Getting To Know God

1 Chronicles 22:19

"Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God."

Do you feel overwhelmed with your schedule? Week after week are your hours packed with too many people, activities, work, and things?

Have you ever wondered how can I set aside “time alone” to read the Bible and pray?

The challenge is not finding time for God. The challenge is making time for God.

God promises He will do His part to meet with you, if you will just take the time to do your part.

I know what you are thinking!

But Jayme, you don’t understand. I don’t know how to get to know God or where to start.

No problem my friend.  Let me help you.

When I am introduced to a new friend I will try to take the time to get to know them. I will invite them for coffee so we can talk and get to know each other. We may even text, email or talk on Facebook as we pursue our new friendship.

Before the beginning of time God knew you and created you because He loves you.

God desires to have a face-to-face, one to one personal relationship with you and I.

Isn’t it amazing that the God of the universe who created the world, the stars and everything that exists also desires to spend time with us? God demonstrated His love for us by sending His only Son Jesus Christ down to earth from Heaven in the flesh of a human being so we could relate to Him. But, God will not make us have a relationship with Him. He will patiently wait on you until you choose to take time to build your relationship with Him in prayer and reading your Bible.

When we look at God’s creation we can recognize how God is powerful, wise and beautiful. But we need the Word of God to learn about God’s love that made the world, the stars and most importantly His love that sent Jesus Christ for all of us.

To really see God’s love for us we need to look at Jesus.

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” (Col.1: 15 NLT)

May I suggest we begin this week by taking 15 minutes or more each day to read through the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible? The four Gospels tell us the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  Before we turn on the TV, read a good novel or watch a special movie, let’s take the challenge and grab a Bible or pull up a Bible App on our phones and spend time reading the Word of God.

Here is an example of a beginning and ending prayer for this special time with God.

(These are just suggested prayers to get you started. I want to encourage you to have your own conversational prayer time with God. )

Before your Quiet Reading Time:

Dear God,Here I am today making time to read Your words in the Bible. I humbly come to You right now and ask for Your help. If You are real and really do exist please reveal Yourself to me today in what I am reading. I have so many doubts and questions. What are the real answers?  I am seeking You to provide the hope and the answers I need. Amen.

Afterward:

Dear God,Thank you for Your Word. Please continue to speak to my heart and do not allow anything to hinder or distract me from meeting with you again tomorrow.  Amen.

As we take one step at a time each day we will discover how to live with confidence, and enjoy the Lord’s plan of abundant joy and hope for our lives.

Use Your Uplifting Words

1 Thessalonians 5:11
"So encourage one another and build each other up."

Last year, I read a story about a Christian Ministry organization I respect called The Navigators.

Fifty-seven years ago, on June 18, 1956, a freak accident happened on a lake in New York. A speeding motorboat bounced on a wave and shot into the water two of its passengers, a 50-year old man and a little girl. To keep her from drowning, the man held her head above water while the boat circled back. They rescued the girl. But the man sank and drowned.



That’s how Dawson Trotman died, the founder of the Navigators, an international discipleship ministry. According to a quote in Time Magazine,

“He lived to save others. His death was just the way he would have planned it.” His obituary reads like this: “Dawson Trotman, always lifting someone up.”

What a wonderful description of someone's lifestyle.

How about you and me? Can people say we are "always lifting someone up?"

Our uplifting words start at home with our family and friends. Then as we go out into the world whether we are working full-time or volunteering and serving with an organization we are to be encouraging and uplifting.

When you pour your life into another, you can make a difference for the Lord. Jesus Christ was our encourager and we must pass it on to the next generation. 

2 Thess. 2:16-17

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word."

Everyone needs a mentor.

I have walked with the Lord for more than 30 years and I still have mentors in my life, while at the same time I am mentoring other women. This is God's plan for our lives as found in Titus chapter two. The older women mentor the younger women and the older men mentor the younger men. When you commit to mentoring you are encouraging, uplifting and guiding someone to a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

How are you and God doing? How is your personal walk and quiet time with the Lord? As you humbly worship the Lord and seek His face you will receive peace and understanding from the Holy Spirit.

God doesn’t need us to “do” anything. What God wants is your humble worship, obedience and serving heart. 

When you spend time with the Lord you will feel His presence, comfort and encouragement to overflowing.

The overflow is what you will share with others as you mentor and reach out in Christ’s love.

Ask the Lord to help open your eyes to the people around you. As you meet others and can see their potential in the Lord, begin praying for God to open the door of opportunity for you to serve Him through mentoring the next generation. Remember you are blessed and will be a blessing as you use your “uplifting words”!


Visit Our New Website Starting April 17, 2013 at www.JaymeLeeHull.com
Please join me on April 17, 2013 as God opens a new opportunity to share His Word and the passion He has given to me for teaching and training the ministry of mentoring with a new website at www.JaymeLeeHull.com

At this new website I will have available new daily devotionals, video blogs, and the opportunity to write comments, ask your questions and communicate your concerns, praise reports and questions with me and the other readers. I am overjoyed with the gift God has given to the ministry and the people involved to make this happen. I look forward to hearing from everyone and opening the communication window online. New articles posted weekly along with a monthly newsletter and a new CD. 

