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Surprise!

March 12, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Our daughter-in-law’s alarm sounded at 4:00 a.m. a few Sundays ago. She needed to work on writing a grant, assigned to her on Friday and due the following Wednesday.

Of course, no time during the work-day had been provided. (How can bosses consider such directives appropriate?)

H. intended to accomplish several hours of work before church. But when she opened her laptop, a message proclaimed that a key code was needed.

WHAT key code?

H. checked her list of passwords; no code. And nothing she tried allowed her access. Finally she woke our son E., who’s quite computer-savvy. But he too was stymied.

H. got dressed and drove to her office to work there, frustrated by the time lost. E. continued his efforts to unlock the computer. He called Apple, but they couldn’t help without the code.

E. texted us to pray, then kept searching for a solution. About twenty minutes later he found what he called a back door, but still needed a password not on their lists.

“Lord, what might we have set as a password?” he prayed.

He sat for a few quiet moments, and suddenly, a scene from the first Ghostbusters movie popped into his head, when one of the characters used a password. E. typed it in:

And H.’s computer came back to life.

No doubt you tell stories of happy-surprises within your family, illustrating God’s attentiveness, generosity, power, and more.

But not all surprises fall into the “happy” category. 

UNHAPPY SURPRISES

They also come in the form of cancer diagnoses, family members announcing a divorce, or the company’s decision to relocate you across the country.

Doubts of God’s attentiveness and power begin to fester. What then? Debbie Macomber would challenge us to:

And Charles Spurgeon offers this nourishing faith food:

“We have gone through many trials. They have never been to our detriment but always to our advantage . . . He who has been with us in six troubles will not forsake us in the seventh. What we have known of our faithful God proves that he will keep us to the end.”

MIXED-BAG SURPRISES

A third category of surprises includes those that cause delight and doubt. 

For example:

L. had invited our family over for dinner a few weeks before we’d be moving across-state.

With her gift for interior design and crafting abilities, L. had created an inviting home. She showed me her guest room, recently refurbished and exuding a warm welcome, given the restful color-scheme, well-coordinated furniture, and attractive linens.

I oohed and aahed over L.’s surprise-display of her handiwork, truly happy for her success and the wherewithal to make it happen.

But I did wonder why she didn’t ask, “Nancy, are you feeling all right? You look a little green!”

Surely my face betrayed the envy in my heart for that beautiful room.

You see, we’d recently visited the parsonage* that our family of five would soon be living in—small, sorely lacking storage, with long-outdated furniture, and no color-scheme at all.

Not only was I struggling to say good-bye to a loving congregation, but also to the pleasant, new-to-us parsonage the current church had purchased and furnished just three years previously.  

Perhaps you too have struggled, when others enjoy circumstances you desire.  Again, the question arises:

What then? 

Since that night in L.’s home I’ve learned:

That would include prayer for the person we envy, that they might flourish. No doubt you’ve heard “prayer changes things.” That includes the person praying.

In addition, we can be attentive to what God has supplied and express gratitude for all he is and all he does—like the unknown Puritan did who wrote this prayer:

“When I think upon and converse with Thee, ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding every moment of happiness.”

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

I praise you, God, for the numerous happy surprises you provide.  And for those times when surprise comes through difficulty, I praise you for your ministering presence, providing wisdom, grace, and strength. May I be faithful to avail myself of your enablement. 

*A home provided by a church for their pastor and family, sometimes furnished.

Image credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freerangestock.com (Enieda Nieves); http://www.ropbymhome.com (Pierce Martin); http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Maturity, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Comments »

Dust on the Balance Scale

March 5, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Many of us memorized 1 Peter 5:7 as children:

Did you ever wonder how we cast our anxiety?

After all, our concerns aren’t jammed into heavy backpacks we can physically heave onto God’s back. We’re talking in the abstract–about nagging problems, physical ailments, troubling situations.

And in spite of God’s capacity and willingness to be our Burden-Bearer (Psalm 68:19), we find anxiety and fear niggling among our thoughts just the same. It’s difficult to get rid of them.

We know gratitude and praise to God can be effective burden-lifters, but worries can linger on the periphery, waiting for the first opportunity to return. Is that a sign of failure?

Here’s what I’ve learned; maybe you have too.

First, ‘remember learning math facts in school?

Mastery required practice because that’s how God made our brains to work. We learn by making neural connections, called synapses. For most of us, it takes a good deal of repetition for synapse-connections to become hard-wired (1).

Second, it makes sense that the advanced skill of controlling our thinking is also going to require practice. It’s a sign of wisdom to keep turning our minds back to God–a hundred times a day if necessary.

Third, I also know this: God appreciates progress; he doesn’t withhold his delight in us until we’re perfect. 

