Encouragement | From the Inside Out

Archive for the ‘Encouragement’ Category

The Most Significant Contribution

Posted in Encouragement, Heroes of the Faith, Service, Success, Uncategorized, tagged John Wesley, Laura Ingalls Wilder, legacy of influence, Purposeful Living, Retirement on February 1, 2016| 14 Comments »

His record sounds like a tall tale.

He traveled 250,000 miles (that’s ten times around the globe at the equator) by horseback or on foot. All told, he preached 40,000 sermons. And by the end of his life, his followers included scores of people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean:

71, 668 British members
294 preachers in Britain
43,265 American members
198 preachers in America
19 missionaries

But that’s not all. This giant of Christianity also wrote dozens of books.

This is no tall tale; it’s the life of John Wesley (1703-1791).

(John Wesley)

Even into old age, John Wesley proclaimed the good news about Jesus and his gift of eternal life.

At age 83, he was still writing books, but very disappointed that after fifteen hours at his desk, his eyes would start to hurt.

At age 86, Wesley could still preach a rousing sermon, but sadly (to him) he only had stamina for two per day, not three as had been his standard for many years.

It also frustrated Wesley that he needed more rest as he aged. No longer did he wake up ready to seize the day at 4:00 a.m. In his latter years he had to sleep until 5:30.

The evidence seems clear: John Wesley lived every day of his life with purpose and passion—even into old age.

And undoubtedly he received great satisfaction and fulfillment from his choice to remain active and useful.

Like some men and women today, Wesley carried on into his golden years what he had been doing for decades. (I recently heard on the news about a one hundred-year old woman who is still teaching school. Like John Wesley though, she’s curtailed her schedule!)

Others of us explore new paths during our retirement years. Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t begin her best-selling “Little House on the Prairie” series until age 64. The last book, These Happy Golden Years, she completed at age 76.

(Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Wesley’s and Wilder’s examples (and those of countless others) prove: It is possible to accomplish worthwhile endeavors even as we age.

If you’re young, you can look forward to new possibilities of successful, purposeful living for decades to come.

If you’re older as I am, we still can enjoy successful, purposeful living.

But for all of us, maintaining an attitude of faith and remaining involved with others is most important because:

Our influence on those around us offers opportunity for the most significant contribution.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank You, Father, that each chapter of my life has included purpose and blessing. Keep me mindful that my purpose includes living a legacy of influence. May love, faith, and integrity be the guiding principles for all my remaining days!

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A Most Astounding Privilege

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthains 6:18, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Friends with God, God abides with us, God draws near to us, God never gives up on us, God never lets us go, God's Love, God's Presence, John 14:6, Psalm 103:8, Zephaniah 3:17 on January 25, 2016| 22 Comments »

One custom of our church community includes the babies and toddlers. Toward the end of the worship service, many parents collect their little ones and bring them to the sanctuary for the closing praise songs.

When our two-year old granddaughter, Elena, arrives, she starts out in Mommy’s arms, then clambers to Daddy, then over to Papa (my husband, Steve), and finally to Nana—that’s me.

Last Sunday she was particularly affectionate—arms around my neck, head nestled on my shoulder. Every now and then she’d lift her head to give me a kiss on the cheek. I held her close and kissed her silken hair.

(Who could resist snuggling with this?!)

Please understand: Elena is a typical toddler. She knows what she wants and when she wants it (usually NOW!). Her expressive cries can be quite vociferous. But those traits of stubbornness and impatience—seen in most toddlers–don’t diminish my love for her. Not a bit.

I reveled in that moment of tenderness at church, while swaying to the music and singing of our love for God. In my mind’s eye, I saw myself as the child, held in the close embrace of my Father, who lovingly forgives my sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west.

What an astounding privilege he grants us—to participate in close, familial communion with him, the King of the Universe!

Day in and day out our glorious and powerful God draws near to us:

Through creation. Just this morning, he draped pink cloud-ribbons across a crystalline sky, turning our minds to him and his infinite genius. Almighty God orchestrates every intricate aspect of life on our planet, yet we can know him as our gracious and compassionate Father.

