Are You Hungry for God? by Janis Cox

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6, NIV).

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat (Matthew 5:6, The Message).

I believe God has a plan for redemption for each of us. I believe He uses circumstances to reveal Himself.

But I know too that only when we are empty - and ready to receive - will He indwell in us.

We can write our faith stories. People will read them. They can be touched by our words. But it takes God to fill us up.

In order to be filled up with the Holy Spirit we need to ASK Jesus. (click to tweet)

Through our asking, God puts His process in motion, creating something in us that was non-existent until we asked (Oswald Chambers, December 17). 

The truth of redemption - that is what will fill us up.

It is never sharing of personal experiences that saves people, but the truth of redemption (Oswald Chambers, December 17). 

But don't stop telling your stories. They are a part of God's plan. They need to be heard so others can know to make the choice to ask, "Jesus, please fill me up."

Come to Me [Jesus] with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young).

Prayer:

Father, no matter where we are in our faith journey, I know you have the Plan. Continue to lead and guide us, to our emptiness where we can be filled with Jesus. In His Name. AMEN

What's Your R.B.I.? - Janis Cox

Oswald Chambers makes me think - really think. He speaks the Word clearly. He challenges me.

Every morning as I read his words I write down important points.

Today I wrote more than one or two.

The Challenge: To Be Holy

That's a tall order. But Chambers puts it clearly.

1. Restate continually the purpose for your life.

Now that might be a good thing for me to do every morning as a prayer.

Father, I am yours. Help me to be aware of Your work here and show me how I can be a part of that plan.

2. Be rightly related with God.

Father, I confess that there are many times I think of only myself - my plans - my desires. Help me to tone down me and see You more fully.

3.  Inside me: Jesus saved me to be holy.

This is the toughest one, I think, because Chambers says being holy means:

• walking unsullied
• talking unsullied
• thinking unsullied

Awareness is the key here, Lord. I know that:

every detail of [my] life is under the scrutiny of God (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, September 1).

Prayer:

Father, help me to be aware of the pitfalls during my day. Help me to pull back from them and to be holy as You are holy. And I pray in Jesus' name. AMEN.

So every morning I want to remember to:

Restate my Purpose

Be rightly related to God

Inside me - bring out the holiness of God 

Oh - RBI - Runs Batted In

Can I make a hit or more than one every day? Maybe I could keep a tally of my RBIs?

In any case, let's score big for Jesus.

The following are Scriptures that will make you think about holiness.

 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV).

On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you (John 14:20, NIV).

Janis Cox

Janis, a retired school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters. Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.

Christian Writers-Ministers with a Pen- Sulo Moorthy

Hmm.....am I a Christian writer or a Christian who writes? The question begged an answer when I attended my very first writer's conference in Edmonton in 2000. Fearing that I might sound stupid, I didn't dare to open my mouth and ask someone to clarify the difference.

However, from all what I've scribbled in my journals, posted on my blogs, published in magazines and newspapers in the last decade of my writing years, I'm convinced that I'm more of a Christian writer than a Christian who writes.

Last Tuesday, at our last writers' group meeting, I put forth the question Brenda Leyland had asked us to write about this month. At first the women didn't understand the difference between the two, but when they did, they mostly saw themselves as Christian writers rather than Christians who write. But when I poked a little deeper, some  began to see themselves slanting towards the second one.

Tina, the one, who teaches in our women's Bible study group and had written a variety of Bible course materials, definitely saw herself as a Christian writer. When asked what  her great desire to share with the readers would be, other than sharing the Gospel, she blurted out, " History and travel."

I could see the excitement in Tina's eyes when she exclaimed those two words. Being an ardent reader of history,  an expert on researching, and a teacher at heart, she'd be a great author on history and travel if she follows her heart. But for now, she's doing what she's called to do at this time- working a full time job, leading/teaching Bible study and following a Master's degree.

Another young woman, who joined us for the first time that evening, shared with us what being a Christian writer meant to her. Writing being one of her passions, she had hosted a blog site that had featured articles on everything from golf to cooking. About an year ago, she even signed a contract with a popular magazine to write a series of articles anonymously on sex related matters. Although she grew up in a Christian home, she gave little thought to God once she left home. As such, she saw nothing wrong in doing the assignments, and started working on them.

During that time, she said, something terrible happened that turned her life upside down.  Devastation drove her back to Christ and made her to rededicate her life to Him. She then tried to finish her assignments for the magazine from a more loving and Christ-like approach. But she couldn't write them any longer.  So she pulled out of her contract and gave up the opportunity of making a good sum of money and writing credits.

In order to use her talent for God's glory, she has now joined the writers' group to learn, share and grow with fellow Christian writers. As her writers' group, we thank God for leading her to our group to inspire and be inspired by the unique experience and skill she brings with her.

