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Surprised by Prayer

Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, Peace, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on February 12, 2026| 37 Comments »

Currently my prayers for others include healing from illness, avoidance of surgery, a smooth path ahead into a new life-phase, and guidance for an important decision. 

Good things for good people.

But not long ago I had occasion to peruse Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church.  Four times in three short chapters, Paul expressed his prayers for these Christians facing persecution and trials (2 Thessalonians 1:4).

His prayers surprised me.

Did he include protection from their enemies? No. Rescue from persecution? No. Lives of peace so they could share about Christ without threat? No. 

Instead, Paul asked for God’s empowerment, encouragement, strength, understanding of God’s love, endurance, and inner peace.

Why were these qualities uppermost in his mind? 

First, GOD’S EMPOWERMENT would help them live true to their faith (1:11 CEV), so they might honor God and God might honor them (v. 12).

And what might that honor look like?  Shalom—which includes inner tranquility, divine wholeness, prosperity of soul, and more (1)—even during trials.

We too can ask God to empower those we pray for, that they might honor him, experience his shalom, and anticipate the supreme honor of hearing him declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (2).  

We’d do well to pray the same for ourselves. 

Second, GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT AND STRENGTH would lead the Thessalonians to always do and say what is good (2 Thessalonians 2:17 GNT).

In the previous verse, Paul reminded these readers of God’s love and grace to them.

Perhaps he wanted to stir up memories of God’s goodness on display in the past, and once inspired, they’d be fueled to show goodness to one another within their church—to keep one another lifted up. 

And that integrity would draw those outside the church to Jesus (3).

Third, GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S LOVE AND ENDURANCE, provided through Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5 GNT), would cause their confidence in him to grow.

Then, when challenges arose, the Thessalonian church would remain steadfast and unflinching in the face of persecution.

Down through the centuries Christians have suffered for their faith. Even now in Asia and Africa, Christ-followers bear up under imprisonment and torture.

Meriam Ibrahim was just such a prisoner, sentenced to death for refusing to become a Muslim.  Her second child was born while Meriam was behind bars. 

Finally her captors threatened to torture her with one hundred lashes followed by hanging, but Meriam later stated she never even considered acquiescing to her captors. 

An international campaign for her release saved Meriam’s life. She now lives in the U.S (4). 

Though we and our loved ones may never face such circumstances, we’re wise to prepare ourselves, and pray for endurance to stay the course—for all of us.

And last, PEACE—Shalom—from the Lord of Peace himself (3:16 HCSB).

Here shalom is not just alluded to; Paul prays for it specifically, that the Thessalonians might enjoy “at all times and in every way” this most sublime blessing.

No doubt, Meriam experienced such inner tranquility and deep, settled confidence. It can be ours also, as we stand on the strong foundation of:

  • God’s promises. He is a refuge, a stronghold, who never forsakes those who seek him (5). 
  • God’s sovereignty and perfections. With flawless wisdom he always acts rightly (6).
  • God’s power. Sometimes he rescues, as he did in Meriam’s case. Other times, in his wisdom of all things, he deems it best not to. It’s then we see his miraculous power to carry his followers through, as he has thousands of martyrs who’ve gone to their deaths praying and singing.

So what about our prayers for good outcomes and guidance? Are they improper somehow? Not at all. In another letter, Paul told us to pray about everything.

So I’ll continue to pray for D. to be healed, for N. not to require surgery, for C.’s path ahead to be made clear, and A., as she and her family look to God for guidance.

But I’ll also add God’s empowerment to persevere, his encouragement and strength to live with integrity in spite of challenges, to experience God’s love in palpable ways, and to rest in his shalom. 

California landscape by Thomas Hill (1829-1908)

Notes:

  1. Isaiah 32:17
  2. Matthew 25:21
  3. Matthew 5:14-16
  4. (https://www.eauk.org/idea/five-famous-christians-who-went-to-prison.cfm )
  5. Psalm 9:9-10
  6. Psalm 145:17

Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (5); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.picryl.com.

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Hey Self! Listen Up!

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged , , , , , , on February 5, 2026| 36 Comments »

I wonder if your inner voice ever speaks to you like this:

  • “Well, you stuck your foot in your mouth again. Why don’t you think before you speak?”
  • “There’s no way you’re going to finish that project on time.”
  • “Go ahead! Tell her about that award you just won. She’ll be so impressed.”
  • “Why is he always so critical? I should give him a piece of my mind!”
  • “You have every right to be upset. How rude can a person be?”

