John 6:33, NIV, “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life, He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
I John 1:5, NIV, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you, God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all.”
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The above scriptures speak of a spiritual hunger and thirst for truth and righteousness. We live in a world of darkness and see the despair on the faces and in the lives of people everywhere, but we can have and be the light to those who don’t know the Savior sent to bring us light and salvation.. As we enter into a new season of Thanksgiving, I am always mindful of what all I have to be grateful and thankful for, but it is not just the season for thanks, but each and every day of my life I am amazed at the blessings poured out on me, my family and the ways God shows up and shows out in our lives to do His work and that of the Holy Spirit’s of healing, grace and forgiveness. His declarations spoken over our life brings wholeness, completeness and a reward not found in anything else. I hope He is real to your life as well, and you are blessed this Thanksgiving and the coming days into Christmas. Blessings to all this Thanksgiving season. JEM
Footnotes: I wrote the above poem thinking about the story of David and Jonathan in the old testament in I Samuel. When David was about to become the new king of Israel, Saul the present king, father of David’s friend Jonathan became jealous, angry and wicked, determined to kill David to keep the throne. Jonathan stood by and protected David with a plan to save him, even when his own life was in jeopardy.
I believe that whatever our situation or need whether it be one of great significance or not we just need one that will stand beside us, encourage us, pray with us, listen and be there as a friend who cares. JEM
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
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Footnotes: After taking a much-needed break and rest these last several months after my own bout with Covid and other health related issues I am once again back at my computer writing and blogging again for which I am so thankful and grateful to God who has blessed and helped me through my own storms. It is that peace that assures me that whatever my storm is I am going through he gives me grace and mercy through it all. JEM
With much of the U.S. – and elsewhere s around the world – in an isolated lock down mode we find ourselves vulnerable in many ways. We’re staying home, with our family more, closeted in ways where we were so free to move around, get out and enjoy the things we took for granted. The need for isolation to protect us all from the spread of Covid-19 has given us a new norm in how we have needed to adjust, to be creative even in making memorable moments with our family and loved ones. That is some of the good we are seeing. We are also seeing a new spiritual hunger in the world. People want hope, healing and assurance that we will get through this. People are wanting to touch base with their roots. when family time and attending church services together was important to them.
There are videos, and clips of media shown and shared of the ways families and friends are reconnecting with the required social distancing, sharing creative ways, making new memories, via of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People are connecting in new ways coming together with a common strength and unity. People are seen on their knees in prayer, attending church services online and contributing in ways to help provide for others in need. As we come into this Easter weekend to celebrate the resurrection of a risen Christ it need not be less a celebration because we cannot be together in a group or church setting, but more of one where we draw strength from one another even though apart physically. I believe this is a divine plan of God to allow us all a time of renewing our mind and hearts, a time that reminds us all that we are stronger as one, united in ways that enrich us all.
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 NIV
I pray God’s richest blessings on you and yours this Easter season and holiday however you may spend it, whether by watching a church service online or time spent with family members at home.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3 & 4, NIV New Testament Bible
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, NIV New Testament Bible.
Have you ever felt like this? You don’t understand what or why things happen in your life, or in the world that leaves you frustrated and worrying. You wonder what good can come out of a situation that has gone awry and out of control. But, when we let go of our fears, our worries, our hold on what consumes our thoughts and takes up residence in our mind, body and soul, we can experience a kind of peace that brings instead joy, contentment and assurance that all will work out for our good and according to God’s plan and purpose. Putting all our cares on Him and trusting Him in all that goes on in our life and in the world frees us from the bondage that the enemy, Satan uses to deceive, manipulate and control what we give him access and license to. Letting go of the fears that cripple us from experiencing all that God has for us and what He can do in and through us means using ‘Spiritual Warfare’ (God’s word) against our enemy’s attacks. Two scriptures I love that can help us find that help and peace of mind in these situations are found here,
Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me: he delivered me from all my fears.”
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” NIV
Scripture references for the story of Jesus’s birth can be found in the book of Luke, 2nd chapter of the New Testament, and also in Matthew, chapter 1: 18 – 25. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. vs. 23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is, God with us.”
To all my blogger friends and followers, thank you for following me through the years, for the likes, and all the kind and thoughtful comments, prayers and support. I was not as active on WordPress this last year taking a long rest after going through a painful divorce, and relocation to move forward in my life. It is because of God’s gift of love, giving us a Savior that abides with us through all of the times in our lives, the easy times and the worst of times that I know I would not be the person I am today without going through the process of spiritual growth and maturity I needed.
I want to wish you all a very happy, blessed and merry Christmas and hope that the new year will be good to you.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16 & 17. NIV
In Philippians, chapter 3, verses 12-16 Paul was addressing the church of Philippi about the highest goal of which we can all attain, that being the one called by God; to live according to His plan, for His glory not of our own flesh and earthly desires but of that which brings Him the glory for what he can do through us and in us. We may work hard and diligently at things that are self-seeking, things we want for ourselves, our goals and dreams for those that we think will bring happiness, success and gain. But what is not sanctioned, blessed and directed of and by God can only bring failure, dissatisfaction, and a searching for truth and reward. Only that which God offers can bring what we need and ultimately want to have; what no man or anything on this earth can take away or destroy, that which is called the “highest goal,” the “prize of the high calling of God” that Paul speaks about. To press on, to attain that goal is the easy and best part, but to work at being what God has called us to be requires commitment, dedication and is not self-seeking, but the reward is eternal. So many times I have worked and sought to bring about a result of self-satisfaction and gain for myself in what I have tried to do as a writer, or at anything I felt led to do on my own, only to fail at attempts that proved we are nothing without God and can only move forward by His grace and know a real peace that only He can bring. It is not what the world can give or anyone else but only through Him we have that which is the highest of goals attainable.
