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Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category

As a Shield

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Salvation, God's Strength, Renewing the Mind, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged Deuteronomy 33:29, Ephesians 6:16, Faith, God our Shield, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 18:35, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:12, Psalm 91:4, Shield of Faith, Zephaniah 3:17 on May 1, 2025| 23 Comments »

In May of 2019 archaeologists in central England discovered an ancient shield made of bark, dating back to the Iron Age. It’s the oldest shield ever found.

Some might think such a shield would offer little protection during battle. But experiments have proven the bark of such trees as alder and willow would have served well, providing an effective but lightweight shield, easy to maneuver [1].

Fast forward to today. Modern technology has made Israel’s Iron Dome possible. The system shields the country with exceptional radar protection–detecting, tracking, and destroying incoming enemy rockets, high in the sky before they can do any harm [2].

One of Israel’s missile launchers in action

Both shields impress—one for its age and unusual material; the other for its advanced technology and precision.

Scripture speaks of another shield, much older than the one found in England yet still available today, and even more impressive than Israel’s Iron Dome:

The Lord himself.

As we consider that truth, a few questions present themselves:

Why would God inspire that metaphor?

What does God want me to understand about him being my shield?

How might new understanding impact my life?

In researching and pondering the answers to those questions, I discovered that:

God is our shield because of his attributes.

His power shields us from ultimate ruin.

His wisdom shields us from foolishness.

His compassion shields us from emotional and spiritual wounds too deep to heal.

His righteousness shields us from the evil one.

His mercy and grace shield us from the punishment we deserve for our wrongdoing [3].

The list could go on.

God is also our shield because of his actions.

His shield offers:

Protection against our arch-enemy Satan and all his cohorts

Salvation, saving us from the condemning power of sin

Help in times of trouble

Faithfulness we can rely on, because of his covenant of love

Truth—like the promises of God’s Word that can protect us against discouragement and confusion

Favor in the form of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace [4]

God’s shield can cover every aspect of our lives, but . . .

. . . we must each take up our shield.

God is a gentleman; he doesn’t force his protection, help, or favor upon us. We must come to him and choose to take refuge in him [5].

How? Through prayer.

We invite him to watch over us and protect us.

We affirm the promises and encouragement from his Word.

We remind ourselves of who he is, our Almighty God of Refuge, Shelter and Strength, our Rock of Stability and Safety.

Will you pray with me right now?

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, O God, for being my strength and impenetrable shield. I can put my trust in you with unwavering confidence because of who you are [6].

I praise you for not only being a shield in front of me; you are a shield that surrounds me, guarding on all sides [7].

You are above, beneath, around, and within, protecting me from ultimate ruin, irreparable damage to my spirit, and foolishness. You shield me from the full brunt of trouble, the fiery darts of the enemy, and his lies [8].

I praise you for the overflowing peace in knowing you are guarding me as a shield!

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/23/2300-year-old-iron-age-bark-shield-leicestershire

[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20385306#:~:text=Iron%20Dome%20detects%20and%20tracks,to%20fall%20on%20open%20ground.

[3] Proverbs 3:23-26; 28:26; Psalm 86:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Ephesians 2:4-5

[4] Ephesians 6:16; Psalm 18:35 ESV; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 91:4 and Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 91:4c; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 5:12

[5] Matthew 11:28-30

[6] Psalm 28:7 AMP

[7] Psalm 3:3 GWT

[8] Psalm 91:4a; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 3:3; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 6:16

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.biblepics.co & http://www.canva.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org (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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The Mismatched Pairing

Posted in Blessings, Courage, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, God-Given Abilities, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Joy, Perseverance, Service, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 3:14, Chinese missionary, Faith, God's Provision, Jeanette Li, Joy in Christ, Psalm 138:7, Psalm 18:17, Psalm 18:32, Serving Christ in Difficult Circumstances, Suffering for Christ on March 27, 2025| 38 Comments »

“God preserved me so I might tell the story of my life and of God’s goodness to me,” wrote Jeanette Li in her autobiography. And readers might expect her to share stories indicating a life of continual blessing.

