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Undeserved Goodness–Part 1

Posted in Blessings, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, God's Grace on June 24, 2013| 8 Comments »

G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Many of us are familiar with that definition of God’s grace, based on Ephesians 1:7-8.

I like Matthew Henry’s definition, too:

Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.

But I’m left wondering: What are those riches? What does God’s goodness look like?

The first undeserved favors we might think of include forgiveness, salvation, his peace and presence, guidance and joy. But surely there are more. How many more? I began to keep a list. It currently includes forty-seven aspects of grace.

Perhaps you’ll be awed and inspired as I was, contemplating the overwhelming riches that God supplies. All because of the price Jesus paid for us at the cross. Each one deserves careful thought, because each is a precious treasure. I’ll share twenty-three of them today, and the rest on Thursday. You’ll notice they’re organized in alphabetical order. A hierarchy would have been impossible.

GOD’S GRACE INCLUDES:

1. Unconditional ACCEPTANCE no matter what we’ve done (Luke 15:11-24).

2. Confident ACCESS to God, to talk to him any time, day or night (Hebrews 4:16).

3. Loving ADOPTION into his forever family (Ephesians 1:5).

4. Faithful ATTENTION to our prayers (Psalm 6:9).

5. Rich BLESSINGS to all who call upon him (Romans 10:12).

6. Attentive CARE through life’s ups and downs (1 Peter 5:7).

7. Compassionate COMFORT when we’re afflicted (Isaiah 49:13).

8. Trustworthy COUNSEL, offering guidance for the best way to live (Psalm 73:24).

9. Promised DELIVERANCE on which to set our hope (2 Corinthians 1:10).

10. Strong EMPOWERMENT to do what he asks , which is always in our best interest (Acts 1:8).

11. Continual FAVOR as a child of the King (Proverbs 8:35).

12. Augmented FELLOWSHIP with other Christians (1 John 1:7).

13. Complete FORGIVENESS for our sins (Hebrews 8:12).

14. Liberating FREEDOM from sin, death, worry, and fear (Romans 8:1-2).

15. Satisfying FRUITFULNESS for a productive life (Philippians 1:10-11).

16. Special GIFTS of the Spirit, not for just a few stellar believers, but for everyone (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

17. Glorious HEAVEN to look forward to, with a place for each of us (John 14:2-3).

18. Competent HELP that is always near (Psalm 115:11).

19. The powerful HOLY SPIRIT, who is constantly working for us and in us (John 16:13, Romans 8:26-27).

20. Enduring HOPE which renews our strength (Psalm 62:5; Isaiah 40:31).

21. Reliable INSIGHT into God’s Word and how we can apply it to everyday living (2 Timothy 1:7).

22.Overflowing JOY, independent of circumstances (Psalm 16:11).

23. Unfailing JUSTIFICATION, because the God of the universe has declared us “not guilty” (Romans 3:23-24).

THINK OF IT:

At the moment each person invites Jesus into his or her life, all of these riches become instantly available. Yet there are more. I hope you’ll be looking forward to Thursday’s list.

(Art and Photo credits: biblicallyshapedblogspot.com , wonders.wallpaperdave.com, gracefreak.dan.wordpress.com, barnabasonline.net, mintools.com/gifts-list.)

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A Mindful God

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Isaiah 49:15, James Janeway, Jeremiah 32:40, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 105:5, Psalm 115:12, Psalm 139:16, Psalm 8:4 on June 3, 2013| 14 Comments »

Years ago, Mom taught me a neat trick for those times when I can’t remember the name of someone or something.

“Go through the alphabet,” she suggested. “Usually a letter will stand out, and it will jog your memory.”

No doubt many of you have discovered the same strategy.

Now that I’m getting older, it has occurred to me: Is it my imagination, or am I using the alphabet to jog my memory more than I used to?

That question brought a silly visualization to my mind. Who is the oldest Person we know? God–he has always existed, even before time itself, right?