Consider God’s message through the prophet Zechariah: 

So, when a concern wants front-and-center attention in our minds, let’s implement:

Strategy #1: Keep turning the mind to gratitude and praise.

Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator of the 1600s had his wallet stolen one day. But instead of fretting about it, he wrote this in his journal:

“I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

Henry’s reasons for gratitude surely helped to shift the burden of anxiety from his own shoulders to the formidable shoulders of God. Just reading his entry lifts my spirit. 

Strategy #2: Affirm that God can turn burdens into blessings.  

God achieves purpose, even in our suffering. One purpose: to expand the joy in our lives (James 1:2).

For twenty-six years I taught elementary school. One difficult year, the problems and resulting tension intensified. And yet, as I got in the car each morning, I strongly sensed God’s presence with me, as if he sat in the passenger seat! 

His presence gave me joy–to the point of happy tears sometimes–while also offering reassurance and strength. Without the increased stress, I would not have experienced that singular blessedness.

Strategy #3:  Remember who God is.

For God to be our Burden-Bearer, we have to trust him, and trust grows as we remember:     

He’s our Father of compassion, our ever-present help in trouble, our King of power and glory, our loving and faithful God, our strong deliverer, and more (3). He can handle any load of trouble.

In fact, what seems to us a crushing burden is as inconsequential to him as a speck of dust on a balance scale (4).

*     *     *     *     *     *     * 

Lord, help me remember: You are the one with the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and the wisdom for every decision (5). To worry is to forget Who’s in charge. May I joyfully rest in you.   

Notes:

  1. https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/early-learning-at-home/read-and-count/the-power-of-repetition
  2. Karol Ladd, Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, 54-55.
  3. Psalm 103:13; 46:1;1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 57:10; 18:2.
  4. Based on a Charles Spurgeon quote from Morning by Morning, 8.
  5. Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, 36.

Image credits: dailyverses.net; http://www.flickr.com (Jimmie Quick); http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.

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Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, Joy, Perseverance, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 33 Comments »

Mother from Far Away

February 26, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

     

Maria (pronounced Ma-RYE-ah) Fearing and three friends stood at the ship’s rail, eager to see the coastline of their destination: Africa. For twelve days since leaving New York they’d waited not-so-patiently for this moment. Now it was almost upon them.

Maria remembered when missionary work in Africa first caught her interest. She’d been a teenage house slave and nanny for the youngest six children of the Winston family, on their plantation near Gainesville, Alabama. 

At bedtime, Mrs. Winston read Bible stories to her children as well as tales of missionaries like David Livingstone. How wonderful, thought Maria, to share about Jesus with people who’ve never heard of him before.

Slavery ended in 1865; Maria was twenty-seven. Becoming a missionary was still out of the question; she had no education. But Maria found employment in Gainesville as a live-in maid, grateful to God for the skills she’d learned in the Winston household. 

Five years later, Maria heard about a school founded by two former slaves and for former slaves, Talladega College, which included grades 1-12 as well as college courses.

Talledega College

Students could work on campus and pay their way. Maria traveled the 150 miles to Talladega by walking and catching rides.

She began her schooling with the youngest children. They teased at first—a grown woman with six-year-olds! But Maria played with them at recess and earned their affection. 

While at Talladega, Maria met Lucy Gantt and Lilian Thomas. Though much younger than Maria, the three women became close friends.

Setting her mind toward success, Maria made quick progress toward completing ninth grade. That qualified her to teach in a rural school for the children of former slaves.

Perhaps her classrom looked similar to this one.

She soon achieved another goal, purchasing a small home. Sometime later Talladega invited Maria to return and serve as assistant matron. She accepted.

In 1894 William Shepherd came to the school to tell about his missionary work in the Congo (now Zaire).

Maria remembered Mrs. Winston’s stories and how she’d dreamed of becoming a missionary. When William invited others to join him, Maria volunteered.

However, her interview with the Presbyterian mission board did not go well. She was fifty-six years old, and though perfectly healthy, Maria appeared frail at just five feet tall and ninety pounds. 

“We’re very sorry, Miss Fearing, but we cannot support you,” they declared.

Maria didn’t acquiesce. She met with a church leader, asking him to vouch for her; friends also interceded on her behalf. With their recommendations, the board relented, if she’d pay her own way. 

Maria thanked God he’d inspired her to buy a home, which she happily sold, and with a $100 donation from Telladega women, arranged for the journey. 

Now it was June 1894, and she found herself standing next to her two friends from Talledega, Lucy and Lilian, who’d also volunteered. Lucy had since married the missionary William Shepherd, and together the foursome watched the coastline of Africa come into view. 

However, their journey was not over. They still faced the arduous trek to the mission station, over land and down rivers for 600 miles or so, and taking another six weeks. 

