You Can't Have One Without The Other

 

I remember the old show called "Married with Children" and their theme song. The lyrics were, 'Love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage, this I tell you my brother, you can't have one without the other'. Now it is true that you need love with marriage; but the real truth is you cannot have love without forgiveness. And I don 't really think you can have forgiveness without having love.

When we forgive, it opens us up to God's forgiveness (Matthew 6:15), it puts us in a receiving position when we pray (Mark 11:24, 25), it helps us become spiritually fruitful (John 15:10, 12, 5). When we keep God's commandments and love one another, we prove that we love Jesus (John 14:21), and we abide in Christ's love (John 15:10)! What a magnificent blessing forgiveness really is.

Love is totally dependent on the ability of a person to forgive shortcomings, failures and misunderstandings. You can't truly love anyone--even yourself if there are things you just can't let go. Do we all instantaneously know how to do this? Noooooo.

We are all at different levels of love in our lives & as God calls us closer to Him and in a deeper relationship; then He also calls us to sacrifice more of our selves. It's a pruning process and it does hurt at times! Sometimes I feel like a great tall pine tree and then other times I may feel like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. ha. God is faithful to call out things inside of us that we probably didn't know even existed!

Can you have a marriage without love? Sure but it isn't going to be a good one and it surely will not last. That is exactly how a relationship with Christ is without forgivness...you cannot live and be a true disciple if you aren't forgiving because it is a by-produce of love. And if you aren't loving people then you are not one of God's disciples. I know that hurts...but it is truth.


            "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
                                                                                                                           John 13:35


This is where good Christians stumble in todays society. They drive people who are desperate but different than them away, people who are seeking answers but still have issues they shun, refusing to give them the same mercy they required just a few years earlier. Some embrace pride in their walk rather than humility, judgment rather than mercy, and rejection rather than acceptance of a heart that is hurting. They cease to be like the Lord, who loved the down and out.

Quite possibly it could be the fear of what to say or the fear that people full of tattoos and earrings and out in front of the church smoking; will affect their children or cause them to be uncomfortable or feel awkward. Maybe they just can't relate so they find themselves avoiding others who are different. But for us to mature and be what God has called us...lights to the World around us; we have got to see people through the eyes of Jesus.

If we are ever to be all that we are capable of being, we must renew our minds and be like Jesus. We need to forgive those around us in our past as well as our present so that we can "unclog" the flow of love that Jesus wants to move through us unconditionally and without hindrance. Your words, your smile could do more for someone than you ever realize! But you can't have a smile that transforms if you truly do not have love in your heart. You will find yourself ineffective.

My church, Mercy Gate has something that is called a Grace Covenant that helps remind members and leaders how we are to act in our everyday lives. These biblically based guideline helps us to make sure that we act in love in every interaction and conversation. We hold each other accountable to what topics are discussed and if anything is negative then we always correct with a positive. We speak love and that means life and we correct with love and that means life as well.

So don't settle for a life that is mediocre and move towards what is best. That will be one lived in love and forgiveness and trust me...as you live this way....you will find that you will be happiest you have ever been because you will be living the heart and will of your Father.

Adjust your Crown,

Jonna 

Mercy &Truth

"Let mercy & truth never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Prov 3:3-4

 

We cannot literally wear mercy and truth around our neck. But like a necklace which you do wear to show off something that you have of value or beauty; I believe that mercy and truth should be what a person sees first in your life. It should be a priority of what you model and wear...an ornament like your wedding ring signifying faithfulness and love. 

Mercy defined: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion

Truth defined: sincerity in action, character, and utterance. The real facts about something : the things that are true.


So how do we show Mercy and Truth everyday? Well first by getting it in our hearts. The scripture says to write it on the tablet of your heart. Well I am pretty sure we do not have tablets in or around our hearts. Hee hee. But what I do know is that our "hearts" refer to one's mind and character, the true inner self which determines who we really are. Jesus addressed issues of the heart when He spoke these words in Matt 12:34-37

 "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

A tablet is a place where that we take notes so that we can refer back. We need to constantly refer to the "notes" that God gave us so that we can live this life the way He intended. But first we need to make it a part of us and what we think is important in our lives.

If God is love and He has given us love, mercy and forgiveness then we are to also give it away. Is it always easy? No! That is why the scripture says to "bind" it. What is binding? It is to "tie or fasten something tightly." So we have to make sure we aren't just wearing it but that we make a concerted effort to fasten it tightly to us! 

Intentionality is the key here. The more we soak in His truths then the more it will become a part of of us. And don't you want to be something beautiful to Jesus? Because mercy & truth is His heart and everything we do and whatever we are is all for the glory of our God.

Checklist for the day: Got Mercy? Check. Got Truth? Check.

 

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

"Oh-fences"

When I was little my brother & I went through a barbed wire fence. When we finally came out on the other side...he was wearing a skirt and I half a shirt! Haha. 

His shorts were ripped open and we were both all scratched up. It looked easy to navigate but once one leg stepped over that wire we both realized we were in a mess that was going to take a while to get out. When he moved a wire it tore into me and vice versa.

It so reminds me of the mess people find themselves in today. When you are "in a fence" or as it should be spelled...an "offense" it tears up everyone that is involved. I liken it into a visual picture of a person caught in a section of fencing and  they are walking around and mobile but hurting and tearing at everyone they meet or encounter. They feel uncomfortable and are pained by their circumstances but they do not realize how badly they hurt people around them with the barbs of hate and lack of forgiveness. 