At one time or other, similar thoughts have crept into my mind. If allowed to fester, my sense of well-being is compromised.

What I need from time to time is a pep talk from my positive voice to counter the negativity. Maybe you do too.

I can just hear that voice calling for my attention—“Hey Self! Listen Up!”—in preparation to take my thoughts in a new direction.

And what might that new direction include?

Listed below are common default reactions we want to avoid, followed by truths to counter them. For each I’ve included (what I hope is) an insightful quote, and a response from that inner voice residing in my head.

I wonder if these responses might resemble yours?

Anxiety

“Anxiety is rooted in a failure to trust God”—Unknown (1). 

Ouch. Did you hear that, Self? Let’s destroy those weeds of worry with affirmations of truth about God!

Psalm 36:5-6

Inadequacy

“Never mind your weakness; it is the very thing that qualifies you. Never mind your feelings of inadequacy; it is God’s work, not yours. Simply make yourself available, and let go of any need to impress others, or prove yourself worthy, or achieve ‘success.’ What matters is that God has chosen you and that God claims you as God’s own”—Brother David Vryhof.

Keep reminding yourself—It is God’s work, not yours. Just stay available, Self, in close connection with him.

Discouragement

“Every step toward Christ kills a doubt. Every thought, word, and deed for Him carries you away from discouragement”—Theodore L. Cuyler.

Okay, Self. Remember: Your King Jesus is Faithful and True, the great Shepherd of his sheep, the head over every authority and power, the Righteous One, and more. AND, this Lord of lords is at work for your benefit (2)!

Helplessness

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered his authority”—A. W. Tozer.

‘See Self? You aren’t helpless. God Almighty is on your side (3)!

Self-Pity

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

Don’t dwell on the dark distressors, Self. Look for the beams of bright grace.

Perfectionism:

“A flawed rose still smells sweet”—Unknown.

So, Self: pour your energy into diffusing the fragrance of Christ (4)!

Pride:

“God abhors those people worst who adore themselves most”—William Seckler (5). 

That knowledge alone, Self, ought to help you nip prideful thoughts in the bud!

Wrong Motives:

“I know when I’m doing the right thing for the wrong reason, because that’s when I want credit for it. When I’m doing the right thing with the right heart, I’m content my Father knows and nobody else. That’s enough for me. Because He’s enough”—Denise J. Hughes (6).

Be most mindful of your Audience of One, Self, just as Big Daddy Weave sang about years ago (7).

Anger (Frustration, Resentment):

“Most often, you should leave your anger . . .at the feet of Jesus and allow him to act in your behalf” (8).

Wise advice, don’t you think, Self?

And there you have it: a positive pep talk of wisdom to counter nine undesirable emotions that vie for soul-space.

Now let’s get out there and seize the every day with positivity, purpose, trust, and expectation!

Notes:

  1. God’s Little Lessons on Life, no author given, 19.
  2. Revelation 19:11; Hebrews 13:20-21; Colossians 2:10; 1 John 2:1; Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:28
  3. Romans 8:31
  4. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
  5. Proverbs 8:13
  6. Deeper Waters, 115.
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKS-c93bfbM&list=RDeKS-c93bfbM&start_radio=1
  8. The Women’s Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 957.

Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Gerd Altmann); http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (George Hodan); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net (2); http://www.canva.com.

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Primed and Pumped

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Intimacy with God, Joy, Peace, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2026| 33 Comments »

Nick Saban

Their opponent on the football field that day carried the nickname Dawgs (the Georgia Bulldogs), but the Alabama Tide were considered the underdogs for the 2018 playoffs. Pregame, Coach Nick Saban for the Tide primed and pumped his team. 

“Focus on the things that have made us good all year,” he instructed, “which is discipline to execute, do your job, play with relentless effort and toughness.”*

Saban’s advice applies to many endeavors in life, even some that may surprise us—like prayer.

But isn’t it true we need discipline to execute and relentless effort and toughness to persevere in our pleas before God? What we may lack are motivation and passion.

In addition, Satan’s cohorts adeptly suggest excuses like:

  • “God is all-powerful; he’s in control of all things. What good are your pitiful prayers going to do?”
  • “You’ve prayed a long time for some things and nothing has happened. Your prayers are obviously ineffective.”
  • “You’re too busy to pray. Let the elderly saints with nothing to do take care of the praying.”

