How Good and Pleasant It Is!... Nov. 2008 Psalm 133:1-3  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.  KJV         The days prior to the ladies retreat that I was blessed to participate in the first week of October I was asked to share a Psalm with the group and tell what it means to me.        The one above is actually the second one that came to mind so because of the story behind it for me I chose it.        When I came to a real saving knowledge of the Lord I was attending the most wonderful church.  My Mom was going there and all the people there were so great for me and my growth in my spiritual walk at that time.  My Pastor was so good to give me things to learn each time I finished whatever he had given me the last time.        During the 1st year of my time there a man named Alan arrived in town.  As I recall he was of Jewish descent but had come to know the Lord Jesus as his personal savior but was not very knowledgable about Him.  He knew a lot about the God of the Old Testament but not Jesus.  There is so much to tell about him but the main thing that always sticks in my mind is that he taught us a tune to remember the above passage by.  I honestly cannot at all even begin to recall the tune but I think the scripture will be imprinted in my heart forever.  Often when Carl preaches he will refer to anointing with oil or even various ways to baptize and he'll sometimes refer to the method of pouring over the head.  When he does, this is the thing that always comes to my mind.        Jesus anointed each one of us, His children, with His blood by completely covering us.  I can picture that covering of His blood in much the same way as the oil that is mentioned as being poured over the head of Aaron and running down all the way to the hem of his garment and puddling up on the floor.  There was enough to meet the need and have some left over piled up at his feet.        One of the things about Alan is that there didn't seem to be a trace of him that could be found by those who looked and when he left there was also a buzz about the fact that he left no trace.  I was greatly convicted by his childlike faith and innocence in so many of our ways of speaking.  Things that I would never even consider offensive to him would be just as weighty as a curse word.  I really began to look at what I said in a much more serious manner.        I pray that I would be as much a positive influence in the lives of folks I meet for such a short time as that.  I would love to have you pray for me that I'll be much cognicent of the fact that there are always others observing my life and that I'll moment by moment give it over the Lordship of Jesus.         May the Lord richly bless you and keep your mind sharp and alert to His guidance as each day passes.         In His Service,  Jennie  ©

Pay It Forward! Dec. 2008 "Pay It Forward" to everyone everywhere! "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."  Luke 6:38     I'd like to share a "Pay It Forward" time in my life where others "Paid It Forward" to my entire family during the Christmas season when I was just 14 years old.  My Dad had to be away for his job a good bit during the year of 1969.  This kept him away during the time when Camille hit the area.  We were in Hattiesburg and were affected however not quite as harshly as those on the coastal areas.      Later in the year, just following Thanksgiving we, I'm one of six children, were at school one day but were instructed not to ride the bus but to wait for our Mom who came to pick us up.  We all knew there must be something out of the ordinary going on because she worked and got home just prior to our arrival on the bus.  She was there to tell us that our house was burned down.  We lost everything but the pictures.  They were all in bottom drawers in boxes and wrapped up!  Everything else, however was gone.  She had just the few days prior gotten all of our Christmas presents out of layaway and had them at home.       I can only imagine being in her shoes.  All six of us were parceled out to different families in the community in Petal, friends from church and school as well as neighbors, none of which any of us really knew very well prior to our house fire.  Daddy was in Illinois with no hope of returning until after the first of the year.  Mama was at that time the cafeteria manager at Thames Elementary in Hattiesburg.      Now comes the 'Pay It Forward' part!  As I write this I'm tingling and having a hard time seeing what I'm writing for the liquid buildup in my eyes!   The entire Thames Elementary School decided to take our family on as their family to buy for that Christmas!  As you might well imagine being in a family of six children we were not accustomed to receiving many gifts Christmas.  But that year we were given more than any of us ever had before that in our lives.  Also the gifts were much nicer than we'd ever received before.  I can remember many of the things I was given but the one thing that stands out most of all was a small goldtone filligree hand mirror with carved metal roses on it that was from my Girl Scout Leader, Mrs. Crowson.  As I think on that one little token of love that was 'Paid Forward' for me and all of our family I can totally count my blessings.  And guess what, I do NOT have any of those things and I'm quite sure none of the rest of my family have any of their gifts, either.  But the one thing we do have is the knowledge that when we were in need our community reached out to us in ways beyond our wildest imagination.  God will often show up 'with skin on' when we face desperate challenges and His skin is so soft.  The people were all so glad to do for us and we really didn't know how to take it - talk about humbling.     Guess what else happened!  There was a knock on the door on Christmas Eve that startled everyone.  We were not expecting anyone else to visit as the gifts and food had arrived a few hours prior to that unexpected knock with a large effort of unloading gifts ensuing.  You may have guessed by now, Daddy had come home for Christmas!  Hugs and kisses and yes, tears and laughter were shared by all!   Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  Please always remember, when you "Pay It Forward" the recipient will often carry your gift of kindness in their heart for years to come, often for a lifetime!    Jennie Heberg ©

