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A Christmas Psalm

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, God's Love, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Christmas worship on December 15, 2016| 11 Comments »

God of creation, Lord of the seasons,

I praise your artistry and celebrate your wonders:

The silver silence of snow on the landscape,

The regal stillness of frosted trees,

The distant chatter of birds wafting on winter breeze.

Your ethereal peace soaks into my spirit, O God.

Golden candle flames frolic, reflections dance,

Star lights on the Christmas tree twinkle and glow,

Memory-infused ornaments nestle in branches,

A jumble of gifts creates a crazy quilt of color,

Treasured carols knit one generation to another.

Your inexpressible joy fills my heart, O God.

O Savior, Emmanuel, you have come!

God with us. Ever-present and attentive–

The Incarnation of God who took on mortal form

And became our Guarantee of eternal life.

Human limitations cast off; transcendence accomplished.

Such infinite greatness confounds my thoughts, O God.

With the angels I long to sing of your glory—

With the shepherds I want to proclaim your glad news–

With Mary I long to ponder all these things,

To gaze upon your beauty, O Lord—

Your faithfulness and grace to those who believe.

Such profound perfections compel me to worship, O God.

Glory to you, God in the highest!

You, the Lord of lords, stooped down

To scoop lost lambs out of the chasm of sin.

You gladly provide the abundant life now,

And promise the splendor of heaven hereafter.

Your immeasurable love compels me to surrender, O God.

I will praise your name forever and ever–

For your ethereal peace and inexpressible joy,

Infinite greatness and profound perfections,

Incomparable grace and immeasurable love—

Gifted to us not just at Christmas

But for all eternity.

(Art & photo credits: www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.quotesgram.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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A Sun Hai Valley Christmas

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Christmas memories, Memories are treasured gifts on December 8, 2016| 16 Comments »

Steve picked up a card from the restaurant table and exclaimed, “Hey, look! TGIF is going to be open on Christmas!”

We had just discussed what our family of five would do for dinner that year since Christmas was on a Sunday. The fact that Steve was a pastor complicated matters a bit.

Yes, we could have planned a menu around a Crockpot main dish and a wee hours stint in the kitchen to assemble it. But after two Christmas Eve services the night before, that idea didn’t hold much appeal.

In addition, we knew that Christmas Sunday was already going to be plenty busy. Steve and I, the choir director and his wife, were providing the special music—a gift to the choir who was scheduled to sing the night before. Then, of course, Steve would preach again—twice.

So when he saw that card on the restaurant table, sometime in early December, we rejoiced that at least one holiday dilemma was solved.

But when we arrived at TGIF on Christmas Sunday afternoon, a CLOSED sign hung in the window. Sometime between early December and the 25th they had changed their minds. Now what?

It didn’t take too long for another idea to occur to me. “Let’s go to that delicatessen, TooJays, out at the shopping center. I’ll bet they’re open!”

Off we drove, another few miles to the west. They were closed too.

Now we were in big trouble. Three hungry kids, ages nine to fourteen, sat in the back seat. And it looked like Christmas dinner would be tomato soup and grilled cheese. But when I mentioned that idea, no one complained. That’s how hungry they were. Plus, who could forget what was waiting under the tree?

On the way home, while mindlessly watching the buildings go by the passenger window, my eye happened to fall on a brightly lit OPEN sign in the window of a strip-mall restaurant. We’d never noticed the eatery before, in the six months we’d lived in that community.

Steve made a quick decision to check it out, turned at the corner, and backtracked through the parking lot to Sun Hai Valley.

Soft Christmas music greeted us inside the door, as did the tantalizing aromas of fried rice, beef teriyaki and Kung Pao chicken. A hostess escorted us into the dining room where large floral fans adorned the walls, pink cloths decked the tables, and a long buffet stretched along the back. Not only did we dine in lovely surroundings, but we enjoyed a delectable, reasonably priced meal.

Finally, we headed home to the tree, overflowing with gifts from family and friends. Our three children were such troopers, waiting until mid-afternoon on Christmas to open their gifts. But we held to tradition and opened them one person, one present at a time, and taking turns. That way we could all take part in the joy of each gift.

About four o’clock, Steve’s parents called from out-of-state, ready to ask about the presents they’d sent.

