince of peace, Jesus Christ. As I stood next to the picnic table with no chairs, I was thankful that wherever I go, I have Jesus’ peace – “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid,” (John 14:27 NLT).

This gift of peace Jesus gives to His disciples, not to those looking to please themselves in this life. But those who have chosen to let go of their lives to follow the one they know can save them for all eternity – the Lord Jesus. 

Gravel path with golden sun ahead

Life in Christ – Christmas Tree

When we think, at this time, of how God sent His Son, calling Him Jesus, may we meditate on Christ’s mercy.

“Great and Merciful God” was written soon after my deliverance from great darkness and the trickery of evil people. God’s mercy in Christ Jesus was so powerful, His love solid grace to forgive and revive, restore the soul, and give new life and victory over my enemies. It’s the reason why Christ came into this dark world as the light to rescue us from the ruler of the kingdom of darkness and bring us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Colossians 1:13). The song, “Great and Merciful God” will be released in the new year.

I pray as you meditate, not on the twinkling beauty of lights and tinsel and shining tree – but Christ – fully man, and fully God to walk amongst us and teach us His ways and godliness. I pray we teach our children the true meaning of “Christmas.” The story we tell from our hearts, the Bible, and a life lived to please our Savior, friend, and Heavenly Father.

May we remember, in clarity, that we were lost but now found. That we were a people that had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10).

My enemies were so confident that they could keep the love of God in Christ Jesus away from me. They had confidence in their trickery and evil to win over my soul and life. But Christ’s love in Jesus and His hope can’t be cut off. May we speak of it, rejoice in it, and share Jesus and His truth and gospel with everyone.

Christ Jesus is the light above our tree, and we, the many lights shining and proclaiming His life given for all to believe in and find their peace and rest in Jesus. 

Let’s be Christ’s Christmas tree this year and the next.

Jesus is the main light of the Christmas Tree and we His lights shining His message to the world

Be About Your Father’s Business

Josephine Mary Schmidt wearing a tee with "running" on it
“Run your race, as He said. Do the work of an evangelist as He led.” – Verse lyrics, Keep Believing.

We shouldn’t be reading the world’s story for us, but God’s! All around us, the world is telling us what it means to be useful, purposeful. But today, I was reading in God’s word the message He wants me to believe – “up is down,” or as Jesus’ puts it, we must lose our life to find it. At the end of this life’s journey, we are going to face Christ. He will immediately know, if we’ve done what we were supposed to -lose our life to find it for eternity. It won’t matter at that moment how well-dressed you were, or how well you could fix yourself up, or the house you lived in, or the holidays you went on. It will be your every day, small moments, when you were alone, your thoughts, the sum of them, the sum of you as a person – did you live for Christ and His gain, or something less important? Were you robbed by the Devil, the ruler of this world’s ways to believe you could have it all, a good life here, as well as in the next?

I hope not! Because God doesn’t have favorites, and He doesn’t show favoritism. What matters is whether we have abided in His Son and the Words He taught. Was His character in you? Or were you a stranger, someone who didn’t want to partake in the sufferings of Christ, the persecution, the exclusion, the low-position, the dismissal of those looking for a reward in this life?

Josephine Mary Schmidt sitting on the ground in the desert of Palm Springs

I wrote the chorus of Keep Believing at a time when I was disillusioned. I’ve spent years recording in my studio, and often many songs never see the light of day. I’ve been excluded as an artist, even by the body of Christ. I’ve been persecuted by believers, snubbed by those protecting their positions as singers and worship leaders for the Lord. I’ve been invisible. “Keep believing, keep believing in the Son of God.” It doesn’t matter what others think of you or their take on the gospel if it’s not rooted in truth. What matters is – are you abiding in Jesus? We must know Him personally, and we should be aware of what He’s calling us to do – our race.

Paul, the apostle, clearly knew his race. And he told others about it. Not is a boastful way, but in a protective way for the sheep. You see, our gifts and what Jesus is asking us to do, isn’t for ourselves. It is for the building up of the body and for it to come to the full measure of Christ. We have things that no one else can do, experiences, a relationship with Jesus that no one else can bring to the table. So, because of this truth, I’ve persevered, labored almost out of sight from others, to get the job done that Jesus has given me, to sing, and tell others about Him. I haven’t waited to get approval from others, or for the resources, or the abilities – I’ve always stepped out like the woman who gave her two pennies and put them in the offering box for God to use however He wanted. If I valued and assessed myself to the world’s standard, and sadly, so often to the “church’s” worship standards, I would have gone home, packed my bags and studio gear up, given away my guitar and left sulking. But that was my old life, and who knows to the extent of things God is doing with the little I have, and that brings me back to the song – Keep Believing. We all know what we are supposed to be doing, not looking by sight at our circumstances and the world’s story for us. But by faith we walk. And it’s lonely. There are only a few, Jesus said on His path; His flock is small, and not many are “sold out” for Christ. Are you sold out? What’s leading you? Is it your knowledge of the truth, or have you got side-swiped?

“Run your face, as He said. Do the work of an evangelist as He led,” (Verse – Keep Believing).

Even if we stand out brightly like this large bright red flower, we all must preach the gospel and endure in it.

