Tuesday, May 10, 2011

My thoughts for the day

I have not posted in several days so I thought it was time that I say a few words. I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying in the past few weeks. First, I want to share this, I have come to the place of being reminded that God is not a religion, He is an experience and a relationship. I have become weary of motions and traditions that are not about the Word of God or about the Spirit of God. I recently heard someone teaching who said that the only difference in teaching and preaching is one is yelling and one is talking. It saddens me to think that a "Bible Teacher" lacks understanding to this degree. I believe that preaching is about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul said I preach one thing- Jesus Chirst and Him crucified. Teaching is about discipleship or helping a believer learn and discover how to live the life that God has ordained for them and to find a way of life that pleases God and aligns with His word. So often preachers and teachers are presenting a message that they have heard and not what they have studied and learned. I certainly do not know or understand all the things of God. I do however try to study and seek out truth from the Word of God. I am sure it will ruffle some feathers when I share this next thought but here it is anyway. All of my life I have set in churches that "preached the standards of holiness" and recently that phrase has started to bother me. I have researched and found the word "standard" in the Bible (KJV) twenty- two times. Each time it is mentioned in Numbers, Isaiah and Jeremiah, it is talking about a defense such as a shield or barrier against an enemy which we need in our lives, no doubt. I have not yet found the word in the context of holiness. Please do not misunderstand, I believe in living a life that is holy and I believe we are to be set apart from the world, but I must ask who's standards are we preaching about? We should be careful that we are not being different just so we can say we are set apart. Our outward apperance alone is not where we must be differnce. I wish someone would teach us that living holy means that our thoughts, our words and our actions should bring glory to the God we serve. The command is to be ye holy even as I am holy. This speaks to me about taking on the nature of God. God, who loved us while we were yet sinners, God who sacraficed His own son to save us from Hell. I don't care if you have the perfect standard of dress and know how to look "churchey" if you are constantly sending everyone that looks differently than you to hell- you are missing what Holiness is all about. I am not satisfied to just look different I want to be different. I pray that my life will reflect a Holy God in the way I treat others around me. I want someone to see Jesus in my by the way I live and the way I love not by the way I dress. Jesus said by this shall all men know that you are my disciples that you have love one to another. I see more church folks in competition with one another, cutting each other down and showing anything but love. Once again, it seems I must stand and take the heat for not "going with the flow" I am not concerned if I am not asked to preach or sing or play at someone's church because I do not just "do what the preacher says" I would rather just so what the Bible teaches. God and not man called and ordained me to preach, he gave me the talent to sing and play for His glory and I am happy if I just preach Jesus to the people I meet everyday. I am not against anyone and do not mean to disrespect ones personal covictions. If the Holy Ghost convicts you in the way you live and dress, follow the leading of the Lord in your life. However be careful that what you teach and preach is based on solid scripture and not the "standards" of a man or organization.

May God Bless and Prosper you today in the name of Jesus!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Prayer Requests

I just want to take a few moments to ask for prayer for a few people and situations. First, my Aunt Jill in East Tennessee and her family need God's strength, peace and comfort as her Uncle Greg seems to be getting closer to the end of his journey on earth. Jill and her family have been met with so much death and heartache in recent months and only God understands the reasons why. There is also a dear brother in our chuch who was admitted to the hospital this week with blood clots- I have heard that he is doing better still we want to continue to remember Bro. Barnes in prayer. My wife's family also buried a family member. I also need my friends and family to join with me in prayer for direction. I enjoy my job but the pay is no longer sufficent. By not sufficient I do not mean we are unable to live a high class of life with lots of extras, I mean that our basic bills exceed my income. God always provides enough and He is faithful. Like most, the increase in fuel costs have hit us hard as well as higher food costs as well as an unexpected debt that has come along. I am also looking to be available for ministry and family time in the evenings that my current schedule will not allow. I am praying that the Lord will lead me in the direction that will be His will and that will keep me closer to my home. The severe weather this week has been a reminder of why I want to be closer to home. I know that there are many others to pray for, and please share with me so that I can join you in prayer as well. God Bless!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Freedom!

