Encouragement | From the Inside Out

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Desires Granted

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Delighting in God, God's desires vs. our desires, God's enablement, God's Goodness, God's guidance, God's Strength, God's trustworthiness, God's Wisdom, Jeremiah 26:14, Psalm 37:3-5, Trust in God on May 9, 2016| 6 Comments »

(a personalized psalm)

“Trust in the Lord and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

–Psalm 37:3 NIV

I praise you, oh God, that you are trustworthy. Your motives are always pure, your guidance always wise, your actions always righteous. Everything you do in my life is for my good.

Now, Father, I want to do good for you. May I dedicate myself each day to fulfill the to-do list you’ve designed. Remind me that interruptions may be divine appointments, ordained by you to accomplish a specific purpose.

I praise you that I can “dwell in the land and live securely” (v. 3, HCSB). How comforting to know my dwelling place is in you (John 15:5), where I find:

Refuge (Psalm 46:1)
Good things (Psalm 65:4)
Rest (Psalm 91:1)
Enjoyment of all your glorious attributes (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Delight yourself in the Lord

And he will give you the desires of your heart.

–Psalm 37:4 NIV

At first glance it would appear this verse teaches that as long as I’m worshiping you, you’ll grant what I want. But that would discount your wisdom, compelling you to do only what’s good for me.

No, undergirding this verse is an important truth: the more I delight in you, the more I’ll want what you want. Your desires become my desires, as I’m influenced by your infinite wisdom.

I praise you, Father, that steadily over time you have molded my spirit to be more accepting of your delights. Jeremiah’s words are more readily becoming my prayer: “As for me, I am in your hands, do with me whatever you think is good and right” (26:14*).

I praise you, too, that when a particular delight of my heart does not come to pass, you ultimately cause it to melt away!

Commit your way to the Lord;

Trust in him and he will do this.”

Psalm 37:5 NIV

I praise you, oh God, that you provide guidance in what I should do, wisdom for how to accomplish that plan, and strength to see it to completion. I can depend upon your enablement for success in the endeavors you have ordained.

How comforting to know:

This is your world (Psalm 24:1). That includes the little corner where I live and work and love. I can relax, knowing that Someone much wiser and stronger is in charge.

You’ve already planned out the events of my life in advance (Psalm 139:16). You don’t make decisions as you go along, nor do you leave everything to chance.

Your plan is good (Jeremiah 29:11). No matter what happens, good will come out of it.

With your goodness that desires my highest welfare, your wisdom to plan it, and your power to achieve, I. Lack. No. Good. Thing!**

All praise to you, my loving Heavenly Father!

___________________________________________

* These words of Jeremiah were not a prayer to God, but a response to the officials of Judah who wanted the prophet sentenced to death. However, when addressed to God, they do communicate heartfelt trust and submission to Him.

** Based on a quote from A. W. Tozer: “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?”

(Art credit: www.pinterest.com; http://www.holy-bible.org; http://www.indulgy.com.)

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I Could Have Had V-8!

Posted in Decision-Making, Encouragement, Excellence, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Strength, Godly Character, Maturity, Perseverance, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Controlling our thoughts, Dealing with Annoyances, Galatians 5:22-23, Improving a negative attitude, James 1:4, Luke 6:28, Ways to battle frustration on May 5, 2016| 17 Comments »

Oh, boy. Here she comes again. ‘Seems like she seeks me out every week. Lord, help me.

As Mrs. T. approached me after church, I braced myself for a lengthy, one-sided conversation. Mrs. T. loved to talk, usually about herself, her pains and struggles. As annoyance and frustration would build within me, all I could think about was how to get away without offending.

Now I realize there is a remedy for such situations.

I could have had V-8!

No, not the fortified tomato juice—the VICTORY x 8!

I can win over annoyance and frustration—when faced with situations I cannot change—even those circumstances much bigger than aggravating people.

The “times eight” refers to eight ways the battle can be fought. By implementing the following actions, victory can be mine:

Confession and repentance provide the best place to begin. Lord, my attitude toward Mrs. T is negative and unloving; bitterness and self-pity have taken root. Help me to abandon those roots so they shrivel up and die.

Forgiveness. You, oh God, have forgiven me of so much; how dare I withhold forgiveness from Mrs. T? Help me to remember that forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a commitment to lay aside the offense—as many times as necessary.