What if he experienced memory challenges? I can see him with his elbow propped on the throne, stroking the thick, white wool of his beard, the other hand tapping absent-mindedly against the folds of his glowing robe. He’s talking out loud to himself (another habit of the elderly).

“Oh, what is her name? I can see her face…She’s one of our brown-eyed, brown-haired children. I just love deep, dark eyes…Isn’t she the one We blessed with a raise, even though she didn’t ask for it? Oh, what is her name?”

I told you it was silly. God doesn’t have memory problems! He is all-powerful and all-knowing. Actually, considering his magnificent splendor, it’s really quite amazing he cares about us at all.

David wrote, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him” (Psalm 8:4)?

Mindful. I like that. God’s mind is full of us. He not only knows our names, he knows the number of hairs on each of our heads (Matthew 10:30). It stands to reason God knows our favorite colors, and what each of us was doing ten years ago today.

And when we consider he has planets, moons, and stars to orchestrate, it is no small wonder he concerns himself with such little specks as us.

Another psalmist wrote, “The Lord remembers us and will bless us” (Psalm 115:12a).

Not only does he remember who we are, he remembers our needs and blesses us accordingly.

Meditate on that concept for a moment. God supplies our every need.

James Janeway, a Puritan minister and author of the seventeenth century, said that such contemplations are enough to launch us forth into an ocean of goodness, where you can see no shore, nor feel the bottom. I like that, too.

Here’s another concept worthy of careful thought: God’s mindfulness did not begin when each of us was born. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Could our days have been recorded without God’s knowledge? No. That means we have been on his mind since before each of our birth dates.

And last, God’s mindfulness will never end. He will continue to be mindful of us in the future, into infinity. “I will never stop doing good to them” (Jeremiah 32:40), He said. And “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15b).

Oh, Father, thank you for your constant, caring attention. Thank you for your ocean of goodness from which you bless us. In return, may I be mindful of you, remembering the wonders you have done, your miracles (Psalm 105:5a). I want to praise you continually, and forget not one of all your benefits (103:2).

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BOR-ING!

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, Intimacy with God, Maturity, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, God's Goodness, Intimacy with God on May 30, 2013| 14 Comments »

pine forest at sunset (Photo credit: uBookworm)

I placed my Diet Coke on a nearby table and settled into one of the front porch rockers. The book I had brought with me remained closed on my lap. Instead of reading, I gazed at tall pines, listened to birds chirping good-night to each other, and breathed in cool mountain air.

What a stark contrast to home, I thought. My husband, two sons, and I had escaped the oppressive summer heat of our Florida home, and were vacationing in a North Carolina rental cabin.

Not long after settling, I noticed an enormous Luna moth perched on the porch railing. He appeared to be sleeping soundly. His shapely sea foam wings stretched out primly, in a perfect display of shimmering symmetry. Not even an antenna moved.

Luna moth (Actias luna) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the sweet idleness of that moment, I had time to wonder.

When do you suppose moths wake up? Is it at dusk, or does it have to be completely dark? And what will be the first part to move? Will his wings flutter a bit in warm-up? Or will those long antennae flicker, checking his surroundings before he ventures into the night?

My knowledge of Luna moths was sorely lacking.

I made strong attempts to read my book, but kept distracting myself for updates on that moth–especially as the sun dipped lower in the sky and shadows deepened.

Eric, our older son, came out on the porch. He stood with hands in pockets, watching the sunset. “What’s up, Mom?”

“This is going to sound silly,” I began, “but see that moth over there? I’ve gotten curious about when they wake up. Is it at dusk or only when it’s completely dark? And as if that isn’t enough, I’m wondering what part of him will wake up first. Do you suppose it will be his antennae that move first, or maybe his wings?”

Eric chuckled slightly—not sarcastically, but in good humor that once again his mother’s curiosity was taking an interesting turn. I thought he’d turn and go back inside the cabin. To my delightful surprise, he chose to sit in the rocker next to me.

