The Room – Letting go of spiritual battles

There she sits – in a room. There are no windows or doors for escape. A chilling, dark fireplace is opposite her as she sits in the corner; hugging her legs to her chest. Trapped and alone; her feelings are overwhelming. Captured by the fire that is ablaze in the center of the room, swirling in the rug, she tries to look away – if only she could look away and look up. Above her is an open ceiling to a beautiful blue sky. It is a way out but, she just can't see it. She is trapped.

This was a dream I had one night. I woke up and had no clue what this dream meant. All I could do is draw the picture with the rich reds and browns it painted on my mind. A year later I had the dream again. This was when I saw that the ceiling to the room was gone and there was blue sky above. I realized that this was indeed me in the room, and the blue sky was God calling me to see Him in the midst of my problems that overwhelmed me, to the point I felt trapped without escape.

God has changed my life. I often imagine if I had stayed in my feelings of entrapment, where would I be today? I would be lost and probably far away from God – sad and confused. So, how did I get out of that room? Well, I didn't. My problems are still there but, I seek to look at the blue sky above. This is how I don't feel trapped. I have hope in my God. He has promised me eternity in heaven. I don't give up because of that hope.

With this perspective He then can use me for His glory. It's not about me anymore. It's about living for Him not myself. Satan wants us to feel trapped and alone. He makes it his mission to destroy us so we won't be used for God's glory. Sure, I still battle with feelings of entrapment. I have to let go of my problems to God, everyday. He is the one who gives me the strength to not give up.

The way to be ready for Satan's attacks, is to have the armor of God on.

"Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word."

~ Ephesians 6:10-17 (HCSB)

Are you feeling trapped? If this is where you are, Look Up! Stop to pray for God's help but, this time you need to look up. The more you are consumed by your surroundings the more you cant see the blue sky above. This perspective is about an eternal hope to withstand a spiritual battle. God gives you everything you need to be prepared. Seek Him and let go of your problems to Him. Don't give up!

"Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (HCSB)

"Heavenly Father thank you for saving me and giving me hope. I let go of my thoughts of giving up to you. I let go of my problems that easily entrap me. Pease help me to have more faith in the midst of my affliction. Renew my heart to focus on the eternal perspective."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Your The Inspiration – letting go to receive God's love

♥ "Your the meaning in my life. Your the inspiration. You bring feeling to my life. Your the inspiration." ♥ This song, by Chicago, was playing on the radio recently and a flood of memories came back to me from my high school years. I could just picture, like it was yesterday, driving down the road singing this song. It was of course a love song and being a teenager, I associated it with a boy. Oh, to be young and in love.

After I went down memory lane, I thought about who's love inspires me in my life, now. All those I love, of course. Then, a flood of emotions ascended to the forefront of my mind. My relationship with my one an only Savior, Jesus Christ, is the love of my life. So, while driving down the road I began to sing that chorus along with the radio, but this time, as a middle age woman in love with her God. He is the meaning, my inspiration, and the one who brings feeling to my life. Without Him, I would not be really loved.

I know this may sound crazy, but it's true. I have never felt loved more than by my God. He care for me like no other. He gives me hope on days I feel like there is no hope. He provides food and clothing when the money is not there. He feeds my soul with peace and comfort from His Word, the Bible. He listens to my cries and lifts me up. He gives me wisdom when I am lost. He grows my faith when I am weak. He is my friend when I need someone to talk to. He never leaves me. He never lies to me. He is my father when I need to be corrected for my protection. He forgives me for everything! He died on the cross for me. Wow! He inspires me to love as He loves. John 15:12 says, "This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you (HCSB)." To love as He loves you need to know His love for you.

Have you been disappointed by someone else's love?

Do you know how much God loves you?


Take a moment and write out all the ways God shows you His love. Praise Him with a song of your own. Let go of all the disappointments this world brings when it comes to love. Let go and receive the love Christ has for you. In return, let Him be your inspiration and share that love with someone else.

This is my prayer for you –

 ♥ "For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God." ♥

~ Ephesians 3:14-19 (HCSB)

"Jesus, thank you for your unconditional love. I let go of what I think love should be in my life and receive your love for me. The greatest love of all! Your my inspiration and I pray I can love others like you love me."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

A Choking Vine – letting go of anger and bitterness

 "All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

 ~ Ephesians 4:31-32 (HCSB)

 

Bitterness is like a choking vine that can climb around every branch in your life – if you let it. It all begins with hurt, which digs roots of anger in your heart. It creeps into your thought life and suffocates your ability to trust others and even God. Forgiveness? Out of the picture! Being angry is easier and gives you resolve that you are justified not to forgive.

What good does this bring? Anger just robs you of joy. There are so many people in counseling because they have unresolved anger and bitterness. Then they are prescribed medicine to cope with the rage that's in their heart. All this does, is mask the reality of the root issue – the need to let go of anger and bitterness to be able to forgive and restore joy back into their life.

 

Your purpose in life is not to be driven by the sin of anger. Look at Jesus's greatest example of setting aside anger for a forgiving heart. Jesus's death on the cross was the only way to redeem the world's sin, but it was anger in the hearts of the Jewish people that physically but Him there. How ironic! In obedience, Jesus died so spiritually they would have forgiveness, not only for their anger but, for all their sin. Talk about the ultimate act of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness! His sacrificial death and resurrection also forgives all your sin. Every time we give into anger and not forgiveness we take in vain the undeserving death of Jesus Christ.

 

When you are angry, what do you do? Do you take it out on the people who hurt you with revenge? Or maybe you bottle it up so tight that it eventually explodes into shouting and slander. Proverbs 17:27 says, "The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding." Have you ever thought about how your anger has brought about bitterness in your life? Is it choking out your kindness and compassion for others? How much longer can you hold on to this before you push everyone away?

 

We are called to be like Christ, therefore; humble yourself before Him and ask for His forgiveness. Ask God for wisdom in how to deal with your anger. He will heal your heart to help you forgive and bring you joy again. Take time this week to read scriptures on anger. Pick a verse that relates and commit it to memory. God will uses His word to soften your heart in order to let go.

 

"My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you."

~ James 1:19-21

 

"God, please forgive me for the anger in my heart. I want to be free of the bitterness it has become. I let go of my anger to you. Please give me a forgiving heart just as Jesus forgives me."

  © Carol Outhous Jones 2014

He Is There – letting go of loneliness

When I'm lonely, I sing. I can remember as a young girl walking home from school singing my way down the curvy, wooded, suburban roads of Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The sound of my voice and the story the song told, would be my companion along the lonely journey home. Now, as I am older I still find myself singing when I'm felling lonely, but my song is from a different place. A calling out to Jesus for His companionship.

