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The Good Old Days

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Uncategorized, tagged Deuteronomy 26:11, Isaiah 63:7, nostalgia, perspective, Psalm 105:5, reminiscing, rose-colored glasses, superiority of the past on February 8, 2016| 8 Comments »

(John and me in our second home, 1957)

If I close my eyes, I can still see the various rooms of my three childhood homes in northern Illinois, but especially the one we moved to when I was ten–the one in which my parents still lived when Steve and I were married.

With great fondness, I remember reading in the box elder tree behind the house, playing Hotbox with Dad and my brother, watching television with a big bowl of popcorn on my lap, and the four of us eating dinner in the cozy banquette Dad built in the kitchen.

In all kinds of weather John and I walked or rode our bikes to school. Before the bell rang each morning, one teacher supervised the entire student body of 400+ children as we arrived and played on the playground. We learned Christmas carols in school and no one complained.

When not in school, John and I were out and about in the neighborhood, playing with the other kids, building snowmen and snow forts, riding our bikes to friends’ homes, to the library, and (in the summertime) to the pool.

I have to admit: my thick, rose-colored glasses cast a utopian hue upon those days. A person reaches a certain age and suddenly the decades of one’s youth become “the good old days”—far superior to the present.

(1959)

After all, how many families today sit down together for dinner—with no television, ipads or phones interfering with conversation? What children can enjoy the freedom of riding their bikes clear across town without supervision? Where is there a public school that teaches children Christmas carols?

Times have changed.

To be honest, however, it’s doubtful those days of my youth were actually better.

It’s just my selective memory choosing the tranquil, happy moments. Overlooked are the arguments with my brother (and the teasing I did, for which I still feel deep regret!), those times Mom and Dad were being terribly strict or unfair (in my opinion), and the occasional upset at school or with friends.

I also have to remember: the Greatest Generation that raised us Baby Boomers thought their good old days were far superior.

For example, in a book of Christmas literature we own, the editor wrote this intro for one selection: “This story is for those to whom the modern holiday season seems to get more glamorous and clamorous each year, but who still experience that old nostalgic feeling for the Christmas-time of a more quiet bygone era.” The year of publication? 1955.

Maybe we should put away our rose-colored glasses, unreliable as they are.

And yet, numerous scriptures encourage us to remember and rejoice in the good of the past—verses like these:

“…Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household” (Deuteronomy 26:11).

“Remember the wonderful works that He has done, His miracles…” (Psalm 105:5a).

“I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all He has done for us” (Isaiah 63:7).

So are flights of nostalgia right or wrong?

It depends.

Constant longing for the past creates dissatisfaction in the present. That’s obviously not healthy.

But remembering God’s blessings of the past strengthens our faith and creates a deep longing for more of him in the present. That’s obviously a good thing!

You know what else would be a good thing? To savor today’s blessings and not wait till a decade from now to enjoy them.

(Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg and http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Turn the Page — Revisited

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged hope for a new year, Isaiah 43:18, Isaiah 43:19, New Year, optimism, Philippians 3:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 51:12 on December 31, 2015| 15 Comments »

(Reblogged from 12-30-13)

A new year requires a new calendar. Don’t you just love the crisp, uncurled pages–the empty spaces for each day, filled with nothing but optimistic possibilities?

Perhaps you’re starting the new year with a fresh journal. Again, the pristine pages are filled with nothing but hope and expectation.

We might also desire to start the new year with:

New eyes—to see the glory of God around us.
New ears—to hear his still, small voice.
New resolve—to follow God’s direction.
New courage—to speak his truth boldly.
New faith—to live with confident trust in our Heavenly Father.

These abilities cannot be bought at Barnes & Nobles, like a calendar or journal. They are procured through prayer and discipline.

A good place to begin? David’s prayer in Psalm 51: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10, 12).

Allow me to personalize it a bit.

Create in me a pure heart, O God (just as you created a perfect universe from chaos).

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (that my greatest desire might be to please you).

Restore to me the joy of your salvation (just as we experience in the euphoria of Christmas Eve)!

Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (throughout 2016).

The typical new year’s resolution is made, broken, and forgotten. Rarely does someone make a once-a-year promise and keep it faithfully for the next 364 days.

Perhaps we’d be wise to see each new day as a fresh opportunity for beginning anew. To repent of yesterday’s failures and forget them. To strain toward what is ahead—with enthusiasm, expectation, and hope (Philippians 3:13).