Like Saban who inspired his team, there are numerous spiritual coaches–pastors and authors–who would prime our prayer-lives with such reminders as:

  • “Time spent in prayer will yield more than that given to work. Prayer alone gives work its worth and its success. Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do His work in us and through us”—Andrew Murray (1828-1917).
  • “A praying man can never be very miserable, whatever his condition be, for he has the ear of God; the Spirit within to indite [encourage, inspire], a Friend in heaven to present, and God Himself to receive his desires as a Father”—William Bridge (1600-1670).
  • [Prayer] “turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God”—Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932).

Still other coaches pump up our spirits for prayer with reminders of the blessings that result—blessings like:

HOPEFUL EXPECTATION

“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in his glory. Think of what he can do and how he delights to hear the prayers of his redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!—Andrew Murray

HOLY ENERGY

“As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer”—Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287.

TRUE PERSPECTIVE

“Prayer brings perspective, shows the big picture, gets you out of the weeds, reorients you to where you really are” (Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 130).

STRONG CONFIDENCE

“Prayer is the way to experience a powerful confidence that God is handling our lives well, that our bad things will turn out for the good, our good things cannot be taken from us, and the best is yet to come”—Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 73.

GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

“Herbert Butterfield, the Oxford historian of modern history, is convinced that what Christians do in prayer is the most significant factor in the shaping of history—more significant than war and diplomacy, more significant than technology and art”—Eugene Peterson, Under the Unpredictable Plant,98.

DIVINE PURPOSE

“A praying saint performs far more havoc among the unseen forces of darkness than we have the slightest notion of”—Oswald Chambers (1874-1917).

INTIMATE CONNECTION WITH GOD

“Unceasing prayer can grow to be something we do not because of discipline but because of friendship. Desire. It’s where we’re headed if we’ll let him take us there”—Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 227.

DEEPEST JOY

“The key that unlocks the deepest joy of any life: secret prayer. Whispers with God”—Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 201.

INEXPLICABLE PEACE

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus”—The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:6-7, GNT.

Nick Saban primed and pumped the Alabama Tide to a victory that day in 2018. They won, 26-23.

May the spiritual coaches quoted here today inspire us toward victory in prayer.  

* https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xDeK9EjSgfQ

Images credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com.

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Awed Adoration

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Holiness, Joy, Obedience, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on January 22, 2026| 51 Comments »

 

Do you know . . . 

. . . the approximate number of stars in the sky? 

  • “Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars – that’s a one followed by 24 zeros (1) !”

. . . about the “Goldilocks Zone?” 

  • That’s what scientists call our perfect position in the galaxy, where Earth doesn’t get too hot or too cold. The distance is “just right” to sustain life (2).

. . . how ocean currents are important to our survival? 

  • They help regulate Earth’s climate by distributing heat around the globe. They also transport nutrients and oxygen to deep-sea ecosystems (3).

. . . where the tallest mountain is located? 

  • It’s not Mount Everest—it’s Mauna Kea, part of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount range. It rises 13,800 feet above the Pacific Ocean and extends down to the ocean floor another 19,700 feet, for a total of 33,500 feet—more than a mile higher than Mount Everest (4). 

. . . how trees in a forest can stay healthy for centuries without human intervention? 

  • An underground fungus network connects plants together, allowing for transfer of water and nutrients (5). 

I can’t speak for you, but such facts astound me and prompt awed adoration for the Creator of all things.

My amazement expands even further as I read in scripture:

  • God knows all those septillion of stars by name (Isaiah 40:26).
  • He is the One who set the earth on its [invisible] foundations; it can never be moved (Psalm 104:5).
  • God inspired David to include “the paths of the sea” in one of his songs (Psalm 8:8), long before Matthew Maury studied those currents and charted them.
  • He covered the earth with enough water to stand above the tallest mountains (Psalm 104:6).
  • God has made sure his trees in the deepest forests have been well-watered and nourished since time began (Psalm 104:16).

Photo taken by Paul Saad in the “Cedars of God” nature preserve in Lebanon.

Some trees are well over 1,000 years old, a few even 2,000 and 3,000 years old.

Who is like our God?!

Because of his incomparable power, he could do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Yet his actions are always guided by absolute love, wisdom, and goodness. 

But of course, God’s magnificence isn’t limited to his creative genius and immense power to accomplish every good work.

Consider his holiness—his separateness from all else, his perfections above everyone else.

