Jennifer O. White

A few weeks ago I made one quick  phone call to a friend in Dallas that I’ve  never met in person. But I know her. I know her heart because we communicate online and by phone. Day in, day out – Eryn lives to serve Jesus.

The phone call was prompted by Sundi Jo, another Jesus loving, Jesus serving friend. She was very concerned about Rebekah, a 19 year old young woman traveling back to Branson by bus. The problem was she was going to spend way too many hours at the Dallas bus depot by herself and travel by herself. Rebekah’s nickname is Shorty because she’s small enough to pass as a 12 year old. Sundi Jo asked me to pray for Shorty.

Within a few minutes of hearing Shorty’s situation, Eryn was eager to help. She made several phone calls to friends in the area and before the night was over Shorty had new friends calling, praying, visiting her at the bus station, and bringing her food.

Along her journey, Shorty had several opportunities to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of other travelers and employees of the bus system.  I asked her to share her experience with you because it is such an inspiration to take time to do the small things for others.

I learned so much in this experience. God confirmed to me that:

• Praying and then doing what I can to help someone. One phone call costs me less than 5 minutes of my time.
• Inviting others to help shares the blessing. Eryn was in tears over what she witnessed God doing for Shorty.
• The ripple effects of one act of kindness are greater than I ever imaged.
• The Spirit of Jesus is a powerful force of comfort, provision, and shelter that is delivered through His people.

I hope you are as inspired as I am. I would love to hear how God has multiplied an act of kindness you gave or received. Share in the comments below.

Thanks to Jonathan Pearson for sharing with us how his life has changed by the mysterious and unending love of Jesus.

Because of Jesus.

That really sums up my story, my life, my motivation for living, my decision making, my everything. I’ve been blessed beyond measure and cared for beyond what I deserved.

During my junior year of high school, I began to have a lot of headaches.

Not just normal headaches.

They were rough headaches.

They happened more and more frequently as time went on and took more and more of a toll on my ability to go to school and live a ‘normal’ teenage life. Tears would run down my cheek, I’d often throw up, and I’d spend most of many nights staring at the ceiling in the dark, praying the headache would go away.

And so, my mother eventually did what any good mom would do…

she took me to the doctor.

After seeing several doctors specializing in an array of things, I wound up at a neurologist.

Hearing what every other doctor til that point had said, the neurologist looked at my 17 year old self and my mom and said,

‘We’re going to have to run further tests. It could or could not be a mass of some kind.”

A MASS?!

So, after many different doctors, a ton of tests, and a few months of worry, the test results came back.

NOTHING!

That was great news.

As it turned out, all the confusion and torture was due to a medicine I was on to treat acne.

During that time in my life though…

For that period of waiting to see…

Something happened…

It was like I knew Jesus on a deeper level.

Like He was fighting for me.

He was suffering FOR me.

It was during that time that I saw, felt, heard, and knew Jesus was obviously with me for the first time in my life. I swore I’d spend the rest of my life helping other people know that same Jesus.

And I have… to the best I can.

He’s our healer.

He’s our comfort.

He’s our substitute.

He’s our motivation.

He’s our everything.

Jonathan Pearson is a millennial with a heart to reshape the world. He is the Communications and Online Campus Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church, an ethnically-reflective church with multiple campuses, and Assistant Director of The Sticks, an organization that inspires small city leaders to lead BIG. Jonathan is also the co-creator of MillennialLeader.com, an online community for young leaders. Jonathan writes, tweets, & speaks to inspire people to work together to reshape the world. Jonathan can be found online at JonathanPearson.net and on twitter as @JonathanPearson. Jonathan is married to Melissa and the two live in Orangeburg,SC.

Read more personal stories of lives that were changed by the power and love of Jesus here.

Wisdom. How much do you have? How much do you want?

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1: 5

That verse jumped off the page to me like God was highlighting it with a laser. Does it for you?

God is generous with wisdom. All we have to do is ask and He will gladly give it to us. We ask – He gives. Simple. Simple. Simple.

But we have a sly enemy who would like for us to believe we are not smart and that we can not/do not make good decisions. He is the author of confusion, distortion of the Truth, and distraction. I am so thankful God is more powerful than any devil. His Words eliminate the devils lies like Clorox on a stain. Like a paper towel on a spill. Like a vacuum on a dirty floor. You get the picture.

God knew that we would likely believe the lie that we need to earn the right to ask for wisdom. Or that we should be smart enough already and not need to ask at all. Fear and pride.  James 1:5 kicks them off our path like a small insignificant pebble. God will NOT rebuke (fuss) when you ask Him for wisdom.

There are MANY places to find the wisdom the world offers. But wisdom from God is very different than what we find in self-help books, classes, and counselors. Why? Because the best they can offer is regurgitated knowledge that hopefully agrees with God.

The Bible refers to wisdom over 200 times. Check out how this short sample supports the Truth in James 1:5.