I wasn’t going to finish this song I had started one day in the studio while recording something else. But Jesus wouldn’t let it go. Before it was finished, He kept bringing the chorus, often, to my mind. I prayed, and He wanted me to work on it. I prayed, and the verse was written. I prayed, and the studio production was finished. But its release was stalled. And then, when released, it was met with opposition, and iTunes didn’t release it. 

Constantly, every time I try and move in any direction regarding my music, bang – problems! I’ve come to expect them, but I’m never ready for them! It’s always a blow to the wind in my sails, and Jesus’ strength is knocked out of me, and I must hide myself in Him again and realize – don’t take it personally. It’s an attack on what I believe and an attack on Christ Jesus. It’s an attack on the message, the efforts to build up the body, speak truth and live the life of truth that Jesus led us to live – be the example, take the low-position, speak the truth, and not hold grudges!

“Keep Believing, keep believing in the Son of God.” 

We can look at other people’s lives and think they are fantastic. Or we can be thankful that whatever is happening to them isn’t happening to us. But the test is what the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:9 – that the same kind of suffering is happening to all the believers worldwide. 

Resist him, (the Devil) standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings (1 Peter 5:9).

That’s the hardest battle to win, the most challenging race to run – the race of faith because persecution and exclusions, and the desires for other things hit us when night after night, day after day, you are trying to live for Jesus, and it just gets harder and harder with more and more opposition and difficulties. We must keep our mind and heart on the prize. With no grumbling and complaining, grab this truth of 1 Peter 5:9 by the horns, and it’s an incredible release from what wants to drag us down to the pits of despair and never let you breathe. We fight the battle with faith, believing in the unfailing love of Jesus and the faithfulness of God that He will do, exactly, as He has said. We can put all our weight and soul on the truth of His Word, even our life, knowing that He will not fail to do as He has promised. Death’s door might be hovering over us, we might not have a cent to our name, and in deep despair. But if we put our faith in Jesus, He will see us through no matter, according to His Word and promises.

Peaceful garden setting
Peace comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord.

This world values amounts – amount of money, amount of time, number of sponsors, or likes, number of followers or influences, and number of friends and clients. I’m so glad Jesus didn’t grade or value our need in the same manner. For, He said, few find it, the narrow path. 

So, what motivates you? – love, is it your motivator and the truth of God’s word? Do you long to be correct, activated by pleasing the King and helping just one person in the gospel of freedom. There is no other name under heaven and earth that anyone can call on to be saved. That name is Jesus Christ, but it brings judgment to many because they refuse to listen, accept and desire to be saved. They love darkness more than light, and I’m afraid we are seeing it more and more. People are less ashamed of evil. They are more out in the open about it, and they have little regard for one another. But today, I read, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (excessive pride in oneself). Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3). Let’s put that on a bumper sticker and drive across town and see what happens! Of course, I’m not going to do that because judgment immediately falls on me for shoving the truth in front of someone else without love. 

It is through love and gentleness that we are to shine, by accepting that we will be hated and persecuted. But it’s okay, it’s what is to be expected, and it keeps us in check from stepping on the broad path, the path that doesn’t keep company with the One who humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross for our sake, to save us out from an eternity of utter darkness without Him.

“Keep Believing in the Son of God.”

Jesus said to Martha at the grave site of her brother, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). Jesus and Martha had a conversation in the garden, outside her home. He had told her that her brother would live and that He was the resurrection and the life. Jesus hadn’t come right away to heal Lazarus but allowed death to take its grip for greater understanding to be made known. And isn’t that God’s way with us! He allows suffering, hardships so that we see His glory and experience the true victory He wants us to have. So often, we can let the things of this world, the setbacks to stop us from reaching our full potential – and not run our race!

I want to encourage you today, don’t look at the standards this world gives you. Look to Jesus and know that His flock is small, and these times are evil where few are willing to lose their life to find it. Don’t measure yourself on others’ success but measure yourselves against the apostles and prophets of God and allow faithfulness to be your guide and measure of success. Because at the end of the day, it is what Jesus will measure our worth – were we faithful with what He had given us and what He wanted us to do? Our plans don’t amount to anything, 

I’d rather do one thing of lasting value than nothing at all, having wasted this whole life trying to satisfy my own desires and cravings. “Run your race, as He said, do the work of an evangelist as He led.” This song has encouraged me over and over to do just that when I’ve become jaded by the world and its relentless attack on the gospel, and anything related. The gospel must be the most important thing to us and persevering in it. Jesus stated this in Matthew 24:13-14. And it must be. If this is what Jesus is concerned with, then it’s your race to run. And you can only do it by believing in the Son of God.

But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come, (Matthew 24:13-14).

If you’ve liked this post or interested in this song, Keep Believing, download Josephine Mary Schmidt App from Stores and receive all updates and new music released.

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Changed for Good: Pursue the Right Choice

Listen to Jesus and not others who are not walking the talk.

Bible open to the passage where Jesus declared Himself as the Bread of Life

I’ve been having a lot of fun this week, delving into the knowledge of God’s Word. A repeated thought in 2 Peter is, “Make every effort.” And I am reminded of Jesus’ words to the crowd that following Him in John 6:27, “Work hard for the food that endures to eternal life.” So many are caught in a snare of the devil. They are working hard for things that don’t profit past a day or possibly sustain their satisfaction for a few. The devil is good at taking our desires and dreams and causing an obsession that keeps us from true righteousness and grace. Christians can be caught in the error of their ways, feeling like it’s okay with what they are doing. But reading Scripture shows us that there is a food and labor we must seek that leads to eternal life. Not our imaginations or dreams we are caught pursuing.