Prayer for the person(s). Father, my first inclination is to pray you reveal to Mrs. T. how annoying her self-centered chatter can be! But your wisdom dictates I pray blessing upon her (Luke 6:28). Ease the distresses and frustrations in her. Show me how I can help, beyond providing a listening ear.

Thought Control. Those resentful, self-pitying thoughts in my mind want front-and-center attention, Lord. Turn my focus instead to gratitude. Thank you for the privilege of being your ears and perhaps your voice for Mrs. T.

Attitude Adjustment. Oh God, help me keep a proper perspective. On a “Scale of Measurement for Difficulties in Life”, Mrs. T rates only a 1 or 2. Forgive me for allowing such a small annoyance to steal my joy.

Affirmation of God’s sovereignty and attributes. It is well within your power to redeem this situation, Lord. Help me to embrace the fact you may have a different plan– that redemptive change take place within me rather than in the situation. May I avail myself of your strength, determination, and wisdom for that change.

Expectation. As Mrs. T. approaches, Father, remind me that you are working for my good and hers. My good undoubtedly includes growing the fruit of the Spirit. But it’s also possible you have planned an additional positive outcome that will surprise and delight—at the proper time.

Perseverance. Thank you for that glorious promise in James 1:4–that perseverance in faith principles produces maturity and sound character. Thank you for the joy and peace that results—so much more satisfying that allowing frustration to fester!

Since those days of listening to Mrs. T, have I always applied V-8 to difficult situations? No. Annoyance, bitterness, and a host of other negative emotions can still crop up as challenges arise. This post was much more for me than anyone else.

When the next problem occurs and I feel weak to handle it, I’m serving up some V-8!

(Art & photo credits: www.quotes.gram.com; http://www.faithmessenger.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.indulgy.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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One Thing Only

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged impact of worship, Personal worship, William Temple, Worship, Worship is multi-faceted on May 2, 2016| 12 Comments »

“This world can be saved from political chaos and collapse

by one thing only, and that is _______________.”

How would you fill in the blank?

A. Wise leadership?

B. Liberal generosity?

C. Open-hearted worship?

D. Unconditional love?

Before we consider the answer, let me introduce the author of that quote, William Temple, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-1944.

You may remember those were three of the six years when Great Britain and her allies fought against the Nazis. In fact, when Bishop Temple took office, England faced the real possibility of a German invasion.

Temple did not cloister himself within the church walls. He worked to aid Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, supported a negotiated peace (instead of the unconditional surrender that Allied leaders desired), and traveled frequently throughout England, encouraging British citizens to take courage in their fight against evil and hold onto hope in God.

It was part of a radio broadcast during those grim days of German air attacks that Bishop Temple spoke about “one thing only.” His last word of that statement was Answer C, worship.

Now how did he expect a bit of hymn singing, scripture reading, and a sermon in church to make a difference?

He didn’t. Bishop Temple was referring more to personal worship than public.

His own definition of worship clarifies what he had in mind:

Imagine a world where each person worshiped God by:

Submitting his conscience to God as David did, when he asked for a pure heart and steadfast spirit (Psalm 104:10).
Seeking to fill his mind with the truth of God’s Word, recognizing that all his commands are trustworthy (Psalm 119:86a).
Replacing negative, impure, unkind, and prejudiced thoughts with whatever is true, noble, pure, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
Availing himself of God’s love and then imitating him—his mercy to forgive, his grace to provide, his benevolence to bless (Ephesians 5:1).
Putting aside selfish desires and focusing effort on what God would have him achieve (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Surely there would be less animosity and power-grabbing in our world.

But I can’t point fingers at others when the truth is, I have yet to experience the fullness of what Bishop Temple asserted. An honest inventory of my life includes:

A heart not consistently pure, and a spirit not always steadfast.
Faith that sometimes falters in God’s trustworthy commands.
Thoughts that can grovel in the negative.
Choices and actions that do not always reflect God’s love.
Selfishness that still rears its ugly head.

On the other hand, guilt is not what God intended as the motivation for worship.

No, he designed it to be a delight, not a duty. He wants to expand our joy (Psalm 16:11), provide rest and refuge (Psalm 91:1-2), bestow his strength (Psalm 138:2-3), and more–through the acts of worship. We short-change ourselves by neglecting its pleasure each day.

