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Archive for the ‘God’s Grace’ Category

GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, Joy, Meditation, Peace, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on May 2, 2024| 45 Comments »

Have you seen those grace-filled fingerprints? Perhaps at home in the joy of good-natured laughter around the family table, or one child helping another with his homework—unprompted, or unified celebration of all—for the success of one.

Perhaps you’ve seen God’s fingerprints outdoors in a landscape of incredible beauty and grandeur, or an up-close encounter with one of God’s creatures, or the expanse of a sunrise, sunset, or brilliant rainbow.

And especially at church, we see God’s fingerprints when an impassioned congregation sings their praise to him, a saint of God offers a heart-touching prayer, someone shares a personal story of divine, miraculous provision, or a scripture-reading fits perfectly our current circumstances.

No doubt, God’s grace is on display everywhere and always. It never wanes; it’s new every morning. And, as illustrated above, when we intentionally look, we see his fingerprints in the GRACE of place.

But God’s grace is not only evident around us. God has provided a place of GRACE within us as well.

“This grace of God is a very great, strong, mighty, and active thing.

It does not lie asleep in the soul.

Grace hears, leads, drives, draws, changes, works all in man,

and lets itself be distinctly felt and experienced.

It is hidden, but its works are evident.

–Martin Luther

That middle line especially deserves deep and slow consideration. Luther would surely have us understand:

  • Our God of grace hears—even before we speak (Isaiah 55:24).
  • Our God of grace leads—along the best and straightest path to himself (Psalm 16:11a) [1].
  • Our God of grace drives (propels)—gently but persistently—so we’re resilient, not fragile; strong, not weak; useful, not ineffectual (Ephesians 3:20).
  • Our God of grace lovingly and relentlessly draws us unto himself (Jeremiah 31:3).
  • Our God of grace changes us, progressively transforming us into his likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
  • Our God of grace works in us so he can work through us—all to his and our mutual delight (Philippians 2:13).

He is a passionately dedicated, perfectly-intentioned, and supremely benevolent Heavenly Father!

Yet there is more. 

Our God enriches, enlightens, enables, and enraptures by:

  • blessing us—not with everything that pleases us—but with everything good for us [2]
  • bestowing the privilege of his presence—“so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming, and warming” [3]
  • guiding us with supernatural wisdom as we avail ourselves with childlike trust
  • shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful [4]
  • providing a haven within of comfort (Psalm 34:18) and strength (Psalm 59:16), refreshment (Acts 3:19) and joy (Psalm 4:7)

All good things are a result of God’s grace (Psalm 84:11)—in the GRACE of place all around us and in the place of GRACE within.

Where are you seeing God’s grace-filled fingerprints this day? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[2] King David mentions at least ten gifts in Psalm 103 alone.

[3] J. Danson Smith, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 340.

[4] Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 79.

Art & photo credits: http://www.openclipart.org & canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.creazilla.com (painting by Pieter Claesz).

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Exploration of Amazement

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Salvation, Praise, Salvation, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2024| 23 Comments »

‘Tis Poetry Month once again, a time to celebrate this art form that can stretch, inspire, and amaze us in ways unique from prose. Award-winning poet Pattiann Rogers identified at least one element of that uniqueness: the music of poetic language.

But is the composing of such music reserved only for experts? That question brings to mind another quote:

Such encouragement for us amateur-poets to give it a try and be stretched, inspired, and amazed when we create our own music of poetic language—unsophisticated as it may be.

This year I’ve experimented with three forms: Shadorma, diamante, and quadrille.

The Shadorma is of Spanish origin. It contains six lines, each with a specific syllable count that follows this pattern: 3/5/3/3/7/5.

Early morning on our deck offered inspiration for this Shadorma:

Dawn Rising

Sunbeams climb

Dusky shadows fade

Breezes kiss

Robins trill

Nasturtiums spangle with dew

Morning masterpiece

The diamante (diamond) form derives its name from its shape. It was created by American poet Iris McClellan Tiedt in 1969.

The pattern for diamante is more complex than Shadorma. The first half of the poem relates to the one word of the first line; the second half to the one word of the last line. These two lines often present opposites. The middle line provides a bridge between the two. 

