Encouragement | From the Inside Out

Archive for the ‘Encouragement’ Category

The Truth of the Matter

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Love, God's Promises, God's Wisdom, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged 1 Peter 5:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Colossians 3:22-24, doesn't God want me to be happy, God helps those who help themselves, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 103:4-5, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 119:165, Psalm 119:173, Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:35, The Bible a precious gift, Understanding what God does, Understanding who God is, Where can we find truth, Will God take care of me no matter what on August 31, 2015| 8 Comments »

“I don’t understand why this is happening,” Kelly cried. “Doesn’t God want me to be happy?”

* * *

“I’m not sure what God is doing, but business is bound to pick up soon,” Dave asserted. “I’m working harder than ever—like seventy hours a week. God helps those who help themselves, right?”

* * *

“I thought I was where God wanted me to be, but that loser job was not a good fit—such boring work and for such a lousy salary,” moaned Erika. “I just had to quit! But I’ll be OK. God loves me; he’ll take care of me.”

* * *

Ever hear comments similar to these? Each one represents a misunderstanding about God. The truth is:

God’s primary concern is our welfare, not necessarily our happiness (Philippians 4:19). The two are not synonymous.
God has not promised to help those who help themselves. That proverb is not in the Bible.
Neither has God promised to take care of us if we live irresponsibly (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

So, I’m sorry, Kelly, Dave, and Erika. Somewhere along the way you’ve heard these ideas about God’s ways which were misrepresented as truth.

But how can we know the truth of how God works in our lives? (They might ask!)

By becoming better acquainted with God’s Word. Within its pages we find such wonders as perfect wisdom, inspiring encouragement, hope-giving promises, and practical instruction.

For example:

Kelly, God loves you too much to grant everything you want. Over-indulgence leads to spoiled children. Discipline demonstrates true love; permissiveness demonstrates foolishness. Sometimes God exercises tough love in order to develop our characters, grow our faith, and prepare us to serve him in greater capacities.

(“The Lord disciplines those he loves”–Hebrews 12:6a).

Dave, God is compassionate and good to his people (Psalm 103:4-5). He has promised to be our help, but it has nothing to do with our effort prompting him to come alongside. It’s the person who trusts in God wholeheartedly and follows his ways who may anticipate divine help:

“You who fear him, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.”

–Psalm 115:11

and…

(“May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” –Psalm 119:173.)

Erika, God certainly does care for you (1 Peter 5:7), but he does not condone irresponsibility. A wise course of action would include prayerful assessment of the current job as well as other possibilities, while asking God for his guidance. Meanwhile:

“Do your best.

Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,

confident that you’ll get paid in full

when you come into your inheritance.

Keep in mind always that

the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.”

–Colossians 3:22-24 (The Message)

To all of us: When our corner of the world is rocked by challenges and disappointment, our best strategy is to turn to God’s Word. We can steady ourselves with the truth about his character and his ways, even experience joy and peace as those truths soak deep into our hearts (Psalm 119:35, 165).

“It is only when we understand who God is

that we begin to understand what he does.”

– Selwyn Hughes

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for the precious gift of your Word, for the way it continues to minister afresh, day by day, year after year, with reliable truth and uplifting encouragement. As if that wasn’t enough, you reveal yourself through its pages, allowing us to know you, the King of the universe. Open my eyes that I may see even more wonderful things in your Word (Psalm 119:18)!

(Art & photo credits: www.med-health.net; http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com; http://www.biblepic.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

Read Full Post »

The Greater Plan

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Patience, Waiting on God, tagged Confusion about the will of God, Dealing with Disappointment, How to Accept Plan B, How to Handle Disappointment, Joseph of the Bible, Psalm 27:14, Romans 8:28, Trusting God when we don't understand, Waiting on God, When Plan A doesn't materialize, When things don't go as planned on August 24, 2015| 19 Comments »

Twenty-eight years ago today, I sat alone at our kitchen table in a quiet house. It was the first day of school. Each of our three children had been delivered to their classrooms for second, fifth, and eighth grades.

I hadn’t expected to be home alone that day; my plan had included my own class of elementary students. For thirteen years I’d focused on raising our three and had taken a hiatus from teaching.

Two years prior to this particular morning I’d returned to work part-time and taken classes to update my teaching certificate. Then came resume-writing and the application process. I also started substitute teaching in order to become known within the district.

But few positions were posted. A candidate with no recent experience was probably shuffled to the bottom of the resume pile. I did not receive one call for an interview.