How do we as Christians find ourselves in such a predicament? Well, like my brother & I, it starts in being disobedient. My mom told us to never go to the other side of the fence to where the cows were but we decided that we knew what was best. We just wanted to give them a good pet! Well...that wasn't the greatest choice. 

Forgiveness isn't just a "good and healthy" thing to do... it is a matter of obedience according to the word of God.

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions."
                                                                                                             Mark 11:25-26

This Scripture makes it pretty clear that you will not be effective in your prayers if you will not forgive others! My how forgiveness is so important to Him. Many times an unforgiving spirit comes from a heart filled with pride. We often feel justified in our unforgiveness because of the wrong done to us OR the thing done against us was so bad in our own mind that we cannot possibly forgive...who would?

Probably the most common stumbling block in this area is when we say that we have forgiven someone outwardly, while we still harbor the resentment or anger in our hearts. Jesus illustrates God’s viewpoint on this matter in Matthew 18:23-35 when the king’s servant, who had been forgiven his debt, turned around and refused to forgive the debt of a fellow servant. The king turned his anger towards the man, threw him in jail and ordered him to pay back all that he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart” (Matthew 18:35).

I have seen so many in a jail made by their own actions. Many don't even realize that they are imprisoned and just think that "this is just how life is." Never experiencing the true joy or freedom that God intended them to have. I am just so passionate on this subject because I see it all around me everyday. If people would stop feeling so JUSTIFIED because of the actions of others...it is a curse of today's society.

It is unfortunate that offenses ever occur, but the Bible indicates that if we keep our focus upon God and His Word, He will maintain such peace in our heart that we can become resistant to offenses.




              “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”
                                                                                       Psalms 119:165 KJV


  “You will keep him in perfect peace,whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You."
                                                                                                         Isaiah 62:3


The Lord is our reliable source of peace in all the circumstances of this life. If we simply obey his Word and allow it to renew our minds everyday then we will not find ourselves in such predicaments. Thinking the best of others and asking Christ what He thinks about a situation is the key to not only healthy living but one that might save your life. Ask Jesus today to forgive you of the feelings of being justified in your thought life regarding a person or experience. Ask Him to help you let go of the feelings of bitterness and unforgiveness and no matter who was in the wrong...ask God to forgive you and take away the sin that is in your heart. Forgiveness isn't about THEM....it is about YOU. Then pray for that person and ask God to bless them. You will be amazed how quickly you can be delivered from a snares of the enemy. God's Word is powerful and reciting it and praying love and blessing over your perceived enemies will bring you great joy.

Obedience is the key to the Oh-fences in your life....please do not ever find yourself in a situation of hurting people because you have been hurt. Lay down the "fences" that so easily entangle you (Hebrews 12:1 NIV) and run with perseverance the race marked out for you. You cannot run and win any prize in a race if you are carrying an offense. It is too heavy and you really cannot see clearly to be victorious at all! Lay it down and be all that God has called you to be. A person that loves their neighbor as their self; one that will lay down their life for a friend, one that people will know that you are His disciple by the love that you have for one another.

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna


*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at: Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com






 

Food for Thought

We went out on a limb and bought the best dog food for our two Airedales, Harley & Roxey. Roxey has shown signs of an allergy since we have gotten her by the fierce itching and scratching; especially at night. It would get so bad she would whine and moan and me being the light sleeper would get woken up continuously during the night. We tried different soaps when giving baths, we made sure she didn't have fleas, worms or anything else plaguing her. So we were then advised to switch foods to see if her symptoms would disappear due to a possible gluten allergy. Yes...we were feeding her Kibbles & Bits with occasional table scraps...don't judge!!

Well we invested in a 22 lb bag of gluten-free Blue Buffalo dog food that was quite painful to purchase since it cost $65!!! Well we did it with a sigh and wouldn't you know it...the dogs turned their nose up at it! They would not eat it! They went on a two day hunger strike and would sniff their bowls and turn away. I was not very happy....in fact I was furious. I had thoughts of force feeding it to them! ha ha. Strangulation was another. Here I had spent a fortune on this stuff and it's good stuff...made of bison for goodness sakes and these ungrateful dogs refuse to eat it. Well finally after a few days they starting nibbling a bit at it and they weren't happy about it. They had this forlorn looks that Airedale owners know about...they have this personality that can show sadness unlike any other breed. It is actually hilarious.

What we noticed too was that despite this dog food that was practically made with gold nuggets was sitting in their bowls and when we let them in the house....they literally RAN to the garbage can with joyful glee and sniffed, dug and attempted to eat from the TRASH! Yes..you read that right...they wanted the nasty scraps that we threw away despite the good that lay before them. They went straight for the things that will ultimately make them miserable instead of what would heal them and make them healthy.

My how that reminds me of the great sacrifice the God made in giving us his son Jesus to die for us. But yet we ignore the value and the freedom and sometimes choose to go the other way where we know isn't good for us. Somehow we find our selves running to and actually digging in our past experiences and temptations despite where that has taken us before bound and lost with no hope. It costs something to say "no" to our desires and say "yes" to a life with Jesus but it is well worth it! Let us remember the "Prodigal Son" who ran from his destiny and found himself one day in the pig pen fighting the sows over their food. Yet we know the end of the story of how the father forgave and redeemed and restored him to his rightful place at the table eating only the best. God can do that for you...despite anything you have done. You just need to make the choice and keep making the good choices and one day you will be shocked by the things you used to be a part of.