Twin Lakes Cabin 6 screened porch and rockers

(Photo credit: vastateparksstaff)

Together we kept vigil over that moth as the sunlight diminished to an apricot glow on the horizon, and the landscape turned dark gray. Still that moth did not move. And soon we were all enveloped by the night.

Suddenly, with barely a testing of his wings, the majestic moth was off the railing and fluttering away. Eric and I barely had time to say, “Oh! There he goes!” before the moth disappeared into the darkness.

We sat quietly for a few moments longer, listening to the crickets chirping cheerfully. With a contented sigh I reveled in the moment: the cool, peaceful surroundings and my satisfied curiosity. Most of all I savored that Eric had chosen to share with me this rather inconsequential moment.

(Photo credit: `James Wheeler)

Just a few years earlier, if I had asked Eric to sit with me and watch a moth, he would have said, “BOR-ING!” and loped off to other pursuits. But that year he was twenty-four. We were starting to relate to one another differently, share more common interests, and communicate on a similar level. Eric was still my son, but he was also becoming a friend.

Reminds me a bit of what our Heavenly Father offers. As we mature in him, our relationship grows into a loving, familial friendship, characterized by common interests and heart-to-heart communication. But such a relationship develops only as we spend time with him and his word.

Those who say, “Time with God is BOR-ING!” and lope off to other pursuits are missing out.

On what, you ask?

• The joy of His presence (Psalm 16:11)
• The goodness he bestows (Psalm 31:19)
• His strength (Psalm 138:2-3)
• Rest, in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1)
• Perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3)

Such precious gifts, Father: joy, goodness, strength, rest, and peace. I praise you with all my heart for being a God who pursues a warm, loving relationship with his children. May I seek your face in return. Always.

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Come to the River

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, tagged Blessings, God, Grace, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 46:4 on May 23, 2013| 13 Comments »

Let’s take a walk down to the river, you and I. It won’t take long—I know how busy you are…

…You’ll come? Splendid!

It’s much too lovely a day to stay indoors anyway. See how the sunshine fairly dances across the mounds of bright white clouds? And look how the yellow asters and violets seem to vie for attention in the grass.

Listen! Before we even glimpse the river through the trees, we can hear the water gurgling over the rocks.

Ah-h-h. Feel that cool air? These grand, shady oaks grow especially lush by the river.

River under the Trees (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here we are! I told you it wouldn’t take long. Let’s sit on these rocks for a moment.

Isn’t it peaceful? The only sounds are the burbling eddies and the distant chirping of a few birds. Must be nap time for the woodland creatures.

The water currents are moving at a slow, steady pace today. Look how the sun glints off the gentle ripples, like tiny stars on liquid sky.

What is it about water that we find so appealing? Why does a vista of calm waters also calm our spirits?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Such questions bring to mind a scripture about God being like a river.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells” (Psalm 46:4).

Those of us who love God are the inhabitants of the city, made glad by the streams of the God River.

But how is God like a river?

One, he is our resting place, much as this river offers a quiet retreat. Just reflecting on a few of his names can calm our hearts. He is our Shepherd—caring and protective, he is our Rock—reliable and strong, he is our Father—loving and kind.

Just to name a few.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two, God’s grace (all of his riches) comes to us like the water of this river, in an unending flow. And much as we delight in this scenic view of drifting water and majestic trees, God’s exquisite grace cheers our hearts again and again.

But to enjoy the river fully, we have to sit on its banks. We have to look and listen with focused attention. Otherwise we’ll miss much of its beauty.

The same is true of God’s grace.

So sit quietly. Turn over in your mind the glorious treasures of his grace, and inspect them:

• Inexhaustible love

• Unmerited favor

• Total forgiveness

• Eternal bliss in heaven

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Lavish provision

• Unfailing empowerment

• Delightful blessings

• Dazzling transformation

And again, this list is just a sampling.