When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice. 1 Kings 3:28

- people notice when your wisdom is from God

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 1 Kings 4:29-30

- God’s generosity in giving wisdom is greater than we can comprehend

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:23-24

- The world notices when your wisdom is from God. And that will make God even more famous!

God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

- God honors those who ask Him for wisdom with more than we can ask or imagine.

Do you need wisdom? Ask our generous God, and He WILL give it to you.

Which do you say? “Bless you” or “God Bless You”?

Whether someone sneezed or you are letting someone know you want the very best for them, what leaves your mouth? Do you include God’s name? If you don’t, I’m challenging you to stop for a few minutes and ask yourself why?

More than likely a little thought of people looking at your funny or thinking you are a fanatic crept into your mind. The fear of being WEIRD stops us from giving God the praise and name recognition He deserves. But our faith without works (follow-thru) is dead.  We enjoy singing His name. We even love the sound of His name.  But our culture does not.

I challenge you to be a BOLD follower of Jesus. One who is not ashamed to utter the name of God or Jesus in anyone’s company. Here are a few verses to help remind us to let His name be the sweetest name on our lips – no matter the cost. Please share more verses with me in the comments. Let’s encourage each other to honor God with our words.

Deuteronomy 32:3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

Psalm 104:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

Psalm 96:2-3 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Meet Amy! Thanks to my friend Louanne for sharing Amy with me. Amy’s love for Jesus has had a profound effect in my life and I am so grateful. Today I am happy to share her story with you.

I have always been quite self-sufficient. Or so I thought. It’s more likely that God knew I really was not prepared, so He never allowed the storms that I faced to be extremely severe. I thank Him for that blessing. When the first big storm did come to ravage my life, it came in a threat to take the life of one of my children. Self-sufficiency has no footing in a storm of that magnitude. Oh….I tried to fix it. I am the mom and I thought that was my job. I simply did not have the ability. My only refuge was to take shelter under His wing, pray by the blood of Jesus Christ for her healing and let go! As I gave Christ complete control of that situation, a Peace enveloped me. Peace, while facing a threat to your child, can only be described as the peace that passeth all understanding. This is a peace that allows total rest and confidence that all is well, regardless of the storm raging around you. It took a while for me to come to that point, but looking back, I realize the surrender was the easy part. The battle I waged before the surrender was an exhausting, futile effort. A few situations have threatened since then, but I am learning to hand them over quickly. My Heavenly Father has promised His peace for my protection through Christ Jesus. What a precious gift.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Amy has been married to her wonderful husband, Mark, for 26 years.  They have two daughters, Morgan and Taylor.  One son, Payton, and a son-in-law, Trevor.  They lovingly call their home the Clark Ark, acknowledging that God has kept his promises and it just so happens that teenagers, and animals tend to show up 2 x 2. J  God has richly blessed their family in so many ways and they love the opportunity to share these blessings with others.

For more inspiring accounts of Jesus’ transforming power in the lives of my friends, click here.

One of the perks of my job is I get to read books before they are published. Deadly Disclosures is one we published that I could not put down. It’s fiction… but it’s really real. It taught me so much about the intense debate between Creation and evolution. It’s a really good mystery! And it explains the way to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Deadly Disclosures is Julie Cave’s first of three novels called the Dinah Harris Mystery Series. The central character, Dinah Harris, a detective who struggles with depression and alcohol abuse, works to find answers to the questions in her life. ‘Why are people dying for their faith?’ ‘Why am I depressed?’ ‘Why do I choose to drink?’ ‘How can we be saved from all of this?’ She learns what it means to be saved by God’s grace and that no one is ever past the point of redemption.

Julie’s desire is that her books would be used to lead unbelievers to know Jesus. Many people enjoy a great mystery and could receive the Truth via this great storyline.

Check out the digital version for only 0.99 cents through the end of January. If you love the book like I do, share it with a friend who has questions about the Bible.

Here’s a video teaser to whet your reading appetite.

Yes – I’m on the Daniel Fast. I haven’t mentioned it until now. I’m not sure why. Fasts seem personal, private. Today I think I have a few things I can share.

Just in case you haven’t heard of this fast – here’s the skinny – -

The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual experience to help followers of Jesus Christ develop a more intimate relationship with their Lord, seek answers to prayer, and grow in the love and knowledge of the Savior.

It’s a vegan diet with even more restrictions. For details, read more here.

I made the decision to fast before Christmas. Why? I feel like there are fewer reasons not to fast. I’m desperate for God’s will to be done in so many situations (remember those trials I mentioned in Sunday’s post?) Besides those, my work is taxing. The mission of our company is to change the eternal destiny of people with the power of the printed page (and digital). Many of our books are written to proven the authority and authenticity of the Bible. In today’s culture, that’s not extremely popular. But it’s necessary. But it’s a struggle – a spiritual struggle to defend God’s word while the enemy of our souls wants to remove it from every area of our lives. I need to hear God’s voice, be able to follow Him, instead of my own will. I need His power working through me. So, a fasting I will go.

