“The RoseBouquet”

Jesus continues His instructions to His workers before they go out on their mission assignment. He says when they enter a new town or village they are to inquire as to who is deserving and to stay in that home until they leave the community.

No, they had no motels there, but hospitality comes naturally to people in the middle east. It was a matter of choosing your host wisely. Someone deserving.

Then, as you enter the home you were to give it your greetings of peace. If it were deserving, your peace was to settle on it - meaning, I suppose, that you’d all get along well together and be able to bless one another.

If that home did not deserve your peace, Jesus said, it would come back to you. So rather than getting all ruffled, you would know it was time to leave.

Particularly, if no one welcomed you or listened to your message, Jesus directed to leave that house and the community, and shake their dust off your feet. Do you see the symbolism in that act? The problem was to remain there. Don’t take it with you and stew over how they treated you.

Jesus says that Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed with a rain of fire and brimstone for their sins, will fare better in the final judgment than such a home or community in God’s judgment day.

You will be avenged, so leave your emotional dust from that situation behind, and move on to the next one. Don’t let resentment or bitterness come away with you.

PRAYER: Oh Lord God, I see good advice here for many situations. It is so easy to take offense at how people treat me, or don’t treat me, and then that colours everything I do after that. Somehow, Lord, I need to develop a habit of shaking the dust off when I leave such people, and let You deal with them in Your way and in Your time. I have a mission to carry out! Amen.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Oh, how sweet to have a friend who’d drop everything and come when you need her. Ruthe, the heroine of this novel, dashes away from her own grad when her friend Muriel calls. Don’t you wish you had a loyal, caring friend like that? Buy and READ Ruthe’s Secret Roses! e-Book edition Softcover edition.

Here we find Jesus’ instructions to His disciples before sending them out to help with the harvest. They were not to go to the gentiles or Samaritans at this point. Only to the Jewish people.

As they went they were to preach or announce that the kingdom of Heaven is near. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, and drive out demons.

They were not to take along extra money or clothing, for - Jesus said, “The worker is worth his keep.” (or hire, salary).

This I find interesting. Most mission boards ask their recruits to raise a full salary before they are sent abroad. Jesus however, plans to provide for His workers as they have need.

There have been times over these years in my parents’ home as their caregiver, trusting God to provide for my needs, I’ve pleaded with God to give me a regular salary. But I’d told Him in the first place that I was coming here to do this as service unto Him, and I see the Lord has kept me here under His preferred terms.

That is, He provides for my needs as they arise and I ask for each item specifically, (sometimes even when I haven’t asked). This has kept me closer in trust and a humble relationship with Him, then before when I worked for a salary and was almost always in debt.

Understanding dawns as I compare the two lifestyles from a spiritual perspective. I’m sure God can use both methods, but in today’s western culture, many find it hard to trust God’s provision so literally. I guess I need to take a fresh look at the lessons I have learned in trusting through my non-salary years.

PRAYER: Lord, I think I’ve stumbled onto something. I need to look again at how I was praying before I made this move, and how wonderfully You have provided for me, even though I’ve done without some “stuff.” Others might be open to learning from my experiences, right? We really can trust You - and then focus on the work!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. What high school grad would skip her banquet to dash away to help a friend in a crisis? Would you? Ruthe does this right at the beginning of this story. She can be quite daring for a shy, small town girl, when it is for others’ sakes. You’ll like her spunk! Get “Ruthe’s Secret Roses.” the softcover at Booklocker.com

I’ve never noticed this before, but immediately in the next chapter, Jesus’ prayer for more laborers in the harvest is answered as He calls His own disciples together and gives them authority to drive out evil spirits and sickness. All twelve are named, and the rest of the chapter is Jesus’ job orientation or training session.

Because of space restraints we’ll study it in short sections. Today we’ll look at the authority or job assignment given, and who the new workers are.

Jesus gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to cure every kind of disease and sickness. That was the job description, and what a job! Can you see yourself doing this kind of work?

