Category: Jesus

Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Healing, Jesus

WALKING THE PATH WITH JESUS

joymargetts

We have just been blessed with a few days of holiday in a very picturesque part of England. An old stone cottage in the centre of a beautiful Cotswold town was our base. And close by the winding, wilder stretches of the majestic River Thames meandered by.

 I love water. I am always drawn to it. Which is why I probably live by the sea. So whilst we were there I was determined to see the River. Perhaps even to walk beside it, or sit somewhere to enjoy the wildlife, the colourful cruising canal boats, or the fascinating locks and weirs.

Photo of a wide river with green rushes, and nettles along its banks. There is grass and trees in the distance. The sky is blue with white clouds, both are reflected in the river water.

Physically Exhausted

There was a problem, however. A bout of Covid, followed by an intense time running a Writers Retreat, and a resulting exacerbation of my Chronic Fatigue, meant that I was just physically exhausted. So whilst I could enjoy the river views from a moving car, any attempts to get closer to it were thwarted by my incapacity.

On a particular rare sunny afternoon, we decided to try and visit an impressive weir and lock keepers house, noting that it had a nearby car park. We found the car park and we found the path down to the river. It was probably no more than 600 yards between the two, but after I had walked less than a third of the way down that path, I knew my body had reached its limit. Frustrating beyond belief. I stood leaning on a gate as my husband trotted down the path to see if I could get any closer – close enough to perhaps at least see the weir from a distance. But he came back shaking his head. Our plans had been thwarted.

But still blessed

In the car as we drove away we talked about some of the things that my Chronic Fatigue has robbed us of experiencing together over the last 11 or so years. Conversations like that aren’t always helpful. It can soon pull me down, pull both of us down. He too has had to sacrifice much because of my health. And we try not to dwell on the negatives. We are so blessed in so many ways – at least we could drive through stunning countryside and enjoy the Cotswold villages, at least we could visit a quaint delicatessen and buy some edible treats. But walking was just not happening.

God speaks

I was talking to God about this. About my frustration at not being able to do all that I wanted to be able to do. Asking yet again if this was ever going to get better, if we will ever get to live life more fully. These were His words to me,

‘Beloved, the path you are walking with Me is far more important than any physical path. And the views that will open up for you, the things that you will experience with me are much more than you can even imagine.

Child, lean into Me. Trust Me. I will prove Myself faithful. This walk with Me, beloved, this walk is the important one. And if through Your weakness you have come closer to Me, so that you have to hold tightly on to Me as we walk this path together, then that is enough.

I will not leave You behind. You will not miss out. Wait and see all that I have for You.’

Walking the path with Him

I knew then, and I know now, that the path that I have been forced to walk, a path of suffering if you like (although I struggle to call it that, because it has been so blessed), has been so precious.

Photo of a path through a forest of tall trees, with sunlight breaking through the tree tops.
Image courtesy of Canva.com

The things that walking this path with Him have opened up for Me, the things I have learned and experienced, the lives that He has enabled me to touch and encourage. My writing. This writing. New friends, followers, book readers, other writers, and a vision to encourage and promote those writing for Him. All these have come about because of the path God and I are walking together. And the exciting thing is that He promises yet more. More exciting experiences, more open, panoramic views.

And yes, I will be able to walk more physical paths too. For this tiredness, this exhaustion, this too will pass. He that has promised is faithful.

And He wants to walk your path with You too.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NKJV

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

advent, Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, CONSOLATION – ADVENT THOUGHTS (6)

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CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

So we are nearly there. Christmas is but days away. And how precious it has been to keep Jesus at the centre of out thoughts in the Advent period. His birth meant so much, at the time of His coming, certainly, but to so many more since. He came to make things right, once and for all between man and God. In this last advent thought of the year, we look at how He came to be, and is for eternity, our consolation.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,

and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel,

Luke 2:25

There is a little story in Luke’s gospel that introduces us to Simeon. Simeon was an old man, a devout lover of God who had waited for years for the promised Messiah. He was led to be in the Temple by the Holy Spirit at just the moment that Jesus’ parents arrived with the infant Christ, and got to hold his Messiah in his arms and to prophesy over Him (Luke 2:25-35).