Finally they arrived at the Luebo Mission. Maria began to help the couple in charge however she could, while focused on learning the language. She became quite proficient in just one year’s time.

Also at the one-year mark, the mission board decided to pay her at half rate, then full salary after two years. 

Maria and Lilian cared for forty-four children who’d been orphaned or rescued from the slave trade. They called Maria Mama Wa Mputu, Mother from Far Away.

Perhaps the Luebo school looked similar to this one in Malawi, Africa, 1905.

She and Lillian taught the children household skills, preparing them for domestic employment when they left the mission. But they also taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and Bible knowledge.

All her life God had been preparing Maria for this position, beginning with training in the Winston home, her time as a nanny, and then a teacher. 

The school grew. Some of the new students were those Maria herself purchased out of the slave trade from her meager salary and with funds sent by friends from Talladega. By 1903, 203 students lived under their care—with the help of more teachers. 

Maria also contributed to the translation of the Bible, the catechism, and a number of hymns into the local dialect.

In 1915, at age 77, Maria traveled to America for minor surgery, but when she prepared to return to Africa, the mission board said no, she was too old. 

Maria must have been heartbroken, yet she continued to serve, establishing a Congolese art exhibit, sending the proceeds to the mission at Luebo, and teaching Sunday School until age 93.

After touching countless lives with the grace of Jesus, Maria Fearing died at age 99. 

In the year 2000, she was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame.

SOURCES:

Diana Lynn Severance, Her-Story, 342. 

https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/femmes-scriptura/meet-maria-fearing-african-american-missionary-to-congo/

https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/maria-fearing/

https://faithfullymagazine.com/maria-fearing-remember/https://placefortruth.org/maria-fearing-and-the-mission-to-the-congo/

Lorelei Siemens, “Maria Fearing: From Slavery to Missionary in Africa,” http://www.youtube.com, 2-26-25.

https://placefortruth.org/maria-fearing-and-the-mission-to-the-congo/

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Posted in Courage, Dreams, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Service, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 33 Comments »

Bible Hugs

February 19, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Not long ago I meant to type into the search box, biblehub.com, a site I visit frequently for research. (If you’ve not visited there, it’s well worth exploring.) But this time, instead of hub I typed hug.

Bible hug.

After a slight snicker, I thought, Wait—scripture does offer hugs-of-sorts, in the form of encouragement, comfort, and assurance—providing occasions when I can almost feel God’s embrace.

Sometimes those hugs have come in preparation for what’s to come, sometimes in the midst of pain or trouble, and other times after the fact.

For example, a Bible hug in preparation for what was to come:

Steve and I were driving home after a visit to the next church (three hours away) where he’d been assigned to serve as pastor, beginning in six weeks. Melancholy enveloped me.

Three times in eleven years, the powers-that-be had chosen to move us, although neither we nor the current church had requested it. This was the hardest part of being a pastor’s family in our denomination.

Suddenly, on the Christian radio station we were listening to, the host read a scripture I’d surely heard before, but it took on fresh significance that day:

I clung to that promise over the next weeks of packing, taking care of the million-and-one details a move requires, and saying painful good-byes.

And look what God did at our new church:

He prospered us in new relationships, grew our faith (especially concerning our finances and those of the church), and blessed us as we watched him grow this community of believers—in number, spiritual maturity, and outreach—for thirteen years.

*       *       *

A Bible hug in the midst of pain: 

Spring semester my freshman year of college, I received news that a friend back home had died, the result of a car accident. She’d been in a coma for over a week.

It seemed impossible. So many people had been praying for Shelly. Why did God say “No?”

She was only eighteen, as smart as they come, and scheduled to go to Spain as a short-term missionary that coming summer. Shelly was also an accomplished pianist, and had just won second place in a talent competition.

Why didn’t God intervene for such an outstanding young woman? My faith was beginning to falter.

I shut myself in the dormitory broom closet and searched my Bible for an answer. It wasn’t long before I came across these verses:

Verse 36 in the New Living Translation says, “Everything comes from him . . . and is intended for his glory.” 

That includes the death of my young friend. My place is not to beg for answers that I likely wouldn’t understand or accept anyway. My place is to trust.

*       *       *

A Bible hug that provided closure:

Years ago Steve worked under the direction of a pastor whose words and actions could be downright unkind. We’ll call him George. 

The situation intensified when, behind the scenes and unbeknownst to us, George engineered a change of position for Steve—elsewhere in the state–while we were on vacation. I was pregnant at the time, due just one month prior to the move.

God taught me much during that time, including the wisdom of James 1:2-4:

The next few months provided many opportunities to practice perseverance as we endured continued difficulty with George.

We also developed self-control, not talking to people in the church about what he had done (except with a few mature confidantes), in order not to cause strife or division.