God help us to understand that what is best for us might not always be the easiest, might not taste the best and might cost us much initially; but it sure will find us living the way we were created....as a child of the King....not perfect but victorious, favored and blessed!

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it : Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com

 

In Tune

 

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Isn't that a powerful verse? Yet so many of us tend to say "I can't hear God speaking. I need to hear Him and I can't!" What IF maybe you weren't really listening so that you could hear Him?

Just like losing your favorite station when you are on the edge of town and the signal is getting weak...you try to find it and get static and just move on to a station that you would never listen to like say Tejano music...I have never listened to this style so why did I find myself tuned into it? Well because I searched and couldn't find anything so I was happy just to hear anything! Let me propose to you a thought...what IF you were okay with the static for a bit and you just waited...just maybe what you were waiting for is there and you just needed to be still for a bit. Your radio is still "in tune" with where you want to be but the problem is that you are not HEARING what you want...

 

All Christians have heard God’s voice sometime or another. In fact the Word says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him."  It was the voice of God that drew you . In your inner-most being you heard God saying, “I have chosen you and ordained you, come unto Me”. So why do you think that you are either not capable of hearing His voice or that you cannot hear it? Well we have all been there before and it won't be your last! BUT maybe this will help you out....

The beginning of your communication with God was when He was calling you to salvation. But your salvation was only the beginning of your calling. He continues to call you and woo you to places you have never been before.

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)


Jesus asks us to walk in His steps and come to where He is. The Holy Spirit always draws us, He pulls us though and never pushes us. We are to follow Jesus and be led by the Holy Spirit. There is a yearning of the Spirit in you calling you to do some thing or go some place, this is the voice of God in you! Don't doubt it or constantly question it! Sometimes we dismiss things so easily. I have often heard myself say, "Oh that was just me not God." Well...HELLO...Christ is living in me just like He is living in you...so why would we doubt hearing His voice?

The Lord goes before us preparing the way, and He goes with us on the journey. When we are following in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we walk in the presence of God! We experience His love, joy, and peace....even in the worst of circumstances!

 And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." (Deut 31:8 NKJV)

God is always drawing you into His presence, when you meet Him at the place that He has called you to; it is there that you will experience an intense anointing to serve Him. That is the place that you can worship Him in Spirit and in Truth; for to obey God’s voice is worship. Worship is expressing love to God and Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 NIV)
  
 Having the mind of Christ means that through the Holy Spirit we have access to the will of God, the thoughts of God, and the emotions of God. Just as we can experience God’s joy through actions of love we can also experience God grieving through our actions that hurt people.

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Eph 4:29-30 NKJV)

We have all said things that have hurt others and then we immediately felt bad inside. What we need to recognize is that is that the “bad feeling” inside was God feeling bad because of our sin; it was the grieving of the Holy Spirit in us. This is God’s voice communicating with us directly, not with just words, but His very emotions! So can you still say that you do not hear the voice of God in and through you? I know you have! It is NOT natural to have these thoughts because flesh says that you are justified in these feelings. But God's ways are not the world's ways...they are quite the opposite!

      We know that God’s love, God’s joy, and the peace of God in your heart is an indication that you are hearing and obeying the voice of God.

"For you will go out with joy, And be led forth with peace." (Isa 55:12 NASB)

When there is a lack of God’s peace in your heart it means that your relationship with Him is lacking and that is why you are only hearing the static in your life. The Holy Spirit will then try to guide you back into a righteous relationship with God, and if you follow His leading you will once again experience the peace of God through the Holy Spirit in you. He will not leave you or forsake you! You only need to wait upon the Lord and ask for His instructions....sometimes we have just got to be okay with the static because it is in those times that we stop and be still and really start listening to what God is saying in our lives. And soon enough you will start hearing just what you are needing and longing to hear...the sweet melody of Christ in your heart. Being in tune with Him is what gives our lives meaning and puts that skip in your step no matter where you are at in life.

Adjust that Crown because you are a Child of the King!

Jonna

*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com

 
 

Crab Basket

 

I have fond memories as a child spending weekends camped at the beach and we would all go crabbing. My dad would put chicken on a string and we would go to the jetties and "lure" those crabs close and someone would quickly scoop them up and put them in a wire basket. I remember watching those crabs trying to get out and they were a tangled up mess. When we took the lid off to put another crab in there; there was always one trying to escape. The funny thing is that the other crabs would grab him just when he got close and pull him back down into the basket! It was so funny to watch. 

Isn't that like old friends, old temptations and old habits in our life? We try to do what is right and work hard and just when we start to get to a new level or breakthrough; something or someone pulls us back down and drags us back to the bottom! 

If you find yourself today in a basket full of crabs I pray that you find a way of escape. There is nothing more exhausting to put effort into something and it all be in vain. You need a breakthrough so that you don't ever find yourself chasing a chicken neck when there are so many better options out there for your life. God has amazing provisions for you....you just need to position yourself with the right influences and people!

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com

Circumstance

Have you ever looked around yourself and wondered how in the world you got in the circumstance that you are in? Your stuck in a dead-end job, having financial issues, living in a house that is in bad need of repair, having marital problems etc. Your thinking, I love God and believe that Christ died for my sins and I have asked him into my life. Now why in the world am I living in the state that I am in? Someone said that getting saved was a great thing but I am just not seeing it!

Circumstance is actually two words; circum- meaning to encircle and stance- meaning to stand. In other words, when you are going through hard times you are encircled by what is happening to you. What you tend to see is the circumstances around you and not past that. It doesn't take long to start having feelings of being overhwelmed and feeling desperate!