Frustration and depression clouded my spirit. Yes, the part-time job was still available (come October), but part-time pay was not going to cover college expenses for our three children. It was time to grow the retirement nest egg too.

That morning I wrote the following in my journal (with some recent editing).

Dear God,

Today is the first day of school and I am without a teaching position. Needless to say I‘m frustrated, depressed, and confused. Why did I put myself through such a hectic schedule last year, working part-time and going to school? Why did I not receive even one call for an interview? What am I doing wrong? Am I supposed to be pursuing something else?

These kinds of questions have plagued me for days.

Yet, Lord, you are in control, and you always work things out for my good (Romans 8:28). Intellectually I know that’s true but emotionally I’m still struggling.

Then last night you led me to that article in Decision Magazine, written by the young woman who’d been ordained a minister but had no church to pastor.

She said, “I just don’t get it. I told a group of friends, ‘God has given me a marvelous vision for my life, so much encouragement and training. But now it’s as if he has put me on a shelf. My talents are being wasted.’ ”

Months earlier someone had told her she’d have a long and illustrious career. Articles were written about her achievements. There were awards.

“But circumstances suddenly turned against me. My search for a position went unrewarded. I asked the Lord to intervene. He was silent.”

The article included highlights from the story of Joseph. He endured much greater tribulation than just waiting. And though Joseph too must have had questions, he refused to quit believing.

The author expressed questions of her own:

“When God reveals his plans for us, aren’t the paths we take supposed to be smooth and sure? Shouldn’t we go from Point A to Point B without a hassle? Apparently not.”

Again, Joseph and countless others are our examples. Yet I was beginning to think that because no teaching position had opened up, my desire to return to the classroom was misguided, that somewhere I’d gone wrong.

But this author says: “When we encounter seemingly insurmountable difficulties in striving to do God’s will, we may be certain that it is all part of a greater plan.”

And then she quoted Romans 8:28. M-m-m. The same verse you’ve been whispering to me.

In closing the author said, “The story of Joseph taught me the importance of putting my total trust in the Lord at all times and leaving it there, especially when the path ahead is covered by fog.

“Following Jesus is an adventure in living…At times we are confused by delays and detours. We may think God is remote. Yet the more intimate our relationship with the Master becomes, the more we will trust him for the business of our lives.”

Oh Lord, thank you for speaking to me so directly through this timely article.

“I WILL wait on you; I will (try to!) be courageous and allow you to strengthen my heart” (Psalm 27:14).

The following Monday, August 31, I began a one-week substitute job at a nearby elementary school. I’d subbed there before.

On September 11, the principal offered me a position; one of the third grade teachers was moving to another school.

I stood before my own class on September 15, breathless from the quick reversal of circumstances.

But my questions were never answered. I don’t know if my resume was faulty. I don’t know why no one called for an interview. I don’t know why God didn’t open up a position sooner.

Here’s what I do know:

In that time of delay and disappointment, I experienced a small miracle. Through that article I just happened to read he provided the peace, hope, and comfort I needed.
God was perfecting my ability to trust in him—no matter what.
· He was also perfecting patience, humility, and submission.

Important lessons, right?

Note to self: When Plan A does not unfold, it is likely a greater plan is being fulfilled. Our Plan A is often circumstantial; God’s greater plan is most often spiritual.

Can I submit to that?

(Photo credits: http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org.)

Read Full Post »

Grace and Peace

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 16:23, God's Grace, God's peace, Romans 1:7 on August 20, 2015| 11 Comments »

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

–Romans 1:7b

With those words the Apostle Paul greeted the Christians of Rome in a letter.

Turn a few pages in your Bible to Paul’s next epistle, 1 Corinthians, and you’ll read:

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

–1 Corinthians 1:3

Notice any similarities?! In fact, all thirteen letters written by Paul and included in our New Testament begin with the same or similar greeting. Sometimes the wording changes a bit, but he always expresses the desire for God’s grace and peace to be upon his friends.

Was there purpose behind his choice, or was he simply following polite protocol for the day, much as we might say, “Hello, how are you?”

GOD’S GRACE

Perhaps Paul’s intent was to highlight for his readers, first and foremost, the foundation-truth of God’s grace. It is only because of his loving kindness toward us that he:

Draws us to himself (Jeremiah 31:3)
Offers the way to heaven (John 3:16)
Provides for our every need (Philippians 4:19)
Blesses us in spite of our failings, even beyond what we hope for (Ephesians 3:20).

“Grace is the overflow of God’s total self-sufficiency.”