“Guess what? We’re not finished opening them yet,” Steve told them. “I’ll call you again when we’re done!”

That Christmas was one of my favorites. God expressed his love and grace to us by supplying that surprise dinner, far above and beyond what we had planned. In reality, soup and sandwiches would have sufficed just fine, but he saw fit to provide much more.

God also granted the children angelic grace to accept circumstances outside our control. No one expressed impatience or frustration that I can recall.

Such precious Christmas memories are in themselves treasured gifts to enjoy our whole lives long—especially those memories that unmistakably highlight God’s grace, loving kindness, and generosity.

(Art & photo credits: www.savingadvice.com; http://www.toojays.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.zomato.com; Nancy Ruegg.)

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Please share one of your favorite, God-enhanced Christmas memories below!

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The Crux of Our Lives

Posted in Appreciation, God's Love, God's Salvation, Jesus, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Christian perspective, Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' resurrection on November 14, 2016| 4 Comments »

For a number of months, the pastoral staff of our church has been preaching from the gospel of Mark. Yesterday the text was chapter fifteen, the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

Pastor C. graphically described the flogging, the nailing of limbs to the cross, and the slow death by asphyxiation so we might better grasp the appalling circumstances of Jesus’ death and appreciate, at least in part, the supreme sacrifice he endured for us. Tears kept burning my eyes as I contemplated Jesus’ physical pain and emotional suffering—for me.

jesus-crucifixion

Next Sunday, the sermon text will come from chapter sixteen of the same gospel—the description of astounding events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, his escape from a sealed tomb, and his sudden appearance to a group of men in a locked room. (Further details are described in the other gospels.) The wonder and splendor are in sharp contrast to the preceding horror.

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Now according to the traditional church calendar, such sermons in November are terribly out of sync. Usually we save the sobering remembrances of Christ’s crucifixion for Lent. And it’s Easter morning we celebrate “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” with euphoric joy.

But my husband, Steve, noted after church, “It might seem strange to some people that we’d focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection at this time of year, but actually, I see it as the perfect time. Next week is Thanksgiving Sunday. And of all the things we have to be thankful for, nothing is more precious than Christ’s sacrifice in our place and his gift of eternal life.”

So true, I thought and nodded in agreement. How dreadful my life would be if Jesus had not taken my sin upon himself and provided the God-enhanced life I’ve enjoyed all these years.

“I also find it fascinating,” Steve continued, “that Mark fifteen would just happen to be the text for today. Pastor C. couldn’t have known months ago when he planned this series that a lot of people would be distraught and even angry about the presidential election. Other issues have folks divided too—from racial tension on the national level to family concerns on the personal level.

“But there is one central fact that should overshadow everything else and help us keep a proper perspective: Jesus’ death and resurrection and all the incredible implications.”

Smart man, that Steve.

The crux* of our lives is the cross, because it put on display the wondrous love of our God and Savior (John 3:16) and his omnipotent power over sin and death (1 Corinthians 1:18). All matters of our day-to-day lives are secondary — including disappointments, irritations, and frustrations.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Jesus, keep me mindful it was my sin you took upon yourself that dark Friday. Every selfish deed, every outburst of anger or hurtfulness, every unkind, impure, or prideful thought—you paid the price.

That price included torn flesh, spilled blood, and excruciating pain beyond my ability to imagine. Yet such unthinkable suffering resulted in hope and healing for me.

Remind me to let go of petty irritations, and prideful self-centeredness, to live instead in continual gratitude, awe, and celebration of you, precious Savior!

*In Latin, crux means cross.

(Art & photo credits: www.christiannews.com; http://www.desktopnexus.com; http://www.pinterest (2); http://www.azquotes.com.)

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CALL 9-1-1!

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Protection, God's Refuge, Uncategorized, tagged Dwelling with God, God our Shelter, In the shadow of the Almighty, Most High God, Psalm 91:1, Resting in God on October 17, 2016| 8 Comments »

Three-year old Elena (our granddaughter) had much to report about preschool last Thursday:

“Firemen came and they brought their fire truck! We got to hold the hose!”

Later Elena recited what to do if a fire occurred: 1) Don’t open a hot door, 2) To get out, crawl along the floor under the smoke, 3) Stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire, and 4)…

“…CALL 9-1-1!” she announced loudly and firmly.