Reflections of 2008 Jan. 2009 "I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation. He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10     I have been reflecting over the past several days on the things of 2008 and what I want to change for 2009.  In looking back over the year I have been so blessed to recall many good memories.      I truly am not at all satisfied with the small amount time I've spent in the Word and devotions.  I truly need to be much more consistent and decisive in that area.  As a matter of fact, I made a plan to read the Bible through this year and have yet to begin in the plan I've chosen.  However, I will begin on Sunday afternoon and get as far as I can into getting caught up and then will be diligent to stay caught up in the plan laid out.  I, however, will not berate myself or put myself down in any way if I have to have more do-overs in the future.  I have such a new excitement in joining Jesus each day as He opens His heart to me as I receive His Words as jewels for my soul.      Jewels for my soul is what I based Jewels from Jennie on in the first place.  Now, I just need to live it out in a more precise manner.  I am so excited at the prospect of my weekly Bible study group's choice of study for this year.  We will walking through the Psalms and if I know Faye, we will walk with the Psalms through the entire Bible.  I can hardly wait to get started in this journey.     I am also excited to see so many of you so ready to set new goals and see them through this year.  Let's all walk together, encouraging each other in the goals the Lord has placed in our hearts and see them come to fruition as His plan opens up to us.     I have begun to Read The Bible Through in a Year so many times but have never completed that goal.  I welcome any of you to challenge me and hold me to the fire in that respect throughout 2009.  If I have not been as faithful as I should your challenge will urge me on and I trust you will also be encouraged.  Look with me throughout the Bible in 2009 and let's find mines of jewels He has hidden for our pleasure.     I pray that the Lord will bless you immensely and that you will be able to see answers to many of your long unanswered prayers this year.     May the Lord richly bless you in all you do.  I am so blessed to be the Pastor's Wife here at Byrd's & Wesley Chapels and in the Henleyfield Community in the Seashore District of MS.  Praise You Lord for placing me just where You have me.  Thank you all for your prayers and support.   In His Love and Service,  Jennie ©

Delivered by the Hand of God Feb. 2009 My heart overflows with a good theme... my tongue is the pen of a ready writer." Psalm 45:1 (NASB)       As I sit here to write this article I am so overwhelmed by the events I've read so far this year in my daily Bible reading.  I am amazed at the situations people either got themselves in or were put in by others.  And in every case they were delivered by the hand of God but only when they called on Him and put their trust in Him completely.  However, the deliverance didn't always come overnight.  Many people walked through some pretty tough stuff and for quite a long while.  Probably some of them may have thought that when deliverance came it may be too late.  But those of you who have walked with the Lord for any length of time know that God may be later than we might want Him to be but He is always right on time.     He knows the end from the beginning and we just know part of what we can see in front of us.  Isn't it amazing that we adults have such a hard time trusting that God has 'it all' under control?  We really should be the ones, since many of us are parents and lead our children in directions that will be for their benefit since we have a bit of insight into growing up, because we've seen some of the same scenarios.  Well, why can't we, adults, like our children, learn to trust that God already has a handle on everything?  He's been there and seen many of His children go through similar events and He has seen them through.  He is well able to take us through every event that would occur in our lives and give us the land He has promised.    I encourage you to always look to Jesus, who truly is the author and finisher of our faith.  The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.  He also gives us a great promise in that every person has been given the same measure of faith.  We just have to exercise that faith we've been given.  We'll then see God's hand at work in ways that we may have only thought was a bit of 'wishful thinking'.  Allow that 'wishful thinking' to develop into God's vision for not only your life but the vision for your future generations keeping in mind that He is coming back for a Bride that is madly in love with her Groom.  The Bride of Christ, the Church, is on a journey and will reach her destination as she looks unto Jesus, her author and finisher.  This author created her and will finish her into the most beautiful thing the world has ever seen.  In saying that we know that the more beautiful a jewel the more aggressive the cleansing, buffing, etc.  Let's remember that when the going seems tough the Lord is doing His most precious work on our lives.    May the Lord richly bless you in all you put your hand to for Him.  May He lead you into paths of righteousness and keep your foot from stumbling so that you may be that witness those around you are looking for.  Always point to Jesus, who is God's Son and our Savior.   In His Love & Service, Jennie ©