–John Piper

And I would add, toward those with no sufficiency in themselves.

We deserve none of his benevolence.

“We’ve compiled a long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us” (Romans 3:23, The Message).

And yet, his goodness to us, his grace, is mentioned 104 times in the NIV translation of the New Testament—that’s how overarching it is–woven throughout scripture; woven into every day of our lives.

GOD’S PEACE

In addition to grace, Paul includes peace in his greetings—peace that indicates a state of untroubled tranquility, harmony, and well-being.

Peace is surely an aspect of God’s grace, one of the blessings he bestows upon us out of his loving kindness. So why did Paul choose to mention it separately?

Perhaps because we fail to appropriate it. Paul wanted to remind his readers that God’s precious gift of peace is always available:

Peace with ourselves as we place our wills, our hopes, and our futures in his capable hands (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peace with circumstances, as we affirm that his perfect peace is available to those who think on God and trust in him (Isaiah 26:3).
Peace in our relationships, as he provides the grace to love as he loves (Romans 14:19).

GOD’S GRACE WITH YOU

As already mentioned, Paul began his letters with “grace and peace to you.” Turn to the end of each letter and you’ll read his signature closing: “Grace be with you.” For example:

“The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

–1 Corinthians 16:23

Now why would Paul make that slight change? Is it important?

Perhaps he wanted his readers (including us!) to be mindful that God’s grace is always with us—day and night, in trouble or triumph, through the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. Maybe Paul chose the phrase as a worthy send-off. After his listeners and readers had paid careful attention to the instructional content of his letters, came the time to apply it…

…by God’s grace, which was always with them. And just as surely, God’s grace is always with us.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the unmerited favor of your grace that has brought us salvation, strength, kindness, and incredible riches in the spiritual realm. All of your grace is always with us—no matter who we are, no matter where we find ourselves. In fact, you long to be gracious to us, to rise and show us compassion. You astonish us!

(Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 2:7; Isaiah 30:18)

Art & photo credits: www.suggestkeyword.com; http://www.knoxchristian.com; http://www.www1.usw.salvationarmy.org; http://www.inbetweenthepinesamightyoakgrows.files.wordpress.com.)

Read Full Post »

Provision and Pursuit

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Provision, Joy, Maturity, Perseverance, tagged 2 Peter 1:3, God enables us to obey him, Hebrews 12:1, persevering toward maturity, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:12, Philippians 2:13, Psalm 119:32 on August 17, 2015| 10 Comments »

Many people these days hire personal trainers to help them achieve their fitness goals. The benefits they site include:

Motivation and encouragement
A personalized routine, designed to produce maximum benefit for the time and effort invested
Injury prevention
Up-to-date information on health, nutrition, and fitness

Actually I have a Personal Trainer (you do, too) but for a far more important aspect of life than physical fitness. God is at work to “enlarge my heart.”

“I shall run the way of your commandments,

for you will enlarge my heart.”

Psalm 119:32, HCSB

In other words, God is working in me (Philippians 1:6) and with me (Psalm 23:4a) to develop my faith and mold my character into his likeness.

I do need his help to “run the way of [his] commandments,” just as the psalmist wrote eons ago (quoted above). Too often I’m side tracked onto self-chosen paths.

But how does God enlarge my heart to run his way?

First he initiates a change of heart.

And one day he will complete the process. We will be like Jesus (1 John 3:2). Can you imagine? One day we’ll finally become the holy and perfect people we’ve always wanted to be!

In between initiation and final transformation, we run:

To work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12),
With perseverance (Hebrews 12:1),
That we may obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).

The Christian life involves effort on our part, much as physical fitness requires effort. Just hiring a personal trainer won’t get us healthy and strong; we must take responsibility to follow the trainer’s instructions.

Similarly, while being responsible to exercise diligence and discipline in order to become spiritually mature, we also depend completely on what God supplies.

“We must work out what God has worked in.”

–John MacArthur

And what has God worked in? Everything we need for life and godliness:

Knowledge of him and his Word (2 Peter 1:3)
His Holy Spirit, our Enabler (Romans 8:9)
Wisdom (James 1:5)
Power (Colossians 1:29)
Strength (Psalm 73:26)
Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

Yes, even our faith comes from him (Hebrews 12:2).

Now perhaps you’re one of those who have experienced the euphoria of being in “the zone,” during your workout. Once your heart rate is up, the blood is pumping, and your muscles are executing every move with precision, you experience a surge of energy and great pleasure in the activity.

