The next class titled, Your Gifts will cover elements of how to seek purpose in the plan that God has for you. We will also cover how unique we are as humans; observing the gifts we have been blessed with and how they can change the world. Often times we hear the phrase “there is a job for everyone”, and this phrase is true.

How creative the Lord must be, creating every person individually, with specific gifts and assignments. What would your life look like if you used all of your unique gifts to their fullest capacity? Do you think you would be the same person you are today? How do you know what the gifts you have been given are for, if you never use them? If you do not know what your gifts are, how do you go about finding out? Now that you have a nugget of information to consider, join us for our next class as we dive in to your gifts and how they can change the world!

Your Gifts Class
When: June 28, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Center Library (Study Room I)
Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Registration is now open at www.joyofhelpingothers.com! This is a class you won’t want to miss.

Erin Jordan
Joy of Helping Others
Visit Joho Online!

When you do good for someone, the good should come from your heart – and we assume it does! The Bible says in Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

It isn’t easy to love your enemies. You may think of all the ups and downs while you’re striving to do good and love others; but let’s examine the feeling of good here. The definition of good is to show kindness, pleasing and welcome. While you are “doing good”, practice doing it kindly. The best way to fight hate is with love! Your outcome will be satisfying and refreshing if you choose to place your thoughts aside to act on the thoughts of Jesus in action.

Let the goodness of love flow through you today!

Erin Jordan
Joy of Helping Others, Servant of God
Visit Joho Online!

You notice that Jesus left the disciples in order to pray. Jesus said to His disciples “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Jesus was in the perfect plan and will that God had for His life. He then whispered “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” 

Jesus then went beyond them and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus went away a second time saying “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.

Trying not to crunch leaves below your knees, you become very still as you see Roman officers and Pharisees marching toward the garden quickly with torches, lanterns and weapons in hand. Your heart feels as if it skips a beat, as you too are a friend of Jesus and the disciples. Jesus, knowing all things knew that it was the appointed time to fulfill the prophecy of His crucifixion. Just then Jesus spoke saying “Whom do you seek?”  They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them.

So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” and they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” To fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom you have given Me I lost not one.” Simon Peter then, having a sword drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus.

So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword in the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” Trying not to make an ounce of noise, you begin to ponder the words and actions of Jesus in silence…

Think on these things…

Jesus went away 3 times to pray alone before His Heavenly Father. Remember that Jesus did this in preparation of the things to come. Jesus knew that He was to give His life, for the sin and salvation of mankind.

God graciously gave up His only Son, which was the greatest gift of all. Make time to be alone in reflection, being just like Jesus. Be reminded that Jesus continued to pray until the appointed time of prophecy. Spread the testimony of Jesus this week so that we can continue to shine our light for Him; building up His Kingdom, and walking in step with the Spirit according to His divine, perfect plan.

Yesterday was Joho’s very first class titled Identifying Motivation for Daily Action. It was a great opportunity for us to teach others on how to identify what their motivations for daily actions were. This class is simply scratching the surface, and we are working on a second class or “Part II” as a follow up to direct you toward your goals. In the meantime, here are a few suggested ways to continue to stay motivated this week!

Write Your Goals Down
With all the daily activities we devote our time to, often our short-term goals fall by the way side. Every day before you start your daily regimen of tasks, write a simple note and post it on your wall as a reminder of what to do daily or weekly. After the goal has been accomplished, cross it off and move toward the next goal on the list.

You will be surprised how quickly you accomplish your goals when you make time for them.

Back it up With Scripture!

Habakkuk 2:2 reads
“Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets sot that whoever reads it may run with it.

This is a very popular verse in the Bible. But what is more important is the verse that follows…

Habakkuk 2:3 reads
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks to the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; (or though God lingers, wait on Him) it will certainly come and will not delay.

This verse is powerful if you read it correctly in context. Often times when we are setting goals according to our own desires, we grow weary or impatient. The Bible says to wait on God. His word is true! God knows our steps before we make them. In regard to our goals, practice praying and waiting on God after He revels a vision to you. He will direct you toward the appointed time, by ministering to you through the Holy Spirit and will not delay.

Peace and love to you!

Erin Jordan
Joy of Helping Others, Servant of God
Visit Joho Online!

The thought of curling up in a blanket on the couch sounds very enticing this Winter. Instead of sipping your usual hot chocolate, consider a hot cup of self-discipline.

Don’t be dismayed, it is only an analogy, but is one of the hardest characteristics of human behavior to master. The Bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). So instead of giving in to your favorite television show, consider a few suggestions of self-discipline:

Finish a book
Is there a book that you were eager to read, sitting on your shelf collecting dust? Try reading 5 pages a day and see how far reading will take you by setting small milestones.

Contact old friends and family
You never know loves you until you receive a call from a friend or loved one. Take the first step by contacting old friends and family rather than opting for convenient social networking communication. A phone call or coffee break can mean the world of difference.

Organize your life
There are many items in our lives, which may need to be re-routed or re-organized. Take the time to organize your life and home. Besides you know yourself better than anyone else! Create an atmosphere conducive to self-discipline.