Isn’t it a comfort to know that with three quick taps on our phones we have access to emergency help almost anywhere at any time? The process to develop such a system, however, was not quick. It took forty-some years to fully install the Emergency Call Answering System, from its inception in the 1950s to almost complete coverage of 911 service across all America by the 1990s.

On the other hand, Pastor Arnold Prater pointed out years ago in one of his sermons that King David of Bible times called 9-1-1.

Did you know that? I didn’t.

David recorded his call in Psalm 91, verse one – 911:

(“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”)

Notice his call was not characterized by panicked fear. Instead his attitude is one of calm faith. David affirmed several important truths about Who he was calling and what the Almighty had to offer to those who dwell in His shelter.

Wait a minute. DWELL? How do we dwell in the presence of an unseen God?

By bringing our thoughts back to him throughout the day with praise, worship, and gratitude. We can:

Say his name to center our attention. He has dozens but to get us started, he is God Almighty, Maker of all things, The Lord Who Provides, and our Helper. Let who he is impact how we function.

Breathe out the stressful, worrisome thoughts; breathe in the Spirit, the breath of the Almighty (Job 33:4). Listen for his voice.

Pray, recite scripture, sing, even shout (Psalm 47:1-2)!

David says we dwell in the SHELTER of God. Bible writers used the word, shelter, or synonyms like refuge and sanctuary, more than 40 times. In Psalm 91, David alludes to several details of God’s sheltering protection. He is trustworthy (v. 2), faithful (v. 4), watchful (v. 11), attentive (v. 15), thoughtful and compassionate (vs. 15-16).

These traits are just a few examples of our Heavenly Father’s character—which he brings to bear in our lives. He never responds out of character; he is always motivated by love and goodness. Take shelter in such glorious thoughts!

In addition to those mentioned above, the MOST HIGH is another meaningful name of God. One of the ancient creeds described him as “a Spirit infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.” No one can claim to be of higher capacity or higher worth.

And in him we can REST. How? I like Spurgeon’s advice: “Use the Lord’s words as your pillows. Lie down and [rest] in Him.” We can collect pillow after pillow as we prayerfully read our Bibles, asking God to speak comfort and strength into our weary souls.

And in the SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY we find:

Security (Psalm 17:8),
Love and Kindness (Psalm 36:7),
Refuge (Psalm 57:1),
Satisfaction and Joy (Psalm 63:7).

Now some readers of Psalm 9-1-1 might assume David was promising a delightful, problem-free life of ease. But his own life proved otherwise as he ran from murderous King Saul, lived as a fugitive in enemy territory, fought numerous battles, dealt with problem sons, and more.

No, David would be among the first to tell us that God doesn’t rescue us from all difficulty; he uses difficulties to nudge us closer to him.

In the shelter of the Most High.

In the shadow of the Almighty.

What better place to be?

(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.thefellowshipsite.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.quotes.gram.com; http://www.pinterest (4).

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Heart Strength

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Strength, Hope, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged God's hope, God's joy, God's Strength, Hebrews 13:9, Isaiah 40:31, Nehemiah 8:10, Spiritual Strength on October 6, 2016| 12 Comments »

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How would you fill in the following blank?

It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by _______________.

Pop psychologists might tell us that inner strength comes from:

Positive thinking,
Surrounding ourselves with uplifting, encouraging people, and
Appreciating our individual personality traits and abilities.

Their ideas aren’t wrong (The Bible even supports these steps in Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, and Psalm 139:14); it’s just they’re leaving out the most important steps.

Turn to Nehemiah 8:10 and we learn:

Our hearts are strengthened by JOY.

I like the phrasing of GOD’S WORD Translation: “The joy you have in the LORD is your strength.” (Emphasis added.)

We have access to God’s effervescent joy because Jesus offers it (John 15:11). The question is, do we avail ourselves? Will we allow our thoughts to spiral around our problems, or will we train our thoughts to focus on God—his glorious attributes and wonderful deeds? It’s the latter, of course, that produces joy.

Our hearts are strengthened by HOPE (Isaiah 40:31).