Perhaps there’s a reciprocal relationship among all these processes. As we worship God with our adoration and appreciation, praise and prayer, might those other aspects of worship highlighted by Bishop Temple–submission, faith, a renewed mind, love-in-action, and selflessness–be the result?

Might there be an upward spiral effect because, the more a person worships, the more she’ll be transformed? And the more she’s transformed, the purer and more passionate her worship will become?

The influence of such a person—even against political chaos and collapse—knows no bounds, as God magnifies the impact.

One thing only is necessary: worship—with all its many facets.

God will do the rest.

(Art & photo credits: www.wikipedia.org; http://www.twitter.com; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.pixfuel.com.)

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Thinking about Thinking

Posted in Encouragement, God's Presence, God's Strength, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged God's help in time of need, Negative Thinking, Positive Thinking, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 11:36 on April 28, 2016| 11 Comments »

Oh, look–a cardinal perched on that branch! Such a brilliant red. Against the foliage he reminds me of Christmas…What fun we had last year when Sophie* was here…Her school’s science fair is this week…I wonder how she’ll do? ‘Wish we could attend. Maybe Sophie could give her presentation on Skype…

Now how did I get from cardinals to Skype? Well, you see the progression. That’s what often happens when the mind isn’t focused on a task: attention wanders from one thing to another.

Sometimes thoughts run in a positive direction, sometimes not.

Research has proved that positive thinking is actually good for us, providing:

A longer life span
Less depression
Less stress
Fewer colds
Better physical and mental health
Less risk of death from cardiovascular disease
The ability to cope better during hardship**

But oh, how easy it is to fall into the negativity trap, and before we know it, we’re wallowing in despair.

King Solomon knew the danger we face. “Above all else,” he warned, “guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).

In other words, get smart about your thoughts and think about your thinking!

So, using Solomon’s imagery, let’s imagine ourselves as guards over our hearts. When a negative thought comes knocking, what should we do?

How about demolishing it with positive rebuttal from scripture? Here are a few verses that have helped me:

Genesis 35:3 (NIV) – “He answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” Jacob’s affirmation is a reminder that God has answered me many times in the past. He’s provided his calming presence, all-wise guidance, and loving care my entire life. I can trust him for all my tomorrows.

John 13:7 (NIV) — “You do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Granted, applying this statement of Jesus to my circumstances a few years ago took the verse out of context. Even so, the morning I came across this scripture, it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Romans 11:36 (NLT) – “Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” I have returned to this verse countless times when events don’t make sense.

In addition to scriptural rebuttal, we can turn our thoughts into conversation with God. First, consider the outcome of a thought-thread such as this:

I don’t know how we’re going to get everything done by Friday. If So-and-So would only do her share, we’d be fine. Why did she have to be put on our team? It’s not fair that the three of us have to work extra hard to pick up her slack!

Can you feel the frustration and worry building?

But what if, as soon as I realize my thoughts are spiraling downward, I included God in the conversation:

I don’t know how we’re going to get everything done by Friday…But you do, God! How thankful I am that you’re on this team with me. Guide my way to Friday! And grant me wisdom in dealing with So-and-So. Show me how to help her become a contributing team member.

That’s much more productive than limiting the participants to me, myself, and I.

The best news yet? God Almighty is downright eager to come alongside and assist no matter what situation I face. He’ll gladly come alongside you, too.

We don’t have to stand guard over our hearts alone.

* * * * * * * * * *

Forgive me, Father, for allowing negativity to enter my mind and wreak havoc. When this happens again, help me to use scripture as rebuttal, and include you in my thought processes. Thank you for your help to turn my mind from destructive to constructive thinking, so that I may enjoy fully the God-enhanced life you offer.

*Sophie is our seven-year old granddaughter who, sad-to-say, lives seven states away.

** from www.mayoclinic.org

(Art & photo credits: www.fwallpapers.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.shereadstruth.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wallpaper4god.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Ignorance Is Bliss

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, Uncategorized, tagged child-like trust in God, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 9:10 on April 21, 2016| 12 Comments »

“This is the best salmon I’ve had in a long time,” commented my husband, Steve, after taking the first bite. He quickly forked another. “How’s your salad?”

“Delicious!” I enthused. “’Love this combination of turkey, feta, and cranberries!”

After a morning of shopping for the granddaughters (birthday gifts and summer clothes), we had stopped at a familiar café for a late lunch. The host graciously seated us in a back corner.