They would be wrong.

Jeanette Li (known first as Li Mao Ya, or “Jasmine Bud”), was born in 1899 and grew up in Southeast China with a large extended family of forty-plus people. They lived in hardship and poverty along with most everyone else in the village.

At age six, Jeanette suffered her first trauma—her beloved father died.

Many more ordeals followed, including:

At age 9: Jeanette contracted malaria and received treatment at a mission hospital. One blessing: while there, she and her mother, Taai-So, became Christians.

Perhaps a mission such as this one in central China

When Jeanette was released, they returned home, only to be turned away by their Buddhist family because they’d become Christians. Taai-So and Jeanette returned to the mission and lived there.

Age 10: The mission was closed due to political strife; all their missionary-friends had to leave.

Age 16: Against Jeanette’s will, Taai-So arranged a marriage for Jeanette, in order to provide for her daughter’s future. Jeanette went to live with her husband’s family under the thumb of a domineering mother-in-law.

Age 20: Jeanette bore a son. But her husband was rarely home, first because he was in school, and then because he was hired as a teacher some distance away. Eventually he married someone else.

Age 32: Jeanette left all she knew to live and serve in bitter-cold Manchuria, requiring her to learn a new language and culture. For thirteen years she traveled by cart on unpaved roads, telling people about Jesus.

Age 38: War broke out between China and Japan in 1937, lasting eight years. Millions died in combat or the result of starvation or disease.

Age 47: The Communists warred against the Nationalists in a three-year civil war, resulting in more suffering and the death of another million-plus people.

Jeanette returned to South China, to the mission where she and her mother had lived. Jeanette was questioned many times by Communist Army officials.

Age 50: All foreign missionaries were constrained to leave China as the Communist Party took power. Jeanette assumed responsibility for the mission-orphanage.

Age 51: She suffered imprisonment for seventeen months, accused of being a counter-revolutionary. Jeanette had to sleep on the floor “in a damp cell infested by mosquitoes, with hardly any food”[1].

They forced her to perform hard labor, and interrogated her day and night. she became ill with fever and developed hemorrhaging dysentery. Her captors offered no medical treatment [2].

Some would ask, “Where was God in all this? The poor woman endured such hardship, pain, and unfair treatment!”

Jeanette would have us know that God graciously involved himself throughout her life, blessing her, and bringing her joy:

He was there during the siege of malaria that took Jeanette and her mother to the regional mission. God spared Jeanette’s life and introduced them to Jesus.

When they returned home, God used the family upheaval to lead the two back to the mission. Taai-So obtained employment and they grew in their Christian faith.

God brought good out of the abandonment of Jeanette’s husband, providing the opportunity for her to obtain a teaching certificate. She was able to support her son as a teacher and then as school administrator.

God fulfilled Jeanette’s desire to tell others about Jesus and made it possible for her to serve in Manchuria, teaching in village after village.

God led her to return to South China where he used her to assume leadership of the mission-orphanage, putting to use her skills as educator and administrator.

God sustained Jeanette during her imprisonment as she suffered acute misery with grace, courage, and stamina—a witness to all in the prison of God’s power at work in her life.

God also spared her life as illness and weakness nearly overcame her.

After her release, God provided for her recovery and subsequent missionary-work in Canton.

God bestowed a miraculous escape from Communist China, first to Hong Kong where she ministered to children and refugees, and finally, in 1962, to Los Angeles, California where her son already lived.

Throughout her life, Jeanette was one of those “true saints who [could] wear the mismatched pairing of suffering and joy” [3]. And as a result, she drew attention to Christ.

May we do the same.

Addendum: For six years prior to a fatal stroke, Jeanette ministered in the Chinese community of Los Angeles, told her story at every opportunity, and wrote her autobiography.