Loneliness can walk with you through your day, even when you are surrounded by people. It's a feeling in the heart that separates you from those around you. It almost becomes automatic when associated with certain times of the day. For instance, just after your kids leave for school in the morning or at night when the house is silent, loneliness may set in automatically. Maybe, it's not about a certain time of the day – it's all day and night. Whether single, widowed, or feeling unloved; you are just lonely for companionship. Trapped in this alone feeling is a silent killer of our joy and happiness.

Are you trapped in loneliness?

In a relationship with God there are times when we feel very close to Him and times we don't. I find that the times in my life when I felt more lonely, I was not as close to God. As I grow in my own relationship with Jesus, I have realized that He fills the lonely feeling in my heart. The key is to keep close to Him. Scripture says in James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This means you have to seek Him. Sometimes we push God away when we feel lonely. Then we feel abandoned by Him, when all along we were the culprit of our own emptiness. We then try to fill the loneliness with all kind of things that just can't ever get us past the void. The void that only Jesus can fill. What do you fill your loneliness with – food, shopping, boyfriends, television, or books?

Let go of filling your loneliness with meaningless things. God is waiting for you to let him come near and love you. The more you seek God, the more you will fall in love with Him. In return, He is your companion; the one who fills you with a purpose and joy. The loneliness just fades away as you begin to realize He is with you always.

In the morning – He is there!

In the stillness of the night – He is there!

Talk to Him. Open your Bible and read what He has to say to you. Sing to Him with the joy that's in your heart. This week read and meditate on Psalm 139. As you read you will see the depths of His love for you and that He is with you day and night. Let go of the trap of loneliness and be free in the love of Christ.

 Lord , You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord . You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me.

~ Psalm 139:1-5 (HCSB)

"Dear Jesus, thank you for being my companion. I let go of my deep feelings of loneliness to you and will let you fill my heart with your love. I sing for joy in the company of your love."

 © Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Your Will Be Done – letting go of my will

 

Morning came despite the night in her heart. All she heard was her heart beating. Everything seemed in slow motion to her. "What is happening?" "My life!" She fell to the floor sobbing with no more words to say. No more words to pray. In the sounds of her cry she heard "Our Father which art in heaven, hollowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done..." "No!," she interrupted. She couldn't believe this was His will. This was not how she dreamed her life would be like. "His will be done?" "Wait!"

Silence over took the morning air. She raised her head to the heavens. In visioning God on a throne with radiant light blinding her eyes and piercing through her heart, she realized her sin of unbelief.  "Father forgive me for not believing your will is best for my life." Her body seemed lighter, as though the Father from heaven, Himself, came down and swooped her up. She stood up and walked over to her bible. She opened it to Matthew 9:20-22,

 

"Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe, for she said to herself, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be made well!” But Jesus turned and saw her.“Have courage, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment (HCSB)." 

 

She felt God's arms around her. She was His daughter and He wanted to heal her heart. "But," she thought, "the woman in the bible was healed because of her faith!" Immediately She knew that her lack of belief in the goodness of God's will, proved her faith was weak. "How can He heal me?" She began to read farther down the page to Matthew 9:28-30,

 

"When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they answered Him. Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!” And their eyes were opened... (HCSB)"

 

She knew then what she needed to do... "Yes, Lord, I believe!" All she needed was a little faith to believe that God could heal her broken heart. That she can trust Him with her life, no matter what may come. His will be done!

 

Have you ever felt your life was going down a different path than you had planned? That Your dreams where being crushed? That all the heartache and pain would never go away?

Do you believe that God's will is best? That He can heal you if you believe?

 

Jesus prayed just before He knew it was almost the time for Him to die on the cross. He prayed three times for God to take this terrible fate from Him. But, God's will was best for His son to die for the whole world, even though it was painful. Take a look at how Jesus prayed to the Father,

 

 "Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:39 (HCSB)

 

"Yet not as I will, but as You will!" Are you able to pray this and really mean it?

This is hard because it means your life is not in your control. You have to be able to let go and give it to the hands of the Creator. The one who holds you in your distress and keeps you safe, but may allow you to go through trials for the glory of God. He is the one who gives you all that you need to face these trials in life? Let Him heal the dark places of your heart. Don't be afraid, have courage daughter of the King and have faith. All it takes is a little faith to believe.

 

 "Yes, Lord, I believe! I let go of my will to you. Your will be done!"



 © Carol Outhous Jones 2014



The Day She Forgot – letting go of those you love

Even though I knew the day would come – the day she would forget who I was. When it actually happened, I realized nothing would have prepared me for it.

There were signs leading up to that day. Mom would talk to me like I was someone other than her daughter; then the next day call me by my name. It didn't matter because I was taking care of her and just enjoyed being with her.

The times I saw her start to fade into that other world she goes to sometimes, I would describe it as almost an imaginary place. With little children needing to be taking care of, tables to be set for the guests who were about to arrive, or the meal that would need to be prepared, and even the lights to be turned on in such a way to set the mood – warm and inviting. That world is her commonplace. Not imaginary to her but a familiar place to which she was always hospitable.

When I would stop and ask her to pray with me, she would pray as though she had no Alzheimer's at all! A special seat in her private conversation with Jesus Christ. Beautiful.

She was still my mom. The woman I've always known, hospitable and godly.

So, the day sitting in the doctors office, I thought I was prepared. The doctor asked her who I was… she called me her sister and didn't know my name. Immediately in my head I started to pray, "God please help me find something funny to say to lighten the heaviness of reality!" The reality that she forgot who I was. Nothing came…

That night I cried my heart out to God. He showed me it was clear I had not fully given my mother up to the Lord. Letting go of the woman who raised me to the Lord was painful; like when letting go of my husband and children. Coming to the realization that the people dear in my life are a part of me but not my possession, brings me to my knees. They are Gods and He has control over them. He knows the plan and His plan no matter how bad it looks to me, is good. He is God who created the heavens and the earth... and my mom. She is His and He loves her unconditionally. Letting go can be painful but oh how peaceful it is to know she is in the care of The Almighty God.

My mother might have forgotten me but, I'm in the care of that same God who cares for my mom. He has not forgotten me. This is the place He wants us to be – on or knees with resolve in our heart that we are weak and believe He is in control. He desires to give His children peace. If only we would always go to the one who is the prince of peace and let it all go at His feet.

He knows you by your name and will never forget you.

"For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord ’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 (HCSB)

 

"Heavenly Father, thank you having a plan for my life and for knowing my name. I let go of my loved ones to you. They are not mine but yours. I trust you with their lives and give you complete control."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014



Jump! – letting go to take a leap of faith

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."