COMFORT, HELP, AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Luke tells us that Simeon was waiting expectantly for the ‘Consolation of Israel’. Now the word ‘consolation’ can be translated as ‘comfort’, ‘help’ or ‘encouragement’ and that is great. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was in dire need of comfort, help and encouragement and it was no wonder that Christ was longed for. He is the bringer of comfort. Elsewhere in scripture we are promised the comfort of His Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31), the comfort of the Scriptures (Psalm 119:50) and the comfort of God Himself (Romans 15:5).

But a more exact translation of the word ‘consolation’ is ‘advocate’: it has legal implication. It speaks of one ready to stand by your side before the judge and to give evidence on your behalf. Applying this meaning of consolation to the person of Jesus makes much more sense. Yes, He would be the bringer of comfort, but He was also coming as an advocate.

OUR ADVOCATE

He stands today as our advocate before the Great Judge, His Father. He is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 -16). What a comfort it is to picture Him standing beside us before God. When we know we need someone to speak on our behalf, because we mess up so easily. What a consolation to our troubled spirits, when guilt and shame threaten, to know that He gave His life, so that we can be free of those once and for all. He is our great encourager, our consolation, our advocate.

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Am I slow to take things to Jesus when I feel guilty or ashamed? Is that what God wants – for me to carry guilt or shame?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, where I have held on to guilt and shame and not come to You for forgiveness. Or when I have been slow to accept that forgiveness, or to forgive myself.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are my consolation. Thank You for the comfort that Your Word brings Me, and that Your presence brings me. Thank You that You are my advocate in heaven. Thank You that I can bring my mistakes to You and ask for forgiveness, and that You defend me, because Your blood covers all my sin.

Help me to be quick to repent when I have failed You, and quick to let go of the guilt and shame you died to free me from.

Thank you that we no longer have to wait expectantly for You to come, but that You have come, and now live in our hearts. Thank You that we can look with expectancy for Your second coming, knowing that You will come to make all things new.

Amen.

Further Reading: Luke 2:21-40

This devotional thought is an extract from:

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

Bible, christian fiction, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ

JESUS, STAR OF JACOB – ADVENT THOUGHTS (5)

joymargetts

Stars feature greatly among our Christmas decorations. More so than Santas, elves or reindeers! Of course the Christmas story features an incredible star, one that acted as an ancient GPS system, leading the Magi to Bethlehem. But did you know that Jesus is also described as a ‘star’, and in the very same passage of the Bible that features a talking donkey? Read on to find out more!

STAR OF JACOB


A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,

Numbers 24:17

When we think of the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesied about the Messiah, we might think Isaiah, or Malachi, Jeremiah or Zechariah. But did you know that an ungodly and self-serving false prophet of the god Baal was used by God to prophecy about His Son? Balaam, was his name, and if you don’t know his story, it’s worth a read (Numbers 22-24). Not least because it features a talking donkey!

I love that God used a man with ungodly intentions and put His own words into his mouth, frustrating his attempts to curse God’s people. Balaam says in Numbers 24:7,

 ‘I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob: A sceptre shall rise out of Israel’.

A BRIGHT STAR APPEARING

In Eastern tradition the image of a star was well known to refer to a great and illustrious ruler, especially used in conjunction with the sceptre. This prophecy of Balaam’s had two fulfilments: the great King David who was yet to come, but looking much further ahead, it also pointed to King Jesus. It was very likely that this prophecy informed the wise men (Matthew 2:2). The appearing of a bright and unusual star in the sky that heralded the birth of a great new King set them on their journey to find and worship Him.

He would be the one who shone with brilliance, lighting the darkness, like a bright star in the night sky. His brilliance would become a guiding light, and a symbol of hope.

BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR

Turn to the book of Revelation and there you see Him as He is now (Revelation 1: 13-17), His face like the ‘sun shining in all its strength’. So glorious that John, the one who in life had been so familiar with the person of Christ that he had laid his head on His chest, fell flat on his face as if dead before Him. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus says,

“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

No more a baby in a manger, no more a humble man, He stands as the brilliant glorious resurrected and ascended King, the Star of Jacob shining for all eternity.

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: How do I feel about God using an ungodly man to prophecy about the Messiah? Or about Him speaking through astrology to magicians from the East?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, when I have failed to hear You speaking, or failed to see what You are doing, because of prejudice.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the Star of Jacob – the promised King that carries the sceptre forever. Thank You Father that You used the words of the most unlikely prophet, and a sign in the heavens to bring the Magi to Bethlehem. Thank You that their willingness to make that journey, and the rich gifts that they brought, tell us so much about how special Jesus was at His coming. Thank You, Jesus, that You shine in brilliant glory in heaven now, and one day I will see You, just as John did.