Through his Word. Just this week I had occasion to study the word, abide, found in John 14:6. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (KJV). First I looked up the word in the dictionary, and discovered abide means much more than just being with someone. Abide also includes persevering under (!) and tolerating (!), in addition to remaining in one place, to continue or endure. I had to smile at the tongue-in-cheek humor. And I prayed, “Oh, Lord, thank you for loving me that much!

Through people. A young woman at our new church has been enthusiastically friendly. And though I’ve told her I appreciate her kindness, I doubt she can fully understand how her interest, hugs, and effervescence have ministered to me. God draws near with his joy each time we meet.

Through circumstances. Hugs and kisses from a toddler are just one precious example that makes me mindful of God’s love for me.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Father, I shake my head in wonder to think

You long for us to be your familial friends.

I praise you for your abundant, gracious love,

Motivating you to reveal yourself

Through creation,

People, circumstances,

Your word, and more.

In fact, you are intimately involved

In every moment of our lives.

Thank you for blessing us

With your abiding presence,

Even though it requires of you

Great tolerance and perseverance!

We cling to you, our Source of

Strength, wisdom, and provision.

You are with us and in us,

Always drawing us closer to you.

Thank you for never giving up

And never letting go.

(2 Corinthians 6:16, 18; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 19:1-4;

Matthew 5:14, 16; Psalm 92:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;

Psalm 139:1-5; Zephaniah 3:17; James 1:17;

Isaiah 41:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; James 4:8;

Philippians 1:6; John 10:28.)

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

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Surely God Is in This Place

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Presence, Uncategorized, tagged Bethel, Genesis 28:10-19, God is with us, God's Presence, Jacob, Psalm 89:15 on January 18, 2016| 14 Comments »

Jacob half-walked, half-jogged mile after mile toward Paddan Aram, to escape his furious brother, Esau. (You can read about the circumstances of Esau’s anger in Genesis 27-28.)

Finally, at sunset, Jacob had to stop and rest. In a grassy meadow surrounded by trees, he spotted a low, flat rock, perfect for a pillow. He folded his sash into a smooth bundle, to add a bit of softness under his head, then wrapped himself in his outer robe, and promptly fell asleep.

That may be the impression we’ve acquired from such art work as this:

The truth is, the area where Jacob rested that first night as a runaway, was far from pleasant. The landscape was scrubby, rocky, and desolate, which surely accentuated how very alone he was.

I doubt that Jacob rested comfortably or fell asleep quickly. For all he knew, Esau was in hot pursuit. And though Jacob was headed to the ancestral home of his mother, it’s doubtful he’d ever met any of those relatives. What would they be like? How would he be treated? Between the uncomfortable “bed,” and the worrying and wondering, who could rest?

But Jacob had covered many miles that day. Exhaustion finally took over, and he slept—soundly enough to dream.

You know the story. Jacob was witness to a glorious sight: angels of God, ascending and descending on a stairway that reached all the way to heaven.

At the top of the stairway stood God Almighty himself, proclaiming glorious promises to Jacob:

The land on which he lay would one day be his.
His descendants would be as numerous as the dust on the earth.
All the peoples of the earth would be blessed through Jacob and his offspring.
God would be with him to watch over him wherever he went.

Jacob awoke, astonished by his dream. Perhaps he was a bit disoriented by the darkness and desolation, when just a moment before he was surrounded by ethereal light, gazing at angels on a glowing staircase, and listening to the voice of God.

“The Lord is in this place!” he breathed.

Jacob took the stone pillow and stood it up on end as a pillar-reminder of the momentous occasion. And he renamed the location, Bethel, which means house of God (Genesis 28:10-19).

We may not be runaways like Jacob, forced to sleep in a wilderness. But we’ve all faced rough, rock-strewn places in life when:

Marriage is more disappointment than delight
The growing pains of our children become our pain too
Friends prove unfriendly
Circumstances turn our lives upside down
The day-to-day routine is unpleasant and boring

Amidst the desolation and darkness we forget:

God. Is. With. Us.

And that is huge.

“God’s presence with us is his greatest present to us” (Joanie Yoder).

The problem is, we’re often unaware just as Jacob was.