 Proverbs 13:12 states that "Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

 Hebrews 11:1 states, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen."

If the enemy can get you to lose hope then he can get you to stop living by faith. Isolation is a dangerous thing and when all you can see is the bad and the negative around you and you no longer see things in faith and through the glasses of hope...well you are on a slippery slope. 

Your circumstances are natural things that are important but are very temporary. In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers explained that not everything that happens to us as Christians makes human sense. "To turn head- faith into a personal possession is a fight always, not sometimes. God brings us into circumstances in order to exercise our faith."

So God wants us to take ourselves outside of the circle of defeat and see the bigger picture. If you are not including God and what the word says in your daily struggles then you are living life on your own terms. God wants to be in your surroundings whether they be good or bad. He wants to use the tough times in your life so that you will learn to call out in faith and trust in Him. 

In every hard time I have been in there has always been that moment where the light bulb came on & I had that "aha" moment. I would say, "ohhhhh that is why that happened!" It is so much easier after you have been through a thing to see that God was guiding you every step of the way. God wants us to follow Him even when we do not feel His presence or see where the next step your supposed to take will be. 

So take that circle that you have around yourself that gives you a limited view and create a bigger space to include the God who loves you and wants you to succeed in everything you do. 

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Adjust that Crown, 

Jonna

*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com

Confessions of a Pastor's Wife: I am not alone

Last night I had the privilege of being in a Kari Jobe concert. There were thousands of ladies screaming around me and I was soaking in the moment. I had brought 18 ministry leaders from my church with me as well and they sat in the 2 rows behind me. I handed out the tickets randomly so it is funny how it turned out. 

 

Kari Jobe started singing a song during her concert that I have heard many times before, "I am not alone." I really like that song and heard it on the radio before, but it was so very different live. There was a strong presence of God in the place and immediately tears started streaming down my face  and I really was surprised by my own reaction. I closed my eyes and put my hands in the "receiving pose" (cupped upwards) as I heard God speak to me, "Jonna, you are not alone. You just feel that way. Those ladies behind you love you and pray for you everyday. They literally have your back. I am wanting to replace your fear of failure in relationships with courage. Take it and put it on. wear it and model it" I truly believe that years of distrust and self-preservation began to peel away. Every tear had a purpose. It was a true God moment. 

Now I have no idea this morning how I am going to model or wear courage but I feel that God gave me the word "valor" to study so I am sure I will have more to share on that later. (yes...God speaks to me in one word sometimes; especially when I pray for people...he will give me just one word.)

As a pastor's wife you are surrounded by many but you can choose to feel like you don't have anyone to really be true friends with. It is a harrowing and sticky mess to mix friendship with ministry. Over the years it has brought much hardship and hurt to my life. It has left me wanting to hide or not ever wanting to endear or expose my heart with another. I tend to wonder what people's motives are when they want to help me or do nice things for me. And that is a crying shame!

In the past when a friend, groups of people or leaders didn't agree with the pastors stance or how he did something; those "friends" and confidants left our lives and ministry and didn't talk with us about the details of their angst; but regrettably we're quite expressive on matters when talking to everyone else. Those conversations once relayed back were disappointing and very hurtful causing layers or distrust and driving me into a man-made cave of safety. I was left feeling rejected but having to wear a fake smile and of course the pageant queen hand wave as a show of strength and resilience. :)

Now understand this...God has given me a heart of forgiveness and somehow and someway I have forgiven people over the years and can truly say that I love them and God puts them on my heart to pray for them. Not that I have "arrived" on this issue but I have been able to clear my life of any bitterness or resentment involving hurts. Unforgiveness is not the issue...God is wanting me to grow MORE from this and like anyone else...He always calls us out to mature, to grow branches so that we can be more fruitful. And like any fruit tree..it always involves pruning!

I have never been one to dwell on the negatives and I am not known to be a good fake. God made me expressive and everything I feel shows on my face even when I try hard not to! It often times gets me in trouble! I have always shown my weaknesses and shared my failures. But I haven't been good at sharing my personal heart issues with others due to fear. Fear of rejection or fear of failure. Pastor Brent Williams spoke about fear during Spiritual Emphasis week and during that service something shifted in me. It is something that God had been dealing with me about but that I kept pushing to the back of my thought life. I will just "deal" with that later I thought. When God wants to get our attention He will for a season and when we ignore His promptings He will let it go. Sometimes we have to learn the "hard" way or through a different route. I am glad that God didn't give up on my stubborness! Arent' you?

It is truly an honor to sit in the seat that God has entrusted me with. It is truly a blessing to work with Don at Mercy Gate Church and with all the wonderful people. People may look at us and think we have it "all together"...well I am here to tell you that NOBODY has it all together on this Earth. God is always stretching us and wanting us to grow and most of the times our character has to show in order for us to realize that we need to change something about ourselves. There are always new challenges we need to conquer and learn from. If not we will never mature in our thinking and in our actions. Pride is the enemy to growth and humility is the vessel for maturity.

Last night I felt like He challenged me to a new level. It is time to trust again and in a different way that I have before. I feel like he has given me a mega-dose of courage. It is past time to open myself and not be afraid of betrayal or rejection. God is with me and He has given me a literal army of amazing ladies that love me for who I am and I actually love them too! Ha ha (no joke!). We will go the next level together and tackle whatever God places in our hearts to do...It is His purpose and plan for our lives. If the leaders do not go there then the people will not and God has given me the word victor to study out and process...more of that to come.