Each of the seven lines requires a certain number of words of a certain part of speech:

  • Line 1: 1 word (subject/noun)
  • Line 2: 2 adjectives that describe line 1
  • Line 3: 3 -ing words that relate to line 1
  • Line 4: 4 nouns (first 2 relate to line 1, last 2 relate to line 7–if you’re writing about opposite topics)
  • Line 5: 3 -ing words that relate to line 7
  • Line 6: 2 adjectives that describe line 7
  • Line 7: 1 word (subject/noun)

This diamante began to take shape as I considered the transformation Christ can make in a person’s life. A list of R-words began to grow—repentance, redeemed, restored, so I pursued the pattern.

A Transformed Life

Ruin

Repugnant, reprehensible

Rebelling, ravaging, retaliating

Rashness, recalcitrance, remorse, repentance

Returning, Releasing, Receiving

Redeemed, restored

Renewal

The Quadrille form first appeared at www.dversepoets.com in 2016. The only requirement is to include 44 words (excluding the title). They believe that “limitation can happily breed extreme creativity.” Each Monday they provide a word-prompt, and participants must use that word in their poems.*

I chose my own word from John 15:1, 5—vine. And while I played with possibilities, my poem began to fit a pattern. Every line contains seven words except the last, which contains nine.

First, the scripture, as a point of reference:

And now, the poem.

Bonded to the Vine

Praise to the Gardener of our souls!

Once we’re grafted to his Vine, he

Prunes away withered branches of worthless folly,

Waters us with his life-giving, spirit-strengthening Word,

And produces pleasing fruit with boundless sufficiency.

Such beauty results when we’re bonded to the Vine!

Remember the quote of Christopher Fry at the beginning of this post–“Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement?”

I wonder if he knew that the pleasure in exploring our amazement—whether as poets or not—is greatly enhanced when we include the Genius behind all things amazing.

* https://dversepoets.com/2017/09/11/quadrille-40/

Photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.pexels.com (3); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

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Men’s Worst, God’s Best

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Salvation, Jesus, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 28, 2024| 24 Comments »

Many of those who haven’t asked Christ into their lives yet will still admit: historical evidence proves Jesus once lived on earth. They’ll agree he was a good man who taught wise principles to live by.

But even they might wonder: Why would God allow his Son to suffer such a cruel death at the hands of hateful men?

Welsh pastor and author Selwyn Hughes provided this insightful answer: what seemed to be the worst thing that could happen to Jesus—crucifixion—turned out to be the best thing for him [1].

That sounds ludicrous at first reading until we consider what Christ has enjoyed since returning to heaven, and what he’s looking forward to in the future–all because he fulfilled his mission at the cross.

As he suffered for us, Jesus kept in mind the joys set before him (Hebrews 12:2):

  • Sitting in the ultimate place of honor in the universe, at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3b).
  • Angels acclaiming him, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor, glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12).
  • God appointing him to be head over everything for the good of the church (Ephesians 1:22 GNT).
  • Being given authority and sovereign power that will last into eternity (Daniel 7:14).
  • All kings bowing before him one day, and all nations serving him (Psalm 72:11 NLT).
  • All nations and people of every language worshiping him (Daniel 7:14).
  • Being given the name above every name (Philippians 2:9).

And why is that last fact significant?  Jesus is the One and only Son of God, the only Redeemer and Savior, the only Christ and Anointed One of God. “His rank, his titles, his dignity, are above all others” [2].

Perhaps no one has explained the significance of Jesus’ name(s) more eloquently than theologian Charles Spurgeon:

Jesus’ name is “the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension; although a drop for brevity, a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters” [3].

Charles Spurgeon

But Jesus doesn’t want to enjoy these accolades and privileges alone. Max Lucado wrote:

Jesus desires for us to be one with him, continually availing ourselves of all he has to offer.

Even more astonishing? Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we who’ve accepted Jesus into our lives get to share in his power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor and glory!