But we do have numerous assurances of God’s presence with us throughout scripture, and indications of what a sublime treasure that is:

Hundreds of promises in the Bible. (Jacob received only five that night at Bethel!)
All of God’s incredible attributes at work in and around us: his power, wisdom, loving kindness, and much more
His guidance, provision, protection, and empowerment–whether we currently see the evidence or not
His blessings, even in the desolate places of life

May we awaken to full awareness and the full meaning of his presence, because:

bestofallgodiswithus-wesley1

(Art credits: www.keyway.ca; http://www.bibleencyclopedia.com; http://www.amazon.com; http://www.izquotes.com.)

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William the Potter

Posted in Encouragement, Service, Uncategorized, tagged Attitude determines outlook, Colossians 3:23-24 on January 14, 2016| 19 Comments »

(A new folk tale)

William the Potter shuffled into his humble cottage just as the sun was setting. He swung the door shut with a bit more force than necessary. Then, with several grunts he peeled off his jacket and scarf. Once his outer clothing hung on the hook beside the door, he heaved a great sigh.

His wife, Katherine, turned briefly from stirring the pot of stew that was simmering over the hearth fire.

“Welcome home, William,” she remarked with a speck of sarcasm.

William didn’t notice her tone, as he was too wrapped up in his own gloomy thoughts.

“What’s wrong, dear?” she asked, then returned to the task at hand: scraping the sides of the stew pot so no bits would be burnt and wasted.

William wearily sat down at the rough-hewn table and began working off his heavy boots.

“I’m so tired, Katherine—tired of working with dreary, dusty clay all day, tired of making the same plain, serviceable containers—jug after ordinary jug. Pot after ordinary pot. Hour after agonizing hour.”

One boot landed with a thump on the pine floor.

“So make something fanciful every now and then,” Katherine countered.

“But it’s the everyday pots, jugs and bowls that people buy.”

The second boot clumped beside the first.

“Oh, William, I am sorry. You must remember that your work is important. Without your pottery, how would the village store their water and grain, plant their herbs and flowers, or…serve their supper?” And Katherine placed in front of him one of his clay bowls, filled with savory stew.

“M-m-m,” responded William. “In my mind I know you are right, but my heart is no longer in it.”

The next day toward sundown, William again entered the cottage and shut the door with extra force. But this time, he didn’t even take off his coat and scarf before grabbing Katherine around the waist and swinging her in a tight circle, careful to avoid the table and fire.

“Katherine! Katherine!” he bellowed. “Such good news I have to tell you!”

She pushed against his shoulders. “William! For goodness’ sake, put me down! Whatever has gotten into you?”

“Oh, my dear, you will never guess my good fortune. Sit down while I tell you!”

Katherine wiped her hands on her apron before smoothing her skirts and taking a chair. Then clasping her hands as if to pray, Katherine sat ready to hear about this turn of events.

William drew a big breath and began.

“This afternoon I received a visitor at the shop—a visitor from the castle. The castle, I tell you! He says the king desires a new border for his gardens, a border of boxwoods in large pots. He’ll need dozens of pots, and he’s asked me to help! Isn’t that wondrous news?” And William looked to Katherine expectantly for her enthusiastic response.

Katherine paused for a moment before speaking. “Pots, you say.”

“Yes!” he replied.

“Like the pots you make for the village?” she inquired.

“The same! The king’s messenger even pointed to the ones lined up on the shelf and said they would do perfectly, except much larger, of course. Oh, think of the honor this is, Katherine.

“Yes, dear. Quite an honor. It’s just that…well…i-it seems to me…” Katherine stammered. And finally she spoke the obvious. “You’ll still be making ordinary pots, am I correct? Wasn’t it just yesterday you were bemoaning the very same task?”

“Ah, but starting tomorrow, I am working for the king,” William exclaimed. “These pots will be part of something glorious and enduring. And that changes everything!”

* * * * *

“Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord,

not for men…

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

–Colossians 3:23-24

(Photo credits: www.goodlifelist.com; http://www.arteast.org; http://www.bloomiq.com.)

