Blessed Quietness Blog

The following night the Lord stood near to Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."   Acts 23:11 Depleted Resources.  Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have exhausted all of our resources and do not see a solution to the particular problem we face. Maybe the money and resources have run completely dry, a wayward family member may seem too far gone, or perhaps we are facing an impossible relationship, or maybe our own life is on the line and unless the Lord intervenes in these situations for us -- all hope is gone. There just doesn't seem to be a good fit anywhere for the problem that we face -- we're missing a piece of the puzzle. photo credit:  KatieThebeau  via  photopin   cc< Missing a Piece of the Puzzle Dubious circumstances.   It is during these times that the hand of God is moving us in a direction; sometimes it is just a matter of remaining obedient in the

Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.  Ecclesiastes 11:5 Faulty Hearing. God, did you really want me to do this? Did I hear you right?  Often when we step out in faith to follow God, our circumstances do not appear to follow His lead with us. In fact, our circumstances at times, appear to be in direct opposition to His call. Often our expectation is that once we've answered His call and obeyed, that all will be well with the world and the details will fall into place; they have to, right? After all, we were obedient! photo credit:  Claus Rebler  via  photopin   cc A Trivial Pursuit or a Significant Surrender? Finite Minds. The activity of God far exceeds our human understanding. Which one of us by the word of our own power has created light, or vegetation, or animals, or humans? ( Gen. 1 ) We recall the plight of Job and his response to G

Is this not the fast which I choose,  to loosen the bonds of wickedness,  to undo the bands of the yoke,  and to let the oppressed go free  and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 The Outward Appearance. A new breed of panda bears was recently introduced. They are much smaller than the pandas we usually encounter at the zoo or while watching a nature program. They look exactly like their "mothers and fathers" of the larger world but they remain quite small throughout their life's span. These pandas can actually be taken in as pets and are harmless to children. Many have decided to bring this new breed of panda into their homes because these are actually dogs that are specially groomed to look like a panda bear! And, the finished result is what we call  panda dogs . Their outward appearance is quite deceptive at first glance. photo credit: Martin LaBar (going on hiatus) via photopin cc The Offering.  Isaiah, as God's mouthpiece addresses the southern kingdom

For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Deuteronomy 4:7 Sound of the fury or two terriers. There was a time when we had two terriers who were not always fond of each other. Though they were small, they were feisty. I was walking through the kitchen one day when the one terrier upon seeing the other, decided that this was her time to shine and leave her mark. The pearly whites of her teeth began to gleam as she lifted her lip in utter disdain and latched on to her "companion" and would not let go. The usual verbal threats masked in the growling and snarling were not part of this fight; however, the sheer determination to defeat the opponent and win were certain. To say that I was concerned was an understatement. After quite a while of trying to pry the dogs apart and loosen the clenched teeth without success, I finally blurted out, "Jesus, help us!" It was at this exact moment that the one d

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 Mixed Feelings.   I know God loves me but it doesn't feel like it. I don't feel like I'm a Christian. I don't feel like I measure up, it's never enough. God feels so far away. Feelings, like it or not, are part of our daily routine. There is no escaping their reach. Whether you experience pain or pleasure, anger or peace, joy or sorrow, feelings are an integral part of our life's experiences. We know God loves us because of what He tells us in His Word; we know He is near but our feelings often tell us otherwise.  Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs photo credit:  hmomoy  via  photopin   cc Meditating and Dwelling.   When it feels like God is far away, what can we do? One thing that we can actively pursue with fervor is the Word of

Dear Readers and Subscribers, Thank you for your patience during the past 2.5 weeks. The blog post for this week will be posted tomorrow, Friday, May 9, 2014. The regular posting schedule will also resume tomorrow. photo credit:  Rennett Stowe  via  photopin   cc Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts I want you to know that you have been prayed for today and I pray that the Lord will encourage your hearts. In the meantime, I leave you with these verses: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17 Let His Peace Rule in Your Heart Today! Blessings, Jennifer Joy