In John 6, a crowd runs around trying to find Jesus for food to fill their stomachs. Jesus says to them, don’t work hard for the temporary but seek me for the food that will profit you eternal life. One thing I noted in my mind is that our Heavenly Father already wants to give us our basic needs, food, and clothing. “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). But there is something we must do. When reading 2 Peter 1:6, there is this same thought of action, “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to goodness knowledge.” It continues with more growth and sustenance needed, “And to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” Is this the pursuit of the world? No, and it isn’t. And it will not produce the love of God in us. 

The direction we must take is in opposition to this world’s dreams and hopes. We must be careful because, on the end day, Jesus will look at one thing – did you hear Him, and did you do what He said? Grace won’t cover us then because grace is given to change us from the wretched into the righteousness and holiness of God. It’s an impossible task on our own and takes place in an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, seeking His righteousness first above everything else. We do this with our eyes off the world and the many examples in it, even many Christians. Our eyes and minds are to stay on the source of righteousness and feed on the Bread of Life from Jesus, believing in His Words and allowing them to develop in us. As I write this, I think of my song, “Fullness of You.”

I come and take the bread of life from You
You laid down Your life
So, I could be filled with You
The goodness of God
The mercy You bring to my soul.

(Sorry, I have yet to record this song – pray that I will.)

In 2 Peter 3:2, we are told, “recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.” We are talking about taking not of the complete account of the Scripture, the old and New Testament together. Nothing is out of alignment. All speak of the message of life found in Jesus Christ. There is no differentiation. 

I fear so many are casual in their minds and are not abiding but seeking what they can get from those around them and success. They are blinded and confused by the devil to feed and satisfy their dreams and hopes.

Single Stem Apricot Rose in a Glass Vase

Leo bought me a single stem rose the other day. It came wrapped in plastic. As soon as I unwrapped it and placed it in water, the rose began to bloom. In John Chapter 6:25, people were coming in Jesus for false hope. They were like this rose, wrapped in plastic. Jesus replies to these seekers, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6:27). Jesus continues, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29). Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35)

Let me ask you, “Is your hope in the right place? Are your roots in the living waters of Jesus, believing His Words? Or are you clothed in the hope of the temporary and of this world?”

A pink rose dying in a vase with most of it petals on the table

My daughter is giving a message this weekend to a group of young teenagers. She will give the same message that without coming to Jesus and believing in Him, we are like a single stem rose, a flower or plant, without hope of surviving. It’s the message I gave to a group of women in Haiti. Before I began the conference, I bought a bunch of flowers and placed them in a vase without water next to me. Throughout the three-day conference, these women watched these flowers wilt and slowly perish.

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”

John 6:35

Come to Jesus every day. It’s so important to be feeding on the right source. God’s Word is the only thing that will endure forever, and we are like grass quickly withering and our youth and glory fading. Come to Jesus, hear His Words, and believe. It sounds simple, but it’s not when there is a road of traffic seeking temporary fame, speaking His name but not the reflection. So many have gone the way of Balaam. Their greed has taken them down a path that isn’t the righteous acts of the Saints, and they are leading many in the flock astray. Balaam was God’s prophet. He knew God, but his heart didn’t seek the righteousness of God. Come to Jesus, hear His message, and believe. In other words, make them your actions in your life. Obey them, abide in them, like the flower in a vase of living waters, and you will bloom. But not in an earthly manner, but heavenly.

When Leo bought me home this single stem rose, it spoke profoundly to my heart. God sees my laboring. So often, I am alone in my pursuits of what God is leading me to do – writing songs, producing them, sending them out, writing my book, blogs/posts, recording messages to teach. On and on it goes, and it’s lonely, unforgiving as I labor in a world against the righteousness of God. It’s not the path of worldly success, nor should it be because God’s ways are heavenly. They are offensive to the flesh and its desires and what the devil is trying to do in people. But what will it profit you if you die alone? (John 12:22) Alone without abiding in God’s Word and loving Him. 

“No eyes has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him”

2 Corinthians 2:9

I want to close with this thought because after I wrote my last paragraph about my suffering, I thought of Jesus going off on His own, alone somewhere on the mountainside. He didn’t have a home here to go to, and people so often didn’t understand Him. But at night, He sought His Heavenly Father, and they spoke together. I want to tell you through Jesus; God wants to have a relationship with you like this, the single stem rose where He’s sharing truth and His glory with you and how to be with Him forever. We have to choose this world with what we are pursuing – the righteousness of God or something else. And know that the devil is trying to use your heart like Balaam to get you to follow something of gain to self.

I fear a lot of Christians are being led astray by their desires. Paul wrote with tears, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18). They love the things and the pursuits of this world. And they love them more than the sacrifice and obedience to the Lord who gave them the freedom to do His will above theirs.  We are being tested here in what we love. Will we be found worthy at the end? It’s a question God is asking each of us like he asked Peter, “Do you love me for than these?”

