The Blood of Jesus Medley - FBC Jacksonville, FL

Treasured friend,

I believe you'll find meaningful this medley of songs that remind us of the power and sweet comfort found for Christ-followers in the precious blood He shed on Calvary for us.

I'm in the process of writing a new devotional book that's due to the publisher in just a few weeks. So I've been remiss in staying in close touch with you here this month. But I know you'll find good, solid biblical encouragement in this clip. I'm listening to it this morning as I write the next chapter of my book -- and I pray it will serve as a powerful backdrop to your service for Christ today.

You're in my thoughts and prayers right now!

Blessings,

Julie

2013: Another Opportunity to Bring Praise to His Glory

Treasured friend,

As 2013 begins, I've been meditating on Ephesians 1, specifically vv. 3-14. The phrase that jumped out at me this morning comes from the middle of that passage:

Ephesians 1:11-12 (HCSB)
¹¹ We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will,
¹² so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory.

Two issues here strike me as particularly relevant to my caregiving journey today. First, from v. 11: God has a purpose and works everything out in agreement with His decisions. That's sometimes a tough pill to swallow when we're watching loved ones suffer. But it's also reassuring, as not one millisecond of pain, illness, fatigue, frustration, or sadness takes our loving God by surprise--or can derail His decided and eternal will.

This leads to the second observation from v. 12: in the good times, we've declared our trust in Him. So now, in the rough times, can we do anything but rest assured that He will use even these trials to bring praise to His glory?

It reminds me of that great line in the Westminster Confession ... that our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This passage from Paul confirms that statement. I want to "bring praise to His glory" even in our household's current heavy trial. That's my goal for 2013 -- no matter what it ultimately holds.

And for you, dear friend, I pray that God will continue to confirm His good work in your circumstances -- so that you, too, will continue to bring praise to His glory.

New Year's Blessings and prayers,

Julie

 © 2013, Julie-Allyson Ieron. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, email: orders@joymediaservices.com

Kindle Edition - Steep Discount Tonight!

Treasured Friend,

I don't know how long this will last, but the Kindle edition of: The Overwhelmed Woman's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents is on sale tonight for $1.99. Get it while it's cheap -- you can even order it for friends and have it delivered to their Kindles. Thanks to Moody Publishers for making this possible! Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00371V8RS


Blessings and prayers,

Julie © 2012, Julie-Allyson Ieron. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, email: orders@joymediaservices.com

It's Christmas -- Again!

Treasured friend,

It’s Christmas—or nearly so. And the Christmas story in one verse pretty much boils down to: 

GodsolovedtheworldthatHe GAVE … 

True, it's always been all about celebrating the giving of Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for our sin, the Savior of our souls. But what if the real meaning isn't about giving any more than it is about getting? What if the real motivation is hidden in that quickly glossed-over section of John 3:16:

For GOD so LOVED …

We suspect the essence of the story of the birth and death of the Son of God is wrapped in these words: God loved. Because His heart beats with kindness, with compassion, with unmerited mercy, with amazing grace, with longing, with love for the helpless beings He created in His own image—He gave Himself away. But again, the giving away isn't the big story—it’s all about that amazing God-love that was fueling and underwriting it. In the same way, as recipients of the God-love in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, we gain the potential of reflecting and exhibiting that love.

Like you, we've had a challenging year—with lots of opportunities to show that love—along with grace and compassion. We've had the shock of a devastating diagnosis for Dad. We've had even more sadness as we've said, “Goodbye for now,” to several lifelong friends.

Like we said, we've had lots of opportunities to show love in our little circle this year. We’re asking for our heavenly Christmas gift to be all about expanding our capacity to love God and love others as God loves us. Our prayer for you is the same—that together we’ll be equipped to live this love so anyone who does not know God will see Him unmistakably in us.

A blessed Christmas from our house to yours! 

Blessings and prayers, 

Julie 

© 2012, Julie-Allyson Ieron. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, email: orders@joymediaservices.com