Lora Jones's Blog, page 4

Genesis 8-9 – Waiting

“Father, we are grateful for your Word, and the lessons you share with us through the stories of the past. Today, please open our hearts to hear the Holy Spirit apply today’s reading in Genesis to our own individual lives. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

Pause and read Genesis, chapters 8 and 9.

Have you ever considered how long Noah and his family were waiting on the ark?  It took only forty days for the world to be covered with water, but it took many months for the water to recede.  The timeline is given in reference to Noah.  “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month” the rain began (7:11).  Five MONTHS later (8:3), the water line had only dropped down far enough for the bottom of the ark to touch land.  It took three MORE months (8:5) for the mountaintops to be visible!

After another grueling forty days, Noah sent out a raven to see what would happen.  Apparently there was enough food for the raven to eat because he did not return.  (Ravens are scavengers, willing to eat decomposing materials.)  So Noah sent out a dove to further test the water’s depth.  When the dove returned to him, he knew there was no vegetation for the dove to eat.  He waited another week before trying again.  This time the dove came back with a leaf in its beak.  Can you imagine the celebrating that night in the ark?!?  Again, Noah waited another week.  This time when he released the dove, she did not return.  I can only imagine the anticipation of standing again on solid ground!

How hard is it to wait when it seems the time has come?  God had closed the door, and certainly He would open it again…  If I had been Noah, I would have been bugging Him every day to let me out, or at least to tell me the plan!  Won’t you give me a clue God, what will happen next and when it will occur??

On Noah’s 601st birthday (8:13), he removed the covering from the ark and saw the ground again for the first time in 10 months.  But still he waited!! “By the twenty-seventh day of the second month the earth was completely dry.  Then God said to Noah, ‘Come out of the ark…’” (8:14-16).   Finally!!  Noah and his family and all of the animals had been in the ark for a little over a year!

Noah isn’t distracted by impatience.  Instead, his focus is on thankfulness.  As soon as Noah got off the boat, he took some animals and made an offering to God.  His grateful heart pleased the Lord so much that He promised to never flood the earth again, even though “every inclination of man’s heart is evil from childhood” (8:21).  Knowing full well that people would once again turn away from Him, God determined to keep His promise.   He sealed the promise with a rainbow.

Imagine what it must have been like to walk off of the ark into this new world.  The oceans were bigger, the landscape forever changed from the gullies left by the water.  The atmosphere probably felt different without the layer of water above the earth, and its absence would have made the sun more intense.  In addition to all of this change, the animals were suddenly afraid of them!  Then, incredibly, God gave permission to use the animals for food (9:2-3)!  Life would forever be shorter for all, man and beast.  The world was forever different, but a brilliant rainbow appeared in the sky, reminding them God’s faithful promises never change.

God repeated the command He gave Adam in Genesis 1:28.  “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth” (9:1).  Would they obey this time?

Questions for thought:

For discussion: What were the differences between Adam’s world and Noah’s?  How is our world different than Noah’s?
For thought: Are you patiently waiting for God’s next instructions in your life, or beating on the door of your ark of safety?

The post Genesis 8-9 – Waiting appeared first on Lora Jones Ministries.

Genesis 6-7 – The Flood

“Father, I’m so grateful for your Bible. Today, as I open it, will you help me see your love and forgiveness available for me? Open my heart and help me understand. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Open your Bible and Read Genesis 6 and 7.

God came to a very grave conclusion concerning man’s wickedness.  He would send a flood to destroy every living thing on earth, including the animals.  Nothing missed His eye as He looked across the world, including one man who walked with God in the midst of a world gone completely evil.

Noah was righteous (6:9) – not perfect, but righteous.  He was blameless because he knew how to find forgiveness in his walk with an Almighty God.  When we admit our sin, God forgives us completely.  He always makes a way to start over if we are willing to take it.  Because Noah followed God, God made a way to rescue him.  It intrigues me that God did not just take Noah out of the world like He did Enoch.  He literally made a way through the storm.  By doing this, He made a way for you and me to exist, and He made a way to keep His promise to Eve to defeat Satan through Jesus.

