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Parting Words From The WORD…I’m His Favorite, by Judith Robl

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By Vonda Skelton | May 30, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

(Thank you to writer and speaker Judith Robl for responding to my call-out for guest bloggers. With all the recent writing conferences, I thought her devotion is perfect for today. Thank you, Judith!)

I’m His Favorite, by Judith Robl

Focus verses: Genesis 37:3-11

Joseph is a boy – a teenager really. Can’t you just imagine his youthful cockiness as he tells his dreams to his brothers?

And the fact that he is his father’s favorite just adds fuel to the fire.

At a writers’ conference several years ago, I sat at the supper table with a young woman who’d had a great day. She concluded her recitation of God’s blessings to her with “I’m His favorite.” As we all took turns sharing our triumph for the day, she’d interject to each “how wonderful! You’re God’s favorite.” It became a running by-word for the remainder of the conference. And it was a reminder to us that God cared about each of us in every detail.

In fact, we’re each God’s favorite. He loves us each as if we were His only child. But this does not give us reason to be cocky and self-assured.

Rather it should make us more sensitive to the feelings of others, more ready to encourage and support their efforts to know God better.

We can best reflect His love by speaking gently and humbly, by loving unconditionally, and by admonishing softly with God’s truth.

Father, God,
Wrap us in the security of Your love. Help us reflect it to all we meet who are starving for knowledge of You.
In Jesus most precious name,
AmenJudith Robl headshot

Bio: Judith Robl is the author of As Grandma Says (Harvest House) and founder of Reflected Light Ministries and speaks to women’s groups about prayer, forgiveness, and drawing closer to God. Trained as a secondary level English teacher, Judith has a heart for mentoring. She and her husband, Martin, have been married almost 50 years and enjoy time with their grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Patty Mason

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By Vonda Skelton | May 27, 2014

Patty Mason headshot 2012Patty Mason is Hearing the Cry to Know God and Make Him Known…

My guest today is Patty Mason. Patty is a wife and mother of three who is madly and passionately in love with Jesus. Besides being a writer–and one of our Christian Communicator graduates!–she is the founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries and the host of the radio program Joyful Living: Finding God’s Joy in a Turbulent World. Her testimony of God’s grace and deliverance from depression has been featured on numerous TV and radio programs, such as The 700 Club; and in many blogs, books, and magazine articles, including LifeWay Magazine. Her second book, Finally Free, won book of the year, and she was voted one of 50 Great Writers you Should be Reading.

Welcome Patty…

Hey Vonda, thank you for having me on the Writer’s Den. I’m excited to be here to share with your readers and fellow writers.

You have a brand new Bible study out, Know That I AM God. What inspired you to write this study?  

I believe there is a cry rising up among believers today that begs for the revelation: “I want to know God!” I am convinced there are people today who yearn to embrace a relational knowledge of God that goes far beyond bible facts and the basic concepts of Christianity—a people who want to take knowing and experiencing God to the extreme.

Wow! Know That I AM God sounds like a passionate Bible study. How did you get started writingPatty Mason Know That book cover Bible studies?

Out of sheer need! Several years ago, I started teaching bible study for junior high girls. I went to the Christian bookstore to find a study I could lead them through, but at that time I couldn’t find any studies to fit that age group. There were studies for youth, but I found those studies to be too focused on older teen struggles and not for younger girls, so I began writing the weekly lessons that later evolved into writing bible studies for women.

How did God inspire you to take this quest to know Him and make Him known?

In Isaiah 43:10 God said, “You are my witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” This verse spoke to me about the relentless desire of God’s heart for us to know Him intimately, believe Him unconditionally, and understand who He is and that He alone is God. So when I put the two together, the cry of the people who truly desire to know God, and God’s desire to truly be known, it was powerful—it became a passionate love story that begged to be told.

How do you approach knowing God through this study?

The Bible is filled with those who knew God. Isaiah, Moses, David, John and Matthew, Paul and Peter all recorded the experiences of the One they came to know as their Father; their Bridegroom; their Shepherd; their Healer; their Redeemer; their Friend; their King, and their God, and they told the world.