Last, consider these grand oak trees. They, too, offer appropriate imagery of another Bible passage about rivers.

“Blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
the woman who sticks with God.
They’re like trees replanted in Eden,
putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
bearing fresh fruit every season”
(Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG).

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Lord, thank you for your peace and grace that flow unending like a great river. I reaffirm my trust in you. My heart’s desire is to be like one of these trees– spiritually strong, serene, and calm—no matter what happens. And I want to bear fruit, to grow qualities that reflect you. As I seek to send my roots deep into the soil of your Word, guide my thoughts and actions. Because most of all, I want to honor you.

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Lessons from a Newborn

Posted in Blessings, God, God's Delight, God's Grace, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Ephesians 3:18, God, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Grace, Praise, Prayer, Proverbs 15:8, Psalm 69:30-31, Romans 8:26 on May 20, 2013| 17 Comments »

Her name is Elena (EL-e-na) Grace, born February 28, 2013. As you can see, she sports a fuzzy round head and pudgy cheeks. What you can’t see are her feet–long and slender like her father’s.

Now two months old, she studies her surroundings and tracks right and left the toys we jiggle for her. Elena already likes books, too. Wide, blue eyes take in as much as possible before the page turns. As her grandmother, I’m delighted to play and read, just to see her reactions.

Elena’s father, our son, is an artist. A number of his paintings hang in their home. Hold Elena in front of one and she scrutinizes it carefully.

“Wow!” her eyes seem to say. “Have you ever seen such creativity? Such interesting spatial composition? What intriguing juxtaposition! Such beauty.” (Yes, I’m sure these would be her comments if Elena could talk. Grandmothers know these things.)

Early in April she began to smile. Each time her little face lit up, my spirit lifted.
And then came the first “coo,” followed by many more. No doubt Elena thinks she’s joining in the conversation. We listen closely to catch every “word.”

Is this how it is for our Heavenly Father?

I wonder…

Does his heart fill with delight when we revel in His creation, as Elena delights in her daddy’s paintings? Does he experience joy when we take pleasure in his blessings, much as we take pleasure in Elena’s smiles? Surely so.

Psalm 69 gives us a hint: “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord” (Psalm 69:30-31a). One of God’s names is Creator. He is also God of grace. What a privilege–to make the King of the universe smile, simply by expressing praise and thanksgiving for what he has made, and what he has done.

I wonder…

Does he listen closely to every word (as we listen for Elena’s coos)–even to our thoughts that defy words?

Oh, yes.

“He delights in genuine prayers” (Proverbs 15:8b, MSG).

“If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans” (Romans 8:26, MSG).

God listens and responds, even to inarticulate prayers.

Why? His love for us is wide and long and high and deep (Ephesians 3:18), in spite of our shortcomings and disobedience. Incredible, isn’t it?

Thank you, Father, for your loving kindness, your forgiveness and empowering presence. Thank you for treasuring us even more than we treasure our families. And thank you for little Elena, who brings new attention to familiar old truths.

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More Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Generosity, God's Presence, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Acts 16, Blessings, Chris Tomlin, Encouragement, Faith, God's Presence, Paul, Praise, Silas, Worship on May 13, 2013| 8 Comments »

Back in January I wrote a post about meaningful mishaps on the keyboard—typos with significance. Now, four months later, I’ve collected a few more.

Mishap #1:

I meant to type caring, but the screen showed daring. Actually, the two words can be used together in a meaningful way: Sometimes we must be daring in our caring.

My husband, Steve, is a generous tipper. He frequently dares to care with his wallet. Not that we have a lot of money to spare, but we’ve experienced time and again you can’t outgive God. His economy isn’t logical; it’s theological.

(Photo credit: TBoard)

A few years ago Steve was traveling out-of-state every few months to visit his elderly parents. Each time he would stay at a bed and breakfast near the assisted living home. Steve became well-acquainted with the B & B manager and always left her a gracious tip.