As Christian writers, we love to say we want to glorify God through our writing. It's our offering, we modestly declare. If we are not watchful, publication, praise and promotion can make us cross the line and make us use God's name for our glory.

I just finished reading the book Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God, and I loved what Oswald Chambers had written to a friend before he  undertook his first job as a teacher in art at a college- "Pray for me that the Spirit of God will fill me to the drowning of self and the exalting of Jesus."

Later, in one of his letter to his wife Betty, Chambers wrote from Belfast, "I speak and people get blessed. But I long to hear them say,"He made me love Him (the Lord) better.

At another time, Chamber went a step further to say, " What we are is of much more use to God and our fellows than what we do."

In other words, who we are in Christ is more important than what we speak, teach or write for His glory.

As Christian writers or as Christians who write, if we  have the same yearning as Chambers, there would be little chance for us to waver in our focus or worry about the decisions we make.

Presently a children's story for secular market is stewing in my head. If and when the story breaks through my writer's block and find it's way onto the paper and to the audience, I may transition to a Christian who writes. Until then I consider myself as a Christian writer, because that's what I write even if that writing is just for me.

Get into the Habit - by Janis Cox

Am I a pray-er? Really?

I talk about it, read about it, and even write about it at Under the Cover of Prayer. But, the truth is I know I could do better.

In my morning time devotionals I try to start with a prayer list. I am on the online prayer team for The Word Guild and at the top of that weekly printed list I write the names of personal friends and family who need specific prayers that week. And then I do pray each morning.

Oswald Chambers on August 23rd says that, “Prayer is an effort of will.”

And I have an inkling of what he means. I need to take time – to put myself away from everything. Oswald calls what we need to shut away “mind wanderings”. And he says to “get into the habit of dealing with God about everything.”

There have been times I have worked hard at this. I will admit it is in times of stress, decision-making or illness. It is then that I pour out my heart to God.

Can I do this more often? Even when things are going well?

The other day I decided to try to listen to God on my drive to Orillia to visit my Mom. For over an hour I would ask a question, then, other than watching the road, the cars and the forests, I listened for an answer. An amazing thing happened. Ideas started to flow. I wished I had brought a tape recorder (I certainly couldn’t write down all that He was saying to me and drive).

Now I need to do this type of prayer at home – in the quiet – “shut thy door. A secret silence mean to shut the door deliberately on emotions and remember God.” Also I think that means to shut out our ideas, thoughts, and to-do’s.

I am going to try this – this week. Will you join me?

And maybe as Oswald says: “Every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.”

Humility - Janis Cox

I admit it – I don’t like this word – humility. It sounds wimpy. Whenever I hear the word I get frustrated because I don’t like to admit weakness. When I want something done I look for strength to pull me through – mine or God’s strength – but certainly not humility.

But I am learning more about what God means when He uses this word.

“Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).

That doesn’t sound as bad, does it? If I can put myself lower, show Christ, then God will exalt me later.

There are three things that keep me from attaining humility – self-righteousness, judgment and control.

When someone takes me to task for something that I have not done, my first notion is to get upset and try to right the wrong. Sometimes this would lead to words, not nice words either. A new way of dealing with this is to step back, let the harangue continue until spent, then don’t say a word. Something happens inside me when I work this way. My spirit stays calm, my peace stays secure and the other person feels perplexed. What just happened they say?

Lack of humility comes from being self-centred. I see that now.

Even in my judgment of others this rings true. I know I should not judge others because God will judge me in a harsher manner. Oswald Chambers (June 22) says succinctly I have no right to judge.

“The great characteristic of a saint is humility - Yes, all those things and other evils would have been manifested in me but for the grace of God, therefore I have no right to judge.”

So judgment is wound up in humility as well.

Then there is control. I like to be in control. I am a task-oriented person. Give me something to do, run or figure out and I will do it to the best of my ability. This, too, rubs against the ways of God. He wants to be in control, not me. So I need to push down my controlling nature – let God show me the way.

In all three, self-righteousness, judgment and control I am insisting on my own rights. And every time I do that I hurt the Son of God.

Oswald Chambers (July 14) says:

"Never look for right in the other man but never cease to be right yourself."

Here is the kick in the pants I need.

He also says (July 15):

"Quit praying about yourself and be spent for others as the bondslave of Jesus."

Identifying the problem helps me to know what to work towards.

How are you on the humility scale?

..........................................

Jan Cox



Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it this year.

Press Through - Janis Cox

Press Through

by Jan Cox

artwork courtesy of Bill Osborne

Read: Matthew 14:24-26 Jesus Walks on Water

I attended my seventh Write! Canada Conference this past June. Each year I have come away inspired and ready to write for Him.

This year the Conference theme read, “Change the World with Words”.

Every year I hear, and this time was no exception, thoughts of insecurity. Myself included.

Why? Why, as Christian writers, are we insecure in our calling?