I encourage you to step out and trust; be willing to be transparent with others. Will it put you "out there" to get hurt? Most definitely. But doing what God called you to do and being obedient in that is all He wants. He will be your defender and will fight for you. He created us to be in relationship with Him but also with others. We do this life WITH people as well as in eternity. Trust HIM, abide in HIM keeping your focus on HIM and know that whatever you do and wherever you go...YOU are not and will never be alone. 

32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered,each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:32-33 (NIV)

Click on this link to hear Kari Jobe sing "I am not Alone" for yourself :)
http://youtu.be/bfveawSAHJA



 

Adjust your crown!

Jonna

*ThIs blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com

WHY?

Ever thought you were stuck in a situation that was beyond your control...and you felt like you were going to die....yet you survived? Well nothing takes the cake like the man whose pickup as well as himself got squished between two 18 wheelers in Oregon this week:

Kaleb Whitby, 27, stares out calmly from the mangled wreckage of his Chevy Silverado after the two semi-trucks smashed into each other on the I-84 in Oregon - with him in the middle. Despite his precarious position wedged between the two metal trailers, and with a steering column tight against his leg, Whitby emerged from the deathtrap almost entirely unscathed.
(Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2915575/Pictured-Man-SURVIVED-crushed-two-big-rigs-84.html#ixzz3PJPRv2QK) Kaleb states, "Thank God that I am still alive. Now I have got to go figure our why."

What an incredible story of luck some might say. The odds of something like this happening is one in a million! Now I do not know anything about the actual life story of this man but what I do know is that He will be forever affected by this. I LOVE what he said..."Now I have got to figure out why". Why is it that I am alive and others died?...why was my life spared and what am I here to do?

We all have times in our lives when we find ourselves in a tangled mess that we created and wonder why. It is one of the words that inquiring and curious children ask adults and one of the most uttered words that adults use pertaining to tragedies and situations in our lives. This is a critical skill that helps toddlers and children gain a much more complex understanding of how the world works. When they ask, “why?” they are showing a thirst for knowledge. They want more information!

Now I will not pretend to know the answers to his questions but what I do know that there is a great big God out there that loves us and wants us to succeed. He wants us happy and healthy and living life to the fullest! I pray that you do not have to go through a tragedy to get your attention on things above. I pray that when things are great and you are the happiest you have ever been...that you look up and ask God the questions that he longs for his children to ask...."What do you want me to do God?" Because maturity shifts from the "why's" to the "what's" and God will be faithful to answer you by supplying the "how's".


Jonna


 

Decreeing & Declaring

A Decree is an order or official decision that is given from someone in authority such as a King. Decrees were usually sealed with a signet ring making it legal and binding. The Kings men would then take the decree to all those in authority in the Kingdom and they would declare what had been handed to them. Then everyone in the kingdom would know what the official position was on a matter.

As a child of the King we have the power to bring decrees to life. The Bible is a book filled with powerful decrees and we can take them and know that it already has the seal of the King upon it; and we declare it as so by the power of our words. 

What things are you declaring in your life? Have you resurrected the decrees that God has already given you? There is power and authority in that. 

When we speak His word which is already established in heaven, we enforce it through verbal agreement. Our words are like bridges linking Heaven and Earth. 

Decreeing and Declaring isn't something you do for a moment...it is done until we see Heaven on Earth. Remember that God's Word does not return void and He watches over His Word to perform it. (Isaiah 55:11, Jer 1:12) It is His job to bring it to pass and your job to release it into your life. 

"You will decree a thing and it will be established for you and light will shine on your ways." Job 22:28

Let me encourage you in faith to find out who you are in Christ...the answer is in the Word and can be revealed with the help of the Holy Spirit. We all need to find our place in this Kingdom and rise up and call things that aren't as though they are. Decree it and Declare it as so!

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

You Recognized me!

Last night was Halloween and I so enjoyed giving out candy and greeting all my little visitors. It was cute to see all the varied costumes and I tried my best to guess who or what they were dressed up like and compliment them. It was so enjoyable to see the faces light up when you tell them that you liked their costume...and of course they liked getting the chocolate too! 

One little girl that came upon my doorstep I guessed was a beautiful hairstylist and when I said that she looked at me with wide-eyes and said, "All night no one knew who I was and you knew right away. This is what I want to be when I grow up. Thank You lady!!" She was genuinely excited that I identified her. I was very surprised by the look on her face and the response. She smiled really big and happily skipped away. 

I slowly closed the door and thought about all the times in our life that we feel that no one understands or knows what we are about. But in a moment what we knew we were all along can be validated with one single sentence. 

If you are in a place today and you feel no one understands you...well know this...No one needs to. There are phases in all our lives where we walk in a time of misunderstanding or even loneliness.  God didn't call us ALL to be Queen Elsa or Anna or even a super hero...and trust me...half the town was dressed like one last night!....but to be what HE made us to be.  We are to be our own unique and original creation. God will call you out when the time is right. You were made for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna

Re-calculating Route

 Have you ever been on a trip and missed a turn? Well I am "geographically challenged" so even with my Global Positioning System (GPS) talking to me and giving me turn-by-turn instructions I seem to get lost for a moment...or two. The feeling of being lost is just aggravating and God forbid if there are people following you! Thankfully there is this component that automatically kicks in most map guidance systems and is announced as "re-calculating route." Although un-nerving because of the repetitious message in a apethetic voice that goes on and on until you are back on track; this has saved my life more than once!