And gradually those new abilities we aspire after will begin to flourish.

God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19a)!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for your mercy to forgive the past, and your grace to provide for the future. Thank you that each morning is a fresh start, and each new day holds hidden opportunities. With great anticipation I turn the page!

(photo credit: www.news.health.com.)

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The Table Prepared before Me

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Feasting at God's Banquet Table, Gratitude, Psalm 23:5, Thanksgiving on November 26, 2015| 14 Comments »

“You prepare a table before me,

In the presence of my enemies”

–Psalm 23:5

You, oh God, are my Host at the table of life!

You have prepared for me a veritable buffet of experiences and opportunities. Some have been delicious and delightful, created (it seemed) solely for my enjoyment—events such as close encounters with birds or butterflies, an afternoon of laughter and reminiscing with old friends, or a spontaneous hug from a toddler.

Other experiences you’ve prepared because they were good for me: challenges, changes, and uncertainties. You wanted to build strong character within me and grow maturity in my spirit.

However, there have been times when I wondered what you were serving! Forgive me for saying so, but occasionally you’ve mixed together circumstances that appeared as distasteful as pickles and cream cheese. Remember those times you put us in a new community long before I was ready, and how I struggled to let go of the familiar and loved?

Well, just as I never suspected how delicious pickles, cream cheese (and a bit of corned beef) could actually be, I also never suspected how much the people and experiences in a new community would greatly enhance my life.

I’ve also noticed that some of the dishes being served aren’t just for my sake, but for others at the table—especially the younger ones. Take Brussel sprouts, for example. If the children see me eating my portion, perhaps they’ll be inspired to eat theirs, too. In like fashion, as a participant at the table of life, You allow me to join with You in fulfilling larger, far-reaching purposes (way beyond Brussel sprouts)!

Even when enemies such as trial or pain try to swoop in and spoil the celebration, I can rejoice because You are with me, to strengthen and uphold. You’ve given me Your Word, where I can feast on Your attributes and promises. By your power, those enemies will be held at bay—outside the banquet room!

And on this Thanksgiving Day, as every cook prays his/her feast will turn out right and good, I praise You that everything You prepare for me is right and good.

Thank you, Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider, for your plenteous supply of righteousness and goodness in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving, Father!

(Photo credit: www.thanksgivingdinnermenu.net.)

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Our Persevering God

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God is slow to get angry, God never gives up on us, God works for our good, God's Compassion, God's Grace, God's Kindness, God's Love, God's Patience, Psalm 103:8 on November 23, 2015| 14 Comments »

(The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger

And rich in faithful love.

–Psalm 103:8, HCSB)

Oh God,

As I skim through the memories of six-plus(!) decades, I see much evidence of these attributes in my life:

Compassion

I praise you that you’ve always looked upon me with compassion, not condemnation. Not one moment of struggle in my life has slipped by your attention unnoticed. And with that attention has come your sympathy. You’ve completely understood every situation I’ve faced, and shared in the physical pain, emotional hurts, and spiritual battles as they’ve come.

How comforting to know that you see my circumstances and sympathize. But even more precious? Your love compels you to express that compassion with encouragement, strength, and support. Each day you bestow new mercies. You never give up on me.

Grace

Oh, how thankful I am that you are a God full of loving kindness. What relief to know your gift of salvation is not based on my effort but on your grace.

Your blessings flow continuously, not based on my faith, but on your benevolent nature.

Even more wondrous, you dwell within me, bestowing peace, joy, wisdom, and more—not because I am righteous and deserving, but because you are righteous and dedicated to my highest welfare.

Patience (Slow to anger)

One evidence of your grace is patience. As a parent and teacher, I’ve learned a little about the attribute of patience—mostly how difficult it is! Little ones can ask countless silly questions, frequently test the limits of acceptable conduct, and behave quite selfishly.

How shameful to admit I still demonstrate such traits. I, too, ask frivolous questions. When troubles assault, I want to know Why, God? I test the limits of your grace with my shallowness, failings, and stubborn streak. And as for selfish behavior, that tendency hasn’t died yet either.

Some Bible translators have used the word longsuffering in place of patience. You have suffered long as you’ve trained me! Step by laborious step you gently guide me toward maturity. And one day my character will be complete, lacking in nothing because of your great forbearance with me.