As of Day 18 of the fast, I can happily report that…

1. I’m feeling so much better physically.

2. Life feels simpler. Maybe because there are fewer decisions to make about food. Maybe because I’ve decluttered the meal menu significantly. I cook once or twice a week. I’ve saved a lot of grocery and eating out money. Friends are on the same fast and we share the food we cook which makes life even simpler.

3. I am praying more confidently using the authority of the name of Jesus.

4. Difficult topics are pushing closer to the top of my heart and mind. Yeah – this is not so fun, but there is GREAT JOY knowing I could move forward in these areas and be more complete – more of the Jennifer God is gently molding me to be.

5. I don’t plan to stop at 21 days.

6. I need God. I try to do things in my own strength WAY too much. One of my struggles is consistency. It’s a hurdle I want to clear. I made it my One Word for 2012. I want to be consistent so I can accomplish for God what He created me to accomplish. But I’m a knucklehead. I keep trying to do it by myself to prove to Him that I can. To get the atta girl from God. Today I’m back on my knees with a cry for help. I need you Jesus. This is one is definitely going to be all You.

Have you denied yourself food or other things in order to hear from God? Did you come out a different person? I would love to hear what you learned during your fast.

My friend Nelma inspired me at a Christmas party when she explained that she memorized the book of Philippians in 2011. Ok – wow. She reminded me it started for her with an email from me. I forwarded to her an invitation to memorize Philippians. Oh yes I started it too, but within a few weeks, the idea was brief memory for me. Not Nelma – she did it! And you could tell she was a new person because of what she learned by spending that much time with God’s words.

I’ve been drawn to the book of James for several years without really having a reason. And thanks to Nelma’s inspiration, I am embarking on a journey of memorizing the book of James (the New Living Translation). I’ve found the best times to practice it is while I’m on the treadmill. I say the verses outloud and sometimes create hand motions to go with the words. Yes – the hand motions are goofy and can lead to sliding off the treadmill if I’m not careful.

I’ve already learned so much. Here’s a major nugget from the first few verses:

Brothers & Sisters – when trouble comes your way consider it an opportunity for GREAT JOY (emphasis mine)!

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

So…. let it grow, for when your endurance is full developed, you will be perfect and complete

NEEDING NOTHING! (emphasis mine again)

You’ve probably heard the “Count it all joy” over a thousand times. I have. But now, I know the rest of the story. Why should I consider a trial an opportunity for great joy? Because the end result is ….. I will become complete, perfect, needing nothing!

In my own words – I will become all that God created me to be. I will be the complete version of Jennifer O. White when I allow my faith to be tested by trials.  I will learn to endure those trials allowing God to do in me and through me all that He decided long ago He wanted to do.

That is GOOD NEWS people! Trials = Joy because I get to be the real me when I endure them.

Now I am working to apply this good news to my current trials which include a commuter marriage with my sweet David, living 2 states away from some of the people I cherish the most, and feeling inadequate in my marketing job.  All these things are opportunities for celebration because they have purpose – an eternal purpose.

Can you look ahead of your current trial and see the end result God has in mind? Let’s try it together.

Regardless of what you’ve heard… people change. Kim Sanders’ life radically changed because of Jesus.

Dive in to Kim’s post and you’ll be inspired by how Jesus’ love changed the focus of her life.

I no longer live! On March 6, 1995, at 2 a.m., I died.  I chose to allow Christ to live in me through the power of His Holy Spirit. I cling to Gal. 2:20, it’s no longer I who live but Christ…

I stopped thinking about things, materialism, buying, wanting. I wanted to give. I became satisfied with simple. I became satisfied with what I had no matter what it was. I stopped wanting.

I stopped living my life according to selfish desires I wanted and started living my life for the desires He put in my heart. I always hated school, but He wanted me to go to school. So I went. I earned a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from an Evangelical University.

I stopped hating and judging people. I loved everyone. My heart was deeply drawn to people, all kinds of people, especially the broken hearted and the mentally ill.

I stopped believing lies. Lies the enemy had told me, lies from the world. The Truth was revealed to me through His Word and revelation.

He led me to disciple broken women who needed love, acceptance, understanding and honor. He taught me how to teach them. He loved them through me.

He developed the Table Rock Freedom Center and asked me to take care of it. He brings the addicted, the broken hearted, the abused, the angry, the deceived, the confused, the mentally ill. He brings them there to be loved and know love. He brings them there to heal, to learn, to discover. He brings them there to find Him so they can truly know the Truth and the Truth can set them Free, (John 8:32).

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God (Jesus) who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

He is the only reason I live.

What about you? What is radically different in your life because of Jesus?

For more inspiring accounts of Jesus’ transforming power in the lives of my friends, click here.