As we approach this Easter weekend I am thinking of the ultimate freedom that was given to us by the death, burial and resurection of Jesus Christ. Every year our nation celebrates freedom on the Forth of July, yet true freedom goes all the way back to an empty tomb where our savior once laid. Thanks to the price that was paid at Calvary and the power of a risen savior we are free from sin, free from death and free from the grave. Many loved ones have left this world in this past year. As I think about my sister who left this world in November, I so thankful that Jesus has given us the assurance that the grave is not the end. When Jesus rose from the tomb he made a way of escape for us. Though we may be laid in a earthly grave, we only slumber. As you celebrate this Easter season remember that we are rejoicing in the fact that we are free and free indeed!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Whos Church is it????

I have recently heard different people talking about various churches and it bothers me how they refer to a church as Brother so and so's church. I know it is petty and most people do not mean it the way it sounds but I feel that too often we make church about a man and less about God. The church should have a direct purpose, to take salvation to the lost, a place for prayer and worship to the true and living God and a place to train and equip the believers for Godly service. When I hear someone talk about Brother Joe Bob's church it feels like they are paying more attention to the man at the church than the God who is head of the church. When the church becomes a place for titles and postions and those things have more attention that our true purpose, there is trouble. I do not have anything against giving honor to the leader that God has appointed to a body of believers. I just think that it would sound better to say the church where Brother Joe Bob is the pastor. Too often we can fall into following a man of God instead of following God himself. I just pray that we keep our eyes on Jesus as we are being cared for by the pastor that God has given us. I recently heard someone make the statement that " Whatever my man of God tells me to do, I will do." I hope that a man like that is also studying the word and not following blindly. I aslo pray that a pastor never forgets the incredible honor and responsiblity that God has given them to tend to the sheep that belong to God.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Praying for a miracle

Tonight I am asking that any of you who are reading this join with me in praying for God to show up and show out as only He can do. I need a special blessing from the throne of God. No major disaster is lurking and our world is not falling apart. My life and my household are blessed. However, there is a situation that is out of my ability to solve. It has been my experience that in times like this, God is the only answer. I know that with God nothing is impossible. This past Sunday I obeyed the Lord and preached the word under obedience to the Holy Ghost. I am very aware that when we obey God, the enemy (Satan) gets very nervous and he will try to come in like a flood. I am just glad that I know the Word of God and therefore I know that the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him. I am thankful for tools such as blogging and Facebook that allow me to call on my brothers and sisters in the Lord to stand with me and claim the victory. I am not alone when I face trouble, I have God's word, God's people and God's Hand that I can depend on. May God bless each of you and may His hand rest upon you tonight.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Reflective Anticipation

The weekend was good- enjoyed some time with Scotty and Tam after work on Saturday and did some good eating.  Sunday was an awesom time in the Lord! I was so honored to preach the Word of God with perhaps the strongest anointing I have ever felt. So many made kind comments to me regarding the message but it was not me but the power of God using me that made the difference. Tonight we enjoyed some fellowship with our pastor and his wife. We had the chance to share some pictures of family and friends and it was bittersweet looking at pictures from the day that Sarah and I were married. I saw the many pictures of my sweet sister and I remembered how she smiled and how she laughed. I hold to these memories and I know that God must have His reasons but it is still a struggle to know that someone who was always been with you as a part of your entire life is no longer just a phone call away. I know that we are about to move into a brand new season of our life that is full of wonder and beauty and great excitement. Yet, I still bear a heaviness of the ones that will not walk the path with us for many different reasons. I pray that God will teach me how to release the things that are gone and hold to what he has given me now. I thank God for what He is doing in our lives as we submit to His will in our lives. In Closing I will just say to my sister, Rhonda, I miss you and I love you!