Help me to listen for Your voice, Father, and to know how to hear You. Thank You that I have Your word to guide me, and to use as a test for what I believe You are saying. Help me to be willing to be obedient to Your Word.

May the favour of Your face shine on me and my loved ones this Christmas.

Amen.

Further Reading: Matthew 2:1-14

This blog is an extract from:

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, SON OF DAVID – ADVENT THOUGHTS (4)

joymargetts

‘Once in Royal David’s city’ we sing. It is a well loved and familiar carol, one of many that I love, being quite a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David, and of course became the birthplace of King Jesus. Another great carol ‘While Shepherd’s watched’ has the line, ‘born of David’s line’, and the hymn, ‘Hail to the Lord’s Anointed’, describes Jesus as ‘great David’s greater son.’ But why was it so important that Jesus was born of David’s line? Here are my thoughts.

SON OF DAVID

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

Matthew 21:9

The genealogies in both Matthew 1 and Luke 3 show that Jesus was physically descended from King David. This was the fulfilment of the prophetic promise given to David through Nathan the prophet,

‘And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever’. (2 Samuel 7:16)

When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary he told her that her son, although the Son of God, would also be given David’s throne,

 ‘He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.’ (Luke 1:32)

WELCOMING A KING

The people of Jesus’ time knew that the Messiah would earn the title ‘Son of David’. It is what the multitudes cried when they flocked to welcome Jesus as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). As a descendant of David’s royal line, in human terms He had a right to the throne of Israel. As they cried their hosannas they believed they were welcoming a king.

A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART

But why was it so important to God that Jesus was called the ‘Son of David’? God chose David to be King of Israel, because he was ‘a man after His own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14).

David was far from perfect, but held a special place in God’s affection, and knew a closeness with God that was ahead of his time. He was obedient to God, sought His will and direction, submitting himself to God’s care and protection. David was a warrior King who brought peace to Israel and established a strong Kingdom. But He was also a worshipper, giving us many of the Psalms, establishing 24/7 worship in the Tabernacle, and overseeing the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Jews of Jesus’ time would have looked back and revered both David and his reign.

THE HEART OF GOD PERSONIFIED

And then the ‘Son of David’ appeared. I believe David was a picture of Christ, albeit an imperfect one. Jesus was a man whose heart was completely and perfectly after God’s heart, He lived His life in submission and obedience, a life that worshipped God. Our warrior king, He would fight, to the point of giving up His life, in order to establish a new and eternal kingdom. David brought the Ark, the presence of God back into the heart of the kingdom of Israel. Jesus came to bring the presence of God into the heart of all who would receive Him.

David was a man after God’s own heart; Jesus was the heart of God personified.

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Is my heart after God’s heart? Even when I get things wrong, does my heart want to be after His?

Ask God: Show me Jesus, any areas of my life where my heart goes after things that are not of You.

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that Your heart was so completely in tune with the Father’s heart. Thank you that You came to earth willingly, out of obedience to the Father’s will, but also to show us how much the Father loves us. You lived a life that worshipped God and honoured Him.

Help me to tune my heart into Yours, so that my life is lived after Your own heart, in every area of my life. Forgive me when I set my heart on things that are not pleasing to You. I want my life to reflect You and to be known as someone who loves and serves You well.

Amen.

Further Reading: Luke 2:1-20

This is an extract form my Advent Devotional, Christ Illuminated.

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, IMMANUEL – ADVENT THOUGHTS (3)

joymargetts

One of my absolute favourite descriptions of Jesus, is Immanuel, God with Us. This advent it is good to know that even in the busyness, He is right with us. And when we feel alone or overwhelmed, Jesus is still our Immanuel.

God With Us

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

In Matthew 1:18 -21 we are told the story of Joseph, and his dream encounter with an angel of the Lord. Joseph is told that He should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, as the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Then in the following verses Matthew adds a quote from Isaiah (Matthew 1:22-23). Jesus’ birth is going to fulfil another messianic prophecy. He will be called ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’ (Isaiah 7:14). It wasn’t to be His actual name, rather an expression of what His coming meant.