I learned that love is not a feeling, it’s an action. With much prayer, God gave me grace to be genial with George. He also helped me understand that much of his untoward behavior came from insecurity.

After the fact, I could count it all joy that we’d faced such trials. I’m a better person for the lessons learned in self-discipline, integrity, and perseverance.

Years later we had occasion to meet George again. God had obviously been at work in his life; he was a changed man.

*       *       *

Of course, these are just a few of the Bible hugs received from God over the years. Perhaps we’ll revisit this topic again in the future.

In the meantime, please share in the comment section below a Bible hug you’ve received. I’d love to read your stories; no doubt others would too!

Image credits: http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.pexels.com (Leticia Alvares); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com.

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments »

Surprised by Prayer

February 12, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Currently my prayers for others include healing from illness, avoidance of surgery, a smooth path ahead into a new life-phase, and guidance for an important decision. 

Good things for good people.

But not long ago I had occasion to peruse Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church.  Four times in three short chapters, Paul expressed his prayers for these Christians facing persecution and trials (2 Thessalonians 1:4).

His prayers surprised me.

Did he include protection from their enemies? No. Rescue from persecution? No. Lives of peace so they could share about Christ without threat? No. 

Instead, Paul asked for God’s empowerment, encouragement, strength, understanding of God’s love, endurance, and inner peace.

Why were these qualities uppermost in his mind? 

First, GOD’S EMPOWERMENT would help them live true to their faith (1:11 CEV), so they might honor God and God might honor them (v. 12).

And what might that honor look like?  Shalom—which includes inner tranquility, divine wholeness, prosperity of soul, and more (1)—even during trials.

We too can ask God to empower those we pray for, that they might honor him, experience his shalom, and anticipate the supreme honor of hearing him declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (2).  

We’d do well to pray the same for ourselves. 

Second, GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT AND STRENGTH would lead the Thessalonians to always do and say what is good (2 Thessalonians 2:17 GNT).

In the previous verse, Paul reminded these readers of God’s love and grace to them.

Perhaps he wanted to stir up memories of God’s goodness on display in the past, and once inspired, they’d be fueled to show goodness to one another within their church—to keep one another lifted up. 

And that integrity would draw those outside the church to Jesus (3).

Third, GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S LOVE AND ENDURANCE, provided through Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5 GNT), would cause their confidence in him to grow.

Then, when challenges arose, the Thessalonian church would remain steadfast and unflinching in the face of persecution.

Down through the centuries Christians have suffered for their faith. Even now in Asia and Africa, Christ-followers bear up under imprisonment and torture.

Meriam Ibrahim was just such a prisoner, sentenced to death for refusing to become a Muslim.  Her second child was born while Meriam was behind bars. 

Finally her captors threatened to torture her with one hundred lashes followed by hanging, but Meriam later stated she never even considered acquiescing to her captors. 

An international campaign for her release saved Meriam’s life. She now lives in the U.S (4). 

Though we and our loved ones may never face such circumstances, we’re wise to prepare ourselves, and pray for endurance to stay the course—for all of us.

And last, PEACE—Shalom—from the Lord of Peace himself (3:16 HCSB).

Here shalom is not just alluded to; Paul prays for it specifically, that the Thessalonians might enjoy “at all times and in every way” this most sublime blessing.

No doubt, Meriam experienced such inner tranquility and deep, settled confidence. It can be ours also, as we stand on the strong foundation of:

  • God’s promises. He is a refuge, a stronghold, who never forsakes those who seek him (5). 
  • God’s sovereignty and perfections. With flawless wisdom he always acts rightly (6).
  • God’s power. Sometimes he rescues, as he did in Meriam’s case. Other times, in his wisdom of all things, he deems it best not to. It’s then we see his miraculous power to carry his followers through, as he has thousands of martyrs who’ve gone to their deaths praying and singing.

So what about our prayers for good outcomes and guidance? Are they improper somehow? Not at all. In another letter, Paul told us to pray about everything.

So I’ll continue to pray for D. to be healed, for N. not to require surgery, for C.’s path ahead to be made clear, and A., as she and her family look to God for guidance.

But I’ll also add God’s empowerment to persevere, his encouragement and strength to live with integrity in spite of challenges, to experience God’s love in palpable ways, and to rest in his shalom. 

California landscape by Thomas Hill (1829-1908)

Notes:

  1. Isaiah 32:17
  2. Matthew 25:21
  3. Matthew 5:14-16
  4. (https://www.eauk.org/idea/five-famous-christians-who-went-to-prison.cfm )
  5. Psalm 9:9-10
  6. Psalm 145:17

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Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, Peace, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 41 Comments »

Hey Self! Listen Up!