Friday, April 15, 2011

A Rushing Mighty Wind

As I listen to the wind blowing so hard tonight and see the trees lean way over from the force, I can't help but think about Acts Chapter Two. The Bible says in Acts 2:2 "And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a Mighty Rushing Wind and it filled the house where they were sitting." Wind the wind blows it touches everything. It does not even ask for an invitation or permission, it simply blows and no man can stop it. The Holy Ghost is like that wind it is ever moving and touching everything as it blows. I am thankful that the power of the Holy Ghost blows in and moves in my life. It is the power that the world is seeking and it is already blowing and moving if we will just take the time to aknowledge it in our lives it will really blow your mind!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Next Step

Yesterday marked one year that I have been at Holiday Inn Express, Olive Branch, MS. In that time I have worked every shift around the clock and every day of the week. I have moved into management and enjoy my job, however I am wondering what the next step will be. I am know that moving up further will mean a change of locations since that is the nature of the industry. I know that God has big things in store and I am ready to get out of the routine into great things, yet I am waiting on God. I am happy with where we live and would love to have a job working much closer to home- like New Albany but I am not sure where to look first so I am just waiting. I am excited about what God is in store for our ministry and I am ready for  all of His abundance. I feel that we are on the edge of great abundance in every area of our life, spiritual, physcical, emotional and financial. We know God has called us to to do great things and that will require great resources that only God can provide. Meanwhile I know that I must take things one day at a time. i have never been that good at waiting but waiting I must...

Sunday, April 10, 2011

I am Determined!

The past few days have been busy with work, school and then revival. I am so glad that I am off work for two days and glad that it is Sunday. Last night we had a wonderful time in God's house wrapping up three nights of revival with Bro. Jeremy Sheldon. Afterwards we had some fellowship with the people of God. Now we are getting ready for a great Sunday Service at 2pm. I am enjoying just doing what I love to do- playing the piano. We have plans for doing great things in this church as we work with the pastor, but there is no pressure to come in and do everything at once. We are just getting to know the people and just helping in anyway we can. I will be leading a Youth Rally at the end of May and it is gonna be great. Also looking forward to being part of the ministy team for Apostolic Family Fellowship Camp in June- It is a new and wonderful season that it blooming for us and for once we are taking things slow enough to see the beautiful unfolding of God's plan. I know that in the day in which we live it is so important that we make our steps secure and certain. This race is not to the swift, but to the one who endures to the end. In the words of a great old gospel song - " I am Determined to hold out til the end!"

Thursday, April 7, 2011

A Simple Southern Day

Well today has been another day of just rolling with the flow. Pretty good start to the day although noisy as usual with three kids, a dog and a cat. Had the roof of the trailer cleaned and then sealed today which is a good thing but a very loud project. Meanwhile, I fixed a good lunch of Cabbage, Smoked Sausage, Yellow squash with Onions and Sarah fixed the corn bread. I like the finer foods in life as much as the next guy but it really is hard to beat that simple, southern, country kind of cooking. Afterwards I rolled my way to the shower and then made it on in to the hotel for an exciting Thursday night at work. Actually it is slow, not dead just slow. Now getting things in order for the weekend here and looking forward to a few days off to rest and hopefully enjoy nice weather. The weekend shall include gardening and yard work- I could use a really cheap mower if anyone has one let me know- I gotta get those weeds cut before they overtake us! Give me a holler if ya can help out with that!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Today We Sailed On

Today has not been a very eventful day, but it has been a good day. Sometimes we ride on the high waves of the seas of life and other days we struggle to keep the wind in the sails but on a day like today it is good to know that we simply sailed on. Today we have been kept in perfect peace if we have kept our minds on Jesus. If we have trusted fully in the Master, then joy has been in our hearts regardless of what is going on around us. The longer I live the more I believe that there is no greater thrill then just to know that God has kept us for another day. Even on the days that don't seem like a big deal, we are living in the blessings of the Lord. I look around and think, "I wish I had a better job, more money, more time..." yet I also know that I am blessed to have a job and the strength to work, I have more than enough to provide for my families need and every moment I have is a gift that is precious. Treasure the seemingly quiet days in life and remember that if you are in the valley, there you will find peace and according to Psalms 23- your soul will be restored.
Well, I suppose that is all for now.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Just a quick note