I hope this is an encouragement to you to take the lowly position, the humble and selfless seeking of Christ who offered Himself for the well-being of others and labored for the will of God that didn’t lead Him to glory in this world but in the heavens.

NEW SINGLE – Futility Freedom
Josephine Mary Schmidt – About Page

At Jesus’ Word

Bible Open showing John 4:50

“The man took Jesus at his word,” John 4:50. 

There were plenty of signs and wonders Jesus was exercising around this Father who had asked Jesus to come to his home to heal his son.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe,” John 4:48.

So often, we need to open our eyes and see what God is doing around us. We should take God at His word and not be forcing Him into doing miracles for us. And we shouldn’t seek them to strengthen our faith.

What has Jesus done in our lives – remember. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:29.

This royal officer, after Jesus’ words to him about seeking signs and wonders, still begged. “Sir, come down before my child dies,” John 4:49. He called the Messiah, Sir. His faith not yet rooted in understanding Jesus as the Messiah and image of God in the flesh, come to redeem.

“Go,” Jesus replied, “Your son will live,” John 4:50.

Later, we read through this interaction with Christ that this man believed, he and his whole household. (John 4:53). “He took Jesus at His Word” – no longer begged and believed. This action is faith. He took God at His Word and acted accordingly. This man didn’t badger Christ anymore but departed in faith, and the miracle occurred at the exact time that he did!

A Bible Open to John 4:50

I fear today, so many are not taking Jesus at His word but rather seeking miracles, the spectacular, the show, the marvel. Faith is quiet, it believes in God’s Word, and it expects what Jesus promises. I encouraged you today, remember the promises of God, and through them, you will partake in the divine nature of God. Isn’t that what it’s all about, our transformation, not the spectacular. It’s so often a trap.

Signs and wonders occur so that we will believe, but after we have believed, we shouldn’t be seeking their glory but Christ’s.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2 Peter 1:4

I took Jesus at His word, and it’s how I escaped demon possession and much trickery set against me. It was an impossible escape, accept by faith in Christ, I won. Today, it’s still the way I live, by trusting in Jesus and putting all my weight and faith on His Word. I had many miracles that Jesus used to help me understand and believe in the gospel. But it was through faith that they occurred and not by me seeking them.

Josephine Mary Schmidt – About Page

Before this Father’s encounter with Jesus, the event that took place before – was of a woman meeting Jesus at a commonplace, a well. (John 4:1-42). There were no miracles. Yet, this lady believed Jesus’ words spoken to her as a prophet, and then finally as the Messiah. Her belief came from her encounter with the Truth. Jesus’ words cut deep into her heart, and He saw all that she was as a person. (“A Soul’s Worth,” the title song from A Soul’s Worth album.)

Jesus wants to have an intimate and personal relationship with us. It’s based not on miracles but trust and the truth and abiding.

Book Notification List

Not by Strength or Power – but in Christ’s Humility and Victory

Framed Philippians 4 verse 13 to show I value this verse
I have Philippians 4:13 displayed in my home to remind me of my friendship with Jesus Christ.

Before Jesus died on the cross, He told Peter that he would deny Him three times. (Luke 22:33-34.) Peter showed courage. He was determined to follow Jesus and had told Him, “I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” But we, on our own, can’t overcome the darkness, persecution, hate, anger, resentment. These come from the powers of the wicked one—Satan’s Kingdom and his ruling spirits of the air. Jesus defeated them on the cross, made a public spectacle of them, the Bible says in Colossians 2:15.

It is through our faith and trust in Jesus that we can overcome. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

1 Peter 5:6-9

There are many that yell and scream, demand that the powers of darkness retreat. But it is in the humility of Christ, our knowledge of Him, our love and adoration, our friendship, and, as the armor of God begins – first, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”

Zechariah 4:6

We will cast our crowns before Jesus in heaven because we know this is true and that the overcoming power not to deny Him in this world came from His Spirit of courage, love, and sound mind.

I absolutely love all of this because my physical strength is becoming smaller as I age. But in Christ, I am as strong as an ox! I am an overcomer. “All who call on the Lord will be saved!” (Romans 10:13).

In our strength, we can’t do the will of God. Peter denied Jesus three times before He died. Peter was yet to receive the Holy Spirit and the victory. But today, in Christ, we can do all things.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” 

Philippians 4:13

How about you today? What is Jesus asking of you, that you know you don’t have the courage, the longevity, or strength within you to do. Ask Jesus, and accept His strong hand and friendship today, and walk in the power of what He’s done for us! Amen!

The Pottery Mobile Left on a Shelf

Pottery Mobile with words of God's attributes

This pottery mobile that I made, was sitting on a shelf in my pottery shed for ages. It was something, I believed, the Lord Jesus had given me the vision to make and the words to use: – “God extends these – friendship, mercy, strength, love, forgiveness, courage, blessings, truth, grace, empowerment.”

But one day, I knocked it off, and some of the pieces broke. I was so disappointed. I had meant to put it together, but other things took my time. Now it was broken.