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

Hope becomes confidence, confidence becomes strength. Part of the process is to affirm God’s many promises—promises for:

His unstoppable love (Romans 8:38-39),
A prosperous* future (Jeremiah 29:11),
Reliable guidance (Psalm 32:8),
Help—sometimes out of trouble, sometimes in the distress (Psalm 34:19), and
Victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Think of it: Our hope is in a God of overwhelming love who has planned the future down to the minutest detail. He is our all-wise God, ready to guide us into that future, and he is all-powerful, fully capable of providing the help we need. In the end, our final destiny is secure; the victory over death has already been won.

Do you feel your hope strengthened? That’s just a smidgen of what he’s guaranteed!

To embrace the promises in faith is not to ignore reality and live in a shell of denial. It means to view reality through a faith-lens, faith in the all-inclusive capability of our God.

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(“The permanence of God’s character

guarantees the fulfillment of his promise.”

–A. W. Pink (1886-1952, British Bible teacher)

But we still have not filled in the blank from the beginning of this post:

“It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by…

GRACE.” (Hebrews 13:9).

Why? Because God’s grace encompasses the full spectrum of his qualities, including joy and hope– each one contributing to our strength of spirit.

Just as brilliant white is the presence of all colors, God’s grace is the brilliant totality of all he is and does.

To grow strong of heart, we need to:

Revel in the abundant life he provides.
Breathe deep the promises of God.
Immerse ourselves in his encouraging Word.
Bask in the many facets of his grace.

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I praise you, Father, for your never-failing, all-pervasive grace that strengthens my heart as I turn my attention to you. How thrilling to realize your grace will only grow more delightful as the years pass, renewing me day by day, until I dwell in your house forever!

(Psalm 73:26; Jeremiah 17:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Psalm 23:6)

* A prosperous future with God has nothing to do with monetary blessing and everything to do with a contentedness of heart, soundness of spirit, and perfect peace.

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest (3); http://www.twitter.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.pinterest.)

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Hemmed In

Posted in God's Love, God's Protection, Uncategorized, tagged God's Love, God's peace, God's Protection, Psalm 139:5, Psalm 32:10 on September 29, 2016| 10 Comments »

With quick, deft movements our daughter, Heather, enveloped her baby girl in a swaddling wrap. It was bedtime, their first night of a week-long visit from Washington State to our home in Florida. Our younger son watched the swaddling process, fascinated by the flannel and Velcro contraption.

“Now what do you do?” he asked his sister. “Hang her upside down?”

Sophie did resemble a bat, all folded up into a neat little package. You would have thought she’d be squirming in discomfort, but her sleepy, contented expression said otherwise. Infants love the cozy, confined sensation that simulates the womb.

But within months even the openness of a childproof play space isn’t liberating enough for many toddlers. Given their way, the little tykes would wobble off down the street—make that the middle of the street–confident in their abilities to handle life. Efforts to hem them in are met with raucous dissent.

Even as adults, when circumstances hem us in, we balk at the confinement, which negatively impacts our time, energy, and choices.

So when we read, “You [God] hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5 NIV), a person’s reaction might easily be: “I’ve got enough stuff in my life hemming me in—family responsibilities, long hours at work, financial obligations—you name it. I need God to free me up, not hem me in any further!”

But hemmed in by God IS freed up. According to Bible scholar, Warren Wiersbe, those italicized words in the ancient Hebrew of Old Testament times included the meaning, “to guard a valuable object.” ‘Brings to mind God’s protection, doesn’t it—being held in his strong, reliable hands. *

And don’t miss that adjective, valuable. God sees each one of us as precious. Otherwise, he would not have sent his Son to die in our place.

“Hemmed in” also provides imagery of loving affection. When Sophie was tucked snugly into her swaddling wrap, Heather or Tim would encircle her in their arms and hold her close until she fell asleep. Surely those moments of cozy contentedness were among the first when she realized Mommy and Daddy loved her very much.

Similarly, “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (Psalm 32:10b).

“Hemmed in” brings to mind peace as well, because the all-powerful God of the universe is active in our lives. Psalm writer, King David, says we’re enclosed “behind” (in the past) and “before” (in the future). As for the present, God has laid his hand upon us (139:5).

That means, behind us there is God, redeeming the hurts, mistakes, and sins of the past. Before us there is God, preparing the way for the future chapters of our lives, chapters he has already written (v. 16). In the present, there is God—attentive to our needs, guiding us through each day, and enabling us to thrive.