After you have connected with the new website on April 17, 2013 we would appreciate your help in sharing it with all of your friends thru email, Facebook, twitter and pinterest.

God is good! Blessings to all!

Read The Red Letters

Luke 24:15, 27
“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” 

Have you ever taken the time to read the four Gospels in the New Testament? What did Jesus really say in the Bible?

Here is the challenge for all of us this week.

Pick up your Bible and begin reading the four Gospels in the New Testament and pay attention to the red letters, which are the very words of Jesus Christ himself. The Gospels consist of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Your blessing will come as you slow down and soak in the red letters!

Let me give you a little background on each of the authors who were inspired by God to write these books. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Matthew:

• ·       Jewish Tax collector, also known as Levi
• ·      Written before A.D. 70
• ·      Presented Jesus Christ as King Messiah
• ·      Tells us what Jesus said
• ·      He quotes the Old Testament the most of the four Gospels

Mark:

·      Known as John Mark a Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew)

·      Secretary for Peter

·      Written between A.D. 55-65

·      Presented Christ as Servant

·      Tells us what Jesus did

Luke:

·      Doctor

·      Also wrote the book of Acts

·      Written before 64 AD

·      Presented Christ as God, Son of Man

·      Tells us what Jesus felt

John:

·      Fisherman

·      Youngest disciple

·      Written after A.D. 70-90

·      Presented Christ as Man, Son of God

·      Tells us who Jesus is

The Gospels suggest knowing Jesus is an ever-growing experience. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Are you seeking answers to secret questions on the meaning of life? Do you struggle with knowing your purpose? 

Perhaps you feel in a “rut” with life and seek guidance for a new refreshing outlook. The Word of God will provide the answers to your questions if you are willing to seek the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul.

As you meditate on the Word of God, your heart is diligently searching for fresh insights, encouragement and hope. “I meditate within my heart, and my spirit is diligently searching for fresh insights.” (Psalm 77:6) By reading the Scriptures we are depositing “good treasure” within our own inner being. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Planting the Word of God in your heart and life will displace the evil with good and help you be more Christlike.

Take time everyday this week and find a quiet place where you can have thirty minutes or more alone with God. Only take your Bible and maybe a glass of water or cup of coffee to this quiet place. Leave anything and everything that will distract you in another room to help you focus.

Begin each day with a prayer similar to this before you begin reading the Bible:

Dear God,You have written the Bible and You said in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Lord, I want to know you better and I need Your blessings. Speak to me as I read Your words. Help me to hear what You are saying and I will listen.  Amen!

Be encouraged! God is faithful and He will speak to You as you seek Him through Scriptures.

He Is Risen!

He Is Risen!

Power Of The Cross

Hebrews 12:2 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

As we reflect on what Jesus Christ suffered and endured on the cross for us, we need to reread the words found in the verse written above. In this verse we learn how Jesus went to the cross for the joy set before him. Who represents the JOY? The amazing answer is you and I.

Jesus knew the cross and separation from His Heavenly Father would be unbearable pain but he still chose to fulfill the plan for our salvation. He could have stopped the soldiers from beating him and  nailing Him on the cross but because of His love for you and I, He willingly fulfilled the ultimate sacrifice giving us life eternal.

Jesus was the only perfect sacrifice that God could accept in our place for our salvation. That's the Power Of The Cross! When Jesus Christ conquered death the chains of death fell and salvation for all those who believe rose. 
                                                   

                                                      

Jesus knew some people may reject His sacrifice and mock Him for a while but He endured the cross and chose to take on His shoulders the sins of every human being. This is why we can say that's the Power of the Cross.

The blood of Jesus Christ saves us.

There is life in the blood of Jesus Christ.

There is salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ.

A gifted Christian writer and worship leader, Matt Redman has an incredible worship song titled YOU ALONE CAN RESCUE with powerful lyrics.

YOU ALONE CAN RESCUE

You alone can rescue, You alone can save

You alone can lift us from the grave

You came down to find us, led us out of death

To You alone belongs the highest praise

We lift up our eyes you’re the Giver of Life

Today’s Thought:

You alone Lord Jesus Christ deserve our Highest Praise!

Thank you Lord for the Power of the Cross!

Palm Sunday Surprise Parade

Zechariah 9:9

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Have you ever been caught off guard or surprised by a special event? Have you ever experienced what you thought was just a “by  chance, lucky timing" or “at the right place at the right time?”

No one in Jerusalem had any idea that Jesus would ride into the city on a donkey. There wasn’t a parade coordinator or event planner for Palm Sunday. No one in the crowd made arrangements or sat out their stools or blankets to watch the event that was about to happen.

But God is omniscient. He knows everything. Nothing catches God off guard. Jesus is never surprised at what happens. The Palm Sunday Triumphant Entry was not a surprise parade at all. As a matter of fact the Palm Sunday entry was prophesied 500 years before it even happened in the Old Testament book of Zechariah 9:9 and additional prophecy of the triumphant entry and end times is found in Daniel 9.