I have had a scripture on my mind all afternoon that I want to share with everyone. There are times when you just feel weary. Your body, your mind, and your spirit are just drained from the struggles of every day life. Maybe there is not anything that is going wrong, and your world is not falling apart but then you still just want to fall down and rest. Perhaps you get overwhelmed at moments and just need to scream or cry. The Bible says in Psalms 120:1- "I cried unto the Lord and he heard me." Just remember that it is okay to turn to the Lord and cry sometimes- he will hear you! And I am thankful that He gives rest to the weary. Sometimes we just need to fall into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and let Him comfort us and give us rest.

Everything Changes

It can be an exciting thing to live and work for the Lord. It can also be difficult as well. The one thing that I am learning is that when you move into a new season in the life you are called to live, some things and some people may not have the same place in your life. It is not always about letting go but rather moving into a new position in your life. The people that are your "best friends" may become more distant and your may not feel as close. This is not because you have any thing against them or due to any problem in the relationship. Sometimes you have to go into new territory where God has not called these other people to walk with you. The thing that is great is that God will always bring those new relationships that will give you the support that you need. I have come to realize that certain friends that I cared about are just simply not part of my life now and that I must accept them as what they were and be greatful for their place in my life. You can not hold on to people when it is time for them to move along. I guess what I am saying is that if someone who you care about wants to go- Let them go. It may hurt for a minute but holding them too long will cause more hurt in the long run. Family, you can not change, and they will always be a part of your life but the role they have in your daily life may change and that is okay it is about growing and moving from one place to another in your life. Enough about all that. I feel that something is about to change in my life and I don't feel that is bad but rather that it is another part of the process of moving to where God wants us to be- But the unknown can be a little scary. I am just going to trust the Lord and follow the leading of the Holy Ghost . Today is my Monday, so ya'll have a good 'un!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Best is Yet to Come...

It has been a great day. Enjoyed the beautiful weather and a beautiful atmosphere in the house of the Lord today. I was blessed with the opportunity to minister the word of God at our new church home, New Beginnings today... Forgetting those things which are behind and pressing on toward the prize! God has great things in store for His children when we learn to let go of yesterday and reach for what He has in store for our future. I once heard it said that when your memories are bigger than your dreams, you are in trouble. We should learn to thank God for what He has brought us through and look forward to the wonderful plans that He holds for our future. The promises of God are yes and amen! I believe that in the midst of the signs of the end times all around us, there is still a great out pouring of the Holy Ghost being poured out just as was prophised by the Prophet Joel. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, so let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Share the love of God with someone today and let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! I pray that each of you has a wonderful night and a great week!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Pretty Weather for the Sleepy Eyes

A cold start outside is starting to give eay to warmer temps and blue skies and sunshine. The only thing that would make it better is if I could get my eyes open enough to enjoy it. Not much sleep at our house last night beteween the cat, the dog and the kids no one but the Mom and Dad were interested in sleep. Two to Three hours will just have to get me by until I get home around 4 this afternoon then I can take a little nap. Live from Holiday Inn Express, Olive Branch, MS- This is Jonathan saying have a good day.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Another week almost done!

Surived another very busy night at work. All things considered the night flowed nicely. Now I am back home and just finished catching up in one of my college classes. Now it is about time to get a few hours sleep before I have to be back at work in 6 hours. At least it is the last day of work for the week for me then two days off. I am looking forward to Church on Sunday and then on Monday I am going to stay at home and just relax with my family! Well Goodnight everyone.
At work
Jonathan

Finally Friday!

