October | 2024 | From the Inside Out

Archive for October, 2024

An Election Day Prayer

Posted in Decision-Making, Godly Character, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 3:12, 1 Timothy 2:2-3, God's Direction, God's Power, Integrity in politics, Mark 3:25, Prayer for Our Leaders on October 31, 2024| 43 Comments »

Between the internet, TV, and our mailboxes we’ve been inundated with political ads for months. Not only do Republican and Democrat candidates oppose one another on numerous issues, each side also loudly complains about the errors and character flaws of the other.

No doubt we can all agree: it’s been another contentious election season.

We might also agree that the whole process is worthy of prayer. In fact, through the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul, God urges us to pray for our leaders:

Perhaps we might pray like this:

We praise you, O God:

That you are willing to use our earnest prayers to change the course of our nation, to stay your hand of judgment, and make us into the kind of people you long for us to be in the process [1].

That you are all-wise and all-powerful. There is no problem that can’t be alleviated, there is no argument that can’t be settled, when people seek your wise insight and revelation. May all of us turn to you with sincere hearts, eager to follow your ways, to live together in peace and unity [2].

For leaders already serving in city, state, and federal governments: may they strive to apply your wisdom, justice, and the Golden Rule on behalf of those they serve. Keep them strong in mind and spirit for the work ahead.

Be our guide, O God:

That we might understand clearly the issues at hand, the problems we face, and the consequences of each policy implemented.

To elect those whose lives and leadership are based on truth and integrity.

To elect individuals who will not suppress those who profess faith in you. May they support, not detract from, opportunities that introduce people to Christ and the enhanced life he offers.

To elect those who will honestly consider the best practices (many of them Christ-centered), already implemented and working in some areas—best practices with high success rates in reducing poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, crime, and more. Conversely, may our public servants terminate those government programs that aren’t working and waste financial resources.

To elect people who value unity and are willing to seek creative compromises and solutions with those of different political affiliations. In the process, may such leaders contribute to healing the divide among us and strengthen our country [3].

We pray for:

Lies to be exposed and truth to shine with clarity.

A sense of serious responsibility in the heart of ALL Americans, that each might cast an informed, thoughtful, and prayerful vote. May we remember that men and women have died in order that we might exercise this precious freedom.

An honest election, untainted by fraud and interference. May those involved in such activities be exposed and held accountable.

And finally:

May the injustices perpetrated by dishonorable leaders be rectified.

May elected officials serve with integrity, stand against evil, and work toward the prosperity of all. May they be mindful they are accountable to you first, and then their constituents [4].

May YOUR power and greatness, justice and mercy, righteousness and goodness, wisdom and more reign supreme as elected officials take office.

In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray,

AMEN.

[1] Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, p. 157.

[2] Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 119:30-32; Ephesians 4:3

[3] Mark 3:25

[4] Hebrews 13:17

Art & photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.en.wikipedia.org; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com (Vera Arsic); http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.heartlight.org.

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Depending on Where You Look

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged dealing with anxiety, focus on the positive, How to Encourage Yourself, improving attitude, improving outlook, inspiration, Meditation, Positive attitude on October 24, 2024| 64 Comments »

This time of year, if you take a walk through the woods with your eyes on the trail, you’ll note languishing undergrowth, shriveled toward the dusty ground.

Daylight has waned, temperatures have cooled, and plant life is beginning to wither. Not an inspiring sight.

But what if you look up? The trees display a cacophony of autumn color: golden yellow, burnt orange, and scarlet red. The brilliance can take your breath away.

And you’re reminded: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by dullness or uplifted by grandeur.

* * *

Take a look at your calendar or planner for next month. No doubt you’ll find some upcoming responsibilities you’d like to eliminate: the dentist appointment, your flu shot, getting the car serviced, and more—not the way you’d like to spend your time.

But what if you focus on upcoming delights such as the get-togethers of your small group or Bible study partners? The lunch date with old friends? A fun community event? Now the upcoming month doesn’t look so disheartening.

And you realize: Depending on where you look, you can become dispirited by dread or uplifted by anticipation.

* * *

Watch or listen to the news and you’ll hear about the cruelty, criminality, and dishonesty in our world. Overexposure to the mayhem can lead to anxiety and depression.

But what if you balance the necessity of being informed with the joy of being inspired?

Meditate on such Bible psalms as #16, #23, #103, and #145 to replenish your spirit with truth and hope. Turn to such websites as https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ that offer articles about troubles relieved, problems solved.

Volunteers help with reconstruction after an earthquake in Haiti

And you’ll find: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by widespread wrongdoing or encouraged by the perfections of God and his activity around the world.