Noah was to build an ark, filling it with animals and his own family.  God gave specific instructions, and Noah followed every one (6:22).  God had thought of everything.  He brought all the animals to Noah, so he didn’t have to chase them down or worry about missing some (7:8-9).  He even shut the door (7:16).  After all, who else was going to shut it?

The outside of the ark was covered with pitch (like tar).  In this way, it would be waterproof and provide safe passage through the flood.  Interestingly, the Hebrew word for pitch comes from the same word as atonement.  Atonement means satisfaction for a wrong, or making amends.  Once again, God gives us a glimpse into His plan for our future.  Just as God made a way for Noah through the ark, God made a way for all of us through Jesus.  The symbolism in the Bible is amazing!  When we believe in Jesus, and recognize our sin against God, we find forgiveness.  Then we can have safe passage into our new, eternal life when we die.

When they were all safely inside, the rain began.  It wasn’t just rain, the underground springs burst and the water layer above the earth fell (7:11-12).  The earth was covered with water until the mountains were all at least 20 feet under water (7:20).  Stop and imagine how much water that is.  Everything died. Even the birds had no place to land and nothing to eat.  Can you see the tears in God’s eyes?

The flood came suddenly, but not without warning, to those who were seeking God.  Again, God gives us a picture into the future.  One day, Christ will return to this earth to claim those who are following Him who are still alive on earth, and to judge those who refused to believe.  It is a day that will come suddenly, but not without warning.   We have the warning in the Scriptures, available to all who will see:

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.  That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” Matthew 24:37-39.

Questions for thought:

For Discussion: What are the parallels between the flood and the final judgment of man?
For Discussion: What encouragement does the ark bring to the storms of your life?

The post Genesis 6-7 – The Flood appeared first on Lora Jones Ministries.

Genesis 5:1-6:6 – Generations

“Father, I’m grateful for the time to spend in your Word this morning. Help your words to stick in my mind, so that I can ponder them with you all day. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.”

Reading Genesis 5 might seem unnecessary because it simply lists the generations from Adam to Noah.  Don’t take the temptation to only scan over it.  It’s full of interesting information. Let me show you. Go ahead and read Genesis 5:1-6:6.

Notice how long everyone lived in those days! As we discussed in Chapter 1, the earth was surrounded by a layer of water, allowing all of nature, including man, to be protected, and live long, healthy lives.

If you draw a timeline and do the math, you will see 9 generations were alive at the same time! In fact, Noah is the first generation mentioned which came after Adam died. Amazing! If I trace one branch of my family back 9 generations, it would be 1677 in Long Island, New York. Can you imagine knowing your 6-great grandpa? I have no idea how many people have descended from those 9 generations in my family.  I can only imagine how many were in Adam’s family tree when the parents could conceive and bear children some 7-800 years instead of only 20-30! That is truly mind boggling.

One of the interesting characters in Adam’s genealogy is Enoch. It says, “Enoch walked with God, then he was no more, because God took him away” (vs.23). He simply disappeared into the presence of God. When we die, we will walk into the presence of God just like Enoch did. There is nothing to fear except possibly the process of dying. Enoch didn’t have to experience that process. Wouldn’t that be awesome?!

As the generations grew and people spread out across the land, their love for God faded away. Lost in their own lives, they forgot their Creator (6:5). The Lord was watching, and saw how wicked the world had become. In Genesis 6:6, we find one of the saddest verses of the Bible. “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.”

I think this verse shows one of the most personal glimpses we have into God’s heart. It hurt Him that His creation no longer loved Him. He created everything they would need. He loved them from the moment they were born. But they didn’t love Him in return.

When I read this verse, it tears at my soul. I don’t ever want God to look at me and be sad that He made me. I don’t want to fill His heart with pain. But I know I do sometimes. He provides everything I need. He loved me since the moment He surprised my 45 year old dad and 40 year old mom with my conception! Why would I ever want to disappoint Him?