Love

How can I begin to thank you, God, for the treasure of your undying love? You brought me to faith in Jesus as a child, gave me a place in your forever family, and bequeathed to me an eternal inheritance in heaven. As I wait for that reality, I revel in your faithful love that:

Expresses itself continually, day after day
Attends to what will be in my best interest
Willingly and patiently endures the pain of rejection and disappointment, because of my rebellion
Disciplines me as any loving parent trains his/her dear children
“Perseveres until it perfects” (Philip Yancey)

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, Holy Father, that day after day you manifest these attributes in my life. I am encouraged by your compassion, blessed by all facets of your grace, guided by your patient Spirit, and strengthened by the richness of your faithful love. I can never praise you enough for your magnificence!

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com (3); http://www.dailytimewithgod.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Ten Ways To Keep Mindful of God

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Intimacy with God, Joy, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Seeking God, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 1 Chronicles 16:24-25, Anselm quote "For a short time...", Brother Lawrence, Communion with God, Gratitude to God, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 118:24, Psalm 138:1-3, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 71:8, Psalm 91:1-2, Seeking God on November 19, 2015| 17 Comments »

“That does sound wonderful,” a young mother says, “but Brother Lawrence was a monk, working in the garden or kitchen all day. He could pray as he went about his chores. I work in a noisy office and then deal with three noisy kids when I get home. How can I experience continuous communion with God?”

Her dilemma is all too familiar, even for someone like me who’s retired!

So I began a list of possibilities to help me live in more continuous communion with God. Perhaps an idea or two will appeal to you.

Begin the day with God–even as I get out of bed. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” the psalmist urged (118:24). OK, what can I rejoice in and be grateful to God for, as I anticipate the day?

Wear a reminder-bracelet—even a paper one! Write a scripture on it (such as Isaiah 26:3), or an encouraging statement, such as: “He is beneath me as my foundation, He is beside me as my friend, He is within me as my life” (Barbara Johnson, Women of Faith speaker).

Copy a meaningful scripture on a 3 x 5 card. Post it on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door, the visor of the car, or the inside of a closet. Move it around every few days so the element of surprise serves to grab my attention.

Sing to God (while driving quiet streets or doing noisy chores!)

Keep my blessings journal more faithfully. (Even though I established the habit years ago, I still allow some precious gifts to go unrecorded. More attentiveness will add more joy to my days.)

Get outside. Find at least one marvelous gift in creation, and praise God for his genius.

Follow this advice from Barbara Johnson (mentioned above): While using a household product, see if the name or its attributes remind me of God and my relationship with him. One example: Fresh Start laundry detergent. While loading the washer I can pray, “Thank you, Father, that every day is a fresh start with you. Your mercies are new every morning.” (Interested in more products and their implications? Click on “A.M. Attitude Adjustment.”)

Post a verse on the bathroom mirror. Work at memorizing it.

Each time I sip my coffee or tea, I can also “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8) by savoring the blessings of the moment. Thankfulness opens my heart to his presence and my mind to his thoughts.**

End the day with God, recalling his blessings or reciting his scripture.

Now if you’re like me, a bracelet on the wrist or a 3 x 5 on a cabinet door soon become such common sights, I barely notice them anymore. Perhaps if I rotate through some of the suggestions, they’ll retain their impact.

Sunday might be the day for an outdoor respite. Monday might be Bracelet Day; Tuesday could be Taste-and-See Day.

You get the idea.

Bottom line: I want my mouth filled with God’s praise; I want to declare his splendor all day long, simply because he is worthy of praise (Psalm 71:8; 1 Chronicles 16:24-25).

But how glorious is this: our all-gracious God chooses to bless us when we seek to bless him—blessings such as:

Peace (Isaiah 26:3)
Encouragement (Psalm 19:7)
Joy (Psalm 16:11)
Rest and refuge–from the onslaught of unsettling thoughts (Psalm 91:1-2)
Strength (Psalm 138:1-3)

So…

“…For a short time, fly from your business;

hide yourself for a moment from your turbulent thoughts.

Break off now your troublesome cares,

and think less of your laborious occupations.

Make a little time for God, and rest for a while in Him.

Enter into the chamber of your mind,

shut out everything but God

and whatever helps you to seek Him, and,

when you have shut the door, seek Him.

Speak now, O my whole heart, speak now to God:

‘I seek Thy face; Thy face, Lord, do I desire.'”