Grace Fox covered this topic in her continuing class, “What authors need to know” and in her plenary session. Grace is author of the book Moving from Fear to Freedom. She has recently released a Bible study and DVD based on her book.

Words of insecurity filtered into our prayer times with members requesting direction from God. “Is this the path You have chosen for me?”

“What am I doing here?”

“Should I be a writer?”

Oswald Chambers tackles this, calling it the deception of the Enemy – this self-doubt. He reminds us about Peter and how he walked on water for a bit – then saw where he was, lost his focus and started to sink.

Every time we lose focus of the One who calls us we have self-doubt.

“We step right out on God over some things, then self-consideration enters in and down we go.”

Chambers says if we start asking questions of whether we should or shouldn’t, we are in essence debating with God." (Oswald Chambers June 18)

"Never begin to say – "Well, I wonder if He did speak?" Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him." (Oswald Chambers June 18)

How reckless are you? Do you step out of the boat when He calls you to write something?”

Can we as writers “Change the World with words?”

I think we can.

Let’s step out of the boat together! Press though our uncertainties and walk on that water.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it (Philippians 3:12-16 The Message).

Jan Cox

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it this year.

Meet Oswald Chambers - Nesdoly

(First published on my blog in June 2005.)

Despite the many unread books stacked beside my bed, because of a new habit I’ve fallen into, that stack is getting smaller more slowly than quickly. Each Sunday after church I feel tugged toward the church library. Yesterday I found a book I never even knew existed: Oswald Chambers: Abandoned To God – The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest, by David McCasland. As someone whose several-year-old copy of My Utmost is looking more worn by the day and yellow-highlighted to the ridiculous, this is a find indeed. I spent yesterday’s rainy afternoon becoming acquainted with one of my heroes.

I never knew, for example, that it was Chambers’ original intention to pursue a career in art, and that all his life he was a great supporter of reading widely and across the disciplines.

When (Major John ) Skidmore found himself in a mental cul de sac, emptied by his role of continually giving the truth out to others, he shared his dilemma with Chambers.

"What do you read?" Oswald asked.

"Only the Bible and books directly associated with it," Skidmore told him.

"That’s the trouble," Chambers replied. "You have allowed part of your brain to stagnate for want of use."

Within a few minutes, Oswald had scribbled out a list of more than fifty books – philosophical, psychological, and theological, dealing with every phase of current thought. In a follow-up letter to Skidmore, Oswald said: "My strong advice to you is to soak, soak, soak in philosophy and psychology, until you know more of these subjects than ever you need consciously to think. It is ignorance of these subjects on the part of ministers and workers that has brought our evangelical theology to such a sorry plight." (Page 156 & 157)

McCasland had access to original documents to write the book. The story he tells is enriched by Chambers’ own unique take on things in excerpts from letters, diaries and prayer journals. Here’s another bit on books, something Chambers wrote to his sister Florence on April 7, 1907:

I have been having a reveling few days. My box has arrived. My books! I cannot tell you what they are to me– silent, wealthy, loyal lovers. To look at them, to handle them, and to re-read them! I do thank God for my books with every fibre of my being. Friends that are ever true, and ever your own.... Plato, Wordsworth, Myers, Bradley, Halyburton, St. Augustine, Browning Tennyson, Amiel, etc. I know them, I wish you could see how they look at me, a quiet calm look of certain acquaintance. (Page 109)

Chambers also wrote poetry. Here’s a poem he wrote at the age of 22 (this was before he felt the call to become a minister)

PRELUDE BY CHOPIN
(Perth [Scotland], August 23, 1986)

O the wonder
Of that music in my ear!
How it touches–pains those fibres
Of my soul-life which I fear!
Fear because they wake emotions,
Whispers from another sphere.

Slow subdued a tender minor,
Constant, deep and wonder-ful;
Not a grief but something finer,
Something pure and spirit-ful
Underlies a great, strong yearning,
Weirdly strange yet power-ful,
Passionate, yet purely burning,
Disciplined, and prayer-ful. (Page 62)

And of course, there are the letter and journal snippets, which hearken so closely to the kind of thing one finds in My Utmost For His Highest, like this bit from a letter written on February 16, 1907:

I want to tell you a growing conviction with me, and that is that as we obey the leadings of the Spirit of God, we enable God to answer the prayers of other people. I mean that our lives, my life, is the answer to someone’s prayer, prayed perhaps centuries ago.

It is more and more impossible to me to have programmes and plans because God alone has the plan, and our plans are only apt to hinder Him, and make it necessary for Him to break them up. I have the unspeakable knowledge that my life is the answer to prayers, and that God is blessing me and making me a blessing entirely of His sovereign grace and nothing to do with my merits, saving as I am bold enough to trust His leading and not the dictates of my own wisdom and common sense... (Page 107)

A complete review of Abandoned to God with lots more about Oswald Chambers' life is here.

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Web: http://violetnesdoly.com
Blog: promptings
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