[1] https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/jeanette-li-and-her-faith-in-gods-promises

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://jenniferdukeslee.com/on-suffering-and-joy-a-lesson-from-the-garden-tomato/

Other Sources:

https://www.bdcconline.net

https://rpwitness.org

Jeanette Li (Yin Wei Jie)

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.getarchive.net (2); http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.getarchives.net.

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Look What I Did!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Faith in God, God's Goodness, God's help, God's Provision, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 121:2, Psalm 37:5, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 54:4 on March 13, 2025| 36 Comments »

“Look what I did!” declares the proud preschooler, pointing to a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Except she didn’t make them—not without a lot of help.

Nana read the recipe; she couldn’t read yet.

Nana gathered most of the ingredients; the child couldn’t reach up into the cabinets.

Nana picked the eggshell-pieces out of the bowl after exuberant egg-tapping on the rim.

Nana helped to accurately measure ingredients and thoroughly scrape the bowl.

Nana adjusted the dollops of dough on the cookie sheet, making them similar-sized for even baking.

Nana put the cookies in the oven and later retrieved them, then set them on cooling racks so little hands didn’t get burned.

And yet the preschooler thinks she made the cookies.

We might chuckle at her unrealistic view of the circumstances, until the realization dawns: we’ve exhibited our own unrealistic view of our circumstances with God.

Perhaps, like me, you’ve run ahead of God, assuming you can handle the challenge ahead. I’ve also been guilty of taking credit when, in reality, my efforts would be worthless without him.

Truth be told, not a moment goes by that God is not helping us in one way or another.

Sometimes his help is demonstrated in monumental ways, as he attends to situations outside our range of capability or influence. I’ve written about such experiences in our family.*

Sometimes God comes alongside in ways that are more easily overlooked. For example:

One of those times when I was plagued by writer’s block, I sensed God telling me, “Wait till morning. Rest.” Immediately upon waking, an idea occurred.

God settled a bout of sciatica, and I was able to accomplish everything necessary before house guests arrived.

Joy-filled, supportive friendships have spanned the years of our lives.

Sometimes God brings to mind a bit of his wisdom or an anecdote to share, and the listener expresses sincere appreciation.

Those close calls on the roadways offer perfect examples of his intervention.

On occasion, sacred insight comes in the form of a quote:

Oh yes, I need God’s help not to become proud (“Look how God has blessed ME!”), greedy (“Thanks for your all blessings, Lord, but I need this too!”), or take for granted God’s benevolence and never thank him at all.

In addition, God would have us understand:

His help often comes gradually. Think of:

Joseph, languishing in prison until Pharoah calls for him to interpret his dream (Exodus 39:19-41:43)

David, living as a fugitive until God fulfills his promise to make him king (1 Samuel 16-31; 2 Samuel 1-2)

The Israelite captives, waiting in Babylon for God to raise up a leader (Nehemiah 1-2)

Remember:

He often helps when we least expect it.

Think of:

The widow of Zarephath, expecting to die during famine—until the prophet Elijah arrives (1 Kings 17:7-16)

Daniel, expecting to die in the lions’ den–until God shut their mouths (Daniel 6)

Jonah, expecting to die within the great fish—until his release on dry ground (Jonah 2)

In addition:

God’s help always comes to those with faith.

The psalmists offer a starter-list of affirmations:

“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5 NLT).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

May we live by such truths, and when help materializes, may we be quick to proclaim, “Look with GOD did!”

How has God helped you? Please share in the comments below!

* Examples include: Come and See What God Has Done, After the Fact, and God of the Unexpected (see the illustration at the end for this last one).

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org.

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A Deep River

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Joy, Meditation, Obedience, Praise, Salvation, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 1 Peter 1:8, Enjoying God, God's Beauty, Knowledge of God, Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 100, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 43:4 on March 6, 2025| 32 Comments »

Some of you may remember singing this song in Sunday School:

As a child, I knew God loved me. He proved it by sending his Son to take the punishment for my sins, provide the way for me to live in heaven one day, and know him in the present.

But I also knew my little eyes, hands, and mouth were not as careful they should have been. Surely God was disappointed in me much of the time.