* * *

It’s easy to fixate on the disappointing and maddening stuff of each day, then tell someone else about it, and grumble together how people can be so incompetent, rude, and thoughtless.

But what if you look for the gracious people and share their stories–the kind interstate driver who let you merge into a tight line of traffic? The pharmacy cashier with the consistent and genuine smile? The school volunteer who faithfully reads to the kindergartners each week—from her wheelchair?

And you discover: Depending on where you look, the atmosphere can be clouded by negativity or brightened with positivity.

* * *

A change of view

can produce a heart renewed

—depending on where you look.

Art & photo credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (2); http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.public-domain-image.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com.

TAKE NOTE! A newsletter launched this month that includes additional topics to what’s on the blog. Please sign up below and check out the first installment. Thank you!

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A Quiet Time Notebook

Posted in Bible Study, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged bible, devotional time with God, keeping a quiet time notebook, Prayer, prompts for praising God, quiet time with God on October 17, 2024| 42 Comments »

Some time ago I mentioned my quiet time notebook in response to one of Linda Stoll’s thoughtful essays on Substack.

(DO visit her at https://lindastoll.substack.com!)

This notebook provides a place to keep Bible study notes, scripture memory work, prayer-starters, and more. Then when I sit down each morning to spend time with God, I have what I need in one place.

Linda replied to my comment, “One of these days you’ll have to tell us more about that notebook!”

Well, today is the day! Here’s a brief explanation of its contents.

First, I’ve chosen looseleaf over spiral, allowing me the freedom to move things around, even remove pages and file them to make room for newer material.

The set-up of various sections allows me to organize by category, making it easier to find what I need.

Below you’ll find more details for each section, plus suggestions for others.

THE COVER

Here’s a chance to be creative! It might be as simple as a scripture coloring page (Many free ones are available online.), a favorite Bible verse or quote written with colorful markers, or an inspiring photograph. Make your notebook a pleasure to pull off the shelf.

PROMPTS FOR PRAISE

Many of us follow the pattern-for-prayer based on the acronym, A.C.T.S. A = Adoration, C = Confession, T = Thanksgiving, and S = Supplication.

To add freshness to my praise, I decided to focus on just one of God’s attributes each day, to avoid a repetitious list-prayer.

For each trait I’ve collected scriptures and quotes that help me express adoration for who our God is. That collection is the first section in my notebook.

CURRENT BIBLE STUDY

If I’m not using a workbook—a study by the likes of Jen Wilkin or Priscilla Shirer—I keep my notes together in this section.

When I finish journaling or verse-mapping through a book of the Bible (for example), I file these pages so, if needed, I can find them again.

However! Purging has been necessary now and then. Had I kept every study throughout the decades of my life, I’d probably need two or three file cabinets!

Also in this section: ideas for scripture meditation, to add variety to the ways I study. These too are available online. (One example: https://biblicalspirituality.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Meditation-Methods-Summary-17.pdf).

MEMORY WORK

I keep a typed copy of each chapter I’ve memorized, the many shorter passages, and individual verses. Reviewing a page or two each day helps to keep the passages fresh in my mind.

PRAYERS

Some people keep a prayer list in this section. But years ago I transitioned to a prayer box of 3 x 5s. The cards provide more room to write, as some requests go through stages toward fulfillment. It’s encouraging to see God at work through the process, as well as in the final outcome.

So this section of my notebook isn’t for requests, it’s for model prayers that have especially touched my heart. I can turn to these when the words won’t come.

An index helps me find an appropriate one. For example, when I need discernment I turn to a prayer of Thomas Merton, for hope, John D. Rayner, and for peace, Teresa of Avila.

FROM THE INTERNET

Occasionally I come across articles and blog posts worth keeping close at hand: how to’s, poetry, inspiration, information, and more. (I need to create an index for this section too!)

WORD OF THE YEAR

Sometimes I participate in this practice of prayerfully choosing a word to focus on for a year. That focus can include searching out related scriptures, writing them out, journaling meditative thoughts, and then praying through them.

The goal is to allow such focus to form our character and enhance our relationship with God.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES

There are those who include a reflection journal, gratitude journal, written out prayers, and/or other personalized pursuits. I prefer actual journals or separate notebooks for certain endeavors.

One example: my God Is Faithful journal, mentioned here now and then.

The first pages are starting to show their age!

Dozens of pages offer a record of God’s faithfulness to our family since 1983. At first this journal did reside in my quiet time notebook. But it soon grew and required a notebook of its own.

And now, gracious readers, I’d love to hear how you organize your quiet time materials. Please share in the comment section below!