I have never experienced that zone. My daily workouts involve uncomfortable huffing and puffing, aching muscles that beg me to “Stop with the push-ups already!” and downright boredom. (After decades of jumping jacks, they’re getting a bit old.)

But it’s the results we’re after, isn’t it, including better heart health.

The function of our spiritual hearts is also improved by the application of exercise in the form of difficulties, hurt, illness, discouragement, and more.

Wait a minute! How does hardship improve spiritual heart health?

God uses such circumstances to produce such results as fully developed maturity.

“When troubles of any kind come your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy.

For you know that when your faith is tested,

your endurance has a chance to grow.

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed,

you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

James 1:2-4, NLT

I may never experience the euphoria of the zone during physical exercise, but James’ assurance here promises a zone of joy as I allow God to enlarge my heart and choose to persevere through the challenges of life his way.

Talk about perfect results!

* * * * * * * * * *

Heavenly Father, I praise you for working into my life everything I need in order to become “perfect, complete, and needing nothing.” With your gracious provision, may I pursue the way of your commandments, and experience your euphoric joy!

(Art & photo credits: www.tampabayathletics.com; http://www.successandfailure.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.knowing-jesus.com; http://www.321delish.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

Read Full Post »

The Glory of Here and Now

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, tagged 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 1:18, Glorification of God's People, God's Glory, Reflecting God's Glory, Romans 8:30 on August 6, 2015| 11 Comments »

At least one verse in the Bible achieves a remarkable feat. It covers the entire expanse of eternity—from before the beginning of time into the infinite future—with just eighteen words (in the NIV):

“Those [God] predestined, he also called;

those he called, he also justified,

those he justified, he also glorified.”

–Romans 8:30.

That verse also includes four heavy-duty theological concepts. Thick volumes of commentary have been written about each one: 1) predestination, 2) God’s call upon a life, 3) justification, and 4) glorification. But Eugene Peterson has explained each with brevity, wisdom, and simplicity:

“After God made the decision of what his children should be like” (predestined*),

”he followed it up by calling people by name” (called).

“After he called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with himself” (justified).

“And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end,

gloriously completing what he had begun” (glorified).

–Romans 8:30, The Message

Part of that completion will occur when Jesus presents us with our new bodies and abilities, once we reach heaven (Philippians 3:20-21).

But note that those key verbs: predestined, called, justified, and glorified, are all past tense—even the last one.

Some Bible scholars make the point that our glorification in heaven** is so certain, Paul chose past tense.

But there are at least several aspects of glorification that are available to us now. That’s because God’s glory—the sum of his majesty, splendor, and wondrous attributes—gleams brightly in the hearts of those who know Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Think of it. Everything he is, he offers to us in the present, including his wisdom, grace, and kindness; goodness, mercy, and strength; truth, power, and love. Of course, that’s just a partial list. Our God is infinite; so are his glorious attributes.

And as we make ourselves available to God, we begin to experience God’s glory in our lives.

We begin to recognize his goodness in every provision, his mercy and power each time we’re shielded from harm, his wisdom when events unfold for our growth, his love in every blessing, great and small.

We begin to make choices that reflect God’s glorious presence within. Out of love and appreciation, we desire to lead a life worthy of him and pleasing to him in every way (Colossians 1:10).

We also begin to reflect God’s glory to others.

In 1852, a small band of miners discovered gold in Montana. Knowing that the gold rush in California (1849) had caused cutthroat competition and gross inflation, they decided to keep their find a secret. But not long after they returned to town, word spread of their discovery.

Who let the secret slip out? No one. The townspeople knew they had found gold because of the joy on their faces.

We, the glorified children of God, have found greater wealth than gold in our Heavenly Father. And as we contemplate his glory, we become transformed into his image. Joy radiates from our faces, just as it did from the miners’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Even more wondrous? As we seek to know him, the Almighty God of the universe is pursuing us. He longs for us to be close to him, where we can experience more of his glory—here and now– and “the glorious riches of his inheritance among the saints” (Ephesians 1:18 HCSB).

Praise to our glorious God for his overflowing love, kindness, and generosity!

* * * * * * * * * *

*Predestination is a confusing concept. I appreciate Warren Wiersbe’s explanation in Be Right (Victor Books, 1976). He says the concept only applies to Christians. Nowhere in the Bible do we find evidence that God has prechosen certain people to be forever condemned. He’s given each person the choice to follow him or not (John 1:12).

** a thorough transformation into holy radiance (Ephesians 5:27)

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.faithgateway.com; http://www.egoldprospecting.com.)