We are not hemmed in because God desires to control us in some self-interested power-grab. He is motivated by his gracious, loving kindness to keep us safe and content.

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Thank you, Father, for hemming me in. What a relief to know that Someone much wiser than I am is in control. How comforting to contemplate your continual, unfailing love. Your hand upon me is not oppressive; it is restorative, as I learn to rest in your peace. You have freed me up to live in the joy of your presence, and I am humbly, overwhelmingly grateful.

(Psalm 73:23-24; 36:5-7; 63:7-8; 16:11)

* (See Isaiah 41:10.) Not that God surrounds us with virtual bubble wrap so problems and pain can’t impact our lives. Rather than insulate us from challenges and hurt, he most often brings us through them—with his strength, wisdom, and peace. He’s saving perfect bliss for heaven.

Art & photo credits: www.justprems.com.au; http://www.centerforparentingeducation.org; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.biblia.com.

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Soul Touch

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Strength, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's attributes revealed in nature, Isaiah 55:12, Matthew 6:26, Praise for God's Creation, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 33:5, Psalm 92:4 on September 22, 2016| 13 Comments »

(a personal psalm)

Surrounded by tall, majestic trees,

I rest here on the deck with you, Father,

reveling in the quiet.

The stillness pervades my soul and I sense your peace.

Bright morning sun dapples the landscape and spangles the leaves.

Dewdrops gild the grass.

Such radiant splendor ushers your joy into my spirit, oh God.

“Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun”

(Ecclesiastes 11:7 NIV).

Overhead a crystalline blue sky speaks of your majesty—

its unlimited vastness, a picture of your infinity;

its constant habitation over the earth,

a reminder of your omnipresence.

The heavens do indeed declare your glory (Psalm 19:1a),

and I worship you.

Soft, refreshing breezes brush against my skin,

their arrival unannounced and unbidden.

They are invisible, yet cause leaves to dance and flowers to sway.

Such breezes bring to mind your Spirit—also invisible

yet always refreshing, guiding and encouraging me with gentle whispers

(2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Kings 19:12).

I praise you for such gracious provision in my life.

Leaves on the trees gracefully clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12),

drawing attention to their beauty.

Some of these trees are very old; roots reach deep and wide.

Their strength is a metaphor for your power:

proven over time, reliable, unchanging.

And that strength is available to me—

an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

“Thank you” is terribly inadequate.

Two cardinals provide an antiphonal chorus;

a flicker chatters contentedly.

Other small birds tweet and cheep

in happy celebration of a splendrous morning.

I’m reminded how you care for the smallest,

most common sparrow (Matthew 6:26),

and my soul is comforted by your loving attentiveness.

Flowers still bloom in yards and planters.

How many thousands of flowers have you designed, God?

Surely one type of bloom would be sufficient for bees.

Yet you’ve created a glorious variety.

Your artistry is astounding— delicate petals and intricate shapes,

in numerous sizes from sunflower-grand to umbrellawort-small.

“I sing for joy at the work of your hands” (Psalm 92:4b NIV).

Oh, Lord, how I praise you for the many ways creation reveals your nature.

Daily you touch my soul through the beauty and majesty of your works.

The earth is teeming with evidence of your unfailing love (Psalm 33:5)!

And I stand in awe of you, the Creator of the universe, my Heavenly Father.

What attribute of God do you see revealed in nature? How does his creative work touch your spirit? Please share in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.public-domain-image.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.goodfreephotos.com.)

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Remembering God’s Benefits

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged God's Blessings, God's Love, King David psalmist, Psalm 103, Psalm 103:1, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 103:7-8, Psalm 103:8 on July 25, 2016| 6 Comments »

“Let all that I am praise the LORD;

with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name…

may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

–Psalm 103:1-2 NLT

So begins Psalm 103 (one of my favorites), written by David the Shepherd-King.

I imagine him–seated at a large table, a blank parchment spread before him, and a sharpened reed in his hand. Close by sits a small pot half-filled with a mixture of soot, gum, and water–his ink.