A God Who Understands

God Himself, in the person of His Son, descended into humanity so that He could live among us. We can put from our minds all thoughts of a distant, uninterested God. Jesus was born into poverty, hardship, shame, fear and uncertainty, under Roman oppression. He chose to experience these things, as well as injustice, hatred, misunderstanding, loneliness, physical torture and death. Jesus suffered these willingly, for our salvation, but also so that He could fully understand our pain and suffering (Hebrews 4:15).

He truly made Himself God with man, and this is our comfort. There is nothing that we can face that He has not experienced Himself. We can never believe that He does not care, because He truly knows how we feel. He also had no problem identifying with the undesirables – from the shepherds, to tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to be with those who needed Him most, God ‘with’ every person, whatever their status.

Our Battle Cry

But ‘Immanuel’ occurs elsewhere in Isaiah, in chapter 8 and verses 8 and 10. Here it is not a name but a cry of trust, from a nation facing humiliation and defeat; it is a yell, ‘God is With Us!’. Immanuel is our comfort but can also be our battle cry.

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
Speak the word, but it will not stand,
For God is with us (Immanuel).           Isaiah 8:10

Whatever we face, He, our Immanuel, is truly with us. ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ is His promise (Hebrews 13:5). We too can cry ‘God is with us’! Our protector and defender stands victorious in heaven, but also lives within us by His Spirit. We never have to face anything without Him.

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Does it comfort me that Jesus suffered as a human being, or do I find it hard to accept that He understands what I am going through?

Ask God: Show me Jesus, how and when to use ‘Immanuel’ as my battle cry.

Pray: Thank You Jesus that You are Immanuel, God With Us, in every sense of the word. You made Yourself as one of us in coming to live on earth. You are with me still, living within me by Your Spirit. Thank You that You promised to never leave me to face difficulties alone. I can stand in the face of hardship, knowing that the Victorious One stands with me. Almighty God is on my side, He is with me.

Help me to take comfort from the fact that You know what it means to suffer and that You truly care and understand. Help me to trust You to fight for me and with me.

Amen

Further Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

JESUS, BELOVED SON – ADVENT THOUGHTS (2)

joymargetts

Advent is well on the way. We are making our lists, attending Christmas events, maybe even switching on our Christmas lights. Let’s take a moment today to remember the One this is season is all about. Jesus, the Beloved Son.

The following is a an extract from my recently published Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘, 24 daily devotions based on the names of Jesus.

BELOVED SON

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and declared that the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit would be called the ‘Son of the Highest’ (Luke 1:32). On two further occasions God Himself speaks confirming Jesus as His Son: at His Baptism (Matthew 3:17), and at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). On both occasions God declares ‘This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.

Loving Parent

Can you picture God the Father, looking down with His heart bursting with love and pride for His Son? Those of us who are parents can perhaps understand that feeling. I know that we can’t wait to tell people how wonderful our children, or our grandchildren are, and how proud we are of them. We see beyond their mistakes and imperfections and love them fiercely and unconditionally. Seeing God as a loving parent dispels the idea of Him being a distant figure. He was completely and utterly besotted with His son, His perfect Son, and was totally invested in what Jesus was doing. Isaiah 42:1 tells us that Jesus, His servant, delights God’s soul.

Loving the World

But not only did God the Father love His Son, He loved the world that He sent His Son to (John 3:16). So much so that He willingly gifted His only son to the world. Jesus, the Son, came, sharing the very nature of His Father. He became the expression of the Father’s love for us: love incarnate, willing to lay down His very life for us.

As parents we love to give our children what they wish for, especially at Christmas. If we could afford it, we would give our children the world. Funnily enough that was exactly what God the Father promised His Son,

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.’         Psalm 2:7-8

That inheritance includes you and me! Because Jesus came willingly and obediently to earth, and humbled Himself to death on the cross, God exalted His Beloved Son to the highest place. And every knee in heaven and earth will one day bow to His beautiful name (Philippians 2:8-11).

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Do I find it hard to see God as a loving father? Why is that?

Ask God: Reveal to my heart, Jesus, just how much you love me personally.

Pray: Thank You Father that You loved the world enough to send Your Beloved Son to live among us, and to die for us. Thank You that just as You delighted in Jesus, so You delight in me as Your child. Even when I make mistakes, it doesn’t change how You love me, and You demonstrated that love for me in sending Jesus. Thank You that I am part of Jesus’ inheritance, and that one day I will worship at His feet, knowing that I belong to Him.