He’s the Only One who:

  • can create out of nothing
  • has the capacity to rule and sustain the universe
  • knows all things, all truth
  • can provide eternal life to those who come to him (6)

We see his holiness in:

  • the numerous, already-fulfilled prophecies of scripture, brought about with 100% accuracy
  • his promises, kept with 100% reliability
  • his flawless attributes, at work 100% of the time (7)

Think of all his blessings lavished upon us, the answers to prayer, the difficulties overcome, the miracles bestowed. Your life and mine offer proof of God’s holy faithfulness and lovingkindness.

In fact:

Not since Adam stood up on the earth has God failed a single man or woman who trusted him.

—A. W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous, 44.

Again, my heart responds with awed adoration.

Yet there’s more.

This astounding, wonderful, and perfect God invites us to be holy too.

“Now why would we want to do that?” the skeptic will ask. “Holiness sounds dull and boring!”

In actuality, the process of becoming holy is the pathway to happiness. Yes it is.

Every time God says, “Don’t,” he’s indicating, “Don’t hurt yourself.” When we choose to sin, we’re choosing to suffer (9).

Now why would we want to do THAT?

Some will argue, “But holiness is so hard to achieve.”

That’s where awed adoration comes in, for the magnificence of God’s deeds and the perfections of his character, just as we’ve done in this post.

Why? 

The life of true holiness is rooted in the soil of awed adoration.

—J. I. Packer (quoted by Ann Voskamp in 1000 Gifts, 111).

So let’s plant our roots and grow! 

Greater happiness awaits.

Endnotes:

  1. https://science.nasa.gov/universe/stars/
  2. https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/what-is-the-habitable-zone-or-goldilocks-zone/
  3. https://oceanblueproject.org/ocean-currents-map/
  4. https://www.mos.org/blog/the-earth-around-us/Why-Hawaii
  5. https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network
  6.  Hebrews 11:3; Colossians 1:17; 1 John 3:20c; John 3:16
  7. Isaiah 46:10-11; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 18:30
  8. James MacDonald, Gripped by the Greatness of God, 36-37.

Image credits: http://www.commonswikimedia.org (2); http://www.flickr (Paul Saad); http://www.picryl.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.canva.com.

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A New Soul

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on January 1, 2026| 43 Comments »

A new soul. I like the sound of that, don’t you? In my imagination I see a freshening of my attitudes, improved motivations, and increased spiritual strength.

But where do I start in order to have a new soul?

No doubt, a new soul begins with repentance—expressing to God my sorrow for wrongdoing and availing myself of his help to change. Just as King David prayed, I can ask God to:

Notice that David asked God to create in him a pure heart. David didn’t promise to clean up his act on his own. Only God could make David’s heart new and pure. The same goes for me. All I can do is submit myself to his transforming power and follow his lead.

That pure heart David asked for is a clear conscience. And with the release from guilt came a rush of joy and the restoration of sweet peace with God. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

“No one is happier than the one who has repented of wrong” (Max Lucado).

A new soul involves renewal of the mind.

romans12_2

Or, put another way:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person

by changing the way you think.

Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,

which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

–Romans 12:2, NLT (emphasis added)

Once the negative influences of sin have been removed, I need to fill my mind with excellent, praiseworthy contemplations.

Why waste my thoughts and allow them to wander on worthless topics or circle around pointless worries? Instead, I want to set my mind on the positive, especially on God himself.

A renewed mind is not problem-focused; it is Person-focused.

A new soul requires day-by-day rejuvenation.

“We do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

–2 Corinthians 4:16 (emphasis added)

God has established certain laws by which our world is governed. Gravity is one example. The law of entropy is another. It states that all elements of the universe tend to disintegrate over time. Plants and animals die and decay, iron rusts, rock erodes.

Our souls tend to disintegrate over time, too, when left unattended:

  • Worry and fear wreak havoc
  • Self-centeredness creates an appetite for entertainment, possessions, and recognition—appetites that are never satiated
  • Foolishness reigns because wisdom is ignored
  • Rationalizations replace honest evaluations
  • Uncontrolled behaviors harm relationships

But when we avail ourselves of God’s influence day-by-day and step-by-step, the law of entropy has no effect on our souls.