February 5, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

I wonder if your inner voice ever speaks to you like this:

  • “Well, you stuck your foot in your mouth again. Why don’t you think before you speak?”
  • “There’s no way you’re going to finish that project on time.”
  • “Go ahead! Tell her about that award you just won. She’ll be so impressed.”
  • “Why is he always so critical? I should give him a piece of my mind!”
  • “You have every right to be upset. How rude can a person be?”

At one time or other, similar thoughts have crept into my mind. If allowed to fester, my sense of well-being is compromised.

What I need from time to time is a pep talk from my positive voice to counter the negativity. Maybe you do too.

I can just hear that voice calling for my attention—“Hey Self! Listen Up!”—in preparation to take my thoughts in a new direction.

And what might that new direction include?

Listed below are common default reactions we want to avoid, followed by truths to counter them. For each I’ve included (what I hope is) an insightful quote, and a response from that inner voice residing in my head.

I wonder if these responses might resemble yours?

Anxiety

“Anxiety is rooted in a failure to trust God”—Unknown (1). 

Ouch. Did you hear that, Self? Let’s destroy those weeds of worry with affirmations of truth about God!

Psalm 36:5-6

Inadequacy

“Never mind your weakness; it is the very thing that qualifies you. Never mind your feelings of inadequacy; it is God’s work, not yours. Simply make yourself available, and let go of any need to impress others, or prove yourself worthy, or achieve ‘success.’ What matters is that God has chosen you and that God claims you as God’s own”—Brother David Vryhof.

Keep reminding yourself—It is God’s work, not yours. Just stay available, Self, in close connection with him.

Discouragement

“Every step toward Christ kills a doubt. Every thought, word, and deed for Him carries you away from discouragement”—Theodore L. Cuyler.

Okay, Self. Remember: Your King Jesus is Faithful and True, the great Shepherd of his sheep, the head over every authority and power, the Righteous One, and more. AND, this Lord of lords is at work for your benefit (2)!

Helplessness

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered his authority”—A. W. Tozer.

‘See Self? You aren’t helpless. God Almighty is on your side (3)!

Self-Pity

“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace”—Charles Spurgeon.

Don’t dwell on the dark distressors, Self. Look for the beams of bright grace.

Perfectionism:

“A flawed rose still smells sweet”—Unknown.

So, Self: pour your energy into diffusing the fragrance of Christ (4)!

Pride:

“God abhors those people worst who adore themselves most”—William Seckler (5). 

That knowledge alone, Self, ought to help you nip prideful thoughts in the bud!

Wrong Motives:

“I know when I’m doing the right thing for the wrong reason, because that’s when I want credit for it. When I’m doing the right thing with the right heart, I’m content my Father knows and nobody else. That’s enough for me. Because He’s enough”—Denise J. Hughes (6).

Be most mindful of your Audience of One, Self, just as Big Daddy Weave sang about years ago (7).

Anger (Frustration, Resentment):

“Most often, you should leave your anger . . .at the feet of Jesus and allow him to act in your behalf” (8).

Wise advice, don’t you think, Self?

And there you have it: a positive pep talk of wisdom to counter nine undesirable emotions that vie for soul-space.

Now let’s get out there and seize the every day with positivity, purpose, trust, and expectation!

Notes:

  1. God’s Little Lessons on Life, no author given, 19.
  2. Revelation 19:11; Hebrews 13:20-21; Colossians 2:10; 1 John 2:1; Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:28
  3. Romans 8:31
  4. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
  5. Proverbs 8:13
  6. Deeper Waters, 115.
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKS-c93bfbM&list=RDeKS-c93bfbM&start_radio=1
  8. The Women’s Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 957.

Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Gerd Altmann); http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (George Hodan); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net (2); http://www.canva.com.

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Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments »

Primed and Pumped

January 29, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Nick Saban

Their opponent on the football field that day carried the nickname Dawgs (the Georgia Bulldogs), but the Alabama Tide were considered the underdogs for the 2018 playoffs. Pregame, Coach Nick Saban for the Tide primed and pumped his team. 

“Focus on the things that have made us good all year,” he instructed, “which is discipline to execute, do your job, play with relentless effort and toughness.”*

Saban’s advice applies to many endeavors in life, even some that may surprise us—like prayer.

But isn’t it true we need discipline to execute and relentless effort and toughness to persevere in our pleas before God? What we may lack are motivation and passion.

In addition, Satan’s cohorts adeptly suggest excuses like:

  • “God is all-powerful; he’s in control of all things. What good are your pitiful prayers going to do?”
  • “You’ve prayed a long time for some things and nothing has happened. Your prayers are obviously ineffective.”
  • “You’re too busy to pray. Let the elderly saints with nothing to do take care of the praying.”