 ~ Isaiah 40:28-31 (HCSB) 

 

As I was sitting at the hair dressers one day, a lady told me of a time her and her husband saw a birds nest in their bush; just outside their screened in porch. They would sit each day and enjoy the wonders of nature as the baby birds hatched and developed. She told me that when the day came for the baby chicks to learn to fly, they had to have lessons. The mama bird took the chicks to a branch of the bush and encouraged them to fly off. She and her husband watched as one by one they would fly down to the ground. Only, she said, there was one that didn't want to take the challenge. The next day the mama bird walked the timid baby chick along the fence behind the bush. She told me, "I couldn't believe my eyes! Was the mama going to nudged her scared baby bird off the high fence? Why would she do that when the others only had a to tackle the feat from the bush?" She began to explain the horror of waiting to see if the chick was going to make it or not. Sure enough the little bird flew down safely to the ground. Maybe the mama knew that the timid chick needed the height of the fence in order not to result in injury or death.

 

When I heard this story, I couldn't help but think of my own struggle of obedience. It's similar to when I find myself not obeying God the first time, then to find out it was harder to obey later. Sometimes, He has to nudge me. God has given us everything we need to do His will but all we see sometimes is what looks like an impending fall.

 

When the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt they had to take a leap of faith. Even though they were enslaved, it was their home and all they knew. To leave and go to an unknown land must have been difficult. Take a look at Moses encouragement to them in Deuteronomy 32:11, "He watches over His nest like an eagle and hovers over His young; He spreads His wings, catches him, and lifts him up on His pinions (HCSB)." Even though they had nothing, God provided and took care of His children. He knew what was needed for them to survive.  

 

Are you struggling with having to let go and take a leap of faith? Maybe God is calling you to missions; a new city; a new job; a new ministry; a walk next door to share the love of Jesus. Whatever the case may be, He already sees the height you need to soar for his glory and will. He is watching over you and gives you exactly what you need, because he cares for you. Live in obedience by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 2:19-20 says, "... I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (HCSB)."

 

Let go and Jump!

 

"Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me strength and protection. I want to soar like eagles wings for your glory. I let go and follow you in obedience by faith to..."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

A Work of Art – letting go to trust Him

In the book, When God Weeps, Joni Eareckson Tada writes an illustration of God's control and plan for the world. She explains it's like a beautiful mosaic – when we only see one little piece of glass, God see's the whole picture. Each and every piece is the perfect size and color, though we don't think what's happening fits. With God's plan, He gets the glory by seeing it from a different perspective. A masterpiece!

In the book of Jeremiah, Jeremiah (a prophet) writes to the Israelites that have been exiled to Babylon. He says in chapter 29:11-14, "For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord ’s declaration —“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you”—this is the Lord ’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord ’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place I deported you from (HCSB).” 

As Jeremiah writes God's words to God's chosen people, He encourages them that God's plan is bigger than their circumstance. Exiled from the land God had promised them, one could imagine their feelings of insignificance. He didn't forget them; He brought them to a place they would finally be humble and listen to Him. God loves them still and asks them to trust Him, seek him, and he will restore them.

We can be stuck in our own limited perspective of our lives. Sometimes our plan is not God's plan. When this happens, we begin to feel like we are insignificant to God, or that we must have not been as close to God as we thought we were, or if there is a plan at all. God's Word tells us in Matthew 10:30, "But even the hairs of your head have all been counted (HCSB)." He knows you and loves you. He has a purpose. Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 7:23, "You were bought at a price...(HCSB)." Why would He sacrifice His own son, Jesus Christ, for you if you were not special? He has a plan for your life that will glorify that sacrifice though you. The question is will you let go and let Him humble you so you will trust Him? Maybe what seems to be an undesirable circumstance is an opportunity to grow closer to Him. Just like the Israelites' exile must have seemed a terrible plan or if there was a plan at all, God knew it would draw them closer to Him. They would begin to seek Him and obey. It was all a part of God's bigger plan from a view that has the end in mind.

You are a piece that fits and essential to complete a work of art. Try looking at your life from God's perspective. You may not understand it or see it like He does, but you can trust he is creating you to be a part of a beautiful mosaic. Let go and trust Him.

"I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 (HCSB)

"God, thank you for loving me even though I mess up. Thank you for having a better plan for me than I know. I let go and trust your plan. I will seek you and follow you with my whole heart."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

He's Got This! – letting go of feeling out of control

"We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure..."
Hebrews 6:19 (HCSB)

 

The results came in and said it is cancer; the papers arrived and it said divorce; the doctor walked in and said he's gone... the storm has come. Immediately you wonder if you will be swept away or just sink slowly and drown. You feel out of control and after a while you begin to lose hope.

 

If this is you, then there is hope!  Not the kind of hope that you wish or dream of, but a hope that already is and will always be. I'm talking about a hope that anchors you down so you don't get swept away or sink. It's real and safe; not out of control.

 

This hope is faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the hope for all the world when all things seem lost. This world is dying because of sin, wherefore suffering and heart ache occurs. In contrast, heaven is peace. Jesus, God's son, was without sin and therefore, died for all the sins of the world. This has allowed us to have eternal peace in heaven when we die. Believing in Jesus gives us hope that this will all come to an end when we are in heaven one day. Praise the Lord!

 

But what about now? How do we get through life when it seems out of control? Remember, God's got it all under control. After Jesus rose from the dead, walked the earth, and then ascended into heaven; He sent His Spirit to help us in times of trouble. He has given you hope.

The disciples had an experience with Jesus in a storm in Mathew 8:23-27, which says, "As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? —even the winds and the sea obey Him (HCSB)!'”

In a storm on a boat, one never puts down the anchor or you will be destroyed by the waves. The boat is safer riding the waves and going through the storm with the anchor on board. Just as the disciples had Jesus with them in their boat, Jesus is with you. He is your anchor in your storm. Don't release Him or take Him off the boat. If you do, you will only be destroyed by your circumstance. Seek His help from the Holy Spirit and trust Him. He will calm your heart, soul, and mind. Scripture says in Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged (HCSB).”

 

You can make it! You won't drown or be swept away. Don't be afraid to ride out the storm. God's faithfulness to provide you with the Holy Spirit to give you peace in the storm is your anchor to hold you, safe and secure. He's got this! Pray and seek Him in the midst of the storm. Let go of feeling out of control and trust God's plan. Hold on to hope; He will rescue you.

 

 "He reached down from heaven and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters."