For example, the Apostle John, in 1 John 1:1-3, talks about seeing, hearing and touching the living, breathing Word of Life, and then he talks about proclaiming what he and the other disciples witnessed.  The Word appeared—they saw Him—they experienced Him—and then based on what they experienced, they gave testimony.

What do you hope people will take away from this study?

It is my hope and prayer that this study, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will challenge people to take the road less traveled, daring them to radically expand their view of God; and that it will whet the appetite of anyone who is in hot-pursuit of God.

What do you think is going to be the hardest or most challenging part of this study for people?

God is like a multi-faceted diamond, but many of us can become comfortable witnessing God through one or two specific areas. For example some people are not comfortable with Jesus as the Bridegroom, yet they can approach God as Father. Still others are not comfortable with God as Father because they didn’t have a good relationship with their earthly dad. Maybe they grew up abused and feeling unloved by their dad, and this spills over into their relationship with God as Father. It is my hope that, as people open their hearts to God, they will begin to experience Him and know Him in new aspects of relationship and just settle on one or two.

Patty Mason Know That DVD coverThis sounds like a study that would inspire all of us to dig deep and go straight for the heart of God. How can we get a copy of Know That I AM God?

The Know That I AM God workbook is on Amazon. But to get the complete study, including the workbook and Leader’s Guide combo, along with the 10-week video series (taken from the book of Ezekiel) check out my Bible Studies section on my website at 

This sounds like an amazing study, Patty. I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for giving us a sneak peek!

And friends, did you see that Patty is offering multiple products of Know That I AM God? Workbook, leader’s Guide, and a 10-week video series!

Readers, if you would like to be in the drawing for a free copy of the Know That I AM God workbook, please leave a comment and then check back next week to see if you’re the winner!

If you would like to contact Patty, email her at . To learn more about Patty Mason, her ministry, radio program, or about any of her books, visit her website at .

Grace and peace,

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…The Right Rights

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By Vonda Skelton | May 23, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

As a new nursing student in 1977, I learned there are 5 Rights we’re supposed to confirm before giving medication to a patient. It’s a way to assure that we’re safe as we deliver powerful, life-changing chemicals. The 5 Rights of Medication Administration are:

  • The Right Medication
  • The Right Dose
  • The Right Time
  • The Right Route
  • And of course, The Right Patient

As a new student of The Word after truly giving my life to Christ in 1984, I envisioned a similar checklist for those who shared Christ with others. In my mind, The 5 Rights to Sharing the Gospel were:

  • The Right Degree
  • The Right Church
  • The Right Past
  • The Right Clothes
  • And of course, The Right Words

But once I really began to study God’s Word, I realized I had the rights all wrong. Here are The 5 “Rights” of Sharing the Powerful, Life-Changing Gospel Message to a Lost and Dying World:

  • The Right Relationship—Am I a true follower of Christ who has an active, vibrant, one-on-one relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
  • The Right Savior—Am I sharing the truth of the grace, mercy, and love of our Savior Jesus Christ, or am I preaching a works religion?
  • The Right Position—Am I speaking with humility, confessing my own struggles and failures, or am I standing proud, confident in my own abilities?
  • The Right Reason—Am I speaking up in order to bring God glory, or to put a notch in my imitation belt of truth?
  • And of course, The Right Love—Am I tender toward the lost, loving them as Christ would? Do I love them enough to keep trying when they turn me away, or am I determining when I’ve had enough?

My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all.  Psalm 71:15 (NIV)

We may not know everything about His Word or how to share it fluently, and we may not have a theology degree or go to the biggest church or have a good past or wear the best clothes or be the best speaker, but with the right Rights, our mouths can tell of His righteous deeds and His saving acts all day long.

And lives will be changed because of it.

I pray God’s blessing on your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities Just for You, Gideon Intern Program, & Who Won Linda Gilden’s Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | May 20, 2014

newspapersHello, friends! First up–Writing Opportunities Just for you!

Here are some great opportunities I’ve collected just for you! (And thanks to Edie Melson for her contribution to this list, too!)

