April | 2025 | From the Inside Out

Archive for April, 2025

With or Without?

Posted in Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Intimacy with God, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, Wisdom, tagged Developing Our Faith, Facets of Faith, Faith, God, God's guidance, Growing in Faith, How Faith Works, Life with God, Waiting on God, What Faith in God Includes on April 24, 2025| 23 Comments »

Life is about choices, and there are just two ways to make them. We can trust our own wits, or we can put our faith in guidance from outside ourselves.

Guidance from outside might come from trusted family and friends, counselors, self-help books, and God. But only one source offers infallible wisdom every time: God.

The question becomes, will we live a life of faith with God [1], or will we choose to live without?

As a child I chose the former and never regretted it. Many of you have walked a similar path.

Sometimes, though, we get weary. Doubts creep in. Problems crop up like weeds and answers to life’s dilemmas don’t come as quickly as we’d like.

What then?

There are a number of faith-building actions you’re probably familiar with, including: praise and gratitude to God, scripture study, prayer, as well as spending time with mature and wise Christians.

You know what else is helpful? Studying the facets of faith. As we deepen our understanding of how faith works, we enhance our connection with God, increase our usefulness, and experience more contentment in life.

No doubt there are quite a few facets to our faith, but today we’ll briefly look at just eight.

FAITH IS:

Affirmation of What We Know

God would have us understand he is righteous, good, faithful, and compassionate [2].

He never forsakes those who seek him. He arms us with strength and keeps our way secure. God guides us along the right path, and surrounds us with his unfailing love [3].

In the book of Psalms alone you’ll find hundreds of such encouraging affirmations as these, highlighting who God is and the glorious things he does. It’s a delight-of-discovery to seek them out [4].

Faith grows depending on what it is fed.

–Unknown

And affirmation of God’s character is a beneficial first course.

Attentiveness

Faith is seeing light with your heart

when all your eyes see is darkness.

–Barbara Johnson

And where might we find that light? In the presence of God and in the encouragement and promises of scripture that fill our hearts with the light of hope [5].

Confidence

As we practice affirmation and attentiveness, we build confidence in the truth that God will do what is right when the time is right, though for now we may see no sign of it.

Courage

Confidence in God fuels our courage to trust without proof, to thank God in advance (even before there’s evidence of anything happening), and to step into the unknown.

Faith is taking the first step even when

you don’t see the whole staircase.

–Martin Luther King, Jr.

Empowerment

Be inspired by what Charles Spurgeon wrote decades ago:

Faith links me with divinity.

Faith clothes me with the power of God.

Faith engages on my side

the omnipotence of Jehovah.

Faith insures every attribute of God in my defense.

–Charles Spurgeon

With almighty God on our side, what have we to fear [6]?

Expectancy

And surely, such an attitude will contribute joyful up-timism [7] in our spirits.

Rest

Faith invades the muddle; it does not eliminate it.

Peace develops in the midst of chaos.

Harmony is achieved slowly, quietly, unobtrusively. . .

Such clarities result from courageous commitment to God.

–Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 194-195

When we trust without reservation we find peace and rest.

Waiting

Without the discipline of wait-time, our faith would remain underdeveloped. This facet provides opportunity for strength of spirit to grow [8]. And we can take comfort from the knowledge that:

While we are waiting on God,

we are waiting with God.

–Lou Giglio

As we live life with him we’ll find:

Affirmation, attentiveness, and waiting will grow our faith.

Confidence, courage, and empowerment will result from our faith.

Expectancy and rest will flow from our faith.

I can’t imagine making any other choice than living life with God.

How about you?

[1] Life with God is precipitated by accepting Jesus’ glorious invitation into God’s family (John 1:12).

[2] Psalm 7:17; 13:6; 31:5; 51:1

[3] Psalm 9:10; 18:32; 23:3; 32:10

[4] See the post, https://nancyaruegg.com/2025/01/16/celebrating-god-through-the-psalms/

[5] Psalm 146:5

[6] Psalm 27:1

[7] See the post, https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/10/06/better-than-optimism/

[8] Isaiah 40:31

Image credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com (2).

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My Peace I Give You

Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Jesus, Peace, Praise, Salvation, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Thessaloninas 3:16, Colossians 3:15, Good Friday, John 13:21, John 14:27, The Last Supper on April 17, 2025| 32 Comments »

Another time, another meal

Easter afternoon we’ll join our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters for dinner in their home—with six other guests.

E. and H. have planned a Georgian feast, based on traditional dishes from the Eastern European country of Georgia. (Did you know that 85% of that nation’s population are Christian? I certainly didn’t.)

Each family or single person attending this celebration has been given a recipe, so we’ll be able to sample eight different dishes of this new cuisine. And because of the many delicious meals we’ve enjoyed with E. and H., we know:

Within the warm ambiance of their home and the congenial atmosphere as we converse and laugh together, each of our individual concerns will recede to the background. In their place, joy, contentedness, and peace (shalom) will settle upon our spirits.

By contrast, the Passover feast that Jesus celebrated with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion, held little joy or peace for him. In fact, the Apostle John wrote, “Jesus was troubled in spirit” [1].