Like Saban who inspired his team, there are numerous spiritual coaches–pastors and authors–who would prime our prayer-lives with such reminders as:

  • “Time spent in prayer will yield more than that given to work. Prayer alone gives work its worth and its success. Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do His work in us and through us”—Andrew Murray (1828-1917).
  • “A praying man can never be very miserable, whatever his condition be, for he has the ear of God; the Spirit within to indite [encourage, inspire], a Friend in heaven to present, and God Himself to receive his desires as a Father”—William Bridge (1600-1670).
  • [Prayer] “turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God”—Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932).

Still other coaches pump up our spirits for prayer with reminders of the blessings that result—blessings like:

HOPEFUL EXPECTATION

“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in his glory. Think of what he can do and how he delights to hear the prayers of his redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!—Andrew Murray

HOLY ENERGY

“As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer”—Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287.

TRUE PERSPECTIVE

“Prayer brings perspective, shows the big picture, gets you out of the weeds, reorients you to where you really are” (Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 130).

STRONG CONFIDENCE

“Prayer is the way to experience a powerful confidence that God is handling our lives well, that our bad things will turn out for the good, our good things cannot be taken from us, and the best is yet to come”—Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 73.

GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

“Herbert Butterfield, the Oxford historian of modern history, is convinced that what Christians do in prayer is the most significant factor in the shaping of history—more significant than war and diplomacy, more significant than technology and art”—Eugene Peterson, Under the Unpredictable Plant,98.

DIVINE PURPOSE

“A praying saint performs far more havoc among the unseen forces of darkness than we have the slightest notion of”—Oswald Chambers (1874-1917).

INTIMATE CONNECTION WITH GOD

“Unceasing prayer can grow to be something we do not because of discipline but because of friendship. Desire. It’s where we’re headed if we’ll let him take us there”—Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 227.

DEEPEST JOY

“The key that unlocks the deepest joy of any life: secret prayer. Whispers with God”—Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 201.

INEXPLICABLE PEACE

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus”—The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:6-7, GNT.

Nick Saban primed and pumped the Alabama Tide to a victory that day in 2018. They won, 26-23.

May the spiritual coaches quoted here today inspire us toward victory in prayer.  

* https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xDeK9EjSgfQ

Images credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com.

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Awed Adoration

January 22, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

 

Do you know . . . 

. . . the approximate number of stars in the sky? 

  • “Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars – that’s a one followed by 24 zeros (1) !”

. . . about the “Goldilocks Zone?” 

  • That’s what scientists call our perfect position in the galaxy, where Earth doesn’t get too hot or too cold. The distance is “just right” to sustain life (2).

. . . how ocean currents are important to our survival? 

  • They help regulate Earth’s climate by distributing heat around the globe. They also transport nutrients and oxygen to deep-sea ecosystems (3).

. . . where the tallest mountain is located? 

  • It’s not Mount Everest—it’s Mauna Kea, part of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount range. It rises 13,800 feet above the Pacific Ocean and extends down to the ocean floor another 19,700 feet, for a total of 33,500 feet—more than a mile higher than Mount Everest (4). 

. . . how trees in a forest can stay healthy for centuries without human intervention? 

  • An underground fungus network connects plants together, allowing for transfer of water and nutrients (5). 

I can’t speak for you, but such facts astound me and prompt awed adoration for the Creator of all things.

My amazement expands even further as I read in scripture:

  • God knows all those septillion of stars by name (Isaiah 40:26).
  • He is the One who set the earth on its [invisible] foundations; it can never be moved (Psalm 104:5).
  • God inspired David to include “the paths of the sea” in one of his songs (Psalm 8:8), long before Matthew Maury studied those currents and charted them.
  • He covered the earth with enough water to stand above the tallest mountains (Psalm 104:6).
  • God has made sure his trees in the deepest forests have been well-watered and nourished since time began (Psalm 104:16).

Photo taken by Paul Saad in the “Cedars of God” nature preserve in Lebanon.

Some trees are well over 1,000 years old, a few even 2,000 and 3,000 years old.

Who is like our God?!

Because of his incomparable power, he could do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Yet his actions are always guided by absolute love, wisdom, and goodness. 

But of course, God’s magnificence isn’t limited to his creative genius and immense power to accomplish every good work.

Consider his holiness—his separateness from all else, his perfections above everyone else.

He’s the Only One who:

  • can create out of nothing
  • has the capacity to rule and sustain the universe
  • knows all things, all truth
  • can provide eternal life to those who come to him (6)

We see his holiness in:

  • the numerous, already-fulfilled prophecies of scripture, brought about with 100% accuracy
  • his promises, kept with 100% reliability
  • his flawless attributes, at work 100% of the time (7)

Think of all his blessings lavished upon us, the answers to prayer, the difficulties overcome, the miracles bestowed. Your life and mine offer proof of God’s holy faithfulness and lovingkindness.