For example:

  • The immeasurable and surpassing greatness of God’s spiritual POWER is in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19 AMP).
  • He supplies spiritual RICHES and blessings that cannot be fully understood or measured (Ephesians 3:8-9).
  • Christ’s word with all its WISDOM lives within us so we can experience his joy (Colossians 3:16; John 15:10-11).
  • We’re equipped for anything and equal to anything, through Christ who infuses us with inner STRENGTH (Philippians 4:13 AMP).
  • As beloved children adopted into God’s family through Christ, we are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4). He’s crowned us with HONOR and GLORY (Psalm 8:5; Romans 2:10), including the honor of representing Jesus in this world, and the glory of his character at work within us [4].

On this eve of Good Friday, we’d do well to remember:

We can pick up our own cross, inspired by Jesus’ example, empowered by God’s Spirit within us, and encouraged by the glorious outcome yet to be [5].

The worst circumstances we might face will become God’s best in our lives too.

[1] Every Day Light, 285.

[2] Barnes’ Notes on the Bible at www.biblehub.org

[3] Morning by Morning, 41.

[4] See also 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

[5] To “pick up our cross” means trusting in God even when suffering comes our way, putting aside our self-will and embracing God’s will instead.

Photo credits: http://www.freebibleimages.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pexels.com.

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Grace Like Rain

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2024| 39 Comments »

No doubt you’ve seen a movie or two with at least one desert scene, in which the protagonists must withstand brutal heat and scarcity of water. (Did Lawrence of Arabia, Flight of the Phoenix, or The Way Back come to mind?)

Some of us have even visited a desert—perhaps the Great Basin or the Mojave here in America, the Sahara in Africa, or the Negev in Israel:

Note the limestone and chalk landforms of the Negev—barren rocky cliffs and ravines, desolate summits and valleys, and of course, sand.

As is true of all deserts, the Negev is arid and stark—most of the year. But then come the months of February and March—the rainy season—and oh, what a transformation takes place.

The bleakness turns to an exuberance of vibrant flowers, including:

Arabian Primrose

Desert Tulip

Desert Hollyhock

Negev Iris

Water bestows the miracle of life, facilitating photosynthesis and transporting nutrients from the soil.

And as water brings life to the desert, so God’s grace brings the miracle of life to our hearts.

His lavish grace falls like rain [1]; and oh, what a transformation takes place!

Consider the following aspects of renewal:

1. God’s grace cleanses the dusty grime of sin from our souls (Psalm 51:2).

God knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. But out of his grace-filled forgiveness he washes away all wrongdoing, and lovingly works to make us more than we are [2].

2. God’s grace like rain provides the miracle of eternal life (Revelation 21:6).

Jesus makes it possible for us to move from living death to deathless life [3].

3. God’s grace nourishes and invigorates our spirits (John 7:38).

He uses many means to soak his truth into the depths of our hearts, providing refreshment, renewal, and encouragement. One primary example: the Bible.

When we disregard God’s Word, we expose ourselves to aridness of spirit.

4. God’s grace brings fruitful productivity to our lives (Isaiah 58:11).

A number of plants in the Negev provide food, including the seeds of the canarian aizoon, the stems and leaves of the carrechtera, the roots of the desert broomrape, and the flowers of the coarse rocket.

Similarly, the Spirit of God nurtures fruit within us–pleasing attributes like love, kindness, goodness, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). As we grow in our relationship with him, so do these attractive fruit.

5. God’s grace-like-rain showers us with blessing (Isaiah 41:17-18).

Flowers of joy, peace, hope, and more can flourish in the most desolate of places, when we allow God to infuse us with his all-sufficient presence.

6. God’s grace gives us refreshment and pleasure (Jeremiah 31:25; Isaiah 44:3).

He will do us good, real good, lasting good,

only good, every good.

With this promise in our hearts,

we need not fear.

–Charles Spurgeon [4]

7. God’s grace creates radiant beauty in a life that was once a wasteland (Psalm 34:5).

That radiant beauty is characterized by smiles of joy, an attitude of contentment, a voice of wisdom and encouragement, an outlook of faith, and a heart of love.

Praise God, his love flows freely to the unlovely [5], developing such beauty!

His grace-like-rain washes over us, bestowing all these aspects of the abundant life to those who are thirsty.

Will you come?

[1] Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 259.

[2] Psalm 103:14; Ruth Graham, Blessings for a Mother’s Day, 101.

[3] Jack Odell, from Quote/Unquote, compiled by Lloyd Cory,  284.

[4] Charles Spurgeon, Faith’s Checkbook, May 28.