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Mountain Metaphor

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Protection, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Timothy 2:19, Deuteronomy 33:27, God Never Changes, God's Protection, God's Reliability, God's Strength, Psalm 125:2, Psalm 36:6, Psalm 61:2, Psalm 89:8 on January 11, 2016| 8 Comments »

From the backseat of my grandparents’ car, I strained to catch my first glimpse of the Smokey Mountains. The day before the three of us had left home in Aurora, Illinois and were on our way to Conyers, Georgia to visit friends of theirs.

(We traveled in style, in Grandpa’s 1950-something turquoise Studebaker.)

What an adventure for a six-year old. Up until that time, I’d only visited one other state, neighboring Indiana.

Grandma had told me that mountains were like hills, only much, much taller. And instead of being a single mound (like the rise we sledded on in the wintertime), they were lined up one after another.

My imagination could hardly conjure a picture of such a phenomenon.

That second day of our trip, as we rounded the top of yet another hill in Tennessee, my straining paid off. Far in the distance we caught sight of mountain tops. Each rise thereafter afforded another spectacular view, always a bit closer to the peaks, and even more mesmerizing than the last. My breaths came in startled gasps. Never had I seen such magnificence…

…until, at age fifteen, when I traveled to Colorado for a week at Young Life’s Frontier Ranch. The soaring, steep cliffs of the Rockies dwarfed the more rounded Smokies.

Ah, but then came the semester-long, short-term missionary adventure in Quito, Ecuador, a city nestled in the Andes Mountains at 10,000 feet. Thirty miles to the south, Cotopaxi towers over the city, at 19,000 feet above sea level. Again, my breath was taken away.

“Mountains are earth’s undying monuments,” said Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Indeed, they do stand tribute to their Maker, ancient testimonials to God’s awe-inspiring, creative power.

They also provide a meaningful metaphor, because certain adjectives we use to describe mountains, also describe Him:

High

(“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2)

Firm

“God’s solid foundation

stands firm.”

–2 Timothy 2:19a

Strong

(“O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies!

Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD?

You are entirely faithful.” –Psalm 89:8, NLT)

Immoveable

“I the Lord do not change.”

–Malachi 3:6a

Eternal

(“The eternal God is your refuge.” — Deuteronomy 33:27a)

One of the psalmists, perhaps King Hezekiah, wrote:

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and forevermore.”

–Psalm 125:2

(Emphasis added)

Imagine yourself surrounded by high, strong and secure mountains.

Are they likely to crumble? No. Neither will your Almighty God fall to pieces, succumbing to the pressure of insurmountable problems. It can’t happen!

Do mountains change with every passing breeze? No. Neither can your Lord be shaken.

Are you easily accessible when surrounded by mountains? No. You are protected. Mountains can even act as barriers against stormy weather. Similarly God shelters you from the full brunt of the storms of life.

And what is your view from this protected valley? Your eyes are drawn upward toward peaks and sky, indicative of the appropriate response when we’re facing difficulty:

Look up to the Maker of mountains

and Provider of refuge.

His righteousness is like the mighty mountains.

He surrounds us with his favor and loving kindness,

encircles us in his everlasting arms of love,

and guards us by his providence on all sides.

Hallelujah!

(Psalm 36:6; Psalm 32:10; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 32:7).

(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.tripadvisor.com; http://www.gatlinburg.com; http://www.mountainlake.com; http://www.cotopaxinoticias.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3), http://www.wikipedia.org.)

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Numbering Our Days

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Godly Character, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, heart of wisdom, making each day count, Psalm 90:12, Wisdom on January 7, 2016| 18 Comments »

“Teach us to number our days,

that we may present to you

a heart of wisdom”

–Psalm 90:12 (NAS)

I did the math and numbered my days: over 24,000 so far. That means I’m well past the half-way point of the average earthly life. And such a sobering thought would surely weigh heavy on my mind, if I did not have heaven to look forward to.

But I’m certain Moses (the author of Psalm 90, above) wasn’t asking God for a multiplication lesson.

Perhaps in learning how to number his days Moses wanted to:

make each day count by accomplishing worthwhile tasks, or

live mindfully so steady growth and learning took place, or

dedicate himself to the well-being of others, or

look for God throughout each day, worshiping and praising, or

revel in the positive instead of grovel in the negative.