Broken pieces of pottery mobile

I remade the pieces that broke, and in doing so, realized that I hadn’t made it correctly. For some of the parts, I needed to put a second hole. But it still, after I had finished, sat in my pottery shed. I never finished it, never strung it together until I read – Luke 19:25, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” 

These words are from a parable Jesus is teaching His disciples. Before my pottery mobile had popped back into my mind, I recalled these lyrics, “It won’t be long, my child…. and you’ll see my eyes of love” – “Rise with Me,” album, A Soul’s Worth. 

Jesus doesn’t want me missing out on any of His blessings. The parable in Luke 19 tells how a king rewards his servant and says to him, “Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”

The day I read these words, I strung my pottery mobile together and hung it outside, in my courtyard. One of the reasons I hadn’t done it before was that I had given myself an elaborate plan to finish it. I wanted to put it out the front of the house as an evangelism thing so others might see it and know the love of God. But I needed to erect a lattice structure to hang my mobile. And I wanted to get some wire to string it together that couldn’t be cut to stop someone from stealing it. These weren’t the plans God had put in my heart, and they added to not getting the job done.

Maybe this mobile is to strengthen my faith in Christ by remembering these incredible attributes that God desires to extend to me? But this lesson has taught me a whole lot more. And it comes at a time when Jesus is asking me to complete a whole lot of things.

I’m glad my pottery mobile is finished and hanging outside my door. But when I put it together, initially, I wasn’t satisfied. I had hoped it would look better. Then I remembered the promise in God’s word that the eyes are never satisfied. I am creative. And so often, my vision doesn’t come out to the glory I hoped. But I know, in faithfulness and truth, God will do infinitely more than I can ever think or imagine with the things I faithfully do for Him. 

God isn’t condemning; He’s encouraging. Now I can look at these words on my mobile every day and be encouraged. 

God extends these – friendship, mercy, strength, love, forgiveness, courage, blessings, truth, grace, empowerment.

I hope this is an encouragement to you today. God bless you!

“Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes: – Proverbs 27:10.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” – Ephesians 3:20.

Rise With Me – Album, A Soul’s Worth
Albums

A light has dawned, have you seen it?

the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

This whole world lives under the shadow of death, but Jesus is calling each one of us to step out and embrace Him, the light that appeared like the dawn.

Dawn is the beginning of a new day. And Jesus promises that we will become new when we believe and put our faith in Him. “You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Jesus, the Son of God who came down from the Father of all lights to give life, eternal, everlasting life to all who will believe, pick up their cross and follow Him.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NLT).

Powerful words to be remembered
Jesus spoke these words to me one day when I was struggling with discouragement.

What does pick up your cross mean? I prayed about understanding a while back. Jesus came to the cross sinless. We are to take up this same cross, be dead to sin’s ways, leave our old, sinful lives behind and follow His. Sin must no longer reign over us. Jesus is to take this role and place. Freedom is in Jesus, who defeated the powers of death and everything associated with sin – the devil, trickery, obstinance. Obstinance is a characteristic of being impossibly stubborn. We will walk on the other victory side of the cross with Jesus – risen and glorified – that power can be ours today if we believe and have faith in Him.

How do we have faith? Believe that His Words spoken are truth and put them in action. Don’t be like a blind person who hears but then walks away because they can’t see.

The words in the photo Jesus spoke to me on a day when I was discouraged. He reminded me He is the power of life, light, and the way I should follow – not looking to myself, but to the light that appeared out of the darkness like the dawn. Every day is a new day with Jesus when we trust Him and put our hope in His promises. Both will never fail. God says it’s His Word that will endure forever, and Jesus is alive forever-more! What better hope to put our trust! – Show the world that you’ve stepped out from that blanket of darkness and death and received life and the love of God through Christ. I hope that’s encouragement!

What do your thoughts hold?

A bible with a journal on top

Jesus knows our inner thoughts. He knows if they are healthy or destructive to us. We are to meditate on truth, feed on every Word of God. But you can’t do this if you don’t know the Word or the Spirit of Truth. 

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:16). We are all looking for peace in this world, a resting place. Jesus promises, from Him a peace comes, greater than any the world can offer. It dissolves worry and stress. And it’s in knowing Him that this true inner peace is given to us.

Who, or what are you seeking for rest, fulfillment, life, happiness? Is it’s from yourself or some hope from this world? If it is, then you will stay striving. But if you’re seeking to know Jesus and His life for you, then He will give you His peace and rest. It will follow. 

Have a Quiet Time every morning – pick up your Bible, invite Jesus into your heart and mind and life, and read it, begging for understanding. The light of the world came into the darkness to shine life. Jesus will be a friend mightier than any other. The Savior of the world longs to spend time with us and hold our lives together for eternity, far beyond any success this world can offer.

It truly is important to God, our thoughts, and what we are thinking. If our thoughts are healthy and strong and in the life of Christ, then our lives will reflect this strength and peace. We won’t be rushing about or worried about tomorrow. We will know who is holding our breath and beyond.

Read John Chapter Ten today and be amazed at what Jesus promises His children. Then stand on it. Read it for the next ten days and believe this passage, and I guarantee you will see changes like never, before in your life.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10&version=NIV

(Link to John Chapter 10)

Lamps are Generous

When we want to stay angry about something, or even if we don’t know why we are mad, it’s just a fact that we want to remain angry, then we are refusing the grace God wants to give us. 