In fact:

Not since Adam stood up on the earth has God failed a single man or woman who trusted him.

—A. W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous, 44.

Again, my heart responds with awed adoration.

Yet there’s more.

This astounding, wonderful, and perfect God invites us to be holy too.

“Now why would we want to do that?” the skeptic will ask. “Holiness sounds dull and boring!”

In actuality, the process of becoming holy is the pathway to happiness. Yes it is.

Every time God says, “Don’t,” he’s indicating, “Don’t hurt yourself.” When we choose to sin, we’re choosing to suffer (9).

Now why would we want to do THAT?

Some will argue, “But holiness is so hard to achieve.”

That’s where awed adoration comes in, for the magnificence of God’s deeds and the perfections of his character, just as we’ve done in this post.

Why? 

The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration.

—J. I. Packer (quoted by Ann Voskamp in 1000 Gifts, 111).

So let’s plant our roots and grow! 

Greater happiness awaits.

Endnotes:

  1. https://science.nasa.gov/universe/stars/
  2. https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/what-is-the-habitable-zone-or-goldilocks-zone/
  3. https://oceanblueproject.org/ocean-currents-map/
  4. https://www.mos.org/blog/the-earth-around-us/Why-Hawaii
  5. https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network
  6.  Hebrews 11:3; Colossians 1:17; 1 John 3:20c; John 3:16
  7. Isaiah 46:10-11; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 18:30
  8. James MacDonald, Gripped by the Greatness of God, 36-37.

Image credits: http://www.commonswikimedia.org (2); http://www.flickr (Paul Saad); http://www.picryl.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.canva.com.

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A Prayer God Will Answer

January 15, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Black coffee steamed, a fir-scented candle glowed as I began to journal a prayer from Colossians 1:9-12, in response to a Bible study prompt. What follows is the result, with recent additions and revisions.

Perhaps you’d like to pray along?

Thank you, Father, for including many exemplary prayers in the Bible. Moses showed us how to intercede for others, David, how to praise, and Daniel, how to pray using scripture (1).

You’ve also provided promises, assuring our prayers will be answered–for those who believe in you, seek to live your ways, and pray according to your will (2). 

With these assurances in mind, I appropriate for me Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians (1:9-12), desiring to experience the same realities in my life: knowledge of your will, obedience worthy of you, power to endure, and joyful gratitude for the promised inheritance in your kingdom.

I too pray to be filled with the knowledge of your will (v.9)—for small matters and major decisions alike. I know that fulfillment of your purpose will result in prosperity of soul (3).

I pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9), “to recognize truth and discern reality from your point of view.” Many want to make truth relative to fit their world view apart from you. But “ignorance of spiritual realities is the constant source of error, instability, and sorrow” (4).

In contrast, knowledge of your divine truth brings helpful instruction, guidance, comfort, and more. For me to live by your truth is what you deserve, as my all-wise, loving Father. It also brings you honor and allows me to enjoy “life in all its fullness.” How lavish you are in your goodness, O Lord (6)! 

May my life “be the kind that brings credit to [your] grace” (7). One way to do that is to bear fruit (v. 10); to be your instrument of mercy to others with my words and actions. But to do that I need your power, Father, your enablement to carry out what you ask. 

I also need your power to persevere, equipping me to even triumph through trials. Eugene Peterson called it “glory-strength—strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy” (v. 11 MSG). Such an incredible gift!

I praise you for your supply of endurance. Millions of martyrs who’ve gone before have proved: no circumstance in life can ever defeat . . . no event can ever vanquish (8).

How many, Lord, were tortured and maimed, killed by lions in the Roman Colosseum, burned alive, or tied inside a burlap sack and thrown in a river to drown?

The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1883

And yet as death drew near, they spoke and sang words of joy, because of their love for you and their confidence of heaven with you. You made it possible for them, you’ll make it possible for me to deal triumphantly with whatever life delivers.

You also provide patience to withstand unpleasant, even malicious people. You make it possible to set aside bitterness, despair, and exasperation and focus instead on the joyful conclusion ahead, just as Christ did.

Help me to do so, Father. May I remember to take encouragement from your promise that even out of evil, you bring good (9).

Your most mature saints exemplify “giving joyful thanks” (v. 12), even as they suffer. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, offered a perfect example.

She was often in pain from neuralgia, sometimes bedridden for weeks at a time, yet served faithfully for fifty-five years, even writing thirty-five inspiring books.

Amy Carmichael

“Joy is not gush, ” she wrote. “Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect acquiescence ~ acceptance, rest ~ in God’s will, whatever comes.”

I know she’s right. 