Perhaps Moses was thinking of all those things.

According to two commentators, Numbering our days means: 1) living in such a way that each day has value, and 2) living intentionally in ways that bring glory to God and blessing to others.

Then notice what Moses indicates will happen when we live with those supreme purposes:

We’ll be able to present to God a heart of wisdom—a heart with “the ability to see life from God’s perspective, and then to know the best course of action to take” (p. 1055, Living Application Bible).

That seems to me a lovely gift to present to my Heavenly Father—accepting his perspective and acting upon it.

But learning to number our days and grow in wisdom are such abstract processes. It’s difficult to determine progress. So how might we know that we’re learning and growing? These ten questions may help; they’re based on the Book of Wisdom, Proverbs. Try answering in the context of the last ten—maybe even twenty—years:

Am I more aware of God’s daily gifts and more grateful to him for these blessings (15:13)?
Do my thoughts frequently turn to God during the day? Am I continually turning to him for guidance? (2:1-6)
Do I express trust in God more often than worry about circumstances (3:5-6)?
Am I pursuing biblical instruction (8:33-34a)?
Do I take great pleasure in building up others (10:11)?
Am I able to think before I speak (10:19b)?
Do I give people the benefit of the doubt (19:11)?
Am I becoming more patient and kind–especially toward challenging people (25:21-22)?
Do I thoughtfully consider the advice of those who are knowledgeable and wise (19:20)?
Am I able to do what’s right even when there’s no one around to notice (10:9)?

Scripture tells us that when Abraham died, he was “satisfied with life” (Genesis 25:8, NAS). Surely satisfaction with life includes the development of a heart of wisdom, which Abraham demonstrated by his life of faith–in spite of challenges, disappointments, and uncertainties.

But the pinnacle of satisfaction must have been presenting that heart of wisdom to God Almighty on the day he entered heaven’s gates.

My prayer is that I’ll be able to do the same.

You, too?

“What we weave in time

is what we’ll wear in eternity.”

– Mart DeHaan

(Photo and art credits: www.faithgateway.com; http://www.quotesgram.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Turn the Page — Revisited

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

(Reblogged from 12-30-13)

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

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

We might also desire to start the new year with:

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

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

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

Allow me to personalize it a bit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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A Christmas Prayer

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Jesus, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Emmanuel, Glory to God in the Highest, God is Sovereign, God the Father of the heavenly lights, Isaiah 60:1, Jesus is the Light of the World, No one like God, Philippians 2:14-15, Psalm 104:2 on December 24, 2015| 10 Comments »

Dear Father,

Christmas 2015 is almost here. Soon, all preparation will have to cease.

However (as You well know), my to-do list is still not complete; I’m going to have to prioritize and leave some things undone. That’s probably just as well, so my OCD tendencies don’t win over reasonableness!

But even as I try to settle myself, to pray and worship You on this holy day of Christmas Eve, distracting thoughts continue to ping around in my brain:

Did I dust the windowsills in the guest room? ‘Can’t remember.
Hey! We now have an evergreen tree in the yard. I could clip off some low branches and put them in the deck planters. That might look pretty.
Don’t forget to make sure the oil lamp is clean and ready for lighting.

I keep writing these thoughts down so they’re on paper and not in my head, because what I really want to do in these quiet moments is focus on You. I want to wonder again at the magnificent mystery of God becoming man. And I want to thank and praise You for sending Your Son to save me from the consequences of my sins.

Hush my mind, Lord; still my spirit as I pray…

You are the God of the heavenly lights who lovingly sheds Your radiance over us.

With the angels, we praise You: “Glory to God in the Highest!”

All honor, splendor, and glory are Yours!

No one on earth or in heaven is as perfect and splendorous as You.

Who else can wrap himself in light as if it were a robe (Psalm 104:2)?

No one. No one is Your equal.

What a comfort to know that Someone smarter and wiser than mere man is Sovereign over all.

What peace of mind You provide when I turn over to You the concerns of my life.

Light of the World, Lord Jesus,

All praise to You for leaving Your glorious, heavenly home to dwell with us.

You are our Emmanuel—God with us.

More astounding yet, Your dwelling is not a general presence in the world, but personal.