My husband made the comment yesterday when we were out driving; “People are just angry, and they are driving like they are angry.” Drivers in California have got faster, weaving through traffic, making foolish decisions, cutting people off, and, well, driving like they want to run you off the road. It’s dangerous and frightening! 

Traffic on the San Diego Freeway
Traffic on the freeway in Los Angeles.

This increase in fast, angry, foolish drivers reminds me of what Jesus said the end times would be like – lawlessness would increase, and because it was, the love of many would grow cold. (Matthew 24:12) But this isn’t the way Christians are traveling. And our fruit, what’s developing and growing from our “tree,” us, tells others who we are. Are your eyes full of God’s generous Spirit? Or are you being taken over and being led along by darkness? Jesus warned when talking about lamps that we must make sure the light in us isn’t actually darkness. If our eyes were generous or healthy, then all of us would be full of light. 

  • Pottery Tea Candle Holder
  • car door open gorgeous light in background

We are to proclaim the goodness of God. But if our eyes are looking down on others, angry, complaining, and not focused on Jesus and His surrendered, gracious life, then we are fools living a life that doesn’t reflect our Master. 

Some days I want to get angry. But I know, immediately, that it’s a foothold for the Devil to get his hooks in us and make us look bad. I don’t belong to his kingdom, and I certainly want the light of life reflecting through me in every decision and attitude I display. 

A LAMP turned on to show light
A lamp is turned on to give light. Has Jesus granted you His Spirit, lit His flame in you? Then shine to those around you.

It takes courage to trust Jesus in every situation when the world around us is raging forward, seemingly winning with its display of anger and aggression, pushing the simple, or generous, aside. God doesn’t care for these proud, arrogant people. And I am always astounded at some of the actions of other drivers on the road or of the mouths of others I hear. But we are not to think they have the upper hand, and we must pray that our light and love penetrates their hearts before it’s too late and Jesus returns to set up His kingdom with an iron rod that will take no-nonsense. We must learn patience and endurance, and kindness. Pray to be filled with God’s generous spirit and our eyes healthy – looking on Christ and all He’s done and taught and not the error of this world. 

A lamp is lit and then place on a stand. Remember, you were once darkness, but now you are light. And that Jesus is coming back. Then Who we are will then be clearly revealed to all. Use eyes of generosity and love to make sure no darkness is found in you. 

Lamps are generous. I’ve never thought of it this way before. They give light to others so that they can see and not bump into things or be hindered by darkness. Lamps don’t demand anything back. They just need to be plugged in!

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy,[b] your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you,” (Luke 11:33-36).

[a] – generous

[b] – stingy

A pottery tea candle holder with the words shine on it
I made this simple tea candle light holder to remind myself to be light in this world that is fast heading to destruction.

The Wise Continued on Their Journey to See Jesus

Star Christmas Ornament

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I was profoundly blessed yesterday morning, on the 26th December, as I re-read the account of the wise men in Matthew 2:1-16 and learned again, the wise are the ones who persevere. The wise men’s journey to see the Messiah continued long after the celebration of His birth had occurred. I wanted to share my thoughts because Christmas might be over for so many people. But for a Christian, the pursuit of worshiping the Messiah face to face, continues, long after others have finished celebrating Christmas as a Festival. The wise men continued to follow the star, long after Christ’s brith that eventually led them to worship Jesus face to face. This is our journey! We are to be wise. Our day to day lives should be in this pursuit. That after our journey here in this dark world, we will reach our destination.

Remember, God, the Father, kept showing the wise me the star, leading them the way they should go to their success. And we have the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to His disciples in John Chapter 14 that they knew the way to where He was going, which was to return to the Father in heaven. Do you know that way? The way of following Jesus through the dark night of this world until you reach your Heavenly FAther’s destination for you – to worship Jesus face to face? I hope so. And it’s a long journey.

According to Matthew 2:16, it took these wise men anywhere up to two years. They arrived at the stable long after the excitement of “Christmas” was over. The world’s passion to know truth and the Savior whose reason for coming to this world was to reveal truth, is fading fast. The wise will continue on their journey, regardless of these fading passions of others to see their Messiah, Jesus face to face, and worshiping at His feet – blameless and pure before Him.

When investigating the star that the Wise Men followed, I discovered it was the worthless prophet Balaam, who disobeyed God’s message who prophesized about “a star that will come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). A Savior, the scepter of God who would crush our enemies. Balaam had intended to curse God’s people, but the victorious hand of God didn’t allow this to happen. It’s a bit like Judas. He betrayed the Lord Jesus for money. But it did not hinder God’s plan in the offering of a Savior for the world’s sins. No one can stop God’s plans. It’s a wonderful things to remember in persecution and hardships. The word of God will stand forever. We can believe every promise it holds. 

The prophet tried to curse God’s people for money. Herod tried to murder the child that had come into the world to save people from their sins. There is much opposition to Christ. When praying about all of this, the Lord led me to read Colossians 4:3, a verse in Paul’s letter written in prison for his faith and service to Christ Jesus. Colossians 4:3 – “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”

Our mission is to proclaim Christ, and our lives should reflect that proclamation.

Let us keep praising the Lord Jesus in truth and praying for the harvest and an effective door to preach the gospel. The Wise Men knew the times, they saw the star that was prophesized long ago. And they were prepared to travel long distances, and over a long period of time until they were able to worship their King face to face. It’s an opportunity we all have. But we must be ready for the hardships and the difficulties it holds.