The truth that I could enjoy God never entered my mind. My false impression of his disapproval stood in the way for many years.

Somehow I’d missed the message of such scriptures as:

The joy you have in the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10 GWT).
Take delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4a NIV).
I will go to the altar of God, . . . my joy and my delight (Psalm 43:4 NIV).

I read such passages as directives for prayer and worship rather than invitations to take pleasure in relationship with God.

Psalm 100 provides Exhibit A for enjoying him by praising him. “Shout for joy,” the psalmist begins. “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (vs. 1-2, emphasis added).

Then he gives one example why: God has made us his own—in spite of our frailty—and cares for us like a compassionate, attentive shepherd (v. 3).

Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

That’s certainly cause for thanksgiving and praise (v. 4), which in turn fosters our delight in God. Then the psalmist concludes with three more reasons to enjoy him: he is good, loving, and faithful (v. 5).

This psalm hints at another important truth. Dare I use a sport analogy?

My first attempts at playing tennis sent balls whizzing every which way. However, various drills and hitting the ball thousands of times against a wall built up my skills until I could actually play the game.

That’s when I began to enjoy the sport. The better I knew how to play tennis, the more pleasure I took in the game.

‘See the parallel in the spiritual realm? The more we know God, the more we’ll enjoy him.

But that’s not all.

The more we delight in God, the easier it becomes to obey him and live by his ways.

And as we see those ways contributing satisfaction, contentment, and purpose to our lives, we enjoy him all the more.

So how do we foster our pleasure in God? Here are three ways to get us started:

LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT GOD—his character and his ways.

In January we explored the exercise of slowly reading through the psalms and writing down every mention of God’s character and deeds. As the list grows so does our delight in his multi-faceted splendor [1].

LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT JESUS—his life, sacrificial death, provision of eternal life for us and all its implications.

For example, while reading the gospels, note his responses to people, his choices, and his behavior. What character traits can you identify?

While reading the letters written by the Apostles Paul, Peter, and others, consider all that Christ’s sacrifice has purchased for us.

The more we learn about Jesus, the more our love for him grows. The more our love grows, the more we find our hearts filled with joy in him.

REVEL IN GOD’S BEAUTY—his magnificence, the glory of his creation, and the beautiful blessings he bestows.

“His love notes are stashed everywhere,” says Sara Hagerty [2].

And as we discover them, we’ll find ourselves smiling and even laughing in pleasure with God, in the awesome works he performs [3].

Oh—and one more thing to celebrate. There will always be more to enjoy, and we can always acquire more ability to enjoy our God because . . .

quote from Morning by Morning, 268.

How do you enjoy God? Please share in the comment section below!

[1] https://nancyaruegg.com/2025/01/16/celebrating-god-through-the-psalms/

[2] Unseen, 206.

[3] https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/06/06/love-notes/

Image credits: http://www.youtube.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.freebibleimages.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pixahive.com (Vijay Richhiya).

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God’s Delight

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Delight, God's Love, Hope, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Awe of God, Fear of God, God's Love, Hope in God, Psalm 147:11 on February 20, 2025| 31 Comments »

(An imaginary conversation between God and me.)

GOD: Though I inspired a lyricist to write Psalm 147:11 long ago, its truth remains. I still delight in those who fear Me and put their hope in My unfailing love.

ME: What does it mean to fear you, Lord?

GOD: Let’s begin with an example from the physical realm.

Think of standing on a ridge above an ocean beach after a tropical storm. You watch in amazement as mammoth waves pound against the shore—powerful enough to slide a building off its foundation. That display manifests a modicum of My power. . .

. . . And your emotional response offers a small sample of the wonderment that can well up in your spirit when you gaze upon Me, contemplating the splendor of My attributes and the ways I manifest them.

Another example: Remember that time when an actor came to your church and portrayed Jesus, telling stories from His life? His physical appearance matched how many people imagine Christ may have looked.