Help me to see how much You love and delight in me. Help me to love Jesus as He deserves to be loved, and to walk in His love.

Amen

Further Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, The Word of God

JESUS – THE WORD. ADVENT THOUGHTS (1)

joymargetts

I love Advent. I love the excitement of preparing for Christmas; gift shopping, cake baking, tree decorating. But the main reason I love Advent is that it is a time every year when we can contemplate the wonder of Christ’s coming.

This year I am so excited to have my own Advent Devotional in print. I have decided to take some of the thoughts from ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘ and publish them here on my blog. If you want all 24 daily devotions to inspire and encourage you, you will have to purchase the book!

THE WORD

John’s gospel begins with the familiar words, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ’ (John 1:1). To know he is speaking of Jesus we only have to jump down to v14, and to these words, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’

Logos

I wonder if you have ever struggled to understand this description of Jesus? I certainly have. I love words, I love reading them and writing them. I love the beauty words can portray when used creatively. So how does this relate to Jesus? The Greek meaning of ‘word’ here isn’t so much the written word but the spoken word, or ‘logos’. It is the expression of a thought. It makes much more sense to describe Jesus in this way, as the spoken, outward expression of God’s thoughts. The manifestation of all that He is.

His spoken message

Scripture tells us that ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Matthew 12:34). God had so much in His heart that He wanted to express to mankind of His love, joy, truth, holiness, grace and mercy, that He sent us His spoken message in the person of Christ. In effect Jesus was the embodiment of all that God wanted to say to us. How beautiful is that!

The Word of Life

But there is more. John 1:1-3 tell us that Jesus was there in eternity with God and through Him all creation happened (Colossians 1:16). We know that God spoke creation into being (Genesis 1:3). It was in His heart already, but speaking the words had the power to bring what was in His heart to life. In and through Jesus, God speaks the desire of His heart, to bring life, eternal life, life in abundance to all who will believe.

Jesus is ‘the Word of life’ (1 John 1:1). In Revelation John describes Jesus as the all victorious One riding on a white horse, bearing the words ‘faithful and true’. He gives Him the name ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19:11-13). This is the One who shed His blood and rose again to purchase life for us. He wears the victor’s crown.

As John declares, of Jesus, the Word,

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: How does seeing Jesus as God, the One who created the world, and who is the human expression of God in all His fullness, change the way I understand the nature of God?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, how powerful my words are. They have the power to bring life or to bring death (Proverbs 18:21).

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the living Word. You are the full expression of God and You came to earth to show us the Father. Thank You that as God’s Word you offer life to all who will accept You. You are the Word of Life.

Help me to see You as God, to acknowledge You as the creator of the world, and to worship You as the victorious One. Help me to understand that just as Your words have power to create, and to express God’s heart, so do mine. Help me to speak of God’s love and mercy with my words, but also with my life, as You did.

 Amen.

Further Reading: John 1:1-18

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

advent, Bible, Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: THE JESSE TREE ANTHOLOGY Compiled by Rachel Yarworth

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Graphic with the cover of The Jesse Tree Anthology, alongside a list of dates and names for the Blog Tour

I am thrilled to be able to take part in the Blog Tour for this exciting new Advent Resource. Especially thrilled because I have the joy of being one of the contributors! So this review is not biased in any way, honest!

A Good God idea

Many months ago, Rachel Yarworth had an idea, and shared it with a group known as the Association of Christian Writers. She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but it so happens that quite a few other people thought it was actually an excellent idea, as they readily signed up to be involved. I believe that Rachel’s good idea was a God idea, and one that has resulted in this really beautiful book.

The Jesse Tree

What was her idea? Well she had the vision for producing a family friendly devotional style book, that could be used during Advent. It would be based on the idea of the Jesse Tree – traditionally a pictorial or physical  representation of a tree with its branches that helps to tell the story of the Bible from creation right up until to the nativity of Christ. Although Jesse was a direct ancestor of Jesus, the Jesse Tree is more than just the physical lineage of Jesus. It is a study of how the people and the events of the Old Testament all point towards His coming.