— Anselm

(1033-1109, Archbishop of Canterbury, caring pastor, author)

* * * * * * * * * *

What strategies help you to enjoy continuous communion with God? Please share in the Comments section below!

**based on a statement by Sarah Young, Jesus Calling,p. 343

(Art & photo credits: www.azquotes.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.guilford.ces.ncsu.edu; http://www.zazzle.co.uk; http://www.ourdailyblossom.com.)

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The Art of Receiving

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, tagged 2 Corinthians 10:5, James 1:17, Philippians 4:8, Receiving all God has for you, Receiving God's blessings, Receiving graciously on November 2, 2015| 7 Comments »

Scripture is full of promises that speak of precious gifts God is willing to give us:

Unstoppable love (Romans 8:38-39)
Overflowing hope (Romans 15:13)
Wise guidance (Psalm 32:8)
Courageous confidence (Psalm 56:3-4)
Compassionate comfort (Psalm 34:18)
Peaceful rest (Matthew 11:28-29)

And that’s not a complete list by any means. The question is: Are we willing to receive all these blessings?

Or, are our minds full of:

Doubt?

“God may love me in a general sense, but personally? I doubt it. After disappointing him so many times, I don’t deserve his gifts.”

Negativity?

“Look at all these challenges in my life. I’m not seeing very many blessings.”

Timidity?

“That promise can’t be for me, can it?”

These kinds of thoughts originate with Satan, the father of lies, who’s delighted when we don’t embrace God’s blessings.

For most of us, accepting gifts—even from God–can be more difficult than giving them. Gracious receiving is an art.

So how do we develop the art of receiving?

Reject those lies of the devil.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can take such thoughts captive and cast them out of our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5). The next step is to…

Fill our minds with uplifting thinking.

“Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Such glorious categories on which to focus! And undoubtedly our hearts will fill with gratitude as we contemplate God’s magnificent gifts.

Practice.

Any art form—music, writing, painting, etc.—requires practice. So does the art of receiving. God has not chosen to instantaneously transform our attitudes for us. He almost always takes a gradual approach, providing numerous opportunities for practice.

The art of receiving is no different, developing over time through faith and self-discipline. We affirm that God loves and blesses his children—despite our feelings–and discipline our minds to counter doubt, negativity, and fear with trust-statements from his Word.

Spend time in God’s Word.

The more time we spend reading the Bible, the more scripture-gems we discover that speak of God’s gracious character, his promises, and blessings. And the more we learn, the more we respond, “Thank you, Father, for all the blessings of the abundant, God-enhanced life with you!”

Receive graciously, even enthusiastically, from others.

Too often, we’re uncomfortable at the receiving end. We feel embarrassed or unworthy and worry about repaying the favor.

We need to remind ourselves: gracious, enthusiastic receiving is in itself a gift of:

Affirmation. Every gift bestowed with good intention is meaningful—whether it’s a compliment, a favor, or an object. Granted, we may feel awkward when complimented, we may not need the favor or desire the object, but the thoughtfulness can be affirmed just the same.

Pleasure. God has engineered us so that when the receiver expresses pleasure, the giver also experiences pleasure—usually more so.

Gratitude. Thoughtful gratitude shows honor and esteem for the giver.

So let’s grit our teeth and be gracious receivers!

No, gritting won’t be necessary if we remember: All gifts originate in the heart of our Heavenly Father (James 1:17). He is the One bestowing the blessings, frequently using people as his agents.

Our highest privilege is to bestow pleasure and honor upon God, by passing the praise and gratitude on to him

In doing so, the art of receiving comes full circle.

(Photo credit: www.familyconnect.org.)

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Our Good and Gracious God

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Strength, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Praising God, Psalm 103:1, Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 103:3, Psalm 103:4, Psalm 103:5 on September 14, 2015| 6 Comments »

(Following is a personalized version of Psalm 103:1-5. Scripture quotes are in bold type, personal worship-thoughts* are in regular type. Perhaps you’ll pray along?)

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits–

Oh, Lord, my heart overflows with love and gratitude for all you are to me and all you do for me. If I recorded these benefits, the volumes produced would surely fill a library.