He knew what would happen that night and into the next day: the pain of betrayal, scourging [2], a crown of thorns thrust on his head, mockery, the crucifixion, and separation from his Father.

The plan had already been set in motion, when Judas approached the chief priests and officers of the temple guard to discuss how—for a price—he might hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present [3].

Under these stressful circumstances Jesus stated to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [4].

The Amplified Version adds: “Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.”

But if Jesus was troubled in his own spirit, how could he promise his peace to the disciples? How could he tell them not to be troubled?

The answer lies in his confidence in his Father. Though fully aware of the suffering to come, Jesus displayed confidence in the purpose and power of his Father and moved forward unhesitatingly to meet the pending crisis [5].

Consider his demeanor over the next eighteen hours or so. Jesus conducted himself with calm quietude from the moment of his arrest to his last breath on the cross. God did indeed supply courage and strength for every torment.

This is the nature of the peace Christ gives to all of us who trust in him [6].

But how do we avail ourselves of this precious gift? (And for those of us who are familiar with these ways to peace, how well are we implementing them?)

Get to know God in his Word.

We considered one way in the post, “Celebrating God in the Psalms.” So many of his attributes and gracious actions are highlighted in these ancient songs.

No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.

–Croft M. Pentz

Practice his presence.

Possibilities include expressing gratitude, speaking simple prayers throughout the day, and singing worship songs.

Be quick to praise God.

You’ll find your cares reduced and your anxieties lessened. The result: expanded peace.

Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind.

–Max Lucado, Mocha with Max, 82

Come Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law’s home will provide a splendid place of refuge and peace—for a few hours.

How glorious to contemplate that Christ’s refuge and peace is much more splendorous, much more impactful, and for all time!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for enduring unimaginable suffering in order to restore our relationship with God and provide the gift of eternal life. Now you are our Lord of peace, ready to give us peace at all times and in every way. You ARE indeed worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!

1 Peter 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Revelation 5:12

[1] John 13:21

[2] A flogging, inflicted with a whip of leather straps imbedded with pieces of metal and glass, meant to rip into the flesh. Such a brutal beating often led to death.

[3] Luke 22:1-6

[4] John 14:27

[5] Merrill Tenney, www.preceptaustin.org

[6] Colossians 3:15

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com (3); http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.flickr.com.

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Forward Momentum

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged Faith in the Midst of Trouble, Feed Your Hope, God's Help in Trouble, Strategies for Moving On Past Adversity, Suffering, Trials on April 10, 2025| 27 Comments »

Perhaps you’ve experienced one of these life-altering moments when:

A medical diagnosis immediately shifted priorities for the whole family
Corporate headquarters announced lay-offs; you were one of them
You realized Mom could no longer live alone
A spouse announced your marriage was no longer working for them, and they’d found someone else

The first instinct is to shut out the world, pull inward, and allow grief and self-pity full reign.

Yes, grieving is essential, but there comes a time to let go of what was and look to God for what’s next, because:

When we believe God, we move forward.

When we choose to despair, we stay in a pit.

Karol Ladd [1], Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, 89.

But how do we activate our belief in God in order to combat despair?

Listed below are ten practices for such times. They also provide help when smaller upsets occur and in seasons of spiritual malaise.

Ten Strategies for Forward Momentum:

Resist looking too far down the road and becoming discouraged by the what-ifs. Focus on just today–even just the next hour [1].

Spend time reflecting on God’s Word and note the transformation of mind and spirit. From Psalm 119 alone we learn that scripture provides strength (v. 28), preservation of life (v. 50), comfort (v. 52), delight (v. 77), wisdom (v. 98), understanding (v. 104), guidance (v. 105), truth (v. 142), and peace (v. 165). Such entities are always beneficial, but especially in the midst of difficulty.

Practice gratitude to God frequently throughout the day. Gratitude expands your awareness of his goodness in spite of challenge.

Practice praise, for each of his attributes you see at work in your life: his attentiveness, faithfulness, wisdom, and more [2].

Counter the urge to look backward and dwell on the negative. Look upward with worship in order to move forward [3].

Affirm your confidence in God [4]. You are not alone! You have a trustworthy, all-powerful God working for you and in you. He WILL see you through and bring positive effect out of the situation.

Pray about the next steps God would have you take. Rest assured that “where God guides, he also provides”—Unknown [5].

Follow the Apostle Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8, and fill your mind with profitable input. Read spirit-lifting material, listen to Christian music and sing along, listen to encouraging podcasts.

Allow others to minister hope and encouragement to you, and be an encourager yourself. That Bible-truth, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”[6] applies to encouragement too.

Kindness works in similar fashion. Show kindness to others and find the joy of your heart increased [7].

Feed your hope for tomorrow with scripture verses, song lyrics, and uplifting quotes. Copy them in a journal or notebook. You’ll have instant encouragement at your fingertips.

These quotes may offer a starting point:

The first step toward getting somewhere

is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.

–John Pierpont Morgan

* * *

It may support your heart to consider that

in these troubles God is performing that work

in which your soul would rejoice

–if you did see the design of it.