It’s not a mere-______ (fill in yours) job. This involves driving out evil, and healing people, doing a lot of good, meaningful work. Nor would it be dull.

Jesus had twelve close followers by this time, so He recruited them all to train and do this work. They are named; Simon (also called Peter), his brother Andrew, James and John, sons of Zebedee, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James, son of Alpheaus, and Thaddaeus, Simon the zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

See how they are paired off to work together. No one has to tackle the job alone when they are sent off to different towns and villages.

What shall we learn for ourselves from this? Setting aside any self-analysis we’ve done of ourselves as workers or followers of Jesus before, are we available for this kind of assignment? Jesus probably will train us for such ministry-type of work too, if we but agree to His appeal for workers. Are we willing to work in partnership with someone else? Someone like a brother or sister?

PRAYER: Yes, Lord, I would be willing to work for You. I am nervous about the job, though, it looks rather big. Nor am I sure one of my natural sisters would work with me, but I guess You know whom to pair up.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. How can you be sure you would like an e-book before you pay for it? In a store you’d stand and read a couple of chapters first, right? Sit down, take your time; READ eight chapters of Ruthe’s Secret Roses for free!

Jesus was going through all the towns and villages, teaching, preaching and healing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses.

People crowded Jesus and His disciples wherever they went. Can you picture the line-ups as families brought their loved one to be healed? Those waiting all tried to watch the one being healed at the moment, and those who had just been healed may well have lingered to watch the next ones. What congested crowds!

Perhaps Jesus had His disciples heal too, as He’d taught them how.

Modern celebrities have their best friends muscle a path through the crowds so they can get away. Jesus didn’t ask His disciples to do that. Instead, He dealt with people individually, healing one after another, - and, He commented to His disciples on His over-all impression of the crowd. He said, “They’re harassed and helpless, like a flock of sheep without a shepherd.”

Not only that, He saw that there was more work than they could accomplish by themselves, and it was draining work. So He gave this advice, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.”

Whoa, this adds another flash of insight. Jesus saw all these crowds as a harvest field belonging to God, our Father, and that ministering to them was bringing in the harvest. If the job is too big, you don’t give up, You ask the owner of the harvest to send in more workers to gather it up!

If you and I are serving the Lord in Christian ministry, and we get overwhelmed by all there is to do, we now know what to do. Not give up. But ask God to send more workers to do the same work!

PRAYER: Oh Lord God, I am a worker in Your harvest too, am I not? It often looks overwhelming to me too. Far more than I can do in my corner alone! Yes, please send more workers in to preach the good news of salvation, and to heal the sick and broken-hearted.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Do you eat novels like chocolates? Here’s one with both weight and excellent flavour! For a satisfying treat, read Ruthe’s Secret Roses

[Sorry! With all that we had going on here yesterday - Christmas Day - I didn’t get to this in the morning and forgot in the evening when the company left. It was a very “Happy tired”].

Another healing happened as they were going out of the house they had just been at. A mute man, possessed by a demon was brought to Jesus. Of course Jesus drove out the demon and set the man free. Immediately, the man could speak.All those watching were amazed, and exclaimed that this was one miracle that had never happened before. Never in all Israel.

Naturally, there were the religious Pharisees hanging about, and watching too. Their reaction was that this was something Jesus did by the power of demons.

Think! Does that make sense? Would demons would cast out themselves or one another? If they had the power?

In another instance Jesus said that His ability to heal proved He also had the power to forgive sins. Can you imagine demons having the power - or ever wanting to - forgive sins?

I’ve experienced it too. I have God work a miracle in my life, and the ones who downplay it and even try to say it was nothing of true value, nor even of God at all, are our church leaders. This is disappointing, and can cause us to doubt we experienced the good miracle we had. It’s a ploy of Satan to work after the fact, to negate our happiness in God’s power in our lives. Believe me, more of us need to be healed of our silence. We don’t speak up for the Lord, or for those being slaughtered, such as the unborn.

Do you see the implications? We may not be physically mute, but if we haven’t the courage to speak up when we should, might is it a demon that keeps us silent?