In December of 2011, Steve’s dad graduated to heaven. He had served God well and been a mentor to many. At age ninety-three, he was looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.

Since we’d be needing several days’ accommodation, Steve called T. to see if she might have a room available for us at the B & B—even though it was very short notice.

“I can accommodate you the first three nights, but that last night, we’re full,” she responded. “However! There is no reason you and Nancy can’t stay with me. My apartment is good-sized, and you’ll have your own suite. In fact, I insist!”

Would T. have made such a generous offer, if Steve had not been so gracious to her? Probably. T is a very giving woman herself. I do know Steve did not give those generous tips in order to receive.

But when we dare to care, God often augments the results.

Mishap #2:

Imagine my surprise to look at the screen and see, not long-standing faith as I’d intended, but song-standing faith.

Turns out, that is quite meaningful. Frequently a song will lift my spirit and affirm my faith. Take Chris Tomlin’s song, Our God. Imagine an energized congregation singing the chorus with passion and volume:

Chris Tomlin performing a concert in Johnson City, Tennessee, November 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And if our God is with us,
Then what can stand against us?
And if our God is for us,
Then who could ever stop us?

Such an experience has a powerful effect. I find myself standing up straighter. The concerns on my mind fade in importance, and my heart fills with confidence. Yes, song-standing faith works wonders! I need to avail myself of the opportunity more often.

Mishap #3:

The word was supposed to be dailyness, referring to the humdrum routine that occupies more of our time than we’d like. Instead, here’s what I typed: dailymess.

(Photo credit: WarzauWynn)

M-m-m. Another matter that occupies more of our time than we’d like: the messes we have to clean up, the interruptions, the unexpected turns of events. Such moments generate frustration and raise blood pressure. Not good!

So what do we do when the daily-ness of our lives, which is challenging enough, becomes daily-mess?

To begin, song-affirming faith (Mishaps #2) will certainly help. Remember Paul and Silas, missionaries who traveled far and wide to tell others about Jesus? While visiting Philippi, they stumbled into an awful mess, and ended up in prison. For all they knew, they could be killed the next day. And yet at midnight, these two were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25).

They were accessing song-affirming faith to combat the mess—the unexpected turn of events in their lives.

And why were Paul and Silas in prison in the first place? They had been daring and caring (Mishap #1, above). They had helped a slave girl, enraged the owners, and were arrested. BUT! God intervened in a miraculous way. An earthquake opened the prison doors. Paul, Silas and the other prisoners could have escaped, but didn’t. As a result, the jailer wanted to know about this Jesus they’d been praying to and singing about. He wanted to know how he and his family could have eternal life. The daring and caring of Paul and Silas paid great dividends—more souls for the kingdom of heaven! (See Acts 16 for the whole incredible story.)

Daring and caring. Song-affirming faith. Both combat the daily-mess of life.

* * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for the affirmations you reveal through my keyboard mishaps: 1) You augment daring and caring to produce amazing results, and 2) Song-affirming faith ushers us into your presence where we experience your power and presence, and 3) You provide strength and perseverance to deal with the daily-mess of life.

Hallelujah! I give thanks to you with everything I’ve got! Your works are so great, worth a lifetime of study–endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark your craft; your generosity never gives out, your miracles are your memorial. You are the God of Grace and the God of Love! (Taken from Psalm 111:1-4, The Message.)

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Unexpected Reward

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Patience, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Jeremiah 17:10, Patience on May 6, 2013| 17 Comments »

‘Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the mall,

Shoppers with gift cards were having a ball.

I was among them, reveling in one of my favorite activities: bargain hunting. There’s something exhilarating about combing through a rack of clothing, which everyone else has passed by, and finding a gem. Marked down. At least twice.