Patrons were leaving; our waiter chatted pleasantly with us, no longer responsible for multiple tables waiting to be served. Soft jazz played in the background, adding more charm to the experience.

Halfway through our meal, a waitress seated herself at the empty table across from us, a caddy of flatware and napkins in tow. She proceeded to polish the former and wrap sets with the latter.

Clunk-clunk-ka-clunk, the knives, forks, and spoons clattered on the table after each piece received its shine. (Why couldn’t she at least spread out some of the cloth napkins from her caddy to absorb the racket?)

But the clamor wasn’t the worst of it. She had not disinfected the table. And two gentlemen had been sitting there when we first arrived. That tabletop received no more than a precursory wipe. I had to wonder about her hands, too—touching fork tines, spoon bowls, and knife blades as she polished.

If only the host had taken us to another corner. We’d never have witnessed this breach of sanitization-protocol, and our ignorance would have been bliss (unless we got sick, which we didn’t)!

Sometimes ignorance is a good thing.

I, for one, am glad the future is unknown to me, protecting me from worry. In my opinion, we’re better off not knowing everything that will happen next month or next year.

Our lack of knowledge—even about tomorrow–draws us to trust in God more intently. And growing trust allows us to delight in him more fully.

Think of a young child holding Dad’s hand while crossing a busy street. He revels in this one-on-one time with his hero, enjoying the security of his small hand in Dad’s big, strong one. He happily chatters on about what color sneakers to purchase when they reach the shoe store.

The boy doesn’t see Dad’s watchful eye on the traffic light, on the car that might turn into the lane where they’re walking, or on the texting teenager–heading straight toward them.

But Dad has the situation under control. All possible mishaps are avoided.

Ignorance is bliss for the little boy. He trusts his father to care for him and protect him, because Dad has proven himself over and over again.

And hasn’t our Heavenly Father repeatedly proved himself to us?

He has provided (Psalm 23:1). All of our needs are met.
He has led (Psalm 23:3). God guides us in the way we should go.
He has been trustworthy (Psalm 9:10). He never forsakes his own.

We can live in ignorant bliss of the future when we embrace child-like trust in God.

A child knows he is weak and helpless, lacking in knowledge and wisdom. He recognizes his dependence on adults.

In the spiritual realm, that translates to an attitude of humility, receptiveness, and neediness before God.

And the final result of ignorant bliss? Peace.

(“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you.” –Isaiah 26:3)

(Art & photo credits: www.cookdiary.net; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.quotesgram.com; http://www.bibleverseimages.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Hints of Heaven

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, Hope, Joy, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthians 2:9, Glimpses of Heaven, Heaven, heaven on earth, Psalm 16:11 on April 18, 2016| 17 Comments »

Picture great cloudbanks gathered to the west, blocking the late afternoon sun except for several small openings. Through those fissures, glowing beams of ethereal light stretch earthward.

Have the windows of heaven actually opened so God’s celestial Light could burst forth?

So it seems.

Other glimpses of heaven present themselves, too.

Think of a perfect morning with a cloudless azure canopy overhead, soft, silken breezes brushing against your skin, and birds in every tree praising God with their songs. Heavenly, you might sigh. And no one would argue otherwise.

Consider standing atop a mountain for a long-distance view of God’s majestic creation—ridge upon ridge, as far as the eye can see, covered with countless trees, and teeming with wildlife.

Consider cradling a newborn infant for the first time—peering into a pixie face with Daddy’s eyes and Mommy’s chin, coaxing tiny fingers to grasp one of your own.

Consider embracing that long absent loved one, finally returned home safely, and seeing happy tears in his eyes through tears of your own.

Such euphoric moments surely provide us glimpses of heaven, a preview of the splendor to come that God has so lovingly prepared.

Yet there are more hints, when:

We sense God’s presence in the midst of a prayer, the melody of a song or the message of a timely scripture. “Heaven and earth are filled with his glory” (Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 8:1). Surely one hint of heaven is God with us now—everywhere and at all times.

We experience bona-fide God-enhanced moments, and holy God-bumps rise up on our skin. Perhaps you receive a phone call from someone you were just thinking about and praying for, or a thoughtful gift turns up on your doorstep the same day you received disheartening news. These are more than coincidences; they’re God-incidents.

We enter a peaceful, uplifting sanctuary with other folks who genuinely care about God’s ways and each other. Just entering the door lifts our spirits and warms our hearts. (The Church ought to offer the most brilliant glimpse of heaven.)