Honestly, I’m tempted in the same way all of Adam’s descendants have been tempted. It’s the pride of living my own way instead of following His guidelines. I want things I shouldn’t have, or try to get them before God provides them. I grumble when things don’t go my way. It grieves God’s heart.

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Questions for thought:

1) For discussion: What should we do when we realize we have filled God’s heart with pain? Do you believe God gives up on us?

2) For thought: In what ways are you grieving God’s heart? Are you seeking forgiveness?

The post Genesis 5:1-6:6 – Generations appeared first on Lora Jones Ministries.

Song of a Wounded Heart

I curled up in my study chair with a blanket this morning, ready to start my day with prayer. The day ahead overwhelmed me. I’m emotional, feeling rather uncertain about the release of “my song” to the world today.  As I looked out the window, I tried to form words to say to my Lord. Instead, the tears just started dripping down my cheeks.

“Please use this for your glory.”

I know I don’t need to ask. It’s what He promised, and He always keeps His promises. Asking helps me remember though – and helps me push through the pain of obedience.

“Listen,” He said.

The hum of the furnace at first seemed to be the only sound. And then I heard them. Birds of all descriptions erupted in song. Soft coos, stuttering chit-chit-chits, and squawking cries mixed with the melodies of songbirds as they all proclaimed the appearance of the sun. I tried to separate out the sounds and determine how many different types of birds perched in my trees.

All different. Every species made by my Lord.

Each one singing their song.

The soft whistle of the tea kettle reminded me to pour myself a cup of tea. With a steaming cup in my hands, I returned to my chair. The beautiful sounds of the birds competed with the chaotic thoughts of my heart.

This is the beginning of something – it’s like stepping onto a train without knowing its destination.

I opened the book I’ve been reading for my reflection time with the Lord. It’s What if Jesus Meant What He Said? by Nate Bramsten. His topic has been denial of self. This is what I read:

“You hand God a blank contract to do as He wishes with your life, with your dreams, with your relationships, with your death. Remember, His care for you is unrivaled, His power is limitless, his love is eternal, and His wisdom is unfathomable. You can trust Him! The story He wants to paint on the canvas of your life is far greater than you could imagine. And it will be eternally significant.”

Eternally significant. That’s what I want – for God to use our story to lead others to Himself. And I’m confident that’s what  my husband, J. L., and children, Janessa and Jayden desire. They have the distinct advantage of seeing the destination of this train from heaven. Perhaps God has even allowed them to see some of the excursions ahead of me on earth.

My thoughts returned to the sound of the birds singing out my window. They don’t know the future either, they are only celebrating the warmth of the sunshine on this cold day with a joyful song.

Ok then. So will I.

“This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

My family’s story, Song of a Wounded Heart, releases as an e-book today.

Click on the picture to go to my website. Scroll to the bottom of the page for links to order the e-book from any of the online bookstores listed  (or check your own favorite, it may be there too!). It will be released in paperback form in June. These links will help you pre-order the paperback as well.

May God use this story to sing a song of hope to your soul.

The post Song of a Wounded Heart appeared first on Lora Jones Ministries.

Genesis 4 – Cain & Abel

“Father, open my heart to hear your corrections of my actions and attitudes. And please, don’t let me pass on my disobedience to those who call me mom. I know they will learn more by what I do than what I say. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Now, please read Genesis Chapter 4.

In time, Adam and Eve began having children. Genesis Chapter 4 tells us about two of their grown sons. Abel is a shepherd, and a follower of God. Cain is a farmer who doesn’t like rules. Adam and Eve’s struggle with obeying God continues in their son.

When the time came for them to make an offering to the Lord, Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock, and Cain brought some of the fruits of his labor in the soil. Genesis 4:4-5 tells us God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but not with Cain’s. Although it is not specified in these verses the specific reason why, we can get several clues from other verses of Scripture.

The Bible explains itself the more you read it.