Ruth of the Old Testament gleaned Boaz’ fields (Ruth 2:2-3); I glean sales racks.

Field of Boaz (Photo credit: Seetheholyland.net)

This particular December 26 while browsing in Macy’s, a true treasure emerged from the rejects: a lined, flowing silk skirt, black, with vertical stripes of rust and taupe. Down each stripe ran a subtle pattern of flowers.

Such an elegant, versatile skirt would be a great addition to my wardrobe, I thought. Warily I searched for the tag. Although tucked among the clearance merchandise, it still might cost too much. There was no tag.

So I headed to the nearest cashier counter for a price check.

Now if you’ve ever shopped on December 26, you know the importance of taking plenty of patience with you. It’s probably the second busiest shopping day of the whole year, right behind Black Friday. Long lines at the cash register are just part of the process.

in line (Photo credit: iowa_spirit_walker)

Imagine my delight to see only two people at the counter.

Customer #1 didn’t take very long at all. Fantastic.

Customer #2 was returning merchandise that she had received as a gift. And although it was from Macy’s, her gift came from out-of-state. This particular store didn’t carry that pant-and-sweater set. Now what? The cashier didn’t know.

The manager was called. Wait. Wait. Wait.

She didn’t know what to do either.

I scanned the surrounding area, looking for another counter where I might get waited on sooner. They were backed up, too. Might as well stay put.

Phone calls ensued. Wait. Wait. Wait.

Finally, someone at the other end of the line knew what to do and explained the steps to follow. Wait. Wait. Wait.

Of course, the steps were not easy to follow. A few missteps occurred. Wait. Wait. Wait.

At long last, the customer left with a receipt. To her credit, she apologized for taking so long. I said something like, “These things happen. Can’t be helped.” I even smiled. After all, it wasn’t her fault.

To the credit of Ms. S. P. (Sales Person), she, too, apologized for the delay, and cheerfully asked how she could help me.

“I might want to buy this skirt, but there’s no tag.”

She looked it over, but Miss S.P. didn’t find a tag either.

“Tell you what,” she said. “Since you were so nice about the situation with the last customer, I’ll just ring it up with this.” She pulled over another skirt, sitting in a fluff on the end of the counter. The price? Under $7.00.

“I’ll take it!” I cried, and whispered a prayer of gratitude to God. That super-bargain skirt seemed like a gift from him, almost a reward for my patience.

God has said, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10).

Does that mean God rewards every good deed with a gracious blessing? No, I’d become a very spoiled daughter of the King if he did that. In addition, any good deeds I might undertake would be generated by wrong motives.

And please, don’t pat me on the back either. I’m not confrontational by nature anyway. It wasn’t that hard to wait, smile, express understanding, and be patient.

But. Blessings like that skirt come just often enough to remind us:

He’s watching.

He’s appreciating.

There are even moments He’s smiling, because of the choices we make.

The satisfaction in those realities is a glorious blessing in itself.

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Out of the Fog–Revisited

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Gratitude on April 25, 2013| 8 Comments »

(This is the fiftieth post on From the Inside Out. In celebration, I’m diving into the archives for an early piece and reposting.)

On the way to work one foggy morning, I spotted a small patch of bright colors peeking through the haze ahead. That’s strange, I thought. What could it possibly be?

A few moments later the mystery was solved. Wafting over a garbage can was a bouquet of helium-filled mylar balloons!

Mylar balloons (Photo credit: Transguyjay)

It occurred to me (no doubt prompted by the Holy Spirit) that:

Out of the garbage that sometimes collects in and around our lives (the difficult people, the stressful circumstances) God provides mylar balloons—joyful, bright spots of blessings. I just need to keep my eyes open.

Alright, Lord,my heart responded that morning. I’ll try it. First, thank you for the way the lacy wisps of fog have produced a quiet serenity over the landscape. I’m reminded of your ethereal, surrounding Presence. Thank you for always being with me (Psalm 23:4).