But just as parents and grandparents are pleased when children say, “thank you,” I want to “praise your holy Name,” to extol you for the sum of all your attributes. In my life you have expressed your:

Power, by supplying my needs–sometimes in miraculous ways
Love and Goodness, with blessings beyond measure
Wisdom, as you’ve guided me day by day in the ways that are best for me
Patience, when I’ve been slow to learn and reluctant to obey
Mercy, by forgiving me of my sins, especially when I knew better
Faithfulness, with your constant presence and attention

May I always be mindful of your benefits, and vocal about them to others.

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

May I never take for granted the horrific price you paid at Calvary with the life of your Son. May I never tire of praising you for making me a new creation, one who can be in relationship with you, the all-powerful God of the universe.

I praise you for being the Healer of all diseases, whether of body, soul, or spirit. You heal broken hearts, broken lives, broken relationships, broken minds—either instantaneously, over time, or when we’re transported to heaven.

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion

I praise you that not only have you saved me from the pit of hell, but from the depths of depression, discouragement, and disappointment. You are “a redeeming God who is able to bring freshness to places that seem rotten and decayed” (Carole Ladd)—places like hurt, unfair circumstances, and unfulfilled dreams.

I praise you for encircling me with your love and compassion, symbolized by a gleaming crown, and reminding me: those who know Jesus are royalty (1 Peter 2:9)! I bow in humble wonder at the incredible privilege you bestow, to be a daughter of the King of kings.

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I praise You, O God, for knowing exactly which good things to grant me—those things that will produce a good outcome. (I know that catering to my every pleasure would ultimately be to my detriment.)

I praise you that even into old age you will strengthen my spirit so I can remain vibrant, optimistic, and full of hope. On the wings of your wisdom I’ll be able to soar (Proverbs 24:5).

Finally, may your praise always be on my lips; may my soul always boast in you, because you are a good and gracious God—always and forever (Psalm 34:1, 145:7-8)!

*Prior to composing this worship-prayer, I researched some of the terminology in these verses, to expand my understanding of the passage. Sources included: Be Exultant by Warren Wiersbe; www.bible.org; Jesus Calling by Sarah Young; Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive by Carole Ladd; and The Daily Study Bible Series, Psalms, by George A. F. Knight.

(Photo credits: www.suggestkeyword.com; http://www.studentdevos.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.suggestkeyword.com.)

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Coming Home

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Love, tagged Family Love, Heaven, home is the nicest word there is, John 6:37, memories of home, peaceful home, Revelation 21:4, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:38-39, secure home, wonders of creation on August 27, 2015| 14 Comments »

(“Home is the nicest word there is.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Five years ago, as Steve and I looked ahead toward retirement, the question of where we should spend those years had no easy answer. We’d lived in Florida, in six different locations over forty years. We were ready for something different. Tennessee or even Kentucky appealed to us, where we could enjoy new vistas, the change of seasons (although not too severe), and best of all, be within a four-hour drive of our sons.

Lots can happen in five years. Our older son, Eric, and his wife, Hilja (Hill-ya) became a family of three. During one visit they asked, “Where do you think you’ll retire?” We shared our tentative plans. “Well, if you’re going to move that close, why not just move here?”—here being Cincinnati, Ohio.

We hadn’t even considered moving so close, not wanting to impose ourselves on either of our boys. Nor had we thought of making our home so far north, back in the Midwest where we had grown up. But family (and especially that new grandbaby) was a strong magnet.

So, Steve and I now hail from Cincinnati. And it’s a glorious privilege to watch little Elena grow, and spend much quality time with our sons and their wives. (As I’ve said before on this blog: If only our daughter and her family would move here from Washington State, life would be perfect!)

But moving back to the Midwest has been a coming home in other ways. We’ve reveled in familiar experiences from long ago:

The miracles of transition from one season to the next
The grand oaks, maples, and elm trees spreading wide through our neighborhood, over some of the streets, and in the numerous parks
The dance of the fireflies on a summer evening (Hundreds of them blink in the trees behind our house, resembling a Christmas display.)
The explosion of color on the hillsides as summer gives way to autumn
The silent beauty of a snow fall, especially as the accumulation creates frosty lace among the trees
The heavenly fragrance of lilacs in the spring
The clean scent of freshly cut grass (Florida grass produces no scent at all!)

Even the common robin causes delight as he hops across the lawn, pauses, and cocks his head to listen.

There is something heartwarming about home—the way we respond to the familiar and to the memories that surface.