I am so glad that my work week is almost over. Tonight we have baseball teams checking in the hotels so it will be a busy weekend. New front desk staff being trained by me today and tomorrow. I really hope she learns fast! Looking forward to enjoying time off this weekend! Ready for a good time at New Beginnings Church this weekend. Well it is payday so time to go pay the bills and pick up a few things from the Dollar General Store. Lord, Bless us and keep us in your care today. Let us feel your joy and peace throughout our day and use us to do your will today. Catch ya'll later!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday Ramblings

Well good morning everyone!
Today is going to be a very busy day- Don't think I mentioned before that I am also a fulltime college student working on my degree in hospitality management. Between work, family, ministry and school it is hard to keep up with everything but I am determined that I will have all my school work caught up by the end of the day. My Mom also reminded me after my post yesterday that I forgot to mention one other big thing. I am also in business for myself. I am a consultant for Scentsy Wickless. I love the product and it is so much fun to share with others. Check out my website for great deals or let me come host a party for you! Getting ready to plunge in to the day full throttle. School this morning then a very busy night playing catch up at Holiday Inn Express and covering the desk plus training a new employee. Catch ya'll later. Remember that with God, nothing is impossible. The best is yet to come!

https://jonathanjenkins.scentsy.us/

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Finally home ready for bed.
Jonathan

Job Applicants

With jobs still hard to find it would seem that hiring staff would be a little easier now but not so....Everyone wants a paycheck but they just do not want to work. This afternoon we hired the 5th employee in the past 5 weeks. When an appicant interviews for a front desk postion they are informed over and over that we are a 24/7 business and we let them know what type of hours we are needing staff for- most say that is no problem. However when you put them on the schedule they have thousands of reasons why they can not work half of the days they were hired for- Meanwhile the managers are still having to cover crazy shifts and start the hiring process all over. If you have days or hours you can not work please just tell us up front, and we will consider that before we hire you! I am hoping that the young lady hired today will prove to be as promising as she appears but we should know in a few days. All in all, I am thankful that I have a job! I am looking forward to a few days off soon. Vacation coming in June

Hello World!

This new blog is a place where I will share my random thoughts and stometimes share the things that God places on my heart and mind. I am a very diverse person who has many interests and stays involved in all sorts of things. I am also excited about the new things that I am getting ready to start doing as I expand my horizons. I hope everyone enjoys my blogging. I think that you will get a few laughs here and maybe even find a little inspiration from time to time.

As for who I am...that is a loaded question. I am first and foremost a child of God. I am proud to be a born again, holy ghost filled man with the power of God working in and through my life each day. I am a husband to my wife Sarah and have been for about 9 years now. Marriage is hard work but each day we learn more about how to make it last and how to let the love of God remain the most important key in our relationship. I am a father, and more important I am a Daddy (there is a difference). I have three interesting children, my son, Nathan and my little girls, Savannah and Abby. I am a singer, a songwriter and a piano player, and this has been a major part of my life since I was a child. I am a preacher and minsiter of the Gospel. I have an Apostolic/Penetecostal foundation for which I am thankful. I have a background in the healthcare industry but I found that it was not a passion of me so I followed my interests and I am now a manager in the Hotel industry. I love the Hospitality industry in general both in lodging and food service. I love to cook and and really pretty good at it.

Starting this week, my wife and I are part of the ministry team at New Beginnings Apostolic Church in Mrytle, MS. We are excited to see what God has in store for us in the season of life. The past several months have been hard as we tried to understand the will of God. I lost one of my life long best friends, my sister, Rhonda. I will always miss her and honestly will always ask God why he chose to take her at such a young age. However, I will cherish her memory and trust God for peace and comfort. I have been blessed with another sister that I love as my own who helps fill the void left in my heart. My sister in law, Brianna is awesome and I really don't think of her as my wife's sister but as mine as well.
Well, it is about time to get ready to manage a Hotel for another day- The Holiday Inn Express, Olive Branch, MS awaits me...time for a little lunch- (fried taters, biscuits, eggs and more a southern spread!) then clean up and head out! Have a blessed day ya'll!