 Psalm 18:16 (HCSB)

 

"God in heaven, I know you are faithful and in control of my life. Thank you for giving me hope. Please help me let go and trust in you. Give me peace in this storm."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014







Worship From The Heart – letting go of what hinders your worship

"All the earth will worship You and sing praise to You. They will sing praise to Your name."

 ~ Psalm 66:1 (HCSB)

 

The familiar melody plays, as the choir sings praise to God on high. As the congregation stands in worship, the voices combined with the flow of the instruments, softens your heart. You begin to sing the words as if you wrote them. All of a sudden you raise your hands offering every verse up to the Lord. Worship from the heart!

Is this reality or what you wish would happen? Do you find it hard to let go and truly worship God in church – the way your heart wants to?

I remember, when I was a little girl, my mom would have me sit up straight in the pew. Even though they didn't touch the floor, my feet had to be down. Unknowingly my shinny, black, patent leather, shoes would reach up and rest on the hymnal rack in front of the pew. It wouldn't be long and my mom would quietly brush them down with her hand. There was a proper posture to maintain in church – a reverence.

Maybe, it's the thought of how you should look, sound, and act that distracts you from truly worshiping God. Or it's the opposite, and your focus is on how everyone else is sounding and worshiping. You don't have to raise your hands, dance, stand, or sing to worship God, though it's perfectly acceptable too. Scripture explains worship as a humble service of loyalty and reverence to our Holy Creator. Psalm 95:6 encourages us to, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker (HCSB)." Psalm 96:9 says, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth (HCSB)." It's not the physical posture but, the posture of the heart that gives God the praise and glory He rightfully deserves.

Next time you go to church and worship God, stop and examine your heart first.

♥   What is hindering your worship to the Lord?

♥   Are you distracted and not ready for worship?

♥   Is there any sin that you need to confess keeping you from worshiping God?

♥   What changes do you need to make in your heart for worship? 

 Pray before you enter the church. Ask God to help you let go of whatever may distract you from worshiping Him with your whole heart. 

 

 "I will praise You in the great congregation; I will exalt You among many people."

~ Psalm 35:18 (HCSB)

"Father in heaven, you are worthy of praise from all the earth. I want to worship you with my whole heart. I let go of the things that hinder me from humbly worshiping you in church."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

This is Life! – letting go of trying to figure out life

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.' This is the Lord ’s declaration." ~ Isaiah 55:8 (HCSB)
 

Just as the morning sun-rays reflect on the deep, dark pond, nature begins to sense it's arrival. Out of the tall brush that flourishes the waters edge, a family of ducks glide onto the marshy liquid surface toward the warmth of the sun's rays. The awkward, waddling geese follow suit. As the sun shines brighter the marsh creeps, ever so slowly, out of its view. I sit in awe of the beauty before me. My thoughts jump to praise the one who created such wonder – my God; Yahweh.
 

That was a beginning of a new day. As the day brought one difficulty after another, my thoughts were challenged – "Whatever happened to that peaceful moment sitting by the pond and praising my God?" This is life! One minute it all makes sense and the next is brokenness. The truth is, no matter what happens, God is still sovereign over it – all of it. The sun will shine again tomorrow and the ducks will seek it's warmth again. I, well, I will do the same. I will seek the warmth of my Lord and He will shine on me. Some days I may glide through the mess of life and some days I may walk awkwardly through it. But, the more I seek Him the more His truth will push away the marsh that clouds my mind. I may not understand His thoughts or His ways, but I know that He is in control. With His shining glory upon me, I sit in the warmth of His hand – at rest again.
 

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” ~ Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
 

When the challenges of life come your way... and they will, let go of trying to figure them out. Seek the warm rays of Yahweh – your God. Go to the park and be still; sit in His beautiful creation. Bring along your Bible and your willingness to let go of life. He is sovereign over every part of it.
 

"Yahweh, my God, I praise you for the wonders of your creation. I let go of trying to figure out life. I want to sit in the warmth of your hand today and always."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014



Gone Fishing – letting go of inhibitions

I did something for the fist time in all my eighteen and a half years of marriage – fishing with my husband. Not only had I never gone fishing with my husband before but, I had never gone fishing period. He had to teach me everything. Well, almost everything... I didn't bait the hook. According to a fellow fisherman on the pier with us, this wasn't fishing; what I was doing is called, catching fish. I liked catching fish. I didn't want to put a blood worm or a squid head on a hook! Despite my inhibitions, I still say I went fishing.

When I was catching fish, which I caught two☺, I couldn't stop thinking about Jesus telling His disciples to be "fishers of men."

"Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:18-20 (NASB)

Peter and Andrew were called fishermen and yet, they didn't use bait; just a net. Jesus used terminology that the fisherman would understand to follow Him. He said He would make them "fishers of men" – disciples of Jesus Christ. They would be taught how to live life in the Spirit first, while watching how Jesus lived, then sent out to do the fishing. This was a process that unfolds as one reads the gospels.

Just like real fishing, being a disciple is a learning process. My husband taught me to cast the rod, wait for a fish to nibble, hook the fish, and real it in. In fact, other fisherman on our same pier, shared bait with one another and gave helpful hits on where the fish were biting. The Christian life is not all about you. It's about learning to live for Christ along side other believers. As believers in Christ, we are called to be disciples. Jesus says to the disciples to go and make more disciples, in Matthew 28:19. Therefore, it's important to walk along side someone who is a mature disciple of Christ, in order to learn and do the same.

Peter and Andrew didn't hesitate to follow Christ. The scripture says they immediately let go and followed Him. Sometimes it's not that easy. We are reluctant to let go and follow Christ because we may have to do something that's uncomfortable. Just like those fisherman on the pier helped me, getting involved in a church that lives life together will encourage you and help you though your inhibitions and uncomfortable moments.

This isn't my last time fishing. Now that I've learned what to do, I want to go again. Plus, fishing with my husband brings us closer and builds our relationship. I am learning to let go of my inhibitions and want to be teachable. Who knows, maybe next time I'll bait the hook and be a real fisherman.

"Dear Jesus, thank you for being my teacher. I want to be teachable. Please help me let go of my inhibitions and fully follow you. Help me find a mentor and make me your disciple."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014 

What Ever Makes You Happy – letting go of masking reality

When my kids were little we would give them candy, activity books, what ever would make them happy on a long road trip. When all the toys would loose their excitement and the car seat seamed like a straight jacket, they would cry out; as expected, "I want to get out!" This is a picture of you and I when all the things that we fill our lives with to make us happy, stop distracting us from the reality that we feel trapped and just want to get out.