All photos: Nancy Ruegg

TAKE NOTE! A newsletter launches this month that will include additional topics to what’s on the blog. Please sign up below and check out the first installment. Thank you!

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God Makes Himself Visible

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, Generosity, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, God's Provision, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Service, Uncategorized, tagged Diospi Suyana, Ephesians 3:20, Klaus-Dieter and Tina John, Mission Hospital, missionary work, Peru, Philippians 4:19, Quechua Indians on October 10, 2024| 37 Comments »

Young Klaus-Dieter John read the last page of another “jungle doctor” book by Dr. Paul White—his favorite series. The adventures, based on the missionary doctor’s experiences in Africa, never failed to capture Klaus’s imagination and heart.

The boy sighed. How great would it be to live in the jungle and help people as a medical missionary.

That dream stayed with Klaus through high school in his hometown of Weisbaden, Germany. As graduation neared in the late 1970s, he felt certain God wanted him to become a doctor and serve in a third world country.

Another person in his school carried the same dream, a pretty girl named Martina. Soon Klaus and Tina were a couple.

The next decade included university, medical school, and marriage. Further training took the Johns to England, Johannesburg, and finally America. Klaus studied at Harvard, and then completed his surgical residency at Yale.

Meanwhile, Tina earned board certification in pediatrics, in Germany and America.

God used a backpacking trip through Peru in 1991 to draw their hearts toward the Quechua people, descendants of the Incas. These Indians live on high plateaus and in deep valleys of the Andes Mountains, impoverished and illiterate.

At that time, just four doctors served 40,000 people. The Johns knew immediately: this was where God wanted them to serve.

First they volunteered for five years at a well-established mission hospital in Ecuador. During that time Klaus and Tina founded the Diospi Suyana organization to alleviate the suffering of Peruvian Indians.

In Quechua, the words mean, “We trust in God.”

But they desired to do much more. “What if,” the couple dreamed, “we could establish a hospital for the Quechua people near Machu Picchu—not just a bare-bones clinic but a true hospital with everything necessary to provide excellent care?”

Just saying the words out loud highlighted the implausibility of their desire. How could they raise the millions of dollars necessary? And even if they could build such a facility, how would they keep it staffed and equipped?

But God propelled them forward.

In 2004 the Johns began seeking financial support for their vision, first in Germany and then in other countries. A trickle of donations at first grew to a steady flow. Several companies even committed to provide equipment and materials.

Also during this time, Klaus and Tina moved their family of five into a mud home in the village of Curahuasi, a village strategically located between three Peruvian cities.

By May 2005, the Johns were participating in a miracle: the ground-breaking for Diospi Suyana Hospital—a project that would cover eight-plus acres of land, and cost $100,000 each month to construct [1].

The couple was determined not to incur debt. God would either supply the needed funds or construction would be discontinued.

Supply he did—through more than 50,000 individual donors who’ve contributed to the hospital’s ministry [2].

As the complex took shape, fifteen miles of computer cable were set in the walls, as well as “countless miles of pipes for suction, compressed air, and oxygen” [3].

The dedication of the facilities took place in August, 2007. By 2017, 300,000 Peruvian patients had received care at Diospi Suyana—patients who only pay 20% of the cost of their care—at most; the other 80% is paid by generous donors.

Each day begins with a worship service. Thousands of Peruvians have heard about Jesus and been told of his gift of eternal life. For those who accept that gift, one of the hospital pastors visits their home and connects them to a local church [4].

The ministry has expanded over the years to include dental and eye clinics, Kids’ Clubs, a school for six hundred children, and a radio station [5].

Many miraculous provisions have contributed to the flourishing of Diospi Suyana.

For example, in January 2006, while Klaus was in Germany on a speaking tour, he met with a good friend. Klaus mentioned they needed a civil engineer to oversee the hospital construction, but the person had to be willing to serve without pay.

“I know someone who might be interested,” declared the friend and he made a phone call, setting an appointment for later that day with the engineer Udo Klemenz.

Meanwhile, when the phone rang at the Klemenz’ home, Udo and his wife were in the midst of praying about their plans for the future.

At the meeting that afternoon, Klaus made his proposal. The couple gasped in surprise for this near-instantaneous answer to their prayer.

“Come to Peru for as long as you can stay,” Klaus invited.

Udo and his wife soon traveled to Curahausi—and stayed for eight years [6].

Klaus affirms often, “God has become visible in my life” [7]. (Emphasis added.)

Indeed, he has.