[5] A. W. Tozer

Art & photo credits: www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.imaggeo.egu.eu; http://www.identify.plantnet.org; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org (3); http://www.stocksnap.io; http://www.commonswikipedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.rawpixel.com.

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Think Again

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Wisdom, Hope, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on January 4, 2024| 42 Comments »

As the new year makes its entrance, a fresh breeze of possibilities and dreams fills the mind:

  • Perhaps this year . . .
  • Wouldn’t it be wonderful if . . .
  • All things are possible with God, so . . .

But no sooner do I start finishing those statements with starry-eyed optimism, than some scratchy, irritating thoughts demand my attention.  Thoughts such as:

  • You’re too old, terribly unworthy, and under-qualified.
  • You’ve already waited so long. Your desires obviously aren’t God’s desires for you.
  • You’ve hopelessly veered from God’s plan; otherwise your life circumstances would surely be different.

And my heart cries out:

I need your Word, God, your Sword of the Spirit, to slay these lies. And though I am grateful for familiar sword-thrusts like Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:13 to wield against the untruths listed above, a few new moves would surely increase my resolve. “Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28b).

And God seems to say:

“All right, Nancy, let’s look at each statement from my viewpoint.

“You are too old? Not so. Moses was eighty when he became the leader of the Hebrew nation, bringing them out of Egypt and into Canaan. Daniel served as prime minister in Babylon well past the age of eighty. John was quite elderly when he received the Revelation. Age has nothing to do with usefulness.

“You are unworthy? Also not so. You are one of My chosen people, a royal priestess, who belongs to Me, the King of the universe (1 Peter 2:9a). Like all My children, you are precious and honored in My sight because I love you (Isaiah 43:4).

“You are under-qualified? All the better for My purposes! My G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense) includes wisdom, power, strength, discernment, all spiritual gifts, all fruit of the Spirit, and more. My grace is more than sufficient for you; it’s all you need. In fact,“My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG).

“You’ve waited too long? Think again. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph waited seventeen years for his dream to come true. Caleb waited 45 years for his special parcel of the Promised Land.

“You’ve veered from My plan for you? Please refer to Ephesians 1:11. Your singular purpose is to display My glory, that is, my attributes of love, joy, goodness, and more. Wherever you are . . . “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). And remember: small acts can achieve important results also.

“One closing thought to keep in mind: There is method and reason to every decree I have judiciously ordained since the beginning of time, to accomplish My will according to My sovereignty. I AM the Almighty, all-wise God, your Heavenly Father.”

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

O God, help me to look toward 2024, not through the eyes of discouraging doubt but through the eyes of ever-increasing faith. And when I cannot understand, help me just to stand. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen. *

* Based on a prayer from Selwyn Hughes in Every Day Light, 105.

Image credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pickpik.com.

(Revised and reblogged from 1-3-2013 while we enjoy the last couple of days with out-of-town family.)

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Morning Star and King of Peace

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Meditation, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Salvation, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , on December 21, 2023| 28 Comments »

Three weeks ago we embarked upon a reflection of one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

The lyrics beautifully weave together the Old and New Testaments, telling the story of our Messiah, “the chosen One”—who would come to deliver his people from the consequences of their sins and establish his kingdom forever [1].

Each verse helps us place our eyes on Jesus’ return by remembering his first coming and then expressing hope and yearning for his second coming [2].

As noted before, the unknown lyricist (from the eighth or ninth century) carefully based each stanza on scripture. You’ll find references for further reflection listed at the end of this post.

One fact not mentioned thus far: the poet constructed the Latin lyrics in the form of a seven-sentence acrostic. When the first letter of the second word of each sentence (the names of Jesus) are put together, they spell SARCORE.

Read that word backwards, and the letters form two words of sublime hope: Ero cras, which means, “I will be present tomorrow.”

Whatever the future may hold, our Emmanuel will see us through. What a faith-stirring surprise the lyricist created for us [3]!

Now let’s turn our attention to the last two verses [4].

VERSE SIX

I praise you, Lord Jesus, that just as the morning star shines brightly against the darkness of night, you are the glorious Light of the world, shining brightly against the darkness of evil [5].