We think the problem is our reality of life, when the problem is the stuff we use to mask it. When we don't go to God first, we might distract our attentions to the latest sale, the person of the opposite sex who gave some attention, or planning the next big adventure. We go from one thing to the next because it's not working. The more we mask things, the farther from God we will get and the more unhappy we are. God's word says in Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (HCSB)."

When was the last time you faced reality with God? Psalm 69:32-33 says, "The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people (NLT)."

Let go of masking reality and seek God. The next time you are tempted to turn to something that is only temporal happiness, pray first. Be humble and honest with God about your feelings. Then open the bible and read a Psalm. God will encourage you – He hears your cries! You may not get out of your situation, but your God will give you the strength. My kids had no clue when they were strapped in the car seat that it was for their safety. God is protecting you even when you may say, "I want to get out!" The journey may be long, but in the end there is a heavenly eternal vacation.

"Trouble and distress have overtaken me, but Your commands are my delight. Your decrees are righteous forever. Give me understanding, and I will live."

~ Psalm 119:143-144 (HCSB)

"Lord, thank you for hearing my cries. Thank you for protecting me. I let go of masking my problems with temporary happiness instead of going to you for eternal happiness."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014 

I Just Want To Go To Heaven – letting go of wanting to quit

 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord."
~ Psalm 27:14

 

It's been a long day and the pressure is too much. All you want to do is quit. If one more thing happens, you are going to loose it. You cry out to God – "Please take me home now." The thought of heaven; where it's safe, trouble free, and under the care of the Heavenly Father, is the only way you can be at rest. Oh, to be able to sit at His feet and see Him face to face; to worship and love Him. Then you will be happy. Then you will be able to fully live for Him perfectly without the stress of life.

 

When I was having one of these days, I prayed this very prayer to God. I didn't see any other way out but to be home, in heaven with Him. I felt all alone and helpless. After pleading with Him, the Holy Spirit placed in my mind Psalm 46:1, which says; "God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble (HCSB)." I stopped praying and just listened, while meditating on that thought. I realized that by praying for God to take me to heaven, I was; in a way, using Him. Yes, it's good to want to be in heaven, but not when I wasn't wanting to be strong and courageous anymore for Christ. What message was I sending to God – when it gets tough I just want to take advantage of the gift of heaven and quit? God is my refuge and strength here on earth. Philippians 4:13 is an encouraging verse, which says,  "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me (HCSB)." To live in that moment that day for Him, I would glorify Him more with the strength and courage He freely gives. Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us to,  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (HCSB)." Quitting wouldn't show God I love Him. I need to not give up. After this realization, I prayed for His strength.

While we are here on this earth, we wait for the Lord to take us home. This word wait in the Greek means to look for; hope; expect. It's good to look forward to going to heaven, but in the waiting time, we can be strong and courageous. So, when your day is long and you want to quit. Take refuge in Him. Scripture says in Psalm 105:4, "Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always (HCSB)." If you are a follower of Christ, God has control of when you will see him face to face one day in heaven. Let go of wanting to quit, and release it to the Lord. Take some time this week to seek Him and study scriptures on God's strength. You can get through this – don't quit!

"Oh, God, I can't wait to be in heaven with you. But, in my difficult days here on earth, please give me strength and courage to get through. I let go of wanting to quit. May I bring you glory all the days of my life."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014 

"Fillers" – letting go of solely relying on blogs and devotionals

I am really not a pleasure reading kind of gal. Although, in the summer, I like to fill in down time by the pool or on the beach with a good Christian novel. When I started this blog in February of this year, I knew it was considered a "filler." This is what you read to fill in or add to your own personal time with God.

Some of you may not have your own time with God, in the Word, or you may not know how to study it for yourself. You may say to yourself, you can't understand it so, that's why you rely on someone else's studies. Therefore, blogs and devotionals may be all you read. There is nothing wrong with reading a good devotional or blog. They serve a purpose to spur one another along in our faith. It's encouraging to read a blog of how someone has gone through a similar path than you. An inspiring devotional reading can be just what you needed to get through the day. One of my favorite is the devotional, "My Utmost for His Highest" by, Oswald Chambers. But, there is nothing like reading and studying a book of the Bible for yourself. It becomes more personal and, therefore; what you learn stays with you. For instance, the book if Philippians helped me learn to surrender and let go and, the book of Hebrews helped me understand my faith better. Have you been relying on someone else's studies for too long? I would like to encourage you this week to open your Bible. Pray and ask God to teach you and help you understand. The Psalmist writes, in Psalm 119:26-27, "I told You about my life, and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes (laws). Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts (commandments) so that I can meditate on Your wonders (HCSB)."

When you are a believer in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit to help guide you. This is the only way to understand His Word. 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, "Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God (HCSB)." You can no longer say that you wont understand it, because God has provided His Spirit to help you. Plus, if you want to go deeper in understanding a word or a verse, then you can go to a website for help. I like to use www.mystudybible.com and www.blueletterbible.org for my helpful guides. Another reference that helped me study the Bible for myself, is the book, "How to Study Your Bible"  by, Kay Arthur.

So, start now! I recommend you start with the book of 1 John, in the Bible. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Let go of solely relying on "fillers" and watch the Word of God jump off the pages and into your heart.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path."
~ Psalm 119:105 (HCSB)

"I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word."
~ Psalm 119:15-16 (HCSB)

"Heavenly Father, Thank you for your Word that is a light for my path. I let go of solely relying on fillers from others. May your Holy Spirit reveal your truth to me as I read Your Word."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014 



"Left behind"– letting go of the fear of falling from grace

My husband, one day, was coming around the house from the back yard, to find our car doors open with the engine running but no one around. As he stood there wondering what was going on, he had a thought... "Was I left behind?" Just then, I came from the neighbors house and saw his stunned expression on his face. When he told me he thought the rapture came, we laughed.

Although that was a comical moment, it is a troubling thought. Maybe you are afraid that one day you might fall from God's grace. This scares you because you keep messing up; have lost the passion for reading His Word; or your faith is weak. You believe in Him but, question if you can be faithful to Him when the enemy deceives.

My first question I have to ask you is; do you believe Jesus is the only way to get to heaven? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:8)(HCSB)."  Second, do you, in your own heart, believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again on the third day? And third, do you know that He saved you and living a life changed forever to serve Him?

If you answered "yes" to the above questions, then you are a believer in Christ, and you have hope! If you answered "no," than it's not to late – the rapture has not happened, yet. Pray for Jesus to come into your life. We climb up high mountains and fall down deep valley's in life. At the top, we can get too comfortable and begin to take control of our own lives. When we see that this doesn't work, we fall down into a deep valley and realize we need a savior. This can feel like failure. The more we are on this ride of life the more it looks like we can never measure up. This is sin and why we are undeserving of God's grace. Despite our imperfections He gave us the gift of eternal life through His son, Jesus; who was without sin (Rom. 6:23). If you believe in Him, you are not a failure because Christ died for all your failures. Keep following Him no matter how many times you mess up. Ask Him for forgiveness and know he will never leave you. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us, "The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged (HCSB)."