The Amplified Version expands the meaning:

The steps of a [good and righteous] man

are directed and established by the Lord,

and He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

–Psalm 37:23 AMP

Consider the significance of these key words:

Steps – Even spiritual achievement rarely happens in an instant. God values slow and steady progress

Directed – He isn’t just interested in the details of our lives; he’s lovingly engineering them

Established – There is always design and strategy in God’s endeavors, even if we only occasionally perceive it

Delights – God is pleased with those who follow the path he has thoughtfully and wisely set

Blesses – God lovingly bestows such gifts as peace, joy, hope, and satisfaction in life

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Holy Creator of new souls, as I stand on the brink of a new year, I do confess my failings to you. Purify my heart; show me how to refine my motivations behind right actions.

Thank you for your gentle nudges to turn my mind toward you, and your loving attention upon every step of my life. I praise you that continual contact with you results in a soul–a life–that is continually refreshed and made new!

Image credits:  www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com (2).

(Revised and reblogged from 1-4-2016, while we enjoy one more day of out-of-town family.)

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Leaving the Choice with Him

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God's Provision, God's Will, Jesus, Obedience, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 11, 2025| 31 Comments »

The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644

‘Remember what the angel Gabriel said to Mary when he first appeared to her?

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God” [1].

He then made an incredible announcement. Mary would give birth to the Messiah [2].

Did her mind jump to Isaiah’s prophecy about a young woman who would conceive and give birth to Immanuel?

Surely many Jewish girls knew the passage. And each must have wondered, Might I grow up to be the mother of the King of all?

God favored Mary with the singular role of mother to the Righteous One. Perhaps his choice was based on Mary’s virtue, but scripture gives no indication of that.

Luke did mention that Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, “were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly” [3].

But no such commendation is given for Mary. It may be God wanted us to understand: he can use anyone. His empowerment doesn’t depend on social standing, intelligence, accomplishments, or even moral superiority.

Our part is willingness and faith, which Mary did demonstrate when she professed: ‘’I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” [4]. Mary acquiesced to God’s plan, his choice for her.  

If you’re like me, you’ve wondered about the favor bestowed upon Mary. To us the word conjures up kindness and generosity.

But Mary faced:

  • rejection and cruelty as a pregnant and unmarried, young teen [5]
  • the probable annulment of her engagement to Joseph
  • a grueling trip to Bethlehem, nine months pregnant
  • delivering her first child in a stable-cave
  • another difficult journey to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s slaughter
  • the hurtful disapproval of many for her firstborn, including his own half-siblings
  • watching her son die in agony [6]

How could Gabriel call Mary favored?

We’re looking in the wrong direction. God’s favor, his best for us, does not guarantee an easy path through life and an abundance of material blessings. That kind of favor would only spoil us.

God would have us look in the direction of more satisfying favor: his spiritual blessings [7].

That’s what Mary did, evidenced by her Magnificat, a prayer preserved for us in Luke 1:46-55, where she praised God for his mindfulness of her, his might that had accomplished great things for her, his mercy extended to those who fear God, and more.

In the NIV Study Bible, nineteen cross-references from this passage cite verses from seven books of the Old Testament. Mary knew scripture.

It’s unlikely she thought God’s favor would bring fame and fortune. Mary would have known that God’s best more often includes:

  • empowerment to carry out his assignments
  • instruction in the ways we should choose
  • help in times of trouble
  • strength to endure hardship and grief
  • compassion and comfort to quell distress
  • satisfaction in taking part in God’s wonderful plans [8]

And as God’s wonderful plan of redemption for all people began to unfold, his favor began to flow upon Mary.

He dispelled her fears, gave her courage to tell Joseph the unsettling news, inspired Mary to visit her wise cousin Elizabeth for encouragement, filled her with endurance for the journey to Bethlehem, and strength for the birth of her first child in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Of course, Mary isn’t the only one who’s experienced the favor of the Lord. God’s best is available to everyone who allows God to choose what’s best.

God would have us know:

By his favor he forms our characters and fits us for satisfying service. He charts our course, imparts strength to accomplish his plan, supplies all that is necessary, and ultimately crowns our efforts [9].

Just as he did for Mary.

[1] Luke 1:26-30 NIV, emphasis added

[2] Luke 1:31-33

[3] Luke 1:6

[4] Luke 1:38

[5] This was surely Mary’s experience, given the social norms of the day.

[6] Matthew 1:18-19; Luke 2:1-5; 6-7; Matthew 2:13-15; Mark 3:20; John 19:26-27

[7] Ephesians 1:3

[8] Psalm 138:8 ESV; 25:12; 46:1; 73:26; 86:15; Isaiah 66:13a; Psalm 128:1

[9] Based on Herbert Lockyer quote, Seasons of the Lord, 202.

Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org (4); http://www.stockvault.net.

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We Have Seen His Glory

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God, Jesus, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on December 4, 2025| 29 Comments »

No doubt you remember the story of shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus on the night he was born.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:8-9 NIV, emphasis added).

An Angel’s Revelation to the Shepherds by Alexander Laureus (1815)

What do you suppose that glory looked like? Perhaps the immediate area glowed with a golden brilliance, as if lit with a high-powered spotlight.

But, of course, no such apparatus existed in that day. It’s no wonder the shepherds were terrified–between the sudden appearance of an angel and otherworldly light illuminating the darkness.

Decades later, Jesus invited three disciples—Peter, James, and John—up on a high mountain, where the men caught a brief glimpse of the glory of their Messiah (Luke 9:29). His clothes became dazzling white, as bright as a flash of lightning.

Luke also reported the appearance of his face changed, while Matthew and Mark said he was transfigured (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). The Greek form of that word suggests a change of the essential form of Jesus rather than just an alteration of his outward appearance.

Transfiguration of Jesus by Carl Bloch (1800)

But all the disciples and many others saw Christ’s glory manifested in other ways too, including his miracles.

After relating the story of Jesus changing water into wine, John wrote, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory (John 2:11, emphasis added).

Further signs included his absolute purity, perfect wisdom, uniquely-inspired teachings, and finally, his astonishing resurrection and ascension.

But what about today? Can we see evidence of Christ’s glory, the splendor of his Personhood as our Emmanuel (God with us)?

As that question formed in my mind, I wondered, could I name ten categories of manifestations? How about fifteen?

If you have time, jot a list of your own thoughts before reading on. It might be interesting to see which of your categories match mine, and what different ones come to your mind.

Evidences of Christ’s glory in our lives include:

  • Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12)
  • Undeserved mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
  • Freedom from the power of sin, death, worry, and fear (Romans 8:1-2)
  • Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7)
  • Compassionate comfort (Isaiah 49:13)
  • Competent help (Psalm 115:9)
  • Holy wisdom (Colossians 2:3)

The list goes on:

  • Trustworthy counsel (Psalm 73:24)
  • Satisfying productivity (Philippians 1:10-11)
  • Gracious generosity (Ephesians 1:3; 3:20)
  • Special gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
  • Strong empowerment (Acts 1:8)
  • Ever-active faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24))

Eden, by Thomas Cole (1828)

Finally, evidence of Christ’s glory in our lives includes:

  • Deep, restful peace (John 14:27)
  • Complete joy (John 15:11)
  • Enduring love (John 15:13)
  • Beautifying presence (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  •  Resilient hope, which renews our strength (Colossians 1:27)

One day we will see Christ in all his glory—not only his human nature but his sublime splendor, majesty, holiness, and power.

“That glory will be a thousand times more than anything we can imagine!”*

*John Owen, Meditation on the Glory of Christ, 1684, Ch. 12)!

Now it’s your turn! Where have you seen evidence of Christ’s glory? Please share in the comment section below! And on your way there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter–if you haven’t already.

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A Life-Changing Gift

Posted in Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Service, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on November 13, 2025| 36 Comments »

“Hey James–I like your hat,” declared Henry Clifford as he sauntered up to the smaller boy on the playground.

James’ heart began to pound.

“I need a hat,” Henry continued, and the bully reached for it.

James dodged and began to run. Unfortunately, the direction away from Henry took him toward the street. James didn’t see the bread truck coming; parked cars blocked his vision. Neither did the driver see the boy.

James crashed into the vehicle with his head, denting his forehead like an eggshell hit with a spoon.

The surgeon warned James’ parents before attempting to remove bone fragments. “Prepare yourselves; there’s a strong possibility of brain damage.”  

But the boy surprised everyone, sustaining no loss of function.

James endured three weeks in the hospital, followed by six months of recuperation at home.

He was fitted with an aluminum plate to wear over the wound, held in place with an elastic band. The doctor told him his head would remain dented, and he’d need to wear the protective head-gear for the rest of his life.

Of course, sports were out of the question, and as James grew up in the village of Twyning, England, he became increasingly withdrawn. He spent his leisure hours reading and writing stories.