Read Full Post »

Precious and Highly Cherished

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Love, Self-Esteem, tagged 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:8-9, God treasures us, God's love for us, Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 139:17, We are cherished by God, We are precious to God on July 30, 2015| 15 Comments »

On my right hand I wear a ring–just a small ruby solitaire, set in a narrow gold band with a bit of delicate embellishment on either side.

I’ve owned the ring since I was a young teen—a long time ago! Yet the ring is even older than I am, passing its one hundredth birthday back in 2004.

The original owner was my grandmother. Great Grandpa and Grandma gave her the ring in 1904, on her fourteenth birthday. On my fourteenth birthday, she surprised me by passing the ring on to me.

All these decades since, the presence of that little band continually reminds me of her—a kind, soft-spoken woman of deep strength and enduring faith. (I wrote about her a couple of years ago. You can access that post–“The God of Rachel, Clara, and Henry, Part 1”– here.)

Perhaps you, too, own a cherished possession that may not appear significant to others, but is highly valuable to you. In fact, you treasure it.

On a much grander scale, God treasures you. You are dearly beloved and precious to him.

Oh, no, some will say. Not me. I’m not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough to be highly valued.

That’s not what scripture says:

(“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ,the sinless, spotless Lamb of God” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

God paid a very high price with the precious blood of his own Son, in order to make you his treasured possession. Evidently goodness, smarts, and talent have nothing to with it (Ephesians 2:8-9)!

And God doesn’t view you as ordinary, anymore than I consider my ruby ring ordinary.

Here are several indicators of the high value he places on you:

You are precious and honored in God’s sight simply because he loves you (Isaiah 43:4). Just as God went to great lengths to bring his precious children of Israel out of captivity, so he has gone to great lengths to bring you into his family.

He is constantly thinking about you (Psalm 139:17)–preparing for your welfare, providing for your needs, guiding and guarding until it is time for your final journey to heaven.

He blesses you with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). It is not the material stuff of the outer life that satisfies; it is the wealth of spiritual blessings of the inner life. God offers: forgiveness of sin, freedom from guilt, peace of mind, joy of heart, wisdom, comfort and strength—to name a few.

God has prepared for you an eternity of absolute bliss (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Think of it. God Almighty sees and appreciates your value, your beauty.

He speaks affirmation and restoration to your soul through his Word (Psalm 19:7).

He listens with wrapt attention when you call to him (Psalm 145:18).

He enfolds you in his wings of protection and comfort (Psalm 36:7).

He is with you, for you, and in you.

Accept it, embrace it. Send your roots down deep into the truth:

You. Are. Highly. Cherished.

(Photo and art credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.winterpastfinally.blogspot.com; http://www.faithgateway.com; http://www.thelovelyscribe.com.

Read Full Post »

Ten Ways to Show Respect

Posted in Encouragement, Godly Character, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Politeness, showing respect, Think before you speak, Thoughtfulness on July 20, 2015| 16 Comments »

In one scene of What’s Up Doc? (an old screwball comedy from 1972, starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal), a hotel concierge wants the gruff house detective to stop a particular woman from leaving the hotel.

“And how am I supposed to do that?” inquires the detective with much sarcasm.

“Use your charm,” replies the concierge.

So when the woman enters the lobby and heads for the doors, the detective…

…trips the unsuspecting victim, causing her to sprawl in a most unladylike fashion on the floor.

Charming indeed.

I dare say some folks are just about as clueless as that detective when it comes to such an illusive quality as charm. Just what is it that makes a person charming?

One important quality, for sure, is respect.

And it happens to be a biblical concept:

“Show proper respect to everyone.”

(1 Peter 2:17)

M-m-m. Everyone. Not just the people at church on a Sunday morning, or at the meeting with the boss on Monday—but with family, and those with whom we have little in common, and even those we don’t particularly like.

But how do we demonstrate such over-arching respect?

Here are ten possibilities. (And while you’re reading, consider: Which of these strategies, when administered to you, have made you feel especially respected?)

Politeness – even at home. Be on the alert for rudeness, sarcasm, and inconsiderate comments or behavior. Even family members deserve to be treated politely. Make home a haven of kindness.

Tact. Perhaps your mother was like mine, offering the frequent reminder, “THINK before you speak.” It was wise advice.

Gratitude. Never let an opportunity pass by to say “thank you” for the least of favors or the smallest of gifts. Try to be a person who notices.

Thoughtfulness — demonstrates that you value the other person. Let the Golden Rule be your guide.