As the actor entered the sanctuary from the back and slowly walked toward the platform, he fixed his gaze on one person after another, including you.

And what was your reaction? Instant awe and reverence—so strong, you had to stop yourself from bowing down at his feet as many did in Bible times.

Of course, your response was not for the actor but for the One he represented—your forgiving and self-sacrificing Savior.

This is the kind of fear the psalmist was referring to in Psalm 147:11. It is veneration that recognizes your human frailty compared to My infinite transcendency and prompts the desire to worship Me and follow My excellent ways.

ME: I do want to follow Your ways, heavenly Father, but often fail. I thank You for loving me because of who You are, not because of who I am.

And yet, understanding that certain behaviors please You does inspire me toward obedience.

That verse also says you delight in those who put their hope in Your unfailing love. What does effectual hope look like?

GOD: First, confident. It pleases Me when My children look for evidence of My attributes at work in their lives and as the evidence mounts, become more and more confident in My love.

Second, tranquil. My gracious love for you is affirmation of My acceptance of you and pleasure in you. I don’t just put up with you, I love you. You are a unique creation I designed with care. Rest secure in such truths.

Third, diligent. Hope involves wait-time. The person who hopes in Me fills that wait-time with:

TRUST in Me to provide loving care even as she waits
GRATITUDE for what I’ve already done
PRAISE for what I’ll do in the future
ASSURANCE of the truth of My promises
DRAWING NEAR to Me, availing herself of My strength, encouragement, and more

And as you put these hope-filled, life-changing actions into practice, I’m delighted.

ME: How do I accomplish that last action, Lord, drawing near to You?

GOD: Again, a visualization might help. Imagine sitting on a footstool at My feet. Look up into My face and see in My eyes the devoted love I have for you. See in my smile the delight you bring Me. Feel My warm compassion as I wrap My arm around your shoulders.*

Bask in My presence and know that I—the King of the universe—delight in spending time with you in My Word, through prayer, and just resting in companionable silence.

Know this also: I delight in those who fear Me and put their hope in My unfailing love because of the resulting, ever-growing relationship between us, and these are the ones who will experience the fullness of My joy (Psalm 16:11).

But saints are lovely in His sight,

He views His children with delight;

He sees their hope, He knows their fear,

And looks, and loves His image there.

–Unknown (Quoted by Herbert Locker in Seasons of the Lord, 246.)

* Psalm 99:5; 11:7; Ephesians 3:18-19; Psalm 149:4; 86:15.

God’s Delight—https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/06/15/gods-pleasure-in-progress/

Hope in God—https://nancyaruegg.com/2025/01/30/when-hope-resides-in-our-hearts/

God’s Love—https://nancyaruegg.com/2023/11/16/let-god-love-on-you-today/

Photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (Luis Ascenso); http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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A Journey of the Heart

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Love, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Ephesians 3:18, God's Love, Psalm 103:13-14, Romans 8:38-39 on February 13, 2025| 20 Comments »

If you stood on Pike’s Peak on a cloudless day, you’d be able to see a wide panoramic view– ninety miles in any direction.

If you stood on the shore of remote Bouvet Island, you’d be 1,500 long miles away from civilization (in South Africa).

If you looked into a clear night sky from a dark location, high up you’d see far-distant stars, at least 4,000 light years away.

And if you peered down into the deep of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, you’d surely marvel that the bottom is seven miles down.

Of course, an extended journey across our planet or into outer space would offer any number of such awe-inspiring extremes.

But few may have contemplated that a similar extreme applies in the spiritual realm. God’s love for us is also awe-inspiring in its width, length, height, and depth.

Take a journey of the heart and experience God’s love that is:

So wide it includes everyone who believes in his Son
So long it extends into eternity
So high it reaches as far as the heavens are above the earth
So deep he chose to send his Son to die in our place [1]

No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote:

A curious reader might wonder, how do we gain a full understanding of God’s love?

We can begin with affirmation, gratitude, and trust.

AFFIRMATION

Many of us acknowledge the infinite expanse of God’s love, but do we fully receive it?