Not only has God given His own son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you but he rose again to prepare a place in heaven for you. Have comfort that He loves you and is coming back for you. Jesus says in John 14:1-3,“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also (HCSB)."

Now that you know He loves you and will be back for you, you need to know you can never be plucked from His hand. Jesus as the great Shepherd, takes care of His sheep. He tells us this in John 10:27-30, "My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish —ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one (HCSB).”

Take some time this week to read these scriptures. The more you meditate on His Word, the more you will thirst for it. Then you will be comforted and encouraged and your faith will grow. Let go of your fear of falling from His grace. You have God's gift so live as though you received it. You will not be "left behind."

"Jesus I am a sinner and I need forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving me through your sacrifice on the cross. I know that you have prepared a place for me in heaven. I let go of my fear of falling from your grace. Thank you for keeping me in your hand forever."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

"I Wonder" – letting go of the lack of confidence

One of my favorite scenes in the movie "The Sound of Music," is when Julie Andrews, as Maria, walks to uncharted territory with suitcase in hand – singing. She starts out unsure and timid... "What will this day be like? I wonder. What will my future be? I wonder." As she sings her own pep talk, the music builds upon itself and her skipping swings her suitcase by her side... "I have confidence in sunshine. I have confidence in rain. I have confidence that Spring will come again. Besides what you see I have confidence in me." (I know you were singing☺)

Okay, so you might not have sung your own pep talk before but, I bet you have talked yourself into becoming confident. We all have. Whether it's going to an interview, new land, or some unknown situation we sometimes need to prepare ourselves to have boldness. Have you ever needed to do this in regards to living your life for Christ? Maybe it's a prayer in tune with Maria... "What will this day be like, My Father? What will my future be, Lord Jesus?"  As a believer in Christ, we realize that we can't do it on our own so, we pray.

In Ephesians, chapter three, Paul writes to the Gentiles that he is in chains (house arrest) for them to know the Messiah. He tells them they are apart of the body of Christ and that he has boldness and confidence in the message of Christ through his faith, no matter his chains.

  "In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him." ~ Ephesians 3:12 (HCSB)

We all have something that we can't control; like being in chains. Sometimes, we wonder how we are going to make it and still keep our faith. In the verse above, Paul says "we" – we can have boldness and confidence. This isn't just for the apostle Paul. We can have boldness to live our lives for Christ through our faith. No matter the unsure situations we may face, God gives us confident access to Him. Pray to your Heavenly Father for boldness to live for Him. Have confidence in Him. Let go of your lack of confidence to God and let your prayers be like the end of Maria's song... "I have confidence in Jesus. I have confidence in God. I have confidence that He will come again. Even though I don't see I have confidence in He." 

"Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for including me in your family. I let go of my lack of confidence to you. I pray for boldness to live my life for you in the midst of my chains."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

"Hopes Up" – letting go of mind games

Have you ever watched someone go through a terminal illness with such grace? As everyday got harder and the pain increased, they had an amazing peace. I have, and what I saw was hope. As life took them though what looked like an impossible situation, one thing kept them going to the end – Hope.

The word hope, in the original Greek, means: to anticipate, usually with pleasure. It's positive forward believing – not just thinking. The book of Romans takes us though different aspects of hope. Starting with Abraham's hope that came from believing in God (Rom. 4:18), to our hope in believing in Jesus Christ. It's expressed beautifully in chapter 5:1-5."Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (HCSB)."
Romans 8:24,25 says, "Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience (HCSB)"
Romans 12:12 tells us to, "Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." (HCSB)

We have enough afflictions in this life to become discouraged. If we believe in this hope, that is from God, we will not be disappointed. Have you ever thought that if you don't get your "hopes up" on something, than you wont be disappointed when it doesn't work out? I have. We think it acts as a protection plan. Only living life with that plan, doesn't give God the benefit of the doubt. It's driven by thought not heart. We try to trick our heart with negative mind games. Yes, mind games. You know what I mean. Thoughts like: "I'm not going to believe it till I see it;" or "I bet it won't work out." When, in our heart, we want to believe that it will all work out. We are scared of being disappointed. The hope that is in Christ Jesus, is a hope we can count on. This doesn't mean that if we have this hope, God will give us all we dream of. But, it does mean we can rest in His hope that He loves us and will provide what is best for us even when it looks impossible. So, don't stop praying and believing in eternal hope. Scripture says, in Revelations 21:4, that in heaven; "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away (HCSB)."

This is how my terminally ill family member had peace. This is how you and I can have peace. Let go of trying to play mind games and believe in the hope that is in Jesus Christ. He does not disappoint.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

 ~ Romans 15:13 (HCSB)

"Heavenly Father, I believe in the hope that is in Jesus Christ. I let go of the mind games I play that doubt you in the midst of my affliction. I know you love me and I pray for peace."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Baptism – letting go of procrastination

Just recently, I had the joy of watching my twelve year old daughter get baptized. It was a beautiful demonstration of her commitment to Christ and public testimony of how He saved her. It reminded me of when I was baptized; only I was eighteen years old. Even though I asked Jesus into my heart at age seven, I waited. I didn't have the courage that my daughter had and so, as time past, I just put it farther down the list of priorities. It wasn't till my parents brought the subject up, did I remember I hadn't been baptized yet. I had procrastinated the very thing that symbolized my faith in the most public way I could. So, I followed through in obedience from scripture and was baptized (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). It was a beautiful day that I will never forget. 

In the bible, Ananias told Paul after he had seen the Lord, in Acts 22;15-16, "For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name (HCSB)."

Have you been procrastinating showing your faith publicly? Are you like I was and you know Jesus has saved you, but you have not been baptized? Have you been putting off sharing your faith with someone you know needs to hear it? Why delay? You are a witness to what He has done for you in your life. It is significant!

I was very touched when I watched my daughter's baptism, but I tend to be whenever I witness any baptism – it is powerful. I heard a pastor say once, that many adults have come to know the Lord after viewing a baptism. God can use your testimony. Don't think that it's not significant. Sharing your story of how Jesus saved you is one of the most important conversations you can have with someone. I was listening to a sermon recently, from Pastor Chip Ingram and he said, "It is not the messenger, it's the message." The message of the gospel is powerful, in and of itself, not the one who is sharing it. God can use what we think is a poorly displayed message of the truth and penetrate a hurting heart. Don't procrastinate because you are afraid of messing it up.

