Thursday, June 27, 2013

Last But Not Least, And Really Not Last

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,"you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what it better and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

"Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.  One thing is essential, and Mary has chosen it-it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." MSG

"But the Lord answered her,"Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things.  Only one thing is important.  Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her." ERV

Yesterday morning, I was in a place of stress, anxiety, fear, unknown.  I wasn't completely overcome, but I was getting there.  I posted a comment, not only about my current state of mind and heart, but also asking for any strengthening verses or words of encouragement.  After I posted, I said my morning prayer to God and off to work I went.  Last evening, I was in my kitchen making a batch of caramel bars, when my daughter asked to used my Ipad to watch a show.  I took a peak at my comment from earlier in the morning, and was overjoyed with the responses.  I gave her the Ipad and scooted back into the kitchen where I cried in my cookie dough.  But not tears of sadness or fear--tears of complete joy.  My Online Bible Study girls, you are absolutely amazing.  You filled my heart with such joy and confidence through your genuinely kind words--some of the kindest words I've ever received--and you have never even seen my face.  That means so much to me, and I thank you.  Melissa, our awesome leader of OBS, suggested the book, Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment by Linda Dillow.  I ordered it right away...actually I'm going to Tennessee to spend the weekend with my brother's family, and I'm having it shipped to his house so I can start it ASAP.  I just thank all of you girls.  You have warmed my heart like you will never know whether it be from your comments and prayers yesterday, or any day.  It brightens not just my day, but my life to be in this study, and to know that God planned it all.  
I bought myself a cheap Roladex a few weeks ago, and last night, started transforming it into a "Bible-dex" filled with inspiring and encouraging words from my OBS sisters and from my own searching.  This morning, I tried Tracie's idea of "sitting in God's lap." All of the verses I'd written down, and there were lots, were spread all around me as I knelt on the floor to spend my morning time with the Lord today.  Such fulfillment, comfort, and peace He has given me.  If you haven't ever done this, I encourage you to try it. Here are the scriptures I have so far in my "Bible-dex", and I'm going to continue to add more, so any suggested verses would be awesome, and I'll share those as well!  Have an awesome weekend girls...can't wait for the next study.  God opened flood gates of joy and peace for me through this study, and I can't wait to see what he's got in store for the next one.  God bless!

Worry

"Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up." Proverbs 12:25 MSG

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

  "...but it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands trying to catch the wind." Eccles. 4:6

 "The seeds cast in the weeds represent the ones who heart the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get.  The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it." Mark 4:18-19


Peace
"Jesus said to him,'I promise you that today you will be in paradise with me." Luke 23:43

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3




Patience and Strength

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him, He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

"If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks.  If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.  It's useless to rise early and go to bed late.  Don't you know He enjoys giving rest to those He loves?" Psalm 127:1-2

"Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses." Proverbs 25:15

"God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret to living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything thorough Christ who gives me strength." 
                                                                                                   Philipp 4:11-13

"Bible-dex" Card




Ring of Prayer, Peace, Comfort, and Strength

4 comments:

  1. Jenny, thank you so much for sharing your heart and your journey with Jesus. I love the way these Online Bible Studies not only help us grow spiritually, but connect us to sisters from everywhere who love us like Jesus.
    Love and Prayers,
    Barbara Prince (OBS Small Group Leader)

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  2. Jenny, what a wonderful idea with the Roladex!! I'm going to get a few to give as gifts!!

    So thankful for this study and so thankful it has helped you!

    In His love,
    Pat

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  3. Jenny, thank you for sharing your heart and your Bible-dex verses. I too am working on a rolodex of verses but I call mine a Word wheel :) Love how God inspires us with His Word and encourages us through the woman of OBS!

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  4. You wrote out of obedience, I needed the scripture that you posted today; Esp. Mark 4 - I needed to read that whole chapter today; It helped answer prayer that I deeply need today; Thank you sister - and thank you HOLY SPIRIT for guiding Jenny to write this today! You are always Faithful God! ♥♥♥♥

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