Most scholars believe Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible, including Genesis. Thousands of years after Adam, he compiled the oral and written history of the Israelites for us, including the laws God had taught the people.  In one of Moses’ books, Leviticus 17:11 says, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”

In the New Testament, Hebrews 9:22 clearly says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Adam and Eve witnessed this when God killed an animal to provide the skins for their clothing following their sin in Genesis 3. God taught them what He required. Their offering for forgiveness was to include the shedding of an animal’s blood. It wasn’t a mystery to Cain what God wanted.

Although he knew what to do, it only made him angry, not repentant (feeling sorry for what he did). God asked him why he was angry: “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7).

With all of his heart, Cain wanted his own way. He did not want to follow God’s rules. That left him with only two choices. He could walk away from God in his anger, or he could admit his sin, and do what was right. He could choose to bring the sacrifice for forgiveness of sin by trading his brother some of his produce for a lamb.

Anger or repentance, what would he choose?

When sin gives birth to anger, it becomes your ruler. It controls your thoughts. That’s what God was trying to tell Cain. He needed to be in control, to master the sin, not let it master him. Cain did not heed the warning. Instead, he chose to kill Abel. “Why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” (I John 3:12).

Disobedience led to anger; anger led to murder; it all led to punishment. Cain was separated from God’s presence, just as his mother and father had been. Yet, even then, God made a way for repentance. He did not kill Cain, nor allow others to kill him.

God always allows a way back, if we are willing to take it.

That thread of hope continues to weave through the pages of this story, as Eve gives birth to yet another son, Seth. Seth’s family bloodline will lead us to Jesus (Luke 3:38 and Matthew 1).

Questions for thought:

1) For discussion: What’s the best way to teach a child about repentance (admitting they are wrong)? Why is it so hard for us to repent?

2) For contemplation: Check your anger. Are you angry with someone because they are right and you are wrong?

The post Genesis 4 – Cain & Abel appeared first on Lora Jones Ministries.

To my friends from Miami OK

Miami, OK became our home in 2000.

Home.

A place where you are known, loved and wanted. Home.

Over the years I’ve lived in many places. Each time we moved, I always took my heart with me. It was a conscious decision to let myself call the new place home, make new friends and embrace the change in our lives. Change always brings about some nervousness, but when you take your family with you as you go, there’s no reason to be afraid.

We moved to Miami in 2000. Jayden looked forward to the adventure. Janessa shuffled her feet forward, reluctant to leave her friends behind in Nebraska. J. L. and I saw it as a new beginning, a fresh start.

The people of Immanuel Baptist were so excited, and so kind, it was impossible not to fall in love with you immediately. Everywhere we went in Miami we met friendly people, always ready to strike up a conversation. The schools welcomed my children, and we formed friendships with people in the city.

I felt hope stir within me – something that had been missing for a while. I needed rest, both physically and emotionally.  Everyone seemed to sense that need and asked nothing of me. You simply loved me – and my family.

When you loved my family, you had my heart.

Miami became my home.

Then the unthinkable happened. J. L., Janessa and Jayden left us for heaven one icy night. I didn’t think my heart could survive at all, much less ever feel hope again.

But you built a wall of love around me. I felt safe and defended. Within those walls, God met my needs and slowly began the mending of my heart. I could never recount the thousands of ways you helped me but let me list a few.

You mowed my lawn, unclogged my sink, repaired my washer, and changed the oil in my truck. Someone gave me a car and hundreds of you donated money into a bank account for me. Others took me to lunch, invited me to their homes, or took me to ballgames or community events. You sat at my table over a cup of tea, played cards with me, or brought me gifts in memory of my children. Some of you regularly cleaned my gutters, while others carried out the ashes from the fireplace. An entire brigade of people moved me to my new house.

Whether sitting quietly holding my hand, or helping me laugh by reminiscing with me, you took care of me. Countless numbers of you prayed for me and over me.

You weren’t afraid of my tears.

Thank you seems like such a small word for the people who helped me survive. God used your words, your prayers and your kindness to minister to me. I’m forever indebted to you, because there’s no way to repay you.

I love you. Thank you for loving me.

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