PRAYER: I confess, Lord, I’ve kept silent when I should have spoken. I notice however, that You ignored those who accused You of healing by black magic powers, and You went on doing right. Our Father and Avenger will deal with the false accusers. Lord, help me not to be afraid or muted by them!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You’ve heard of power naps at work, right? You rise refreshed, bright and alert. Take a break to refresh your spirit with a good inspirational story.

Jesus was just leaving the previous scene when another happened. Two blind men began shuffling after him, and calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

When Jesus had gone in at the next place, these blind men came in also, and He asked them directly, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They assured Him that yes, they believed He could. Then He touched their eyes and said that it would be done to them according to their faith. Their sight was restored.

Jesus warned them not to tell this around, but they were so excited, they ignored the injunction and spread it all over the region.

That they addressed Jesus as the Son of David in the first place, indicates that they recognized Him as the Messiah. It was a well-known term, for God had promised long ago, a son to sit on David’s throne forever.

However, what speaks to me here today is that Jesus wanted to know if they really believed He could heal them. You and I must admit that sometimes we pray our prayers so casually, we’re not really sure He is going to answer them. It pays to ask ourselves whether we really believe He will.

When Jesus touched their eyes, He told them they would receive their sight to the degree they believed. This is something I’ve begun to notice. When God answers my prayer it is often only to the degree that I believe He will.

Did you realize we have this effect on the miracles we ask the Lord for? We could have more if we believed Him for more. We get less of a miracle when we believe less that He can and will do this.

Believing alone, doesn’t always make things come to pass. We have to ask for things in line with His will, but assuming we do, we have some influence on what we get.

PRAYER: Oh Lord! Help me to worship and believe You MORE!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You don’t really have time to read on the couch, but if you’re like me, you do read snatches on the run, and somehow make time to read a GOOD book completely.

So how can you be sure this Ruthe in the book is not some kook? Read the eight sample chapters.

Have you ever noticed how much of your life happens while you are on the way to another happening? It was that way with Jesus.

A ruler in the community came to Jesus on his knees to ask Him to bring his just-died daughter to life. Jesus had compassion on this desperate man who wasn’t ready to accept the death of his darling girl. Jesus got up and went with him.

A woman with a bleeding disorder of twelve years standing was in the crowds as the ruler, Jesus, and His disciples hurried past. (I’m sure the ruler set a good jogging pace!) She said to herself, “If only I can touch Jesus’ hem, I will be healed.” She did!

Immediately Jesus turned around and saw her, but not to scold. He spoke kindly, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.”

Yes, just like that. The smallest effort to reach out in faith to Jesus is rewarded.

Don’t you want to reach out to Jesus too? You know that if you connect with Him, something wonderful is going to happen to you. Long-standing problems will clear up. You’ll be free of them! Your hopes might be as dead as Jarius’ daughter, but if Jesus commands them to rise, they will. For sure!

Jesus told the mourners that the girl was not dead but asleep. They laughed at Him; they knew what death looked like.

God has placed these stories in the Bible to give You and me hope for our situations. Let’s reach out and touch Him! Let’s invite Him to resurrect our precious hopes and dreams. Within the parameters of His prefect will, of course.

PRAYER: I realize just now, Lord, that You have done this for me many times already, but I need Your healing and resurrection work in my life again and again. Please let me connect and draw healing and help from You. Thank You that You notice when I reach out.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Wish you could have a heart-to-heart talk with God?

Ruthe does. All the time, where ever she goes, she’s having a running conversation with the one she calls Lord, or my Best Friend. You’ve got to meet Ruthe! AND her Secret Roses.

Yes! Most of my mail went out yesterday. I still have a few stragglers, ones into which I wanted to tuck something extra, that I hope to finish tonight - or tomorrow at the latest. I know they won’t arrive before Christmas, but it just can’t be helped! I’m doing the best I can.

Part of the problem was waiting for postage funds to come in answer to prayer, and part of it was a few “unexpected” events.

