Easter On Our Mind

 Easter On Our Mind

Easter is on the minds of Jesus’s followers. Surrounded by new life – budding flowers, emerging leaves, and a rejoicing sun, at springtime, we are drawn to contemplate the amazing kindness of God. Though we have so often failed to walk His way, His mercy rings out and His forgiveness calls softly saying we are His beloved children. Fixing our eyes on the wondrous cross, where Jesus sacrificed His life and recalling the empty tomb where He was once laid is cause to worship the One who gave up His son for our freedom from sin.  

God’s love so deep He designed a plan to preserve us for eternity. Jesus agreed to the plan giving His life’s blood for the forgiveness of our sin (Hebrews 12:2). It was required once and covered all that accept this gift of forgiveness. No matter our past, present, or future He has shed His innocent blood for our guilty soul. He remembers(d) us and with grace proves(d) His love. Easter – a time to consider deeply God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

by Joy Pedersen

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

On Being A Woman

 

On Being a Woman

 

Luke 8:1-3 (AMP): Soon afterward, Jesus began going around from one city and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve [disciples] were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, called Magdalene [from the city of Magdala in Galilee], from whom seven demons had come out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means [as was the custom for a rabbi’s disciples].

Accepting who we are is often a journey. Like others, my personal struggle came as a result of being ‘mishandled’ by the opposite sex. It felt unsafe and somewhat scary being a girl - though it was God’s perfect choice. After processing and maturing more spiritually I came to accept myself as created. As a grown woman, I have a deep gratitude for His design for my life.

Now I can see the beauty of God’s design and His hand of protection, care and provision for me as a woman. There is the enjoyment of friendships that focus and communicate the things God spoke in His Word.  Listening and talking over the challenges, sharing victories, weeping over loses, rejoicing at the little things in life, and having coffee/tea while discussing the great and small things that trouble women is my favorite thing. How I love spending time with my children, listening and sharing life with them as a mother is so precious's.

Jesus sees our troubles and offers loving help through God’s Word. As women He speaks to each of our roles whether wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and /or friend with wise guidance. His loving respect of and value of women can be seen as He ministered with them during His teaching on earth.

If you haven’t resolved how God chose to design you, ask God to show you His love and make a list of what is great about being you!

by Joy Pedersen

PEACE

PEACE

Philippians 4:8-9(ESV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Something that we each want and search for is peace. To get it, there is a price to pay. When there is war, the sacrifice of lives is devastating. The world tries to attain it through negotiations and compromise. But the personal war we are faced with through illnesses, divorce, abuse, aging, and oppression will rob us of peace if we don’t also manage our thinking and focus. In this case the cost is dying to self and absorbing the peace that only God can give. So, how do we gain peace? We learn from God’s Word, and fix our mind and heart on Jesus Christ.

Personally, Philippians has been a great teacher on the subject. Coming to the One (God) who knows and cares about our troubles is the only way I have found peace. Yes, it is necessary to face the valleys in life honestly with truth and reckon with our limitations. It is necessary to process the physical and emotional issues that seem debilitating at times. Having experienced an unwanted divorce and illnesses creating limitations, sacrificing self-pity and grumbling is my sacrifice to obtain peace. I have found it is impossible to experience peace unless I can refocus on those things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, or excellent. For me, these are found enjoying a simple meal, writing, examining scripture, reading, playing a game, and especially being with loving people. Learning to be content wherever I find myself is the most peaceful place. Accepting the way things are, and allowing God to give me the  strength to handle my weaknesses brings internal peace even if external things don’t change.

Contentment and peace walk hand in hand. Reframing our thinking and rejoicing over the things that are true (His truth), honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise worthy is the key. Practice turning the darkness off and the light of truth on – it has made all the difference for me – and it can for you as well. 

by Joy Pedersen

Life's Surprises

 John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Life holds a variety of surprises! We love the pleasant and resist the difficult. Each of us face challenges and joys. We either hope the day will never end or that we can turn the clock back and start over. When we are in a season of difficulties, we may wonder “why me”? Unfortunately, since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the world and all that is in it face painful things.

Health issues have left me limited. I have dealt with smaller things like a skinned knee as a child, and larger ones like being abandoned by a spouse. Some were the result of poor choices that have brought pain. Others were the by-product of others and their wounding. Situations and circumstances can feel overwhelming in this world. Sometimes self-pity is banging at the door. It isn’t a surprise, however, that the world is troublesome.