Perhaps, you can be motivated by the example of my parents. Do you know someone who needs encouragement to follow through with baptism or sharing their faith? I will be forever grateful to my parents for helping me let go of my procrastination. Not only was my commitment to Jesus publicized but, I have a concrete memory that is forever etched in my heart and mind of that commitment.

Let go of procrastinating! Don't delay! Get up and display your faith in Jesus Christ just as Paul was commanded to do. It's all in the power of the message.

"Jesus, thank you for my story of how you saved me from my sin. Please forgive me for not sharing my faith publicly. I let go of my procrastination to you."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

The "Turtle" – letting go of discontentment

We call it the "Turtle" but it has been called many things: demolition car, junk yard car; to name a few. It's green, tiny, beat up, uncomfortably backbreaking, and not easy to drive – but it runs. It's not pretty and it's old – but it's paid off. I may not say it out loud but, in my thoughts, I gripe and complain that I have to sit in it let alone drive it sometimes. I really want to be thankful for what I have. Usually, I don't care what I drive but for the "Turtle"... well, I just have a hard time.

Have you ever felt that you struggle with being content? Is it hard for you to see that what you have is good?

Paul claims, in Philippians 4:12, "I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need (HCSB)." So what is his secret to be content? Read on to verse 13, "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."  God is good. He never leaves His children but when we are clouded with discontent it is harder to see His goodness. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you (HCSB)."

Look closely at these verses above. God gives us everything we need to be content:

♥ His confidence
♥ His help
♥ His strength
♥ His protection

Now, do you believe this to be true in your life? Because if you believe, than you can obtain the same attitude Paul had. No matter if you don't know how you are going to pay the hospital bills; the mortgage this month; the groceries, you have faith that God will take care of you. He never fails.

How about when things are just not satisfactory enough for you, like my "Turtle" is to me? God did provide a car for my family and it works. So, this is were it is up to me to be thankful and content with what I have. When I think of Paul and his secret to contentment (I can do all things with God's strength), I am encouraged that I can be satisfied. I can declare God is good and I can see his goodness, even in the "Turtle."

Does discontentment run your thought life? Do you really need more or better than what God has provide for you? These thoughts are the workings of the enemy. Don't let Satan twist your thoughts away from giving God glory. God is the one who has given you everything you need and the very breath in your lungs is from Him. Give Praise to God today and let go of your discontentment.

"God, thank you for your provisions in my life. You always supply everything I need. I let go of my discontentment to you and pray that I will be content with what I have."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Mother of the Year Award – letting go of perfection

I was raised by two first born parents. The home was run with precision. Every thing had a place and always spotless. My mother: the ultimate perfectionist. When I started out, I ran my home the same way. 

After cleaning the bathroom, no one was to use it for at least a few hours. Leaving dishes in the sink was unheard of. Smudge on the car windshield – not a problem! I'd whip out my little spray bottle of glass cleaner and paper towel in the glove box, and voila! Just picture me walking from room to room straightening this or that; very happy with my self, until...

Life got messy! Not bad messy – just a husband, three kids, two ferrets, and two dogs kind of messy. I couldn't control all the smudgy finger and paw prints. I knew what I had to do. I was going to teach my family to do it right. I found myself always telling everyone what they should do and what they did wrong. While I thought I was giving helpful life training, it became evident that everyone in my home felt as though, they could never do anything right, trying to live up to my expectations. I had gone too far. No "Mother of the Year" award here!

This reminded me of Jesus' encounter with Mary and Martha.

While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10:38-42 (HCSB)

I think Martha could have been a perfectionist. You see, Martha saw that things were getting a little out of her control, when there was so much to be done; with no help from her sister. She thought that's what was important, but Mary was the one who was doing what was needed – spending time with Jesus. 

"Carol, Carol, you are worried and upset about many things." While taking good care of my home was important, I had become distracted with perfectionism. So, I let go of the breakfast dishes in the sink to have my quiet time with Jesus every morning. I let go of the kids chores not done as I would do it, when their hearts are acting in obedience. How do you think Mary felt when Martha expected her to meet up to her standards, and then called her out in front of Jesus? Don't you think Jesus was giving it back to her by calling her out in front of Mary? Jesus knew Martha's struggle with wanting things to be perfect, but this time she had gone too far. That is why He humbled her; just as I was humbled. He changed my perspective on what was most important. Even though I watched my mother be a perfectionist when it came to taking care of the home, she taught me to sit at Jesus feet; first and foremost. She wins "Mother of the Years" award!

So right here and right now; I give you permission to leave the dishes in the sink – spend time with Jesus. Take time to look at your actions toward others when they are not doing something as you would. Are you being a perfectionist? Is there something else that is more important you should be focused on? Sit at Jesus' feet. Listen to Him. After all He is perfect and will teach you, in which, to be as He is.

"Jesus, thank you for being the true perfect one. Please forgive me for not sitting at your feet and listening to you. I let go of my perfectionism to you."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Yummy Chips – letting go of strongholds

  “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:12 (HCSB)

This verse is very thought provoking. Are there things in your life that have an unhealthy stronghold over you? The word permissible means: lawful. Even though it may not be against the law for you to do, has it mastered you? Is it hindering you?

If I have a yummy bag of chips in my cabinet, Cool Ranch Doritos; to be exact☺, I just can't resist eating the whole bag. I could buy them and eat a bag every day, if I wanted to; but I don't. I know it is not healthy for me and I struggle with self-control. This week someone bought the chips and right now they are in my cabinet – calling my name! It's a good thing my daughter has been my accountability. Every time she has seen me put something in my mouth, she slyly asks, "Mom, what are you eating?"

It may not be food for you but maybe it's a T.V. show, social media, shopping, or a relationship that you know is becoming destructive. Let's take it as far as, dangerous patterns with alcohol, pornography, and prescription drugs. Be very careful with letting the world convince you that it's acceptable to keep these inappropriate actions. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (HCSB)." If you are struggling with when to know this is happening, seek God. Search the Scripture and pray asking Him if you need to let go of any strongholds in your life (James 4:7-8). His Spirit will let you know. Surrendering fully to the Lord, will free you from ruin. Ask someone you trust to help keep you accountable; and don't be afraid to seek professional help, if you are severely trapped. I encourage you to take action now and don't wait for regret. There are so many blessing God wants to give to you for following through in obedience.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 6:12 again. This time substitute your stronghold in the appropriate places: “... is permissible for me,” but ... is (not) helpful. “... is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of ...."