Just as the morning star glows steadily without a flicker, you shine in our lives with unwavering faithfulness and love [6].

Just as the morning star is a promise of coming day, your light provides hope and assurance that you will come again, to usher in The Day of the Lord, when a new heaven and a new earth will be established and righteousness will dwell [7].

Finally, just as the morning star can guide those at sea, your light guides our way through life. “In your light we see light”—the light of wisdom and discernment [8].

Such truths do bring us comfort, dispelling shadowy thoughts and flooding our spirits with the light of your perfection.

I praise you, Lord Jesus, for turning the darkness of sin, anxiety, discouragement, and more, into the light of your forgiveness, peace, hope, and joy [9]!

VERSE SEVEN  

I praise you, Lord Jesus, our King! How comforting to know that Someone all-wise and supremely gracious is the Ruler of all nations, all things [10].

Yet you are also a respecter of persons. You’ve bestowed upon us the gift of choice, the ability to determine our own way. And what have we accomplished? Our world is tainted by selfishness, pride, and contention [11].

How we need you, Lord Jesus! You are our only hope for our selfishness to be transformed into selflessness, pride into humility, and contention into unity.

So we boldly pray that every person on earth would come to faith in you [12].

Is that an unattainable dream? No, because you also are unwilling that anyone should perish. And all things are possible with you, our sovereign God and Savior [13].

After all, you:

  • Created all things everywhere
  • Maintain order in the entire universe
  • Control the course of human history
  • Depose kings and raise up others
  • Exist in all places at the same time [14]

I praise you, Lord Jesus, that nothing can prevent you from accomplishing your purpose [15].

And I praise you, Lord Jesus, that you’ve given us the wherewithal to experience harmony with one another, as we demonstrate love and compassion with humility [16].

May we be examples to the world, whetting their appetite for what we experience: the joy of living in the presence of the King of Peace [17]!

[1] Ace Collins, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas,127; Isaiah 59:20; John 1:40-49; Romans 6:23; Revelation 11:15.

[2] https://www.danielim.com/2017/12/19/the-hidden-theology-and-history-of-o-come-o-come-emmanuel/

[3] https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/o-come-o-come-emmanuel

[4] From www.hymnary.org. (Lyrics vary depending on source.)

[5] Revelation 22:16

[6] Psalm 100:5; John 8:12

[7] 2 Peter 3:12-13

[8] Psalm 36:9b; Ecclesiastes 2:13-14

[9] Psalm 18:28

[10] Revelation 19:16

[11] Proverbs 5:23

[12] 1 Timothy 2:1-4

[13] 2 Peter 3:9; Mark 10:27b

[14] Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 2:21; Jeremiah 23:23-24 GNT

[15] Psalm 115:3

[16] 1 Peter 3:8

[17] Psalm 16:11

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Branch and Key

Posted in Christmas, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Salvation, Hope, Jesus, Meditation, Praise, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 14, 2023| 22 Comments »

Two weeks ago we embarked upon a reflection of one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

The lyrics beautifully weave together the Old and New Testaments, telling the story of our Messiah, “the chosen One”—who would come to deliver his people from the consequences of their sins and establish his kingdom forever [1].

As noted before, the unknown lyricist carefully based each stanza on scripture. You’ll find references for further reflection listed at the end of this post.

Today we turn our attention to verses four and five [2]:

VERSE 4

I praise you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling all the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament—at least 300 of them (!), proclaimed long before your birth. The one referenced here offers such glorious hope, as I’m reminded that:

Jesse was the father of King David, and the prophet Jeremiah foretold you’d be a descendant of this king, a man loyal to the Lord. But as the centuries passed, the nation of Judah turned their backs on God. Again and again he urged them to return to him [3].

Isaiah (another prophet) painted a word picture of the events that would occur. He compared the kingdom of Judah and the throne of David’s descendants to a tree that would be cut down. All that would remain would be a stump–a remnant of the people [4].

Eleven years later, events unfolded just as Isaiah and four others prophets had foretold. Jehoiachin, the last legitimate king of Judah, was removed from his throne by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.

Thousands of Judeans were taken captive so they’d see the error of their ways, seek forgiveness, and follow God once again [5].