An Emotional Affair (by: Lysa TerKeurst) March 2009 This month I'd like to share with you a devotion that I received from Proverbs 31 ministry.  I receive this daily but given the content I just think it says everything just as well if not better than I could say it myself.  (There is a reference to a friend in this writing that is unique to the author, not me.)  As a family who has dedicated our lives to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we have made a specific effort and pledge to one another to keep ourselves in a position to give no one the appearance of evil in this particular area of life.  We have been ridiculed by fellow ministers in this as everyone does not seem to see the importance in this.  However, we do.  In so doing we'd like to challenge you to be cautious in this as not to allow the enemy to trip you up in this way.  Enjoy the article that is shared by permission of  the Proverbs 31 ministry.  _________________________________________ February 26, 2009  An Emotional Affair by: Lysa TerKeurst  "Flee from sexual immorality." 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)        Devotion:   A few years ago, I watched a friend get tangled up in an emotional affair. She was a strong Christian woman who loved her family but the attraction to this other man seemed unavoidable.She tried to talk herself out of it but her heart played tricks on her mind, and the justifications for letting things continue down this path soon led her to a very dangerous place.She was becoming emotionally attached to this other man.   In a moment of desperation and fear, she confided in me what was going on.As she described how she got pulled into this place, I found myself being challenged by the realization of how subtly this had happened.She hadn't planned on being emotionally attracted to this other man. As a matter of fact, she'd always prided herself on being a woman of strong conviction and had scoffed at the idea of ever being tempted to have an affair.   It starts off simple enough - his comment that you mull over one too many times, a conversation in which you find a surprising connection, a glance that lingers just a second too long, or one of a thousand other interactions that seem innocent yet aren't.These are the dangerous seeds that can easily sprout into an emotional affair.   Some think it is a safe way to enjoy the lure of being attracted to someone other than your spouse without crossing any lines. But God boldly and plainly says in 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee from sexual immorality."  God doesn't say walk away from sexual immorality.No, He says to flee as if your very life is at stake! The time to prevent an emotional affair is before it ever starts.For me to rest on my spiritual laurels and think that it could never happen to me, made me a prideful, open target for Satan.   Jesus warned his disciples in Matthew 26:41,"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."  The Life Application NIV Bible commentary says, "Jesus used Peter's drowsiness to warn him about the kinds of temptation he would soon face.The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray.Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive to the subtleties, spiritually equipped to fight it." Watching:  I now realize that I need to be aware that I am just as prone to this temptation as anyone.One of the best ways to be watchful is to be praying with and for my husband. We need to be open and honest about meeting each other's needs and investing wisely in our marriage.If we get into a rough place, we need to be willing to get help.I love the quote, "If you are busy rowing the boat, you won't have time to rock it." The more my husband and I are taking care of each other, the less attractive temptations will seem.  Sensitive to the Subtleties:  I will have to be honest with myself that temptations do exist.When another man says or does something I wish my husband would say or do and doesn't, it can make me lessen my husband in my heart and build up this other man.This is a seed of poison.If watered and fed, this seed will sprout and spread and devastate.Seeds seem so small until you realize that within them they contain the potential to become huge.So, I will be steadfast to keep the fertile ground of my heart pure. Spiritually Equipped:  Philippians 4:8 reminds us, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things"(NIV). I must park my mind with the truth and the truth is I am married to an amazing man.He is not perfect and sometimes our marriage can be hard, but I made a commitment to Him in a covenant before God and there are no Biblical reasons in our marriage why we should ever part.Therefore, I've made the decision not to part - in big ways or small.    My friend did the wisest but hardest thing she could have done in telling me about her emotional affair.Not only did it help her to see she needed to flee and have someone else hold her accountable, but italso made me aware and alert to the dangers lurking in any kind of unhealthy emotional connection with another man.  Dear Lord, may I forever treasure my marriage and see it worthy to be protected.Help me to be a courageous woman who absolutely flees from any and every situation where there is even a hint of danger. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Power Verses: Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."(NIV)    © 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.  Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road Matthews, NC 28105 www.proverbs31.org ________________   I encourage you to sign up for these wonderful daily devotions that will greatly encourage you.  I have enjoyed the ministry of Proverbs 31 Woman for quite some time.  I look forward to seeing you again next month.   In His Love and Service,   Jennie Mt. 6:33 & Isaiah 55:12