“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Philippians 3:16 NIV
I have two of the most thoughtful, loving daughters anyone could wish for. They have cried and laughed with me, loved me through the worst of times, supported me, and helped me adjust and get settled in a new place after my move last year. When I recently had a birthday my youngest girl brought me this little bouquet. We went out to dinner as a family that night and I was so thankful and grateful for all the ways God has provided for me and blessed me with good kids and grandkids. They are not perfect and I was not a perfect mom. No one is. But to see how they have turned out I am confident I did a few things right.
As Mother’s Day approaches I hope and pray for all the mothers, young and old out there that God will pour out His blessings and riches on all, for there is no greater calling or responsibility than being a mother. I pray they have guidance, wisdom, courage and strength.
Wishing you all a happy spring and a happy Mother’s Day out there to all moms, grandmothers , young and old.
The Sea of Galilee, Tiberias, Israel, May, 2001 photo credit: Joyce (Johnson) Mannhalter
The Galilee, quiet, cold and still
but for the ripples under a bright orange sky
lies in mournful praise. It was here
where once they’d gathered sharing life,
they’d fished and prayed,
but now the sea is silent like His grave.
as the sun sets, its reflections seen
over what looks like a stained glass sea
merging colors of purple, crimson red
for the bruised and broken Son of God,
the crucified Christ who suffered and bled.
Now their boats sit idly by with empty nets drawn in and dry.
His disciples aren’t here, gone to mourn their loss,
the Messiah, Savior Lord, whom they followed to His death.
the One who stilled the storm and taught
from a boat about faith, and hope
and how to believe for miracles received.
Did He not promise he’d return one day?
And find them again before going away
to reign with His Father and they would know
that what He said, He would do,
and that in His place would the Comforter come too?
So they left their nets and boats to moor
on the Sea of the Galilean shore.
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Joyce E. Mannhalter – April, 2019
The story of the Sea of Galilee and Jesus’s disciples can be found in the scripture passages here below: Matthew, 8: 23-27, chapters 14: verses 22-32, and chapter 17: 22 & 23. The promise Jesus made to his disciples of the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) that would come after he went away (after the resurrection) can be found in these scriptures here: John 14:16, 26, 15:26 & 27,and in chapter 16: verse 7. His promise made then for them and for all is the same today, and always. We have the assurance that whatever we face in life with all the challenges, the problems, the good, the bad and the ugly we have the assurance that our Redeemer lives, is still on the throne, and we will be comforted and shown grace and mercy. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today and forever.” KJV
In true Tanka form I welcome a new season, a new spring. The cold winter months might be gone for a season, but often there is another one or two big snowstorms that hit before really warm temperatures announce it summer.
It has been a long, dry season in my writing too, not because I did not want to post or write, but other things and obligations took precedence over that. During that period it was a time of self-reflection and I needed to prioritize what was most important at the time. It was a time of growth too, both spiritually and in learning how to become more self-sufficient as I am now single again. I am so grateful and thankful for the way God has revealed His plan and purpose in my life and shown me how much more I need to trust Him.
“Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7 KJV
And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you; for the Lord is a God of judgement; blessed are all they that wait for him. Isaiah 30:18 KJV Old Testament
one who needs help but there’s much we don’t know,
so in my place of quiet solitude
where my mind is stilled and I ponder all,
and for once not ask for myself to receive,
but offer up my prayers and pleas
for the one who needs divine intervention.
It is what God asks me to do,
it is what I do now, because I believe.
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Joyce E. Mannhalter (C) 2018
As I think back on this last year and what I have gone through with the challenges God put in my path there were times when I didn’t know if I could get through it. But, as time went on I realized it was the prayers and support of friends that cared when sometimes I didn’t know what to do because of the pain, bitterness and unforgiveness I carried in my heart. But, God calls us to have a forgiving and understanding heart and pray for the one who has hurt us. In Colossians 3:13 it says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Luke 6: 28 “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
I am so thankful for what I have learned through this last year as I went through a painful divorce. It has made me grow spiritually. This is the season of thanksgiving as we enter into a time of celebration of the birth of God’s son, and give thanks for what we have, and this is what I am most thankful for. Life is full of lessons in our journey and there is much we can learn and reflect back on. It can change us in ways that make us a better person. I believe it has done that for me. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. God bless you and yours.
Welcome to my website. I have a variety of just about everything here; poetry, prose, essays, fiction and inspirational stories. I hope you enjoy your reading experience . Thank you for visiting, and I hope you will stop by again. I love meeting new readers, followers and bloggers. Leave a comment if you like. All are appreciated.
Copyright: jem47reflections by: Joyce E. Mannhalter Johnson; All content here is created for your reading pleasure, and may be shared with credit given to the author, Joyce E. Mannhalter Johnson, but not to be copied, reproduced or rewritten by anyone except by author; Joyce E. Mannhalter Johnson. Thank you for honoring this request.
Sunset over Lake McConaughy, Ogallala, Ne.
Reflections 