But I praise you, Lord Jesus, that Isaiah’s word picture didn’t end there. He proclaimed that out of that hopeless, rotting stump would come a strong sapling.

Six centuries later, you came to earth, the only Righteous One of God, fulfilling that prophecy [6].

Not only were you from the lineage of David on your earthly father Joseph’s side, but also on your mother Mary’s side. This fulfilled the prophecies proclaiming you are the descendant of David that the Jewish people longed for: their Messiah [7].

I praise you, Lord Jesus, for coming to save your people–Jews and Gentiles alike. Because of your great mercy, you rescued me from the specter of hell, taking the punishment I deserved.

And now, the grave has no power over anyone who acknowledges you as their Rescuer [8]!

VERSE 5  

I praise you, Lord Jesus, for possessing the Key of David. That’s significant because a key indicates authority over a domain.  

King David was given authority to rule over all Israel; you rule over all mankind. In fact, God has seated you at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, all power and dominion [9].

Out of your magnificence and perfection, you’ve prepared heaven for your people—a place of utter tranquility, blissful and continual joy, eternal and lavish love—beyond what we can imagine.

I praise you, Lord Jesus! You’ve opened wide the gates of heaven; you hold open the door of opportunity for all to enter [10].

As you’ve promised, one day you’ll return and take your children home along “the heavenward road.” Then you will shut the door upon death once and for all [11].

REFRAIN

In all of this and more I REJOICE! You are my Rescuer, saving me from the greatest enemy of all: death.

I praise You, Lord Jesus, for graciously providing the way heavenward. I REJOICE in you, my Savior, my Lord, my King!

[1] Ace Collins, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas,127; Isaiah 59:20; John 1:40-49; Romans 6:23; Revelation 11:15.

[2] From www.hymnary.org. (Lyrics vary depending on the source.)

[3] Jeremiah 23:5; 1 Samuel 13:14; Isaiah 3:8-9; 55:7

[4] Isaiah 11:1, 10

[5] 2 Kings 24:8-17; 25:21; Isaiah 55:7; Joel 2:12-13

[6] Acts 22:14; 3:18

[7] Matthew 1; Luke 3; Jeremiah 23:5-6

[8] Psalm 86:13 GW; 56:13; Ephesians 1:17; Romans 8:11

[9] Revelation 3:17; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20—22

[10] Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7

[11] John 14:1-3; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 21:4

Art and photo credits: http://www.pixexid.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.pixahive.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.pixexid.com; http://www.stockvault.net.

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Let God Love on You Today

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Delight, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Love, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on November 16, 2023| 39 Comments »

Have you noticed that Bible verses about God’s love often include one particular adjective? In the New International Version, translators chose the word unfailing, as in:

I trust in your unfailing love.

Psalm 13:5 NIV

 Just in the psalms alone of that version you’ll find the phrase unfailing love used at least twenty-seven times.

Even more interesting, look up those same verses in other translations and you’ll find no less than eight different expressions in place of unfailing love, including:

  • Gracious love (International Standard Version)
  • Devoted love (Berean Standard Bible)
  • Steadfast love (English Standard Version)
  • Constant love (Good News Translation)
  • Merciful love (New American Standard Bible)
  • Lovingkindness (Amplified Bible)
  • Faithful love (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
  • Loyal love (New English Bible) [1]

Each one adds to the wonder of an all-powerful King of the universe who delights in you, who treasures you.

Yes, he does.

So for the next few moments, let God love on you. Deliciate in the lavish love of your Heavenly Father. [2]

He would have you know:

My love for you, precious child, is gracious—

I do not just put up with you!

My grace to you is affirmation of my acceptance

and pleasure in you. [3]

My love for you is devoted—

caring, affectionate, and attentive.

Remember, I am always thinking about you;

I am always supplying your needs. [4]

My love for you is steadfast.

“No matter what you might do,

you don’t have to worry about letting Me down,

because you were never holding Me up.” [5]

My love for you is constant.

I already loved you before time began.

Regardless of your performance,

My love for you will never diminish. [6]

My love for you, dear one, is merciful—

forgiving, sympathetic, and ungrudging.

I’ve given you a dazzling crown of mercy and compassion;

will you not wear it? [7]

My love for you is full of kindness.

Through My Son I made it possible

for you to enjoy a rich and satisfying life.