Polycarp: Martyr for the Cause of Christ April 2009 Polycarp : Martyr for The Cause of Christ    Do you know Polycarp?  Have you heard of him before?  I had not heard of him at all to my recollection prior to studying ancient history with Jonathan a few months ago.  I'm sure everyone who's been to Seminary or has studied various religion classes knows much more about him than I have learned, but I have been fascinated at finding out some of the history of him.  What is so fascinating to me is the testimony of his death and following.  You see, when he was in his late 80s he was given an ultimatum which is to 'renounce Jesus Christ and live, or, hold on to his faith and die'!  He chose the latter.  The norm at that time was to nail the martyr to the wood to be burned however he asked not to be nailed and that he'd stay put so they did as he asked.     I digress just a bit.  Polycarp was a man in his eighties in Smyrna circa AD70-155.  As he was eating supper in his home he realized his life would probably be in danger soon since many Christians had just been executed for their faith in the local arena.  However, given these circumstances he still refused to leave Rome.  You see the Romans were executing any self-proclaimed Christians and many were betraying those who they knew to be Christians.  Following recent executions, the crowd in the arena began calling for Polycarp's death.    We know John the apostle, who is the person who mentored Polycarp and led him in discipleship in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  In the days preceding this night at supper, one of Polycarp's servants had been tortured into revealing his whereabouts.  When the soldiers arrived knocking at his door, rather than trying to hide his calm statement was "God's will be done".   At this time he requested an hour of time for prayer and given his age the soldiers allowed him his request.  He actually prayed for two hours not for himself but for all the Christians he knew and for the universal church and the soldiers gave him the lattitude.    As he entered the stadium, it is reported that several Christians present heard a voice from heaven say, "Be strong, Polycarp, and act like a man."  Due to his advanced age the Roman proconsul gave Polycarp a final chance to live.  All he had to do was to swear by Caesar and say, "Take away the atheists", for at that time all Christians were called atheists.  At being given this choice the crowds began gesturing him to say "Take away the atheists!"  The proconsul then continued, "Swear, and I will let you go.  Reproach Christ!"    He then turned and boldly declared,  "Eighty-six years I've served Him, and He has done me no wrong.  How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"  Yet again he was urged to swear by Caesar.  At this his reply was, "Since you vainly think that I will swear by the Fortune of Caesar, as you say, and pretend not to know who I am, listen carefully, I AM A CHRISTIAN!"  I think you can't get any more plain than that.  As Polycarp knew he'd be led to the slaughter soon he continued to look unto the hills from where his help comes.  This is what we can do today also.     I said before that he'd be burned but he was also given the choice to be torn apart by wild animals.  We saw in Daniel both of these two choices used against men of God and God's hand stayed both of these things from hurting His children.  When Polycarp was threatened with each of these choices given he replied, first concerning wild beasts, "Call them!  For we cannot 'repent' from what is better to what is worse; but it is noble to turn from what is evil to what is righteous" and in reference to threat of fire, "You threaten me with a fire that burns an hour and is soon quenched, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment stored up for the ungodly.  But why do you delay?  Do what you want."    At these two statements it was decided that he'd be placed on the pyre for burning.  As the preparation continued and Polycarp was ready it was custom to nail him up but he asked them to, "Leave me like this.  He wo gives me to endure the fire will also give me to remain on the pyre without your security from the nails."  So they allowed his request yet again.  As Polycarp confidently approached the wood, he prayed these words, "O Lord God Almighty, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of You, God of angels and powers and all creation, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before You, I bless You that You considered me worthy of this day and hour, to receive a part in the number of the martyrs in the cup of Your Christ, for the resurrection to eternal life both of soul and of body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit.  Among them may I be welcomed before You today by a fat and acceptable sacrifice, just as you previously prepared and made known and You fulfilled, the deceitless and true God.  Because of this, and for all things, I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You, through the eternal and heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom be glory to You with Him and the Holy Spirit both now and for ages to come.  Amen."     Now comes the total climax of the whole of Polycarp's life.  As he had been threatened with wild beasts and fire allowing nothing to turn him away from his faith in Jesus Christ, the pyre was lit with the flame springing up quickly.  