Compliments — especially in the hearing of others. Plant a lot of positive input into the people around you, and make their souls blossom.

Focused Listening—with eyes as well as ears. Even if you can recite his last sentence word for word, but your eyes were on the door, on the kids, or on a screen (as in TV, computer, iPhone, etc.) he will assume you’re not interested.

Reliability. Keep promises and commitments; be on time for appointments or engagements. Consideration of these matters indicates you truly care about the other person.

Respect also requires that we avoid certain behaviors:

Avoid comparisons to others. Suggesting that Jake be more like Zeke is deflating and demoralizing, not helpful.

Avoid criticism unless absolutely necessary. Share judgments carefully, sandwiched between positive and affirming comments. NEVER criticize in front of others.

Avoid making corrections, especially in the company of others. Does it really matter if an event happened on Tuesday, not Wednesday, or that the car was a Ford and not a Chevy? Interrupting with unimportant corrections borders on rudeness. Yes, it does.

I’ve heard some people say, “If So-and-So wants respect, she needs to earn it.”

In my younger years, I made similar remarks, too. I wish I’d known better.

The truth of the matter is:

“The way we treat others is more about who we are,

not who they are.”

(Source unknown)

Perhaps the above list can be our guide.

So! Did you agree wholeheartedly with one or more of these evidences of respect–because you’ve been treated that way, and felt valued as a result? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.wpclipart.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.quotescover.som.)

Read Full Post »

The Right Word at the Right Time

Posted in Encouragement, Uncategorized, tagged Grief Support, Proverbs 16:24, What to say to those in tough times on July 6, 2015| 12 Comments »

Lauren’s husband, Mike, was the quintessential family man. He took the kids to the park, in order to give Lauren a break from mothering and homeschooling. He pitched in with the folding of laundry and the execution of science experiments. He quickly turned the Honey-Do list into Honey-Did, because Mike actually enjoyed puttering around the house, making repairs and improvements.

One Saturday he climbed up on the roof to check for a leak around the chimney. Somehow he lost his footing, tumbled to the ground, and hit his head on the cement driveway. He never regained consciousness, and died the next day.

FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE

When such unspeakable tragedies occur to those we know and love, what words can we say to the family in order to comfort or help? Every possibility seems terribly inadequate:

“Mike was such a good guy.”
“We’re going to miss him.”
“We are so sorry.”

Actually, those three statements offer good places to begin. Experts in grief support tell us that affirming the positive qualities of the loved one is very meaningful to a grieving family. A short story that highlights one of those qualities is also appropriate. The assurance that the loved one will be missed offers comfort as well. And even a simple but heartfelt “We-are-so-sorry” communicates caring and support.

FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER

In addition to the loss of a loved one, there are other situations that may be less traumatic, but still leave us tongue-tied, wondering what we can say—situations like divorce, lay-offs, scandal, and serious illness.

Again, we’d do well to turn to the experts who tell us to:

Express sympathy. “I am so sorry you are going through this tough time.”
Offer affirmation. “I’ve always been impressed by your _____.” Then name the strengths and personality traits that will be especially valuable during this time of trial. Such encouragement may help her see that God has equipped her, and he will see her through.
Listen.

Yes, just listen.

Perhaps instead of worrying about saying the right thing, we’d be wise to let the hurting person share what’s on her heart.

A listening ear is a precious gift we can give in a world that overflows with chatter from electronics, technology, family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. In fact, there seem to be more talkers these days than listeners.

Rearrange the letters of listen and you can make the word silent. To be good listeners we have to be silent and let the other person talk, uninterrupted. However, communication should still occur through:

eye contact, which indicates our interest and her importance to us,
facial expressions, as we respond to her words,
brief comments or questions now and then, that indicate we’ve heard her.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE DISCOURAGED

It is vital that we keep each other supported because Satan and his cohorts constantly whisper lies into our spirits. Lies such as:

“Who do you think you are anyway? And what makes you think you’re capable of accomplishing anything worthwhile? You are inadequate, unimportant, and practically useless. Get to the back of the line where you belong!”

The truth is: We’re sons and daughters of the King. He has created each of us with spiritual gifts and talents to fulfill a specific purpose.

We can affirm others with such comments as:

“I am so glad God created you with _____.” Again, name the strengths, talents, and personality traits that you admire.
“You know what else I appreciate about you?” Share your observations of her being courageous or wise or persevering—whatever might encourage her most, considering her current circumstances.
“For these reasons and more, I count it a great privilege to know you.”