James had always loved books; his mother taught him how to read before he started school. He especially enjoyed Agatha Christie. The year of the accident, 1933, James read all nine mysteries she’d written thus far. He was seven years old.

At age eleven, James balked at his parents’ continued protectiveness. Granted, he couldn’t play sports, but couldn’t he at least ride a bicycle? All the other boys his age had them. And why wear the protective plate (which generated plenty of teasing) if he couldn’t do anything anyway?

James was sure his arguments would win his parents over. The morning of his birthday he expected to come downstairs to shiny chrome spokes and gleaming Whizzer Maroon fenders.

Instead, sitting atop the dining room table was a second-hand typewriter. James’ mother stood in the kitchen doorway, a pained expression on her face.

“Please understand, son. If you injured yourself again, it could be  even more serious. We just can’t take that chance.”

James’ father helped him heft the machine to his room where curiosity soon got the better of him. He began to type one of his stories[1]. And . . .

“It proved to be his best present and the most treasured possession of his boyhood”[2].

At age fifteen James refused to wear the protective head-gear any longer. If he was injured again, so be it.

James excelled in school and won a scholarship to Oxford University.

One evening he attended a church service nearby. Though James had read C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, James realized he didn’t know Jesus. At the speaker’s invitation, he went forward to ask Christ into his life.

After graduation James taught at a college in London, but after two years, felt the need of further education and returned to Oxford.

James earned his master’s degree and was ordained deacon in the Church of England. He also wrote his first published article for the Evangelical Quarterly.

In 1954 James earned his doctorate from Oxford and married Kit Mullett, a nurse he’d met two years before. They would subsequently adopt three children.

Over the next twenty-five years James served in academic positions at three colleges, including Oxford, and as superintendent of an evangelical research center.

Always he was writing–publishing essays, articles, pamphlets, and dozens of books.

In the 1960s an editor asked James to write articles for Evangelical Magazine. He wrote 720 of them over the next five years. Some of those articles became his most popular book, published in 1973, with more than a million and half copies sold.

James and Kit relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 1979, for James to teach at Regent College. The next year James became senior editor of the magazine, Christianity Today while still maintaining his position at Regent.

Regent College today. Photo by Ken McAllister

Regent College today. Photo by Ken McAllister.

In 1997, Crossway Books invited James to serve as general editor of The English Standard Bible, published in 2001. He felt this was the most important work of his life.

Upon James’ death in 2020, “readers of Christianity Today identified him as second only to C. S. Lewis among the most influential theological writers of the twentieth century”[3]. No doubt many of them had read that best seller, Knowing God.

And the influence they spoke of surely began to take root with that typewriter James hadn’t wanted.

But look what God did for J. I. (James Innell) Packer. Look what God did through him.

https://www.azquotes.com/author/17128-J_I_Packer

(Keep scrolling, please–important news below!)

 

[1] This story based on fact. Our pastor shared a brief version last Sunday; curiosity led me to learn more. See https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/j-i-packers-11th-birthday-the-tale-of-the-bicycle-and-the-typewriter/

[2] Alister McGrath, J. I. Packer: A Biography, 6.

[3] https://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/the-life-of-j-i-packer–1926-2020-

Additional source: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/j-i-packer-1926-2020/

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I’m So Glad You’re in My Life

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Delight, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on November 6, 2025| 41 Comments »

(What follows are impressions from God one recent morning):

Yesterday, Nancy, you started singing that praise chorus from the ‘90s, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” One line exclaims, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” Take to heart the truth that I’m glad you’re in MY life too!

Each of my children is one-of-a kind, specially created with a unique set of traits, talents, and strengths. I already loved you, even before you were born, taking great care to plan out your days and write them in My book.

You’ve sometimes wondered what I was up to as those plans have unfolded—plans that involved challenge, trouble, and pain.

But as a parent yourself, you know that love must include discipline. I’ve used the difficulties you’ve faced in the development of your character and the growth of your spiritual maturity [1].

Keep in mind also that I designed you with the purpose of participation in my divine activity [2]. That activity sometimes includes adversity in order to provide the benefit of example and encouragement for others.

Once you get to heaven you’ll see how some of your most challenging experiences, most mundane moments, and most thankless efforts, have created impact under My orchestration. Be prepared; you’re going to be amazed! 

Remember too that all through the years I’ve tenderly led you along like a good shepherd, providing for you, guiding you, and blessing you with good things. Your “God Is Faithful” notebook contains forty years worth of proof [3].