Satan often tries to niggle at our assurance with such barbs as, “God can’t be pleased with you, given all your faults, poor choices, and rebellious sins. How could he possibly love you?”

Scripture offers perfect comebacks against such lies. One example I turn to often:

Think about the parent-toddler relationship. The child is weak and needy but Dad understands her limitations; he’s ready to lovingly help and guide.

It’s the same in our relationship with God. And I have to admit, in my own weakness and neediness, I sometimes feel like a toddler with him!

But scripture assures me he understands and tends to me with loving compassion and patience.

Even after ten thousand affronts,

God still loves me as infinitely as ever.

–Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 36

‘You know what else? God doesn’t even see the filthy rags of our misdeeds. He sees us as radiant in Christ’s righteousness and wrapped in luminous love [2].

Affirm such truths as needed!

GRATITUDE

Gratitude fosters appreciation for what God does, appreciation fosters adoration for who God is, and adoration opens our hearts to experience his loving presence.

TRUST

Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (the third image, above) didn’t include an appeal for us to love God more (although that’s also a highly-worthy pursuit), but for us to understand more fully, more confidently, his love for us.

And once that confidence is solidified, we can rest in the knowledge that our loving Father is always ready to bestow what we need, including:

Peace—as we center ourselves in his presence
Strength—to endure as we rely upon him
Empowerment—to fulfill his purpose for our lives
Protection—from the enemy and all his wiles
Encouragement—to persevere [3]

And praise God, this journey of the heart will never end. There will always be more to discover, more heights and depths of God’s infinite love to experience!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for the immeasurable expanse of your love for me. I ask for your guidance, to lead me deeper, higher, and farther into your love. May I frequently affirm your presence, worshiping you with gratitude and adoration, and trusting that your loving attentiveness will see me through to the end.

[1] John 3:16-17; Psalm 117:2; 103:11; Romans 5:6-8

[2] Isaiah 61:10 and Sarah Young, Jesus Always, 41.

[3] 2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 8:37; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 94:18-19

Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com (3); http://www.heartlight.org.

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When Hope Resides in Our Hearts

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, God's Salvation, God's Strength, Hope, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged God's Attributes, Hope, Joy, Romans 12:12, Romans 15:13, Spiritual transformation on January 30, 2025| 35 Comments »

The Apostle Paul included a curious instruction for us in Romans 12:12:

Does it pique your curiosity too? I can see rejoicing in the hope of salvation from death, the hope of blessings yet to come, and the hope of intervention in our lives. But HOPE in and of itself?

In addition, there are occasions when our hope is desperate, accompanied by impatience, fear, and anxiety—certainly not rejoicing.

So what did Paul mean?

Later in this letter Paul gives a clue in Romans 15:13. There Paul calls God the “God of hope.”

To rejoice in the God of hope, no matter our circumstances, increases our confidence in him to bring us through what we face. Such hope is like an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19), offering stability for our lives. Now that’s something to rejoice in!

I pray the following truths about God will cause more joyful hope to overflow in your heart:

We can depend on his TRUSTWORTHINESS–even in the midst of trouble (Psalm 9:9-10).

God will not permit any troubles to come upon us,

unless he has a specific plan by which great blessing

can come out of the difficulty.

–Peter Marshall

He can wield his REDEEMING POWER over any situation (Matthew 19:26).

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation,

create something that is surpassingly good.

He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today.

–Bishop Moule

In his Word we find his soul-strengthening AFFIRMATION and calming ASSURANCE (Psalm 19:7-8).

His NATURE includes numerous, magnificent attributes, which he employs on our behalf (Psalm 145).

Take note of these examples:

God possesses all strength to help us, all wisdom to guide us,

all mercy to pardon us, all grace to enrich us,

all compassion to comfort us, all goodness to supply us,

all happiness to crown us.

–Thomas Brooks, Puritan Minister

And those descriptors just touch the surface!