Some Things Just Last

The Washing Basket

I went to do my husband’s washing and grabbed the basket from his closed, and thought, “Some things just last!” I’ve had this cane wash basket for years and years. At one time, it belonged to my eldest daughter when a small child. I’ve kept it and still using it.

We are to be useful to the Lord Jesus. It’s our purpose to serve Him for people in His Kingdom. The Bible says we are to keep ourselves clean, ready, fit for His service. Everything we do should be with an attitude of kindness and serving others for the name and glory of Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 6:7-8 – Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end, it will be burned

We are given the grace of God through Jesus Christ, rain falling on us. And it is to produce a something for others, and in doing so, we will receive God’s blessing.

I desperately needed to know my purpose. I tried to find it, obtain it myself, in drawing and art, pottery, and as a singer-songwriter and performer. But my efforts disappointed me. I had no lasting satisfaction in the works of my hands.

But when I came to Christ, Jesus made known to me, His purpose. He showed me why I had a love for these things. It was to glorify Him and serve others with them – do all for the glory of Christ. Nothing we do for Him is ever in vain. I have a rich satisfaction inside of me because I know my purpose in Christ, and see Jesus helping me fulfill it as I trust Him and are diligent with my days. My songwriting is for Him, my singing, my art, and when I teach the Word as a teacher, it’s for Him to help others know Him. 

Jesus created my purpose, He gave me the tools and gifts, and set me on my way. It’s up to me if I fulfill my calling. Colossians 4:7 – Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” Jesus is with me; we are doing this fulfilling together. But ultimately, it is up to me to choose to serve Him willingly. I know, at times, I’ve felt entirely unworthy, unable, and fearful. But it is in lowliness that we serve just like this humble wash basket. I look at it with pleasure, I haven’t thrown it away, and I even brought it to the United States from Australia!  

Hebrews Chapter 6 and Verses 5 and 6 are the mark of a Christian – useful. I haven’t thrown away my basket, and the Lord holds dear and precious His servants.

We are to be useful to Jesus.

This message of usefulness, is what The Pottery Shed is all about. Join me as I explain the great Potter, God, and us, His clay and the Word of God.

By God’s Hands

Dusk over the city
Dusk over the city.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

I remember the first time I read this passage; I was so excited! I knew it was true. Jesus was alive in me, and the transformation work of God in me had begun. I was being changed. And this process still goes on today. Not that I’ve already obtained said Paul, but I press on. (Philippians 3:12) Paul gives both encouragement and testimony in the book of Philippians. It’s what we should be doing – showing others the power of God alive and at work in us. We, His believers, are the light of Christ, bringing the message of the gospel and a changed life, from sinner to a child of God, by the witness of our life.

“Follow my example,” encouraged and instructed Paul. (Philippians 3:17) 

I remember weeping to God in thankfulness for the apostle Paul and his life. If Paul hadn’t suffered in the way that he had for the gospel to bring the message of freedom and salvation to others, we would be lacking it! So many have taken their comfort in his life. Narrow and difficult is the way, Jesus said, and few find it. (Matthew 7:14) But Paul found it, and encouraged not only others to find it, but lived the result of Christ being received into his heart and life.

Aren’t you glad you found it? I presume you have since you are reading this post. Be encouraged and press on today. Live as Paul did, imitated Christ so others can find the King of Life and the love of God, He sent into the world to redeem His children. (1 Corinthians 1:11) 

Look to our Savior for the steps you are to take and be empowered. Remember, we are not alone. Thousands, upon thousands around the world, believe in Jesus. God has not left us as orphans. Jesus is with us today and every day. He is helping us work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Meaning, the fear of not disobeying our Father by not listening to His Son and His teaching and Word. We don’t want to miss out on His glorious transformation work in us that He wants to faithfully complete. (John 14/Philippians 2:12)

Scripture References:

  • Philippians 3:12 – Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
  • Philippians 3:17 – Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
  • Matthew 7:14 – But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:11 – Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
  • Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
  • John 14:18 –  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

The Faithful

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful one.”

Psalm 37:28

Jesus made this same promise to His disciples,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

MATTHEW 28:10-20 NIV

They were His faithful ones, those that endured with Him through His trials. They had not turned back or left. They had left all to follow and learn from Christ. It led them to the cross and His death and scattering. But they were reunited by His resurrection from the dead, just as Jesus had tried to explain to them and promised.

Flowers Perish
Dried chamomile flowers on kitchen table.

We can trust Jesus, but His reward is with His faithful ones. Those who have left all to follow the Creator of life and who never turn back from their destiny with Him. Are you being faithful? This promise in Psalm 37:28, and in Matthew 28:18-20 only applies to those who are. We are to partner in the gospel, and in becoming teachers and spreading the word.  It will mean great temptations, persecutions, and suffering, but the reward will be everlasting life.  “Those who endure to the end will be saved,” Jesus proclaimed.  (Matthew 24:13) This enduring and faithfulness is our freedom, being united with Christ, filled with His Spirit, doing His work, and being wise.

