Archive for the 'Jade west' Category

February 2, 2007

Pour Out Your Heart
by Jade West

“…ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” ~ Psalms 62:8

Verses like this one that I found tonight make me think that the Bible was written just for me. A beautiful letter composed by the King of Kings just for me.Remember when I posted on honoring God on this journey a couple of weeks ago? Somehow, I thought that honoring God meant bearing this huge burden alone. You know “toughing it out”…
Yet He met me tonight to show me that it’s OK to be weak. It’s OK to feel sad about this move.

Pour out your heart before Him.

I read these words and found myself relieved. Standing in His presence, I handed over the burdens that weren’t supposed to be mine…and felt better than I had in weeks. I STILL want to honor Him on this journey but I’ve realized there’s a fine line between honoring God and trying to be God.

Real Quote: Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” –H. Jackson
Brown, Jr.

Filed under: Jade west, real devos

January 16, 2007

“But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.” ~ Psalms 79:52, KJV

My family is moving. Where to? We don’t know. My father got a job transfer this past week and we’ll be moving away from our home state to another state. We just don’t know which one yet.

As I read my Bible recently I came across the above verse. And I remembered the Israelites and their constant complaining. I don’t want to be like that–complaining constantly on the journey.

I want to honor Jesus on this journey. I want my attitude to be one that would please and glorify my God.

This move is my wilderness, but God is leading me and my family just like He did the Israelites.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to gvie them light; to go by day and night: “He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” ~ Exodus 13: 21-22, KJV

Jade is a RTF Staff writer!

Filed under: Jade west, real devos

December 18, 2006

by: Jade W.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word. “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, ‘Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.’ “And Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10: 38-42, KJV

I can almost picture Martha, bustling about the kitchen and fuming the entire time! Her thoughts I’m sure go something like this: Can Jesus not see how hard I’m working while my sister just sits idly? Of all the times, to leave the cooking and cleaning to me, she has to pick now! (more…)

Filed under: Jade west, real devos

December 4, 2006

From Suzie, RTFaith: I want to welcome Jade West, another amazing RT Staff writer!

The Fine Print
by: Jade West

“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 8:38-39, KJV

Most Christians live their entire lives waiting for “the fine print”. There’s got to be a line somewhere in the Bible that says: If you fail to tithe or attend church faithfully, then Jesus’ love for you is considered null and void. Or if you make a “big” mistake or commit one sin too many times. (more…)

Filed under: Jade west, real devos

November 20, 2006

By: Jade West

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God:” ~Psalms 143:10a

I’ve sang the song countless times. I’ve said the words: Have thine own way, during prayer. But my heart never REALLY meant them.

What I mean when I say those words is, Have thine own way, Lord, just don’t let your will make me uncomfortable or inconvenience me.

Or even worse: Have thine own way, Lord, just let your will be my will.

But our wills are seldom aligned.

His will is holy and just.

Mine is…selfish. Really selfish.

Recently, I met another young lady (who’s name I won’t reveal) for the first time. We didn’t really talk. We just exchanged a few brief comments.

It wasn’t a pleasant time. She appeared impatient and rude, but I dismissed it from my mind as soon as I left the scene of our meeting. I knew we’d meet again, so I figured there was no use in holding grudges.

I later learned this young lady claimed I had been rude to her.

I was outraged!

To say I was rude, wasn’t just incorrect–no, it was a lie. If anyone had been rude or shown even the slightest hint of unkindness, it had been this other young lady. Not me.

I told my mom this. She listened for a few minutes then suggested that perhaps I should just apologize. Apologize? Me? What for? What had I done?

I grunted and went in search of my younger sisters. They listened for a few minutes. But eventually went back to their games.

Finally, when I’d exhausted all other people with which to voice my complaint, I told God. “You know I wasn’t rude, Lord. I’m the one being wronged here.”

Apologize, I heard God tell me. Apologize–the word sounded strangely familiar…

“But it’s not fair, God! I’m the one who’s innocent! I’m the one who’s been wronged-”

“So have I been also. I am innocent. I have been wronged. If anyone has any right to bear a grudge, then certainly it is your most high Lord who was condemned to a sinner’s death, having done nothing wrong.”

Suddenly, I stopped.

Apologize, Jesus whispered again to my heart.

I sighed. “Lord, you don’t understand. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Is it not better to suffer a wrong than to turn someone away from me in anger? Do you not represent me in whatever you do–bad or good?”

I squirmed in my seat but refused to say I’d apologize…until Jesus asked my stubborn heart, “What if you’re the only glimpse she’ll ever see of me?”

I thought about that for a moment. I thought about heaven and hell, but more than that I thought about the horrible things that go on in our society. What if I WAS the only glimpse she’d ever see of Jesus’ love? Would she be able to see His love evident in my life? In my attitude?

Asking silent forgiveness for my stubborness, I promised to apologize next time I see the girl.

BIO: Jade still hasn’t seen the other young lady again. But she’ll keep her promise to the Lord and apologize at the first oppurtunity. Jade now reconizes that the words “have thine own way” aren’t something to be taken lightly but a commitment to obedience!

Filed under: Jade west, real devos