David’s gaze drifts to the view of Jerusalem outside the palace window. His thoughts carry him back in time to the hillsides of Bethlehem, just a few miles away. There he had tended his father’s sheep as a boy. But oh, the wonders God had performed during the years since. The humble shepherd boy became a giant killer, then a fugitive from jealous King Saul, a courageous warrior against Israel’s enemies, and finally after many years, the crowned king of Israel.

I can sense his heart filling with gratitude and praise, his eyes filling with tears as he considers all the “benefits” God has bestowed.

And David begins to write, extolling the Lord for his forgiveness, redemption, love, goodness, and more (vs. 3-6).

His pen needs more ink. As he dips the reed, David’s gaze is once again drawn to the window. He begins to contemplate God’s goodness expressed to his countrymen long ago:

“He revealed His ways to Moses,

His deeds to the people of Israel” — v. 7, HCSB.

Through the laws outlining his ways, God had revealed his holy character. Through his miraculous deeds God revealed his power, faithfulness and…

…David’s mind shifts to the days when the Hebrews were brought out of slavery in Egypt and led back to the land of their father, Abraham. How compassionate God was.

David marvels at the provisions God engineered, so his people could escape: the gold, silver, and clothing Egyptians gave them as they prepared to flee (Exodus 12:35-36); the food and water necessary for survival (chapters 16 & 17).

David recollects God’s patience with the Israelites—grumbly and rebellious as they were (Numbers 14:18).

And David contemplates God’s love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)—caring and protective—in spite of the Israelites’ ingratitude and disobedience.

David picks up his reed once more and continues to write:

(“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and rich in faithful love — v. 8, HCSB.)

Those words beg the question: When have I experienced God’s benefits of compassion and grace, patience and faithful love?

A few examples follow:

The Lord is compassionate.

Time and again God has tended our family through the loving kindness of friends—friends who have prayed with us in the midst of trauma and who have provided for our needs (like a place to stay, furniture, a contribution to our children’s college funds—the list is very long!). God has benefited us with numerous blessings—even a car one time.

The Lord is gracious.

He cares about all our concerns, big and small.

This past winter I lost a scarf at the local bookstore. It wasn’t an expensive one, just soft and warm, the perfect size. A thorough check through the aisles and an inquiry at the information booth proved futile.

A couple of weeks later I returned to the same shop. Although I doubted the scarf would turn up (After all, my search two weeks prior had been very thorough.), I decided to ask again. Sure enough, the girl behind the counter produced my scarf.

The Lord is slow to anger.

I’ve been incredibly blessed to know Jesus my entire life. But I still suffer from bouts of sin—sins like fretting, negativity, lack of faith, low self-esteem, pride, selfishness…must I go on?!

Yet he patiently forgives me and removes my offenses as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He even understands my frailties (v. 14). How gloriously comforting is that?

The Lord is rich in faithful love.

Every day, with his provision, protection, and presence, guidance, goodness, and gifts, God expresses his unwavering love for us.

And with David, my heart overflows.

You, too?

(“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being,

praise his holy name” — v. 1, NIV).

How has God demonstrated his compassion, grace, patience and love in your life? Please share your story in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest (2), http://www.lds.org; http://www.pinterest.com; www.poshmark.com; http://www.pinterest (2).

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God of All

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Promises, Joy, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's Attributes, Psalm 145, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 145:14, Psalm 145:17, Psalm 145:18, Psalm 145:20, Psalm 145:9 on June 23, 2016| 15 Comments »

Nine times in Psalm 145, David used the word, “all” to describe the totality of God’s attributes and their far-reaching impact. These attributes fall into two sets, as follows.

The Lord is:

Good to all (v. 9a),
Compassionate on all he has made (v. 9b),
Faithful to all his promises (v. 13c), and
Loving toward all he has made (v. 13d).

In addition he:

Upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down (v. 14),
Is righteous in all his ways (v. 17a),
Is near to all who call upon him in truth (v. 18a), and
Watches over all who love him (v. 20a).

How glorious to consider that all these general statements apply individually also—to you and me.

With a bit of effort, these truths can be turned into personal praise:

My heart sings for joy, Father.

You are so good to me (v. 9a)—blessings abound.

Even at this moment I revel in your gently falling rain,

The sound of Steve puttering in the kitchen

(Thank you for a husband who likes to cook!),

And three year-old Elena* on the floor,

Writing a story about making pancakes with Mommy.