Re-calculations in life happen all the time and isn't it cool that no matter how much we ignored the messages; God is always willing and able to help us make that U-turn and re-calculate our lives to get to where we need to be. His voice isn't condemning and doesn't get angry when we haven't listened either. He isn't apathetic but loving, kind and encouraging. (Jer 29:11) His goal and purpose is for us to be where He destined us to be.

There are also times in our lives that we come to a fork in the road and we need to know the direction God has for us. We may notice the road filled with obstacles, pot holes, or under construction and we really need to hear that directional voice NOW! Thankfully we have an internal GPS called "God's Positioning System" that can help us.

“I will guide you and teach you the way you should go. I will give you good advice and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8

The Bible is the map and God's Spirit is the voice. Even if we miss the turn; He redirects us because He is guiding based on the ultimate destination that He intends for us to reach.  He also has alternate routes we know nothing about and that is why sometimes we have to walk by Faith. I am not completely sure of why God chooses to guide us this way except that I think that He is just as interested in the journey as in the destination. And as we depend on Him turn by turn, day by day, we worship Him for who He is, not just where He’s taking us.

  

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

Double For The Trouble!

Well here I am with this wild dog named Harley who has caused all manner of evil at my house but at the same time has brought much joy. I almost dismissed the thought of adopting or even fostering another dog because...two crazy dogs in my house? My life is already chaos and mayhem!! But something inside me said.....What do you have to lose?...other than your sanity and your new beige couch??

Well I picked up an airedale terrier this week who was in a rescue situation in Austin. It was a no-commitment foster home agreement and if it worked out then I could adopt her. They told me how out of control and aggressive she was and I was starting to get worried! Well....I bonded with her almost immediately. And when Roxy met Harley they ran around like they had been best friends their whole lives! Within one hour I texted the rescue group and told them I wanted to adopt her as my own. They were very relieved! Ha. 

Now my Harley has a playmate and isn't bored or barking near as much. She has a tetherball partner too...other than just me. And our neighbors no longer want to kill us! 

Harley really needed a friend and we just didn't realize it. She would sit in the backyard while we worked and barked at every fly that went by and seemed sad to be alone. She would make giant holes in the yard and of course dig up Internet cables to get back at us! Now she is really happy and still hyper but has a wag to her tail she hasn't had in a long time. It's what happens when you have a friend. 

It might be double the trouble but the truth be told....that is how I am with my friends. When I am by myself and isolated things irritate me and I don't see the world right from my own limited view. A friend comes in and opens a whole new set of possibilities...some trouble or drama might be involved but it is all well worth it! A friend sticks close like a brother and we know what that means! There may be squabbles but there is a comradere that no one can take away. 

The bible says in Proverbs 17:22 that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. There is nothing like a friend to make you laugh and feel better! Double the effort your making in finding friendship and it will well be worth your while. It may prove to be double or triple the trouble at times but there is nothing more satisfying than having a friend to run around and share your heart with...it is rewarding when you open your heart and self to a relationship. It is what God wants Himself with us and wants us to have with others.

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

Take off that girdle!

I loathe any garment that squeezes you to death. I know many people who wear girdles or Spanx undergarments everyday of their lives! No wonder they all look "put together"! LOL. I have tried to put this body of mine into one of those form-fitting garments and it just isn't pretty! Oh the noises that I heard coming from the seams of that garment were dreadful...not to mention me panting and out of breath while tugging and pulling ....and then when you finally get it on....you can't even breathe! Not to mention that you can barely sit down, smile or even enjoy yourself.... and God forbid if you need to go to the bathroom!

Have you ever felt squeezed and restrained by the pressures in life? I know I have and many times I had so much anxiety I thought I would die! Sometimes you feel so much pressure to be perfect, to be a certain way or to perform that you just cannot relax and enjoy the moment. The restrictions of life sometimes can be unbearable...but they also can be put on by our own selves.

No one told you to wear a girdle...you just wanted to look skinnier than you are. So you put on the weapon of mass destruction and you go about your day. You put that thing on yourself. Sometimes in life we "put on" things that aren't supposed to be ours to wear. You put on pride, you put on unforgiveness, you choose to wear bitterness. Those things will make you MISERABLE and are just like a girdle...it will suck the life out of you and everyone else around you. You might look great on the outside...but it is what is on the inside that matters.

I tell you to let those things go and be free. Hebrews 12:1 states: "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

I don't know how we are to run this race called life and win it if we are entangled in a mess. Take off those things...you have within you everything needed to be free. You need to undo what is restraining you and let it go. Those things have weighed you down and kept you from being who you are. It has kept you from speaking, going and doing and being what God has called you to. This is not how life is supposed to be spent. Choose to do something about it.

Take a really good look at yourself today and pray that God will help you take off the layers and the things that you chose to put on. God wants you free so that you can be truly happy, victorious and a real testimony of His saving grace.


Adjust that Spanx & Crown

Jonna

 

Just Shine!

 

Lighthouses have always fascinated me. They are so important to ships out at sea to help find their way after dark or in a storm. They aren't loud or over bearing...they just shine brightly and stand tall. They don't announce their presence but are faithful and constant no matter what is going on around them. The peeling pain, worn out brick and rough exterior never take away from the appreciation of a light house...in fact it enhances it. All the stories of stormy nights and ships that made it home are so fascinating and wonderful. It is something that stands in the midst of constant waves and rough terrain. Lighthouses beat the odds. They are a beautiful representation of a life lived through Christ.