Memories are the crucial element, aren’t they. Surely if Steve or I had experienced great difficulty growing up, our reaction to this Midwest relocation would be much different.

But both of us grew up in strong Christian homes—such a wondrous privilege. And most of our recollections are positive ones. We associate the word home with peace, security, acceptance, and love.

I wonder…

…when we enter the gates of heaven, will we experience a similar warming of the heart? Will we almost burst with elation to realize that we’ve finally arrived in our true forever home?

At last we will be in a place of:

Perfect peace, with no strife or harsh words (Revelation 21:4)
Total security, because we’ve reached our eternal destiny (John 6:37)
Complete acceptance by our Heavenly Father (Romans 8:1)
Absolute love, to be expressed over and over in countless ways, forever and ever (Romans 8:38-39)

As I enjoy all the beauty of God’s creation in this corner of the world, and glory in the companionship of family, I want to remember: these are just glimpses of the wonders that await!

* * * * * * * * * *

What glimpses of the wonders-that-await do you enjoy? Tell us about them in the Comments section below!

(Photo & art credits: www.quoteswave.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org; http://www.youtube.com.)

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God Thoughts

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, God, God's Goodness, God's Power, tagged God Is above All, God Knows All Things, God Never Changes, God's Attribute of Immutability, God's Attribute of Omniciency, God's Attribute of Transcendency, God's Attributes, God's Consistency, God's Perfection, Isaiah 55:9, Job 37:14-16, Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:36 on May 25, 2015| 8 Comments »

Every field of study includes specialized vocabulary or terms that students learn, in order to function in that realm.

In economics, you need to know arbitrage, equilibrium price, and store of value.

Business-Meeting-1

Those in the field of education learn about asynchronous learning, constructivism, and heutagogy.

An engineer becomes familiar with Bernoulli’s Theorem, fixture units, and porosity.

civil-engineering-1

(Give yourself a pat on the back for each of those terms you can actually define!)

The study of God, theology, is no different. Sit among a group of seminary students and you’re likely to hear terms that don’t come up in our daily conversations, such as immutability, omniciency, and transcendency.

But maybe those words (and others that describe God’s attributes) should become familiar, everyday terms, because:

What we think about God influences what we think about everything else—our values and possessions, other people, the world, etc.
to fully appreciate our God, we must know him well
the better we know him, the greater his impact upon our lives
the more we know him, the more we can trust him

Take, for example, that fancy, six-syllable word, immutability. It refers to God’s insusceptibility to change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). It is not in his nature to change—ever. God is always the same. He is consistent in all his attributes, all the time.

Isn’t that glorious news? When we come to him, we don’t have to worry that maybe he’s decided we’re not worthy to enter his presence anymore. We don’t have to worry about whether he’s in a good mood or not. And we don’t have to worry that he might go back on his promises. God’s character never changes, and he doesn’t change his mind either.

How about omniciency? That’s only four syllables, but just as profound as immutability. It refers to God’s ability to know all things—perfectly.

“Stop and consider God’s wonders,” Elihu said to Job. “Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:14-16, italics added)?

Again, what stunning news! He knows all things. He knows the past and the future, therefore he can guide me—perfectly. He knows my personality, my innermost thoughts, my motivations. Therefore, he understands me–perfectly. He knows my needs, therefore, he can provide for me—perfectly.

And then, last but not least (for today, that is): transcendency, which means God is above all of his creation. He existed before the first glimmer of light appeared in the universe (Genesis 1:1-3). And his existence is not dependent upon creation as we are. In addition, the way God thinks and works is far beyond our limited capacities (Isaiah 55:9).

Under the heading of God’s transcendence we find his infallible wisdom, incomprehensible power, self-existence (because no one made him), righteousness, justice, mercy, and more.

And all of these wonderful attributes he graciously exerts upon us who believe in him, who seek to know him.

Think of it. The immutable, omniscient, transcendent God who oversees the universe, is also Overseer of each of our lives. He is caring for us, living in us, and participating with us each and every day.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, oh God, for the magnificence of your attributes. You are immutable, never responding out of character. You are omniscient, always responding in our best interest, because you know all. And you are transcendent. From you, through you, and to you are all things (Romans 11:36). Oh, that we may worship you as you deserve!

(Art & photo credits: stagecraft.co.uk; http://www.teachtought.com; http://www.hengineers.com; http://www.shareaverse.wordpress.com; http://www.environment.nationalgeographic.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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