I continually bless you with good things. [8]

My love for you is faithful.

Time and again I have “accomplished wonders,

plans formed long ago—with perfect faithfulness”—

To bless you, provide for you, grow you. [9]

My love for you is loyal—

Unchanging, unwavering, and unfailing.

The more you depend on Me,

The more dependable you will find me to be. [10]

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

I can scarcely believe that you, the God of the universe, with all your perfections and glory, would love me—with all my imperfections and shame. Yet you eagerly bestow your gracious favor in wondrous ways. Help me to continually rest in your unfailing love, free from anxiety and fear. Amen.  

How is God loving on you today? Please share in the comment section below!

Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.picryl.com (artist: Richard Jakopic); http://www.pickpik.com (2).

[1] In many Old Testament scriptures, it’s the multi-dimensional Hebrew word hesed (used nearly 250 times) that translators are trying to express.

[2] Based on a statement of Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 25.

[3] John 1:12; Psalm 147:11

[4] Psalm 139:17-18; Philippians 4:19

[5] Lysa Terkeurst, Embraced, 130.

[6] Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:8; Romans 8:38-39

[7] Psalm 103:2-4

[8] John 10:10 NLT; Psalm 107:9 GNT

[9] Isaiah 25:1; Matthew 7:11; Psalm 23:1; Philippians 1:6

[10] James 1:17; Psalm 145:13b; Cliff Richard, https://www.searchquotes.com/search/Dependable_God/

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God’s Grace-Filled Fingerprints

Posted in Blessings, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged , , on October 5, 2023| 38 Comments »

On careful scrutiny, we find

that God’s grace-filled fingerprints

are all over our lives.

—Patsy Clairmont [1]

“Amen!” we say, when life is good.

“I’m not so sure,” we may falter, when life is hard.

But our loving Heavenly Father would have us know several truths, before we presume he’s withholding his grace (his favor, generosity, and loving kindness).

First, we need to remember: not one of us deserves his grace.

All of us have compiled a “long and sorry record as sinners”[2] that should result in punishment. 

 And yet he offers grace upon grace [3].

Second, God proved his over-arching favor with one incomprehensible act.

He sent his Son Jesus to die in our place, to pay the debt for our sins, and provide a way to heaven for us.

Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and grace and says, “I can clean that if you want.” And from the basin of his grace he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes away our sin.” [4]

Max Lucado

That alone provides a supreme, grace-filled fingerprint upon our lives. But there is more.

Out of his grace, God supplies an abundance.

Of course, a Kempis wasn’t referring to a problem-free life with every desire fulfilled. That’s not what God has promised.

Those of us who’ve known God for a while can attest to the supreme value of such blessings as God’s strengthening presence, inexplicable peace, effervescent joy, unfailing provision, and more.

Our challenge is to see the evidence of God’s grace. The more we look, the more we’ll find.

Fourth, God’s grace works within us to provide great benefit.

He’s graciously shaping us into what is useful and beautiful to him, what is satisfying and fulfilling to us. Not that the process is always agreeable and pleasant.

We’d do well to keep in mind:

Fifth, even when the severest trouble comes, God’s grace will see us through.

The grace of God, which is sufficient, will enable us to make of our troubles the pearls they can become. It is no mere figure of speech. It is something more than a simile to say that one enters heaven through pearly gates. [6]

Peter Marshall

Consider these men who entered heaven through the pearly gates of calamity:

  • Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian faith. There’s no record that he cried out in terror as men threw rocks at him. Instead, scripture tells us he was praying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”[7]
  • Polycarp became a disciple of the Apostle John. As he faced martyrdom, Polycarp declared: “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved me? . . . I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.” Polycarp was burned alive.
  • Matthew Ayairga wasn’t a Christian when he plus twenty believers were captured by ISIS in 2015. These twenty men of strong faith greatly influenced Matthew’s life. When the executioners asked him if he believed in Jesus Christ, Matthew said, “Their God is my God.” The young man was beheaded that day along with the others, but found life with Christ for all eternity [8].

Each of these martyrs discovered:

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

O Sovereign God! We praise you for the grace of your sustaining power. May we recognize more readily your fingerprints of grace, and in the process become more gracious ourselves–more loving, grateful, and obedient to you.