A light…not a horn…a great quote from DL Moody. That is how we should be; reflecting God and shining for Jesus! We need to be different than the world. There are enough people shouting and spewing rhetoric and fighting for their "cause"...love overcomes all obstacles! People should be able to count on us to be faithful and constant...that is what will lead them to Jesus in times of trouble. That is our testimony. Our scars, our wounds that shows and proves that we made it through. The stories we share of what we went through and how God showed us the way. This is why we shine so brightly....because of where we have been. We were once lost but now we are found so now we will be that light that will help others find their way.

   Ephesians 5 : 8-10 (NKJV) ~ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

So adjust that crown & shine!

Jonna

I am a great big bundle of Potentiality!

You are not empty-handed with nothing to give! Don't believe that lie. God doesn't want what you "think" you are going to be or what you would even like to be. He wants the YOU that you are today...right now...the work in progress.

I loved the song I used to sing as a child called "I am a promise". In fact, I am unsure why we don't sing it as adults. It goes like this:

"I am a Promise. I am a Possibility. I am a Promise with a capital 'P'. I am a great big bundle of potentiality. And I am learning to hear Gods voice and I am trying to make the right choice. I am a Promise to be, anything God wants me to be. I can go anywhere that He wants me to go. I can be anything that He wants me to be. I can climb the highest mountain, I can cross the wide sea; I am a great big promise you see!"

In actuality we are all growing and learning daily and if God wants us to do something NOW then He equips us to carry it out. The only thing standing in our way is our minds and vivid imaginations.

Consider the acorn. It's a small nut that has the potential of being a great oak tree. No one can dispute that. Although we tend to see the acorn without a thought and only see for what it is now. That does not negate the purpose. Despite the obstacles of being crushed, being carried away by animals; these outside factors only help the potential. It's when the seed is in the right place at the right time that the true growth happens. It has to be in the ground or on soil to sprout so the crushing and the carrying are all experiences that take the acorn to where it was destined to be.

We sometimes blame our negative experiences or the atmosphere we were raised in on the reason we cannot do this or be that. It's in those exact circumstances that you persevered! You are living...and even though a few people crushed your heart and almost killed your spirit...you have legs to get up and get out and not just lie on the ground helpless. You have the mind to rise above the circumstances. So add that to your God-given potential and you have an amazing story of overcoming.

Perhaps you were brought to this place of hard times and in that was the mechanism to propel you to your destiny. So what that you don't think you are good enough, smart enough, have enough money or enough influence...everything you need to be something great is within you. You are a bundle of potentiality...water it, feed it and get out and do something with it. Position yourself to be something great where you are at right now...God created you to be strong, tall and fruitful!


Jer 29:11
Adjust that crown!


Jonna

Know your Worth

Your worth is not based on what occupation you chose, what kind of bank account you have or the beauty or lack thereof you see in the mirror. Your worth isn't even based on asking Jesus into your life...your worth is based soley on your creation. The creator determined your worth. 

Genesis 1:26-27 says we are made in His image, the very image of God. Psalms 139:13-16 says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and all the days of our lives were written in God’s book before we were ever born; confirming God’s prior knowledge and plan for our lives. Ephesians 1:4 says God chose His children before the foundations of the earth were ever formed, and in verses 13-14 we’re told we are God’s own possession chosen for the praise of His glory, and that we have an inheritance in heaven with Him as His children! 

Think on that before you put yourself on the clearance rack!

Adjust that Crown, 

Jonna

Gifts & Surprises!

Everyone loves gifts and suprises! When I was a little girl me and my brother and sisters couldn't wait until daddy got home. We would all watch for his truck and listen for the front door to open! All four kids would try to be the first to greet him. He would finally come through the door tired, hot and sweaty and we were all over him hugging him and asking what he got us. You see dad would almost everyday bring us little things from his day at work. If you were first to get to him you might get to pick what gift you got!! Sometimes it would be one thing for us to share, or a crazy story about his day; but most of the time it was candy or a small toy! And to my mothers dismay my dad also has brought home kittens and puppies! Ha. 

We didn't just love the gifts but we loved our dad. He represented life to us. He wanted the best for us and worked long and hard hours to provide. We never worried about provision or if we would have food, clothes or a roof over our head. We had complete faith in him. He was the source of all things good. We treated him with respect and love even on the days he brought us nothing. We loved him unconditionally. My dad isn't perfect...no one is...but what he was and still to this day; is a perfect picture of what our Heavenly Father is. 

What are you expecting your Heavenly Father to bring to you? Do you wait with great expectation? Do you trust that He will provide for your every need? Matthew 6:26 reminds us of the level of care we are under. It's all encompassing. He is our Jehovah Jireh (provider), Nissi (protection), Rappha (healer)....just to name a few! 

Your Father knows what is best for you and He is out working everything for your good...he wants the very best for you! Romans 8:28

Just when I think that I cannot manage or that I am unsure of my future; God walks in the door and He always surprises me with things that I never ever even expected or prayed for. Live a life of faith when you can't see how it will all work out. He is longing to give you gifts and surprises but you need to be positioned to receive them

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

Is Church Really About Us?

I pose this question, "Do we go to church for activities, events, convenience and comfort?  Is our agenda to have our egos stroked and our desires met? Do we have a consumerism attitude somewhat like shopping where we only will go where things seem the best and have the most exciting offerings? 

Have we even considered that the church might need us? What part should each of us play in the health, growth and ministry of the church?  Is church shopping and church swapping simply a matter of wanting a place that provides us with a sense of being ‘spiritual’ but does not require that we think, respond, receive correction, get provoked with truth and actually make investments in something that does not give us direct and immediate benefit? Have we developed a shopping mentality that says, “If this doesn’t work for me, I’ll just split and give it a shot somewhere else?” Has a church home become “all about me?” 