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Those balloons certainly put a smile on my face. If someone else had been in the car with me, no doubt we’d have laughed out loud at the extraordinary sight. Thank you for the gift of humor, for the way it lifts my spirit (Proverbs 17:22).

Thank you also for the way you engineer circumstances. Just recently I recorded in my Blessings Journal how you miraculously shortened a to-do list that was impossibly long. But you changed dates and cancelled commitments until the items which remained were very doable. You are amazing!

To-do list book. (Photo credit: koalazymonkey)

My heart overflows with joy as I consider the variety of ways you minister to my spirit. Sometimes it’s through a family member or friend, through a song, a speaker, or something I read. Just the other day you spoke to me through a story I was reading. One of the characters explained that trials make us stronger and purer, and you see more of your reflection in us. It was as if you spoke those words directly to me, and my eyes filled with tears of joy, to realize I have the privilege of reflecting your glory.

Well, Lord, just another minute and I’ll be at work. Soon I’ll see my precious colleagues who have been so encouraging and supportive. Thank you for Christian sisters who care and pray for each other.

DSC_5104.JPG (Photo credit: @superamit)

Needless to say, I practically skipped into work that day. And what fun to share with special coworkers, “You are a beautiful mylar balloon in my life!” and then explain.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

What bright spots of blessing have surprised you recently? Name them and be uplifted. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

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The Power of God-Stories

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Provision, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged Charles Spurgeon, God, Hope, Miracles on April 18, 2013| 14 Comments »

Minnesota Blizzard 10 – 22609 (Photo credit: DavidErickson)

Maria felt compelled to make a big pot of lamb stew one winter morning. By afternoon she knew why. A blizzard paralyzed city traffic. Right down the street from her home a bus load of passengers became stranded. Maria perked coffee for them—pot after pot–and invited them into her home for the lamb stew. Gratefully and incredulously they came, about half a dozen or so at a time. The driver was the last to be served, with the remaining spoonfuls from the bottom of the pot. Maria never even got a taste! But it didn’t matter. Her heart was filled with gratitude that God had prompted her to make that stew. He enabled her to help twenty-plus stranded commuters and show them the love and grace of God.

Gordon burned his hand severely—so badly the doctor said he’d probably have to amputate several fingers. But Gordon’s mother and many others prayed, and day by day the hand got better—not worse. Today, you have to look close to even find the scar.

Nita often wears a favorite pair of gold earrings, given to her by her children. One day while golfing with her husband, she lost one those precious earrings. Nita was heartsick. A few days later, these avid golfers were again on the course. Nita prayed. “Father, I don’t know where that earring is, but you do. Please help me find it.” On the twelfth green, when Nita walked up to where her ball had landed, she saw something glinting in the grass. Not one foot from where her ball landed, there was her earring.

These stories are just three of many, recently shared by members of the Bible study I attend. Maria, Gordon, and Nita are in that group. No doubt you’ve heard stories like theirs, too. In fact, you’ve probably experienced a few miraculous situations yourself. It’s important we share our God-stories as encouragement for our faith. Our God-stories prove:

1) God’s Word is true. God is loving, gracious, faithful, and powerful.

2) We are never without hope.

3) God keeps his promises.

4) God continually blesses his children.

5) Christianity works.

Do all of these facts mean we can expect God to intervene in every difficult circumstance? No. We’d become very spoiled children if he did. But the number of times God does provide miracles goes beyond coincidence. They are indeed God-incidents.

Yet we cannot ignore the times God does not answer our prayers as we’d wish. Sometimes he does not step in to provide and protect. He does not always solve our problems for us. It’s in those situations that God works a different set of miracles: patience and perseverance (James 1:2), growth in godliness and spiritual strength, his compassion and mercy (James 5:11).

Such statements might sound glib to someone recently bereaved of a loved one, or an innocent person suffering unfair circumstances. But there are powerful God-stories from suffering saints as well.