[1] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf

[2] https://cbn.com/news/news/hospital-built-faith-proof-me-god-real

[3] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf

[4] https://cbn.com/news/news/hospital-built-faith-proof-me-god-real

[5] https://www.diospi-suyana.de/diospi-suyana-2-2/?lang=en#

[6] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf

[7] https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/3-october/features/interviews/interview-klaus-dieter-john-founding-director-diospi-suyana-hospital

Photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.travelingteacheronline.com, H. McElwee; http://www.pxhere.com.

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CHILL!

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, God's Love, Godly Character, Renewing the Mind, Success, Uncategorized, tagged 1 John 4:10, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Perfectionism, Philippians 3"12-13, Romans 3:22, Tetris on October 3, 2024| 45 Comments »

Years ago when our middle granddaughter was a preschooler, we took her to an arcade. In the back corner stood a few free games and among them, two old Tetris side by side.

Some of you will remember this game. Shapes drift down from the screen-top; the player must manipulate them, fitting them together in a solid wall as they reach the bottom—without leaving holes.

After a quick explanation of how to play, E. happily started pushing buttons. I decided to play the neighboring game. Bad mistake.

Video games never were my forte, and the passing years had not contributed to my skills. Frustration began to build as hole after hole appeared in my wall.

At game’s end, E. cried with joyful triumph, “Look Nana! Look at the pretty design I made!”

Though her screen displayed many colorful shapes, there were numerous holes. But that didn’t matter to E. In her view she’d created an eye-catching piece of art.

E. taught me a lesson that day. My attitude could often be improved if I just focused on the positive of what IS and not on the negative of what ISN’T.

All too frequently I’ve strived for unattainable goals, wasted time on unimportant details, or sacrificed rest while slaving through a lengthy to-do-list. I’ve also cared too much what other people thought.

All of these traits are symptoms of perfectionism.

Why are we perfectionists so strict on ourselves? Perhaps it’s because we don’t want to be:

ashamed of our performance or handiwork
blamed when our efforts aren’t up to par
judged inferior or lacking in some way

To move away from such fears and toward the freedom Christ offers (John 8:36), we need to CHILL by affirming these attitudes and actions.

I am:

C elebrating more often what’s right, criticizing less often what’s wrong
H appy with “good enough” when appropriate
I nspiring others with my imperfections!
L istening to the truth
L oved by God as I am

To jump-start such declarations, consider the following.

CELEBRATE

When faulty efforts occur, we can CELEBRATE this: “A flawed rose still smells sweet” (Unknown). I can still carry the fragrance of Christ as I rely upon him through the mistakes and failures.

(Be) HAPPY

“We don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” (Unknown).

Lots of fantastic people in this world display admirable qualities, but not one of them is perfect.

You’re wonderful too! Give yourself the same grace you give others.

INSPIRE

“There’s no need to be perfect in order to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections”—Ziad K. Abdelnour.

Also true:

LISTEN

Listen to such truths as these to silence the voice of perfectionism:

Jesus did live a perfect life yet was criticized incessantly. However, all he cared about was his Father’s approval, which God bestowed (Matthew 3:17). You know who else is approved? Everyone who believes in Jesus!

Everyone who believes has God’s approval

through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:22a GW

The godly Apostle Paul admitted—after thirty-years as a Jesus-follower— he hadn’t achieved perfection. Even so, he found satisfaction in pressing on toward spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:12-13).

We can combat the striving as we embrace God’s desires for us—to lie down in his green pastures now and then, and not fill every minute with activity—to lead us beside quiet waters, and not struggle in a churning ocean of busyness (Psalm 23:1-3).

(Receive) LOVE

God has made it clear: “[He] loves us because of who he is, not because of who we are” (Unknown, 1 John 4:10).

His love for us is:

Sacrificial (Romans 5:8)
Lavish (1 John 3:1)
Patient, kind, unfailing, and more (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Forgiving (Ephesians 4:32)
Everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3)

So! When perfectionism insists we aim even beyond excellence, let’s remember:

There are no perfect daughters, wives or mothers; no perfect sons, husbands, or fathers; no perfect employees, no perfect homes. No one has it 100% together.

“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, incomparable wisdom, and infinite love” (Unknown).

Like our granddaughter E., we can celebrate with joyful triumph the cumulating designs of our lives—imperfect though they may be.

Let’s CHILL!

Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com (4); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.canva.com.

TAKE NOTE! A newsletter launches this month that will include additional topics to what’s on the blog. Please sign up below and check out the first installment. Thank you!

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for October, 2024

An Election Day Prayer

Depending on Where You Look

A Quiet Time Notebook

God Makes Himself Visible

CHILL!

Nancy Ruegg

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