We revel in the sheer pleasure of worship, focused on celebrating our gracious God—a hint of the euphoric adoration of our King that we’ll enjoy in heaven.

We sing with focused passion and the angels seem to join us. The classic, “Total Praise” by Carolyn Cymbala, inspires just that kind of singing. Do you know it?

https://youtu.be/xCsJyzm83W0

We witness a healing. Who has not been moved to joyful tears when the illness abates, the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear?

https://youtu.be/3m3r5xoYod8

We join with the Holy Spirit to introduce someone to Jesus, and the person accepts him into his/her life. There. Is. No. Greater. Joy.

These twelve circumstances, some repeated frequently throughout our earthly lives, prove* that “heaven-on-earth” experiences are not rare.

As Psalm 16:11 makes clear:

In God’s presence (here and now) is fullness of joy. In his right hand, (held out to us daily) are pleasures forevermore.

But, these wondrous events we enjoy in the present are just hints of what God has prepared for us in the future, for those who love him (2 Corinthians 2:9).

Just think:

What is to come will be

more breath-taking,

more joyous,

more miraculous,

more exciting

YET!

*In my humble opinion!

(Art & photo credits: www.outdoor-photos.com; http://www.freebigpictures.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

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Old Folks Can Still Fly

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Strength, Hope, Maturity, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 15:58, Aging, Artur Rubenstein, Benefits of growing older, blessings of aging, Isaiah 40:31, Positive attitude about aging, Psalm 103:5, Psalm 92:14, Renewing our strength, soaring like eagles on April 4, 2016| 21 Comments »

Back in the early 60s when I was a young teen, Dad took me to an Artur Rubenstein concert. For those of you too young to recognize that name, Mr. Rubenstein was a well-known pianist of the last century.

You’d think a thirteen-year old would be bored at a classical performance. Far from it. Mr. Rubenstein’s flying fingers held me spellbound. Sometimes he’d even come up off the bench, putting body and soul into the piece.

One selection in particular Dad and I will never forget. While performing “Ritual Fire Dance” by DeFalla, Mr. Rubenstein’s arms beat up and down like hummingbird wings, from head level to keyboard, in rapid succession. How could he possibly bring his fingers down to the right keys from such a height and at such speed? It was a marvel of power and precision—from a man who was seventy-five at the time.

(You can access a video of Mr. Rubinstein playing “Ritual Fire Dance” here: https://youtu.be/3SDeN9ZrRRI . To view just the DeFalla piece, skip ahead to minute #11; to see just the portion described above, skip to 11 minutes, 30 seconds.)

Yes, older folks can still fly—maybe not physically like Mr. Rubenstein’s fingers, but certainly attitudinally and spiritually.

Our youth can be renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5).

The eagle enjoys a long life compared to many other animals–up to thirty years in the wild and fifty years in captivity. Each year its feathers are renewed, providing new strength for flight.

We can renew our strength attitudinally by focusing on the benefits of growing older.

Yes, research has uncovered a number of advantages, including:

Improved self-esteem, self-control, and selflessness.
Decreased sadness, anger, fear, and other negative emotions. Stress and worry also decline.
Less concern for the trivial; more focus on what’s important.
Increased wisdom, due to a wide base of experience and a broader perspective on life.
Less attention on the negative, more focus on the positive.

As a Christian senior, I’d have to add:

Increased faith in God as I’ve seen more evidence of God’s faithfulness.
Greater appreciation for the simpler things of life—each one a precious gift from my loving Heavenly Father.
The glorious hope of heaven as it grows closer to becoming reality. John Newton said:

(“I am still in the land of the dying;

I shall be in the land of the living soon.”)

I like his perspective.

We can also renew our strength spiritually with the help of God.

Just as the eagle rides on the wind high above the earth, we too can ride above our infirmities on the wind of the Spirit. He provides renewal of faith, strength, and passion in numerous ways—through scripture, song, other biblical reading, strong teaching, mature Christians, and more. Then we can:

flourish and be fruitful (Psalm 92:14).
stand firm and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58).
always give ourselves fully to God’s work (same verse).
run and not be weary (Isaiah 40:31).

Here’s an idea: Let’s start a list of advantages we observe in growing older, to help keep us uplifted on wings of praise.

What “blessings of aging” have you noticed? Please share in the comments section below. (If you’re still enjoying the first half of life, tell us what you’ve observed in others, or what you’re looking forward to.)

