$5 CD Bin

So, I went to walmart while the girls were at soccer practice in Shelby. I had to get something for Erin. My curiosity always leads me to the bins near the back where they put CDs and DVDs in he sales bins.

I had to smile as I looked thru the $5 CD bin. Tons of albums by a wide variety of artists - including Billy Ocean, Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, Paula Abdul, Backstreet Boys, Foreigner, Journey, Ozzie Ozbourne, Blondie, Wynona, Alabama, Madonna, Boys2Men, Billy Joel, Elvis, Johnny Cash and so many more current and past stars. It amazed me to think that all these very successful stars get just a breath of success in the world's eyes. In the end... all that work... the fruit of their careers... money and fame... just to end up in the bottom of a $5 sale bin :/

True life and success has to come from outside of us. Our own efforts and accomplishments really don't amount to much in the end. 2 Corinthians 4:7 declares, "but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Jesus is that Treasure in us for this life and the life to come... even though our frail bodies/lives don't really gain much "worldly" success in the end, this life is for showing that God is the true power at work in our lives!

Until next time or trip to walmart,

jj

Ps- I couldn't resist: i bought an MC Hammer greatest hits album. "Can't touch this!"


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Top to bottom, left to right!!!

Ok... just got back yesterday from an awesome week at M-FUGE. We were poured out as an offering this week, yet God somehow filled our lives to the max!

A verse that God gave me early in the week in my devotion rocked me this week. I couldn't get it out of my mind and heart. Kind of like an old song that repeats in your head (like: "Don't tell my heart, my achy-breaky heart... thank you Miley's dad!)

Psalm 35:9-10

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” (NIV)

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?" (ESV)

But let me run loose and free, celebrating God's great work, Every bone in my body laughing, singing, "God, there's no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!" (The Message)

I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Every bone in my body will shout: "No one is like the LORD!" You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them. (Contemporary English Version)

Ok, so this verse really challenged me this week. It "tackled me" to use an illustration from our speaker this week.

The challenge to me is for every fiber of my being to celebrate the work of the Lord in my life. That at the very core (or being or "bones!") I would be literally shouting, "God, there is no ONE like YOU!" There's not any person, place or thing that compares to the greatness and glory of our God. Yet, does my life reflect this truth from top to bottom, left to right - in all that I am and do?

We are all quick to speak up when it comes to things that are important us or about people/ our family & kid's accomplishments. We will argue with people and get angered when we're insulted or put down or disagreed with - especially when we're dealing with finances or political viewpoints. We'll scream with incredible passion until we have no voice cheering on our favorite sports team or personality. Why can't I/we be so bold about my/our God? Is there any subject matter or declaration from our lips that deserves more energy and attention than bragging on the LORD?!

Jesus Christ has radically saved me from my sin and self into a relationship with Himself that has given me new life: forgiveness, freedom, passion, purpose, love... the list could go on and on! I am gloriously changed by the work God has done in my life - for today and all of eternity. May every part of me in every moment shout, "GOD, YOU ARE IT, MY ALL; NO ONE COMPARES TO YOU!!!!!!!!!"

for HIS glory alone.

jeff

Been a long time

We've been home for over a year with Joseph. It's been an incredible year; God has truly blessed us with His presence and provisions.

I plan to get back to my blog more this summer.

Jeff


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