Remember to study the publication before submitting and follow the guidelines. Otherwise, you’re just wasting their time and yours!

1.  From Jennifer Hallmark: Have you ever been overwhelmed by gratefulness over an act of kindness by a friend, family member, or organization? One you’d like to share with others? We have openings on our blog, The Most Important Thing. “Monday Meet” consists of a 500-700 word story sharing your experience. Please include photos or pictures if you’d like. We also need any links you’d like to include. Since the focus of these stories is on others, we’ll include no bios, headshots, or book information except links. Please reply to jenlhall63 (at) gmail (dot) com.

2.  Inspire a Fire blog is always looking for posts!

3.  Alaska Magazine writing guidelines

4.  Christianity Today writing guidelines

5.  Relevant Magazine writing guidelines

6.  Rejoice Magazine: Writing guidelines for Devotions and Divine Touch unsolicited stories and poetry guidelines.

7.  Utmost Christian Writers Poetry Guidelines and Utmost Christian Writers Poetry ARTICLE Guidelines

8.  Redbook Magazine Writers’ Guidelines

9.  Toastmasters Magazine writing guidelines

10. Okay, I know some of you are bird watchers and photographers, so here’s your chance! Bird Watcher’s Digest guidelines for artists, photographers, and writers

11. Enrichment Journal Magazine writing guidelines

12. Family Tree Magazine: I looked up my name and found out I had died! 🙂 Here’s Family Tree Magazine Writing Guidelines.

13. Calling all our Kentucky friends. Do you read Kentucky Monthly? Kentucky Monthly Magazine writing guidelines.

Okay, I think that will do it for this month. Be sure to let me know if your work is accepted. We’ll want to celebrate with you!

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Gideon Interns 2011

Gideon Interns 2011

Calling all 16-18yo teens interested in film, television, acting, directing, and more!

TEENS ages 16 – 18 who’d like to work in FILM & TELEVISION, Gideon offers an annual intern program where you learn from and work with the top Christian filmmakers from across the nation. Here are pics from a music video shoot that just wrapped down in Orlando where many Gid Interns were on hand to help: Garett Sutton (Gideon 2012-13), Brittany Mann (G11-12), Alyssa Cook (G11-13)

Gideon faculty involved: Kyle Saylors (director of video and of the Gideon Film Track), Katrina Cook KatzKasting (casting director for both video and Gideon), and Lynda Stein (AD for video and Gideon Kid’s Track Director)

Please share with any TEENS interested in FILM & TELEVISION. Deadline for applications is May 31. All questions can be directed to Gideon Intern Directors Vonda Skinner Skelton & Sarah Anne Sumpolec.

Linda Gilden Called to Write cover~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who won Linda Gilden’s book?

And the winner is…Gwyn Hubbert! Gwyn, be sure to contact me with your snail mail address and Linda will get your book right out to you!

And for those of you who didn’t win, I know you want a copy of Linda’s new book, Called to Write: 7 Principles to Become a Writer on Mission, so I’ve created this link to take you straight to Amazon! 🙂

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Well, that does it for another week of Writer’s Headlines. See you next time!

Happy writing,

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…I Can Do It All

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By Vonda Skelton | May 16, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

(Thanks to Edie Melson for allowing me to repost this much-needed message while I’m in AZ with my mother. I admit, it’s a message I need to hear again and again!)

I Can Do It All, by Edie Melson

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

This was one of the first Bible verses I ever memorized. It’s a heady verse for someone like me. Someone who loves to say yes for two reason— the sheer joy of being involved and the fear others wouldn’t like me if I couldn’t perform. It was a dangerous combination. But I truly believed this verse gave me the ability to say yes to everything, and God would provide a way.

Fast forward several years, and the price of saying yes began to take it’s toll on my mind and body. I no longer lived a life of joy and victory. Instead I was a slave of over commitment. And I finally broke. It wasn’t pretty. Diagnosed with severe depression and several other mental health challenges it took me months to recover.

It was a painful lesson, and one I had to learn to ever be able to move forward. When forced to give up everything, I thought I’d never get to do anything fun again and that everyone would dislike me. (Stupid I know, but it’s really what I believed.) Slowly I began to realize God’s plan didn’t involve me saying yes to every good activity or need within my community.

