Josephine Mary Schmidt

A Place of Refuge for the Soul

Jesus

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

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

Belief Starts with Repentance – Part 2

Transcript of a video message of Josephine teaching on Luke 13 in the Sequoia Redwood National Park.

Part 2 – Belief Starts with Repentance

Opening Song – “Stuck” by Josephine Mary Schmidt

“Right in the middle of my heart, You set Your love in me.
Right in the middle of my life, You let Your anchor down deep through me.
I hold onto the faith You gave me. You showed me You died on the cross, but You’ve risen victoriously.”

Hi, 

We’ve moved locations because you can see that this big tree has come to destruction. And that’s one of the points I wanted to make. Even though this tree behind, the one I was standing in front of before is probably over a thousand years old – and that’s a long time, that’s like ten times a person’s, actually more; eleven times someone’s lifespan. Unless some tragedy comes to you, which happens to many people. You know, we have an end. Jesus has come. God has made a way to come to Him and bear fruit that’s pleasing to Him. And if we don’t, Jesus is warning, we will be cut down. It’s something that we don’t think will happen. But this tree came to an end. 

So, I want to continue on in Luke Chapter 13, which was what I was in before, and remember the key verse; fourteen – “unless you repent, you too will perish.” And that’s the point, isn’t it – perishing? Everything’s good today, but people have Covid-19 and then, that’s it, they died, and it was unexpected. People have car accidents, plane accidents, evil happens to them; they are murdered. Things happen! This is not a perfect world. And God doesn’t want that to be a tragic end to us. He wants us to come to repentance. That’s the point – it doesn’t really matter in the end how you perish. The point is you perish. That’s what saddens God, that’s why He sent Jesus, His Son.

So, Jesus goes on after He gives those two parables about the tree and the yeast, He says, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” – Luke 13:24. These are Jesus’ words. They are not mine. I’m not passing judgement on people. This is what He is saying, and they are not able to because they are not bearing the fruit that God wants because He sent His Son to die for our sins and give us new life in Him. 

Jesus is pleading for us, remember. He says, “Give it a year. I’ll dig around it. I’ll fertilize it, and if not, if it doesn’t bear fruit, then cut it down.” (Paraphrased)

I’m really wanting to encourage you – know the Word of God, yourself. Have a very strong relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s what we need. Make every effort, be clean, to be found worthy. Belief starts by repenting. But then we have to do works worthy of that repentance – John the Baptist – that was his message. And then Jesus came and taught the lessons on how to be clean, how to be living with the blessings of God. Taking the Word of God to heart and applying them in our lives. But it does start with a new beginning – us deciding that God’s way is right and it’s going to bless. 

I remember when I realized; I had a terrible tragedy happen to me. And I actually became demon-possessed by a very wicked man who had come into my life, pretending to be my music-manager. Because I was desperate to understand life. I was so dissatisfied, and I cried out to know the meaning of life and this man entered my life to deceive me. And before that, I was caught in hypocritical religion, and I suffer for forty years, crippled by Satan in a false Christianity, a Lutheranism that told me that I was saved because I was baptized as an infant. I never heard that I needed to repent, and live the life that Jesus was teaching. Never was told that, never heard the gospel. And I was crippled and suffered for forty years. I couldn’t straighten up. I couldn’t get the beauty of life, the strength to overcome the Devil, and this evil man came into my life because he was sent by the Devil. He wanted to stop me receiving what I had wanted since a child. A came to church wanting to worship Jesus. I actually wanted to worship Jesus Christ as a little girl. But I was crippled. 

No one ever told me the gospel. That’s the point too; God wants us to learn and grow and then teach others, so they can find their shelter in our lives, in our words, in our messages. That’s what He wants. And Jesus was so angry at those hypocrites. They cared more about their possessions and assets. Do you care more about your life, and your house, and your well-being than someone’s eternal salvation? Surely, the answer is no.  Care about people’s souls, their eternity that they wouldn’t perish, and a tragedy is their end-measure. I remember so well thinking this is my lot, this is how end, and it was tragic, and it was so unfair, and unjust, and it was not what I asked for. I’d asked to understand the meaning of life. 

But Jesus is saying – “make every effort to enter through the narrow gate” because He will deny all evil. Anything not pleasing to the Father will not be allowed into heaven. People may have a form of Christianity. I did, for forty years, but it’s not correct, wasn’t producing the fruit. That only comes from Jesus digging around and cutting off, and then fertilizing and we, feeding on the Word of God. He said, “I am the Bread of Life.” 

