Josephine Mary Schmidt

A Place of Refuge for the Soul

perseverance

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

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.

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

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

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.