Such “pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

* * * * * * * * * *

Father, I thank you for the privilege of being your voice, to minister encouragement to others. You’ve given us your heart to express love and compassion to a hurting world. We pray for your Spirit’s wisdom and strength to be at work in us and through us, because we so desire to offer your right words at the right time.

(Photo credits: www.visualphotos.com; http://www.thecripplegate.com; http://www.celebrationchurchlive.com.)

Read Full Post »

What Contributes to Greatness

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, tagged God's Gentleness, Psalm 18:35 on June 29, 2015| 8 Comments »

“You have given me the shield of your salvation,

and your right hand supported me,

and your __________ made me great.”

–Psalm 18:35 (EST)

What word would you put in that blank?

Power?
Grace?
Mercy?

The word chosen most often by translators* may surprise you. It certainly surprised me.

“Your GENTLENESS made me great.”

In addition to being surprised, I was puzzled. How can God’s attribute of gentleness make a person great?

A good place to begin our search for understanding is the background of this psalm. It was written by King David, perhaps during his later years. He may have been pondering the incredible progression of his life from lowly shepherd boy to exalted king.

Surely young David never even daydreamed of becoming the most powerful man in Israel, as he sat on the hillsides of Bethlehem watching over his father’s sheep.

Neither could he have known at least fifteen years would pass between his anointing as king (a ceremony indicating a setting apart) and his actual coronation.

And contrary to human logic, those intervening years would not be spent as a student in preparation, but as a fugitive and outlaw, running for his life. Seems like such a waste of time, doesn’t it? As David hid from King Saul in the Cave of Adullam, did he wonder, Lord God, what ARE you doing?

In hindsight we can see that God was gently teaching and preparing David his way, with practical, hands-on lessons such as:

The Lord hears the prayers of the afflicted and encourages them (Psalm 10:17).
The Lord’s unfailing love can be trusted (Psalm 13:5).
The Lord gives wise counsel (Psalm 16:7).
The Lord is like a rock. His people can take refuge in him (Psalm 18:2).
There is no need to fear evil, because the Lord is always present with his own (Psalm 23:4).

One definition of gentle is “considerate or kindly.” God certainly demonstrated gentleness of this nature by endowing David with certain character traits–traits that would serve him well as monarch over Israel:

Courage—most obvious, perhaps, when teenaged David took on nine-foot-plus Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
Perseverance—when he spent those years waiting for God’s plan to be fulfilled, all the while fleeing from Saul’s vengeful rage (1 Samuel 19-2 Samuel 1)
Cleverness—on display when David pretended madness in order to avoid death at the hands of the Philistines (21:10-15)
Restraint—when he twice resisted the opportunity to kill Saul before the king killed him (chapters 24 and 26)
Respectability—During his years as a fugitive, six hundred men gathered in support of David and fought with him (27:3-4).

Another definition of gentle is “tender hearted.” No doubt it was with a tender heart that God:

Bestowed upon David the gifts of poetry and music (1 Samuel 16:18)
Demonstrated his wonderful love (Psalm 31:21)
Forgave David (32:1-2)
Remained faithful to him (57:3)
Protected David in the shadow of his wings (61:4)

But here’s even better news about God’s gentleness: It wasn’t reserved just for David or other Bible heroes. God displays his gentle nature to all of his children, every day.

In hindsight, we, too, can often see God’s gentle teaching and preparation for what he has called us to do. (If you’re in the middle of that process, rest assured those tough life-lessons you’re enduring now will not be for nothing!)

Second, with kind and gentle consideration, God has bestowed upon each of us specific character traits that qualify us to accomplish his plans. (And that plan isn’t complete until we hear the angels sing!)

Third, God has surely demonstrated his gentle, tender-hearted love for us, beginning with the death of his Son on a cross and ending with…

…well, there is no end to his faithfulness, grace, mercy, attentive care, peace, joy, and more. How glorious is that?

And though it’s very doubtful you or I will ever be great monarchs like David, we can aspire to greatness in God’s eternal kingdom.

How? By serving him wherever we are with the specific gifts and traits he has given us.

Jesus spoke that truth very clearly:

(“The greatest among you will be your servant.” –Matthew 23:11)

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, God, for your gentleness that tenderly prepares us for our purpose, kindly endows us with attributes for that calling, and graciously showers us with the benefits of your character, all throughout life.

Help me, I pray, to be compliant under your tender hand, ready and willing to follow your gentle lead, and generous to bestow upon others the graces of your character which I have enjoyed. Amen.

(Photo and art credits: www.panoramio.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.donnarios.com; http://www.plusii.blogspot.co.uk; http://www.pinterest.com.)

