(What follows are impressions from God one recent morning):
Yesterday, Nancy, you started singing that praise chorus from the ‘90s, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” One line exclaims, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” Take to heart the truth that I’m glad you’re in MY life too!
Each of my children is one-of-a kind, specially created with a unique set of traits, talents, and strengths. I already loved you, even before you were born, taking great care to plan out your days and write them in My book.
You’ve sometimes wondered what I was up to as those plans have unfolded—plans that involved challenge, trouble, and pain.
But as a parent yourself, you know that love must include discipline. I’ve used the difficulties you’ve faced in the development of your character and the growth of your spiritual maturity [1].
Keep in mind also that I designed you with the purpose of participation in my divine activity [2]. That activity sometimes includes adversity in order to provide the benefit of example and encouragement for others.
Once you get to heaven you’ll see how some of your most challenging experiences, most mundane moments, and most thankless efforts, have created impact under My orchestration. Be prepared; you’re going to be amazed!
Remember too that all through the years I’ve tenderly led you along like a good shepherd, providing for you, guiding you, and blessing you with good things. Your “God Is Faithful” notebook contains forty years worth of proof [3].
I’ve also related to you as a devoted father, always regarding you with compassion and taking into consideration how weak you are. How well I know that you are mere dust [4]!
But every step of faith you take and every effort toward obedience you make bring me pleasure. I delight to see your progress as you grow more and more like Christ [5].
Never forget:
- You are precious in My sight, like an expensive pearl [6]
- You are highly valued as a treasured possession, proven by the price I paid for your redemption, the death of My Son in your place [7]
- You are a vital part of My rich and glorious inheritance [8]
Daily I lavish My love upon you [9]. Stay alert to my blessings, and let gratitude do its work to magnify the delight of each gift. Then thankfulness will provide a continual flow of joy in your heart.
And remember, My steadfast love for you will never wane, My kindness to you will never end, My purpose for you will never expire [10].
Be mindful of these truths, Dear One, that prove I AM so very glad you’re in my life!
(Keep scrolling, please–important news below!)
[2] James 1:2-4
[2] Ephesians 2:10
[3] Psalm 23; see the post “What’s an Ebenezer?” for a few examples from that notebook.
[4] Psalm 103:14
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18; see also the post “God’s Pleasure in Progress.”
[6] Isaiah 43:4; Matthew 13:45-46
[7] Luke 12:6-7; Exodus 19:5; 1 John 4:9-11
[8] Ephesians 1:18 NLT
[9] 1 John 1:3a
[10] Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 54:10; Philippians 1:6
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Thank you for this, Nancy.
You’re so welcome, Ruth. I’m so glad you found this post to be meaningful. Praise God for his inspiration!
Your words are always so uplifting and encouraging. Thank you again for sharing with us.❤️
Praise God you find uplift and encouragement here, Cathy! I pray every week that these posts would be meaningful and encouraging!
Your prayers are being answered ❤️
Thank you, Cathy. You’re a gracious blogger-friend!
Wonderfully inspiring post, Nancy! I particularly love the quote by Charles Ryrie. 🙂
Isn’t that an insightful quote from Ryrie? He grandly puts our circumstances into perspective–whatever those circumstances might be!
I cannot thank God enough for being in my life and being life itself. I do remember that song from the “way back” when I began to rediscover my Christian faith and pledge my life to follow Jesus. My upbringing was complex – too much to go into here – but when He called me, I knew that, no matter what, I had to follow His lead. Thanks for the inspiration I can always count on from you, Nancy. Blessings!
Praise God you find inspiration here, Martha. As I mentioned to Cathy above, that’s what I pray weekly, that God help me to offer inspiration here each week! Have you ever shared your story of rediscovery over at your blog? You’ve got me curious to know how God worked in your life to bring you back into relationship with him!
As always, thank you Nancy for an inspiring post!
You’re so very welcome, Pam. Praise God you find inspiration here!
Beautiful and encouraging affirmations!!!❤️
Thank you, Alicia. I’m so glad you found beauty, encouragement, and affirmation here. Praise God for his inspiration!
It’s so encouraging and enlightening to read thoughts from God’s perspective. How well He loves us, how perfectly He sees us, how completely He accepts us. This was a delight to read. Thank you, my friend.
Praise God you found encouragement, enlightenment, and delight in this post, Dayle! That warms my heart. I’m so thankful for His vital influence as I write. (I know you experience the same!)
What a wonderful selection of verses, Nancy! Next time my husband is causing me grief, I’ll have to remind him that I’m a precious pearl!
Let me know how that works for you! 😁
I love your opening song, and I’m so glad Jesus is in my life!
Me too, Linda. I’ve said it often: I can’t imagine doing life without him!
This is such a beautifully written post and very inspiring. God does want the very best for His children. He hears our every prayer and loves us with an everlasting love. Thank you for this reflection!!!
You’re welcome, Linda. Can I say it too often–praise God for his inspiration?! He’s a good, good Father indeed.
Nancy, you’re reminding me of the words to the old hymn, ‘And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own.’
Thank you for sharing your love for Jesus week in and week out. You are a source of inspiration for all who come to call.
Thank you Linda, and God bless you for your encouragement! That hymn you mentioned was one of my dad’s favorites. I remember it well!
Thank you for sharing this very rich and personal dialogue!
TT
[image: –Join me at Living Our Days]
Join me at Living Our Days https://michelemorin.net “The way we live our days is, of course, the way we live our lives.” (Annie Dillard)https://linktr.ee/MicheleDMorin
And thank you for your encouragement and support, Michele!
Oh my, a forty-year “God is Faithful” notebook. Your dedication to Him is truly admirable, Nancy.
Thank you, Dave. That journal has been a joy to keep. It started as the result of a Bible study I was working through that year. I wrote a post about it: Proving God’s Presence.
Your blog this week reminded me of a conversation with a friend I have known since childhood. We had lunch together this week and began discussing parents having a favorite child. She felt that her father’s favorites were her two younger siblings. As for me, I was never a daddy’s girl; he focused on my younger brother, perhaps a male trait from his German heritage? I’m not sure. Mom, however, didn’t have a favorite but she and I have always been particularly close, like sisters, only I have always treated her respect as a daughter should.
The more I thought about this topic, the more grateful I became that our Heavenly Father has no favorites! As it says in Romans 2:11 NIV – “For God does not show favoritism.” What a wonderful blessing!
Amen to that–no favorites in God’s family! We’re EACH a precious treasure to him.
What beautiful and comforting words from the Father’s heart to His beloved daughter. All His daughters can receive His words of love because you shared them with us. Thank you!
That was my intention, Lisa. (I should have made that clearer!) As I replied to Cheri above: we’re EACH his precious treasure!
Hi Nancy,
Struggles are tools that feel painful to the body but freeing for our eternal soul. Does it get heavier and harder as we age? Our minds and bodies take it harder.
In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Yes, as our bodies age, certain struggles do become harder. As my dad said in his later years (while struggling with Parkinson’s and severe arthritis), “Getting old isn’t for sissies!” And yet, he remained gentle and kind while keeping his sense of humor. He left an example to follow.
Nancy,
True. It is temporary afterall. He looked forward not back. Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
wow God spoke to you powerfully and so lovingly! Thank you for sharing this special moment with us.
Praise God for his loving willingness to come alongside and whisper impressions into our spirits! Thank you, Jean. (Of course, all these truths mentioned in this post apply to EACH of his children.)
You inspire me, my friend. Thank you!
I count it an honor to be able to encourage and inspire, Patty. You’re one of my heroes! May you enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving with those you love!
Thank you, Nancy. Many blessings to you!