I'm going to give you a little assignment. Open your bible to Psalm 18 and take this week to read and meditate on the whole chapter. It will help you replace your unhealthy stronghold for a righteous one.

"Heavenly Father, I ask you to forgive me for giving into temptation. Please help me let go of ... which has a stronghold over me. I give it to you. Transform my mind to discern what is good, pleasing, and your perfect will for my life."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014

Clear Blue Skies – letting go of negative thoughts

As the little girl sat on the swing during recess, she observed her fellow classmates playing together. She was wondering why they outcast her. All she did was say, "No," when they challenged her to say a bad word. After they asked her why not, she told them because she believed in Jesus. That was when they laughed and said they wouldn't play with her anymore. Was she really that different? With the kids laughter echoing in her mind, the sadness flooded her little eyes with tears. She began to swing her petite legs back and forth. When she pumped the swing higher and higher, she caught a glimpse of the clear blue sky above the playground. It was so beautiful. The more she looked up, the less she saw of the kids on the playground. She was reminded that God made the sky and He made her too. He loved her and was proud of her for obeying Him. As the peace filled her soul, her tears began to dry up. Even though she was alone, friendless, and different, she was captured by the true loveliness of God. Every recess from then on, she would swing on that swing and be comforted by the peaceful sky and the God who created it. 

Have you found yourself dwelling on negative thoughts when you are faced with adversity? Are cloudy skies all you see?

Philippians 4:8-9 says, "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable —if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you (HCSB)."  

These verses are preceded with the command not to worry about anything but to pray and God will give you incomprehensible peace to protect your mind (Philippians 4:6-7). If you struggle with finding the positive, look up to the Creator who made the beautiful sky and pray. He will show you what is true; honorable; just; pure; lovely; commendable; excellent; and praise worthy. In verse 9, it says to do what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in God. Therefore, it also helps to think back on a time when God has brought you through in the past.
♥What did you learn about God?
♥What blessings did you receive from Him?
♥What did you hear from God?
♥ What did you see God do?
The word "do" in the beginning of this verse means: to practice. It's not natural to think on truth. It's much easier to be captured by the negative thoughts. Letting go of the negative and practicing thinking on truth will push away the clouds in view of clear blue skies – it takes practice.

As I think back on that little girl, I am aware of the fact that if I had not gone through that hard time so young, I would not have been prepared for what was to come in the future. As an adult, I have more complicated life interferences but with the same choice to look up and think on truth. Looking up toward God is one of the most valuable lessons I have learned. Thinking on truth allows me to see God, and dwell on His goodness despite the injustices this world brings.

"Heavenly Father, you are good. I let go of my negative thoughts to you. Help me think on your truth that sets me free and gives me peace."





© Carol Outhous Jones 2014



   

An Untraditional Easter – letting go of our plan's

This Easter, my youngest daughter was to be baptized, my family reunited with the coming home of my two other kids from a mission trip, worshipping my risen Savior in church, and a family dinner after church. Little did I know that God would strike my family with the stomach virus! Not just my immediate family but my father, whom I help care for. So, this Easter I spent my morning taking care of my parents and my husband spent his Easter morning taking care of my kids. No baptism, no family reunion, no church, and no family dinner...couldn't even stomach that.

As I awoke this holiday morning, I recognized the difference immediately from Easters past. In fact, it didn't feel like Easter at all. It felt like any other day. I was reminded of how we get caught up in the traditions of a holiday and don't realize that the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is to be celebrated always in our everyday lives. Without Jesus, the son of God, I would be bound by my imperfections to death. He gave me life – eternal life despite my sin. You and I don't deserve this gift He gave so sacrificially. Every breath I have should be in sacrificial service to Him – my Savior and my King.

While I missed the holiday festivities and struggled with my attitude in the beginning, I was challenged by this scripture:

 "Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~ Philippians 2:5-11 (HCSB)

I ended up taking this untraditional Easter and celebrated Jesus's resurrection in service to Him. How could I not? I served Him while serving my parents in my Easter best – Pajamas!
Are you struggling with having to let go of your plan's? Do you need to change your attitude about it? Remember what Jesus did for you. Let go of your plan and serve God in His plan. Isn't He worthy of your sacrificial love? Let's celebrate His resurrection every day despite our circumstances.

"Jesus, my Savior and my King, I exalt your name above every name. Thank you for your sacrificial love. I let go of my plans to serve you. Help me to have your attitude, despite my circumstances."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014







Making Lemonade – letting go of trials to have joy

You know that saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."? It took a long time for me to get to this perspective in life. I would read verses in the Bible like: James 1:2-4, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (HCSB).", and I would think to myself, "How in the world can you expect me to have joy, God, when I am going through a tough ordeal? It seemed to me a very illogical thing to expect. I felt I could only endure in life if I was encouraged! This was not encouraging me because I wanted to be done with this trial and be soothed with understanding (it's a female thing).

God will open your eyes to the truth when you start asking Him questions.

He revealed to me that it wasn't the actual trial that I needed to be joyful about, but the result that it would have on my spiritual relationship with him; if I had faith. It is important to approach every experience in life with an eternal perspective. What do I mean by that? Well, it means to live life knowing that we are here to help build the kingdom of God and if this trial you are going through prepares you to be a witness then, praise God – JOY! We have to see beyond the here and now – to let go of the circumstances around us and live with a hope of a future eternity in heaven. Scripture says, in James 1:12, "A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (HCSB)." – JOY!

In the original Greek, the word "passes" in this verse, means to cause to be and the word "test" here, means approved. The faith that allowed you to endure a trial caused you to be approved (2 Timothy 2:15). It shows your faithfulness to your heavenly Father when you believe and love Him. He wants to give you His love back with a crown (1 Peter 5:4). This crown represents royalty as a child of the King and eternal life in heaven with Him – JOY!

Be encouraged, follower of Christ, you can have joy in the midst of your trial. Looking back at all the trials I have encountered in my life, I am grateful for the Lord's protection and guidance. I know that whatever may come and shake my life up in the future, I can trust He will be with me. It helped me to mentally look at the reality of my problem with an eternal perspective knowing I will receive the crown of life by faith. Not only does He love you as His child with a crown in glory, in the meantime, He gives you a righteous maturity to handle this life one lemon of a trial at a time.

Practical tips to make lemonade out of lemons:
♥ Stay in God's word everyday
♥ Memorize scripture
♥ Surround yourself with fellow believers
♥ Sing praises to God
♥ Write down the times that God got you through a trial from the past

"Oh Lord, thank you for eternal life in heaven with you. I let go of my tough circumstances to you by faith. Give me your joy to look heavenward in the midst of my trials."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014