May that growing awareness prepare us to praise you, serve you, and prosper in our spirits—even unto death.

[1] The Best Devotions of Patsy Clairmont

[2] Romans 3:23 MSG

[3] John 1:16

[4] Grace for the Moment, 352.

[5] Keeping the Heart

[6] The Best of Peter Marshall, 89.

[7] Acts 7:59-60

[8] Matthew 10:39

Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pikist.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pexels.com.

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A Kintsugi Masterpiece

Posted in Encouragement, God, God's Delight, God's Grace, Maturity, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on September 7, 2023| 37 Comments »

Perhaps you too watched the episode of Antiques Roadshow when an appraiser analyzed a Kintsugi bowl.

This ancient Japanese art form involves mending broken pieces of pottery with gold or silver. The glimmering veins resurrect the ruins to create a beautiful work of art.

Such a transformation offers imagery for what happens when we allow the golden work of Christ to mend our brokenness from failures, sins, and shortcomings. As a result, each of us becomes a masterpiece [1].

But what about Jesus’ instruction, “Be perfect as my Heavenly Father perfect”[2] and all the itemized directives for Christian conduct in the New Testament—all 1,500 of them, give or take?

I can’t possibly measure up to such a standard, so what’s a cracked pot like me supposed to do? Is the pure gold of Christ’s work (on my behalf at his crucifixion, and in my life now) enough to make me acceptable to God, considering my faults and failures?

We’d do well to remind ourselves often: just as family members love one another in spite of shortcomings and wrongdoing, our Heavenly Father does the same.

Note the above verse doesn’t say the Lord has compassion only on those nearing perfection.

Then what did Jesus mean when he instructed us to be perfect?

The Amplified Version offers clarity for that key word:

“You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:48 AMP

‘You see? Jesus isn’t requiring angelic perfection; he’s directing us toward full spiritual maturity.

Jesus would also direct us away from unrealistic expectations.

Some think that unless we’re . . .

  • spending long hours in Bible study and prayer
  • attending every pertinent service and event at church
  • serving those around us
  • extending hospitality in our homes
  • discipling and mentoring others
  • sharing with everyone in need . . .

. . . we’re not doing enough for God.

So when is enough enough?

I’m reminded of the time I sat in the pediatrician’s office with one of our children when a young mom from our church, Nicole*, walked in with her infant son. Sagging shoulders and dark eye-circles gave evidence to the truth about parenting a newborn: it’s exhausting.

But this Mama was dealing with even more: another son, age three (whom Daddy was babysitting at that moment), and a full-time job. She worked nights as a nurse, and her husband worked days so they could avoid childcare costs.

Somehow Nicole was surviving on naps here and there, and a few hours of sleep before her shift, once her husband got home.

During our conversation, Nicole confessed it had become nearly impossible to spend quiet time with God in Bible study and prayer, and she felt terribly guilty.

In that moment God brought to mind an image of my loving, earthly father. If I were in Nicole’s situation and said to him, “Dad, I’d come see you in a minute, but with things the way they are right now . . .”

I knew what he’d do. Dad would interrupt and say, “Don’t worry–I understand! I know you love me, and you know I love you. When your schedule lightens up, then we’ll get together for an extended visit. For now, I’m delighted in these quick phone calls.”

I told Nicole, I think our heavenly Father would respond in the same way. (Remember Psalm 103:13 above?) Her heart was in the right place; she longed to spend quiet hours with God.

But in her current situation, it was perfectly fine to postpone such a plan until that debilitating season ended. Our God of grace understood; there was no cause for guilt.

Our God of grace would have us let go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations.

He’d have us delight in the golden work Christ has done and continues to perform in our lives [3].

And though we do press on to live by God’s wise ways, he would have us embrace the beauty of imperfect perfection [4].

Like a Kintsugi masterpiece.  

*Not her real name

[1] 2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 2:10 ISV

[2] Matthew 5:48

[3] 1 Peter 1:3-5; Philippians 1:6

[4] Philippians 3:12-14; Lamentations 3:22-23

Photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com/Tima Miroshnichenko; www. rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com/Alexander Dummer; http://www.pxhere.com/Forrest Cavale; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org./Ruthann Hurwitz.

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