I’ve also related to you as a devoted father, always regarding you with compassion and taking into consideration how weak you are. How well I know that you are mere dust [4]!

But every step of faith you take and every effort toward obedience you make bring me pleasure. I delight to see your progress as you grow more and more like Christ [5].

Never forget:

  • You are precious in My sight, like an expensive pearl [6]
  • You are highly valued as a treasured possession, proven by the price I paid for your redemption, the death of My Son in your place [7]
  • You are a vital part of My rich and glorious inheritance [8]

Daily I lavish My love upon you [9]. Stay alert to my blessings, and let gratitude do its work to magnify the delight of each gift. Then thankfulness will provide a continual flow of joy in your heart.

And remember, My steadfast love for you will never wane, My kindness to you will never end, My purpose for you will never expire [10].

Be mindful of these truths, Dear One, that prove I AM so very glad you’re in my life!

(Keep scrolling, please–important news below!)

[2] James 1:2-4

[2] Ephesians 2:10

[3] Psalm 23; see the post “What’s an Ebenezer?” for a few examples from that notebook.

[4] Psalm 103:14

[5] 2 Corinthians 3:18; see also the post “God’s Pleasure in Progress.”

[6] Isaiah 43:4; Matthew 13:45-46

[7] Luke 12:6-7; Exodus 19:5; 1 John 4:9-11

[8] Ephesians 1:18 NLT

[9] 1 John 1:3a

[10] Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 54:10; Philippians 1:6

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Quietness Is . . .

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on October 30, 2025| 31 Comments »

Enter a deep woods this time of year and experience an intensity of quiet that most of us rarely encounter. No traffic din or sirens, no lawn mowers or leaf blowers, even birdsong is only intermittent, since most of our feathered friends have headed south.

Stand still or sit on a rock for a spell and absorb the soft quiet that hovers in the trees [1].

Research has proven that quiet solitude provides benefits, including improved mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and enhanced creativity [2].

For Jesus followers, there are even more benefits with profound effect.

Andrew Murray (1828-1917), a South African pastor, teacher, and author stated:

Of course, he wasn’t talking about a walk in the woods—valuable as that is. Murray wanted his readers to know that blessing, strength, and great gain result from quiet solitude with God, as we spend time with him in worship, meditation on his Word, prayer, and listening.

But Murray only summarized the results of stillness before God. Others have added more specificity, including the benefits listed below.

QUIETNESS IS . . .

. . . REVITALIZATION

As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so God’s presence revitalizes us as we sit quietly with him [3].

. . . TRUST IN GOD

As we rest in God’s Presence, focusing on him, he quietly builds bonds of trust between us and him [4].

. . . TRANSFORMATION

Stillness transforms heart and mind [5].

. . . PEACE

Resting in God’s presence is the best way to receive his gift of peace [6].

. . . SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“In order to grow in grace, we must spend a great deal of time in quiet solitude” [7].

. . . STRENGTH

“In quietness and trust we collect God’s strength” [8].

. . . TRUTH

“It is in quiet solitude that we catch the deep and mysterious truths that flow from the soul of the things God allows to enter our lives” [9].

. . . INTIMACY WITH GOD

“We cannot realize true intimacy with God until we learn to come before him in quietness of spirit, mind, and body” [10].

. . . PLEASURE

The practice of creating quiet is not meant to be a constrictive discipline; it’s meant to be a restful pleasure as we enjoy the glorious presence of our Heavenly Father [11].

No wonder God inspired a psalmist to write: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). The benefits are many and far-reaching—down into our own spirits and outward into the lives of others, as these delights impact our responses and reactions.

In fact:

Let’s choose to sit for a spell by the Rock of our salvation, and absorb in our spirit the soft quiet that hovers in the heavenlies around us (Ephesians 1:3).

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Now it’s your turn! How do you make time for quiet? How has stillness before God impacted your life? Have you found ways to quiet the inner noise that interferes with focusing on God?

Please share in the comment section below!

 

 

[1] The last eight words based on a line from Sara Teasdale’s poem, “Silence.”

[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202501/the-benefits-of-quiet-solitude

[3] Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 258.

[4] Young, 119.

[5] Young, 161.

[6] Young, 267.

[7] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 372.

[8] F. Elaine Olsen, Beyond the Scars, 105.

[9] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, 406.

[10] Linda Dillow, Satisfy the Thirsty Soul, 49.

[11] An impression I recorded one morning not long ago.

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