While I do not think that most people I know or go to church with thinks like this...I so feel the attitude has invaded the Christian church like coupons in the Sunday paper! I pose another thought to you today because all of us need some reminding now and again: 

What if people found a church and joined it with an attitude that says, not every sermon must be for me, not every song must be my style, not every activity has to be one that I would join. Instead we have an attitude that asks, Where can I serve?, Whom can I assist?, Where could my spiritual gifts be best put to use?

What if they approached it like a good marriage and determined to work through dry periods, refuse to walk out when things don’t lean our direction, give others the benefit of the doubt, operate in forgiveness, to be patient, to demonstrate loyalty, love others unconditionally, perseverance and ownership?

The world has enough self-centered critics. No church is perfect, just like no family is perfect. Maybe it’s time we quit asking what’s in it for us and start asking, “What can I do to serve?”  A church shouldn’t be about attire, convenient service schedules, worship styles, certain coffees or personal preferences. A pastor can’t always be a motivator, a professor, financial analyst, architect, counseling guru, leadership expert, bedside comforter, organizer and a musician. We need to have reasonable expectations of our church and its leadership. We need to love our Church where it's at now. 

It should be about being a called-out community of believers who are committed to using their God-given gifts for His glory and our good. When we find a church that is built on truth and a pastor that is committed to teaching, preaching and modeling it — then more times than not, we need to stay put and find a place for service no matter the new shiny thing advertised. 

Adjust that Crown

Jonna

For such a Time

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

                               -Esther 4:14 NIV

God has put specific things inside of you, not just for yourself, but to bring Him glory. I believe that if we circumvent the destiny that God desires in our life; then He will allow another to rise up to do the job. I don't know about you; but I want the destiny God has intended for me...no leftovers here! No way that I will let another take my inheritance! 

I want to encourage you with the fact that one person can make a difference. I also believe that God has a great purpose for your life, as He did for Esther’s. You may never deliver a nation, but your assignment is just as significant! 

You may be scratching your head and wondering what your platform is supposed to be and I want to tell you...right where you are at! You are called to make a difference now wherever you find yourself doing and being. 

Difference makers don't wait for the right time, right outfit, or certain maturity level...you work with whatever you have. God always honors faithfulness and obedience and God is calling you to--such a time as this!

Become an Esther in your generation!

Adjust that Crown!

Jonna

No shirt, No shoes, No service

I was at Fry's Electronics enjoying my day. And all of the sudden my flip flop broke! It just came apart and Was flopping around! So here I was walking around this giant store with one shoe on and holding the other. I was so embarrassed! I went to the bathroom and looked in my purse for anything to fix it. I didn't have super glue or duct tape (who carries that?) so I threw my shoes in the trash. No sense walking around with one shoe on...that looked even dumber than no shoes! 

We were looking for a computer to buy for Trey and trying to decide on different sizes and styles when a salesperson approached me. She said, "Ma'am I am going to have to ask you to leave. You need shoes to be in this store." I proceeded to tell her that my flip flops broke as I walked into the store but she didn't care and didn't listen. She pointed at the exit and my bare feet and told me to leave!

 I was shocked! My sister and my son Trey couldn't believe it either and they both started to laugh because that is how my family shows love. Ha. 

My face felt hot and I told her I would be happy to leave after we were finished looking at the computers. She once again; only this time loudly, told me to leave. And pointed towards the front of the store like a crazy person. So my sister and my boys went ahead of me to the exit. I was so upset and embarrassed that I didn't realize I had walked to the entrance instead of the exit and the door would not open. 

The lovely and best employee EVER yells loudly, "Ma'am, that is the entrance...please proceed to the exit." Now everyone in line is looking at me...I have no shoes and apparently now I cannot read either! I looked and probably was talking like a crazy person at that point. 

Humiliation arose as well as anger. I walked out into the parking lot. To make matters worse...I stepped on chewing gum on the way to the car!!!!! Now I am laughing and crying at the same time. We all were. It was a big thick purple and hot piece of gum and i had to pull on it for an eternity to get it off.

As I scraped the gum off of my feet I wondered what would cause someone to treat another person like that. I was dressed kinda sloppy and my hair was in a pony tail and I didn't have hardly any makeup on. Or was she simply following the "No shirt. No shoes. No service" rule?

I am still unsure to this day. But what I do know is this: everyone you encounter is going through something so we should treat each other with dignity and respect. We never know the circumstances that a person is going through so make sure you do not judge anyone based on their looks or presentation. If the lady would have taken the time to hear what I was saying she might have found it funny as well and we together would have agreed that I needed to go buy a pair of shoes as soon as possible. All I know know is that I will NOT go shop at Fry's Electronics EVER! 

Don't let your words prevent someone from entering the doors of your church or from wanting to ask Jesus into their heart based on bad communication or a negative representation that you make. Likewise, people are not always going to line up with what we think they should look like or talk like either.

 Sometimes in our need to follow the scriptures we get religious...God's first command for us though is to LOVE. Thankfully, if someone among us has no shirt or has no shoes....that is our call to action! We are to serve others. Apparently that Fry's employee forgot that she was there to SERVE the customer.

Isaiah 52:7 says that beautiful are the feet of them that bring Good News. I am grateful that God loves my feet even though Fry's Electronics didn't seem to care for them at all :))

Adjust That Crown!

Jonna