* www.biblehub.com provides easy access to twenty translations of the Bible. Fifteen out of twenty include the word “gentleness” at the end of Psalm 18:35, or a synonym: humility, lowliness, or meekness.

Read Full Post »

YOU Are the Apple of God’s Eye

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 5:7, Deuteronomy 32:10, Deuteronomy 32:11, God cares for us, God guards us, God our Shield, God's Protection, God's Provision, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 92:4 on June 25, 2015| 14 Comments »

In a desert land he found him,

in a barren and howling waste.

He shielded him and cared for him;

he guarded him as the apple of his eye

(Deuteronomy 32:10, italics added).

Notice the verbs: found, shielded, cared for, and guarded. Just as God watched over the Hebrew nation in the wilderness, God is surely watchful over each of us. See if these stories trigger memories of your own–when God found, shielded, cared for, and guarded you.

FOUND:

Growing up in a Christian home, I learned about Jesus before taking my first steps. At age four, after hearing the crucifixion story, I asked Jesus to be my Savior and constant Companion. Even as a preschooler, I understood my need for Someone to take the punishment I deserved for my naughtiness, so I could receive God’s gift of eternal life. If Jesus was willing to suffer and die in my place, how could I say, “no?”

Praise God he seeks after lost sheep—even the little ones (Luke 15:4)!

Where did God find you?

SHIELDED:

Numerous times over the years I have felt shielded from harm, including serious car accidents.

One time while approaching a stoplight, I hit a rain-slicked patch of city street, with cars in front of me and a bus to the right. My car began to slide and swerve; I started pumping the brakes. But there was no way to stop soon enough and avoid collision with the slowing line of vehicles ahead.

I took a chance and turned a bit to the right, hoping beyond hope there would be enough room for me to squeeze ahead of the bus, where the lane was open. Surely God intervened and created the needed space. (I think he also alerted the bus driver to apply his brakes and leave room for me!) My car did come to a safe stop, with room to spare.

God has shielded me in other important ways, too. He’s protected me from life-choices that would have led me down treacherous paths. He’s saved me from unhealthy relationships.

Praise God he is our shield! We can trust in him, and receive the help we need (Psalm 28:7).

How has God shielded you?

CARED FOR:

I couldn’t find the dental insurance form I needed to drop off at Dr. H.’s office. Jeremy (our younger son and a middle schooler at the time) assisted me in a thorough search. No form. While out on my walk, it suddenly occurred to me the form may have been gathered up with the newspaper. Sure enough, that’s where it was. Being Wednesday, those papers—and the dental form—should have been long gone in the recycling truck, but Jeremy was saving newsprint for his art teacher. God not only revealed to me the location of that form, but kept it safe, saving me the hassle of getting a new one and filling it all out again.

Praise God for his loving attention, even in small matters like dental forms (1 Peter 5:7)!

How has God cared for you?

GUARDED:

One spring day in 1985, an elderly gentleman hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, at the stop sign on our corner. He drove his station wagon right through the garage wall. Several feet more to the right and he would have plowed into our daughter’s room, and she was playing there at the time. The driver was protected, too, sustaining only minor injuries.

Praise God he guards us like an eagle, hovering over its young (Deuteronomy 32:11).

How has God guarded you?

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE:

The last phrase of Deuteronomy 32:10 explains why God is so attentive to his people. We are the apple of his eye. Some translations replace apple with pupil. God protects us as the pupil of his eye.

Just as our eyesight is precious to us, so we are precious to God.

As we’re careful to provide protective care for our eyes, shielding them from danger, for example, so God provides loving, protective care of us.

May we continually praise our God for all he is to us. First, he found us, and then became our attentive Shield, Provider, and Guard.

(“You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands” — Psalm 92:4.)

In the Comments below, please share your personal stories of how God found you, or how he has proved himself as your Shield, Provider, and Guard. Let’s celebrate together God’s powerful deeds on our behalf!

(Art and photo credits: www.biblewalks.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.com; http://www.imagefriend.com; http://www.slideshare.net; http://www.pinterest.com.)

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for the ‘Encouragement’ Category

The Truth of the Matter

The Greater Plan

Grace and Peace

Provision and Pursuit

The Glory of Here and Now

Precious and Highly Cherished

Ten Ways to Show Respect

The Right Word at the Right Time

What Contributes to Greatness

YOU Are the Apple of God’s Eye

Nancy Ruegg

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

Blogs I Follow

Categories

Archives