Image shows the full front and back cover of The Jesse Tree Anthology

25 Fabulous Writers

But Rachel did not want to do this on her own and so asked if people would be willing to contribute to one of the 25 daily studies that would make up the whole. Before long she had 25 fabulous Christian Writers* keen to take part. The result is a wonderful collection of different voices, telling different stories, and adding their own insights and flavour to them. Every one of the contributors love Jesus, and that is so obvious in their writing.

Family friendly

 The daily thoughts are short, and written in accessible language, so they are great for family use, and for those new to, or just exploring the Christian faith. After each story are some thoughtful questions to ponder and discuss together. And then to top it all there are beautiful stained glass images to colour and cut out so that families can make their own Jesse Trees. If you don’t want to cut up the book these Jesse Tree decorations can also be downloaded from Rachel’s Website here.

Graphic with examples of the colourful decorations for making your own Jesse Tree, alongside the image of the front cover.

God’s Extraordinary Plan

What does Noah’s ark have to do with Jesus? Or Abraham and Isaac? Or Jacob’s ladder, or Rahab’s scarlet rope? Why did God give the prophets things to say that didn’t make sense at the time they were living? Or use the most unlikely people to become the physical ancestors of Jesus? The Jesse Tree Anthology takes us in a wonderful journey from creation to Christmas, and opens our eyes to God’s extraordinary extravagantly detailed plan to bring Salvation to the world in the person of Jesus.

A Valuable Resource

Rachel has done a fabulous job of drawing the Anthology together and getting it published. The themes, the questions, the artwork and the glorious cover are all due to her hard work and commitment to her original vision. I can so heartily recommend The Jesse Tree Anthology to you. It is far more than a book; it is a valuable resource that can be used over and over again, and will bring Jesus into the centre of Christmas for families everywhere.

The Jesse Tree Anthology  ISBN 978-1739257712 RRP £8.99 can be purchased via Amazon or direct from Rachel’s website at https://rachelyarworthwriter.uk/books/

I will also have a few signed copies available to sell myself. Contact me if you are interested.

*Contributors include: Liz Carter, Maressa Mortimer, Natasha Woodcraft, Jocelyn-Anne Harvey, Rob Seabrook, Emily Owen, Claire Musters. Sheelagh Aston, Joanna Watson, Shaoan Hazel, Liz Manning, Matt McChlery, Lesley Crawford, Alex Banwell, Olusola Sophia Anyanwu, Joy Margetts, Joy Vee, Ruth Leigh, Jonathon Bugden, Jo Acharya, Anne Calver, Jenny Sanders, Fay Rowlands, Rowena Cross, Rachel Yarworth

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. ‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel ‘The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called ‘Christ Illuminated‘, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Jesus, The Word of God

A GOOD WORK

joymargetts

Inside Out

Image shows a woman wearing a black cardigan over a pink top

A couple of weeks ago in a prayer meeting somebody called me a cardigan. And I wasn’t offended! I had been sharing how I felt my health limitations combined with recent demands on my time and energy had left me feeling deeply unsettled. I couldn’t clearly see what my role was to be going forward, in church particularly, where other changes are taking place. Good, exciting changes, but changes that we are having to adapt to. At the moment that I was sharing another friend entered the room and took off her coat to reveal that she had been wearing her cardigan inside out all morning. We laughed with her, but then another friend turned to me and said, ‘You are like that cardigan. Even though it looks a bit different being inside out, it still works. It still kept her warm.’ It really encouraged me. Sometimes we don’t feel we are the same people when circumstances mean we can’t do what we used to do. But God might just be turning us inside out, showing others a different aspect of us, changing our own perspective. We are still cardigans!

Valuable

I am reading a book at the moment, which I will be doing a fuller review on in time. Valuable, by Liz Carter, will be published in June 2023, and I an honored to be reading a pre-publication copy. One of the main messages the book tackles is the whole issue of ‘usefulness’. The narrative that we accept that says that somehow our value to others, and even to God Himself, is tied up with how useful we are. What we can do or achieve. When in fact God sees us as valuable even in our weakness and uselessness. It is a great book and has made me think deeply as to how we are so quick to judge others by their jobs, callings or giftings. Rather than to value them as God does, just for being them.