However, even the fire would NOT touch him as it formed an arch around his entire body.  The Romans didn't know at all what to make of this and in the end commanded an executioner to stab him with a sword.  At that time there came such a great amount of blood from his body that the remaining fire was extinguished and Polycarp bled to death.  Don't you know that at thot moment Polycarp was in the presence of the Lord in whom he had just professed as his own Savior and King and that he had no regret or remorse.    The reason for these executions was to destroy the name of Jesus in the world and lo and behold following the martyred death of Polycarp more people became Christians and at a greater rate because of his death.  His death was remembered by "everyone" -- "he is even spoken of by the heathen in every place."     You know, this story is so important at this time of year in that he, in his later years did what he could to settle disputes about the date to celebrate Easter.  He was also responsible for converting many from Gnosticism.  I'm sure if we really knew all this man's life entailed we'd be amazed and astonished as it is reported that he was not a highly educated man but was firm and direct in his stand for righteousness.    This is just one example of one person who has made Jesus Christ the Lord of their life.  I think the apostle Peter in I Peter 1:7 said it best, "That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."   We've all heard of the heroics of missionaries and others called to serve in various parts of the world but what about you? what about me? as we serve right here, right now.  Let's determine to be as steadfast in our faith realizing the preciousness of that faith and when tested by fire we can be found to be full of praise, honor and glory in our revelation of Jesus Christ.   In His Love and Service, Jennie ©

Purpose May 2009 Purpose  "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Ex. 9:16 (NIV)      Purpose!  Purpose, what is my purpose?  Do I have a purpose?  If I have a purpose, how do I find out what it is?  How can I live my life 'on purpose'?    These are things that I've heard about, read about and thought about over the past couple weeks.     When we are children, and sometimes as adults, we do things and then say we didn't do them 'on purpose'.  How many of us have been called on what we did, whether 'on purpose' or not?  We were, are and will be held accountable for our actions, whether done 'on purpose' or not!  I have known this principle for most of my life but there have been  a few specific pinpointed times throughout my life that I've come face to face with that word, Purpose!    Most of the time I am so secure in the 'purpose' of God in my life.  There are, however, times when I'm rocking right along in that 'purpose' and then along comes this 'idea' that maybe I should be doing something more, or something else, am I really sure about this 'purpose'?  This got me to thinking that if I think this there are probably others who just may not be sure about the 'purpose' of, in and for their life.    Most Christians know that their 'purpose' is to bring others into the Kingdom of God and disciple them when possible or encourage them to get in a Bible believing/teaching church that will disciple them.  But what about the day-to-day?  Am I where God wants me?  Like, for instance, homeschool?  I know that there is flexibility in this form of schooling, but there is also lots of day-to-day, one foot in front of the other, discipline, etc. that goes along with it.  What about the support given to the Pastor, my husband?  Where is my outlet to minister to others?  These are not things I dwell on because whenever these thoughts, ideas, etc. enter my mind I combat them with the Word of God and know that, as stated in Ecclesiastes 3 ..there is a time for every purpose under heaven.  Well, that means the activities in my daily life, because they are things done with 'purpose' and they are under heaven are the things I know God placed in my life, or the 'purpose' he gave for this time.     Several years ago, about 17 I think, I was in the company of a lady who had been a Pastor's wife, raised five children and was at that in full time ministry on the mission field in Africa.  We were blessed to spend a good bit of quality time together as I was her driving companion as she itinerated for mission support one year.  One thing she said that has always stuck with me when 'these thoughts' come about is that she felt, while her children were small, that God had placed a calling on her life to do something BIG for his kingdom in the way of ministry to others.  But she was so confined to 'raising her children' and 'supporting her husband as a Pastor'.  One of the days when she prayed about it the Lord firmly planted in her heart that his call was made BY HIM, ON PURPOSE.  She hadn't 'missed God'.  She was right where she was supposed to be.     At the time we were discussing this, her husband had already been with the Lord for a few years.  Her five children were all in full time ministry, and she was actually working in Kenya, East Africa with her eldest son.  This is what the Lord reminds me of when I begin to question my purpose.  Is it his or is it mine?  Is it just for now, or will it stand the test of time?  All the 'what ifs' are defeated!  All the 'is this all there is' attitude is dissipated.     So, if you're thinking that God has forgotten the call that you know he placed in your heart and on your life, know that he always does everything 'on purpose'.  And he created you with a 'purpose' in mind.  Seek him to find that purpose and depend on him to show it to you and lead you in it.   In His Love & Service,   Jennie  Mt. 6:33, Is. 55:12   ©