I also discovered that when I said yes to something that wasn’t intended for me, I was in the way. I’d taken a task from someone else and denied them the joy of obedience. I’d become a roadblock in the journey God had for them.

I’ve also learned not to equate a need with a call from God. By that I mean just because I see a hole that needs filling it’s not my job to jump in. God has proven perfectly capable of providing for the needs of those around me.

Now I’m living a much more balanced and joyful life. I’m still not perfect, there are days I just can’t say no. But He’s shown me that the things He’s given me weigh no more than a feather, no matter how labor intensive. But when I pick up a job or a burden on my own, no matter how small the time commitment, it weighs on me like a ton of bricks. That in itself makes me wary about saying yes without hearing from God.

To sum it all up:

I’ve learned that I really can do it all…as long as I’m not trying to do everything.

Today I encourage you to look at the balance in your life. Do you need to lay something down that’s intended for someone else? Are you crying out for rest because you’re carrying a load not meant for you? There is rest and peace, all you have to do is let go.

Edie Melson, originally posted on The Write Conversation 4-14-13

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Linda Gilden, Kudos, & MoGo7000 Totals

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By Vonda Skelton | May 13, 2014

Linda Gilden headshotWhat a great day today…learning about writing with Linda Gilden, celebrating your successes, and offering a chance to win $100!

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Called to Write: 7 Principles to Become a Writer on Mission, by Linda Gilden

First up–What a joy to welcome back my friend Linda Gilden! Linda is not only a talented, prolific writer, editor, and conference director, but she’s also a great roomie! We’ve shared rooms in hotels and conference centers from Florida to Colorado and Atlanta to Texas!

Be sure to read her bio below, but for now I’ll just tell you that she’s the author or co-author of at least six books that I can think of, ghostwriter of a bunch more, and has published gobs of articles, so when it comes to writing, she knows what she’s talking about!

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Parting Words From The WORD…If Mama Ain’t Happy…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 9, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Mother’s Day. A time to celebrate our moms and do everything we can to make them happy. After all, we all know the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

But today I realized that many of the moms in my family, among my friends, and in my circle of influence are anything but happy. With broken hearts, they cradle seriously ill children, suffer unimaginable loss, and face another day alone.

They cry. They beg. They pray.

Today, as I prayed for those precious moms, I wondered, “Lord, why do they have to struggle at such a deep, gut-wrenching level, especially this weekend?”

And then I remembered Mary.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew what it meant to suffer. As a pregnant, unmarried teenager, she could have been stoned to death. And even though Joseph took her as his wife, the townspeople still knew. They could count the months. And I’m sure they did. Whispered accusations. Judging eyes. How hard that must have been for this virgin woman-child who simply wanted to please God and submit to His plan for her life.

But that was only the beginning. On the day Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, a man named Simeon blessed them and then told Mary that her Son would “cause the falling and rising of many in Israel . . . And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” Luke 2:34-35. He told Mary she was going to suffer.

And she did.

She knew how it felt to lose a twelve-year-old child for three days (Luke 2:41-50) and to be ignored by her Son (Mark 3:31-35). Her other children rejected Jesus (John 7:5) and she was apparently widowed at a young age.

But the worst anguish of all was watching Jesus suffer at the hands of those He came to save. Not only was her innocent Son being put to death, but a guilty murderer was going free in His place!

Oh, how Mary’s heart must have broken when she saw Him hanging on that cross! At that moment—in the midst of His suffering—what did she see? Did her mind replay His childhood? Did she see the mischievous smile of her little boy? Did she hear His giggles and feel His hugs and smell His sweaty hair?

Or did she see the blood of the Sacrifice, willingly given for her own sin, and the sin of the world?

Regardless of what she saw at that moment, I can assure you of one thing—Mary was not happy.

It just wasn’t fair!

But Mary had hope, because she had a history with God. She could look back and remember the day He spoke to her. The day she answered with, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38.

She could look back at the day her suffering was foretold, and know God had a plan.