“The last chapter in life can be the best!” – Vance Havner

(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.freeimages.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.wildlifeworkshops.com; http://www.pinterest.com.

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How to Be Rich–Today!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Ann Voskamp's 1000 Gifts, Appreciation, Beauty of spring, Gratitude, Haste makes waste, Living Aware, Savoring the small moments on March 31, 2016| 15 Comments »

“Haste makes waste,” Benjamin Franklin wisely observed. And most of us would agree. When we hurry, we spill things, drop things, forget things, trip over things.

But Ben’s proverb may be true in a way he never intended.

Haste makes waste of the beauty around us, the joy and goodness to be found in the present moment.

If we’re not careful, we rush right by such priceless splendors as:

Tiny leaves courageously reaching for sun in spite of snow

Evergreens encrusted with raindrop jewels

The first butterfly of spring (‘Just spotted one like this yesterday!)

An impromptu hug from family member or friend

A wisp of a bug living between flower bud and leaf

(See it? On the left side of the bud!)

A child’s giddy grin, wreathed in chocolate

But how do we become people who live aware—vigilantly watchful for beauty, goodness, and joy?

Ann Voskamp would say: begin a list of wonders. Many of you know she challenged herself to live aware and record One Thousand Gifts (the title of her book about the quest and its impact on her life). Somehow the act of collecting and writing helps us become more intentional.

Spring is the perfect time to practice living with joyful awareness.

Have you noticed the greening of the landscape, beginning at ground level with the grass, and working skyward through bush and shrub? The largest trees will be the last to unfurl their leaves in a grand display of emerald luxuriance.

Perhaps even more glorious is the splendor of the magnolia, dogwood, and redbud in full bloom. Their individual beauty can only be surpassed when clustered together.

And of course, the blooming of flowers, the songs of birds and the scampering of squirrels give us much to savor.

But beautiful or joyful as these may be, what’s the value of paying attention to such details?

Heightened awareness of all these gifts (and more) fosters gratitude. And gratitude positively impacts the way we see the world and experience life.

Of course, appreciation in itself is rather meaningless. How silly to say “thank you” to the air. No, gratitude must be expressed to someone. And all we have, all we enjoy, is due to the loving kindness of a singular Someone—our benevolent Father.

When we express our thankfulness to him, we’re ushered into his presence. Yes, right into the throne room of Almighty God.

Now you may have been wondering as you skimmed this post, When is she going to get to the part about “How to Be Rich—Today?” (That was the title, in case you missed it!)

Here’s what we can do:

Focus on what we already have, not on what we lack.

“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”

(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

You see? We’re already rich.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, God, for countless, precious blessings every day—blessings that make me smile or gaze in awe at the wonders you’ve created. May your praise always be on my lips, as I seek to live aware of your bounty around me. And may my gratitude bring joy to your heart also.

(Art & Photo Credits: www.amazon.com; http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.scalar.usc.edu; http://www.hookedonthebook.com; Nancy Ruegg; ww.pixabay.com; http://www.freebigpictures.com; http://www.pinerest.com (2).

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Stone Query

Posted in Encouragement, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, God-Given Abilities, Jesus, Service, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged 1 Peter 2:5, Lessons from stones, Living Stones on March 28, 2016| 14 Comments »

Yes, the title is a bit of word play, generated by the discovery of this quote:

M-m-m. Spiritual lessons in the woods are relatively easy to extrapolate. The Bible offers several inspiring metaphors/similes from trees (1).

But stones—lifeless, drab stones? What can we learn from them?

So began my query into stones, and a bit of research turned up the following:

There are at least 120 different sub-categories of rocks, within the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic groupings. Another thirty-one types make up a group of their own, not fitting those three common categories. One website stated there are over 700 varieties of igneous rocks alone.

Geologists and rock collectors will tell you:

There is delight in diversity.

That goes for people, too, doesn’t it. A planet inhabited by identical beings would be painfully boring.

But even similar, ordinary stones can generate interest. For example, take this little pebble:

Rather dull and ordinary, right?

But what if you put it with numerous, similar stones? What then?

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We discover that:

Many ordinary stones together can provide breathtaking beauty.

Within the church that truth applies to people. Regular folks become remarkable as we join together and serve under the power of God. Someone put it this way:

When a river sings, it is thanks to the stones.