Take this with you
This week ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide you with a new attitude to practice self-discipline on a daily basis. Remember that God has already created you with power over fear of tasks you may feel are too large to overcome. He sealed the deal and gave you a spirit of power, love and self-control. There is nothing you cannot do! Walk in who God created you to be this week.

We often use words in our daily conversation without truly considering the power they possess.  A harsh word may slip from your mouth while in commute to downtown Minneapolis, or even while grabbing a cup of coffee in a long line at Caribou. Taking the time to carefully select the words you use can mean a world of difference. Proverbs 15:1 reads: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Consider a time you spoke without pondering the result of your words. Before you speak, God gives us what we call a “free will” or power to choose. We decide what action to take, and what to say ­- whether good or bad.

Here are a few suggestions of how to exercise choosing words that may affect your future in a positive way:

Be slow to speak in confrontations
When encountering a situation of confrontation, speak slowly to avoid using words you will regret. If you are angry it won’t hurt to walk away.

Remember someone is watching you
Practice being a light for Christ everywhere you go. Someone, somewhere is always watching you, and listening to the words you speak – so chose them carefully.

Speak the truth
Another good practice is to speak the truth at all times. Often we forget stories, names and even birthdays. The best advice is to be honest and tell the truth. After all, the truth is better than a lie!

Use wisdom and understanding
Wisdom comes from understanding the power of the words we use, and their consequences. The more you practice recognizing the power of your words, you will become wise in how you craft even the simplest sentences.

Take this with you
Rely on prayer to guide you this week while speaking carefully and thoughtfully. God will give you strength to use and recognize words that are powerfully pleasing in his sight.

Be blessed,

Erin Jordan, M.S. EMDT
Joy of Helping Others, Founder
Visit Joho Online!
Visit our Partner Site: www.jcsisters.com

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”.

So what does this mean to you? How can you apply this scripture to your life? Well let’s break it down word for word. To delight means to take great pleasure or joy. So essentially the scripture is saying take great pleasure in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

When was the last time you sat and had a conversation with God about what the desires of your heart are? Do you know what in life will give you outstanding joy and happiness? Does your joy derive from wealth, success or a family that loves you? Think about the God we serve. He wants the best for us in everything we do, in exchange for a personal relationship with him – that’s it! God will indeed provide us with the desires of our heart; but in order for him to do this we have to ask for it!

For example, children rely on their parents to fulfill their needs and provide for them. A baby may not be able to tell you exactly what they want, but eventually you will learn the habits and ways the baby communicates until you figure out the need. We have the ability to totally communicate our inner most thoughts, desires and needs to the Lord. But the first step is to speak to the Lord and let him know what we need from him.

I pray that God will be with you along your journey as you go about walking in delighting yourself in outstanding joy and happiness! I also pray that God will give you the words to say and a sound heart and mind to hear his voice with clarity. Walk in the Love and Light of what the Lord has for you today! Amen

Be blessed,

Erin Jordan, M.S. EMDT
Joy of Helping Others, Founder
Visit Joho Online!

Have you ever stopped to consider how much of an impact you have in the lives of others when you plant a small seed of positivity? Everyone has a path, journey and choice in life. If we are to be Christ-like, we must constantly remember how small seeds grow, and be vessels for the Lord.

Just like a well-soiled seed in the ground, we all start off needing biblical nourishment and “food” for the soul. Adding to this are positive role models, mentors, friends and peers around us that are our nourishment. We must surround ourselves with hopeful individuals in order to grow and share that good seed with others. Take the time and acknowledge others today with a good word of hope.

Seek to positively make something large out of something small, to improve your life and the lives of others around you – growing everyday in what you know. Start sowing seeds of hope, God’s greatness, health, well-being, strength and positivity into the lives of others.

Take this scripture with you:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Erin Jordan, M.S. EMDT
Joy of Helping Others, Founder
Visit Joho Online!

Do you often struggle with your desires? Do you wonder if they are coming from your inner-self, or truly what God wants for you? Next time you wonder what to do – think on these things: If we are made in the image and likeness of God, and he is not the author of confusion, we need not be confused about the steps and order in our lives. Rely on the Lord to continually direct and guide your steps, words and thoughts. Making the right decision should never be a difficult one, if it truly has manifested from the Lord.

Take this scripture with you:
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11

Be blessed,

Erin Jordan, M.S. EMDT
Joy of Helping Others, Founder
Visit Joho Online!

When God gives you a vision, you may not completely understand why. It may come at an odd time like when you’re driving, sitting in church, waking up from a restless night. No matter how the vision comes, the most important thing to do is act upon that vision. Get to a pen and paper and write down everything you can remember. More likely than not, as you are writing you will begin to expand upon that vision, and be blessed with further insight and inspiration.

Take this scripture with you :
“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
Proverbs 2: 10-11 (New International Version)

God has purposed his children to be full of knowledge and wisdom. As your relationship with God begins to strengthen, you will become stronger in knowledge as well. The Bible is full of inspiration and wisdom that will lead you toward your next journey in life.

Be blessed,

Erin Jordan, M.S. EMDT
Joy of Helping Others, Founder
Visit Joho Online!