There’s comfort in a history with God. There’s comfort in knowing that regardless of what happens, He has a plan. He doesn’t tell us life will be wonderful, but He does tell us life will be worthwhile, that He can use us in the midst of our suffering.

Mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend…Are you hurting today? Are you wondering why He doesn’t heal him? Why He took her away? Why He doesn’t seem to hear you?

I pray today, regardless of what you’re going through, you can remember something wonderful in your history with God and take comfort in it. I promise you it’s there somewhere.

And then remember that He does indeed have a plan, a perfect plan to give hope and bring good, even in the suffering. After all, Jesus said:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

Grace and peace be yours in abundance during this special weekend.

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: The Gideon Intern Program, Call-Out for Kudos & MoGo7000, Chip’s Bad Poetry Contest, & Who Won Tessa Afshar’s Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | May 6, 2014

newspapersYou Don’t Want to Miss the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival in Orlando, FL! And We Have a Teen Track, Too!

Do you love film, acting, screenwriting, or directing? Do you dream of writing and singing songs for the Lord? The Gideon was created to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media with an emphasis on television, film, theater, church drama, singing/songwriting, graphic arts, marketing and distribution, screenwriting, and networking.

Rodney and Lori Marett created the Gideon Conference in 2007 for adults, and yet, they also had a desire for teens to be able to learn from Christian professionals in the industry as well. Registration is open-ended for regular adult attendees.

But teens have a track, too! I’m honored to be co-director, along with Sarah Anne Sumpolec, of the Gideon Intern Program for Teens 16-18 years old. Admission is by application, and the deadline has been extended until May 31, so get to work and get your application in!

I hope you’ll join us at the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival where cutting-edge media arts are combined with one of the most unique Christian conferences and Christian film festivals in the country.

The Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival is “where art and purpose meet,” where cutting-edge media arts are combined with one of the most unique Christian conferences and Christian film festivals in the country. A place to learn and connect with like-minded professionals and learners who look at media from a Christian worldview.

I’d love to see you there! (I’ll also be teaching a class on writing Church Plays.) Check out the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival details here.

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Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Call-Out for Kudos…I Want to Brag on You!

Have you had something exciting happen recently in your writing or speaking life? Maybe you’ve had an article published, signed a book contract, released a new book, got an agent, or started a new blog. If so, we want to hear from you!

It’s really simple, but I do ask that you contact me with the info in this format and order ONLY:

**Your name
**Your state in two-letter abbreviation
**Link to your website or blog
**Your good news
**Link to your good news, if online (online bookstore, online article, etc)

I can’t wait for us to celebrate with you!

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mogo7000 logoCall for MoGo7000 Totals

If you wrote at least 7000 new words on a book project in April, you can receive an entry in the drawing for the 2014 MoGo7000 $100 cash prize! It’s open to everyone who qualifies.

To report your April results, please leave a comment below with your total new words written in April. (Please do not send your totals by email or through the Contact page. Totals must be left as a comment here by next Monday). 

If you missed out on last year’s money-winning writing challenge, don’t worry, the 2014 challenge is underway! Here are the MoGo7000 Challenge rules. All you have to do is write at least 7000 NEW words on a book project in any month and you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100.

Each month that you qualify with 7000 new words, your name goes in the “hat” for the drawing. Reach the goal one month and you’ll have one entry. Meet it 12 months and you’ll have 12 entries!

So what are you waiting for? Get started now and you could be $100 richer after the first of the year. And it doesn’t cost you a cent. 🙂

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chip MacGregor headshot

Calling All Poets, Especially the Bad Ones! You Could Win BIG!

Yes, it’s that time again–time for agent Chip MacGregor’s Bad Poetry Contest! Yes, it’s time to join in the fun going on over at Chip MacGregor’s Bad Poetry Contest to celebrate his birthday. For those who’ve been around writing conferences for a while, you’ll recognize the name, Chip MacGregor. For those who don’t know him, Chip is owner of MacGregor Literary, one of the most recognized agencies in the business. He’s spoken at writing conferences in over 100 locations. And I can promise you, once you’ve been around Chip, you won’t forget him. He helps writers around the world with his snarky voice and big heart. (Don’t tell I said the big heart part. He likes to protect his image.)