You actually reside within each of us—when we invite You to do so. Another magnificent mystery.

And You have promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In addition, Your Light provides guidance for our choices of action, strength to meet all life’s situations, confident hope for our future in heaven with You, and more.

Help me, I pray, to rise up and shine like a brilliant star, because Your. Light. Has. Come (Isaiah 60:1; Philippians 2:14-15)! What a glorious privilege–to reflect Your Light, pointing the way to abundant life in You.

How I praise you, Lord Jesus, that Your glory, splendor, and power have risen upon me–an incomparable blessing I now enjoy in part, but one day in resplendent totality!

(Photo credits: www.talkofjesus.com; http://www.themelight.radiantwebtools.com; http://www.eso.org.)

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Nan-Sense for November 2015

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Strength, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged Faith in the face of fear, George Yeoman Pocock, No need to fear, strength for the journey, The Boys in the Boat, vision on November 30, 2015| 6 Comments »

Two and a half years ago I posted, “Nan-Sense: It Makes Sense to Me.” I’ve collected a bit more Nan-sense since then! Here are a few examples from this month. Perhaps in reviewing these truths with you, they will become more firmly planted in me.

I’ve been studying Hebrews, chapters 10-13, using Chuck Swindoll’s study book, Hebrews, Volume II (1983). One question invites readers to consider their personal vision. From the dictionary I chose the definition, “a mental image created by the imagination.”

My vision for my character includes these qualities: a) a quiet and gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:4), b) contentment whatever the circumstance (Philippians 4:12), c) consideration of others before myself (Philippians 2:3), d) rejoicing always (Philippians 4:4), and e) practicing God’s presence (John 15:5).

Slowly but surely, that vision is taking shape, by the power of the Spirit. (Although I still have a way to go!)

What is your personal vision?

One morning I glanced out the kitchen window to see a young squirrel perched at the very end of a dead tree branch. I could observe him quite closely because our house is built into a hill. The kitchen/family room, along the back of the house, is at the height of a second story.

Although I was looking almost straight ahead at him, he was about fifteen feet off the ground. His tail curled up gracefully over his back, and he appeared to be resting comfortably—no nervous glances, no shivers of fear.

God reminded me: He has equipped squirrels with claws that grip so tightly, they have no fear of heights. He has equipped me also with his shield of faith and sword of the Spirit. I have no need to fear either. This, the morning after the horrific tragedy in Paris.

God, help me to be faithful to use that sword and shield!

What small moment experience has made an impression upon you recently?

Not long ago, I finished reading The Boys in the Boat (2013), by Daniel James Brown—the story of the eight-oar crew that won Olympic gold in 1936, in Berlin. Reviewers have used such adjectives as “suspenseful,” “riveting,” and “inspiring.” All accurate.

Now most readers would not expect to find statements of spiritual significance in a secular book. But often times I do, and this selection was no exception. From p. 53:

“It is hard to make the boat go as fast as you want to. The enemy, of course, is resistance of the water…but that very water is what supports you and that very enemy is your friend. So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them” (George Yeoman Pocock, shell-builder*).

Sounds like George knew James 1:2-4.

What have you read lately from a secular source that had spiritual significance?

Last, I heard this quote on the radio, though I doubt this is a word-for-word rendering:

“Don’t worry that you don’t have strength before you start. God gives strength as we journey.”

Sound truth, right? Yet often I’d like to see my life-path at least a few miles ahead, and feel strong enough now to handle anything on that life-path.

God doesn’t work that way.

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself,” Jesus taught (Matthew 6:34). Why? Because knowledge and provision ahead of time would cancel out the need for faith. And faith is one of the most precious treasures a person can possess.

What have you heard recently that spoke to your heart?

Join the conversation below with your observations!

*The long, narrow boats used by crews are called shells.

(Art & photo credits: www.movation.wordpress.com; http://www.nighthawkpublications.com; http://www.goodreads.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.)

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Our Persevering God

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

(The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger

And rich in faithful love.

–Psalm 103:8, HCSB)

Oh God,

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

Compassion

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

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

Grace

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

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

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

Patience (Slow to anger)

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

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

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

Love

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

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

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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