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Survival

One thing I notice about these deer that I walked amongst and took photos of in Kings Canyon, they weren’t like other deers. They weren’t like others deers I had seen – deers kept in zoos, or around city suburbs. These deers looked a little beat up! Their fur was ragged, as if they had parasites, maybe even ticks troubling them. They were beautiful, as deers are, but they appeared as if they were fighting for existence among the elements. I thought about what shared this land with these deers – mountain lions, and bears. They would be hunted by both of these. I watched their behavior, they tried to stick as a unit, and, they followed the lead deer.

Deer at Kings Canyon

Isn’t that like us? Fighting the good fight of faith among lions and bears of this world – the demonic realm. We are in a war, instructed to put our armor on, depend on Christ’s strength and pray. (Ephesians 6) We are instructed in God’s Word to be one minded, to have the mind of Christ and to follow our Lord’s life that He lived when He came to this earth. He is our example, our righteousness, our safety, and our deliverer to overcome the world – the Devil and deception, false prophets and teachers. The forces that threaten faith in Jesus Christ and a love for one another – a love like Jesus’ who laid His life down for our eternal glory.

These deers stuck together with one thought in mind – survival. They allowed me to walk fairly close to them as I took photographs. I wasn’t a threat to them. But they were cautious, every watching with a flee mentality. And we are to flee danger, run from it.

It is God who arms me with strength
    And keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights. 
– Psalm 18:32-33

Foals at King Canyon

I love Psalm 18. It is all about survival. Surviving death and an enemy bent on destruction. But Jesus is the overcomer of all things evil and all things against His righteous reign to come into this world that will sustain forever. He has won this victory on the cross, banishing the powers of darkness from the triumph of death that they once held. They still roam, but only until the completion of the gospel.

Mind Where Christ Resides

When we watch TV, our minds are so often being filled with things that are not true, things not honorable, or giving testimony to our Lord. When we watch these programs, we are making our minds weak and susceptible to anxious thoughts when we are away from the television that rules so many lives. 

I came away from TV after coming to the Lord Jesus realizing the power of persuasion. The Devil doesn’t want us strong in the Word of God. He desires we live outside the instructions it holds and not leave the things of this world behind to concentrate all our weight on where Jesus is residing in heaven, a place waiting for those who believe in His name. Understanding isn’t something we turn on an off like a tap, but something we can do in the most simple of tasks. I can have communion with my Lord all the time, no matter the small job I’m doing like watering my pot plants. It’s our witness that matters to Jesus. What we are teaching others when words are not being spoken, and the understanding we display amongst the unseen spiritual forces of wickedness in this world.

What happened to the Israelites in the desert was written down in God’s word as an example to us – 1 Corinthians 10:1-6. The Israelites craved things that they had left behind. God was angry at their perspective. We are not to think we are missing out if we forgo TV, which portrays the ignorance of the knowledge of God and a life in slavery to the Devil. People might not understand your choice, but the spiritual forces of wickedness will be disappointed that they have missed the opportunity to weaken your mind and distract you from thinking heavenly where Christ, our Lord is seated.

I love spring, and eating my lunch outside today, I cherished all my spring flowers popping their heads upright in their glory. It’s such a short time we have here on this earth. Our beauty is like a fading flower, and as I looked at these spring flowers with the neighbor’s TV being heard over the fence, I pondered how I want to give all my time left to finish my race and complete the tasks the Lord Jesus has given me. As Paul stated in Acts 20:24 – “the task of testifying the good news of God’s grace.” There isn’t time to waste. God has things for us to do, and we must keep our minds sober and alert so we can pray. We can’t do any of these things by ourselves, but according to God in regard to the Spirit. (1 Peter 4:6-7)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Philippines 4:8 NIV

A Witness

For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Matthew 21:32 NIV

Isn’t this an amazing piece of Scripture? When I read these words it made me think of these questions – What witness has been given to you? Have you been blessed to meet someone whose life has been changed by Christ Jesus? What was your response to this testimony to the truth?

These thoughts reminded me of Hosea 10 where Israel was a spreading vine, not for the Lord, but for their own abundance. And the more they accumulated, the more they worshiped and gave honor to the gods of the land.

Israel was a spreading vine;
    he brought forth fruit for himself.
As his fruit increased,
    he built more altars;
as his land prospered,
    he adorned his sacred stones.

Hosea 10:1

It made me think – are we bearing fruit of truth or deception? Jesus came to testify to the truth. He told this to Pilat before He was executed and sentenced to death on a cross. We might also be met with hate or suffering for bearing to the truth. But it’s worth the harvest! – eternal life, when Jesus stands before the Father and declares, “I know them.

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

John 18:37 NIV

Reaping Life

Jesus told His disciples beforehand that He would be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day, He would be raised to life! (Matthew 20:18-19)

Death is final to us. So often, in the last days before death strikes, horrible pain and terrible suffering accompany. Many, are dying from cancer, an awful disease. My husband, Leo maintains and repairs the machines that treat cancer patients. He sees many who are desperately ill and frail.

Jesus suffered and died. But He was raised to life! He offers eternal life to all who will come to Him, gentle and lowly like a lamb to give them relief from their suffering, hope to those who will believe in Him. Many, supply testimony to this truth. They have received new life in Him. Hope beyond this world. I am one.

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Matthew 20:18-19 ESV

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Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

 

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