God’s SOVEREIGNTY over all things (Jeremiah 32:17) includes the timing of his interventions.

Hope waits because hope believes God works

all things together for our good.

–Shelly Miller(on her blog, Redemption’s Beauty, 11-2-17)

Out of his FAITHFULNESS, God bestows hope. We don’t have to search for it; we don’t have to muster it ourselves (1 Peter 1:3).

Christ proved to be the victorious OVERCOMER, no matter what the world hurled at him (John 16:33): every temptation, every discouragement, every setback, and more. And though we could never measure up to his perfections, he makes us victorious overcomers too (Romans 8:37).

Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips.

–Frances Frangipani

His RESTORATION upon our spirits fortifies hope (Isaiah 41:10).

[God can] avail and restore the beauty and freshness of the blighted oak.

The Divine Gardener is perfect at the task of transforming withered trees.

–Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 7.

God’s MINDFULNESS of us never wavers (Psalm 40:5 ESV).

His EXCELLENCIES defy our ability comprehend (Psalm 145:1-3).

God’s beauty is divine, eternal, and infinite. He is beautiful.

He always has been and eternally will be.

God’s beauty defies our ability to comprehend.

–Charles Simeon, Puritan Minister

God’s loving DETERMINATION keeps him from ever giving up on us (1 Corinthians 1:7 MSG).

If you are seeking after God, you may be sure of this:

God is seeking you much more.

He is the Love and you are His beloved.

He has promised Himself to you.

–John of the Cross, Spanish priest (1542-91)

And when we consider all these attributes of our God of hope—his . . .

Trustworthiness

Redeeming power

Affirmations and Assurances

Nature above reproach

Sovereignty

Faithfulness

Overcoming victory

Restoration

Mindfulness

Excellencies

Determination . . .

. . . we find ourselves rejoicing in confident hope because such truths have TRANSFORMED our spirits.

I pray that’s your experience today!

Art & photo credits: http://www.pexels.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com.

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Keeping Each Other on Our Feet

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Generosity, God's Grace, Self-Esteem, Uncategorized, tagged Acts 20:35, Affirmation, Blessings, Encouragement, Generous Tipping on January 23, 2025| 29 Comments »

Steve and I had stopped for brunch at a restaurant near an interstate exit. When he slipped the waitress his usual extra-generous tip, she gasped and her eyes began to fill with tears.

“I don’t know what to say,” she cried. “Thank you! You don’t know what this means to me.”

She was right; we didn’t. Emily[1] never said a word about the challenges she faced. We’d seen her radiant smiles, enjoyed her friendly attitude, and appreciated her thoughtfulness to keep our coffee cups filled.

We’d heard respect and cheerfulness in her voice–all coming from a heart submitted to Jesus. We knew that much.

The three of us chatted a bit and we affirmed to Emily the fine character traits we’d witnessed, and the truths that God loved her and had her best interest at heart. It was our prayer God would use our gift as a demonstration of his attentive care.

On the way out, the hostess stopped us. “Emily just told me what you did for her,” she said quietly. “That girl is going through a very rough time right now; she will never forget your gift!”

No doubt you too can remember when a word of affirmation or gift of appreciation greatly ministered to your spirit. Perhaps it occurred when you were struggling, wondering what God was up to, and feeling starved for encouragement.

Like Emily, when the affirmation came, your spirit filled with wordless wonder.

Also a wonder? That those who give are even more blessed than those who receive [2]. Have you noticed that such moments of benevolence seem divinely energized by the Spirit of God?

It’s downright thrilling to be used by him in uplifting others with affirmation and encouragement—two words not as synonymous as I once thought.

Affirmation indicates approval of what is already known or perceived—like the character traits we’d seen in Emily.

Encouragement inspires a person to persevere into the future—like the truths about God we shared with her. We benefit from both.

Scripture includes numerous passages that remind us what is true about God and what he thinks about us, passages that encourage and affirm our own spirits, equipping us to share the same with others.