–John Flavel, Keeping the Heart

* * *

* * *

[The road may be rocky] “but with God’s help

the rocks can become stepping stones.”

–Barbara Johnson

Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, 83

* * *

Difficulties are sent to make us grow.

Move from complaining to proclaiming

what God is doing through the problem.

Remind yourself, for every Calvary,

there is an Easter.

–Barbara Johnson (source unknown)

* * *

Lord God, when adversity overwhelms us, we ask that you grant:

Confidence in you, our wise and trustworthy Shepherd

Strength and courage to take the next step

Forward momentum, away from our fears and into the future you’ve lovingly prepared

We look forward to watching you bring miraculous good out of our trials.

In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN!

(Proverbs 14:16; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 41:10, 13;

Psalm 139:16; Romans 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Which practices have provided forward momentum for you? Please share in the comment section below!

[1] Matthew 6:34

[2] Psalm 9:1-2

[3] Psalm 121:1-2

[4] 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

[5] Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 58:11

[6] Acts 20:35

[7] Proverbs 11:17a

Image credits: http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.flickr.com (Kenneth Garcia); http://www.canva.com (3).

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He’s a Keeper!

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Peace, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 1:8, God Our Keeper, Isaiah 26:3, Numbers 6:24, Peace, Psalm 121:7, Psalm 18:28 on April 3, 2025| 47 Comments »

What would happen if the keeper(s) of the house gave up their responsibilities? Can you imagine the pile-up of dishes and dust, garbage and grime, dirty clothes and clutter? The house would soon become uninhabitable.

Now think of what would happen if the Keeper of the universe gave up his responsibilities–just on Planet Earth.

His carefully-engineered habitats for plants and animals would collapse, weather patterns conducive for agriculture would become sporadic, and the regulation of Earth’s orbit and rotation would end. Our planet would soon become uninhabitable.

Our God is indeed Keeper extraordinaire of creation!

But his preservation skills impact more than the physical realm. Skim-read these scriptures and see what categories-of-keeping you notice:

“The Lord bless you and KEEP you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]” (Numbers 6:24 AMP).

“Lord God of heaven, . . . you faithfully KEEP your promise and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5 NIV).

“You Lord, KEEP my lamp burning and turn darkness to light” (Psalm 18:28 CEV).

“The Lord will KEEP you from evil; he will KEEP your life” (Psalm 121:7 ESV).

“You will KEEP in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).

“He will KEEP you strong to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

More scriptures could be added, but even this short list makes clear: We are cared for, guarded, preserved, protected, provided for, shielded, upheld, and watched over (all synonyms for kept).

I’ve lived long enough to see much evidence of God’s keeping, including:

His provision when the A/C repairman “just happened” to have in his truck the part we needed, slightly used but still good, which he gave us without charge.

God’s protection when the IRS declared our son owed the government $5000. He engaged a tax accountant who verified he only owed $1500. But she also found additional deductions and discovered the IRS owed him $1500!

God’s care during sieges of too much to do and not enough time to do it, relieved by changes of plans, help from unforeseen sources, and tasks that didn’t take as long as expected.

God’s preservation when troubling events haven’t happened: exposure to illness and we didn’t get sick, dangerous weather projected by meteorologists turned out to be much less severe, or a meeting expected to be stressful actually went smoothly.

Such circumstances occur more frequently than we realize. In fact, “There are not five minutes in the day when [we] do not need the Almighty Keeper to keep charge of [us]” [1].

For some, however, keeping sounds constrictive, like God is repressing us under his thumb, insisting on control, spoiling our fun.

Charles Spurgeon offers a different perspective: “It is . . . a delightful thing to be kept of God . . . They are kept indeed whom God keeps: they are preserved from evil; they are reserved unto boundless happiness” [2]. The above examples offer proof.

“No, no,” some will say. “Evil happens to good people much too often; sadness intrudes upon every life. Where is God’s keeping then?”

Surely the Apostle Paul was addressed such a question, while held under house arrest in Rome.

He might have answered, “I’ve known and served Christ for many years, and have enjoyed countless blessings along with dynamic relationships. I’ve watched God perform astounding miracles and seen people’s lives transformed by faith in Christ.

“But I’ve also experienced hardship, persecution, suffering, and sorrow, including my imprisonment now. God doesn’t necessarily remove us from difficulty; he preserves us through it.

“We’re upheld by his light in darkness, his comfort in stress, his strength in trouble, his peace in upheaval, and even his joy in spite of disappointment” [3].

And because he wanted everyone to remember that nothing can interfere with God’s compassionate keeping of our lives, Paul wrote:

How has God demonstrated his compassionate keeping in your life? Please share in the comments below!

[1] Andrew Murray, The Spiritual Life, Whitaker House, 1996, 235.

[2] Faith’s Checkbook, August 4.

[3] Psalm 55:22; 139:12; 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; Nehemiah 8:10c.

Image credits: ww.flickr.com; stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com; stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com (2).

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for April, 2025

With or Without?

My Peace I Give You

Forward Momentum

He’s a Keeper!

Nancy Ruegg

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