And just to add a little fun to the our week, if you enter Chip’s contest, simply post a comment here, letting me know you entered, and I’ll check out your poem. Then, next Tuesday I’ll announce our own Christian Writer’s Den winner of the Bad Poetry Contest. And the winner will have his or her choice of any of my downloadable writing workshops!

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And Last But Not Least, Who Won Tessa Afshar’s Book?

Random.org selected Jamie Schwenn Herda as the winner! Congratulations, Jamie! Jamie, simply contact me with your snail mail address and Tessa will get your book right out to you!

And friends, I know you’re going to want your own copies of Christy Award Finalist Tessa Afshar’s books, so here are direct links for you!

Harvest of God cover tessaHarvest of Gold

In the Field of Grace

Pearl in the Sand: A Novel

Harvest of Rubies

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Don’t forget to follow through with your kudos, MoGo7000 totals, and bad poetry. Then be sure to check back next week for all the great announcements!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD: At Least I’m Better Than Her

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By Vonda Skelton | May 2, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Happy Friday, my friends! As you can see, I’m starting a new title for our Friday gathering around God’s Word. It dawned on me that perhaps I should at least give you a glimpse into what I’m thinking and the direction I’m going with the day’s Word.

Today, I’m so excited to share what God showed me one morning this week during my Bible study time. You know those moments when you’ve read a verse a hundred times during your life, and yet God suddenly shows you something new? Well, I had one of those moments this week.

I had started Judy Huitt’s Bible study Our Beloved, Our Friend a couple of months ago, but had to put it aside while we did a church-wide Bible study by Rick Warren, 40 Days in the Word. We finished a few weeks ago and I was thrilled to back to Judy’s study for the last few days of Our Beloved, Our Friend. On Tuesday this week, I turned to her last lesson, “Do You Love Me?”

Before I even looked at the references, I knew immediately at least one passage would most likely include the John 21 story of Jesus’ conversation with Peter after His resurrection, where He talked about feeding His sheep.

If you recall, three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and three times Peter said “Lord, you know that I love you.”

Each time after Peter said he did love Him, Jesus responded with a command.”…Feed my lambs…” “…Take care of my sheep…” “…Feed my sheep…” And He ended it by saying, “Follow me!”

To me, it was a familiar, comforting story of Jesus’ desire for and command to each of us as Christ followers to live and love as He did.

But what caught my eye–and challenged my heart–was the rest of the story:

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?“ Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:20-22 (NIV)

“What is that to you? You must follow me.”

Jesus was saying, “What business is that of yours, Peter? You concentrate on what I’ve called you to do and I’ll deal with what I’ve called John to do.”

When we compare our successes and our failures with others…when we watch as spiritual leaders fall, and thank Him that we’re not like them…when we ourselves fall, and ask Him to make us like the stars of Christiandom…He asks, “What does her life have to do with yours?”

Jesus is simply telling me to follow Him and His example…and He’ll deal with my brothers and sisters, whether they rise or fall, whether they obey or not. My responsibility is to focus on my own heart and my own relationship with Him.

Then the Lord blew me away with another application of this passage. Some of you know that I have a lost brother who is not only lost, but fully antagonist to the Gospel of Christ. I’ve struggled for years as I’ve talked with him about the Lord. No matter how clearly I try to explain it, he can’t see beyond me and my past sin. Regardless of how passionately I deliver the gift of grace, he continues to point to my failures as blatant hypocrisy that he wants no part of.

The truth is, he can’t get to Jesus because he can’t get past me.

Now I know that the next time I have a chance to point to Christ as the only way to salvation and he points to my sin instead, I can take him to the words of Jesus: “What is that to you? Your relationship with Me has nothing to do with Vonda. You get yourself right with Me…and let Me deal with her.”

And praise God, He deals with me with a scarred hand of grace…instead of what I deserve.

That’s what I want for my brother.

I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

(Laughing Jesus image art courtesy of RobertWilsonFineArt.com)

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