As we were driving up, this is called, “King’s Canyon.” I don’t actually think we are in King’s Canyon at the moment. But we drove up here into King’s Canyon, and I thought, “Isn’t that funny King’s Canyon; Jesus is called King of Kings, Lord of Lords,” and I sing that at the end of one of my songs called, “Stuck” that we did a video message for, right here. And I looked up the word, “canyon,” it’s a gorge where usually a river is found. Jesus came to give Living Waters. The King of Kings. The Lord of Lords. That we would be free from Satan’s crippling in our lives. And he cripples people, and they bend over, and they are burdened. Many people want to worship Jesus. They want to worship God. But there’s hypocrites around them, telling them false, a false Christianity, and their lives are representing the picture of a mustard seed that’s been planted by God, and it’s grown, and there’s people getting relief from their lives. They are coming and perching themselves in their lives, and what they are doing.

In Luke Chapter 13, verse 24 when Jesus talks about – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” He’s talking about those who are doing evil. They say, “Lord, Lord,” but He doesn’t know them. They haven’t fed on the Word of God. And He talks about a place where there is weeping of gnashing of teeth. This is where the people are going to go. And it’s a place made for the Devil, not for people. God wants no one to perish, but all to come to repentance. I remember the gnashing of teeth when I was demon-possessed. It was so horrendous. It was so painful in a way, I can’t explain. It’s not a physical pain, but a spiritual anguish; your soul, you can’t explain, but the gnashing of teeth gives a good description. It’s so painful; I just remember that.

And Jesus heard me cry. He came and met me; a woman bound by evil spirits. A woman bent over and crippled, unable to straighten herself up. Unable to find the words of life because of the hypocrites in the church I belonged to, unable. But Jesus, Himself taught me. And that’s our message today. He teaches us, He fertilizes us. We are to be the picture of the kingdom of God.

So, I was listening to a song on the way up by “The Neverclaim’s.” And I’m probably going to mess the lyrics up. But basically, he was saying that Jesus is able to bring new life. He’s certainly given me new life. I’m like, well actually, I’m greater than that tree, (Josephine points to the huge sequoia redwood that has fallen and is broken on the ground behind her). I’m not going to have destruction come to me. And I have a song called, “Stay Free” – “stay free, stay free, stay free in Jesus,” (Chorus Lyrics). We filed a video clip up here in the Sequoia Redwood National Park. “Your glory fills my heart, your truth has set me free, stay free, stay free in Jesus,” (Verse Lyrics).

Jesus wasn’t welcomed in the synagogues. He wasn’t welcomed, and He’s so not welcomed in many places. He has new life for us, and it’s very different from who we were. It is possible to have the love of God in you. It’s possible for to have a new life in Him. And I want to end my message today with 1 Peter 5:8, and I want you to think about who are you listening to? Who are the leaders that you are listening to in the church? Are they bearing the fruit that our Heavenly Father wants? That Jesus enabling them to bear? I’m not challenging anyone, but I think it’s important to point out that in the last days there are false prophets and there are false teachers – Jesus warned that, and you would know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:15-16). 

This isn’t a righteousness of our own, this is being fed by Jesus, and taking it up. It’s His work in us, but we make every effort to enter in. Not take for granted the food that God has for us. Learn the Word of God and this Scripture 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

And then it will continue, “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 5:9).

The same kind of suffering, all over the world, the Devil’s bringing that in people. But we stand strong, we stand firm in our faith. There’s no easy path to heaven’s door, but we have a great advocate. We have a great friend who’s feeding us, and we must listen and put His words into action. We don’t want to tree that’s in threat of being cut down. We don’t a tree that comes to destruction. These redwoods are amazing, and they have stories to tell, I’m sure. They’ve withstood massive fires, but they will come to an end. All of this will come to an end. So, unless you repent, Jesus said, you too will perish. Beliefs starts here, the new life starts here. So, I hope this is an encouragement to you today.

Ends with song, “Stuck,” playing – 

“Oh, You’re the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the great and mighty One.

You hold me tight.

I wrap my arms around Your love, and together, we shine so bright.

I’m stuck in the middle of this love.”

Transcript from Josephine Mary Schmidt’s teaching video message called, “Belief Starts with Repentance – Part 2.

©Josephine Mary Schmidt

Belief Starts with Repentance – Part 1
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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
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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.

About Josephine

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.

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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.

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