Here are several verses and assurances to get us started. I pray you find affirmation and encouragement in the following:

I have been remarkably and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

I am not an assembly-line product.

I was deliberately planned, specifically gifted,

and lovingly positioned on earth by the Master Craftsman.

–based on a quote from Max Lucado’s The Christmas Candle

“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working”—Jesus (John 5:17).

“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand”—Jesus (John 13:7).

I cannot read his future plans, but this I know:

I have the smiling of his face, and all the refuge of his grace,

while here below.

–Unknown (quoted by Herbert Lockyer in Seasons of the Lord, 100)

I am one of God’s special possessions, commissioned to declare his excellencies (1 Peter 2:9).

I pray your spirit is affirmed and encouraged.

And now, who can you refresh today?

(Our experience with Emily hasn’t been a one-time event. Should you wish to read similar, special-moment stories, click on one of these posts:

[1] Name changed.

[2] Acts 20:35

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.pexels.com; http://www.rawpixel.com (2); http://www.pxhere.com.

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Celebrating God through the Psalms

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God, God's actions on our behalf, God's attitubutes, Prayer, Psalm 71:16-18, Psalm 71:17, Psalm 71:19, Psalm 71:5, Psalm 71:8, psalms on January 16, 2025| 32 Comments »

One way to get better acquainted with God is to read through the psalms, watch for statements pertaining to him, and write them down.

That last step is important, as research has proven: writing (not typing) helps us learn and retain what we’ve written [1]. In this case it will also increase our appreciation of God’s glorious attributes and gracious acts on our behalf.

I chose to participate in this exercise during Advent, and became astonished by the number of statements about God, totaling over three hundred by the time I reached Psalm 150. I even skipped over those that I remembered listing previously.

Some psalms offer a number of statements about God, one after another. Psalm 23 includes nine, Psalm 103, sixteen, and Psalm 145, twenty.

Perhaps that explains why these psalms are among the favorites of many people. Subconsciously we crave reassurance of God’s power, wisdom, and goodness working on our behalf.

A lesser-known psalm perhaps, #71, offers seven encouraging descriptors of God:

He is our sovereign Lord (v. 5) over all things, even our blunders and regrets.

No matter my poor choices, God can redeem them. “Our mistakes can never thwart the sovereign will of God” [2].

How thankful I am for that!

He is the One who’s been my hope and confidence since my youth (v. 5).

I’ve been a Jesus-follower since age four. Never have I toyed with the idea of abandoning my faith in him, because I learned early on from the saints around me:

God is a good and loving Father
There is purpose in everything God does
He will bring me through whatever I might face
He is accomplishing a good and eternal work in my life [3]

I’d be foolish to turn my back on Someone so invested in my welfare.

God is splendorous (v. 8).

We could surely add more attributes to Brooks’ list. God provides so many wonderful, spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)!

He is the One who performs marvelous, mighty, and righteous deeds (vs. 16-18).

In truth, “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things” [4].

May we rediscover the wonder of God’s deeds in evidence all around us, and respond with gratitude and praise.

He is the One who’s taught me since my youth (v. 17).

Over time I’ve come to cherish God’ Word. And even though I’ve spent many happy hours in study, its inspiration never grows old.

That is very good news.

God is the One whose righteousness reaches up to the heavens (v. 19).

That’s good news too, because “there is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no set of people who always do what we expect them to do.

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

Praise God for his attentive participation in our lives!

He is the One who’s done great things. Who is like You, God (v. 19)?

All of these descriptors, among the dozens of others proclaimed in the psalms, do make clear:

P.S. My list of God-descriptors has become the basis for personal worship. Each morning I slowly read and pray back to him one page of the collected statements. The practice renews wonder and gratitude for my marvelous Heavenly Father.

Perhaps you’d like to try it too?

[1] Denise Hughes, Deeper Waters, 89.

[2] Bev Rihtarchik, contributor to A Moment to Breathe, 151.

[3] Dr. Charles Stanley, Advancing through Adversity, 101.

[4] Hans Christian Andersen

Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2).

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