Now some stones appear dull and plain on the outside. The casual observer passes them by. But the trained eye detects a hint of the splendor within. And when such a rock is split open, a colorful, gleaming wonder is revealed.

You have to open up some stones to discover their treasures.

Agates of a different nature are all around us—in our neighbors, coworkers, church acquaintances, etc. What if we reached out with a friendly question or two and gave them opportunity to open up? Perhaps gleaming treasure awaits.

Beauty in stone can occur in other ways, too. For example:

A stone in the hand of a master sculptor becomes a new creation.

The genius of Michelangelo gives us a glimpse of such transformation. Out of nondescript marble he chiseled exquisite, life-like statues.

Praise God that even dull, ordinary people of stone can become works of art when we give ourselves over to him.

God, our Rock, is Lord of stones.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, oh God, for being a Rock of constancy, stability, and protection. You graciously build us into a spiritual house—individually and corporately– where the Holy Spirit can reside. As “living stones,” we too become everlasting and durable, united together with the One Living Stone, your Son, Jesus (1 Peter 2:5).

(1) For metaphors/similes of trees, see Psalm 1:3, 52:8, and 92:12; Jeremiah 17:8; Micah 4:4.

Photo Credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.free-pictures-photos.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.freephotosbank.com; http://www.hdwallpapers.com; http://www.bhmpics.com; http://www.d.umn.edu; http://www.flickr.com.

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The Joy Set Before Him

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged Focus on Jesus, Hebrews 12:2, Helen Lemmel, John 17:4, John 17:5, Passion Week, Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus on March 21, 2016| 12 Comments »

What might have been uppermost in Jesus’ mind the morning after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem? Surely his thoughts were already swirling around the inevitable suffering just days away. Perhaps the emotional anguish that peaked in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44) was already starting to build.

How did he maintain the presence of mind to continue teaching his disciples and the crowds, telling parables, and answering the religious leaders’ trick questions?

Then, as the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal, and the horrors of the crucifixion took place, how did he endure, much less maintain his calm and resolute demeanor?

The writer to the Hebrews reveals at least part of the answer: Jesus kept his focus on “the joy set before him” (12:2).

What might that joy have included?

Returning to heaven. No doubt he could vividly see in his mind the splendor and bliss of his home that he’d given up some thirty-three years before.

Returning to his Father. Jesus looked forward to being glorified with God, reveling in the glory he had enjoyed with the Father before the world began (John 17:5).

Commanding angels, authorities and powers subjected to him (1 Peter 3:22). This privilege was not a self-aggrandizing end in itself. It was a means of aiding and rescuing his people–us (Acts 5:31).

Becoming our mediator and saving us from the natural consequence of our sin: eternal death (Hebrews 7:25).

Offering glory to God for the work he had faithfully and perfectly completed on earth (John 17:4).

These joys were set before Jesus. They provided sublime assurance of what was to come.

These joys helped to sustain him through horrific agony—agony that was swallowed up in anticipated and certain victory (1 Corinthians 15:54).

We, too, can fix our attention on the joy set before us. And just what do we have to look forward to?

Discovering heaven as our splendorous, blissful home.

Residing in the realm of our perfect Heavenly Father, the King of the universe.

Ruling with Jesus, at the right hand of God, as joint heirs of the kingdom (Romans 8:17, Revelation 20:6).

Offering glory and honor to the Lord (Revelation 4:11). I imagine a grand choir made up of all of us–millions of voices, singing heart-stirring melodies with intricate harmonies. I see our arms raised toward the throne, reaching out in holy reverence toward our awesome King.

Years ago, a talented singer named Helen Lemmel (1863-1961) enjoyed the fulfilling life of a concert soloist, sharing her faith through song in many churches throughout the Midwest. For a number of years Helen ministered with evangelist, Billy Sunday, singing and song-writing for his crusades. (She composed over 500 poems and hymns in her lifetime.)

Suddenly in midlife Helen began to go blind, her husband left her, and other heartaches enveloped her as well. Through it all, however, the singer/composer maintained her faith and joy—all ninety-seven years of her life.

One of her best-known songs, perhaps, is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” (1918), written in the midst of her trials. You might recognize the chorus:

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(“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.”)

Peace, determination, and strength result from focus—focus that’s riveted on Jesus and the joy set before us.

(Photo credits: www.truthforfree.com; http://www.biblepic.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.slideplayer.com.)

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