G. lost her husband recently and was terribly insecure about living on her own. But God revealed his presence to her in a powerful physical sensation of warmth through her whole body. Although still grieving, G. has felt surrounded by God’s peace and empowering presence.

K. had always dreamed of getting married, creating a home, and raising several children. Then came her fortieth birthday. It appeared that dream was not going come true. Depression seeped into the corners of her life, even though she was a woman of strong faith. But day by day, the truths of God’s Word fed her spirit and hope began to grow again. Not the hope of marriage and a family, but hope in God’s plan to prosper her, to give her a future (Jeremiah 29:11)—albeit in a different direction.

In the final analysis, these miracles are the most wondrous of all. They are miracles of transformed hearts.

“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace” – Charles Spurgeon.

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Giving and Receiving

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Generosity, Uncategorized, tagged Blessing, Generosity, Giving, Giving and Receiving, Gratitude, Receiving on April 4, 2013| 6 Comments »

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was late afternoon when the doorbell rang.

Through the sheer curtain at the window I could see D., from down the street. She and I had recently met and were becoming good friends.

“Is everything okay?” I asked while ushering D. inside.

“Oh, yes. It’s just…I have a present for you,” she replied. Sure enough, D. was carrying a wrapped box. We sat on the living room couch.

It was not Christmastime, and not my birthday. Why was she giving me a gift?

“Open it,” she encouraged.

“But, D.,” I hesitated.

“Go ON!”

Upon removing the paper and taking the lid off the box, I beheld a lovely navy blue Bible with gilded pages.

Now you need to know, D.’s husband and mine were in seminary at the time. Neither of our households had much money to spare. So this gift seemed over-the-top extravagant to me. Of course I could not accept it.

“D., this is absolutely beautiful, but…”

She stopped me. “I chose to buy this for you; I want you to have it. Besides, if you won’t receive it, you’ll steal my blessing!”

D. was referring, of course, to Acts 20:35: It is more blessed to give than receive.

I had never considered that interpretation, but she was right. In order for a giver to be blessed, there does need to be a receiver.

“Besides,” D. continued with a grin. “I already wrote inside the front cover. I can’t take it back. So there!”

D.’s words of that long-ago afternoon still play in my mind when I find myself balking at unexpected or overly-generous gifts. Even favors can make me uncomfortable. But if I don’t graciously receive, I steal the blessing from the giver.

And what’s at the bottom of my reluctance? A sense of unworthiness and pride. Now there’s a strange set of opposites!

D.’s gift made me feel unworthy. I wasn’t deserving of her sacrificial gift.

Yet pride was part of my reaction, too. I didn’t need her gift. I already had a perfectly good Bible. Yes, it was an old and worn King James version, but it had served me well and could certainly continue to do so.

What I began to understand that day is: receiving well is in itself a form of generosity. When I graciously express heartfelt gratitude for a gift, and share my appreciation for the time, effort, and thoughtfulness of the giver, I make a positive contribution of affirmation into her heart.

After D. left that day, I remember tearfully reading her inscription, and fingering the gilded pages. I felt incredibly honored, loved, and appreciated by D.’s gift.

Now, if it’s more blessed to give than receive, I wonder what D. felt as she walked home that afternoon? I pray she, too, felt honored, loved, and appreciated, even though my gratitude seemed paltry.

But surely the greater blessing came as God loved, honored, and appreciated D. for her gift.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for D.’s example, still strong after all these years. May I never miss an opportunity to be a blessing to others, whether I am the giver or the receiver.

* * * * * * * * * *

What lessons have you learned from the givers and receivers in your life? Tell us your story!

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category

Undeserved Goodness–Part 1

A Mindful God

BOR-ING!

Come to the River

Lessons from a Newborn

More Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

Unexpected Reward

Out of the Fog–Revisited

The Power of God-Stories

Giving and Receiving

Nancy Ruegg

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