Your goodness is on display, even in small moments.

I praise you for your compassion (v. 9b),

Expressed through a doctor who, just last Saturday,

Offered consult on a weekend,

And even checked in on Monday morning.

Your compassion is evident in the kindness of strangers as well.

Just today a driver graciously gave me

the right-of-way on a narrow street,

Bestowing respect, favor, and a smile.

How thankful I am for your many promises in scripture (v. 13c)–

Over 2,300 statements of hope and encouragement–

Promises sometimes fulfilled in amazing and creative ways–

Classic promises like Romans 8:28 and 1 Peter 5:7,

Realized as Steve and I moved to different communities

And embarked upon new chapters of our lives.

Personal promises, like Ruth 2:11-12 and John 13:7—

Surprisingly well-suited to the moment.

I praise you for your loving nature (v. 13d),

Your attentiveness and favor expressed through

The cheer of bird song in the morning,

The grace and friendliness of people at church,

The inspiration of your Word,

The redemption from hurtful experiences of the past,

The peace of mind and joy of the Spirit

You infuse into each day.

And thank you for the sweet comfort of your presence (v. 18a)

That fills me with delight.

How precious are those times when

I sense your nearness,

When praise songs and scripture

Bring tears that clear my eyes

For the sight of you in your grace

And make the vision of your favor more precious (1).

Every day I want to praise you (v. 2).

You are pure goodness,

Manifested in infinite power,

Giving the light of truth, wisdom, and discernment.

Your glorious majesty reigns supreme over all creation.

And most amazing of all:

Everything you are, you offer to your children.

You are always seeking to manifest yourself to us.

Words fail to praise you adequately.

But, oh, how I yearn to do so!

*Our granddaughter

(1) based on a Charles Spurgeon quote

(Art & photo credits: www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pinterest.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.strongtowns.org; http://www.pinterest.com (4).

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Father of Lights

Posted in God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Salvation, God's Wisdom, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:6, God is Light, John 8:12, Numbers 6:24-26, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 27:1, Romans 13:12 on June 2, 2016| 9 Comments »

You, oh God, are resplendent with light

As if full of fire—

Blazing with power, dazzling in majesty,

shimmering in an aura of glory (1).

You are the Father of lights—

The Creator of sun, moon, and stars.

From the moment You spoke them into being,

The heavenly lights have never ceased to shine (2).

Neither has your Light of Goodness

Ceased to shine upon your people.

You are loving and patient, generous and gracious,

Always seeking the brightest, highest good (3).

You are the Light of my Salvation,

Showing me the way to heaven through your Son, Jesus,

Guiding me home through the twists and turns of life,

The dark shadows of uncertainty and fear (4).

You are the Light of Life,

Providing Son-lit days of peace, joy, and contentment

As I avail myself of your calming presence,

And celebrate your gifts (5).

You are the Light of Truth,

Who graciously shares his omniscient wisdom with his people.

Through your Word you expose falsehoods and evil.

You show me the best way to live—side by side with You (6).

You are the Light of Holiness—

Pure and perfect, completely separate from all else in the universe.

Through Jesus you already see me as perfect,

Yet day by day you are molding me to be holy, like you (7).

You are the Light of Blessing,

Making your face shine upon me

With grace, mercy, and compassion,

Lovingly exercising your power for my benefit (8).

You provide the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God.

I find it when I seek your Son, Jesus.

His earthly life gives me a glimpse of your glory in human form–

A form I can more easily understand (9).

And now, you have made me a Child of the Light,

Called to reflect your glory to others,

Shining brighter, I pray, as the years pass,

Till the full light of day–inside heaven’s gates (10).

I praise you, oh God, that your Light shattered the darkness

Of evil that first Easter morning—and for all time.

I praise you for the privilege of living in that Light,

Now and into eternity!

Psalm 76:4; Ezekiel 1:28
James 1:17
Psalm 89:15, 34:8-9
Psalm 27:1; 23:4
John 8:12, 14:27; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 43:3; 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; Ecclesiastes 2:13
Isaiah 5:20; Romans 13:12
Numbers 6:24-26
2 Corinthians 4:6
Philippians 2:15-16; Ephesians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Proverbs 4:18

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Nancy Ruegg

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