Thank you, O God, for your willingness to bestow all these life-enhancing entities: knowledge of and compliance with your will that leads to satisfaction, strength and power to endure, and joy–especially in the glorious inheritance you’ve provided in your kingdom of light!

Help me do your bidding, Lord, joyfully leaving the outcome to you.

Notes:

  1. Exodus 32; Psalm 145 among many, Daniel 9.
  2. 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15.
  3. Psalm 40:8.
  4. 4. J. B. Phillips, The New Testament in Modern English, Colossians 1:9; Charles Spurgeon, http://www.preceptaustin.org.
  5. Psalm 119:14, 105, 52.
  6. John 10:10 GNT; Psalm 31:19.
  7. http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org.
  8. William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible, The Lettters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, 131.
  9. Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:15.

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.picryl.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (2).

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Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Maturity, Meditation, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments »

Entrance to the Zenanas

January 8, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

As Mr. Banerjee[1] sat talking with her father, Hannah bent over her needlework, taking pleasure in creating embroidery for a pair of slippers.

The visitor glanced Hannah’s way and couldn’t help but notice her handiwork—the stunning colors, beautiful pattern, and exceptional workmanship.

“Forgive me, Mohashoya” (respected lady), he said. “I must say your needlework is of superb quality. Might you be able to teach my wife how it is done? You could come to my home, perhaps once a week?”

Hannah caught her breath. In that instant, God answered a two-decade prayer of her missionary family, serving in India in the 1800s.

Calcutta, near the northeastern border

Hannah had been born in Calcutta in 1826, and learned to speak the Bengali language fluently. By age twelve she was assisting her mother with the school they operated in their garden, taking responsibility for the younger students.

A deep passion began to grow within her for those who did not know Jesus, who lived without hope, peace, and joy.

In 1845, Hannah married Rev. Dr. Mullens, another missionary. Together they ministered to the citizens of Calcutta. She founded a boarding school for girls where they learned how to read and write, sew and embroider. They also studied the Bible.

But their ministry to many of the women was hampered by the Hindu custom of confining them to the inner rooms of their homes, the zenana. Outer rooms were reserved for men and guests. 

Women were considered helpless and beneath men, so they weren’t sent to school. Fathers arranged the marriages, often to a husband unknown by the bride. Many men practiced polygamy.

Within the zenanas, ill-treatment and neglect were prevalent.  If on rare occasion these women went out in public, they had to be completely covered from head to toe.

Few opportunities presented themselves to tell them about Jesus.

But that afternoon, as Mr. Banerjee asked Hannah to teach his wife embroidery, she saw the grand opportunity God was providing. Before long, the sewing lessons with Mrs. Banerjee were accompanied by dialogue about Christ and what he offers.

Soon another opportunity presented itself. An acquaintance of the family, an Indian doctor, passed away, and Hannah went to visit his daughter.

To her delight, Hannah discovered the young woman to be highly intelligent. Her father hadn’t followed the zenana customs and had provided a tutor.

“Might you be willing to start a school for other young women?” Hannah asked. Before long, twenty young women were gathering to learn how to read and write, and to hear about Jesus. Hannah presided over the school.

Through gracious diplomacy, she gained access to other zenanas. Hannah’s mother assisted with the work.

Another woman became director of the boarding school, so Hannah could expand her ministry in the zenanas. At one time, she provided spiritual care for eighty women and seventy girls [2].

Nine years previously, Hannah had written a book for Bengali Christian women. In 1861 she began another book–this time for the women of the zenanas. But Hannah became ill and did not recover. She was thirty-five years old.

Some would question God’s decision. “Her ministry had just begun!” they’d say. But scripture explains God’s view. All the days ordained for Hannah, set before even one of them came to be, had undoubtedly been fulfilled (Psalm 139:16).

Many mourned the death of Hannah LaCroix Mullens, including 150 Christian converts from Hinduism who attended her funeral with their families.

Thirty-three years later, Rev. E. M. Wherry listed the following statistics for the Zenana, Bible and Medical Mission (established in 1880):

The mission “has 73 European missionaries and assistants, 54 Bible-women, and 149 native Christian teachers and nurses. It sustains 67 schools, with 2,554 pupils and three normal schools with 115 students training for mission work” [3].

Imagine Hannah’s joy to see these women (and perhaps thousands more) enter heaven, the ripple effect from that first visit with Mrs. Banerjee.

 

[1] Actual name unknown.

[2] Diane Lynn Severance, Her-Story, 247.

[3] From Women in Missions, American Tract Society, 1894, p. 117 (available online).

Sources:

Diana Lynn Severance, Her-Story, 247.

Click to access eminent-missionary-women_gracey_a-r.pdf

Click to access July7_1981.pdf

Click to access Mission-Miracles1B.pdf

Image credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.ndla.no; http://www.canva.com (2).

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