A Good Work

In the week leading up to Easter I re-read the story of Christ’s passion. This time as I was reading Matthew’s account one verse hit me like never before. The story is beautiful and probably familiar (Matthew 26 : 6 -13) Within hours of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, whilst He is at the home of Simon the Leper, a woman comes with an alabaster jar of costly perfume and pours it all over Him. It is an act of adoration and worship. An act of love, the fragrance of which stayed with Jesus as He faced the agony of rejection and crucifixion. But it was Jesus’ words that stood out to me anew. When His disciples criticised her extravagant waste, He said “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.”  ( Matthew 26:10)

The word ‘WORK’ leapt out of the page. I even went back to the Greek, and yes the word Jesus used of that woman’s act of worship, was the word ergon – that means work, task, employment, accomplishment. How often do we believe we have to do some great work for Christ, to be useful and fruitful to make Him pleased with us. All that woman did was pour perfume and love all over Him. Sure it was costly, and sacrificial, but it was her genuine heartfelt response to her Saviour. And He honoured her for it.

Cropped image of a person dressed in simple white robes pouring liquid from a decorated jar.

Image courtesy of https://the-alabaster-jar.com/

Pour out our Love

It is still mind blowing to me that Jesus called her love act ‘work’. And it is something that I will have to continue to meditate on in the days going forward. As I think about who I am, what I can do or not do. What roles I will take going forward. Perhaps the very best work I can do for Jesus is to just sit at His feet and pour my love over Him. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that I should do nothing else. But that what I do actually do for Him should flow out of that love response, rather than the quest for approval. Maybe, just maybe, it is enough for Him, for me to worship and adore Him, and to revel in His love for me. It is good work enough.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Grief, Jesus, Seasons of life, The Word of God

A CONSTANT HEART

joymargetts

UPS AND DOWNS

Image shows a tiny hand of a newborn baby grasping an adult's thumb

A little over a month ago I posted an emotional blog about the loss of our dog, and our grief over it. Our feelings of sadness at the time were really intense, coming on the back of a difficult few months. And then suddenly, within weeks, everything changed and joy replaced grief. Busyness replaced loneliness, and the unwelcome quiet was replaced by the longing for a little peace! Life is like that. You can step from sadness to joy in the matter of weeks, and then sometimes back to sadness again. Or worry, or excitement, or frustration, or fulfilment. Sometimes the ups and downs can leave us feeling pretty storm-tossed!

GOOD THINGS

Image shows a phot of the author signing a contract

In the last month some really, really good things have happened in our lives. Firstly we welcomed our second grandchild into the world. She came early, and came tiny, but she also came healthy and everyone is doing great. We are overjoyed to be invited to be so involved in our grandchildren’s lives – it is such a privilege. They are a delight to be with, and being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of my life.

A second thing that brings me joy (and not a little anxiety) is my writing. In the same week that our grandchild was born, I signed a contract with my publisher for a third novel, that will be out later this year. This is exciting, and I am thrilled, but it also brings with it pressures, deadlines, stress. Publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride all of its own.

A CONSTANT HEART

Life is never all about one kind of emotion. We have to learn to navigate the seasons, or sometimes, the moments that we are in. We need to guard our hearts to ensure that extremes of emotions don’t derail us. That we remain constant, in our faith, our trust in God, our belief that He is in control, in being who He has called us to be.

One passage of scripture that always speaks to me is from Matthew 14: 13 – 21. Jesus hears about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. That he dearly loved John, and deeply grieved his loss is evident. He goes away by Himself to find a deserted place to be alone, with the Father, to process His loss. Only He is not alone for long, because the crowds follow Him. Did He send them away? No, v 14 tells us that He was ‘moved with compassion’ seeing how many of them needed to be healed. So after hours of healing and teaching them, does He send them away to find food for themselves, as His disciples suggest? No. He feeds them – and what a 5,000 guest party that was! So in a matter of a few hours Jesus grieved, was filled with compassion, poured Himself out, and then celebrated an extraordinary miracle. All the time He stayed right in the centre of God’s will for Him.

A STEADFAST HEART

Jesus’ example is hard to follow. I’m not saying that we should not take time to grieve, or to celebrate, but that whatever life throws at us, we can still seek to be at the centre of God’s will. We can listen to Him, trust Him, look to the needs of others, and keep our hearts constant. Or steadfast, as the Psalmist did – always finding a reason to praise. Psalm 57:7

Image contains the words of Psalm 57:7 against a background of abbey ruins and green leaves.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com