I did get a nice gift of money from one dear friend last week, but she knows me, so she clearly specified that I must spend it on myself, and she wants an accounting! Hm.m.. I guess postage can’t be justified then. So I kept on praying and preparing my mail. On Saturday they began to stack up. On Monday this week, two other gifts came without strings attached.

I’d also decided to set aside the evenings of this week as “vacation” time and give it over to Christmas preparations.

On Monday evening, Dad’s friend Jona came back and as he watched me print out my sheets, fold, address and wrap them in on-the-spot made envelopes, he was amazed that I’d go to so much work over what he thought was just Christmas cards.

I said, “Oh no, Jona! These are much more. I can’t afford to go buying gifts for all my friends, so I write a Christmas story, and long letter, and design a card (this year more like a postcard you could hang up). This way I can give everyone something personal and unique - without having to spend hours shopping for gifts I can’t afford.

Mind you, I’m still planning to print and maybe frame a few pictures for immediate family, and maybe I’ll even have time to whip up some treats in jars.

See why some people call me Faithful, and some call me Resourceful?

Or as my mother would say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.“

As I hinted last week, I didn’t get enough holidays this year, so I’m cramming them in now. This week I’m taking evenings off to get my Christmas stuff done. (My brother thinks he’s in too much emotional pain to come, but I’ve invited two other friends, so I think we’ll have a good time on Christmas Day. I’ll find a way to barge in on Tom with a meal too).

My real treat will come next week, when I’m taking the mornings off (just four days) for a prayer retreat. I need to talk over my priorities and agenda with the Lord again before 2007. In the afternoons I’ll deal with emails so I don’t get flooded, but then in the evenings, I’m going to go to a writing binge, and work on my second novel.

I promised some fans that I would really try to get at least the first draft done this year. But then the extra hosting clients came along, and I gave up my writing night for business purposes. I probably won’t get it finished in four evenings, but I should sure make a good dent and get several chapters finished. What’s more, it will be having so much fun - I may even feel guilty about it. As if indulging in too much chocolate!

All this means of course, that my blogs and ezines will be silent until the first week in January. I’m hoping you’ll be resting up from all your feasting and sorting out your own priorities and stuff, so you won’t really miss me.

There will be one more note this week, when my story gift and annual Christmas letter and card are ready for you to download. It isn’t quite in place yet.

I’ve dabbled in poetry writing this week. It needs more polish, but I thought today was the day to share it in Ruthe’s Roses in place of an article.. The thoughts come from Proverbs 8:23-31 NIV which is quoted on my Christmas card.

Subscriber notes;
Poor Tess is having troubles getting my ezines. I do hope we can get that worked out soon!

Denise liked last week’s article on Being Well for the Holidays: ” I just want to thank you for this … immediately, it got my attention! Great insight, and advice for a healthy, blessed and miraculous holiday season! May God continue to proper you with an open heaven in 2007!”

Barb writes; “ I too am taking some time the week after Christmas to attempt to set some priorities so I can do all of these things and still leave some time for my own writing. And, I have been working on a story collection and a novel but the inspirational book I have had in mind for several years, has been on a COLD back burner. I would like to at least get some sort of outline for what I want to do with this idea and possibly make that my major pursuit in 2007. Good luck to us both to straighten out our lives–with God’s directing, of course.”

There’s more. I just picked a couple to give you a taste of the feedback I enjoy.

Here’s a sweet trick I picked up while struggling to solve this problem in recent weeks. If a cartridge does not seem to work, take it out and rub the base on a folded paper towel. Preferably one that does not fray or lint easily.

No ink spot showing up? Then get more drastic. Pour or spray a thin layer of window cleaner (ie. Windex) in a plastic lid with a rim. Set the cartridge in there for a few moments. Now try it again on the paper towel. Voila! The ink jets should be unclogged. If not, try a another minute or so. When ink flows, dry well on the paper towel, and put back into the printer.

One more Good Tip: Been holding off on getting a SiteBuildIt!? They’re priced now at 2 for 1 until midnight of Christmas Day! SiteBuildIt! One for you, and one for someone else.