If you are curious about the facts and would be interested in reading more indepth about the prophecy of these events click on this link. Chuck Missler is a wise scholar and has explained the events and facts proving the Biblical dates in a clear and understandable format. He has wonderful charts and documentation of his resources and facts.

http://www.khouse.org/articles/2008/769/

We read in Luke 19:28-44 where Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead of him to find the donkey. When they obeyed his commands they found the donkey exactly as He had told them and they followed his instructions without any doubt or hesitation.

How about you? Have you allowed the Word of God to speak to your heart? Has Jesus been pursuing you and wanting to walk into your life like He did in Jerusalem but you have held onto your doubts and hesitations?

Today I want to challenge you. Are you willing to ask yourself  this question everyday throughout this Holy Week? Am I being completely honest with myself and with Jesus Christ?

Would you have followed the personal instructions on that day from Jesus without hesitation? Did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking and alive and active today and is calling you by name to follow Him and the Word of God with all of your heart and without hesitations? Are you aware that you need a Savior? Did you realize He is calling out to you and seeks to have a relationship with you not just a religious connection?

Now is the perfect time to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ as your very own personal Savior and begin to truly live a Christ-like life 24/7 for the glory of the Lord.

Will you pray this prayer and truly only follow Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord of your life?

Dear Jesus,I have tried and tried to do this life on my own and it is not working. Forgive me Lord! Today, I want to live my life for you and follow your Word as a way of daily living. Give me the strength to surrender my stubborn will to Your will. Just as you rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday I right now ask you to ride into my heart and life and be the King on the throne of my heart. I finally surrender it all to you.I pray all of this in the strong and mighty protecting and providing name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

This Sunday and every day, is a new day to shout from the top of your voice that Jesus is your Lord and King! If you don't shout His praises, Jesus tells us in Luke 19:40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the very stones will cry out." 

Don't let the stones do your crying out any longer. Shout to the Lord with praise!!!

DO NOT DISTURB

Daniel 4:3

“How great are His signs…”

Have you ever been on vacation and put the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the Hotel door? Have you ever created a door knob hanger craft with your kids or grandkids and wrote with big capital letters, DO NOT DISTURB?

I started to think about this sign and how it relates to us as Christians.

We call ourselves Christians, but is God invited to be a part of our daily lives?

Unfortunately, we want the benefits of Christianity, but not necessarily the responsibility that comes along with our faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians we are commanded to follow God’s Word and include the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. How are we doing in this area?

Let’s look at each Stage of Life Category and see how this might apply.

Teens:

You say you are a Christian but are you living like it on the weekends?

Do you invite and include Jesus Christ to be at your parties, activities and jobs on a daily basis? Does your DO NOT DISTURB sign say, “Jesus please stay home tonight.”

I can handle this on my own, I will not be needing your help.

Single Adults:

Are you worried or discontented with your circumstances? Have you become so independent that you don’t even depend on God? Does your DO NOT DISTURB sign reveal where you’re really standing or what you are struggling with?

Married:

Have you depended on God to help you be the godly spouse God has called you to be? Be honest, how are things going? Have you made Christ the center of your marriage? Does your DO NOT DISTURB sign say, “I can handle this on my own.”

You know how independent I am. I’ve got this one covered.

Parents:

Are you parenting out of fear and desperation? Are you including God’s Word in your parental decision-making? Have you posted the DO NOT DISTURB sign with frustration and worry? Are you too stressed to spend time with God?

Senior Citizen:

Do you feel like you have done your time? Is your DO NOT DISTURB sign in Large Print? Are you depending on all of your years of experience instead of depending on God?

Is there anything in your life at this present time that you prefer God to not interfere with or interrupt the way things are going? Are you secretly looking for a solution to the DO NOT DISTURB sign?

Take some time right now to stop and pray and ask God to forgive you for putting out your DO NOT DISTURB sign then take the sign down and replace it with

                            WELCOME GOD! MY HEART IS YOURS!

One-way to change the sign from DO NOT DISTURB to WELCOME GOD! MY HEART IS YOURS! is through confession and surrender of all things to the Lord Jesus Christ with a humble heart in prayer.

Confession:

Lord Jesus, I confess to you that I have tried to handle _______________________ all on my own and I ask for your forgiveness. Forgive me Lord for not inviting you into this area of my life.

“And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made my confession…” (Daniel 9:4 AMP)

Surrender:

Holy Spirit, today, right now, I give you complete permission and control of ___________________. Move in a mighty way to help me see your goodness and power in this area of my life.

“And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number learned to believe and turned and surrendered to Him.” (Romans 11:21 AMP)

Humility:

Jesus, with all my heart I humbly come to your throne of grace and ask You to be Lord of my entire life.

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13 NLT)

Be encouraged. Today is a new day and together you and I can start with a humble heart and invite Jesus into our lives on a daily basis.

Together let’s put up the sign that reads:

                              WELCOME GOD! MY HEART IS YOURS!