Listening to people relate their problems, it often sounds surprising that they experience troubles.  Jesus spoke to his twelve disciples about the trouble they would face. Referring to his own crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. It seemed unimaginable that trouble was on its way. So, Jesus explained in simple terms what they needed to prepare for, “In this world you will have trouble.”  Thankfully He didn’t stop there. He ended with an encouraging promise that spoke to them and us, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He didn’t say trouble was ending. He reminded them and us that there is nothing in the world that He is unable to see us through. He is greater than our troubles. He is our overcomer! In the whirlwind of life, He is able to do more than we can imagine. Go without fear of what lies ahead, He is already the victorious One over the world and the trouble in it.

John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Life holds a variety of surprises! We love the pleasant and resist the difficult. Each of us face challenges and joys. We either hope the day will never end or that we can turn the clock back and start over. When we are in a season of difficulties, we may wonder “why me”? Unfortunately, since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the world and all that is in it face painful things.

Health issues have left me limited. I have dealt with smaller things like a skinned knee as a child, and larger ones like being abandoned by a spouse. Some were the result of poor choices that have brought pain. Others were the by-product of others and their wounding. Situations and circumstances can feel overwhelming in this world. Sometimes self-pity is banging at the door. It isn’t a surprise, however, that the world is troublesome.

Listening to people relate their problems, it often sounds surprising that they experience troubles.  Jesus spoke to his twelve disciples about the trouble they would face. Referring to his own crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. It seemed unimaginable that trouble was on its way. So, Jesus explained in simple terms what they needed to prepare for, “In this world you will have trouble.”  Thankfully He didn’t stop there. He ended with an encouraging promise that spoke to them and us, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He didn’t say trouble was ending. He reminded them and us that there is nothing in the world that He is unable to see us through. He is greater than our troubles. He is our overcomer! In the whirlwind of life, He is able to do more than we can imagine. Go without fear of what lies ahead, He is already the victorious One over the world and the trouble in it.

by Joy Pedersen

From the Clear Hope Team

Dear friends, 

We ask if you would pray about giving towards Clear Hope Association and its upcoming needs.  As the first book is in print, funds are needed to continue the 2^nd book in the series. The Soul in Love. We can’t begin to express how labor intensive each step of the process is for Joy, but God is good.  We are already seeing individuals and relationships on the path of healing plus strengthening of faith in our Lord Jesus during group studies with the material. Would you consider partnering with us?  If you find it in your heart to give, please see below in our website for options. We are so thankful for the women and men that have been so faithful in their giving over the years.  Without you, this ministry would not be possible. More than ever, your prayers are needed. 

 

Book #1 The Heart of Love: Consider this book for your gift giving this year!

Doesn’t everyone want to feel deep love and intimacy? As followers of Christ, Jesus tells us to love with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Often, past events or people have hurt us and interfered with our ability to fully give and receive love. Left unhealed, a search for love through our afflictions often leads to poor choices and reactions that cause more hurt. Tired of the past impacting your present? Study and apply the truths of the Word with a heart moving closer and closer to the lover of your heart. 

Book #2 The Soul in Love:  Coming in the next few months! 

What is the soul, and what does it involve? Understanding how the soul fits into our spiritual makeup is important so we can love God with all of it. Enticements and choices made are often confusing and detrimental to maturity. It is important to look at the soul infected, influenced, inspired, and infiltrated. Are you hoping to increase your relationship with God and others? Committed time of introspection through these pages will help you examine your love life, wean out the things that hold you back, and lean into the One who loves you most.

Pre-Order your copy now! Order through Contact on our website. 

https://clearhope.org/

 Brief Biography: Joy Pedersen founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ. 

 

LET US ADORE HIM

 

LET US ADORE HIM

Our preparation for Christmas comes to a close this week. I like others are wishing you a merry Christmas. As I think of the original time when Jesus was born, celebration had just begun. The first recorded visitation with Jesus as an infant were the shepherds. How they found out is amazing. The announcement came directly from God by an angel surrounded by a bright light in the dark of night. There were no phone calls or emails or texts – instead, angels! So personal majestic and elegant with a choir of angels!

Their response after hearing, was to immediately go and see if it was true. They went with adoration for the Christ child. As we celebrate His birth, let us imagine being at the manger bed of Jesus like the shepherds. Let us adore Him singing songs, worshipping, meditation, and thanking Him for this love sacrifice that came to earth to bring salvation for mankind.

Luke 2: 8-18  (MSG) There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them, and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing.

By: Joy Pedersen

Dear Beloved

 

Dear Beloved, 

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have entered the holiday season that calls us in so many directions. Friends, family, and fellow brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ unite to celebrate with thanks for all that God has blessed us with. This climaxes to the birthday celebration of our King Jesus. As this happens my heart overflows giving thanks for each one who has been part of ministering through prayer, teaching, encouraging, and expanding in other Christ centered arenas. As I think of each person, it is as though you have been gift-wrapped with a beautiful bow and given to me. You are priceless gifts. My love is deep. 

Appreciatively, 

Joy Pederson